Shared clinical decision making on vaccines: Nothing has really changed for pharmacists

Abstract

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has begun utilizing a new recommendation known as “Shared Clinical Decision-Making.” This recommendation from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls upon health care providers, including pharmacists, to have more engaged conversations with patients regarding their vaccine needs. This commentary is designed to provide pharmacists with clarifications on the intent behind this terminology, and dispel myths that have frequently been attributed to the category of recommendation. Pharmacists must continue to take action to immunize patients and not be confused by a new approach to recommendation terminology.