Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the country, with high or very high influenza-like illness (ILI) reported in 25 jurisdictions.
CDC estimates that there have been at least 25 million illnesses, 330,000 hospitalizations, and 20,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
Children have the highest peak weekly hospitalization rate observed since the 2010–11 season.
The deaths of 8 more children were reported during week 7, for a total of 79 child deaths with influenza reported so far this season.
Among children eligible for influenza vaccination, 90% of reported pediatric deaths this season occurred in children not fully vaccinated against influenza.
RSV:
The Epidemic Trends map shows that RSV activity is growing in the West and Northeast
Respiratory Illness Data Channel states that emergency department (ED) visits for RSV are elevated among infants eligible for protection from RSV and children age 4 and younger
COVID-19: Activity varies by state. Adults age 65 or older had hospitalization rates for COVID-19 higher than younger adults and children throughout the fall and winter.
Confident healthcare provider recommendations for influenza vaccine are powerfully persuasive. As the nation faces a challenging influenza season, Immunize.org, in collaboration with CSL Seqirus, updated the 65+ Flu Defense website to help you maximize patient protection.
This helpful site includes information, tools, and tips for communicating with adults age 65 and older about the burden and severity of influenza. Resources include:
A clinician recommendation is the most important reason why a person will get vaccinated. Check out the updated 65+ Flu Defense website to assist your ongoing efforts in protecting this vulnerable population.
Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinationsincluding the recommended MenACWY vaccine booster dose at age 16. Many teens are behind on vaccines, so vaccine outreach is more important than ever. If you are looking for tools to explain meningococcal vaccine recommendations and assist in improving adolescent coverage for all recommended vaccines, view this site. Check out the many helpful tools from Immunize.org, CDC, and other organizations.
March 4 is International HPV Awareness Day, a great time to spread the word about how the HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of cancers caused by common types of this common virus. HPV vaccination should be completed before age 13 years. If not completed on time, vaccination should be completed as soon as feasible for unprotected adolescents and young adults through age 26. Adults age 27 through 45 who want HPV protection may be vaccinated after a discussion with their healthcare provider.
HPV vaccination is powerful cancer prevention. HPV vaccination prevents almost 90% of cervical cancer cases.
HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV, as well as anal, vaginal, cervical, and vulvar precancers (abnormal cells that can lead to cancer). HPV vaccination also protects against the most common cause of oral cancers in men.
When should my child get the HPV Vaccine?
Dose #1: 9–12 years
Dose #2: 6–12 months after the first dose
Early protection works best - HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9. Vaccinating earlier rather than later will protect your child long before they ever have contact with the virus.
If you have any questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at: Main Line: (207) 287-3746 ImmPact Helpdesk: (207) 287-3006 / Support/Education: (207) 287-9972
