I Raise the Rates! September Edition

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.

American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC) 6^th Annual US vs. HPV FREE Webinar Series

January 22-26, 2024

Monday: 12:00—1:00 pm EST

HPV Vaccine Update

Tuesday: 12:00—1:00 pm EST

Diversifying Us vs. HPV

Wednesday: 10:00-11:30 am EST

It’s Up to Us: Race to End Cervical Cancer

Thursday: 12:00—1:00 pm EST

HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Friday: 12:00—1:00 pm EST

Young Leaders Community Empowerment

Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report (FluView)

With Influenza season upon us, the CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu and vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu. Visit CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report for weekly updates.

CDC’s Updated Interim Clinical Consideration for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States is now available.

Interim Clinical Considerations include:

- Recommendations for use of the 2023-2024 formulation of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID Vaccine

- Updates guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination and myocarditis or pericarditis

- Updated guidance for COVID-19 vaccination and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) in children (MIS-C) and in adults (MIS-A)

HHS Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program

On September 14, 2023, CDC announced the official launch of HHS Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program. This program offers continued free coverage to an estimated 25-30 million adults who would have otherwise lost access to affordable COVID-19 vaccines now that the distribution of vaccines has transitioned to the commercial market. Click here to read official announcement and learn more about the program.

CDC published Pneumococcal Vaccine for Adults Aged ≥ 19 Years

In the September 8, 2023 MMWR, CDC published Pneumococcal Vaccine for Adults Aged ≥19 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2023. Updated and new clinical guidance for implementation from CDC includes the recommendation for use of PCV15 or PCV20 for adults who have received PPSV23 but have not received any PCV dose. The report also includes clinical guidance for adults who have received 7-valent PCV (PCV7) only and adults who are hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Click here to review full report

Access More Resources

Additional Articles

FDA Takes Action on Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19

Effectiveness of Maternal mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Against COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations

in Infants Aged <6 Months During

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Predominance

During the period of recent SARS-CoV-2 Omicron predominance, maternal receipt of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy reduced the likelihood of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and serious complications among infants aged <6 months.

Expectant mothers should remain current with COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves and their infants from hospitalization and severe outcomes associated with COVID-19.