Health-system pharmacists' role in immunizing adults against pneumococcal disease and influenza

The role of pharmacists in immunizing adults against pneumococcal disease a nd influenza is discussed. Pneumococcal disease and influenza each cause up to 40,000 deaths annually in the United States. Vaccination against these diseases is encouraged for all people 65 years of age or older and for those with certain chronic dise ases or immunosuppression. Influenza virus vaccine should also be given to residents of long-term-care facilities, many pregnant women, and health car e workers. Pneumococcal vaccine is usually given once in a lifetime; influe nza virus vaccine is given annually in the fall. Advocacy of immunization i s consistent with the precepts of pharmaceutical care, and pharmacists can promote immunization by assuming the roles of educator, facilitator, and im munizer. Despite lack of specific mention of it in accreditation standards, health-system personnel have a duty to vaccinate adults, just as they do p ediatric patients. Pharmacists should review immunization records with patients periodically a nd at the time of immunization. As with other drug products, formulary deci sions and the distribution, storage, and handling of vaccines are important pharmacist responsibilities. Pharmacoeconomic studies have demonstrated th e value of pneumococcal and influenza virus vaccines. Medicare covers these vaccines under Part B. Pharmacists have an important role to play in promo ting adult immunizations against pneumococcal disease and influenza.