‘Get Vaccinated,’ ASHP Urges Pharmacists, Other Healthcare Personnel

10/1/2008

ASHP is urging health-system pharmacists and other healthcare personnel to get vaccinated against influenza as the flu kicks off its annual season.

The Society recently joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in an initiative to improve influenza vaccination rates. Only 42 percent of healthcare personnel are vaccinated against the condition, well below the objective of 60 percent of Healthy People 2010, an HHS initiative.

ASHP guidelines detail the important role pharmacists play in disease prevention, and advocating and administering immunizations. Read those guidelines here [http://www.ashp.org/DocLibrary/BestPractices/ASHPGuidelinesPharmacistsRoleinImmunization.aspx].

The Society has long advocated that hospitals and health systems require healthcare workers receive an annual influenza vaccination except when it’s contraindicated, the worker has religious objections, or the worker signs an informed declination. The Society is also a strong advocate for vaccinations for the entire U.S. population.

View ASHP’s policy regarding influenza vaccination requirements to advance patient safety and public health.

For more information on the HHS initiative, click here.