Essential RSV Insights for Pharmacists Webinar Series
The insightful live webinars are designed to empower pharmacy professionals with RSV immunization strategies to better support their patients.
Note:
- Registering once will enroll you into the entire series. You do not need to register again and will receive information and links for upcoming webinars.
- Recordings of webinars will be available through the same course within a week after the event takes place. Registering for this series will give you access to all upcoming live and previously recorded webinars.
$0.00
Description
Description:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory infection that poses significant risks to vulnerable populations such as infants and older adults.
This series of engaging live webinars delves into the latest insights on RSV vaccines, patient education, and counselling techniques, enabling pharmacists to take proactive measures in preventing the spread of this viral respiratory illness. By participating in these webinars, pharmacists will be better prepared to mitigate the burden of RSV and enhance patient care through informed guidance and preventive strategies.
All webinars are scheduled for 12:00 pm and will end no later than 12:30pm for most.
Understanding and Managing the Burden of RSV
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Description
This insightful webinar will explore the significant impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the healthcare system. RSV poses notable risks across all age groups, but it is particularly severe for young children and older adults. In Canada, between 2017 and 2022, nearly half of the pediatric RSV hospitalizations occurred in infants under six months. For older adults, the situation is equally concerning, with an estimated 52.7 hospital admissions per 100,000 people over the age of 65.5 and a high mortality rate among those aged 75 and older within a year of hospitalization.
This webinar will provide pharmacy professionals with crucial updates on new preventative options for infants and older adults. Speaker Dr. Vivien Brown will discuss the burden of RSV throughout different stages of life, offering an overview of its impact on infants and seniors. Attendees will also gain insights into the challenges of diagnosing RSV, including its similarities to other viral respiratory illnesses and the associated risks. This session is essential for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding and improve their ability to counsel patients and caregivers effectively on RSV.
This webinar was developed by OPA and supported by an education grant from Pfizer.
About Dr. Vivien Brown, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP
Dr. Vivien Brown is a family physician, well-known international speaker, and best-selling author of “A Woman’s Guide to Healthy Aging.” She is active in numerous organizations including as vice president, North America for the Medical Women’s International Association; past president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada; former Chair of the Consumer Education Committee for the North American Menopause Society; Board member of the Women’s Brain Health Initiative. She has participated in several provincial and federal advisory bodies, including Immunize Canada.
Dr. Brown has received extensive recognition for her work, including the 2012 Family Physician of the Year (Toronto region) from the Ontario College of Family Physicians; the prestigious Enid Johnson MacLeod Award by the Federation of Medical Women of Canada for teaching in women’s health; the University of Toronto’s Excellence in Continuing Professional Community Development; The 2018 NAMS Media Award for promotion of women’s health; and the May Cohen Award from the Federation of Medical Women of Canada for mentorship and leadership in women’s health.
The focus of Dr. Brown’s speaking engagements includes stress in the workplace and stress management, health promotion and healthy aging, osteoporosis prevention, menopause, women’s health, reducing cancer risks and prevention, adult immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Right Place, Right Time? Community Pharmacy as a Gateway for Vaccine Preventable Illnesses
Thursday, September 5, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Description
With fewer Ontarians having access to a physician or nurse practitioner for primary care, community pharmacies are quickly becoming the primary access point for healthcare, especially in rural areas. Join us for an insightful webinar led by pharmacist and owner, Kristen Watt where she will dive into the critical role that pharmacies play in ensuring vaccine access. Vaccine-preventable illnesses are no longer confined to a seasonal focus for those on the front lines; pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are essential in the year-round battle against these illnesses. As the medically orphaned population continues to age, the need for proactive vaccination efforts by pharmacy professionals will only grow.
In this webinar, we will explore the strategies that community pharmacies can implement to maintain robust vaccine-preventable illness programs throughout the year. We will also highlight the vital contributions of pharmacy technicians in these efforts. Kristen will provide expert insights into how pharmacies can enhance their vaccination services, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of public health in their communities.
This webinar was developed by OPA and supported by an education grant from GSK.
About Kristen Watt
Kristen Watt, the owner of Kristen’s Pharmacy in Southampton, Ontario, practices innovative community pharmacy by moving the pharmacist out of the dispensary and into an office to maximize patient care. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Kristen has worked in chain, big box and independent community pharmacies before a period as a Long–Term Care Clinical Consultant. Believing that all pharmacy is clinical pharmacy, in 2017 Kristen opened her own independent pharmacy with an eye on the medication experience of the patient. Kristen works closely with her community to improve the health of her patients – from HRT and mental health to the newly minted minor ailments and all things COVID-19. Kristen believes pharmacists should be working to their full scope as clinicians in all settings and looks forward to a bright future in community pharmacy. Outside of pharmacy, Kristen is found at the rink cheering on her two sons.
