FOR  IMMEDIATE   RELEASE

CONTACT: Robert Appel
703-739-1316, ext. 115
E-mail rappel@ascp.com

 

ASCP COORDINATES‘100%  IMMUNIZATION   CAMPAIGN’ IN NURSING HOMES, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

 Alexandria, Virginia, February 3, 1999—The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) is spearheading a broad-based collaborative initiative to promote immunization of all elderly residents of U.S. nursing facilities and assisted living facilities against influenza and pneumonia.   The “100% Immunization Campaign,” slated for full implementation prior to the start of the peak influenza/pneumonia season this fall, is being coordinated by ASCP and supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Merck Vaccine Division.

 “Despite some gains in recent years, influenza and pneumonia are still leading causes of death among Americans aged 65 and older,” said ASCP Director of Professional Affairs Tom Clark, who is heading up campaign coordination and implementation activities.  “Residents of nursing and assisted living facilities are at high risk for these diseases due to frequent pathogen exposure and increased rates of chronic diseases and immune-compromising illnesses.” The 100% Immunization Campaign will endeavor to close the gaps in current vaccination efforts and work to ensure that both of these vulnerable populations are fully protected, Clark said.

 In addition to ASCP, a number of other organizations involved in senior care are participating in the 100% Immunization Campaign.  Participants include the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), American Geriatrics Society (AGS), American Health Care Association (AHCA), American Health Quality Association (AHQA), American Medical Directors Asso­ciation (AMDA), Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), Association of Professionals for Infection Control and

 Epidemiology (APIC), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (NADONA-LTC), and National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR).  Technical assistance is being provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)

On January 20, a steering committee of representatives of all participating organizations met in Alexandria, Virginia, to discuss plans for resource sharing and development of campaign materials.  A key  component of the campaign will be a resource kit to help nursing and assisted living facilities carry out stepped-up geriatric immunization efforts.   The immunization resource kit, currently under development, will contain a sample resident consent form, recommended immunization policies and procedures, federal guidelines on vaccine administration to older adults, and other materials.  “We plan to have this kit assembled this spring and ready for distribution to nursing and assisted living facilities across the country well before the start of the peak influenza  

Resource materials related to immunization of older adults are available at ASCP’s Web site (www.ascp.com/public/pr/immunization/index.shtml).

 The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists is the national professional association representing nearly 7,000 pharmacists who provide pharmaceutical care services for America’s senior citizens.  Consultant pharmacists manage and improve drug therapy and improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and individuals residing in a variety of long-term care environments, including nursing facilities, subacute care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, facilities for the mentally retarded, correctional institutions, hospice, and home care.  In their daily role as drug therapy experts, educators, and communicators, consultant pharmacists review and evaluate patients’ medication regimens and provide educational programs to health care facility staff members and other services designed to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce costs.  Visit ASCP’s home page at www.ascp.com.