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NJIN Monthly Newsletter
February 2024
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As we progress deeper into February and away from peak respiratory disease season, it is important to note that levels of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV remain elevated.
In this edition of the NJIN monthly newsletter, we present several
vaccine-related articles and updates related to topics such as RSV, Flu, and COVID-19.
At our last NJIN General Membership meeting, Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr. presented on the impact of these diseases and what can be done to address them. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the slides, contact epardun@njaap.org.
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NJIN Webinar:
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Updates and Information Session
Wednesday, February 28th
8:30am-9:30am
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Featured Articles and Resources | |
Measles Outbreaks Are Occurring In Some Pockets of the US. Here's Why Doctors Are Concerned | |
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Eight confirmed cases of measles were recently identified in the Philadelphia area, all among unvaccinated individuals. These cases, in addition to those identified in Delaware, Washington state, and Camden County New Jersey represent the continuation of an alarming trend of outbreaks occurring throughout the United States year after year.
After being declared eliminated in 2000, Measles has since made a resurgence in the US driven in part by dip in childhood vaccination rates.
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Current Epidemic Growth Status (Based on Rt) for States and Territories
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This interactive tool from the CDC allows users to view the current COVID-19 and flu epidemic growth status for all US states and territories.
Key Points:
- As of February 03, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 7 states and territories, declining or likely declining in 18 states and territories, and are stable or uncertain in 26 states and territories.
- As of February 03, 2024, we estimate that influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 7 states and territories, declining or likely declining in 24 states and territories, and are stable or uncertain in 19 states and territories.
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Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report
(CDC FluView)
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Key Points (Updated February 9)
- 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.
- Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationally with increases in some parts of the country.
- CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are spreading.2 Vaccination now can still provide benefit this season.
- CDC estimates that there have been at least 22 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 15,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
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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.
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Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update (CDC) | |
This interactive map from the CDC allows users to view Influenza-like-illness (ILI) activity levels across the United States over time. Users can explore a number of features, including the ability to click on any state and be redirected to state-level surveillance tools and other resources. | |
US to Offer More Free COVID Tests Nationwide | |
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Every U.S. household may place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home.
After you’ve tested, report your result – whether it’s positive or negative! Report at-home test results to public health agencies at MakeMyTestCount.org.
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Spotlight:
Vaccines for Children (VFC)
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For resources and information on the New Jersey VFC program, including the newly updated provider manual, click the links below.
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Spotlight:
American Heart Month
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What People With Heart Disease Should Know About Vaccines Today | |
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Being vaccinated against COVID-19, flu and other illnesses is an important way for people with heart disease to protect themselves.
Diseases caused by viruses, such as the coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, can cause inflammation, which can lead to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). So can bacterial illnesses such as pneumonia.
That makes being vaccinated against COVID-19, flu and other illnesses an important way for people with heart disease to protect themselves.
Click below for more about how vaccines protect against heart health risks, as well as a comparison of the risks and benefits of vaccination.
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Yale Study Reveals Insights Into Post-Vaccine Heart Inflammation Cases | |
Since COVID-19 vaccines were first administered, public health officials have found an increase in cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, particularly among young males in their teens or early 20s who had been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines. Myocarditis is a generally mild inflammation of heart tissue which can cause scarring but is usually resolved within days.
However, studies have found the protection from COVID-19-induced myocarditis offered from the vaccine is greater than any increased risk that receiving the vaccine may pose.
One study found the risk of cardiac complications in males 12-17 years old was 1.8 – 5.6 times higher after getting COVID-19 disease than after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among males aged 12 to 17, about 22 to 36 per 100,000 experienced myocarditis within 21 days after receiving a second vaccine dose. The incidence of myocarditis was 50.1 to 64.9 cases per 100,000 after infection with the COVID-19 virus among males in this age group.
Yale scientists have identified the immune signature of these rare cases of myocarditis in those who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, a discovery that could help researchers further optimize mRNA vaccine technology and reduce such incidents in the future.
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February 28, 2024 (Wed)
NJIN Webinar:
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Updates and Information Session
8:30am - 9:30am
February 28, 2024 (Wed)
NJIN Education and Events Committee
1:00pm - 1:30pm
March 13, 2024 (Wed)
NJIN Steering Committee
8:30am - 9:30am
March 20, 2024 (Wed)
NJIN Steering Committee
12:00pm - 1:00pm
More Planned Events for 2024
September 2024 - Date TBA
Back to School Webinar
Fall 2024 - Date TBA
Adult Immunization Conference
August 28, 2024 (Wed)
Grand Round Collaboration with Hackensack Meridian Health
(Speaker: Dr. Meg Fisher)
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We Want to Hear From You! | |
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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.
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