Herpes Zoster Vaccination: New Guidance, New Opportunities to Improve Vaccination Rates
Herpes Zoster Vaccination: New Guidance, New Opportunities to Improve Vaccination Rates is organized by Power-Pak C.E. - Continuing Education for Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians.
Published: May 2, 2023
Expires: May 2, 2024
Description:
Recent recommendations for vaccination against herpes zoster (HZ) include an indication for patients who have immunocompromising conditions or are treated with immunosuppressive therapies, a group who, despite being at higher overall risk for HZ and its complications, have been previously excluded from the available vaccine indications. Not all clinicians may be aware of this important consideration, and this educational activity offers an opportunity to update clinician knowledge on the topic. Reducing disease burden is the ultimate goal of educating clinicians about updated indications and administration information. The review of risk factors and current disease burden is key to clinician identification of appropriate recipients of the vaccine. HZ vaccination rates have been low since the approval of the first HZ vaccine, but they are most likely further reduced due to the widespread interruption in preventive healthcare due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing strategies and protocols for improved vaccination is an evidence-based way that clinicians can act to improve disease burden.
Goal:
The goal of this activity is for learners to recognize the significant burden of herpes zoster infection, the rational for vaccination in recommended groups of patients and the importance of risk mitigation through appropriate vaccination; routinely apply the current ACIP recommendations to identify the appropriate patients for herpes zoster vaccination; and for healthcare providers to play a supportive role in identifying appropriate patients for herpes zoster vaccination and will employ effective strategies to improve both vaccine uptake and series completion.
Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:
• Describe the disease burden of herpes zoster infection and impact on patient quality of life.
• Discuss the rationale for herpes zoster vaccination in the immunocompromised/immunosuppressed patient and in those of advanced age.
• Apply the new ACIP recommendations to identify patients who are immunocompromised/immunosuppressed or advanced in age for appropriate herpes zoster vaccination.
• Design strategies and protocols to improve uptake of herpes zoster vaccination and series completion in all eligible patients.
Additional details will be posted as soon as information is available.