CDC Updates RSV Vaccine Recommendations for Older Adults

On June 26, 2024, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated RSV vaccine recommendations. They now advise that all adults aged 75 and older, as well as adults aged 60-74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease, should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine.

The CDC approved these recommendations, which were finalized and published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on August 15, 2024. Read the full MMWR report here.

COVID Cases Rise in Nursing Homes, Vax Rates Remain Low

COVID-19 continues to disproportionately affect nursing home residents, with confirmed cases rising to 8.4 per 1,000 residents as of August 4, 2024. Despite this increase, only 31% of nursing home residents were up-to-date with COVID vaccines as of July 28, 2024. The CDC now recommends an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine dose for adults aged 65 years or older.

This extra dose, aimed at protecting this vulnerable population from severe illness, should be administered at least 4 months after the previous updated dose. We're here to support you - Visit our WAVE page for information and resources to support increasing vaccination rates among residents and staff.

Rising COVID-19 Positivity Rates & Fall Vaccine Update

As of August 3, the weekly COVID-19 test positivity rate has climbed to 17.6%, the highest since January 2022. This rise comes with a slight increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Despite these increases, the death rate remains significantly lower, with 340 reported for the week ending August 3, compared to 2,578 weekly deaths during the January 2024 peak.

Looking ahead to the fall, the new COVID-19 vaccines, which target the KP.2 strain—a descendant of the highly contagious JN.1 variant that emerged last winter—are expected to be distributed in the coming weeks. This updated vaccine formula is designed to more closely match circulating strains, ensuring continued effectiveness in preventing COVID-19.

CDC Updates Respiratory Illness Resources

The CDC has updated its Respiratory Illnesses page, which now includes the latest information on immunizations for respiratory viruses prevention. This resource offers up-to-date vaccine recommendations and practical steps to protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses.

Key resources available:

Provider Toolkit: Preparing Patients for the Fall and Winter Virus Season: Offers guidance on vaccine recommendations and communication strategies.

Long-Term Care Quick Start Guide: Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season: Includes guidance on infection prevention, testing, and vaccine recommendations.

Visit the CDC's Respiratory Illnesses page today to access these valuable resources.

Are Your Patients Behind on Vaccinations?

The CDC’s Let’s RISE initiative is designed to provide actionable strategies, resources, and data to help all Americans get back on schedule with their routine immunizations. This initiative aims to protect everyone from vaccine-preventable diseases and disabilities.

Resources include a call to action and effective strategies to increase vaccination rates. The initiative also offers factsheets, infographics, and targeted support for healthcare providers and schools to ensure everyone is up to date on vaccinations. Let’s work together to ensure routine vaccinations are back on track and safeguarding public health!

Shot of Knowledge: Vaccine Q&A

If I give a pneumococcal vaccine to my patient now, how long must I wait before administering the influenza or Td vaccine?

The influenza vaccine and Td (or Tdap) can be given at the same time as the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, or at any time before or after its administration. The only exception is when two live vaccines are not given during the same visit; in that case, you need to wait at least four weeks before giving the second live vaccine.

Is it necessary to restart a vaccine series if a patient misses a dose at the recommended time, even if there’s been a delay of a year or more?

For routinely administered vaccines, no vaccine series needs to be restarted due to an interval longer than recommended. However, the oral typhoid vaccine (which may be given for international travel) needs to be restarted if the series isn’t completed within the recommended time frame.

For more vaccine FAQs, visit immunize.org. Visit our WAVE page for the updated immunization schedules.

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