As we conclude the month of October and Breast Cancer Awareness month, we begin November with a focus on Men's Health Awareness. The New Jersey Immunization Network encourages our members to join the movement to raise awareness for men's health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

NJIN General Membership Meeting

On Wednesday, September 18^th, NJIN will host guest speaker, Andrew Jameson, MD, at our General Membership meeting. Dr. Jameson will present: Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Its Implications on Persons Living with HIV.

Spotlight: Men's Health Awareness Month

November is a month for men’s health awareness. It is a global movement creating awareness about common men's health issues that commonly go ignored. On average, American men live over five years less than women and more than 12% of men over 18 are in fair or poor health.

Vaccination is an important preventative health intervention that helps ensure optimal health.

Recommended vaccines for men:

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for men who have sex with other men because it can be transmitted through oral or anal contact. 
• COVID-19: Studies have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for men and should be recommended for men seeking fertility treatment. 
• HPV: Recommended for men up to age 26, and for some men ages 27–45. 
• Tdap: Recommended for men to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Men should get one dose of Tdap, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years. 
• Influenza: Men should get the flu vaccine annually. 
• Shingles: Recommended for men 50 and older. 
• Chickenpox: Recommended for men born in 1980 or later. 
• MMR: Recommended for men born in 1957 or later. 
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for men up to age 59, and for some men 60 and older with risk factors. 

Statewide Fatherhood Conference

In keeping with the theme of the month, NJIN had the pleasure of attending the 2024 Statewide Fatherhood Conference in New Brunswick, NJ on November 7^th. Hosted by the Father Center of New Jersey, the aim of the conference was to stress the importance of the role of fathers within both families and the society at large through a conference covering critical fatherhood-focused topics.

Webinars On Demand

Adult Immunization Conference 2024

The Vital Role of Adult Immunizations in Managing Chronic Conditions

Aired October 30^th, 2024

CME Available: 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Completing this evaluation is required for those seeking continuing education credits.

Back to School 2024

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

Aired September 26^th, 2024

CME Available: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Completing this evaluation is required for those seeking continuing education credits.

Featured Articles and Resources

CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

CDC

On October 23, 2024, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. These updated recommendations also allow for flexibility for additional doses (i.e., three or more) for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their healthcare provider (a strategy known as shared clinical decision making).

CDC Recommends Lowering the Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination from 65 to 50 Years Old

CDC

On October 23, 2024, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old. Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases.

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 November 2)

• Seasonal influenza activity remains low nationally, although there are slight increases in the pediatric age groups.
• Percent positivity for influenza has trended upward slightly during the past few weeks and the percentage of emergency department visits for influenza increased slightly among pediatric age groups this week.
• 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 November 12, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 3 states, declining or likely declining in 23 states, and are stable or uncertain in 22 states."
• New Jersey: The COVID-19 epidemic trend is declining. Probability COVID-19 epidemic is growing: 39.35% (Not changing). R_t Estimate: 0.98 (0.83 - 1.11).

Additional Reads

Click on the headlines below for more articles and resources.

1. Less Than 1 in 6 Health Workers Got COVID Booster Axios
2. Health Systems' Trouble with Vaccine Mandates Axios
3. 6 Reasons Patients Avoid Flu Vaccination AMA
4. Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines CDC
5. US FDA Lifts Clinical Hold On Novavax's Combo COVID-Flu Shot 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.

*822 individuals vaccinated as of 11/15/2024.

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 20, 2024 (Wed)

NJIN General Membership

12:00pm - 1:00pm

December 12, 2024 (Thu)

NJIN Steering Committee

9:00am - 10:00am

We Want to Hear From You!

The NJIN team encourages input from our 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.