In this edition of I Raise the Rates (IRtR), you will find a variety of new resources from several public health partners, educational opportunities, and a brief selection of popular media articles related to immunization.

CDC Releases 2025 Immunization Recommendations Schedules

The schedules summarize final recommendations previously made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and made official by the CDC director. The 2025 schedules were approved by ACIP and adopted by the CDC Director on October 24, 2024, and subsequently approved by several professional organizations.

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.

CDC Updates Vaccine Recommendations

• At its meeting on October 23-24, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviewed vaccine, disease, and cost-effectiveness data and voted to update vaccine recommendations for COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease.
• CDC now recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 years and older and for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised 6 months after their last 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose.
• CDC also recommended lowering the age for routine adult pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.

FDA Lifts Clinical Hold on Novavax's Combo COVID-Flu Vaccine

Reuters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has lifted its clinical hold on a late-stage trial of Novavax's COVID-influenza and its standalone flu vaccines after a safety concern was found to be unrelated to the combination shot, the company said.

Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests through covidtests.gov.

The tests available for order:

• Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
• Can be taken at home or other locations. Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
• Can be used for testing even if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms
• Can be used for testing whether you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines or not
• Are also referred to as self-tests or over the counter (OTC) tests

Reclaiming the Vaccination Conversation in Rural America

Recorded Webinar

Aired October 11^th, 2024

This webinar recording from FrameWorks Institute, in partnership with the AAP, provides an overview on framing insights from new research. Visit the AAP Communicating About Vaccinations: Evidence-Based Recommendations to Shift the Narrative page for more information and resources.

2024 Adult Immunization Conference

The Vital Role of Adult Immunizations in Managing Chronic Conditions

Recorded Webinar

Aired October 30^th, 2024

CME Available: 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Completing this evaluation is required for those seeking continuing education credits.

Back to School 2024

Best Practices for Disease Surveillance and Prevention for a Healthy School Year

Recorded Webinar

Aired September 26^th, 2024

CME Available: 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Click below to access the Back to School 2024 webinar, hosted by the New Jersey Immunization Network, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health.

Completing this evaluation is required for those seeking continuing education credits.

Upcoming Events

Flu Warriors Festivals 2024

New Jersey Immunization Network

It is generally recommended that eligible individuals receive a flu vaccine in September or October of each year, in order to build immunity for the coming flu season.

With that in mind, we encourage you to join NJIN at one of our upcoming Flu Warriors Festivals to receive your annual dose.

All are welcome, regardless of health insurance status or immigration status. However, those with health insurance should bring their insurance card and identification.

For the full event schedule, click the document below or visit Immunizenj.org/community-events-2024.