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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Erin Wendel,
202-429-7558; ewendel@aphanet.org
October 8, 2008
Pharmacists Help Protect Patients Against
Influenza
Patients Encouraged to Visit their Local Pharmacy to
get Vaccinated During American Pharmacists Month (APhM)
WASHINGTON, DC - During October’s
American Pharmacists Month (APhM) the American Pharmacists Association
(APhA) is encouraging consumers to visit their local pharmacy to get
vaccinated against the flu in anticipation of the upcoming flu season.
Currently pharmacists can administer the flu vaccine in 49 states,
excluding Maine, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Consumers are
encouraged to check with their pharmacy in advance to ensure
immunizations are offered and to find out scheduled hours.
“Influenza is a major public health concern each year, and
pharmacists play a critical role in protecting patients against the
virus, said John A. Gans, APhA’s executive vice president and
chief executive officer.
Annually 5 to 20 percent of the US population is infected by
influenza, resulting in nearly 36,000 deaths and over 200,000
hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A
yearly influenza vaccination is the best way to reduce one’s
chances of getting the flu and reduce the spread of infection. With
pharmacists being the most accessible health care providers, patients
are encouraged to talk to their pharmacist about their vaccination
needs.
Consistent with the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) recommendations, APhA recommends the following people
should get vaccinated each year:
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All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce
their risk of becoming ill with influenza or spreading it to
others
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Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
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Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
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People 50 years of age and older
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People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
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People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care
facilities
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People who live with or care for those at high risk for
complications from flu, including:
-
Health care workers
-
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from
the flu
-
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than
6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
The peak of the influenza season is typically in February and
patients can be vaccinated into February and beyond, as long as vaccine
supply is available.
Antibiotic Resistance
As the cold and flu season approaches APhA will also be partnering
with the CDC on its Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work
campaign. The campaign aims to educate patients about the proper
use of antibiotics to prevent the growing problem of antibiotic
resistance.
"Patients need to understand that antibiotics fight bacteria and not
viruses such as the cold or flu," said Karen Reed, RPh and American
Pharmacists Month National Spokesperson. "Patients who have questions
about the proper use of antibiotics are encouraged to talk to their
pharmacist or other healthcare provider."
For more info about the CDC’s Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics
Work campaign visit www.cdc.gov/getsmart.
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. 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. APhA members provide care in all
practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term
care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the
military.
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