Spotlight on Influenza and C. difficile

Influenza viruses can infect anyone, but certain high-risk groups can develop severe symptoms that can lead to hospitalization and poor outcomes. Every effort should be made to target these groups for influenza vaccination. CDC provides information for specific higher risk groups including older adults, people with chronic conditions, racial and ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities. CDC also provides information for other special groups including health professionals, as well as, businesses and employees. Visit CDC’s People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications.

If your patients are unsure about whether they are up to date on their vaccines, Immunize.org offers a Vaccinations for Adults: You’re never too old to get vaccinated resource that explains all the vaccines they might need.

November is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Awareness Month. It is estimated that Clostridioides difficile causes almost half a million infections annually. CDC provides tools to help educate people about the risk of C. diff, as well as resources designed to assist healthcare providers in preventing infection. This is especially important during the respiratory virus season. Find resources here.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Up; ED Visits and Deaths Decrease

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 9.2/1000 cases for the week ending October 28.

Vaccination remains a vital tool to protect public health. One dose of the updated 2023-2024 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.

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