Immunization update 2017

Abstract

Abstract Objective To provide an overview of the recent changes that affect immunization practices. Summary The 2017 immunization schedules for children and adults include a variety of changes. A new figure has been created for children and adolescents aged 18 years and younger that provides vaccine recommendations based on medical indications. Updates have been made to the vaccine recommendations for influenza, human papillomavirus, meningococcal disease, hepatitis B, and Tdap use in pregnancy. The recommendation that providers should not administer the live attenuated influenza vaccine has been extended to the 2017–18 influenza season. New vaccines that have been introduced to the market include an adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine and a live, attenuated, oral vaccine to prevent cholera. A 10-year booster dose of yellow fever vaccine is no longer recommended for the majority of travelers to areas in which the vaccine is warranted. Numerous vaccine administration errors have been reported for a variety of vaccines. Recognizing opportunities to prevent errors and reporting errors when they occur are both important measures to ensure the safety of patients who are receiving vaccines. Conclusion Failing to meet the goals that pertain to increasing immunization rates and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases has shown to be detrimental to the well-being of patients and health care costs. The contributions of pharmacists as immunization providers can help reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. As such, pharmacists have a responsibility to keep current with immunization practices.