In this episode of The Pharmacists Are In, John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal continue their series on respiratory diseases by focusing on COVID-19 and influenza. They reflect on the evolution of pharmacists' roles in immunization, from the early days of flu vaccinations to the current landscape dominated by COVID-19. John and Ajit discuss the challenges and successes of co-administering vaccines, the latest guidelines, and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. Learn how pharmacists can stay ahead of the curve, address patient concerns, and ensure a seamless immunization process in their practice.
We are grateful to Pfizer Canada for their financial support of this educational program to help enhance the knowledge and education of pharmacists.
Related resources:
Influenza:
- Cardiovascular implications
ICES | Researchers confirm link between flu and heart attack
- Functional disability definition
Clinical Frailty Scale - Geriatric Medicine Research - Dalhousie University
- Functional Disability due to Influenza - Gozalo, P. L., Pop-Vicas, A., Feng, Z., Gravenstein, S., & Mor, V. (2012). Effect of influenza on functional decline. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(7), 1260–1267.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04048.x
- NACI Influenza Statement
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) statement: Seasonal influenza vaccine for 2023-2024 - Canada.ca
COVID-19:
- NACI Guidance 2024 COVID-19 Spring Vaccination
Guidance on an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccines in the spring for individuals at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19: NACI, January 12, 2024 - Canada.ca
- NACI Guidance 2024 COVID-19 Fall Vaccination
Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines during the fall of 2024 - Canada.ca
