APhA last week released a video commemorating the 20th anniversary of its Pharmacy-based Immunization Certificate Training Program and the important role pharmacists are playing within the "immunization neighborhood," which involves the collaboration, coordination and communication among immunization stakeholders. "At APhA, we're focused on gaining consumer access and coverage for pharmacists' patient-care services," said Thomas Menighan, EVP and CEO APhA. "The immunization programs we've developed over these 20 years do precisely that, and play a major role in advancing public health." According to CDC, pharmacists now administer approximately 25% of all influenza vaccinations. In a letter to pharmacists, CDC acknowledged the contributions that APhA has made in the rise of patient vaccinations. "APhA commitment to training and collaboration has led to increasing access to vaccination services through expanded scopes of practice for immunizing pharmacists," the letter states. Pharmacists also serve as information sources for their communities and collaborate with other members of the immunization neighborhood to improve the quality and accessibility of care. "Having pharmacists as partners in the effort to protect the public against vaccine-preventable diseases has increased access, improved immunization rates, and provided a springboard for other patient-care services," said APhA president and immunizing pharmacist, Kelly Goode.
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