Shared decision-making for vaccines

Shared decision-making is the process by which health care providers and patients work collaboratively to evaluate and select treatment options. In June 2019, this approach was included in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP's) updated recommendations for the 9-valent human papillomavirus (9vHPV) and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccines. Using shared decision-making, 9vHPV may be administered to individuals aged 27 years through 45 years who are not adequately vaccinated, and PCV13 may be administered to adults aged 65 years or older who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leak, and who have not previously received PCV13. Although not a new concept for physicians and providers in clinical practice, shared decision-making for vaccines presents additional opportunities for pharmacists and student pharmacists to actively engage patients in determining what vaccines they need and which ones to consider. In addition to the new 9vHPV and PCV13 recommendations, this approach should be applied to other vaccines that may benefit non-high-risk individuals based on guidance from ACIP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedules.