Risk-based vaccine recommendations are an important mechanism by which public health authorities provide guidance, encourage vaccination, and reach vulnerable populations. That said, implementation of risk-based recommendations can prove challenging.
As we navigate this year’s respiratory illness season, Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP) held a discussion focused on best practices to support equitable access to respiratory vaccines, which will include an overview of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for respiratory vaccines, and considerations specific to risk-based recommendations. Featuring insights from leading public health experts, clinicians, and government officials, the event explored what is working, where there might be barriers to implementation and gaps in communication and, how the public health community can work together to ensure all individuals are able to receive the vaccines they need.
Panelists included:
The discussion was moderated by Amy Pisani, CEO of Vaccinate Your Family.
“In the face of an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses this winter, including a 14.3 percent increase in deaths from COVID-19 and elevated levels of flu and RSV, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project urges greater awareness and underscores the vital role vaccination plays in helping to protect people of all ages against these vaccine preventable viruses. Additionally, we stress the crucial importance of widespread testing and timely access to treatment options to help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent hospitalization. With the peak of winter respiratory virus season upon us, the ‘tripledemic’ is a multi-front challenge, emphasizing the need to take prevention seriously. Vaccination, testing, and treatment can help protect our communities and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient tomorrow.”
The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project website includes resources on COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and coverage. A range of experts are also available to assist with your ongoing reporting.
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As more than 250 leading organizations representing patients, caregivers and families, diverse communities, healthcare workers, older Americans, veterans, frontline workers and scientists, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project launched in December 2020 to provide information about the clinical trials process, regulatory review, distribution of and access to potential COVID-19 vaccines in a way that promotes equity and trust. Support for the project has been provided by Pfizer, Inc., Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, Novavax, and Novartis. Learn more at covidvaccineproject.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok at @COVIDVxProject.