Connect to Resource that Help People Access Vaccines:

Did you know the @CDC recommends adults ages 65 years and older get an additional updated 2023-2024 #COVID19 vaccine dose, which can provide increased protection to older adults, who are at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. According to the CDC, individuals with underlying conditions, advanced age, or higher-risk circumstances may benefit the most. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3USor5D

CDC Avian Influenza A(H5N1) – Bird Flu

  • CDC continues to respond to the public health challenge posed by a multistate outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in dairy cows and other animals in the United States.
  • CDC is working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state public health and animal health officials, and other partners using a One Health approach.
  • On May 30, CDC reported the third human case of avian influenza A(H5) virus infection associated with the outbreak in a dairy farm worker in Michigan.
  • Based on the information available so far, this infection does not change CDC’s current human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which the agency considers to be low.
  • CDC continues to support strategies to maximize protection of farm workers, who may be at higher risk for infection than others in the population.

Implementing Adult Hepatitis B Immunization and Screening Using Electronic Health Records: A Practical Guide

  • In ongoing efforts to increase uptake of CDC’s recent routine adult hepatitis B vaccine recommendation, Kelly Moore and David Sanders coauthored an open-access paper in Vaccines.
  • This paper offers a practical framework for health systems to build an effective strategy for the updated adult hepatitis B recommendations. They also provide comprehensive responses to clinicians’ questions that are frequently asked prior to screening or vaccinating for hepatitis B.

Early Safety Findings Among Persons Aged ≥60 Years Who Received a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine

  • Early findings suggest the safety of the RSV vaccine (GSK and Pfizer) is consistent with vaccine safety data seen in clinical trials among adults 60 and older, including the observance of a higher-than-expected number of verified cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Connect to End COVID-19 Website Training Page:  https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Health/Vaccine-Confidence/Vaccine-Confidence-Training-for-Social-Workers



Upcoming Complimentary Webinar and CEUs: Register Today!

COVID-19 Year 5: Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic?

May 8, 2024, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM (EST) – 1.5 CEUs

Please join us for a free fireside chat with acclaimed epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm, author of the upcoming book The Big One: How to Prepare for World-Altering Pandemics to Come.

As we enter the fifth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed over 1.1 million American lives to date (most of them unvaccinated), social workers are understandably eager to put this public health crisis in the rearview mirror. But as experts on the traumatic impacts of these disasters, and the complex psychosocial and related factors in disaster response, social workers have a unique professional obligation to consider: How can we best prepare for the next pandemic?

Dr. Osterholm, founding Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and advisor to the Biden Administration on COVID-19 response, will discuss lessons learned from current and prior pandemics, and the hard truths about what it will take to prevent a catastrophe worse than COVID-19. Importantly, he will discuss the crucial leadership role of social workers in pandemic preparedness and response. What do these trends this mean for our preparedness—as a profession and as a society—for the next pandemic? How can social workers continue to play a leadership role in preventing further harms and losses due to COVID-19?

Learning Objectives:

  1. Provide an update on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, now in Year 5; 
  2. Discuss the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for preparedness for the next pandemic; and,
  3. Identify opportunities for leadership and action by micro-, mezzo- and macro-level social workers.

Speakers:

  • Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota
  • Anna C. Mangum, MSW, MPH, Senior Health Strategist, with the Health Behavior Research and Training Institute at the University of Texas/Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work
  • Moderator: Gwen Bouie-Haynes, PhD, LMSW, Connect to End COVID-19, Special Populations Coordinator

Register for complimentary webinar, “COVID-19 Year 5: Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic?”


This project and webinar presentation are supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3.3 million with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.




Did you know the @CDC recommends adults ages 65 years and older get an additional updated 2023-2024 #COVID19 vaccine dose, which can provide increased protection to older adults, who are at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. According to the CDC, individuals with underlying conditions, advanced age, or higher-risk circumstances may benefit the most. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3USor5D

All Vaccinations
2024 Immunization Schedules for Healthcare Providers
Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)

COVID-19 Vaccination
CDC’s Bridge Access Program
COVID-19 ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit
Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines
U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information 

Flu Vaccination
Influenza ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
People 65 Years and Older Need a Flu Shot Fact Sheet
Getting a Flu Vaccine and other Recommended Vaccines at the Same Time

 
RSV Vaccination
RSV ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
Healthcare Providers: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years of Age and Over
RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years and Older Shared Clinical Decision-Making Handout

Infection Control
Infection Control Actions for Respiratory Viruses | Project Firstline





2024 Child, Adolescent and Adult Immunization Schedule MMWRs Released

Updated Guidance for Healthcare Providers on Increased Supply of Nirsevimab to Protect Young Children from Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the 2023–2024 Respiratory Virus Season


NASW has put out many resources that provide guidance during this challenging time.  Some available resources that might address your  questions include: 

As you are likely aware, ACIP met yesterday and strongly supported new recommendations to simplify covid-19 vaccinations. The following message which followed that meeting provides straightforward and simplified recommendations you can share with your members:

Following FDA regulatory action yesterday, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option to receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to discuss these COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes, and the associated implications and implementation. Although there was no vote at this meeting, ACIP members expressed their support for these recommendations.

These changes include:

  • CDC’s new recommendations allow an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised. This allows more flexibility for healthcare providers to administer additional doses to immunocompromised patients as needed. 
  • Monovalent (original) COVID-19 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the United States. 
  • CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series. 

oIndividuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.

oFor young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received. 

Alternatives to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain available for people who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine. CDC’s recommendations for use of (monovalent) Novavax or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines were not affected by the changes made today. 

CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 disease levels and vaccine effectiveness in the months ahead and look forward to additional discussion around potential updates this fall. 

In the coming days, CDC will update our website, including the Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States and additional COVID-19 vaccine webpages.

