Massachusetts Pharmacists Association

12/28/2025

12/23/2025

To help address the confusion surrounding recent changes to the vaccine advisory process in the United States, the New England Journal of Medicine published a systematic review on immunizations for COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza for the 2025-2026 viral season. https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMsa2514268

12/21/2025

Among travelers, specific molecular types of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli are significantly associated with persistent diarrhea symptoms. This highlights these particular strains as predictors of prolonged illness, according to a study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41092256/

12/19/2025

DPH Commissioner rebukes misleading assertions about vaccines and autism

Boston — Vaccines do not cause autism, and there is no link between childhood vaccines and autism. This has been proven repeatedly through decades of rigorous, high-quality research involving millions of children worldwide. The evidence is clear, consistent, and overwhelming.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) rejects the assertion posted Nov. 19, 2025, on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website which suggests that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based or that studies have failed to rule out a connection between childhood vaccines and autism. Such claims are factually incorrect and deliberately misleading. They contradict the global scientific consensus and undermine public confidence in vaccines. Vaccines are one of the most effective and life-saving interventions in the history of medicine and public health.

For an official federal website to include such misinformation is deeply troubling and even dangerous. It fuels misinformation and leads to misplaced doubt that puts children, families, and communities at risk for serious illness. These claims reflect ideology, not evidence.

DPH is committed to providing the public with accurate, science-based information. We continue to monitor emerging research, consult with leading experts, and update our guidance as new high-quality evidence becomes available. And we will continue to push back forcefully against misinformation and disinformation that threaten the health and safety of the people of Massachusetts — especially when it appears on official federal platforms. We are currently reviewing our website and are removing links to CDC content that contains or amplifies such false and misleading claims. https://www.mass.gov/news/dph-commissioner-rebukes-misleading-assertions-about-vaccines-and-autism

12/17/2025

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly being integrated into health care systems, with advocates arguing that these technologies can enhance patient care, optimize clinical workflows and boost medical research. Nonetheless, medical ethicists highlight that the ethical issues related to the deployment of AI and ML are complex and multifaceted https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/ethical-considerations-of-artificial-intelligence-use-abound

12/16/2025

According to a study presented recently at IDWeek, the herpes zoster vaccine, commonly known as the shingles vaccine, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and even mortality in adults aged 50 years and older. The authors from Case Western Reserve University gathered and reviewed health records from more than 174,000 adults across 107 U.S. health systems. https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2025/shingles-vaccine-lowers-risk-of-dementia-major-cardiovascular-events/

12/14/2025

Here are the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy Continuing Education (CE) requirements for pharmacists:
Newly Licensed Pharmacists
Those licensed on or after October 1 have a grace period until April 30 of the following year to complete CE requirements for the previous year
No CE is required for the calendar year of graduation from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school
For full details:https://www.mass.gov/doc/2021-04-continuing-education-ce-requirements/download