Release Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020
Expiration Date: Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021

Educational Overview
Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 4 million episodes of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections occur each year, including about 900,000 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia resulting in as many as 400,000 hospitalizations. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal disease and its associated complications. Among all those who are hospitalized, the mortality rate ranges from 5%‒7%, with even higher rates among those 65 years and older.

The most effective way to protect against pneumococcal disease is through vaccination. However, in the US, only 56% of non-institutionalized adults ≥65 years of age have been vaccinated. The immunization rate among younger vulnerable adults who are eligible for vaccination, such as immunocompromised individuals, is even lower at less than 20%. The challenge remains in overcoming the many barriers associated with adult vaccination. Part of the challenge is having a thorough understanding of the currently available pneumococcal vaccines and their characteristics, including serotype coverage and immunogenicity among various patient groups. Pharmacists play a significant role in reducing the burden of pneumococcal disease in the community and institutional settings. Therefore, they must be aware of vulnerable patient populations and have a thorough understanding of the latest ACIP immunization recommendations. This program will focus on reviewing the burden of pneumococcal disease in vulnerable adults and offer pharmacists strategies to improve vaccination of at-risk individuals through communication and education techniques.

Target Audience
This continuing pharmacy education activity is planned to meet the needs of pharmacists in a variety of practice settings, including large and small healthcare systems, outpatient clinics, managed care organizations, long-term care facilities, and academia. This program targets pharmacists who are at the forefront of caring for adult patients eligible for immunizations and/or at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.

Learning Objectives
Upon completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the clinical consequences of pneumococcal disease and its associated complications among at-risk adults
• State the latest ACIP recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination among older adults and other at-risk patient populations
• Identify strategies to adhere to ACIP pneumococcal vaccination recommendations and overcome barriers by both healthcare providers and patients

Educational Format

This online presentation is developed for pharmacists who are at the forefront of caring for adult patients eligible for immunizations and/or at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases. It discusses the following topics:

1. Incidence and consequences of pneumococcal disease
2. Risk factors for infection and serious complications
3. Updated ACIP recommendations
4. Tactics to adhere to ACIP recommendations
5. Communication strategies to overcome patient barriers to vaccination

Faculty

James S. Lewis II, PharmD, FIDSA ID Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator & Adjunct Associate Professor Oregon Health and Science University Departments of Pharmacy & Infectious Diseases Portland, OR