PHEB and P4VE Partners Shine at APHA 2023

  • The 2023 American Public Health Association (APHA) Meeting and Expo in Atlanta, GA (November 12-15) was an opportunity for public health professionals from around the U.S. and beyond to connect with peers and share promising practices in their field.
  • This year’s meeting included short films and oral and poster presentations from nearly two dozen PHEB and P4VE partners. They presented on vaccine equity topics, including training physician ambassadors, responding to misinformation on social media, incorporating community feedback into program design, and more. It was gratifying to see the P4VE program logo on partners’ slides, posters, and even their conference badges!
  • After working together virtually in the P4VE Learning Community for years, being able to connect with other P4VE and PHEB partners in person was especially exciting, and partners enjoyed attending one another’s presentations and gathering for a partner happy hour.
  • Check out this slideshow of photos from the meeting. Congratulations to all the partners who participated and thank you for sharing your work and representing P4VE and PHEB!

National Influenza Vaccination Week

  • National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is December 4-8. This NIVW, we would like to showcase the incredible work of P4VE partners to increase vaccine uptake and vaccine equity through Flu Fighters profiles on the CDC website.
  • If you’re interested in being promoted as a Flu Fighter or would like to nominate someone, please email Claire McCreavy. The Flu Fighters team will work with you to create a graphic and promote the profile on CDC Flu’s Twitter/X channel. Let’s fight flu together!

2023 - 2024 Influenza Season Key Points

  • Flu activity continues to increase in most parts of the country, most notably in the South Central, Southeast, Mountain, and West Coast regions. As of November 18, 2023, 150.63 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States. Check out this  spotlight on how vaccination lags.
  • Last week, CDC posted a spotlight on the new study that estimates that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related emergency department and urgent care visits and hospitalizations by almost half (40-48%) among children and adolescents during the 2022-2023 season.
  • For the latest information, please visit CDC Respiratory Virus Updates.

CDC’s Commitment to Vaccine Equity and COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake

  • On November 16, CDC posted the first detailed estimates of who has gotten updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Here’s the bottom line: COVID-19 vaccine uptake is lower than we’d like to see, and most people will be without the added protection that can reduce the severity of COVID-19.
  • Read more about COVID-19 vaccine uptake and vaccine equity in this blog.

  • National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), observed from December 4-8 this year, is fast approaching. NIVW is a national awareness week focused on highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination. For NIVW, we would like to showcase the incredible work of P4VE partners to increase vaccine uptake and vaccine equity through Flu Fighters profiles on the CDC website.
  • If you’re interested in being promoted as a Flu Fighter or would like to nominate someone, please email Claire McCreavy at rua5@cdc.gov. The CDC Influenza Division's Communications Team could write a Flu Fighter profile about you or someone you nominated. Or, if you prefer, you can submit completed profiles in the same format as the existing Flu Fighters profiles.
  • The team will work with you to create a graphic and promote the profile on CDC Flu's social media channel. Take a look at some of the Flu Fighter profiles from organizations such as Vaccinate Your Family and Families Fighting Flu. Let's fight flu together!

2023 - 2024 Influenza Season Key Points

  • Flu activity is increasing in most parts of the country, most noticeably in the South Central, Southeast, and West Coast regions. As of October 28, 2023, 145.42 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States. These key points are meant to support consistent messaging around influenza and can be shared with partners; however, they should not be posted in any public facing web content.       
  • Last week, CDC posted the first preliminary in-season burden estimates of the US 2023-2024 season, which you can see here.
  • Ahead of Thanksgiving, read this blog from the CDC on what you should know about respiratory viruses during the holidays, and how you can be sure to stay healthy!
  • CDC is posting updates on respiratory viruses every week; for the latest information, please visit CDC Respiratory Virus Updates.

NEW RESOURCES: BACK TO SCHOOL AND NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH

BACK TO SCHOOL

CDC data show that kindergartener vaccination coverage has steadily declined for all vaccines over the past two school years from 95% to 93% nationally and by as much as 10% in some jurisdictions. This is the lowest that we’ve seen kindergarten routine vaccination coverage nationally in the last decade.

To support getting school-aged children back on track with their routine immunizations as a part of “Back to School,” CDC is:

  • Launching a nationwide “Back-to-School” Campaign with digital ads that will run from July through September 2023. The digital ads aim to keep routine child vaccinations top of mind among parents of school-aged children.  All communication resources, such as 8.5 x 11 flyers and social media posts, are downloadable and adaptable should partners want to disseminate them directly through your websites, offices, and social media channels. They are available in English and Spanish.
  • Calling on health care professionals, education professionals and school leaders, as trusted sources of information for parents and guardians, to support getting children caught up on their school vaccinations
  • Providing evidence-based strategies and tools to support catch-up efforts.  CDC resources can be accessed on the Let’s RISE webpage and in the Back To School calls to action.  Additionally, the Public Health Foundation has developed a new toolkit with actionable resources for education professionals.

What Can You Do?

  1. Raise awareness about declines in kindergarten vaccination coverage and the need to get school vaccination coverage back on track. 
  2. Let members know about CDC’s “Back To School” campaign, CDC tools, and partner education toolkit.
  3. Encourage members to download and display “Back to School” printable vaccination catch-up flyers and post digital content to your organization, clinic, or school websites and social media channels.
  4. Send questions about the “Back to School” resources and activities to Angie Robertson (ftt7@cdc.gov) and Kathleen Holmes (ino2@cdc.gov).

Updated COVID-19 Booster Eligibility for Children 6 Months - 4 Year

Also providing the link to our July 27 SmartBrief Spotlight Newsletter (paid advertisement). It deployed, today, to approximately 63,000 SmartBrief subscribers and includes much of the information we have been deploying in communications in recent months.

