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Pharmacists' role in maternal immunization.

Kyle J GomesParkash RagsdaleNirma Khatri Vadlamudi
Published in: Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA (2024)
Maternal immunization is an important strategy to safeguard infants against vaccine-preventable diseases such as pertussis, which poses a significant economic burden on the health care system. Although the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine has been recommended for pregnant individuals since 2018, uptake varies widely across Canadian provinces. As 4.5 million Canadians do not have access to a regular physician, there is a need to find alternate ways of informing pregnant individuals about maternal immunization schedules. Given the wide accessibility of pharmacists across Canada, they should have a leading role in informing pregnant individuals about maternal vaccines. Training guidelines for pharmacists would ensure informative and effective conversations about vaccinations and promote vaccine safety and benefits, facilitating administration. Increased participation from pharmacists can significantly contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes, with the goal of reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in Canada.
Keyphrases
  • birth weight
  • pregnancy outcomes
  • pregnant women
  • emergency department
  • primary care
  • mental health
  • gestational age
  • weight gain
  • physical activity
  • adverse drug
  • preterm birth