Immunization

2020-2021 Influenza Update: What Community Pharmacists Need to Know

When:
September 9, 2020 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where:
Online Webinar – Anymeeting, Vancouver BC

This webinar has concluded — a recording is available

A recording of this webinar can be accessed on BCPhA’s e-learning platform.

Members can access for free on our eTraining Portal.

Influenza season is nearly upon us!  Amid a global pandemic, pharmacists are faced with increased demand and pressure to provide influenza vaccinations.  This session draws upon the southern hemisphere experience, reviews current infection control best practices, and provides an update on the provincial influenza vaccination plans for the 2020-2021 season.  Furthermore, a discussion around the enhanced options available for those opting for better protection this season will help pharmacists in supporting their patients.  Attendance is strongly encouraged for all pharmacists who are planning to provide influenza vaccinations this coming fall.

The BC Pharmacy Association has put together a flu resource page for members, which will continually be updated throughout the flu season.

Learning Objectives

After attending this session, participants will be better able to:

  • Describe the current situation of influenza vaccination delivery in British Columbia
  • Discuss current strategies for safe and effective delivery of vaccination services
  • Review the types of influenza vaccines currently available
  • Develop a plan for patient specific immunization recommendations

Accreditation

This program is non-accredited. Total learning hours is estimated at 1.0 hours.

Participants will receive a letter of participation after completion of the survey at the end of the webinar.

About the Speaker: Ajit Johal

Ajit has been providing immunizations and clinical education since 2012. As a community pharmacist, he is an accessible provider of immunizations to patients in the community. In 2018, he started an organization called immunize.io, with a mission statement of "taking our best shot at immunizing the world". Through "immunize.io" he has worked with numerous organizations and communities to address vaccine hesitancy and improve access to vaccinations.  He champions community pharmacists as leaders of immunization services, in particular in the area of recommended but unfunded vaccines.  Ajit is also a clinical instructor for the University of British Columbia Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program. At UBC he coordinates the elective course for UBC Pharmacy students in the area of travel health and immunizations.