New COVID-19 Vaccine Approved

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines that target variants of the virus that are currently circulating. The new monovalent vaccines provide better protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death. As part of the FDA's announcement, the bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines previously approved are no longer authorized for use in the United States. Read more.

The following day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its recommendation that everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, which it expects to be available this week. In a press release, the CDC said, "Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration." It also noted that most Americans can receive a COVID-19 vaccine for free. Most private health insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine, while those with no insurance can get a free vaccine from local health centers, departments of health, or pharmacies that participate in the Bridge Access Program. 

First Vaccine Season to Offer Protection Against Three Main Viruses

The CDC noted that this will be the first fall and winter season in which vaccines are available for the three viruses most responsible for hospitalizations - COVID-19, RSV and flu. The CDC has updated its Influenza Communication Resource Center. The site includes the CDC Digital Media Toolkit for the 2023-2024 flu season. With the theme of "Wild to Mild," these materials can help you communicate the importance of vaccination to not only lesson flu complications but decrease possible hospitalizations.

COVID-19 ED Visits and Hospitalizations Increase

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

Long-term care facilities are seeing an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases, reporting 8.7/1000 cases for the week ending September 3.

Vaccination remains a vital tool to protect public health. One dose of the updated vaccine is required for individuals to be considered up to date.

You can make a difference. Help keep your community safe and healthy. Remember to WAVE - ask "What About 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.

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 3 - Exploring the Vaccination Toolkit September 20

Session 4 - Engaging your Resident Council September 27

Session 5 - Vaccinations and MDS & NHSN October 4

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

Hurricane Lee Heading North: Are You Prepared?

Hurricane Lee continues to hurtle north toward the northern New England coastline, with high winds and heavy rain possible for Long Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Meanwhile severe weather events are occurring with increasing frequency throughout the IPRO QIN-QIO region. Hurricane Lee has the potential to affect our region overnight on Friday and over the weekend, when staff may be less familiar with emergency preparedness protocols.

Whether or not you are located in the potential path of this storm, this is a good time to review recommendations on preparedness and storm safety such as those offered by Ready.gov. Facilities should monitor local emergency management websites, including the sites for Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine which have posted hurricane safety information.  You can track the expected path of Hurricane Lee here.

Upcoming Education

Leader's Forum: Addressing Sepsis Across the Continuum

September 20, 11 am - 12 pm ET

Join this quarter to hear how providers across the IPRO QIN-QIO are addressing sepsis in their communities. We’ll hear about New York’s Home Health Effort, a SNF collaborative in Maryland, and community-focused effort in Maine. 

Share what you are doing and learn from others.