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February 15, 2024

Influenza Update: More than 15,000 Deaths and 22 Million Cases

Respiratory viruses are continuing to circulate. Influenza-like illness remains high in many parts of the country. Although the number of weekly flu-related hospital admissions decreased slightly this week, outpatient respiratory illness has been above the national baseline of 2.9% - holding at 4.4% since November. CDC estimates there have been at least 22 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 15,000 deaths from flu this season. The CDC recommends prompt treatment with antivirals for people who have flu or suspected flu.


Safeguarding Elders & Communities – Can We Do More?  

With over 900,000 seniors lost to COVID-19, this KFF article questions why more isn't being done to safeguard older adults, as life-saving vaccines and antivirals go underutilized. Let's recognize the profound impact of preventive measures like vaccination, masking, and effective treatments. Take action now to safeguard our elders and communities.

Explore a wealth of vaccine resources on our dedicated WAVE immunization microsite.

Check back often as additional resources are added regularly!

Visit the WAVE site here.

COVID-19 Update: Decline in Hospitalizations and Deaths, Focus on Vaccination

The greatest number of COVID-19 cases continue to be seen in adults 75 years and older.


Long-term Care Facilities confirmed COVID-19 cases remain high at 6.8/000 cases for the week ending February 4.


Vaccination remains a vital tool to protect public health. One dose of the updated 2023-2024 Moderna, Pfizer or Novavax vaccine is recommended for individuals to be considered up to date.

Check Your Community's Stats
Who's Considered Up To Date?

Vaccine Resources

Vaccine Clinic Toolkit:

Empower Your Community Partnership



Access invaluable tools and resources to collaborate with your community in hosting a vaccination clinic aimed at boosting vaccination rates among residents, staff, and their families. Access it here.

Upcoming Events

IPRO Short Sessions: Collaborating for Equity:

Establishing Organizational Commitment to Health Equity


February 28 @ 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Discover practical strategies to reduce disparities and promote health equity in a concise 30-minute session. Join IPRO as we delve into Priority 3 of the CMS Framework for Health Equity and explore promising practices to advance equitable healthcare outcomes. Register now.

Education

Complimentary IPCO Training Available

Empower your team with AHCA/NCAL's Infection Preventionist training (IPCO) at no cost. Expand your skillset and strengthen your facility's infection prevention measures. This offer is open to one individual per nursing center in CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, and VT.

Residents of Rhode Island, please register here.

Stay informed in your

vaccination efforts:


  • Visit our WAVE page to access up-to-date resources to support your efforts

Keep the learning going:


  • Visit our calendar to register for upcoming events
  • Access on-demand training with IPRO Learn!

For questions or technical assistance:


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The IPRO QIN-QIO works to ensure high-quality, safe health care in New England, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
This material was prepared by the IPRO QIN-QIO, a Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of CMS or HHS, and any reference to a specific product or entity herein does not constitute endorsement of that product or entity by CMS or HHS. 12SOW-IPRO-QIN-T1-AA-21-435