Preventable Diseases 2010: Implementing Health-System Strategies for Adult Immunization
ACPE activity #204-000-09-440-L01P
1 hour (0.1 CEU) of continuing pharmacy education

Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recognizes the need for evidence-based policies to improve the delivery and receipt of immunization services recommended for adults. Important developments in preventable disease research and immunization products are frequent, making it a challenge for health-system pharmacists to stay current. ACIP recently issued updated recommendations for the prevention of meningococcal disease, measles-mumps-rubella 'evidence of immunity' requirements for healthcare personnel, and the use of pneumococcal vaccine. Pharmacists should be advised of ongoing research to address the prevention of these and other diseases, such as influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, that have the potential to have widespread adverse effects on public health.

Health-system pharmacists can provide education and vital leadership in the development of institution- or physician-approved protocols aimed at improving vaccination rates among adult patients and employees. A multidisciplinary team approach can lead to a successful standing order program (SOP). SOPs can be used effectively in a variety of institutional settings–inpatient and outpatient facilities, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, pharmacies, and home healthcare agencies–to vaccinate patients, residents, and employees.

This educational activity will provide an overview of the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases in adults. Recent changes to the ACIP recommendations for immunization and information about the efficacy, safety, and administration of new immunization products also will be discussed. Finally, the role of the pharmacist in the development of a health-system adult immunization program will be addressed.

Faculty
Michael D. Hogue, Pharm.D., FAPhA
Director, Experiential Program
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this knowledge-based educational activity, participants should be able to:

  • Describe recent changes to the ACIP recommendations for adult immunization against three or more vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • Characterize the efficacy, safety, and administration of new vaccines.
  • Develop an immunization policy for healthcare personnel.
  • Explain the evolving role of the health-system pharmacist in the implementation of immunization programs as a strategy for disease prevention