Shingles Disease Process and Vaccination for Pharmacists
About the Course:
Shingles causes a characteristic rash typically localized in one area of the body. Serious complications, which often depend on the rash location, can arise, such as pain that persists after the rash has cleared and even vision or hearing loss. Treatment typically focuses on antiviral therapy and symptom control. Shingles can be prevented through vaccination, which is recommended for adults over 50 since the immune system weakens with age. This course serves to review the disease process of shingles and the use of vaccinations to prevent shingles.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, the learner should be able to:
- Discuss the characteristics of varicella zoster virus, including primary infection and secondary reactivation of the latent virus, complications, and treatment.
- Discuss the efficacy, contraindications and precautions, adverse reactions, and administration of Shingrix.
- Explain the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the use of shingles vaccinations.
About the Author:
Katie Blair, PharmD, RPh, is a pharmacist and freelance writer specializing in pharmacy education. She works as a consultant pharmacist in Vancouver, Washington, serving long-term care facilities in the area since 2016. Dr. Blair also has over six years of experience working as a staff pharmacist at a community pharmacy in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston in 2009 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Dr. Blair has done freelance work writing and revising continuing education programs for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses, as well as writing practice questions for various pharmacy technician exams.
How to receive credit:
- How to Receive Credit
- Read the entire course online or in print.
- Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to:
- Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
- Provide required personal information and payment information.
- Complete the mandatory Course Evaluation.
- Print your Certificate of Completion.
Activity Type - Knowledge-based
Target Audience - Pharmacists
Disclosures:
Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
Colibri Healthcare, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. (Provider #0607).