New Online Tool Focuses On Improving Influenza Immunization Rates For Health Professionals

Recognizing that influenza infection in health care workers can lead to outbreaks with serious consequences for patients, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has launched an initiative for pharmacists to improve influenza immunization rates among healthcare workers. Health care workers can acquire influenza and unwittingly transmit the virus to patients, other health care workers, and members of their household and the community a day or two before symptoms appear.

ASHP’s new online resource, http://www.YouCanStopTheFlu.com, was developed by a panel of pharmacist immunization experts to engage pharmacists as advocates to improve seasonal influenza immunization rates of health care workers in their health systems. The initiative is supported by a grant from CSL Biotherapies.

The site features a robust resource center with links to recommendations and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Joint Commission, as well as list-serves to keep pharmacists informed about the latest immunization trends and vaccine shortages. An Immunization Campaign Toolkit provides sample forms, fact sheets, signs, planning checklists, and other practical tools pharmacists can use to lead an immunization campaign at their own health system. Pharmacists can also share success stories of effective strategies with their colleagues via an online submission form. Read more