Resources to Support You in Combating Respiratory Viruses

The respiratory virus season is in full swing and many organizations have published various tools and resources to not only prepare for the season, but to assist in increasing vaccine uptake for vaccines such as influenza, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal. The CDC’s Resources to Prepare for Flu, COVID-19, and RSV provides tools and resources targeted to specific populations of older adults, including those with limited vaccine access, those in long-term care settings, and those with health disparities. CDC also offers a Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes. This resource provides an action plan for vaccine uptake as well as managing infections both in residents and healthcare workers.



The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) recently released the 2023 #GetVaccinated webpage featuring an updated toolkit that includes provider resources as well as promotional materials. Featured documents are the Summary of CMS Vaccine Regulations as well as Medicare Billing Guidance. Patient-facing material such as social media assets are available in both English and Spanish.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Down; ED Visits and Deaths 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 8.2/1000 cases for the week ending October 22.

Vaccination remains a vital tool to protect public health. One dose of the updated 202302024 Moderna, Pfizer, or Novavax 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.

Upcoming Education

ANTICOAGULATION LEARNING CIRCLE

Among older adults, oral anticoagulants are the most common causes of adverse drug events (ADEs) leading to emergency room visits and emergent hospitalizations. The Anticoagulation Learning Circle offers a forum for education and sharing of resources and best practices with a goal for all participants to benefit from the wisdom and experience of the group. Join other clinicians and a subject matter expert in conversations focused on anticoagulation stewardship.

November 15 12 pm - 1 pm

The Patient, Family, and Care Partner Advisor (PFCA) Toolkit: Your Voice Matters

The demand for Patient, Family, and Care Partner Advisors (PFCAs) in healthcare is growing. Learn about our new Patient, Family, and Care Partner Advisor Toolkit, co-created with patient advisors, Janice Tufte and Rosie Bartel. This guide equips patients, families, care partners, clinicians, quality improvement teams, and community and healthcare organizations to effectively engage with decision-makers at all levels of the healthcare ecosystem, and will help to ensure that PFCA voices are integrated into policy and practices.

November 7, 12 - 1 pm

Ready to learn on the go? Listen to one of our informative Quest for Quality podcasts.

Episode 1 is a conversation with Stacy Gugino, MD, medical director at Brothers of Mercy Skilled Nursing Facility and Garden Gate Skilled Nursing Facility, about vaccine acceptance by patients and staff. Episode 2 features a conversation about COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the long term care setting with Dr. Michelle Bellantoni, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Listen now.