APhA Recommends Pharmacists Identify High Risk Populations to Receive the Influenza Vaccine

WASHINGTON, DC * The American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, recommends that pharmacists communicate with their high risk patients who are most in need of an influenza immunization, in accordance with the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Patients are encouraged to talk with their pharmacist regarding vaccine availability. High risk patients include those over 65 years of age, those living in nursing homes, and patients of any age suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and respiratory illnesses.

"Pharmacists are in a prime position to identify patients and educate them on their need for a flu shot," said John A. Gans, PharmD, APhA Executive Vice President. "The high risk groups include people who typically use chronic medications and have their medication records in their pharmacy's computer. As a result, the pharmacist can identify who is a high risk candidate for serious flu complications and remind those patients to get immunized against flu and pneumonia," Gans continued.

APhA recommends the following for patients:

• Non-high risk patients should allow high-risk patients the opportunity to be immunized first. Receiving an immunization later in the flu season will still provide protection to healthy individuals during the peak flu season (December).
• Patients should discuss the need for immunizations with their pharmacist or other healthcare professionals. In 30 U.S. states, pharmacists have the legal authority to administer immunizations. Pharmacists are a resource in all states for immunization information.
• If vaccine supply is not currently available in their area, patients should ask their pharmacist to inform them when the vaccine supply becomes available.

Influenza and pneumonia together are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the fifth leading cause of death among older adults. Each year there is an average of 140,000 influenza-related hospitalizations. The annual direct medical costs (hospitalization, doctors office visits, medications, etc.) of influenza are estimated at up to $4.6 billion. Influenza vaccine can prevent up to 50% to 60% of hospitalizations and 80% of deaths from influenza-related complications among the elderly.   "APhA is committed to facilitating pharmacists' active participation in national, state and local immunization efforts. Too many Americans are not completely protected from serious diseases. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professional and practice in more than 52,000 community pharmacies and most health care institutions across the United States, affording significant opportunities to identify and educate individuals most in need of information about disease prevention," concluded Gans.

The American Pharmaceutical Association is the first established and largest professional association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA's more than 53,000 members include practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. The Association is a leader in providing professional information and education for pharmacists and an advocate for improved health through the provision of comprehensive pharmaceutical care.