What’s the Hubbub?

New on the Vaccine Resource Hub* (VRH):

  1. ‘Celebrate the Big Moments Together’: This graphic for social media, developed by HHS, promotes seeking out COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccinations to allow for safe celebrations of big moments like graduation.
     
    Feel free to download and share with your community!
  2. Promoting Vaccines in the LGBTQ+ Community. A collection of factsheets, flyers, and social media graphics help increase confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the LGBTQ+ community. It includes information from CDC and culturally tailored materials from the HHS COVID-19 public education campaign and its team of multicultural experts.
  3. Call for Men's Health Content. With Father's Day and Men's Health Week around the corner, we'd love to feature your resources – social media graphics, videos, factsheets, or other relevant content – encouraging men and fathers to get vaccinated.

    Be sure to submit your resources here!

Non-P4VE partners can submit resources by emailing them to info@vaccineresourcehub.org.

Vax Ambassadors: Immunity for Your Community

May 17, 7 PM ET

Join Voices for Vaccines for a lively discussion around community immunity and why it matters. Learn the nuts and bolts of community immunity, how to teach others about it, and how to raise immunization rates to bring immunity to your community. By the end of this session, you will learn concrete steps to create community immunity where you live.

Register here.

Featured Opportunity

SAMHSA logo

American Indian and Alaska Native Behavioral Health Center of Excellence

The purpose of the AIAN Center of Excellence program is to advance the behavioral health equity of American Indians and Alaska Natives. It is expected that the recipient will develop and disseminate culturally-informed, evidence-based behavioral health information and provide technical assistance and training on issues related to addressing behavioral health disparities in AIAN communities. For more information.

Deadline: May 26


  • On March 16th, CDC expanded its recommendation to allow children ages 6 months through 4 years who previously completed the full 3-dose monovalent Pfizer COVID-19 primary vaccination series to now receive a booster dose of Pfizer’s updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine.
  • This change only applies to the approximately 350,000 children who were early adopters of Pfizer’s 3-dose COVID-19 vaccine primary series. However, the update means that all children in this age group are now eligible to receive an updated vaccine, either through completion of their primary series or through a booster dose.

Adolescent Immunization action week logo

Adolescent Immunization Action Week takes place April 3 – 7. CDC will promote the importance of adolescent vaccination with social media to parents and health care providers. Unity Consortium has developed a toolkit with resources and plans for each day of the week. There’s more information on CDC’s web page and Unity’s web site.



CDC Updates and Resources

Any updates on H5N1 bird flu? On March 17th, CDC published a Technical Report online summarizing the H5N1 bird flu situation in the U.S. and CDC’s response: Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses (cdc.gov).

CDC also posted a web spotlight on a workshop held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this week organized jointly by the Pan American Health Organization, the World Health Organization, and the Pan American Foot and Mouth Disease Center, to discuss improving the region’s capacity to detect and respond to avian influenza A H5 outbreaks in wild birds and poultry.

What’s the ACIP and how do they make recommendations? Understanding the ACIP and How Vaccine Recommendations are Made in the US video is short and engaging as it explains how the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) plays a critical role in protecting the nation’s health. This tool is a great way to build understanding about the process the ACIP uses in developing and approving vaccine recommendations. Learn who makes up the ACIP, how recommendations are made, and why these recommendations become the standards of care in the U.S.

ACIP  on US map

National Infant Immunization Week, which takes place April 24 – 30. CDC is activating “Let’s Play Catch Up” a mini-digital campaign throughout April, May, and June to help address declines in coverage, as demonstrated in the findings from the January MMWRs on NIS-Child Survey data and kindergarten vaccination coverage. This is a part of our “Let’s Rise” initiative and we look forward to sharing those updated resources with you all soon. Planning is also underway for a Back-to-School/”Let’s Catch Up” campaign July – September, so stay tuned for more information.

Let's RiSE banner

What's new in CDC's COVID Data Tracker?

Let’s Spring into Action! Recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines for kids can be confusing. The pediatric vaccines and boosters were introduced by age group, and there are slightly different recommendations by manufacturer and for children who are immunocompromised. Children of different ages in the same family might not have the same COVID-19 vaccine schedules. The new guidance will make it easier to figure out if your kids are up to date or when they should get their next shot.

kids in masks illustration

School-Based Interventions to Increase Student COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage in Public School Populations with Low Coverage — Seattle, Washington, December 2021–June 2022 | MMWR (cdc.gov)

Bottom Line: Seattle Public Schools implemented a COVID-19 vaccination program through multiple community engagements. During December 2021–June 2022, completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series among Seattle Public Schools students aged 5–18 years increased from 56.5% to 80.3%.

Additional Reports and Resources:

Don't forget to check out...

Want to learn more about addressing misinformation and facilitating health behaviors? The National Nurse-Led Care Consortium has an upcoming 2-part Learning Collaborative Series happening April 14th and 28th at 1-2:30 PM EST. During the pandemic, misinformation about COVID-19 and the vaccine made pandemic management even more challenging. Misinformation was the primary reason for COVID vaccine hesitance. This 2-part series will highlight the relationship between health literacy and medical misinformation and the factors influencing a person's vulnerability to misinformation. Participants will be able to practice communication skills to address the misinformation and facilitate healthy behaviors. Learn more and register for the event. [Note: 1.5 CME/CNE credits are being offered per session]

How are heart disease and COVID-19 connected? Join the free Zoom webinar on March 28th at 6-7:30 PM EST to learn about how heart disease & COVID-19 are connected, how to stay vigilant for our heart health, and how to get involved to promote heart research and vaccine equity in our communities! Register for this event.

