Delaware Division of Public Health notifies of rise in pertussis cases in New Castle County

DOVER, DEL. (June 14, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is currently investigating a rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in New Castle County. Pertussis is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe health complications including pneumonia, syncope (passing out), seizures, apnea (stopping breathing) and death, particularly in very young children. It begins with cold-like symptoms and develops into a bad cough. Coughing spells can be severe, and sometimes the individual might suffer from gagging or vomiting as a result. Some people also may have a high-pitched “whoop” after they cough, which is how the disease Read More …

FDA Updates Advice to 2024-2025 COVID-19 Formula

Based on the totality of the evidence, on June 6, 2024, FDA initially advised the manufacturers of the licensed and authorized COVID-19 vaccines that the COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 Formula) for use in the United States beginning in fall 2024 should be monovalent JN.1 vaccines. FDA has continued to monitor the circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2.  Based on the most current available data, along with the recent rise in cases of COVID-19 in areas of the country, the agency has further determined that the preferred JN.1-lineage for the COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 Formula) is the KP.2 strain, if feasible. Read more

Moderna Receives U.S. FDA Approval for RSV Vaccine mRESVIA(R)

May 31, 2024 CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 31, 2024 / Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved mRESVIA (mRNA-1345), an mRNA respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, to protect adults aged 60 years and older from lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV infection. The approval was granted under a breakthrough therapy designation and marks the second approved mRNA product from Moderna. “The FDA approval of our second product, mRESVIA, builds on the strength and versatility of our mRNA platform,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. “mRESVIA protects older adults Read More …

May Quarterly Meeting

Join us online for the May Quarterly Meeting of the Immunization Coalition! Thursday, May 23, 2024 2:00 – 3:30 pm ET Register in advance for this meeting: https://delamed-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApfumurTooGtLTdMIoosUzAGbolsMZAVZZ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Agenda 2023-2024 Flu Season End of Season Update COVID-19 Update Delaware Status School Health Division of Public Health School Survey Emerging Infectious Disease Global Update U.S. Measles Update Avian/Bovine/Human Influenza Update Partner Updates Pfizer – Maternal RSV Vaccines Moderna – RSV Vaccine Update

Immunization Champion Award

Call for Nominations! Today marks the launch of the nomination period for the Immunization Champion Award! We look forward to receiving your nominations and selecting a 2024 Immunization Champion for Delaware.  The Immunization Champion Award is a national award program hosted by the  Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) and honors individuals going above and beyond to foster and/or promote immunization in their communities. Access the nomination form here. Nominations will be accepted until May 10, 2024. Please share this email with your networks. Instructions for Nomination Individuals can be recognized for their work in childhood, adolescent, or adult vaccines. Who Read More …

We the People Vax

During the 2024 National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships, the ICD was honored to become a member of We the People Vax, a group of statewide Immunization coalitions and health organizations across the nation that have joined together to promote vaccines’ efficacy and safety by raising awareness of the patriotism of vaccinating through social media campaigns!

61st Holloway Infectious Disease Symposium

Join ChristianaCare for the 61st Annual William J. Holloway Infectious Disease Symposium Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 8:30am – 3:30pm EST at the John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark 61st William J. Holloway Infectious Disease Symposium The annual symposium will award 5 CME credits to participants. Registration deadline is April 30, 2024. Costs are $95 for live attendance, and $85 for virtual attendance. Residents and trainess will get in for free. Students should contact Amy Minsker (amy.l.minsker@christianacare.org) for registration information. Register Here Agenda 8:30am-8:45am- Welcome 8:45am-9:45am- Catherine Troisi- Vaccines of Global Health Importance: What’s New on the Horizon  9:45am-10:45am- Read More …

Vaccine Community Ambassadors Program

Quality Insights and the Delaware Division of Public Health are offering an exciting opportunity for community members to contribute to improved health.  The Vaccine Community Ambassador program is seeking people to share messages to strengthen vaccination rates and improve vaccine confidence.  Click Here for more information. All that is required to participate is a desire to help people and improve Delawareans’ knowledge of vaccines.  Any active member of your community age 18 or older can apply.  A medical background is not necessary, and free training will be provided.  College students and retirees are strongly encouraged to apply.  Small incentive payments Read More …