American Geriatrics Society To Serve As Liaison Organization To Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Also Included In: Public Health;  Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 11 Sep 2007 - 16:00 PDT

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The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) -- a nationwide association of geriatrics healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of older adults -- has been selected to serve as a liaison organization to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP provides advice and guidance to the U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the use of preventive vaccines.

Among other things, the ACIP develops recommendations for the routine vaccination of children and adults, including recommendations regarding the age at which vaccines should be administered, the number of doses, dosing intervals, and precautions and contraindications. As a liaison to the advisory committee, the AGS will provide key input regarding immunizations for older people.

"This is an important appointment for the Society," said AGS President Todd Semla, Pharm.D, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Benefits Management and Strategic Health Group. "It recognizes the prevalence of preventable disease in older adults, the increasing number of vaccines for older adults, and the need for input on ACIP guidelines from those with expertise in caring for this population."

ACIP liaison representatives participate in discussions during advisory committee meetings, review and comment on draft documents, and serve on one or more ACIP working groups. The organizations also provide information regarding ACIP and immunization to their members and others.

Kenneth Schmader, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center and Chair of AGS' Research Committee, will serve as the Society's representative to the ACIP. Dr. Schmader initiated efforts that led to the selection of the AGS as a liaison organization.

The AGS joins the American College of Physicians; the American Academy of Family Physicians; the American College of Health Associations; the Infectious Diseases Society of America; the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the American Medical Association and other influential organizations serving as liaisons to the ACIP.

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices in geriatric medicine.

American Geriatrics Society