South Asian Heart Health and COVID-19

Hear more about adverse events. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will review the epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence regarding the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and specific adverse events, as well as the relationship between intramuscular administration of vaccines and shoulder injuries. A virtual public comment session will be held on Thursday, March 30th from 12-1:15 PM ET. The livestream of the event will be available.

A Conversation about Vaccination with Young Advocates

Join us for a webinar with teen vaccination advocates moderated by Dr. Chelsea Clinton and featuring Dr. Paul Offit. April 4th @ 12PM ET. Register for Webinar Here

Dr. Clinton and Dr. Offit will discuss challenges in closing the gap in adolescent vaccination and talk with teen advocates about their needs and challenges in helping adolescents advocate for their health.

Looking for events and funding opportunities? Check your inbox for a message with the subject, “Your Partnering Quick Update”

We thank all our partners for their efforts in public health. COVID-19 has brought great challenges that have tested all of us, and we appreciate all the hard work that you continue to put forth.

CDC Facebook

CDC Twitter

CDC Streaming Health

CDC Instagram

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348


Please find recent COVID-19-related news headlines of note:

AP News: FDA Clears Extra COVID Booster for Some High-Risk Americans 
https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccine-booster-bivalent-a80a6f3dbb39e66053e2b7129077f43b 


FDA Authorizes Additional Omicron Covid Booster for Seniors and People with Weak Immune Systems 
   https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/18/covid-seniors-immunocompromised-can-receive-additional-omicron-shots.html 

What Experts Want You to Know About Arcturus, the New COVID Variant 

Arcturus Is the New COVID Variant of Concern—What to Know (prevention.com) 
Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Shown to be Highly Effective in Reducing Deaths and Hospitalizations 

Bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine shown to be highly effective in reducing deaths and hospitalizations (medicalxpress.com) 
How Often Should People Get COVID Boosters? – Scientific American 


How Often Should People Get COVID Boosters? - Scientific American

https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Ethics-Education-and-Resources/Ethics-8/Coronavirus-8-Ethical-Considerations-for-Social-Workers,

https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=evgx77RtVLI%3d&portalid=0,

https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Infectious-Diseases/Coronavirus/Telehealth

We have an additional set of tips on “ethical considerations when providing telehealth” that will be available.  In addition, the standards in the Code remain relevant and are a great resource.  As you may know, many of the new standards are related to the use of technology. 

Finally, If a person has a specific question, we continue to provide ethics consultations 4 days per week.  You can always direct questions to the ethics consultation resource at https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Ethics-Education-and-Resources/Ethics-Consultations

NASW-KY Chapter COVID-19 Resources and Links:

https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19

Hospitals:https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/health/hospitals/kentucky.html

Schools:Kentucky Department of Education Covid Information and Resources:https://education.ky.gov/comm/Pages/COVID-19-Updates.aspx

Kentucky colleges, universities, and technical/junior colleges:

https://kctcs.edu/our-colleges/

https://www.universityreview.org/kentucky-colleges/

http://cpe.ky.gov/campuses/state.html

Criminal Legal system:

Kentucky Court of Justice:

https://kycourts.gov/pages/index.aspx

Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet:

https://justice.ky.gov/Departments-Agencies/GMD/Pages/cjsac.aspx

Child Welfare:

KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services:

https://chfs.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

KY Department of Behavioral Health and Residential Services:

https://dbhdid.ky.gov/ddid/scl-services.aspx

Mental Health:https://www.rtor.org/directory/mental-health-kentucky/

https://mhttcnetwork.org/centers/southeast-mhttc/kentucky-state-mental-health-resources

www.mhaky.org

www.namiky.org

https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/stateprofiles-providers/kentucky/index.html

Faith based communities:

http://www.kycouncilofchurches.org/coalitions-partners

Kentucky libraries and resource centers:

https://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/Pages/LibraryDirectory.aspx

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HHCK Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky COVID19 Resources and Services:

https://www.hhck.org/covid19-response

**Kentucky Refugee and Immigrant Resources and Services:

https://louisville.edu/law/bhrap/for-service-providers/noncitizen-and-refugee-services-inkentucky#:~:text=Kentucky%20Office%20for%20Refugees%20Services%3A%20Refuge%20resettlement%20services,community%20resources%2C%20elder%20services%2C%20%22Hearts%20and%20Hands%22%2C%20an

**Kentucky Area Agency on Aging Resources:

Aging & Disability Resource Center:

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/adrc.aspx

Area Agencies on Aging & Independent Living

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/aaail.aspx

Resources for individuals who work in long term care settings:

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/dhc/Pages/cvltc.aspx

**COVID toolkit for pregnant people, babies and new parents:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/toolkits/pregnant-peopleand-new-parents.html

Kentucky has reduced restrictions on telehealth services to ensure that needed services are provied to vulnerable populations.

COVID resources for individuals with allergies, asthma and related conditions, including vaccines for children/ https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-resources/https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/Pages/vfc.aspx

**How to find a vaccine sight via text message:00000000000

(English) Text your zip code to GETVAX-438829 to receive 3 vaccine locations near you.

(Spanish) Text your zip code to VACUNA-822862 to receive 3 vaccine locations in your area.