Infant RSV: A Primer on the Disease, Impact, and the Pharmacists’ Role
Thursday, September 19, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Description
Infant RSV is a serious illness affecting a highly vulnerable population. While treatment often occurs in hospitals, prevention begins in the community pharmacy. Join us for an informative session where Dr. Steven Moss, a paediatrician and ER physician and will explain the pathophysiology, clinical features, and burden of RSV in infants. Following this, pharmacist Kristen Watt will address the crucial role community pharmacies play in both prevention and post-hospital treatment. This session will also provide practical tips on counselling caregivers about vaccine hesitancy and implementing effective vaccination strategies into your daily practice.
The presentation will ensure pharmacists are well-equipped with the knowledge to raise immunization awareness among caregivers and soon-to-be caregivers. Key topics will include the pathophysiology and clinical features of RSV, its impact on children, and what pharmacists can typically observe in a community pharmacy setting. Attendees will learn about management options and receive counselling tips, including discussions on preventive measures. This collaborative session, co-delivered by a physician and a pharmacist, aims to enhance your understanding and ability to manage RSV in infants effectively.
This webinar was developed by OPA and supported by an education grant from Sanofi.
About Dr. Steven Moss
Steven is a Toronto Community Paediatrician and a Staff Emergency Room Physician at the Hospital for Sick Children. He was awarded his Associate Professor designation for his advocacy work in enhancing vaccine uptake amongst vaccine-hesitant populations. His latest focus is on Health Care Provider Vaccine Hesitancy, where he provided the inaugural lecture of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Center for Vaccine Prevention. He has publications on vaccine-induced pain prevention, and research questioning the alcohol skin preparation. Steven has earned 10 teaching awards.
Previously, he was an active member on the Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee, the Paediatric Education Director at North York General Hospital, and the Chair of the Education Committee for the Child Health Network.
Within the University of Toronto Entrepreneur Program, Steven has developed the science and has Health Canada Approval, for a medical device that removes influenza, coronavirus and RSV from the nose.
Dr. Brown has received extensive recognition for her work, including the 2012 Family Physician of the Year (Toronto region) from the Ontario College of Family Physicians; the prestigious Enid Johnson MacLeod Award by the Federation of Medical Women of Canada for teaching in women’s health; the University of Toronto’s Excellence in Continuing Professional Community Development; The 2018 NAMS Media Award for promotion of women’s health; and the May Cohen Award from the Federation of Medical Women of Canada for mentorship and leadership in women’s health.
The focus of Dr. Brown’s speaking engagements includes stress in the workplace and stress management, health promotion and healthy aging, osteoporosis prevention, menopause, women’s health, reducing cancer risks and prevention, adult immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.
About Kristen Watt
Kristen Watt, the owner of Kristen’s Pharmacy in Southampton, Ontario, practices innovative community pharmacy by moving the pharmacist out of the dispensary and into an office to maximize patient care. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Kristen has worked in chain, big box and independent community pharmacies before a period as a Long-Term Care Clinical Consultant. Believing that all pharmacy is clinical pharmacy, in 2017 Kristen opened her own independent pharmacy with an eye on the medication experience of the patient. Kristen works closely with her community to improve the health of her patients – from HRT and mental health to the newly minted minor ailments and all things COVID-19. Kristen believes pharmacists should be working to their full scope as clinicians in all settings and looks forward to a bright future in community pharmacy. Outside of pharmacy, Kristen is found at the rink cheering on her two sons.
RSV Vaccinations: Insights for Pharmacy Professionals
Thursday, August 29, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Description
Pharmacy professionals play a critical role in counselling patients about RSV vaccinations. This webinar will explore the latest data and clinical evidence supporting the importance of RSV vaccination, providing a clear understanding of what the data means for your practice. Dr. Brown will also review the NACI guidelines on immunization, offering a comprehensive look at the recommendations and how they apply to the upcoming season.
Participants will gain practical information on integrating RSV vaccination into routine practice, enhancing their ability to effectively counsel patients and improve vaccination rates. This webinar is a prime opportunity to stay informed and prepare before the upcoming RSV season. Participants will gain the knowledge necessary to make a significant impact in patient care.
This webinar was developed by OPA and supported by an education grant from Pfizer.
About Dr. Vivien Brown, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP
Dr. Vivien Brown is a family physician, well-known international speaker, and best-selling author of “A Woman’s Guide to Healthy Aging.” She is active in numerous organizations including as vice president, North America for the Medical Women’s International Association; past president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada; former Chair of the Consumer Education Committee for the North American Menopause Society; Board member of the Women’s Brain Health Initiative. She has participated in several provincial and federal advisory bodies, including Immunize Canada.
