Flu

With the arrival of flu and cold season, note the differences between symptoms for both illnesses.

The researchers noted the importance of maintaining vaccination rates for conditions that can lead to respiratory issues, especially with COVID-19 cases still raising concern throughout the United States.

Laura Lee Hall, PhD, president of the Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity (SHC), discusses the SHC’s recently released Flu DRIVE Toolkit, which was designed to help overburdened health systems improve flu vaccination rates among vulnerable populations.

Aaron Clark, DO, medical director of value based care at Ohio State University and clinical associate professor of family medicine, discusses vaccine hesitancy and racial disparities around flu vaccinations.

Doug Long, vice president of industry relations at IQVIA, and Scott Biggs, director of supplier services, discussed their session at the 2021 National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo titled "Pharmaceutical Trends, Issues, and Forecasts."

Doses of the influenza live, intranasal (Flumist Quadrivalent, AstraZeneca) vaccine are now available in the United States in time for the 2021-2022 influenza season.

In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Sachin Nagrani, MD, medical director at the home visit and telemedicine service Heal, discusses the Biden administration's announcement that booster shots will soon be available for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and what this would mean for patients and practitioners.

Coadministration of the flu vaccine with other immunizations traditionally offered during flu season that pharmacies should continue to encourage.

Walgreens also announced expanded age eligibility for flu shots, with pharmacy team members able to vaccinate patients 3 years of age and older.

Jennifer Adams, PharmD, EdD, leads discussion on reasons for the mild flu season this previous year and share predictions for the upcoming flu season.

This week’s recommendation by the Biden administration for booster shots to combat COVID-19 is a call to action for pharmacists to get ready for the upcoming flurry of activity.

Experts anticipate a return to high influenza rates as COVID-19 prevention measures decline.

On August 4, 2021, the Biden administration expanded the authority of pharmacy technicians under the PREP Act to allow pharmacy technicians to administer adult flu vaccines during the 2021-2022 flu season.

Patients with COVID-19 who were vaccinated against the flu were found to be significantly less likely to visit the emergency department and be admitted to the intensive care unit.

On average, those who received a flu-like diagnosis changed their cell phone usage behavior 1 day before their diagnosis and the 2 to 4 days afterward.

Uncertainty and preparedness make strange bedfellows.

Kevin Day, PharmD, president of Day’s Miami Heights Pharmacy in Cincinnati, Ohio, discusses how his independent pharmacy is gearing up for influenza season while continuing to deliver COVID-19 vaccines safely.

Since the start of the pandemic, politicization and misinformation have led to hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccine. However, vaccine hesitancy is not a new behavior.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased vigilance over the proper disposal of vaccine-related materials, such as vials, needles, syringes, and bandages.

Individuals with COVID-19 who had not had a flu shot were up to 20% more likely to be admitted to the ICU and were up to 58% more likely to visit the emergency department.

As COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue, it is more important than ever for pharmacists to be equipped with the knowledge and resources to bust the myths surrounding vaccinations, particularly in preparation for the upcoming influenza season, which is expected to occur from October 2021 to May 2022.

The study plans to enroll approximately 180 participants to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of its quadrivalent seasonal influenza mRNA vaccine in adults 18 years and older.

While the exact reason for the decreased immune response in middle-aged adults remains unclear, these findings suggest that this patient population may be continuously susceptible to the 3c2A H3N2 infection, even with immunization.

Both strains of Influenza A for the northern hemisphere vaccines will be different from those included last season.

The researchers said that the findings should renew efforts to assure flu vaccination is a routine part of quality cardiovascular care.