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.

Fall and Winter Virus Season - NEW CDC Resource

Watch the following new short, animated video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) entitled "Make a Difference this Fall and Winter Virus Season by Recommending the Right Immunization". 

CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

On October 23, 2024, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. These updated recommendations also allow for flexibility for additional doses (i.e., three or more) for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their healthcare provider (a strategy known as shared clinical decision making).

CDC Recommends Lowering the Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination from 65 to 50 Years Old

On October 23, 2024, CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old. Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases.

Interim Effectiveness Estimates of 2024 Southern Hemisphere Influenza Vaccines in Preventing Influenza-Associated Hospitalization — REVELAC-i Network, Five South American Countries, March–July 2024

What is already known about this topic?

Influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) varies by season.

What is added by this report?

In five South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay) the 2024 Southern Hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccine reduced the risk for influenza-associated hospitalization among high-risk groups by 35%. VE might be similar in the Northern Hemisphere if similar A(H3N2) viruses predominate during the 2024–25 influenza season.

What are the implications for public health practice?

CDC recommends that all eligible persons aged ≥6 months receive seasonal influenza vaccine. Early antiviral treatment can complement vaccination to protect against severe influenza-related morbidity.

Additional Points

• Among high-risk groups like young children, people with preexisting conditions and older adults, vaccinated individuals were 34.5% less likely than the unvaccinated to be hospitalized due to flu.
• The effectiveness of this year's vaccine was lower in South America than last season, when vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization among high-risk groups was found to be 51.9%.

Real-World Study Confirms RSV Vaccine's Protective Power for Seniors

Study: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine effectiveness against RSV-associated hospitalisations and emergency department encounters among adults aged 60 years and older in the USA, October, 2023, to March, 2024: a test-negative design analysis

A global real-world study of the vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), published in The Lancet on October 18, 2024, found that it offers folks aged 60 and over 80% protection against severe illness and/or hospitalization.

The benefit was especially plain among the most vulnerable age group, those aged 75 and older.

The data for the study were obtained from some of America's largest health care networks, representing 230 hospitals and 245 emergency departments nationwide.

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

Upcoming Events

2024 Adult Immunization Conference

Recorded Webinar

Aired October 30^th, 2024

CME Available: 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

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.

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.