From Guidelines to Action: Implementing Pneumococcal Vaccine ACIP Recommendations in Long-Term Care Settings

Program Description

Pneumococcal disease represents a significant health concern, especially for older adults residing in long-term care facilities. This session will explore the epidemiology of pneumococcal disease, including its incidence, prevalence, and the specific risk factors that cause older adults in long-term care settings to be at increased risk. Pharmacists practicing in these settings and caring for older adult patients must also recognize the potential for widespread transmission and their role in limiting the public health impact of pneumococcal disease through vaccination. The latest efficacy and safety data for pneumococcal vaccines to inform the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC recommendations for use in various populations will be reviewed. A crucial component of this session will be a review of the CDC's pneumococcal vaccination laws for state long-term care facilities and the goals of these regulations. Key clinical guidance, including dosing schedules and coadministration with other vaccines, will also be discussed, along with best practices for patient counseling on topics such as adherence and adverse effect management. The session will conclude with a discussion of strategies for identifying high-risk patients, facilitating vaccination access, and addressing barriers to vaccine uptake.

Target audience: Consultant Pharmacist

Type of activity: Application
Release date: October 31, 2025
Expiration date: November 2, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hours

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Examine the incidence, pathogenesis, and risk factors associated with pneumococcal disease among older adult patients, with a focus on those residing in long-term care facilities
2. Identify the health burdens and increased risk of severe infections, hospitalizations, and mortality associated with invasive pneumococcal disease among older adult patients, especially in the long-term care setting 
3. Employ current clinical data for available pneumococcal vaccines and the current ACIP recommendations for older adult patients
4. Illustrate the roles of long-term care pharmacists and consultant pharmacists in expanding awareness of pneumococcal vaccines, as well as the prevention and reduction of morbidity and mortality from pneumococcal disease

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hours (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-9999-25-356-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 2^nd, 2026.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Christine O'Neil, PharmD

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Liza Patel, PharmD; Katie Naspo; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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ceinfo@pharmacytimes.com
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