APhA Releases Influenza Resource For Pharmacists

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 01 Oct 2007 - 17:00 PDT

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As cold and flu season rapidly approach, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recently announced that a new online continuing education (CE) program is available to pharmacists who immunize patients or advocate that patients get immunized against influenza each year.

The new programming, developed by APhA with an educational grant from VaxServe, Inc., is designed to inform pharmacists about the latest developments in the treatment of influenza. The CE, entitled, "Influenza Disease and Prevention Update for Pharmacists 2007," is available only online and consists of a one-hour home study program providing comprehensive reviews of influenza and influenza vaccines, an overview of 2007-2008 vaccine recommendations, and provides strategies for identifying and developing plans for immunizing as many patients as possible during flu season.

"The flu strikes thousands of Americans each year and sadly, if the symptoms are not recognized or treated, some patients may have prolonged illnesses or die," said Dr. John A. Gans, Executive Vice President and CEO at APhA. "Pharmacists play a valuable role in educating and vaccinating their patients against the flu, and our new program will provide pharmacists with the information necessary to ensure that flu affects fewer people this year."

To learn more information about the program, visit APhA online at: http://www.pharmacist.com/education.cfm.

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 60,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States.

American Pharmacists Association