Reducing pneumococcal risk among older adults: the challenge in 2021

AUS

$0

free

RACGP CPD Program

3.5 hr

Geriatrics, Infectious Disease

0 Credits

Course Description

Pneumococcus can cause serious disease, particularly in certain clinical risk groups. Preventing disease through vaccination lowers morbidity and mortality from pneumococcal disease.

New research data have contributed to recent changes in the recommendation and funding arrangements for pneumococcal vaccination in Australia.

Upon completion of this GP education program, you will have the knowledge and tools to identify clinical risk groups for pneumococcal disease, recognise the pneumococcal vaccine types currently recommended and funded in Australia for these at-risk groups and learn strategies for counselling patients to receive pneumococcal vaccination.


This educational activity was developed by MDBriefCase at the request, and with funding from Pfizer.

Course Details

Expiry Date: 2023-06-01

Professions: Physician

Faculty

Associate Professor John Litt

Dr Rod Pearce AM

Accreditation

This activity has been approved for the following hours and types: 
Educational activities hours: 2
Reviewing performance hours: 1.5
Measuring outcomes hours: 0

Activity no. 480810

Learning Objective(s)

Upon completion of this continuing education program participants will be better able to:

  • Recall the pneumococcal disease risk groups in Australia and identify patients who are recommended and funded for vaccination based on current Australian vaccination guidelines
  • Identify barriers to vaccination in their clinical practice including vaccine hesitancy, and determine strategies to overcome these barriers
  • Counsel patients on the impact of pneumococcal vaccination
  • Describe the two available pneumococcal vaccines available in Australia (13vPCV and 23vPPV), how they differ, what they cover, and the updated AIH and NIP schedules.