Pneumococcal Disease Prevention for Older Adults and the Pharmacist’s Role in an Evolving Vaccine Landscape

This activity was originally broadcast as part of the 2024 Directions in Pharmacy conference.

This activity is accredited for immunization CE credit.

Program Description

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease, or certain immunocompromising conditions, remain at increased risk for pneumococcal disease (PD). Pneumococcal infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, which can result in hospitalization or even death. Updates from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) published in 2022 and from the CDC in March 2023 on the recommended use of pneumococcal vaccines vary by age and risk groups. Pharmacists must be able to differentiate the available types of pneumococcal vaccines and administration intervals to recommend the most appropriate choice based on guideline recommendations, considering patient age, health status, and other relevant factors. Immunogenicity and safety data for current and newer pneumococcal vaccines will be presented. Additionally, participants will learn best practices to disperse myths and misconceptions as well as address racial and ethnic disparities regarding pneumococcal vaccination.

Target Audience: Health system and retail pharmacists
Type of Activity: Application
Release date: June 24, 2024
Expiration date: June 24, 2025
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Analyze current epidemiological data to assess the burden of pneumococcal disease (PD) in older adults.
• Examine the most recent recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding pneumococcal vaccination in older adults.
• Compare emerging pneumococcal vaccine options based on their immunological response and safety profiles.
• Identify patient education strategies that effectively communicate the importance of pneumococcal vaccination and address common misconceptions.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-24-203-H06-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 24, 2025.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Rupal Mansukhani, PharmD, CTTS, FAPhA, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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