Streamline Vaccine Education with the CDC's Easy-to-Read Adult Vaccine Schedule | | |
The CDC's easy-to-read adult vaccine schedule is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to simplify patient education about lifelong vaccinations. This concise resource outlines recommended vaccines and the diseases they protect against, emphasizing the importance of staying up-to-date for optimal health protection.
Encourage your patients to review the schedule with you and discuss any concerns. Access the CDC's adult vaccine schedule and start using it in your practice today.
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JN.1 Variants Dominate U.S. COVID-19 Cases | | |
As of May 28, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant JN.1 and its descendants, KP.2 and KP.3, have high prevalence in the United States. KP.2 accounts for nearly 30% of new COVID-19 cases, while KP.3 is responsible for 12.7% of illnesses during the same period. Together, JN.1 and its descendant variants are causing a significant portion of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
Although more transmissible, JN.1 does not appear to cause more severe disease. However, its ability to evade antibodies from previous vaccines is concerning. To combat this, the FDA is expected to authorize updated boosters targeting the JN.1 lineage, with rollout anticipated in late summer or early fall.
Staying current with COVID-19 vaccinations remains the best defense against severe illness. Consult the CDC website or your healthcare provider for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
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Pneumococcal Vaccines: Protecting Against 100+ Bacterial Serotypes | | |
While pneumococcal disease is common in young children, older adults face the greatest risk of serious illness and death. Pneumococcal vaccines offer protection against more than 100 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria, which contribute to the U.S. burden of pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, sinusitis, and otitis media.
The CDC provides valuable information and resources for healthcare providers, including access to the PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor and a Shared Clinical Decision-Making Job Aid. These tools can help providers make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes related to pneumococcal vaccination.
By leveraging these resources and staying up-to-date on pneumococcal vaccine recommendations, healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in protecting their patients, especially older adults, from the serious consequences of pneumococcal disease.
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Animated Video Educates Patients on Pneumococcal Vaccine | | |
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This newly released two-minute animated video educates people about the importance of receiving the pneumococcal vaccine.
Download it and share with residents, family members and visitors to your facility.
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CDC Avian Influenza Update: Low Public Risk, Monitoring Continues | | |
The CDC continues to monitor the H5N1 bird flu situation, despite the current low public health risk. While recent outbreaks have affected poultry and U.S. dairy cows, the CDC's flu surveillance systems remain vigilant in detecting any potential H5N1 activity in humans.
To support communication efforts, the CDC has developed Avian Influenza Communication Resources. These materials, including social media messaging and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance for farm workers, aim to assist partners in promoting bird flu prevention strategies.
Healthcare professionals and public health partners are encouraged to utilize these resources to share accurate information and evidence-based prevention measures within their communities.
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Chronic Conditions Corner | | |
Pneumococcal Vaccine FAQ: | | |
Q: My patient just turned 65 and has never had a pneumococcal vaccine. What are my options?
A: For adults 65 years and older with no prior pneumococcal vaccination or unknown history, you have two options:
- One dose of PCV20 alone, or
- One dose of PCV15 followed by a dose of PPSV23 one year later (consider giving PPSV23 as soon as 8 weeks later if the patient has an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid leak).
Q: Does a patient with a history of laboratory-confirmed pneumococcal pneumonia still need to be vaccinated?
A: Yes. There are over 100 known serotypes of pneumococcus and infection with one serotype doesn't necessarily provide immunity to others. If the person is a candidate for vaccination, they should receive it even after one or more episodes of pneumococcal disease.
Q: What is the ACIP recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination of older adults?
A: ACIP recommends routine administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) for all adults 65 years or older who have never received any pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or whose previous vaccination history is unknown:
- If PCV15 is used, follow with a dose of PPSV23 one year later (minimum interval of 8 weeks for adults with an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid leak).
- If PCV20 is used, a dose of PPSV23 is not indicated.
For more vaccine FAQs visit: immunize.org. Visit our WAVE page for resources to support for your vaccine efforts:
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IP3 - Office Hours for Infection Preventionists
Join our IP3 group for a lively discussion with other infection preventionists to share new infection prevention ideas and discover new strategies.
This group is hosted by Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, and Mary Ellen Casey, MSN, RN every Thursday at 11 am ET.
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Stay informed about vaccine updates:
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Visit our WAVE page to access up-to-date resources to support your efforts
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Keep the learning going:
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Visit our calendar to register for upcoming events
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Access on-demand training with IPRO Learn!
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For questions or technical assistance:
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The IPRO QIN-QIO works to ensure high-quality, safe health care in New England, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
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This material was prepared by the IPRO QIN-QIO, a Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of CMS or HHS, and any reference to a specific product or entity herein does not constitute endorsement of that product or entity by CMS or HHS. 12SOW-IPRO-QIN-T1-AA-21-435
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