Latest Updates and Resources In this message: - RSV immunization timing reminder
- Information on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day
- Provider webinar reminder and registration link
RSV Immunization Reminders
The recommended seasonal timeframe for immunization against RSV will soon be ending.
Here are a few reminders about RSV immunization timing for eligible groups and tips to help in preparation for the next RSV season.
- The seasonal recommendation for infants and toddlers ends after March.
- Remaining VFC supply of Nirsevimab and Abrysvo cannot be returned to McKesson and should be kept for the next RSV season, so make sure to label these “Keep for Fall” and store those appropriately.
- For adults 60 years and older, CDC encourages providers to maximize the benefit of RSV vaccination by offering in the later summer or early fall, under shared clinical decision making.
See this RSV timing guide and FAQs page for more information on immunizing infants and children, pregnant people, and older adults. Thank you for protecting patients from RSV! World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is March 24th
“Yes! We can end TB!” World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed March 24th each year to commemorate the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. Despite being preventable, TB disease continues to cause significant suffering and death in California. In 2023, there was a substantial increase in TB disease in this state.
Over 2 million people in California are infected with TB. People infected with TB bacilli who are asymptomatic have latent TB infection (LTBI). The good news is that TB disease is preventable with LTBI treatment. Primary care providers serve a critical role in identifying patients with risk factors for TB infection and can use the CDPH TB Risk Assessment to identify persons for whom LTBI testing is recommended. Screening and treatment for LTBI is recommended by CDPH, CDC, and the USPSTF.
Unfortunately, there is no routine vaccine yet for TB. The BCG vaccine is given mostly to infants and children in countries with high TB prevalence to help prevent severe forms of TB. BCG is not generally available or recommended in the United States; therefore, the most promising tool in the fight against TB is diagnosing and treating LTBI.
For more information on TB and LTBI, please visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/TB_Provider_Resources.aspx
For specific medical questions or to report suspected TB disease, please reach out to your Local TB Control Office.
You can also reach out the CDPH TB Control Branch: TBCB@cdph.ca.gov CDPH Immunization Updates for Providers Tomorrow, Friday, March 22, 2024
Please join CDPH tomorrow, Friday, March 22, 2024, from 9:00 - 10:30AM (PT) for the CDPH Immunization Updates for Providers webinar, occurring every other Friday. CDPH subject matter experts will provide updates, resources, and answer attendees' vaccine questions.
Please ensure someone from your staff attends to hear relevant and timely updates.
Friday, March 22, 2024, 9:00 - 10:30AM (PT).
Register here! |
