Enhancing Pneumococcal Vaccine Delivery in Pharmacy Practice: Tools and Techniques to Support Patient Safety and Complete Administration

Program Description

Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and can range from mild ear infections to life‑threatening pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. It remains a major public health burden, especially among young children, adults older than 65 years, and individuals with chronic conditions. Gaps in pneumococcal disease awareness and the complexities of several conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines and their respective dosing intervals, create persistent challenges in achieving optimal coverage. This session will equip community and health‑system pharmacists with up‑to‑date ACIP/CDC guidance, with a detailed review of recent updates to adult and pediatric pneumococcal schedules. Evidence for approved vaccine formulations as well as investigational products will be reviewed. The discussion will encompass practical strategies for identifying patients at high risk of pneumococcal disease and complications, providing counseling on vaccine safety, managing adverse effect concerns, and integrating vaccination into routine pharmacy workflows. Expert faculty will guide attendees through risk factor identification, the revised immunization algorithms, and patient‑centered interventions, supporting pharmacists across practice settings in their roles to close treatment gaps, improve adherence and access to vaccines, and reduce the burden of pneumococcal disease.

Target audience: Community Pharmacists, Health‑System Pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 10, 2026
Expiration date: April 10, 2027
Learner level: Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Identify persons with risk factors contributing to higher incidence of pneumococcal disease or increased risk for complications
• Explain pneumococcal vaccine immunization schedules and indications for adults and pediatrics based on the clinical evidence and professional society guidelines
• Employ patient-centered interventions for pneumococcal disease prevention, focusing on vaccine education, delivery, and administration protocols