CDC recognizes APhA for role in advancing immunizations

WASHINGTON – Since the American Pharmacists Association launched its Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certificate training program nearly 20 years ago, more than 260,000 pharmacists have been trained to provide immunization services across the lifespan in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, APhA announced Wednesday. 

 

“APhA’s commitment to training and collaboration has increased access to vaccination services through expanded scopes of practice for immunizing pharmacists. Over the last 20 years pharmacists have played an expanding role in reducing the risk of vaccine preventable illnesses,” stated Anne Schuchat, assistant surgeon general and principal deputy director, CDC, in a letter to APhA. “My colleagues and I at the CDC applaud your accomplishments … and your continued efforts to improve the health of our communities by reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.”

 

Pharmacists in particular can reduce barriers to getting the influenza vaccine in a way that other members of the immunization neighborhood may not, because of their hours and locations. Pharmacists also set a great example for their colleagues and patients. They led health professionals with a 95% immunization rate for themselves last year, according to a recent CDC survey published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Doctors and nurses followed closely behind at 89%.

 

“We are grateful to Dr. Schuchat and her colleagues at the CDC for their recognition and support of our efforts to improve pharmacists’ role in the immunization neighborhood and increasing the public’s access to needed vaccinations,” said APhA EVP and CEO, Thomas Menighan. “Pharmacists are educated members of the immunization neighborhood ready to address your vaccination needs and help you sort through the available options and information.”