Learn More

Vaccine-preventable disease levels are at or near record lows. However, many adults are under-immunized, missing opportunities to protect themselves against these diseases. Learn more about th...

Travel Vaccines

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information for United States citizens who are traveling outside of the country. This information includes vaccinations fo...

Education

As the most accessible health care professional, community pharmacists are ideally positioned to address this public health need by offering adult vaccinations and immunizations in the pharmac...

Practice Tools

Here's your one-stop shop for the tools you need to operate a successful adult immunization program in your pharmacy. From standing orders to OSHA requirements, we've got it all!

Resources

Educating patients on the what, when and why of adult vaccines and immunizations is key to building your practice. These tools from trusted sources will help you do just that. You'll also find...

Survey

Could your bottom line use a shot in the arm? Immunizations provide pharmacies with the opportunity to increase Access to Health Care Profitability Career Satisfaction Help...

Files for Download

Polls

Does your pharmacy currently provide immunization services?

	Yes
	No
	Not at this time, but I would be interested in providing this service in the future

Swine Flu Info

Welcome to the Immunization Information Center

Current H1N1 Information for Pharmacists

H1N1 Vaccine
- New research shows that one dose of the H1N1 vaccine will most likely be sufficient to prevent infection.
- Who needs it the H1N1 vaccine?
  - Pregnant women
  - Anyone caring for a child under 6 months old
  - Healthcare workers, including EMS
  - Anyone between 6 months and 18 years old
  - Patients of any age with a pre-existing condition
- Distribution
  - When vaccine is ready for distribution, manufacturers will ship vaccine to 26 project areas based on their population. These project areas will then redistribute the vaccine to 150,000 sites, including clinics, pharmacies, and health departments for administration depending on observed need.
  - Vaccines and related products (alcohol swabs, syringes, sharps containers, and needles) will be shipped in orders of 100.
- Administration
  - The opportunity for pharmacist immunization depends on state law. Pharmacists may not be able to vaccinate all target groups.
  - If you plan to administer H1N1 vaccine in your pharmacy, please refer to the state specific resources on the Immunization Resource Center to guide you to your state’s health department and other H1N1 information. Contact your local public health department now to develop an agreement and make plans for administering the vaccine in your pharmacy.
  - Vaccination sites will be required to fill out certain forms and provide data about the number of vaccines administered. More information on this to follow.
  - If available, start providing seasonal flu vaccine early to make your staff available for H1N1 vaccination.
- Reimbursement
  - More information about reimbursement is becoming available all the time. Medicare will reimburse for the administration of the H1N1 vaccine, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine. Since the vaccine is being distributed by the federal government free of charge, reimbursement is not available for the vaccine product itself.
  - Providers may choose to charge uninsured patients for the cost of administration. This fee may not exceed the Medicare reimbursement rate.
Antivirals
- Tamiflu (olestamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are the two antivirals currently available that can effectively treat the H1N1 virus.
- The Pharmacist FAQ on the Immunization Resource Center has specific antiviral dosing information.
- To prevent the development of resistance, the CDC recommends using these antivirals only when truly indicated. Use is recommended in cases of suspected or confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu, especially in patients over 65 years old, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic condition. Avoid unnecessary use in healthy children and young adults.
- In case of Tamiflu suspension shortage, Tamiflu capsules can easily be compounded into a suspension for proper dosing.
- NCPA resources
  - The CDC has extensive information available to help you prepare your business for this unusual flu season, one that is expected to cause considerable employee absenteeism. Here are some special considerations that are unique to the pharmacy workplace:
    - If your pharmacy offers delivery service, this is a great opportunity to promote your services and encourage sick patients to stay home to prevent the spread of flu. Remind patients that delivery is available and ask them to take advantage of this if they are having flu-like symptoms.
    - The CDC recommends developing plans for telecommuting in case of high rates of illness at your business. Since this is not a reasonable approach for most pharmacies, remind your patients that the pharmacy may be especially busy this time of year and encourage them to order refills early.
    - Schedule times throughout the day to wipe down frequently touched surfaces with an antiseptic. Keyboards, telephones, countertops, and counting trays are all surfaces your employees share.
    - Make sure your employees understand that they will not be penalized for missing work days when they are sick. Ask sick employees not to return to work until 24 hours after their symptoms have ended.
  - Relevant links
    - CDC.gov
    - Flu.gov
Questions? Contact NCPA at 1-800-544-7447.

Updated 11/5/09

Other News