Vaccination Strategies: Join the Conversation

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), highlighting the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Join us for our upcoming Small Talks Series as we promote immunization awareness and education throughout the month.

Session 2:

What Makes a Successful

Vaccine Campaign: Thoughts from the Field

Join us to hear panelists from a variety of settings discuss their successes and challenges with vaccine campaigns.

August 27 | 12:00-12:45 pm ET

Register

Maximize Impact: Tools and Tips for NIAM from the CDC

Healthcare professionals play a critical role in promoting vaccinations. During National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an observance supported by the CDC, the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages is highlighted, encouraging meaningful conversations between patients and healthcare providers. Here are some strategies and resources to support you during NIAM and beyond:

• Stay Informed: Participate in CDC’s immunization education courses to keep your knowledge current.
• Encourage Questions: Create a supportive environment for patients to ask about vaccines.
• Enhance Communication: Display immunization schedules on your website and use digital tools for personalized recommendations.
• Share Updates: Provide the latest vaccine guidelines, including COVID-19 and RSV.

Utilize interactive quizzes and social media graphics provided by the CDC to promote vaccinations effectively. Together, we can raise awareness and foster informed discussions about vaccines. For more resources, visit the CDC's NIAM page.

Advocate for Vaccine Equity

Did you know fewer than 1 in 4 adults aged 19 or older received all their recommended vaccines in 2019? Minority populations have even lower vaccination rates, with only 15.9% of Black adults and 17.3% of Hispanic adults receiving routine vaccines compared to 23.7% of White adults. Black (39.0%) and Hispanic (37.5%) Americans, as well as people who identify as other or multiple races (41.4%), also have lower flu vaccination coverage compared to White (49.3%) adults. Significant disparities in access and health coverage, as well as a history of discrimination and distrust, contribute to these racial inequities in vaccination.

The CMS Office of Minority Health offers valuable resources to help increase access to vaccines and encourage those served by CMS to get their routine shots in honor of National Immunization Awareness Month.

Vaccine Basics: Q&A

Can influenza viruses circulate at the same time as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?

Yes, both viruses can circulate simultaneously, and it's possible for an individual to be infected with both at once. It's important to note that co-infection with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 is more likely to result in severe illness compared to infection with either virus alone.

Does RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) have a typical season?

In most temperate regions of the continental United States and areas with similar climates, RSV follows a seasonal pattern:

• Typical season: Fall to early spring
• Peak: Winter months
• General circulation: October through March
• However, it's crucial to understand that the timing and severity of RSV season can vary from year to year and differ between communities.

For more vaccine FAQs visit: immunize.org

CDC Highlights Vaccination Gaps in Nursing Home Populations

Nursing home residents continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with confirmed cases at 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Yet, as of July 28, only 31% of these residents are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

To better protect older adults, the CDC now recommends an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose for those aged 65 and older. This dose should be administered at least four months after the previous one to enhance protection against severe illness.

You can make a difference in your community! Assess and offer vaccines at every encounter to help keep your community safe and healthy. Ask "What about vaccines?" every time. Working together, we can increase vaccination rates and protect our most vulnerable populations.

Learning & Professional Development