The CDC issued an alert to healthcare providers late last month advising of a shortage of a medication called nirsevimab which is used to protect infants from RSV. The CDC is recommending that doses should be prioritized for infants under 6 months and those with certain risk factors. The CDC also recommended that expectant parents talk to their healthcare provider about receiving an RSV vaccine approved for use during the 32nd to 36th week of pregnancy that protects newborns from RSV.
“IDPH is continuing to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to monitor the three respiratory viruses that caused last fall and winter’s tripledemic,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We encourage all Illinois residents to do the same to prevent illness and protect yourself and your loved ones. The tools include washing your hands, improving ventilation inside your homes, staying home if sick, and getting immunized with the vaccines available to you. Why? Because . . . ‘Tis the Sneezin’.”
Highlighting a common way respiratory viruses spread, the ’Tis The Sneezin’ campaign showcases everyday moments interrupted by a common symptom of the flu, COVID and RSV, along with a punny call to action to encourage vaccinations.
In September, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended newly reformulated COVID-19 shots for everyone over the age of 6 months. The federal agencies have given the green light for updated mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer that target the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus. They also have recently approved an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
These newly approved shots are considered safe when given at the same time as other vaccines for the flu and RSV.
Studies have consistently shown that COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of getting symptomatic COVID-19 and improve protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death. New evidence is also emerging that it can protect you from long Covid and flu vaccines are also protective against heart disease. Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers and pharmacies.
For those who are uninsured or under-insured, the CDC this summer launched the Bridge Access Program that will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines this fall. The Vaccines for Children Program will cover vaccines for eligible children.
In June, the CDC’s ACIP recommended use of a single dose of RSV vaccine for persons 60 years of age and older. On September 22, ACIP recommended seasonal administration of one dose of RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, to maximize protection for babies after birth.
The CDC recently launched a new national respiratory virus dashboard that allows the public to view the levels of COVID-19, flu and RSV in each state.
