The past three years have been transformative for the vaccine industry. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how vulnerable we are without protection against disease and reminded us of the power of vaccines. On a global scale, the game-changing development of vaccines had significant health and economic impacts with the vaccination campaign saving approximately 2.4 million lives. In 2023, we reached the end of the public health emergency declaration on May 11 – the final milestone of the pandemic. Before we move forward, it’s important to understand immunization trends, reflect on vaccine advance ..read more

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. However, without the right storage and handling conditions, vaccine efficacy can only extend so far. The CDC estimates that over 300 million pounds worth of vaccines are destroyed globally due to improper storage and handling. Maintaining Vaccine Cold Chain Requirements To ensure Center of Disease Control (CDC) guideline compliance, every practice is mandated to have a Primary and Back-Up Vaccine Coordinator who evaluate general vaccine management practices and cold chain procedures in place. A cold chain is the ..read more

Many patients are vaccinated as children, but it's important that they remain up-to-date with routine vaccinations into adulthood. As patients age, their vaccine protection may weaken over time, making older adults more susceptible to infections and heightened symptom severity. To ensure patients of all ages are protected against preventable diseases, here is an overview of vaccines recommended for patients 50 and over. Shingles Shingles comes from the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If a patient has previously been infected with chickenpox, the virus can remain ..read more

The holiday season is a time when we gather with friends and family to celebrate. But these gatherings also pose a hidden threat. Large, indoor gatherings can be the perfect environment for viral infections to spread. Staying up to date on recommended immunizations strengthens protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses, reduces symptom severity, and can significantly reduce strain on overcrowded hospitals. To prevent seasonal surges, it’s important to speak with your patients about the proper precautions and recommended vaccines. Combatting the “Tripledemic” Through Immunization The 2022 ..read more

When presented with a patient or parent with vaccine hesitancy—a phenomenon intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic—there are a few strategies healthcare providers can use to address patients’ concerns and strengthen confidence in vaccine services. One approach is to explain the rigorous and scientific process that vaccines go through before being approved, and recommended, by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Healthcare providers play an important role in educating patients and emphasizing the nation’s longstanding vaccine safety system, which CDC reports as the safest vaccine supply ..read more

It’s that time of year again. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a timely opportunity to remind patients of the importance of vaccines. Although it’s difficult to imagine in the midst of the summer heat, influenza (flu) season is right around the corner. To get ahead of the 2023–2024 flu season, now is the ideal time to have proactive conversations with your patients about their plans for getting a flu shot. The Importance of Proactive Vaccination Immunization is most effective when our communities are vaccinated before the peak season of the disease. To ensure maximum protectio ..read more

Pregnant women have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to the possibility of complications during illnesses. This makes certain vaccines an important first line of defense not only to protect the mother-to-be but also to build the baby’s immunity against certain serious illnesses, including respiratory infections. Recommended Vaccinations for Pregnant Patients Generally, inactivated vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy because they do not contain live viruses. The CDC recommends that pregnant patients be vaccinated for the following illnesses: Influenza — P ..read more

Since COVID-19 vaccines became widely available, it has been relatively easy for providers to access vaccines for their patients. Over the past two years, the federal government has used emergency funds to purchase vaccines and distribute doses to providers at no cost. However, this won’t be the case for much longer, as significant changes to vaccine manufacturing, procurement, and pricing are expected as a result of depleted funds and the end of the public health emergency. When the federally purchased supply of vaccines runs out or becomes superseded by a new variant booster—likely by fall ..read more

Vaccines are one of the greatest contributions to public health, yet millions of children and adults with access to vaccines remain unvaccinated. A large portion of the global population continues to question the efficacy and safety of immunization. While this hesitancy is not a new phenomenon, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to one of the most recent and significant spikes in skepticism toward vaccinations. More than two years since the initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout, nearly a quarter of Americans remain unwilling to vaccinate. Healthcare providers play an instrumental role in moving ..read more

Healthcare providers juggle many competing priorities, including credentialing, scheduling, purchasing, and most importantly, caring for their patients. Protecting patients against vaccine-preventable diseases is an integral part of today’s healthcare and a critical part of keeping patients healthy. To support their immunization programs, medical practices must acquire vaccines from either a manufacturer or distributor. While time and costs are associated with securing vaccines, there are ways to streamline the administrative process and save money. Becoming a member of a physician buying gro ..read more