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.

Internal Medicine Physicians emphasize the importance of immunizations to guard against disease

As the fall season begins, the American College of Physicians (ACP) urges adults to get all recommended immunizations for protection against preventable diseases such as influenza, RSV, pneumonia and COVID-19. Immunizations protect against health issues, hospitalization and help prevent the spread of disease, especially among those who are most vulnerable to serious complications. Visit ACP’s Adult Immunization Resource Hub for a wide range of valuable vaccine related resources for physicians and other health care professionals. 

RSV Vaccine Effectiveness Against Hospitalization Among US Adults 60 Years and Older

On September 4, 2024, CDC published new real-world effectiveness data from CDC’s IVY Network showing that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines protected older adults against RSV-associated hospitalizations. Overall, the study concluded RSV vaccines reduced risk of RSV-associated hospitalization by 75% compared to those who did not receive a vaccine. 

Importantly, this study included a more representative population than prelicensure randomized trials of people at increased risk for severe RSV, including adults aged 75 years and older, those with weakened immune systems, and those who reside in nursing homes. CDC will continue to monitor RSV vaccine effectiveness through IVY, as well as other surveillance systems. 

As a reminder, CDC updated its RSV vaccine recommendation for older adults taking into account new real-world vaccine effectiveness and safety monitoring data. CDC now recommends an RSV vaccine for: 

•  Everyone ages 75 years and older 
•  People ages 60–74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, meaning they have certain chronic medical conditions, such as chronic lung or heart disease, or they live in nursing homes. 

To encourage RSV vaccination among older adults, creative assets are available through HHS’s public health education campaign called Risk Less. Do More.

Impact of physician-patient relationship on adult vaccination rates 

Janet Jokela, MD, MPH, MACP, senior associate dean of engagement at Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and ACP’s Treasurer 2022-2025 discusses the importance of physician-patient relationship in boosting immunization rates in a recent article “Patients and Immunization: It’s a Matter of Trust,”. Click the buttons below to read the full article and listen to the accompanying podcast interview. 

Risk Less, Do More

HHS

During this respiratory virus season, explore the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Risk Less Do More campaign, a national, integrated effort to increase awareness of confidence in and uptake of vaccines that reduce server illness from influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in at-risk populations. Click below to read more about the campaign and explore a wide range of social media and other digital advertisements encouraging audiences to get vaccinated.

Need Vaccines for Your Clinic?

Order Now!

If you haven’t ordered vaccines for your clinic, it’s not too late. This tool from the CDC makes ordering and offering vaccines easier.

September-October is a Great Time to Recommend Vaccines

CDC

• Flu and COVID-19 vaccines to all patients 6 months and older. 
• RSV vaccines for all adults 75+ and 60-75yo with certain chronic conditions or living in a nursing home. At this time, only one lifetime dose is recommended for eligible older adults. 
• Check out this table for a reminder on the vaccine recommendations:

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

Live Webinar

Wednesday, October 30^th, 2024

8:30am-12:30pm

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.