This issue of the NJIN newsletter will focus on women's health. National Women's Health Week is celebrated each year, beginning on Mother's Day, to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority.

Spotlight:

National Women's Health Week

"This year’s theme is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their health journeys and shining a light on health issues unique to women" (CDC).

As always, it is important during this National Women's Health Week to encourage preventative health practices such as scheduling checkups, examinations, vaccinations, living a healthy lifestyle, and more.

For more graphics like the image above, click here to see more shareable images, gifs, virtual backgrounds, and more from the Office of Women's Health!

Featured Articles and Resources

Celebrating Women's Health Week!

CDC

"Taking care of yourself includes caring for your physical, mental, social, and emotional health. There’s a lot that you can do – from practicing healthy habits to making and keeping all health care appointments. Practice healthy behaviors to get the care you need."

The article discusses several action items to promote one's own health, including:

• Talk with Your Health Providers
• Enjoy a Healthy and Balanced Diet
• Get Active
• Prioritize Mental Health
• Practice Healthy Behaviors

Why Maternal Vaccines Are Important

CDC

In this article:

• Tdap Vaccine
• Answering patient questions
• "Tdap vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy, between 27 and 36 weeks gestation (preferably earlier in this period)."
• "When given during pregnancy, Tdap vaccine boosts antibodies in the mother, which are transferred to her developing baby. Early third trimester administration optimizes neonatal antibody levels."

• Influenza
• ACIP summary on pregnancy and flu
• "Flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and safe to administer during any trimester."
• "Flu vaccine is the best way to protect pregnant women and their babies from the flu and prevent possible flu-associated pregnancy complications."

COVID-19 - Current Epidemic Growth Status (Based on R_t) for States and Territories

CDC

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 May 07, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 11 states and territories, declining or likely declining in 8 states and territories, and are stable or uncertain in 28 states and territories."

FluView - A Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

CDC

Key Points (Updated May 10)

• "Seasonal influenza activity continues to decline nationally and in most areas of the country."
• "CDC estimates that there have been at least 34 million illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 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 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are spreading. Vaccination now can still provide benefit this season."
• "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" (CDC).

Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update

CDC

This interactive map from the CDC allows users to view Influenza-like-illness (ILI) activity levels across the United States over time. Users can explore a number of features, including the ability to click on any state and be redirected to state-level surveillance tools and other resources.

Announcements

Community Baby Showers

In keeping with this month's celebration of women, NJIN is embarking on a 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. A community baby shower shows love, care, and solidarity with expecting mothers, ensuring they feel celebrated and supported during this special time in their lives. 

Additionally, The New Jersey Immunization Network will offer a sense of community and family to parents about vaccines before and after the birth of their baby.



Discussions are in progress to hold the first of the events before Summer’s end. More to come!

Recent Events

• NJIN hosted an educational webinar on May 10^th, 2024, "Approaches to Address Common Vaccine Myths and Tools to Decrease Hesitancy," presented by Melinda Butsch-Kovacic, PhD and Brooke Cherven, PhD.
• The NJIN team exhibited at the NJAFP 2024 Annual Meeting in Atlantic City, NJ from May 3^rd to May 5^th.
• The NJIN team attended the 11^th Annual Culture of Health Conference in Long Branch, NJ on May 10^th.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

NJIN Meeting Schedule

May 22, 2024 (Wed)

NJIN Education and Events Committee

1:00pm - 2:00pm

June 12, 2024 (Wed)

NJIN Steering Committee

8:30am - 9:30am

June 26, 2024 (Wed)

NJIN Education and Events Committee

1:00pm - 2:00pm

More Upcoming Events

May 22, 2024

2024 New Jersey Immunization Conference "Beyond Barriers: Charting the Course for Immunization in a Changing Landscape."

Hosts: The New Jersey Department of Health, Vaccine Preventable Disease Program, and Rutgers School of Public Health

September 26, 2024

Back to School Webinar

Hosts: NJIN

October 30, 2024

Adult Immunization Conference Webinar

Hosts: NJIN

Fall 2024

Flu Warriors Festivals

NJIN will host several Flu Warriors Festivals for the Fall of 2024 across the state of New Jersey. The events will target areas with large uninsured and underserved populations. Attendees will be provided with the opportunity to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines along with educational materials on vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.

We Want to Hear From You!

We at NJIN would like to encourage input from our newsletter 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 NJIN Director Maria Sciancalepore via email at msciancalepore@njaap.org.