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Why Choose a Pharmacist for Your Vaccine?
Pharmacists have consistently been voted one of the most trustworthy healthcare professionals, according to the Gallup Poll. From 1988 to 1998, pharmacists were voted the number one most trusted profession in the Gallup Honesty and Ethics Poll. Since then, pharmacists have consistentlyremained one of the most positively rated professions.8 In addition to being trusted professionals, pharmacists are also very accessible with their extended hours of operation and weekend availability that other healthcare providers do not commonly offer.2 Lastly, pharmacists are able to provide vaccinations without the additional cost of a physician’s office visit. Pharmacies accept many insurance and government-funded plans, such as Medicare. Altogether, pharmacy-delivered vaccinations are not only reliable and accessible, but also affordable.
2011/2012 Influenza Vaccine
On July 18, 2011, the FDA approved the 2011/2012 influenza vaccine.1 This year’s flu vaccine is available as a nasal spray and three different injection formulations: regular, high-dose, and intradermal. Each preparation may be selected based on age restrictions, availability, and patient preference.10 Table 1 lists available vaccine formulations and brand names.
Each year, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) undergoes a vaccine virus selection process that determines the formulation for the annual influenza vaccine.9 This vaccine is designed to target three possible strains of virus that GISRS determines will be the most common throughout the upcoming flu season.10 This year’s vaccine will protect against influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus.1 Although this year’s strain is the same as the 2010/2011 season, the CDC stresses the importance of getting vaccinated yearly because immunity against the virus decreases over time.10
As of February 24, 2010, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” influenza vaccination. The ACIP is recommending that all persons 6 months of age and older receive an annual influenza vaccination. Table 2 includes a recommendation of those at particularly high risk for developing flu-related complications.10
Flu season starts in October and peaks around January to February. It is recommended that individuals receive the influenza vaccine in the fall or as soon as the vaccine is available. The vaccine is available throughout the flu season, which may last as late as May.10
Conclusion
Pharmacists delivering immunizations may benefit from the efforts to raise vaccination awareness as they play an integral role in the community. Not only are patients able to easily obtain their influenza vaccine from their local pharmacists, but demand placed on physicians’ offices to deliver the annual vaccine may be reduced. In preparing for this upcoming 2011/2012 flu season, patients should check with their local pharmacies on the availability of the influenza vaccine and take advantage of the useful resources their knowledgeable pharmacists have to offer.
References
1. Burgess S. FDA Approves Vaccines for the 2011-2012 Influenza Season [Internet]. FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2011 Jul 18 [cited 2011 Aug 15]. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm263319. Accessed August 26, 2011.
2. Hogue MD, Grabenstein JD, Foster SL, Rothholz MC. Pharmacist involvement with immunizations: a decade of professional advancement. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2006; 6;46(2):168-182.
3. Egervary A. Maine legislature approves pharmacist immunization [Internet]. American Pharmacists Association (APhA); 2009 Jun 24 [cited 2011 Aug 15]. http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home2&CONTENTID=20068&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm. Accessed August 26, 2011.
4. Steyer TE, Ragucci KR, Pearson WS, et al. The role of pharmacists in the delivery of influenza vaccinations. Vaccine. 2004;22:1001-1006.
5. Early release of selected estimates based on data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2011 Jun [cited 2011 Aug15]. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/released201106.htm#4. Accessed August 26, 2011.
6. Madhavan SS, Rosenbluth SA, Amonkar M, et al. Pharmacists and immunizations: a National survey. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2001;3;41(1):32-45.
7. Russel E, Roberts D, Lee M. Pharmacist-driven seasonal influenza immunization program for health care workers. Am J Health-Syst Pharm; 2010; Dec 1;67.
8. Jones JM. Nurses top honesty and ethics list for 11th year [Internet]. Princeton (NJ): Gallup; 2010 Dec 3 [cited 2011 Aug 15]. http://www.gallup.com/poll/145043/Nurses-Top-Honesty-Ethics-List-11-Year.aspx#2. Accessed August 26, 2011.
9. Influenza vaccine viruses and reagents [Internet]. World Health Organization; 2011 [cited 2011 Aug 15]. http://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/virus/en/. Accessed August 26, 2011.
10. Seasonal flu vaccine: questions and answers [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2011 Jul 1 [cited 2011 Aug 15]. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm. Accessed August 26, 2011.
11. Prevention and control of the influenza with vaccines: recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2011 Aug 18 [cited 2011 Aug 26]. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm60e0818a1.htm?s_cid=mm60e0818a1_e#tab. Accessed August 26, 2011.