**Kentucky Health Center COVID-19 Survey Summary Report-HRSA Health Centers:Patients by Race and EthnicityLatest data from June 3, 2022

https://bphc.hrsa.gov/data-reporting/health-center-covid-19-survey/ky

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**KY Social Work Associations across Kentucky worked together to provide resources and share information about COVID19 on websites and Facebook:

Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work:https://www.kscsw.org/

Kentucky Association for School Social Workers:https://www.kassw.org/

National Association for Black Social Workers – Bowling Green and Central Kentucky chapters

Kentucky Association of Social Work Educators:https://www.facebook.com/groups/137343793693405/

Kentucky Social Work Advocacy Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kswan/

National Association of Social Workers – Kentucky chapter:brosen.naswky@socialworkers.org

Kentucky Board of Social Work:https://bsw.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

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  • Identify local/state vaccine confidence community outreach efforts already underway:

https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19

The COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725 can answer general COVID-19 and vaccine questions. Live agents are available:
Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm EST

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Kentucky Coronavirus Monitoring

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has coordinated state guidance with the recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As CDC transitions to the new “COVID-19 Community Level” model that uses the number of new COVID-19 cases in each county, percent of hospital capacity devoted to COVID-19 patients and the number of new patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital in the past week, KDPH will be using this tool to help Kentuckians be informed of the COVID-19 impact in their communities. KDPH created the Community Level COVID-19 Guidance to align with the new community level model. This guidance provides Kentuckians with actions to take related to their local level of community burden. KDPH will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 data and provide weekly updates on the KDPH COVID-19 website. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation as we learn to live with COVID-19 and work to keep Kentuckians safe. For more information on the new tool provided by CDC, please visit the CDC website: COVID-19 by County.

The COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725 can answer general COVID-19 vaccine questions.

  • Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
    View CDC FAQs
  • Kentucky Department for Pubic Health Guidance
    Learn More
  • How to talk about COVID-19 vaccines with friends and family
    Learn More
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard & Data
    View the Kentucky Covid-19 Vaccine Dashboard for vaccine data and interactive map.
    View Dashboard
  • Vaccine Provider Guidance
    Kentucky’s guidance and resources for vaccine providers.
    Learn More
  • Have you lost or misplaced the card you were given when you received your COVID-19 vaccine?
    Learn More

KENTUCKY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS: NASW-KY has compiled a 60 page list of every health department in Kentucky as a resource for social workers.The website is extensive and offers updated information about Covid safety and vaccinations:

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dafm/Pages/lhd.aspx

Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund:

The Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund is offering tenants help paying past due rent and utility bills. Learn more about the program and submit an application.

Apply Here

The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and food programs helps millions of people find food and grocery help in their communities every year. Connect with your local food bank to learn about upcoming free food distributions and to apply for national food programs.

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Resources

COVID-19 Related Actions taken by Gov. Andy Beshear

FEMA Funeral Assistance Program

Telehealth Program

COVID-19 Survivor Support Information

FDA: Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019

KDPH Food Safety Branch

Kentucky Department of Education 

Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH)

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Wonderful resources from Mental Health America of Kentucky:


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https://www.ncchc.org/blog/covid-19-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know-in-corrections


COVID RESOURCES - 2023

The KY Department of Health and the CDC:https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine

https://dashboard.chfs.ky.gov/views/KYPublicFacingDashboard_16191000580170/KentuckyCOVID-19Vaccination?%3Aiid=1&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aembed=y

https://bphc.hrsa.gov/data-reporting/health-center-covid-19-survey/kyosen

https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-data-dashboard



Partner Network Digest

Your Update for August 1, 2023


Top News

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices implement recommendations for adults over 60

New Online Publication: Vaccination Coverage among Adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2021

Recent data from CDC’s National Health Interview Survey show that many adults in the U.S. remain unprotected against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). These data show that despite increases in influenza and herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination coverage among adults, adult vaccination coverage remains low and racial and ethnic disparities persist. For this report, CDC analyzed data on influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines among adults aged 19 years and older in 2021. Trends in adult vaccination were examined during 2017–2021.

For this report, CDC analyzed data on adult vaccination in 2021 for influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Trends in adult vaccination were examined during 2017–2021. Coverage for all vaccines differed by race and ethnicity with generally lower coverage among Black and Hispanic adults compared with White adults. From 2017-2021, coverage increased for influenza and herpes zoster vaccination, remained stable for pneumococcal vaccination among adults aged 19–64 years at increased risk of disease, and decreased for pneumococcal vaccination among adults aged 65 years and older.

Substantial improvement in adult vaccination uptake is needed to reduce the burden of VPDs nationally. Increasing the proportion of adults who receive recommended vaccines and ensuring equitable access to, and uptake of recommended vaccines is a high-priority public health issue.

National Immunization Awareness Month

  • Today marks the first day of National Immunization Awareness Month! CDC will promote vaccinations across the lifespan, with social media posts across all of our major platforms. Social media graphics are downloadable, adaptable, and available in English and Spanish. 
  • We will use #NIAM #iVax2Protect and encourage you to do the same. Send questions about NIAM to Angie Robertson (ftt7@cdc.gov).
  • Sample assets:

  

National-Immunization-Awareness-Month_Logo

How are you celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month in your communities? Send your pictures and videos to mfields@cdcfoundation.org and ccs4@cdc.gov to be featured on the Vaccine Resource Hub Facebook page!

If you want more information on NIAM and access to free and shareable resources, check out this CDC page. Resources are available in Eng | Sp.

This social media graphic highlights a recent milestone in the fight against COVID-19: U.S. excess deaths are almost at zero. It is available in English and Spanish.

CDC Updates and Resources

 

What’s new in CDC’s COVID Data Tracker?

Check it out! The COVID Data Tracker allows you to explore COVID-19 data focused on health equity and specific populations. Health equity data can be explored in various categories such as demographics, vulnerability, special populations, health care settings and geographic distribution.  

What’s new in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)?

ICYMI: MMWR Weekly Briefing Podcast – The latest episode from July 3 is here

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, the cost of birth defect-associated hospitalizations among patients younger than 65 totaled $22 billion in 2019. Second, increased international effort is urgently needed to accelerate the use of new and underused lifesaving vaccines worldwide. Third, an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses in Florida in 2022 was linked to salad kits. Finally, scrub typhus, typically only seen in the Asia-Pacific region, causes a recent outbreak in southern Chile.

