Immunization

Invasive meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, often leading to meningitis or sepsis.

Antiviral treatments can accelerate healing and reduce complications.

Approximately 66% of patients received a COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2024 and only 26% received a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine.

Engaging with the community, providing transparent information to patients, and using noncoercive methods of encouragement are strategies to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

The study shows benefits when Hecolin (HEV 239; Xiamen Innovax Biotech Co Ltd) is administered in 2 doses, rather than the typical 3-dose regimen.

As H5N1 bird flu outbreaks impact all 50 states, concerns grow over its spread to humans.

It is important for pharmacists to understand what RSV is, who is most affected by it, and what options are out there to prevent serious disease.

The pandemic’s aftermath left lasting tensions in health care.

Immunocompromised older adults developed fewer antibodies against RSV following vaccination compared with immunocompetent individuals.

Individuals who refused a pneumococcal vaccine were associated with low collective responsibility and confidence in vaccine efficacy and safety.

Pharmacists are essential in preventing the significant health and economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in older adults through vaccination.

Rates of GBS were similar between Arexvy and Abrysvo, at 0.12% and 0.11% of total reported events, respectively.

Clesrovimab would be the first and only single dose immunization indicated for infants regardless of weight, aimed to protect against their first RSV season.

The combination vaccine candidates will be evaluated in 2 separate phase 1/2 clinical trials.

The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax 23; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp) demonstrates effective reductions in the risk of hospitalizations.

The Act is set to end at the end of 2024, which will affect pharmacists’ abilities to administer COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and treatment that are distributed by the federal government.

Investigators also found that vaccination for those aged 27 to 45 produces a higher number needed to vaccinate.

When you’re unsure about answering a patient question, err on the side of caution and refer them to a pharmacist.

Data from the BROADEN and PROGRESS studies were presented at the International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 in Edinburgh, UK, from November 12 to 15.

There were differences in the variables that influenced vaccination decision making for adults aged 18 to 26 years and for parents making the decision to vaccinate their child

New technology and innovation may help turn the corner on antibiotic resistance.

The most commonly reported errors included administering the wrong vaccine or administering an expired vaccine.

Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress reported that the majority of pharmacists believe that it is important to prioritize vaccine development and distribution.

Changing the way pharmacists and pharmacy staff think about themselves is key, although providers, payers, and patients must also change how they view the value of pharmacy services.

With COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other viruses now circulating, the time for pharmacists to get up to date on the latest vaccine recommendations is now.

With the end of the PREP Act Provisions in sight, pharmacists should Reflect on their impact and plan to continue them.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice voted to expand the recommendation, which includes Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive.

Data presented at IDWeek also showed greater disease-prevention effects in the community with PCV21 compared with prior pneumococcal vaccines.

When helping individuals prepare for travel, pharmacists must make travel health recommendations and know common travel-related immunizations and additional resources.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination, risk assessment, and preparedness for immunocompromised patients who are traveling post-transplant.