Immunization

Community-based pharmacy services are reaching new heights as pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are able to have a larger impact on patient care than ever before.

The prolonged lack of viral exposure has likely increased the pool of children and adults vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus, but questions remain.

With the end of the national public health emergency for COVID-19 in May 2023, what can be expected as we look ahead to the 2023-2024 influenza season and beyond?

The approval marks the first monoclonal antibody approved to protect all infants through their first respiratory syncytial virus season.

Every pharmacist can make a difference in patients’ lives by taking the time to understand and fulfill the community’s social and cultural needs.

A cancer vaccine has shown efficacy in dogs, with implications for benefit in humans.

The effectiveness of influenza vaccines varies each season and is determined by the circulating influenza virus subtype(s) and the extent to which there is an antigenic match in the vaccines to the circulating virus subtypes.

Expanding pharmacist–patient care services to include vaccine promotion and administration within ambulatory clinics is an example of the expanding role of pharmacists and their contribution to primary care practice.

Older adults are vulnerable to severe influenza-associated complications and risks, but influenza vaccines may be less effective in this population.

Investigators urge policymakers to establish flexible models that maximize coverage when respiratory syncytial virus activity is high and minimize unnecessary doses when viral activity is low.

mRNA-1345 is a vaccine indicated for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory tract disease and acute respiratory disease.

Less than half of respondents would recommend a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus to a pregnant friend or family member.

The new RSV vaccines are expected to be available in fall 2023.

Independent pharmacies can provide more personalized care to individuals with behavioral health conditions or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and PREP Act Expansions end, the ability of technicians to immunize patients in the future remains unclear.

CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the use of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, adjuvanted (Arexvy) for adults 60 years of age and older based on findings from the first season of the pivotal AReSVi-006 (Adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus) phase III trial.

Novavax announced the development of a protein-based monovalent XBB COVID-19 vaccine with the intention of it being manufactured and available for the fall vaccination campaign.

A single dose of Arexvy was found effective preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults 60 years of age and older across 2 full RSV seasons.

Errors risk transmission of blood-borne pathogens, including HBV, HCV, HIV, to health care providers, patients.

Adult and maternal RSV vaccines reveal positive findings.

A broader understanding of vaccine hesitancy and barriers has helped to enhance acceptance of vaccination services through educational outreach.

Study investigators said that understanding how the human immune response relates to respiratory syncytial virus infection has been a major obstacle for vaccine development.

Pharmacists who immunize must ensure their knowledge about routine vaccinations for adults and children is up-to-date by reviewing the changes to the immunization schedule each year.

Ambulatory care pharmacy residents play a major role in increasing both patient awareness about recommended vaccination and vaccination rates.

Myths, fears, distrust, and misinformation on immunizations can keep patients from benefiting from their protective effects.

Treatment for community-acquired pneumococcal disease is dependent on patient-specific factors, whereas prevention with vaccinations is dependent on age and comorbidities.

Navigating the Transition to Year-Round Immunization

Pfizer Inc’s bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Abrysvo is indicated to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older.

As the summer months approach, pharmacists can offer many services to ensure patients remain safe and healthy during their travels.

Women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often on and off antibiotics for years, and even decades, as the only treatment available in health systems for treating UTIs.