Listen On

CDC Media Library Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

CDC Foundation

CDC Foundation launched a short film about our P4VE program: CDC Foundation Partners with Community Organizations for Vaccine Equity! The film gives an overview of our P4VE program and its successes, and features stories from a few of our partner CBOs: Able South Carolina, Lantern Community Services, and Children and Family Resource Services. We’re very excited to get the word out about the amazing work being done under this program. Please share with your networks: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, YouTube with AD

See our YouTube channel to see more stories about the organizations we support. We’re so pleased to be able to share some of your stories with the wider world. Be sure to check out our CBO partners and share/like these videos with the links below!

  • Ser Familia, in Atlanta, GA, provides family, social and mental health services to Latino communities in the Atlanta metropolitan area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ser Familia began hosting regular vaccination events where people could have their questions answered in English and Spanish. Latino community members with ties to over a dozen countries attended, trusting that Ser Familia would take care of them. ( LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawai’i Public Health Institute (HPHI) wanted to educate their local Filipino community about COVID-19 and flu. They partnered with Filcom Cares to produce a call-in radio show, which both provided information and a space for listeners to ask questions and voice their concerns. Through this effort, the organization increased vaccine confidence in their community and got more people protected with COVID-19 and flu vaccines. ( LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)

Check out the impact on Vaccine Confidence by partnering with local arts organizations. Engaging the Arts to Build Vaccine Confidence impact report highlights the incredible work of previously funded arts partners.

 

Helpful Links and Resources About COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccination Program Operational Guidance   Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines  COVID-19 VACCINE LOT NUMBER AND EXPIRATION DATES  Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines  Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine  Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine  Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine  CDC COVID Data Tracker: Vaccinations in the US  COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit

Don't forget to check out...

OMH Funding Opportunity: Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative

OMH anticipates funding for the Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative to implement a fellowship program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The fellowship will provide training in health equity issues and leadership to early career individuals to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority and other disadvantaged populations.

The initiative aims to address the gap in federal fellowship opportunities for individuals interested in working to advance health equity and address the social determinants of health through health policies, programs, and practices.

NOTE: Deadline for submissions is TODAY August 1st at 6:00 PM ET. 

Join the Network for Community-Engaged Primary Care Research (NCPCR) for the below upcoming Learning Series events.

Evaluating New Care Models in Primary Care Settings: Types of Data You Can Collect

When: August 15, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. ET Featuring: Anita Misra-Hebert, M.D., M.P.H., and Maysoun Freij, Ph.D., M.P.H. Register Here

Accessing Secondary Data Sources to Tell Community Stories Data

When: September 27, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. ET Featuring: Peter Baltrus, Ph.D. Register Here

PASRR Training: Applying Cultural and Linguistic Competency Standards to PASRR August 8, 2023, 1-2:30 PM ET Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) is a federal requirement to help ensure that individuals are not inappropriately placed in nursing homes for long term care. This webinar will focus on PASRR person-centered expectations for adaptation to culture, language, ethnic origin, and communication preferences, using the federal standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) as a guide.

  This webinar will provide:

  • A review of the PASRR regulatory expectations for person-centered approaches and cultural considerations;
  • The description of culture and cultural norms and how they affect our values, priorities, and way of life;
  • Definitions of cultural and linguistic competence and a Cultural and Linguistic Competency Framework; and
  • Application of cultural and linguistic competency standards to PASRR.

Following the presentation, webinar participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Register here: https://neweditions.adobeconnect.com/eiy8rgsm9hrc/event/registration.html Please note, closed captioning will be available.

Looking for events and funding opportunities? Check your inbox for a message with the subject, “Your Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE) Quick Update – 07/25/2023.”

REMINDER: All second quarter 2023 primary reports, and supplemental reports if applicable, were due in REDCap in July. If you have not already, please work to submit your team’s report as soon as possible. If you have any questions about reporting, please reach out to the primary organization working with you on this award, or your assigned CDC project officer or technical monitor. Please note that the link to your organization’s primary report and the link to the supplemental report remain the same each quarter.

We thank all our partners for their efforts in public health. COVID-19 has brought great challenges that have tested all of us, and we appreciate all the hard work that you continue to put forth.

CDC Facebook

CDC Twitter

CDC Streaming Health

CDC Instagram

What’s the Hubbub?

New on the Vaccine Resource Hub* (VRH):

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Each August, National Immunization Awareness Month gives us all an opportunity to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for people of all ages. The CDC has some social media, communication, and print resources you can share with your communities, including some catered to the elderly, who are more vulnerable to respiratory diseases.

Catch up with immunizations for the new school year! These resources can help caregivers in your community understand their child's immunization schedule, and encourage them to check in with their healthcare provider to make sure children are up to date for the school year.

How to plan a vaccine event in your community. This factsheet equips vaccine providers planning an event with information and tools to address barriers that impact vaccine accessibility and confidence.

  

Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE) partners can submit resources to the site directly (Make sure you’re signed in). Non-P4VE partners can submit resources by emailing them to info@vaccineresourcehub.org.

What’s happening in the Learning Community?

Partner Spotlight

  

Wanted: Partner Spotlights! Once a month, the Partner Network Digest will spotlight a P4VE partner. These spotlights will share a bit about the person, their organization, and the work they're doing. Fill out this form to be featured in a future newsletter. If you have questions, please contact vaxequitylearning@urban.org.

Top News

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Meeting Recap – June 2023

ACIP approved the following recommendations by majority vote at its June 21-23, 2023, meeting:

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines – Adult

  • Adults 60 years of age and older may receive a single dose of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, using shared clinical decision-making.

