The Situation Report | December 18, 2023
On December 14, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory regarding low vaccination rates against influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Healthcare providers are alerted that the low vaccination rates and increases in national and international respiratory disease activity could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks.
According to the CDC, “Healthcare providers should administer influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations now to patients, if recommended. Healthcare providers should recommend antiviral medications for influenza and COVID-19 for all eligible patients, especially patients at high-risk of progression to severe disease such as older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions. Healthcare providers should also counsel patients about testing and other preventive measures, including covering coughs/sneezes, staying at home when sick, improving ventilation at home or work, and washing hands to protect themselves and others against respiratory diseases.”
There is an urgent need for providers to increase immunization coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Learn more about recommendations for healthcare providers, health departments, and the public here.