An Update on Pneumococcal Immunization -Practices & Recommendations
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Since 2008, pharmacists in New York State have been authorized to administer a variety of immunizations. This includes pneumococcal vaccines for adults eighteen years of age and older. A majority of these vaccines are administered using a standing order or protocol from a physician or nurse practitioner. In these cases, the guidance to be used according to regulations is issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Disparities in vaccination rates exist among racial/ethnic minority adults. This study examined factors associated with influenza (flu) and pneumococcal vaccination rates among non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and Asian American adults aged 50 or older living in New York City or Los Angeles and Orange counties in California
Ensure that all adults at risk for pneumococcal disease have received pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV). Patients 65 and older or with certain medical conditions (see below) need this vaccine at least once in their lifetime.
According to the CDC, up to 5,000 people die from vaccine-preventable pneumococcal disease every year, and vaccination rates are especially low in New York City. Only 52% of people over 65 have been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal coverage rates by racial/ethnic group were collected in the 2012 CHS. Coverage rates were low overall and within 11 percentage points for all races/ethnicities. Whites 65+ had rates of 55%, Blacks were at 49%, Latinos were at 44% and Asians were at 48% with an overall coverage rate of 50%. Rates did not change since the last time pneumococcal vaccination coverage was measured in 2008, when it was also 50%.
After registration, watch the video then complete the evaluation and the quiz to claim credit.
Target Audience
all pharmacists
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Describe the epidemiology and prevalence of pneumococcal disease
2. Identify patient-specific risk factors for contracting pneumococcal disease and indications for prophylactic vaccination
3. Discuss the current rate of pneumococcal vaccinations amongst adults in the United States
4. List the updated Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guideline recommendations on the administration of pneumococcal vaccines in adult patients
5. Describe the different formulations of pneumococcal vaccines, including protective effects, indications for use, and timing of administration in adult patients based on the updated clinical practice guidelines
Dr Molino has no conflicts of interest with this activity
ACPE UAN 0042-0000-21-028-H06-P
In order to receive credit you must watch the video then complete the online evaluation & quiz.
Available Credit
- 1.00 ACPEThe Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.