Since the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) 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. Through this program APhA is extending the vital role pharmacists play in the community. Public health partners like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize APhA’s leadership in immunization education and pharmacists’ expanded role as part of the immunization neighborhood.

In a letter to the pharmacy community, Anne Schuchat, M.D., RADM, U.S. Public Health Service, Assistant Surgeon General, Principal Deputy Director, CDC praised APhA and pharmacists for their commitment to increasing the public’s awareness of the importance of vaccines and improving patients’ access to vaccination services.

“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,” said Dr. Schuchat. “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 Executive Vice President and CEO, Thomas E. 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.”

The CDC recommends the influenza vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. Pharmacists are authorized to give flu vaccinations in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. In many states, pharmacists are able to administer other important immunizations across the lifespan. Immunizations may include:

• Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
• Meningococcal (Meningitis)
•  Hepatitis B
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Zoster (Shingles)

In recognition of all pharmacists do, October is American Pharmacists Month. APhA encourages patients to partner with pharmacists who are trained to provide a broad spectrum of patient care services, including administering immunizations, conducting health and wellness screenings, providing medication management, and managing chronic diseases.