The Essential Role of Pharmacists in Improving Influenza Vaccination Coverage: Strategies to Increase Vaccine Uptake and Optimally Utilize Available Vaccines

Program Description

The annual burden of influenza in the US is considerable. Vaccines are powerful tools for disease prevention, but myths and misinformation can keep patients from benefiting from their protective effects, leading to low vaccination rates, outbreaks, and an increased risk of complications. Several factors have been associated with low rates of influenza vaccination, including lack of regular access to primary care, socioeconomic difficulties, and past experiences with racism and discrimination. It is imperative that pharmacists and health care providers are aware of specific guidance regarding vaccination schedules, dosage, and prioritization for vulnerable populations and those at higher risk for influenza-related complications to ensure patients receive the most appropriate protection. This program will review past seasonal burden of influenza, updated Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations, and current influenza vaccine formulations. Participants will also review strategies to improve vaccine uptake throughout the season, examine factors related to coadministration with other recommended vaccines, and address patient concerns with vaccinations.

Target audience: Retail pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: October 31, 2024
Expiration date: October 31, 2025

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Employ the updated 2024-2025 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for influenza vaccination for children, older adults, and specific groups at increased risk of complications and hospitalization
• Identify distinguishing characteristics of influenza vaccines, including safety and efficacy data
• Explain the pharmacist’s role in administering influenza vaccines, recommending vaccines according to approved schedules, and considering opportunities for coadministration of routine vaccines among pediatric and adult populations
• Demonstrate pharmacy-led strategies to increase influenza vaccine uptake, particularly through culturally competent counseling to engage patients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds

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 0290-0000-24-310-H06-P. The activity is available for CE credit through October 31, 2025.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review 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.

Faculty

Lauren B. Angelo, PharmD, MBA has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interest to disclose:

Consultant: Moderna, CSL Seqirus

Speakers Bureau: Pfizer

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Adam C. Welch, PharmD, MBA, FAPhA; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have 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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