NJIN is proud to present our first newsletter of the second quarter.

In this edition of the NJIN monthly newsletter, we present several

vaccine-related articles and updates related to topics such as RSV, Flu, and Covid.

Featured Articles and Resources

Key Information for 2023-2024

Respiratory Disease Season

Respiratory viruses typically circulate more widely during the fall and winter months.

The severity of a respiratory season can be measured by the number of people hospitalized, which stresses the healthcare system.

CDC expects this year to be similar to last year regarding the total number of hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As with the previous year, the total number of hospitalizations this year is expected to be higher than what we experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Providers should offer vaccines as appropriate. Vaccines for all three major respiratory viruses – COVID-19, flu, and RSV - are available this fall for the first time in U.S. history. New and updated vaccinations are available for COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Healthcare facilities should encourage all eligible residents and staff to stay current with available vaccinations. Vaccine education and resources available from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) include:

• CDC Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines
• CDC COVID-19 ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
• CDC Adult RSV ACIP Vaccine Recommendations

RSV Shots for Infants in Short Supply as CDC Issues New Recommendation

Officials at the CDC have recommended that US physicians reserve their 100 mg doses of Sanofi's Beyfortus injection for infants who are at highest risk of respiratory syncytial virus infection, as shortages of the drug continue. The manufacturer said it is experiencing "unprecedented demand" for the drug and is not currently accepting new orders for it.

Educational Lectures and Conferences

NJIN Adult Immunization Conference 2023

NJIN hosted its annual Adult Immunization Conference on Wednesday, November 1^st. The conference included presentations on a range of vaccine-related topics. Links to the conference recording and individual presentation slide decks can be found below.

The Viruses Have it! RSV COVID-19, and Influenza Vaccination in 2023

Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD

Medical Director

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

UAMS College of Medicine, Little Rock, Arkansas

Accessing NJIIS Vaccine Records Through the Docket App

Jill Dinitz-Sklar, MPH

Coordinator for Data and Data Systems

NJDOH Vaccine Preventable Disease Program

Communicating to Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy

Melisa Hart, MPH

Program Manager of Immunization Initiatives

Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey

The Importance of Immunization Among People with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Subspecialist's Perspective

John A. Dodson, MD, MPH

Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Population Health

New York University Grossman School of Medicine

Improvement of Influenza Vaccination Rates at an Inner City Medical Clinic and in the Community

A Quality Improvement Initiative

Anand Kaji, MD and Sara L. Wallach, MD, MACP

East Trenton Capital Clinic, Formerly St. Francis Medical Center Medical Clinic, Trenton, NJ

Using the NJDOH Immunization Job Aids Quality Improvement

Fran Griffin, RRT, MPA

Consultant

NJIN General Membership Meeting

NJIN hosted its latest bimonthly General Membership meeting on Wednesday, November 15^th. Presenters included Dr. Anand Kaji and Dr. Sara L Wallach, Brittney Bennett-Mahmoud, MA, and Melisa Hart, MPH. Their presentations can be found below.

Improvement of Influenza Vaccination Rates at an Inner City Medical Clinic and in the Community

A Quality Improvement Initiative

Anand Kaji, MD and Sara L. Wallach, MD, MACP

Protect Me with 3+

Melisa Hart, MPH

Protect Me with 3+ is a statewide contest for NJ grades 5-12 students. Participants are asked to create a poster or 30-second video that promotes vaccination for COVID-19, Influenza, Human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY), and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap).

Follow the links below for more contest details.

Announcements

Seeking Nominations:

New NJIN Co-Chair

As a reminder, the process of nominating a new NJIN Co-chair has been initiated. The ballot period for nominations began on November 15^th and will end on November 30^th.

Nominations should be sent to NJIN Director Maria Sciancalepore at msciancalepore@njaap.org and should include a short blurb describing what makes that person the perfect candidate.

As Dr. Lisa LaCarrubba completes her term as NJIN Co-chair, we would once again like to thank her for her commitment and contributions to the membership during these last two years.

Click the link below for more information about the role of NJIN Co-chair, the nomination process, and the final voting process to select a new Co-chair.

NJIN Flu Warriors Festivals 2023

NJIN organized and conducted four Flu Warriors festivals during the 2023 Fall season. The festivals brought together communities at locations spanning several regions of the state with the goals of providing influenza vaccinations to people of all ages and educating the public about the benefits of vaccines. Children enjoyed giveaways, novelty items, and a puppet show.

A total of 430 individuals were vaccinated.

Events

1. Sept. 16 - Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers, Pemberton
2. Oct. 7 - St. Joseph's Health, Paterson
3. Oct. 14 - Hackensack Meridian Health System, Neptune
4. Nov. 7 - Virtua Health, Edgewater Park

Upcoming meetings

Wed, January 10, 2024

NJIN General Membership - New Co-Chair

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Wed, January 17, 2024

NJIN General Membership Meeting

12:00pm - 1:00pm

We Want to Hear From You!

We at NJIN would like to encourage input from our newsletter readers. Any suggestions on topics, resources, or other ideas that you'd like to see included going forward are welcome!

Please share your feedback with NJIN Director Maria Sciancalepore via email at msciancalepore@njaap.org.