July 25, 2024
 

COVID-19 Variant Update: New Omicron Subvariants on the Rise

As of July 15, 2024, the CDC has reported that three SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants - KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 - are now highly prevalent in the United States. Notably, the KP.3 variant accounts for approximately 37% of new COVID-19 cases nationwide.


Recent data from the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) support these findings, indicating increased viral activity in many communities. This wastewater monitoring provides an early warning, identifying trends in SARS-CoV-2 circulation even before clinical cases are reported.


Key points to remember:

  • These variants are descendants of the previously dominant JN.1 variant.
  • Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness.
  • Current vaccines produce antibodies that can recognize JN.1 and its descendants.


This update underscores the importance of staying informed about emerging variants and maintaining vaccination efforts. For more detailed information on these variants and their implications, visit the CDC's COVID Data Tracker.
 

Celebrate Immunization Month: Engage in Our Vaccine 'Small Talks'

National Immunization Awareness Month is here this August! We're commemorating it with our new Small Talks Immunization Sessions. Be sure to catch our kickoff discussion: "Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Getting to YES!" on Tuesday, August 6 at 12 PM.


Join us to explore effective strategies for promoting vaccination and overcoming hesitancy in our community. This timely session will equip you with valuable insights and practical tools to make a difference.
 

CDC Offers Free Training to Boost Immunization Culture

The CDC has launched "Fostering a Culture of Immunization in Your Practice," a free online course for healthcare professionals. This valuable resource provides practical strategies to create a positive immunization culture, tools to promote vaccination efforts, and guidance for ensuring optimal patient care. The course offers Continuing Education (CE) credit upon completion. We encourage all healthcare providers to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their immunization practices.


Visit the CDC's website to enroll and learn more. For support in implementing these strategies, contact your IPRO QIN-QIO team.
 

Vaccine Basics: Q&A

What is meant by “minimum intervals” between vaccine doses?


  • Vaccination schedules are typically determined through clinical trials, usually conducted before a vaccine is licensed. The spacing of doses in these trials often becomes the recommended schedule. A "minimum interval" is shorter than the recommended interval between doses. It represents the shortest time between two doses of a vaccine series where an adequate response to the second dose can still be expected.
 

For the purpose of vaccine spacing, what constitutes a month: 28 days (4 weeks), 30 days, or 31 days?



  • For intervals of 3 months or less, use 28 days (4 weeks) as a "month."
  • For intervals of 4 months or longer, consider a month a "calendar month" - the interval from one calendar date to the same date in the following month.

 

For more vaccine FAQs visit: immunize.org
 

Chronic Conditions Corner

Heart disease affects millions of Americans, placing them at increased risk for complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. As healthcare providers, we play a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable patients through timely immunization.


Recent research highlights the importance of flu shots for this population. A recent meta-analysis found influenza vaccination lowered the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 34% overall and by 45% in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome.


Key Vaccine Recommendations for Heart Disease Patients:

  • Annual influenza vaccine
  • Pneumococcal vaccines
  • COVID-19 vaccine
  • RSV vaccine (for adults 60 years and older)
 

Important Vaccination Insights:

  • Heart disease patients are 6 times more likely to have a heart attack within a week of getting the flu.
  • The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 65+ and those 19-64 with heart disease.
  • As of 2024, RSV vaccination is advised for adults 60 and older.


For the most current guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults.


Additional heart disease management resources are available at www.heart.org.
 

Learning & Professional Development

IP3 - Office Hours for Infection Preventionists

Join our IP3 group for engaging and insightful discussions with fellow infection preventionists! Share innovative ideas and explore new strategies to enhance infection prevention practices.


Hosted by Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, and Mary Ellen Casey, MSN, RN, our meetings take place every Thursday at 11 am ET. REGISTER.

Motivational Interviewing Techniques Explained

This six-episode series features a variety of common scenarios concerning vaccine hesitancy or resistance that staff in long-term care facilities encounter. You’ll hear a demonstration of motivational interviewing techniques, explained by our trainer, that you can use to have more productive conversations.


Visit the Vaccine Vaccine Voices page to listen.

IPRO Learn Offers Education at Your Convenience


IPRO Learn is an online course catalog covering a variety of topics. Are you interested in learning more about the Neurocognitive Disorder – Dementia? Or perhaps you are looking for new strategies to address Health Literacy? Create your account today and begin exploring the variety of courses available! Need help? See our IPRO Learn Account Creation Instructions.
 
 
 

Stay informed about vaccine updates:


  • Visit our WAVE page to access up-to-date resources to support your efforts

Keep the learning going:


  • Visit our calendar to register for upcoming events
  • Access on-demand training with IPRO Learn!

For questions or technical assistance:
 
Visit Our Resource Library
Join Our Network
 
 
Facebook  Linkedin  X  Youtube
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.
 
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

IPRO QIN-QIO | 235 Promenade Street Suite 500, Box 18 | Providence, RI 02908 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact