Improving Shingles Vaccination Rates in Family Medicine

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the activity, participants will be able to:
• Characterize the burden of herpes zoster infections.
• Recommend the recombinant zoster vaccine to patients in accordance with guidance from the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices.
• Implement strategies to increase patient acceptance of herpes zoster and other vaccinations.
• Use available resources to increase awareness among patients about the importance and safety of recommended
vaccinations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Vaccines represent one of the most important public health advancements of the modern age to reduce the burden of
infectious diseases.
• Despite the rigorous methods employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure vaccine safety, some patients still have concerns about the safety of vaccines.
• The recombinant zoster vaccine is the only approved herpes zoster vaccine available in the United States, and it provides highly effective and durable protection against shingles and post-herpetic
neuralgia.
• In addition to supporting national initiatives to increase vaccination rates for shingles and other vaccine-preventable diseases health care providers can use a variety of strategies to help patients receive recommended vaccines.
Primary Care Education Consortium designates this enduring material for a maximum
of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™.
Physicians should claim only the credit
commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CME is available from August 1, 2021 to
July 31, 2022. To receive CME credit, visit
https://www.pcmg-us.org/survey/shingles.
PAs AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS: AANP,
ANCC, and AAPA accept certificates of
participation of educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from
organizations accredited by ACCME. Visit
https://www.pcmg-us.org/survey/shingles
to receive the certificate.