Dr. Brown has received extensive recognition for her work, including the 2012 Family Physician of the Year (Toronto region) from the Ontario College of Family Physicians; the prestigious Enid Johnson MacLeod Award by the Federation of Medical Women of Canada for teaching in women’s health; the University of Toronto’s Excellence in Continuing Professional Community Development; The 2018 NAMS Media Award for promotion of women’s health; and the May Cohen Award from the Federation of Medical Women of Canada for mentorship and leadership in women’s health.
The focus of Dr. Brown’s speaking engagements includes stress in the workplace and stress management, health promotion and healthy aging, osteoporosis prevention, menopause, women’s health, reducing cancer risks and prevention, adult immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Incorporating Vaccine Counselling into Your Everyday Practice
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Description
In the intense world of community pharmacy, pharmacists often find themselves reacting to immediate patient needs. This webinar will provide practical guidance on adopting a proactive approach to vaccine-preventable illnesses. You’ll learn who, how, and when to approach vaccination discussions, helping to integrate a preventative care mentality into the everyday chaos of community pharmacy. By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with the tools to confidently initiate vaccine counselling with every patient interaction.
The session will cover essential vaccines pharmacy professionals should consider during each patient interaction and how to implement a proactive approach to vaccination. You’ll discover strategies to seamlessly integrate vaccine discussions and administration into your daily workflow, ensuring that patient care is comprehensive and preventative. By the end of this session, you’ll have the tools to enhance your practice by embedding vaccine counselling into your routine, ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health.
This webinar was developed by OPA and supported by an education grant from GSK.
About Kristen Watt
Kristen Watt, the owner of Kristen’s Pharmacy in Southampton, Ontario, practices innovative community pharmacy by moving the pharmacist out of the dispensary and into an office to maximize patient care. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Kristen has worked in chain, big box and independent community pharmacies before a period as a Long–Term Care Clinical Consultant. Believing that all pharmacy is clinical pharmacy, in 2017 Kristen opened her own independent pharmacy with an eye on the medication experience of the patient. Kristen works closely with her community to improve the health of her patients – from HRT and mental health to the newly minted minor ailments and all things COVID-19. Kristen believes pharmacists should be working to their full scope as clinicians in all settings and looks forward to a bright future in community pharmacy. Outside of pharmacy, Kristen is found at the rink cheering on her two sons.
RSV Readiness - Practical Guidance for Pharmacy Professionals
Thursday, September 26, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Description
Pharmacy professionals play a crucial role in advising patients and caregivers about RSV transmission, symptoms, and supportive measures. In this webinar, pharmacist John Papastergiou will deliver a presentation on how pharmacists can effectively communicate prevention strategies and vaccination options.
The webinar will cover key topics such as operationalizing RSV vaccination in the pharmacy, practical tips for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and essential talking points for patient discussions. Attendees will gain insights into the timing of RSV vaccinations, the coadministration of other vaccines, and the value of healthcare provider recommendations. Additionally, the webinar will offer strategic planning for the upcoming respiratory season, ensuring pharmacy professionals are well-prepared to support their communities.
This webinar was developed by OPA and supported by an education grant from Pfizer.
About John Papastergiou
John Papastergiou graduated from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto in 2002. After graduation, he was employed as a staff pharmacist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center. In 2005, John joined Shoppers Drug Mart and acquired his first store at Pape and Danforth. He now owns and operates four locations in downtown Toronto. In 2014, John received an appointment as an adjunct assistant professor at the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo. In 2016, he was cross appointed at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto.
In 2012, John was named the Shoppers Drug Mart Associate of the Year. In 2014, he received the OPA Mentorship Award and was named CPhA Canadian Pharmacist of the Year. In 2016, he was the recipient of the OPA Voice of the Profession Award and was awarded the Pharmacy Practice Commitment to Care Award for Overall Patient Care. In 2019, John was named by the International Forum on Advancement in Healthcare as one of the top 100 healthcare leaders globally. He was also presented with the OPA Award for Excellence in Research and Academia. In 2020 he was the recipient of the inaugural Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto Alumni Leadership Award.
Kindly note, after registering you will be emailed a Zoom link that will grant you access to all the webinars in this series.
This program is unaccredited for CEUs.
For more information, visit the Essential RSV Insights for Pharmacists signature learning series.
Sponsors:
This webinar series is developed by the Ontario Pharmacists Association and is supported through education grants from Pfizer Canada, Sanofi Canada and GSK Canada and is intended for healthcare professionals only.
Cancellation Policy:
Please refer to OPA’s Terms and Conditions of Purchase for cancellation policies.
