|
MDH has updated information and resources for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 vaccine to align with evidence and guidance from the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). A consolidated version of the recommendations can be found on SpreadTheFacts: Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations. Provider vaccination guides and access to other provider focused resources, including COVID-19 standing orders for pharmacists, can be found on Immunization Best Practices.
Information for your patients on these respiratory illnesses and vaccination:
There is currently no Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) available for the newly licensed mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA®. Providing a VIS to adults and parents or guardians of children prior to vaccination is mandatory under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.
When administering mFLUSIVA® you may use the manufacturer’s package insert, written FAQs, or any other document that informs patients about the benefits and risks of the vaccine until a new VIS is available or an existing flu VIS is updated to include mRNA vaccines. Multiple handouts may be needed to inform patients of both the benefits and risks. A few to consider are the current influenza (inactivated or recombinant) VIS, FDA’s information for recipients and caregivers, and Immunize.org’s influenza question and answers:
MDH has created new fact sheets and posters to promote flu vaccine with residents and healthcare personnel of LTC facilities. These resources can be found on Long-term Care: Influenza.
Encourage those who live in LTC facilities to get vaccinated since they’re at the highest risk for exposure and severe disease from the flu. Recommend that healthcare personnel (HCP) also get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family, and their residents from serious complications from the flu. For adult and HCP vaccine recommendations refer to AAFP: Adults 19 And Older Immunization Schedules.
Registration to participate in RespSafe for the 2026-27 season is open for hospitals and LTCs until Jan. 31. For more information, including steps to participate, visit RespSafe. To support hospital and LTC facilities RespSafe program efforts, we have created a fact sheet and poster to encourage flu and COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare personnel. They are available for download on RespSafe. Questions about the program can be sent to health.respsafe.mdh@state.mn.us.
MnVFC COVID-19 vaccine for the 2026-27 season started shipping in September. MnVFC-enrolled providers can submit requests for additional doses at any time in the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC). For information on recommendations, schedules, and other resources, visit COVID-19 Vaccine Providers.
Check out the updates to Reliable Sources of Immunization Information. We have streamlined the content to make the page easier to navigate and highlighted some exceptional trusted resources. We hope this will be a helpful tool for you when answering patient and community questions or looking for a place to point people to for more information about vaccines.
We will be sending out human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine postcards at the end of October to parents and guardians of children who are 11 to 12 years of age as of Jan. 1 and due for their first dose of HPV vaccine.
In November, we will be sending out the second round of 18 to 24 month old postcards to parents and guardians of children 18 to 24 months of age as of July 1 who are due for the routine series of childhood vaccines that includes DTaP, hepatitis B, Hib, MMR, pneumococcal (PCV), polio, and varicella.
Postcards are sent out to Minnesotans statewide unless they have opted out of MIIC reminder recall mailings. If you have any questions about reminder recall email health.miichelp@state.mn.us.
|
