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CONTACT: Robert Appel
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E-mail rappel@ascp.com

 100% Immunization Campaign: ASCP Introduces Immunization Resource Manual

 Alexandria, Virginia -- June 28, 1999 -- The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) has published a resource manual to assist long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and other residential settings in protecting seniors from pneumonia and influenza. The "100% Immunization Campaign Resource Manual" is part of a major, national initiative ASCP has undertaken to protect the health of the nation's seniors from these serious illnesses.

 ASCP has spearheaded the 100% Immunization Campaign, in cooperation with 12 participating organizations, to ensure that all residents of nursing facilities and assisted living environments are immunized against influenza and pneumococcal disease. The campaign is supported by a grant from Merck Vaccine Division, and technical assistance is being provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Care Financing Administration. The "100% Immunization Campaign" is slated for full implementation this fall prior to the start of the peak influenza/pneumonia season.

"According to statistics from the CDC, pneumonia and influenza together are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States," said ASCP President David Kazarian of St. Petersburg, Florida. "These diseases claim the lives of nearly 84,000 Americans each year -- with 90% of these deaths occurring among individuals 65 years of age and older. Many of these deaths could be avoided through the simple preventive step of immunization."

 Seniors residing in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities are particularly at risk of serious illness and death from pneumonia and influenza. "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.

 The new immunization resource manual is one of the key components of the 100% Immunization Campaign. It contains a wealth of information to educate health professionals, long-term care facility staff, and older adults about immunization issues. The manual will be provided free on request to ASCP members, and is being made available to members of the other organizations participating in the 100% Immunization Campaign.

 Other participants in the 100% Immunization Campaign include the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, American Geriatrics Society, American Health Care Association, American Health Quality Association, American Medical Directors Association, Assisted Living Federation of America, Association of Professionals for Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, National Association for Home Care, National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care, and National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform.

 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.