In this edition of I Raise the Rates (IRtR), you will find a variety of new resources from several public health partners, educational opportunities, and a brief selection of popular media articles related to immunization.

2025 Adult Immunization Schedule

CDC

The 2025 Adult Immunization Schedule approved by the Advisory Commitee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and adopted by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director on October 24, 2024 is now available. 

Use of Additional Doses of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for Adults Aged > 65 Years and Persons Aged >6 Months with Moderate or Severe Immunocompromised: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices-United Staes, 2024-published in MMWR-December 12, 2024

Summary

In October 2024, ACIP recommended that all persons aged ≥65 years and persons aged 6 months–64 years with moderate or severe immunocompromise receive a second 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose 6 months after their last dose. Further, ACIP recommended that persons aged ≥6 months with moderate or severe immunocompromise may receive additional doses based on shared clinical decision-making.

COVID Vaccine Liability Protection Extended Through 2029

Department of Health and Human Services

On December 11, 2024, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, issued a statement extended liability protections for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act through December 31, 2029. This extension follows the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023 acknowledging the continued risk of future outbreaks and need for ongoing preparedness.

The amendment, effective as of January 1, 2025, provides immunity from liability to healthcare providers, including licensed pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians, when administering COVID-19 vaccines and tests, along with seasonal flu vaccines. It also preempts state laws that would otherwise restrict professionals from dispensing or administering the countermeasures.

Preliminary Estimated Flu Disease Burden 2024-2025 Flu Season 

CDC

During each flu season, CDC provides weekly estimates of the burden of influenza in the United States. This web page provides weekly, preliminary estimates of the cumulative in-season numbers of flu illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. These estimates of the burden of flu in the population and the impact of flu vaccination are then used to inform policy and communications related to flu.

Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 52, ending December 28, 2024

What to Know: Seasonal influenza activity continues to increase and is elevated across most of the county.

RSV Vaccines: Questions Patients May Have and How to Answer

American Medical Association

RSV is responsible for 100,000 - 150,000 hospitalizations among adults 60 year or older each year, according to the CDC. While there are multiple RSV vaccines available for eligible older adults, some patients may require further guidance before they choose to receive their dose. The American Medical Association provides a list of frequently asked questions that providers can use to help communicate with their patients and encourage RSV vaccine uptake.

Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests through covidtests.gov.

The tests available for order:

• Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
• Can be taken at home or other locations. Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
• Can be used for testing even if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms
• Can be used for testing whether you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines or not
• Are also referred to as self-tests or over the counter (OTC) tests

Upcoming Webinar

Vaccines, Autism, and Neurodiversity

Live Webinar

January 22^nd, 2025

12:00pm-1:30pm Eastern Time