Polio Vaccine

  • Adults who are known or suspected to be unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated against polio should complete a primary vaccination series with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).(1)
  • Adults who have received a primary series of trivalent oral polio vaccine (tOPV) or IPV in any combination and who are at increased risk of poliovirus exposure may receive another dose of IPV. Available data do not indicate the need for more than a single lifetime booster dose with IPV for adults.

Influenza Vaccines

  • All persons ages ≥6 months with egg allergy should receive influenza vaccine. Any influenza vaccine (egg based or non-egg based) that is otherwise appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status can be used.
  • Affirm the updated MMWR Recommendations and Reports, “Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2023-24 Influenza Season”.

Pneumococcal Vaccines

  • Use of either pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) PCV15 or PCV20 is recommended for all children aged 2–23 months according to currently recommended PCV dosing and schedules.
  • For children with an incomplete PCV vaccination status, use of either PCV15 or PCV20 according to currently recommended PCV dosing and schedules is recommended for:
    • Healthy children aged 24–59 months
    • Children with specified health conditions(2) aged 24 through 71 months
  • For children aged 2–18 years with any risk condition who have received all recommended doses of PCV before age 6 years
    • Using ≥1 dose(s) of PCV20: No additional doses of any pneumococcal vaccine are indicated. This recommendation may be updated as additional data become available.
    • Using PCV13 or PCV15 (no PCV20): A dose of PCV20 or PPSV23 using previously recommended dosing and schedules is recommended.
  • For children aged 6–18 years with any risk condition who have not received any dose of PCV13, PCV15, or PCV20, a single dose of PCV15 or PCV20 is recommended.  When PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least 8 weeks later if not previously given.

These recommendations were adopted by the CDC Director on June 27, 2023, and are now official. They will be published in MMWR in the coming months.

CMS Announces Launch of New School-Based Services Technical Assistance Center

  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is releasing Delivering Service in School-Based Settings: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicaid Services and Administrative Claiming. Developed in consultation with the U.S. Department of Education, the new guide represents an important part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s work implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). BSCA charged CMS with expanding access to Medicaid health care services in schools, including behavioral health services, and reducing administrative burden for states and schools.

What’s the Hubbub?

New on the Vaccine Resource Hub* (VRH):

  1. Texting with a vaccine-hesitant friend? This video for social media provides sample language to text to someone who says they are too busy to get a bivalent booster. Be sure to view and share with your communities!
  2. mpox is still spreading in the U.S. This graphic presents findings from the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report indicating people who received two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine against mpox had significantly reduced risk for infection. Feel free to download and share with your communities!
  3. The end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration in May 2023 resulted in changes to how COVID-19 data are tracked and reported. Check out this graphic and report which summarizes how your community can continue to monitor COVID to stay safe.

Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE) partners can submit resources to the site directly (Make sure you’re signed in). Non-P4VE partners can submit resources by emailing them to info@vaccineresourcehub.org.

What’s happening in the Learning Community?

Pregnant? experts continue to recommend vaccination during or before pregnancy to lower the risk of complication from COVID-19 infection.

This graphic for social media recommends COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant people. Experts continue to recommend vaccination before or during pregnancy to lower the risk of complications from COVID-19 infection. 

Partner Spotlight

  

Wanted: Partner Spotlights! Once a month, the Partner Network Digest will spotlight a P4VE partner. These spotlights will share a bit about the person, their organization, and the work they're doing. Fill out this form to be featured in a future newsletter. If you have questions, please contact vaxequitylearning@urban.org.

CDC Updates and Resources

vaccine resource hub, lab worker

We are pleased to share a new feature on the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Resource Hub! In May, more than 3 years since COVID-19 was designated a pandemic – an end to the global Public Health Emergency was declared, but what does this mean for the public? Jodie Guest, Emory University Epidemiologist and Professor and Senior Vice Chair in the Department of Epidemiology examines how insurance may change for people, what are the long-term consequences of COVID, and will the many nurses that left the work force during COVID return. 

CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine for Older Adults

CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for use of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines from GSK and Pfizer for people ages 60 years and older, using  shared clinical decision-making. This means these individuals may receive a single dose of the vaccine based on discussions with their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them.

Adults at the highest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. CDC estimates that every year, RSV causes approximately 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths among older adults.

These new vaccines – which are the first ones licensed in the U.S. to protect against RSV – are expected to be available this fall. These vaccines provide an opportunity to help protect older adults against severe RSV illness at a time when multiple respiratory infections are likely to circulate. Healthcare providers should also talk to their adult patients about what other vaccines they will need this fall to help prevent respiratory infections.

Helpful Links and Resources About COVID-19 Vaccines

Partner Network Digest

Your Update for June 5, 2023

Top News

Back-to-School Campaign Preview

As a part of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)’s response to pandemic-related declines in routine immunizations, CDC will be conducting a back-to-school routine immunization catch-up campaign from July-September 2023 and will be making digital communication assets available to partners in advance of the campaign launch.

CDC data show that kindergarten vaccination coverage has steadily declined for all vaccines over the past two school years from 95% to 93% nationally and by as much as 10% in some jurisdictions. This is the lowest that we’ve seen kindergarten routine vaccination coverage nationally in the last decade. In 2022, several communities in the U.S. responded to outbreaks of measles where children were hospitalized, and another community reported a case of paralytic polio in an unvaccinated person. These recent outbreaks and data underscore that under-and unvaccinated children are at risk for serious illness.

The digital ads aim to keep routine child vaccinations top of mind among parents of children ages 4-12 years old. All communication assets, such as 8.5 x 11 flyers and social media posts, will be downloadable and adaptable should partners want to disseminate them directly through your websites, offices, and social media channels.

Additional information on CDC’s back-to-school campaign and communication assets will be shared in the coming weeks.

What’s the Hubbub?

