Welcome back to the monthly edition of the ICLAC Newsletter!
This Newsletter is shared on behalf of ICLAC, if you have any questions or concerns about the content please send an email to info@immunizelac.org.
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Community Spotlight
Thank you for all those who were able to attend the Immunization Coalition of Los Angeles County’s (ICLAC) Spring Vaccine Forum on April 23, 2024. The goal of these forums is to share the latest vaccine guidance, collaborations, and best practices to improve immunization coverage, especially among those at highest risk. This recent forum focused on immunizations among People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH).
We encourage everyone to visit ICLAC’s webpage to watch the recording or review the presentation slides.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) are Provided by the Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 11808 for 2.0 contact hours.
To receive credit, eligible participants will need to click here. The deadline to complete the evaluation will be Tuesday, April 30, at 5 pm (PST). A certificate of completion will be sent out after the evaluation is received.
Where to Get Vaccinated
Visit ICLAC’s Where to Get Vaccinated page for which routine and recommended vaccines are needed for you or a family member, how to find a vaccination clinic near you, or request in-home vaccination. Information provided is for all routine and recommended vaccines throughout the lifespan including COVID-19 and flu.
Visit LA County Library to register for your free in person vaccine. LA County Library is partnering with LA County Department of public health to provide free flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters to people 6 months of age and older. No health insurance is required.
LA County Vaccine, COVID-19 News & Updates
COVID-19 Vaccine Update: All Adults 65+ Recommended to Get Additional COVID-19 Vaccine
CDC recommends that all adults ages 65 years and older receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose to help protect against severe disease from COVID-19. For more information, see CDC’s press release. Persons ≥ 65 years of age should receive an additional dose of 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, at least 4 months after their previous updated (2023-2024) COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Free vaccines are available to uninsured and underinsured adults at many participating retail pharmacies, health care providers and health centers through a federal program called the CDC Bridge Access Program. A list of providers in this program can be found here!
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Webinar: Rise in Cases – How to Prepare for Measles in Healthcare Settings
When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm.
During this upcoming webinar, Nava Yeganeh, MD, MPH and Jordan Braunfeld, MD will focus on general measles information and infection prevention in healthcare settings, including identifying measles signs and symptoms, measles vaccination effectiveness, and accessing public health measles guidance and patient resources.
- Pre-registration is required. Meeting Registration Link
- CEU and CME credits will be available.
- Please contact csepulveda@ph.lacounty.gov for more information or questions.
Answers to Tough Questions in Public Health
The Public Health Communication Collaborative (PHCC) has updated their immunizations FAQs and resources webpage. The PHCC uses clear, plain language, factual talking points and responses to common public health inquiries. From COVID-19 and flu guidance to RSV and measles information, this section is regularly updated to reflect new developments and emerging issues in the field. The PHCC covers a wide range of themes such as: vaccines, COVID-19 updates, and emerging public health concerns (e.g., RSV, mpox, and measles). Click here to read more!
Webinars, Townhalls and Events
Hepatitis Awareness Month
May 1st – 31st, 2024
The month of May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States, and May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day. During May, CDC and our public health partners work to shed light on the impact of these hidden epidemics by raising awareness of viral hepatitis while encouraging testing and vaccination. Hepatitis Awareness Month activities help to improve everyone’s understanding of viral hepatitis transmission and risk factors and to decrease social stigma against viral hepatitis.
Click here to learn more and sign up for related webinars taking place this month!
The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) is proud to host a series of virtual meetings in May 2024, including two NAIIS webinars May 16 and 23, 2024 and a NAIIS weekly meeting to specifically address RSV prevention and planning. Register here!
Setting the Stage:
Thursday, May 16th, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (PST) | Online
Overcoming Challenges:
Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (PST) | Online
Conference: 2024 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research: Preparing for the Future
May 8th – 10th, 2024 | Online
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is proud to host their annual conference on vaccinology. This year’s conference will focus on how vaccinology research brings together the diverse disciplines involved in vaccine research, development, implementation, and real-world evaluation.  For more than 25 years, the annual conference has been well-regarded by attendees as a forum for relevant discussions and collaborations across the breadth of vaccinology.
National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day
May 15th, 2024
According to the Office of Minority health, Hispanics/Latinos are 60 percent more likely to die from viral hepatitis than whites. Furthermore, Hispanics were 50 percent more likely to die from viral hepatitis C, despite having lower rates of hepatitis C. Join the National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day (NHHAD) team in spreading awareness on opportunities for everyone to learn what can be done to prevent the spread of hepatitis. Many forms of hepatitis are preventable and can be treated if detected early.
Click here to learn more!
National Women’s Health Week
May 12th – 18th, 2024
Every May beginning on Mother’s Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) leads National Women’s Health Week (NWHW). This year, NWHW takes place May 12 – 18th. This observance aims to highlight women’s health issues and priorities and encourage women of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Join us in this uplifting journey as we dive into everything that makes women’s health so important. This year’s theme is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their health journeys and shining a light on health issues unique to women. We’re celebrating the strength and determination of women who have taken control of their health and fostering an environment where all women feel supported and empowered to speak up about their health needs and concerns. The NWHW 2024 messaging encourages women to engage in healthy practices, access preventive care, and share their health experiences to inspire others.Â
Click here to learn more!