Influenza
Every year CPhA, in collaboration with Immunize Canada [formerly the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion (CCIAP)], provides you with updated information on influenza awareness. CPhA offers a number of resources designed to help you run an influenza immunization clinic, get informed, educate patients, raise awareness and promote vaccination in your pharmacy. Read the letter from CPhA President Paula MacNeil outlining important information for the 2012-2013 influenza season.
2012-2013 Flu Season Information
Influenza affects millions of Canadians, with an average 20,000 hospitalizations and 4000 deaths annually. Vaccination is recognized as the cornerstone for preventing or mitigating influenza. It is important to encourage your patients to receive the flu shot each year.
CPhA has updated the influenza resources for pharmacists according to the National Advisory Committee for Immunization (NACI) 2012-2013 flu season recommendations.
New additions to the high risk groups include:
- Children 24 to 59 months, meaning ALL chidren 6 to 59 months, regardless of chronic complications, should be immunized.
Accordingly, individuals who provide regular child care to children 6 to 59 months are also recommended to be immunized.
While the flu shot is recommended for high-priority recipients, it is also advised that all Canadians who have no contraindication (see the influenza pocket guide below for a complete list of priority recipients) receive a flu shot. You can also encourage your patients to receive their pneumococcal vaccination if they meet the requirements and have not received the shot before (see the pneumococcal pocket guide below for more information).
2012-2013 Immunization Resources for Pharmacists
2012 Influenza Pocket Guide
This pocket guide is aimed at helping pharmacists and pharmacy staff identify patients at high risk for developing influenza-related complications. A dosing schedule, counselling points and list of quick links are provided.
2012 Pneumococcal Pocket Guide
This pocket guide is aimed at helping pharmacists and pharmacy staff identify patients who should receive a pneumococcal vaccination. Contraindications, dosing information, counselling points and list of quick links are provided.
2012 Posters
These posters are designed to raise awareness among patients to get their vaccination. Display these posters in your pharmacy waiting area, counselling room or prescription pick-up counter:
Poster #1: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination
Poster #2: Pneumococcal Vaccination
Poster #3: Is it a Cold or Flu?
2012 Influenza Guide for Pharmacists
This step-by-step guide allows pharmacists to initiate immunization programs in their communities. A brief summary of the current flu immunization guidelines and guidelines for identifying high-risk patients are described in the guide.
