In this edition of the NJIN monthly newsletter, we present several

vaccine-related articles and updates related to topics such as Flu and COVID-19.

Spotlight:

Upcoming Events

Adult Immunization Conference 2024

The Vital Role of Adult Immunizations in Managing Chronic Conditions

In partnership with the American College of Physicians, NJIN will host the 2024 Adult Immunization Conference on Wednesday, October 30^th. Registration is required.

Webinar on demand

Back to School 2024

Best Practices for Disease Surveillance and Prevention for a Healthy School Year

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Back to School webinar! If you missed the live broadcast, you can now access the recording and evaluation survey at Immunizenj.org.

CME credit is available to those who view the recording and complete our Surveymonkey evaluation.

A huge thank you to our speakers and our partners at the New Jersey Department of Health for helping to put on a successful event!

Featured Articles and Resources

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the team at NIN would be remiss not to acknowledge the important facts that all members should be aware of:

What You Need to Know

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States.
• About 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer during their life.
• Although most breast cancers are diagnosed in older women, in rare cases breast cancer does affect women under the age of 45. 
• About 9% of all breast cancer cases in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.
• Breast cancer in young women is more likely to be hereditary than breast cancer in older women and more likely to be found at a later stage, when it is often more aggressive and difficult to treat. Many young women do not know their risk for breast cancer or ways to manage their risk.

Although no vaccine currently exists to prevent breast cancer, there are vaccines undergoing medical trial, such as the novel vaccine under investigation at the Cleveland Clinic, which aims to prevent triple-negative breast cancer.

Perceived Effects of COVID-19 on Vaccine Hesitancy and Clinician Discussion: A Qualitative Study 

Pediatrics

Background and Objectives

Studies note a high prevalence of pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-specific vaccine hesitancy in the United States. Our objective was to assess whether clinicians perceive a spillover effect of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy onto other vaccines, and the impact of this spillover on their general recommendation behavior.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with pediatricians in California and Colorado pediatric practices (January–March 2023). We transcribed, coded, and analyzed interviews using content analysis.

Results

We interviewed 21 pediatricians (10 in California, 11 in Colorado). Clinicians observed some spillover effect of vaccine-favorable changes among some parents and greater hesitancy among others regarding the risks and benefits of childhood vaccination in general. This spillover was informed by 2 divergent patterns of parental trust in health systems and individual clinicians caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors driving perceived changes included media coverage, greater knowledge about vaccination, and misinformation. Some clinicians felt that their approach to vaccine recommendations became more patient-centered, whereas others reported declining engagement in persuading hesitant parents about vaccination.

Conclusions

Clinicians described a hardening of parental views toward vaccines in both directions, which impacted their recommendation behavior. There is a need for vaccine hesitancy monitoring and better training and support for clinicians facing vaccine hesitant parents.

Need Vaccines for Your Clinic?

Order Now!

CDC

If you haven’t ordered vaccines for your clinic, it’s not too late. This tool from the CDC makes ordering and offering vaccines easier.

Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

CDC

Key Points (week ending October 5)

• Seasonal influenza activity remains low nationally.
• An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu and vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu.
• CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are spreading.
• Flu viruses are among several viruses that contribute to respiratory disease activity. CDC is providing updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity on a weekly basis.

COVID-19 - Current Epidemic Growth Status (Based on R_t) for States and Territories

CDC

This interactive tool from the CDC allows users to view the current COVID-19 epidemic growth status for all US states and territories.

Key Points:

• "As of October 8, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 0 states, declining or likely declining in 43 states, and are stable or uncertain in 4 states."
• New Jersey: The COVID-19 epidemic trend is declining. Probability COVID-19 epidemic is growing: 2.70% (Declining). R_t Estimate: 0.81 (0.68 - 1.00).

Additional Reads

Click on the headlines below for more articles.

1. Health officials express concern about low vaccination rates as respiratory virus season begins AAP Pediatrics
2. FDA Approves First Flu Vaccine for At-Home Use AAP Pediatrics
3. Pediatric Flu Deaths Reach 'Grim New Milestone' AAP Pediatrics
4. FDA Lays Out Process to Update Bird Flu Vaccines in Preparation for Pandemic AAP Pediatrics
5. CDC: Drop in Vaccinations Could Cause Resurgence of Measles, Varicella and More AAP Pediatrics
6. California Reports Five Possible Human Bird Flu Cases Reuters

Upcoming NJIN Events

Community Baby Showers

NJIN is embarking on a new community initiative, “Community Baby Showers.” A community baby shower is to celebrate and support mothers-to-be in underserved communities by providing them with essential resources, information, and a supportive network as they prepare for the arrival of their babies. It aims to empower mothers, promote health and well-being, foster connections among community members, and create a positive and nurturing environment for mothers and their families. A community baby shower shows love, care, and solidarity with expecting mothers, ensuring they feel celebrated and supported during this special time in their lives.

Flu Warriors Festivals

NJIN will host several Flu Warriors Festivals for the Fall of 2024 across the state of New Jersey. The events will target areas with large uninsured and underserved populations. Attendees will be provided with the opportunity to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines along with educational materials on vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.

NJIN is currently looking for volunteers to help assist with our Festivals, particularly those with a clinical background and Spanish speakers. If interested, please contact us via email.

Other Community Events

NJIN has had a presence at several other community events such as the Fall Family Health Fair, hosted by Virtua Health.

NJIN Meetings Schedule

November 6, 2024 (Wed)

NJIN Education and Events Committee

1:00pm - 2:00pm

November 13, 2024 (Wed)

NJIN Steering Committee

8:30am - 9:30am

We Want to Hear From You!

We at NJIN would like to encourage input from our newsletter readers. Any suggestions on topics, resources, or other ideas that you'd like to see included going forward are welcome!

Please share your feedback with NJIN Director Maria Sciancalepore via email at msciancalepore@njaap.org.