Immunization

Travelers face rising infectious disease risks, including measles, chikungunya, chagas disease, and others.

Misinformation is fueling parental fears and a concerning drop in childhood vaccines.

Pharmacists face challenges as recent federal policy changes threaten their expanded roles in vaccination and public health, impacting patient access to care.

Use of educational resources at a gastrointestinal office improved pneumococcal vaccine uptake in patients with celiac disease.

Crystal Hodge, PharmD, BCIDP, BCPS, discusses a 3-pronged approach—isolating, vaccinating, and educating—to help pharmacists manage respiratory virus season and routine immunizations like MMR.

In STRIDE-13, the pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV21) induced robust immunogenicity in young, high-risk individuals against invasive pneumococcal disease.

A fatal pediatric measles case in Los Angeles highlights the urgent need for MMR vaccination to protect vulnerable children from severe complications.

The rationale for vaccine-related policy changes is lacking.

Experts forecast a potential resurgence of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. due to declining vaccination rates.

According to phase 3 trial results, Pfizer-BioNTech’s LP.8.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated significant immune responses in older adults and individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19.

Florida's Surgeon General's plan to eliminate school vaccine mandates raises concerns about measles outbreaks and declining vaccination rates.

The 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV21) elicited favorable immunogenicity and safety in infants and toddlers who were coadministered common pediatric vaccines, such as the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

Crystal Hodge, PharmD, BCIDP, BCPS, emphasizes that declining vaccination rates below the 95% herd immunity threshold have fueled recent measles outbreaks, underscoring the urgent need for pharmacist-led vaccination advocacy.

E. Camille Vaughan, MD, MS, highlights how pharmacists can build patient trust, encourage vaccination, and use simple strategies to spark conversations with hesitant individuals.

Research reveals how aging impacts flu severity in older adults, highlighting the need for enhanced vaccines and new therapeutic strategies.

E. Camille Vaughan, MD, MS, addresses how state-level differences and potential new prescription requirements could impact patient access to COVID-19 vaccines this fall.

Susan Cantrell, RPh, MHL, CAE, CEO of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), warns that politicizing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) could undermine vaccine trust.

E. Camille Vaughan, MD, MS, highlights the key role pharmacists play in providing clear, trusted guidance for patients seeking COVID-19 vaccines this fall.

New findings suggest high-dose influenza vaccines offer better protection against the flu and reduce cardiac complications in older adults.

A single dose of an RSV vaccine significantly reduces hospitalization risk for older adults, offering protection for 2 seasons against severe infections.

Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, highlights the need for pharmacists to leverage resources, collaborate with other providers, advocate on social media, and support rural communities with limited access to care.

Susan Cantrell, RPh, MHL, CAE, highlights the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacy Services (ECAPS) Act as the top federal priority to preserve pharmacists’ authority in testing, treatment, and immunization services.

Vaccination is vital for adults with heart disease to prevent severe respiratory illnesses like RSV, influenza, and COVID-19, enhancing overall health outcomes.

Greater effectiveness was seen in children 1 year and older.

Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, discusses how rapid changes in vaccine schedules and state-level authority highlight the importance of the American Pharmacists Association's advocacy.