Optimizing Pneumococcal Prevention: Clinical Updates and Implementation Strategies For Pharmacy-Based Vaccination Services
Rupal Mansukhani, PharmD, FAPhA, NCNTT, discusses how pneumococcal disease presents differently across age groups; identifies high-risk populations, including adults older than 50 years and immunocompromised patients; compares the 5 FDA-approved pneumococcal vaccines with emphasis on newer conjugate options like PCV20 and PCV21; and provides guidance for pharmacists on vaccine recommendations, addressing patient concerns and implementing effective follow-up systems to improve vaccination uptake and completion rates.
EP. 1: Clinical Presentation of Pneumococcal Disease in Children and Adults
June 30th 2025An expert discusses how pneumococcal disease presents differently across age groups, with children primarily experiencing ear infections, whereas adults face more serious, invasive complications such as bacteremia and meningitis, though vaccination efforts have significantly reduced overall incidence rates.
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EP. 2: Vulnerable Patients and the Burden of Pneumococcal Disease
June 30th 2025An expert discusses how pharmacists can identify high-risk patients for pneumococcal disease by reviewing medication profiles for immunosuppressants and using electronic medical record vaccine tracking tools, while emphasizing that vulnerable populations face higher morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization rates compared with healthy individuals.
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EP. 3: Breaking Down Pneumococcal Conjugate vs Polysaccharide Vaccines
July 3rd 2025An expert discusses how the 5 FDA-approved pneumococcal vaccines differ, with newer conjugate vaccines like PCV20 and PCV21 offering broader serotype coverage and better immune memory compared with the older polysaccharide vaccine, though geographic factors may influence vaccine selection.
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EP. 4: Navigating CDC Recommendations for Pneumococcal Vaccines and Contraindications
July 3rd 2025An expert discusses how pharmacists should follow CDC immunization schedules for different age groups and use shared clinical decision-making for patients with prior vaccination history, while considering contraindications primarily related to severe allergic reactions to vaccine components.
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EP. 5: Role of Pharmacists in Addressing Vaccine Safety Concerns
July 10th 2025An expert discusses how pharmacists can evaluate patients with prior adverse vaccine reactions by distinguishing between mild local reactions and serious anaphylactic responses, then recommending supervised vaccination or medical center administration when appropriate.
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EP. 6: Breaking Through Misconceptions: How Pharmacists Can Shift the Conversation for Vaccines
July 10th 2025An expert discusses how pharmacists can overcome common vaccination barriers by addressing misconceptions about vaccine necessity, making strong provider recommendations, and educating patients about mild adverse effects while building trust through consistent communication.
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EP. 7: How Pharmacists Can Strengthen Completion of Vaccine Series
July 17th 2025An expert discusses how pharmacists can ensure completion of multidose pneumococcal vaccine series through electronic reminder systems, state immunization registries, scheduled follow-up appointments, and providing patients with printed vaccine cards for tracking purposes.
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