Media Release
The Covid-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented level of demand for influenza vaccines in 2020, with more than 17.6 million doses being available in Australia.[1] Community pharmacy continues to be an integral part of Australia’s influenza vaccination strategy.
New advances in influenza vaccination have resulted in a broad range of vaccines that are suitable for different population groups. It is important that pharmacists are able to provide evidence-based information about the different vaccines and address any patient concerns. 2021 is the first year a cell-based influenza vaccine will be available, in addition to the usual egg-grown vaccines.[2] The key benefit of cell-based vaccines is that the process eliminates the potential for egg-adapted changes. This means that the grown viruses may more closely match circulating virus strains.[3]
Guild Learning and Development has partnered with Seqirus (A CSL Company) in the development of a new online course titled ‘Influenza vaccine: now and future advances’.
The course focuses on increasing pharmacist confidence in both recommending and providing advice on the influenza vaccine, including the different types of vaccines and why they are recommended for different populations.
To enrol in this course please visit guilded.guild.org.au
Please contact Guild Learning and Development on 1800 049 056 or email learninganddevelopment@guild.org.au for more information.
Guild Learning and Development thanks Seqirus A CSL Company for its unrestricted educational grant and subject matter expertise in developing this module.
This activity has been accredited for 0.75 hours of Group 1 CPD (or 0.75 CPD credits) suitable for inclusion in an individual pharmacist’s CPD plan, which can be converted to 0.75 hours of Group 2 CPD (or 1.5 CPD credits) upon successful completion of relevant assessment activities.
References:
- Australian Government Department of Health, Preparations for the 2021 Influenza Season
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021 2021 [accessed 12/3/2021]. Available from: health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/03/atagi-advice- on-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2021.pdf.
- Rajaram S, Boikos C, Gelone DK, Gandhi A. Influenza vaccines: the potential benefits of cell-culture isolation and manufacturing. Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines and Immunotherapy.
Text by: The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
