Massachusetts Vaccine Confidence Project (MVCP) Newsletter

August 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the August 2024 Massachusetts Vaccine Confidence Project (MVCP) newsletter! Our goal is to introduce you to several resources that we hope can help you increase vaccine confidence in your practice.

Here at the Massachusetts Vaccine Confidence Project we are committed to increasing vaccine confidence and ensuring that all Massachusetts residents are protected against vaccine preventable diseases.

Interested in receiving future MVCP newsletters? Click here to subscribe.

We appreciate all that you do to vaccinate our residents!

EVENTS AND PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

Event Highlight: August is National Immunization Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Together, we can help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage people to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Check out these vaccine resources!

Event Highlight: August 4th-10th is National Health Center Week

#NHCW24 Theme: Powering Communities Through Caring Connections

Community Health Centers provide comprehensive care to more than 30 million patients at 14,500 service delivery sites in every U.S. state and territory. In recognition of their dedication to the health of all residents of Massachusetts, and their commitment to protecting all people from vaccine preventable disease, MVCP will issue certificates of appreciation during National Health Center Week to all Massachusetts Community Health Centers. For a list of events recognizing the importance of Health Centers in your community during National Health Center Week, please click here: NHCW24.

Event Highlight: 29th Annual Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership (MIAP) Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference

Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: DCU Center - Worcester, Massachusetts

Registration will be opening in early August - stay tuned for more information!

This full-day, in-person pediatric conference will provide up-to-date information on the field of pediatric immunization with an emphasis on current immunization recommendations and general immunization updates. Some of our guest presenters include: Time Magazine's 100Health: Katelyn Jetelina and U Mass Medical's Grace Ryan, PhD, MPH.

Partner Highlight: Team Maureen - Take the Shot

Through the MVCP’s partnership with Massachusetts-based nonprofit Team Maureen, and with additional grant support from Massachusetts PTA, we are excited to share additional opportunities for hosting a Take the Shot Night in local communities throughout Massachusetts during 2025. Take the Shot Night is an educational celebration with the purpose of preventing cancer by educating middle school-aged students and their families about human papillomavirus’ (HPV) connection to cancer, and the importance of getting the HPV vaccine to prevent cancer.

If you are interested in learning more about hosting a Take the Shot Night event in your community, please email k elly_welch@JSI.com.

WEBINARS

MCAAP Immunization Initiative Webinar: 2024-2025 Influenza Season Update

Presenter: Lisa Grohskopf, CDC

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 12:00-1:00 PM

C lick here to register.

Massachusetts Medical Society Webinar: Increasing HPV Vaccination in Massachusetts

Presenters: Sherri Zorn, MD and Lloyd Fisher, MD

On Demand

VACCINE CONFIDENCE

Designed to provide new or returning healthcare or public health professionals You Call the Shots is an interactive, web-based immunization training course consisting of modules that discuss vaccine-preventable diseases and explain the latest recommendations for vaccine use.

RESPIRATORY VIRUS GUIDANCE UPDATE

Stay tuned for an upcoming special edition of the MVCP Newsletter focused on Respiratory Season.

In the meantime please check out the current CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance.

A(H5N1) BIRD FLU

CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update August 2, 2024

Bird flu is causing outbreaks in wild birds, poultry, other animals and sporadic human cases. CDC provides an update on its response activities related to the multistate outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, or "H5N1 bird flu," in dairy cows and other animals in the United States. Check out CDC's Current Situation page for additional updates.

HEALTH EQUITY FEATURE

Mpox remains a public health concern, with low vaccination rates, and 33 cases this year in MA (1221 nationwide) as of June 15^th. While not sexually transmitted, most cases have transmitted through sexual contact within communities of men who have sex with men. Use these helpful resources to assist you in discussing patient risk and offering the two-part Jynneos vaccine when appropriate: