New Influenza Vaccine Recommendations

The CDC has published new recommendations on the use of influenza vaccines for the 2023-2024 season. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu. Read the full recommendations here.

New COVID-19 Variant

The CDC is tracking a new COVID-19 variant: BA2.86, which is notable due to a large number of genetic differences from previous versions of SARS-CoV-2. CDC has prepared a Risk Assessment Summary of this new variant. At this time CDC reports two cases of this variant in the US, and it is still investigating the communicability of this variant as well as its expected response to forthcoming vaccines. However, the method of transmission appears to be the same as previous SARS-CoV-2 variants.

CDC therefore recommends that individuals follow the same preventive strategies to protect themselves and others from infection:

• Stay-up-to-date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines
• Stay home if sick
• Get tested for COVID-19 if needed
• Wear a mask that fits well over your nose and mouth
• Improve ventilation
• Practice hand hygiene

National Immunization Awareness Month Resources

As we close National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has created a Resource Round-Up. These resources, which include videos, infographics and fact sheets, can be used all year long to help raise awareness about vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of prevention through vaccination.

COVID-19 ED Visits and Hospitalizations Increase

COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased 21.6%. Deaths from COVID-19 are starting to increase as well, with a rise of 21.4% for the most recent reporting week. The 7-day moving average of ED visits with diagnosed COIVD-19 is 1.9% as of August 19 with the greatest number of cases in adults 75 years and older. Vaccination remains a vital tool to protect public health. One dose of the updated (bivalent) vaccine is required for individuals to be considered up to date.

You can make a difference. Help keep your community safe and healthy. Assess and offer vaccines at every encounter.

Who is Up-To-Date on COVID-19 Vaccines?

View the CDC map of COVID-19 up-to-date vaccinations and trend by age, sex and state, updated monthly. The total number of updated (ivalent) vaccine doses distributed: 152,508,460.

Vax Facts 5-Week Series Gets You Ready for Vaccine Season

Join us for a five-week education series to help with your vaccine campaign efforts. All 30-minute sessions will be on Wednesdays at 12 noon ET.

Session 1 - September 6

Visit our Resource Library to download a new LINKS Immunization Portfolio featuring patient/resident facing material on adult vaccines.

Upcoming Education

Leader's Forum September 14

September 14, 3 - 4 pm ET

OR

September 20, 11 am - 12 pm ET

Our topic this quarter: implementing sepsis tools and resources across the continuum. Join us for this impactful opportunity for peer-to-peer sharing.