📢 RSV Immunizations

In January, CDC released three messages to clinicians about RSV immunizations: 

Health care providers can return to using original recommendations on use of nirsevimab in young children, in response to an increase in supply of nirsevimab.

RSV vaccine administration errors have been reported:

• Pfizer’s Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine recommended for use in pregnant people.  
• Neither RSV vaccine (Pfizer Abrysvo, GSK Arexvy) is approved for use in infants or young children. 

Seasonal administration of maternal RSV vaccine is only recommended through the end of January for most of the continental U.S. Infants born to unvaccinated mothers during RSV season should receive nirsevimab instead through the end of March. 

📢 Mpox is Still Here

Five mpox cases have been reported to VDH since November 2023, almost half the total number of cases in 2023.  

• Continue talking with your patients about mpox and offer or refer for mpox vaccination to those at risk or recently exposed. 

• If your healthcare facility is unsure if your disinfectant product is effective against mpox, a new resource is available to help you check. 

Visit VDH’s Mpox Healthcare Provider webpage for the most up-to-date information and resources. 

📝 FDA Revises EUA for Paxlovid 

• On January 29, 2024, the FDA announced that emergency use authorization-labeled (EUA) Paxlovid will no longer be authorized for emergency use after March 8, 2024.  
• After March 8, 2024, the emergency use of Paxlovid will continue in pediatric patients (12–17 years) in accordance with the NDA (NDA-labeled Paxlovid). 
• Paxlovid manufactured and labeled in accordance with the EUA will remain authorized for use through the labeled or extended expiration date or through March 8, 2024, whichever is earlier. 
• More information can be found on the FDA webpage.

⏰ Kindergarten Enrollment is Almost Here  

• All children entering kindergarten will need a physical and immunizations, so prepare for increase in appointment requests. 
• The VDH School Health website has a fillable School Entrance Health Form, which is available in multiple languages, along with action plans for children with special needs. 

🗞️ Infection Prevention and Control Newsletter

• The Regional Infection Prevention and Control Teams in Action Newsletter discusses the impact of the HAI/AR Infection Prevention Program within VDH on building infection prevention and control capacity across the Commonwealth.  
• The latest issue includes details about on-site infection prevention and control (IPC) assessments in outpatient settings, provides an overview of Group A Streptococcus outbreaks in Virginia’s healthcare facilities and shares IPC resources. 
• For more information and to sign up for the newsletter, visit VDH’s HAI/AR website. 

📈 V-safe Program Now Monitoring COVID-19 Vaccines 

• CDC’s voluntary vaccine safety monitoring system, V-safe is now collecting data for COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to RSV.  
• Eligible people will receive periodic, brief, confidential surveys via text messages or emails. 
• Please encourage patients and parents to enroll. 

Mpox: Where Are We Now? 

When: Thursday, February 29 at 1:00pm 

Topic Include:  

✅ Latest guidance in clinical recognition, management and treatment 

✅ Current and ongoing research and gaps in knowledge

CME is offered.

In-Person Mpox Training for Health Care Providers 

When: February 14, 2024, 8:30am-12:30pm 

Where: Hyatt Place Chesapeake 

Topics Include: 

✅ Epidemiology of the outbreak  

✅ Prevention and control strategies  

✅ Best practices to increase vaccination  

Continuing education credit available. Find out more.