New on the Vaccine Resource Hub* (VRH):

  1. ‘Celebrate the Big Moments Together’: This graphic for social media, developed by HHS, promotes seeking out COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccinations to allow for safe celebrations of big moments like graduation.
     
    Feel free to download and share with your community!
  2. Promoting Vaccines in the LGBTQ+ Community. A collection of factsheets, flyers, and social media graphics help increase confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the LGBTQ+ community. It includes information from CDC and culturally tailored materials from the HHS COVID-19 public education campaign and its team of multicultural experts.
  3. Call for Men's Health Content. With Father's Day and Men's Health Week around the corner, we'd love to feature your resources – social media graphics, videos, factsheets, or other relevant content – encouraging men and fathers to get vaccinated.

    Be sure to submit your resources here!

Non-P4VE partners can submit resources by emailing them to info@vaccineresourcehub.org.

What’s happening in the Learning Community?

updated covid vaccine recommendations

This graphic for social media (available in English and Spanish) describes the changes to COVID-

19 vaccine recommendations made in April 2023 to be simpler and more flexible. The graphic

summarizes current vaccine recommendations for people ages 6-64, those age 65 and older,

and people who are immunocompromised.

CDC Updates and Resources

Lantern-Community-Services_Community

We are pleased to share a new feature on the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Resource Hub! See how a New York City organization tackles the many challenges of increasing COVID-19 vaccine confidence and vaccination among people experiencing homelessness .

What’s new in CDC’s COVID Data Tracker?

Check it out! The COVID Data Tracker allows you to explore COVID-19 data focused on health equity and specific populations. Health equity data can be explored in various categories such as demographics, vulnerability, special populations, health care settings and geographic distribution.

 
What’s new in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
?

Partner Network Digest

Your Update for June 6, 2023


Top News



CDC Updates and Resources

Lantern-Community-Services_Community

We are pleased to share a new feature on the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Resource Hub! See how a New York City organization tackles the many challenges of increasing COVID-19 vaccine confidence and vaccination among people experiencing homelessness .

What’s new in CDC’s COVID Data Tracker?

Check it out! The COVID Data Tracker allows you to explore COVID-19 data focused on health equity and specific populations. Health equity data can be explored in various categories such as demographics, vulnerability, special populations, health care settings and geographic distribution.

 
What’s new in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
?

Partner Network Digest

Your Update for June 6, 2023



Top News

health listening: what are people talking about screen shot

Responding to misinformation can be overwhelming. Health Listening is here to help.

  • A tremendous amount of information (and mis- and disinformation) is circulating online about health topics like vaccines and COVID-19.
  • As partners aim to provide useful, factual information to their communities, but it’s often challenging and time-consuming to decide what to say and how to say it.
  • Health Listening provides weekly health messaging in English and Spanish tailored to the needs of community-based organizations.
  • Each week, the Public Good Projects' team of public health professionals, journalists, and media monitoring researchers surfaces only the most impactful online conversations.
  • These quickly provide an overview of the topic, why it matters, and how you could respond in both English and Spanish. Use the response suggestions to guide communication to your communities online or in other formats. Just bookmark the URL and visit each week for the most recent information.

Advisors to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Vote to Recommend All COVID-19 Vaccines to be Updated

  • On Thursday, January 26, the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) met and voted unanimously to recommend that all COVID-19 vaccines moving forward be updated (bivalent) vaccines.
  • The committee also discussed, but did not vote on, moving to a single annual vaccine dose for most individuals, designed to match the most widely circulating variants of COVID-19 (to be distributed in the fall, like the flu vaccine).

Updates to Public Health Emergency Status for COVID-19

  • On January 30, the White House released a statement announcing its plan to end the COVID-19 public health emergency in the U.S. on May 11, 2023.
    • FDA clarified via Twitter that the end of the public health emergency will not terminate the emergency use authorizations (EUA) for the COVID-19 tests, treatments, or vaccines.
  • On Friday, January 27, the WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee met regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • In a statement, the Director-General acknowledged the Committee’s views that the COVID-19 pandemic is probably at a transition point, proposing temporary recommendations to navigate the ongoing situation.

What’s the Hubbub?

New on the Vaccine Resource Hub* (VRH):

Have you heard? As of January 1st, seniors with a Medicare drug plan will have no copay for recommended routine vaccines, including ones to prevent shingles and pneumococcal disease. Use this social media graphic to spread the good news to your community!

Surveys can provide valuable insights for engaging with audiences, but interpreting what they are telling us can be tricky. This webinar from P4VE provides an overview of data on vaccine coverage and confidence from several national surveys. The speakers discuss how to interpret and use survey data to implement strategies to increase vaccine confidence. Community leaders will find this very beneficial!

February is Black History Month! This Black History Month, we are promoting different used by our partners, including how efforts led by Black men and women around COVID-19 vaccination, as well as other historical events. Visit our resources page on the VRH for content you can promote in your communities!

the black community led the civil rights movement and took america into a new direction

*Non-P4VE partners can submit resources by emailing them to info@vaccineresourcehub.org.

Remember to follow the VRH on Facebook!

What’s happening in the Learning Community?

Looking for insights on reaching rural communities? The Learning Community is hosting the event “Reaching Rural Communities: Quick Talks with P4VE Partners” on Friday, February 10 from 2 – 3 PM ET. Participants will hear from P4VE-funded organizations YWCA’s Olga Madrid Community Center, South Carolina Association of Community Action Partnerships, Inc., and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials that are successfully engaging rural populations in their vaccine outreach programs. Each speaker will give a five-minute quick talk on how their program activities reached this group, followed by breakout sessions where attendees can share their own strategies. Funded partners and others working on vaccine equity may register here.

Your Update for February 7, 2023