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