APhA Applauds HHS And Homeland Security (DHS) For Including Pharmacists In The Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Prioritization Guidance

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 31 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) applauds the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) for their decision to include pharmacists in revisions to the Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Prioritization plan. This inclusion confirms pharmacists' serious commitment to preventing disease through immunization. Pharmacists, considered one of the most trusted and accessible healthcare professionals on the healthcare team, are prepared to serve as frontline providers of clinical medication and vaccination services in the event of influenza pandemic.

"The pharmacy profession recognizes the deadly threat that influenza pandemics pose to society," said John A. Gans, APhA's executive vice president and chief executive officer. "We thank both departments for recognizing pharmacists' critical role on the healthcare team and the value we provide to patient care."

Currently, pharmacists are authorized to administer immunizations in 48 states (will increase to 49 upon signature by the New York State Governor) and over 40,000 pharmacists have been trained through APhA's nationally recognized pharmacy-based immunization certificate training program. All pharmacists can assume the role of educator, facilitator and/or administer of immunizations and information.

Prior to the revisions, pharmacists were not mentioned in the occupationally defined vaccination target groups, which include persons who are critical for providing essential services during a pandemic. In the revised plan, pharmacists are included in Tier 2 because of the critical services they provide and the potential for exposure to ill persons.

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 63,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession. The 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.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov

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