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NJIN Monthly Newsletter
April 2025
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In this edition of the NJIN monthly newsletter, we present several
vaccine-related articles and updates related to topics such as Flu, and COVID-19, and Measles.
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New Meeting Link
NJIN General Membership Meeting
Beginning with our next meeting on May 21, 2025,
our new meeting series link must be downloaded and added to your calendar to access our General Membership meetings.
Join NJIN's General Membership meeting on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, as we are joined by guest speakers Uzma Hasan, MD, Anita Kishen, MD, and Melissa Wallach, MD for a presentation on measles, an update on current outbreaks, prevention guidance, and stories from the perspectives of two pediatric care providers.
This meeting is open to the public.
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Spotlight:
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month
| | April is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, a time to remember the importance of routine cancer screenings and preventative vaccination. Protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases such as hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can significantly lower the risk of developing associated cancers such as liver and cervical cancer. | | Featured Articles and Resources | | NJIN is now on Bluesky. Our goal is to continue to expand our digital presence in pursuit of our organization's mission to spread the word about vaccine safety and benefits to all individuals through timely, age-appropriate immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases. | |
States Are Losing Billions in Federal Childhood Vaccine Funding
Axios
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The federal administration is cancelling over $2 billion in childhood immunization and vaccination funding to states and cities as part of a larger $12+ billion cancellation of COVID-19 pandemic-era funding.
23 states and Washington DC filed a lawsuit over the grant cancellations, the effects of which can already be seen in places like Texas, where public health officials have had to cancel dozens of free measles vaccine clinics amidst a growing outbreak.
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National Infant Immunization Week
(April 21-28, 2025)
| "National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance held in April, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. NIIW is April 21-28, 2025. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations. On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases" (CDC). | |
To remind parents about diseases “of the past” (it’s more than just measles!) and the critical role vaccines play in protecting infants and ensuring a healthier future for all, Vaccinate Your Family created the #VaxToTheFuture campaign.
Check out their resources below.
Spread the Word: Use the hashtag #VaxToTheFuture and tag @vaccinateyourfamily (and @vaxyourfam on X) so they can amplify your posts!
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Study: No Higher Birth Defect Risk from COVID-19 Vaccination
AAP News
| A study of more than 78,000 pregnant people did not find an association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and and major structural birth defects. |
712 Cases of Measles Reach Nearly Half of U.S. States
AAP News
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"Measles has spread to nearly half of U.S. states as the number of confirmed cases continues to grow. At the same time, pertussis cases and pediatric flu deaths continue to rise, according to the latest government reports.
As of April 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 712 confirmed cases of measles. The total likely is an undercount as it may represent only those ill enough to seek medical care.
The outbreak includes three deaths. Two of the deaths were unvaccinated school-age children in Texas who had no underlying conditions. They are the first measles-related deaths in the United States in a decade."
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Register Now:
2025 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
| This year's conference is themed "Vaccines for a Resilient Future: Innovation and Impact" and will be held virtually on May 5-7. The conference aims to bring together experts in vaccine research, development, implementation, and real-world evaluation for discussions and collaborations to address the current host of challenges facing the fields of vaccinology and public health. |
Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report
CDC
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Key Points (week ending April 5)
- Seasonal influenza (flu) activity continues to decline; however, CDC expects several more weeks of flu activity.
- "As of April 8, 2025, we estimate that influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 0 states, declining or likely declining in 42 states, and not changing in 4 states."
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New Jersey: Influenza-Like Illness activity "low."
- CDC estimates that there have been at least 46 million illnesses, 590,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
- 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.
- CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
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Flu viruses are among several viruses that contribute to respiratory disease activity. CDC is providing updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity on a weekly basis.
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COVID-19
Current Epidemic Growth Status for States and Territories
CDC
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This interactive tool from the CDC allows users to view the current COVID-19 epidemic growth status for all US states and territories.
Key Points:
- "As of April 8, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 1 state, declining or likely declining in 33 states, and not changing in 12 states."
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New Jersey: Probability the COVID-19 epidemic trend is growing: 4.88% (declining).
% of ED visits (COVID-19): 0.79% (low)
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Nationwide: Probability the COVID-19 epidemic trend is growing: 0.20% (declining).
% of ED visits (COVID-19): 0.54% (very low)
- Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
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Community Baby Showers
In 2025, NJIN is continuing to build upon our new community initiative, “Community Baby Showers.” A community baby shower is to celebrate and support mothers-to-be in underserved communities by providing them with essential resources, information, and a supportive network as they prepare for the arrival of their babies. It aims to empower mothers, promote health and well-being, foster connections among community members, and create a positive and nurturing environment for mothers and their families.
Here is a list of our upcoming showers.
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1. April 24, 2025 (Thur.)
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Time: 12:00pm-4:00pm
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Partner: Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers
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Venue: Tabernacle Baptist Church
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Address: 150 E 2nd St, Burlington, NJ 08016
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2. May 17, 2025 (Sat.)
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Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
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Partner: Virtua Health
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Venue: Children of America, Cinnaminson
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Address: 1105 US-130, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
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April 23, 2025 (Wed)
NJIN Education and Events Committee
1:00pm - 2:00pm
May 8, 2025 (Thu)
NJIN Steering Committee
9:00am - 10:00am
May 21, 2025 (Wed)
NJIN General Membership
12:00pm - 1:30pm
| | We Want to Hear From You! | | |
The NJIN team encourages input from our readers. Any suggestions on topics, resources, or other ideas that you'd like to see included going forward are welcome!
Please share your feedback with us at NJIN@njaap.org.
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