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NJIN Monthly Newsletter

January 2025

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.

Upcoming Webinars

Vaccines, Autism, and Neurodiversity

January 22nd, 2025


On Wednesday, January 22nd, NJIN will host a webinar titled Vaccines, Autism, and Neurodiversity. Our keynote speaker Peter Hotez, MD, will present on his 2018 book, Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism: My Journey as a Vaccine Scientist, Pediatrician, and Autism Dad. We will also be joined by Danielle Hall from the Autism Society of America, who will discuss topics that include understanding autism, practical strategies for providers, and the Vaccine Education Initiative - a national program that addresses systemic barriers, while promoting vaccine education, confidence, and access.


CME now available.

To register for the webinar, you can open the flyer document and click the "Click to Register" button, or click the button below.

Registration is required.

Click to Register

Vaccines For Children Webinar

March 14th, 2025


On March 14, 2025, NJIN will host a vaccine update webinar in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health Vaccine Preventable Disease Program. 

Topics will include:

  • New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS)
  • Vaccines for Children (VFC)
  • Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP)
  • Health Education
  • Disease surveillance
  • Population health

More information to follow.

 

In the meantime, you can review the following links to familiarize yourself with VFC program information.

NJDOH VFC Documents

These pages are updated periodically and include many new reference documents including a new temperature excursion webinar.

VFC/317 Location Finder

Spotlight:

Birth Defects Awareness Month

The CDC recognizes January as National Birth Defects Awareness Month. Individuals should ensure they are up to date on vaccinations before getting pregnant. When they do get pregnant, they should talk to their health care provider about what vaccinations to get during pregnancy. Vaccinations can help protect you from certain diseases that can harm you and your baby during pregnancy.

Some vaccinations you get during pregnancy can help keep your baby safe from infection during the first few months of life.

There's no evidence that vaccines are linked to birth defects or developmental issues.

CDC's Birth Defects Awareness Month

For more on immunizations during pregnancy, read the article from healthychildren.org by clicking the button below.

Immunizations During Pregnancy

Featured Articles and Resources

NJIN Survey on Vaccine Knowledge and Referral Practices

The New Jersey Immunization Network is requesting feedback from providers in our membership to help inform our upcoming webinar, Shot of Truth: Addressing Vaccine Myths, Barriers, and Building Confidence with Cultural Humility.


This brief survey on vaccine knowledge and referral practices will help our speakers tailor their presentations to address the interests and the needs of our audience.


Additional information on this webinar will follow in the coming weeks.

Take Our Survey

Preliminary Estimated Flu Disease Burden 2024-2025 Flu Season 

CDC

During each flu season, CDC provides weekly estimates of the burden of influenza in the United States. This web page provides weekly, preliminary estimates of the cumulative in-season numbers of flu illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. These estimates of the burden of flu in the population and the impact of flu vaccination are then used to inform policy and communications related to flu.

Learn More

COVID Vaccine Liability Protection Extended Through 2029

Department of Health and Human Services

On December 11, 2024, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, issued a statement extended liability protections for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act through December 31, 2029. This extension follows the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023 acknowledging the continued risk of future outbreaks and need for ongoing preparedness.

The amendment, effective as of January 1, 2025, provides immunity from liability to healthcare providers, including licensed pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians, when administering COVID-19 vaccines and tests, along with seasonal flu vaccines. It also preempts state laws that would otherwise restrict professionals from dispensing or administering the countermeasures.

Click Here to Read the Full Declaration

Reminder: CDC 2025 Immunization Recommendations Schedules Now Available

CDC

The 2025 Adult Immunization Schedule approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and adopted by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director on October 24, 2024 is now available. 

CDC’s goal is for the schedules to provide the public, health care providers, and programs with clear, concise, and up-to-date immunization information. These tools help ensure immunizations are timely, effective, and given safely.

Healthcare Provider Immunization Schedules
Schedule Changes & Guidance
Simplified Immunization Schedules - "Easy to Read" 

Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

CDC

Key Points (week ending January 4)

  • Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the country.
  • New Jersey: Outpatient respiratory illness activity is "very high."
  • "Although some indicators have decreased or remained stable this week compared to last, this could be due to changes in healthcare seeking or reporting during the holidays rather than an indication that influenza activity has peaked. The country is still experiencing elevated influenza activity and is expected to continue for several more weeks."
  • CDC estimates that there have been at least 9.1 million illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations, and 4,700 deaths from flu so far this season.
  • 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 ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
  • 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.
Learn More

COVID-19 - Current Epidemic Growth Status (Based on Rt) 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 January 7, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 2 states, declining or likely declining in 32 states, and not changing in 13 states."
  • New Jersey: The COVID-19 epidemic trend is likely declining. Probability COVID-19 epidemic is growing: 14.85%. Rt Estimate: 0.88 (0.63 - 1.09).
Learn More

Additional Reads

Click on the headlines below for more articles and resources.

  1. CDC: 16 Children Have Died of Flu During 2024-'25 Season AAP
  2. Study: Apnea More Common in Hospitalized Preterm Infants Who Received 2-Month Vaccines, But Benefits Outweigh Risks AAP
  3. Vaccine Administration Errors Continue Upward Trajectory Since Pandemic AAP
  4. RSV Vaccines: Questions Patients May Have and How to Answer AMA

Upcoming NJIN Events

Community Baby Showers

In 2025, NJIN is continuing to build upon our 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. Here is a list of our upcoming showers.



1.     March 20, 2025 (Thur.)

1:00pm-4:00pm

  • Partner: Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers
  • Venue: All Wars Memorial Building
  • Address: 1510 Adriatic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401



2.     April 24, 2025 (Thur.)

Time TBD

  • Partner: Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers
  • Venue: Tabernacle Baptist Church
  • Address: 150 E 2nd St, Burlington, 08016

NJIN Meetings Schedule

February 13, 2025 (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 us at NJIN@njaap.org.