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One of the big unknowns going into the fall is how much of an impact seasonal influenza will have as we continue to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing, mask wearing, and hand hygiene used against COVID should also reduce flu transmission, but much depends upon compliance.
A bad flu season, combined with COVID-19, could easily overwhelm our medical system, and so a great deal of emphasis is being placed on this year's flu vaccination campaign, with the CDC reporting a record 194 million to 198 million doses of influenza vaccine on order this year.
But beyond seasonal flu's actual impact, or even the efficiency of this year's vaccine, this fall's vaccination campaign also will serve as a bit of a dress rehearsal for next year's anticipated COVID-19 vaccine roll out (see The `Other' Vaccine Challenge This Fall).
Deploying a record number of flu vaccines in the midst of a COVID pandemic - when most people are practicing social distancing, and many doctor's offices are seeing fewer people - may prove challenging.
While a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign would likely be a far more complicated endeavor, this fall's flu jab campaign provides a unique opportunity to test our vaccine delivery system under genuine pandemic conditions, and to identify - and hopefully eliminate - as many points of failure as possible.In anticipation of this, the CDC has set up a Vaccination Guidance During a Pandemic web page.
On Thursday afternoon the CDC will hold a COCA call addressing this year's Influenza Vaccination campaign.
COCA Calls are generally heavily attended and are of greatest interest to clinicians and healthcare providers. If you have trouble getting through - or are unable to attend the live session - the CDC archives these broadcasts for later viewing.
2020-2021 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations and Clinical Guidance during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Free Continuing Education
Overview
During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss updates to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the 2020-2021 influenza vaccination season. Topics will include the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice, flu vaccination planning, general vaccination guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and guidance for large vaccination clinics held in satellite, temporary, or off-site locations
Presenters
Lisa Grohskopf, MD, MPH, CAPT, USPHS
Medical Officer, Influenza ACIP Lead
Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Influenza Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tara Jatlaoui, MD, MPH, FACOG, LCDR, USPHS
Co-Lead, Influenza Response Team
Vaccine Planning Unit, Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Amy Parker Fiebelkorn, MSN, MPH, CAPT, USPHS
Co-Lead, Influenza Response Team
Vaccine Planning Unit, Immunization Services Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Call Materials
None at this time
Call Details
When: Thursday, August 20, 2020,
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Webinar Link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601970527
Dial In:
US: ++1 669 254 5252
or +1 646 828 7666
International numbers
iPhone one-tap:
US: +16692545252,,1601970527# or +16468287666,,1601970527#
Webinar ID: 160 197 0527 Add to Calendar
