Welcome to the monthly edition of the ICLAC newsletter.
The newsletter is published the last week of each month for upcoimg month.
Editor, Arely Briseño, MPH, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Associate Editor Victoria Jones, MPH, CDC Public Health Associate Program, hosted by the
Los Angeles County Public Health Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Team.
In Appreciation
ICLAC Community Spotlight
New Pediatric Immunization Section!
ICLAC would like to introduce a new section to our monthly newsletter! We are pleased to welcome the County of Los Angeles Public Health, Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program (VPDC). You will now have access to information and resources for the pediatric population developed by VPDC.
Where To Get Vaccinated
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide FREE flu vaccinations, the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, and Mpox vaccine. Health insurance is not required but will be requested if insured. Click here for vaccine clinic schedules.
You can always visit LA County Public Health website to find more low cost or no cost vaccination locations.
LA County Vaccine , COVID News, Updates & More
64% of Los Angeles County Residents Plan to Get Updated COVID-19 Vaccine, New Survey Finds. The new updated COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective tool for reducing the risks for severe illness, hospitalization, and cancellation of plans during the holiday season.
Visit LA County Surveillance COVID-19 Dashboard to view COVID-19 trends.
Free! Healthcare in your community. My Health LA is a no-cost health care program for low-income individuals who live in Los Angeles County. Participants must be between 26 and 49 years old and unable to get health insurance. On Jan 1st, 2024, Medi-Cal will be available for EVERYONE regardless of immigration status. Visit Health Service LA County to read more and register.
The Immunization Reporting website is OPEN!
All California schools and pre-kindergarten (childcare/preschool) facilities are required to assess and annually report the immunization status of their enrollees
Find links to the new website and resources on the Reporting page.
Reports must be submitted by December 1, 2023.
Protect yourself from COVID-19, Flu, and RSV
It is common to get sick from respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Scroll to read more on these respiratory viruses and visit provided links to access resources.
Novavax COVID-19 Recommendations
Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2023–2024 Formula) is authorized for use in people aged 12 years and older as follows: Visit Novavax COVID-19 to read more.
For more tips on how to prevent COVID-19, please visit American Lung Association.
Visit the CDC for Weekly U.S. COVID-19 Surveillance Report
Vaccinate Your Family launches its 2023–24 “Not ‘Just’ the Flu” campaign to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza.
It’s not “just” flu! Everyone is at risk from influenza (flu) – even healthy children and adults. Flu can be serious and lead to secondary complications such as pneumonia and sepsis. Protect yourself and your loved ones this season by knowing the facts. Visit Vaccinate Your Family to learn more on how to protect yourself.
Visit the CDC for Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report
RSV infection can be serious. Fortunately, vaccination is available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about vaccination and other ways to protect yourself and others from RSV. Visit RSV and ME to read more on RSV and hear Magic Johnson discuss RSV and the risk it could pose to older adults.
Visit the CDC for Weekly RSV Surveillance Report
Articles
“Improved health for Hispanic community is a matter of trust.”
To understand what the statement above explains please join a conversation with Julissa Soto about the importance of community and advocacy. The Article highlights public health challenges in the Latinx community, suggestions on how to help improve the communities efforts of advocacy etc. Click link to read more.
News, Townhalls, Webinars and Events
Training: Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases – Pink Book Vaccination Course
November 1, 8:00 am – November 2, 4:30 pm
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services presents a live two-day course that provides a comprehensive review of immunization, vaccine-preventable diseases, and respective vaccines. The course will provide the most up-to-date immunization information from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Webinar: Everyday Counts: Novavax Covid-19 Vaccine – Adjuvanted
Nov 2, 2023, 11:00 AM (PDT)
Novavax Covid 19 Vaccine, adjuvanted has recently been approved under EUA for the fall strain for patients 12 years of age and older. Looking for another Covid -19 vaccine option? Join NACCHO to learn more about newly FDA authorized Novavax Covid-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted, a non mRNA vaccine option built on a well-established protein subunit platform.
Webinar: Immunization Recommendations During Pregnancy
November 2, 2023, 09:00am PT
Join the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) for a discussion on recommended vaccination during pregnancy. Speakers will discuss Tdap, COVID-19, influenza, and recent updates in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization recommendations.
Webinar: Pandemics, Infodemics and Information Overload: How consistent, clear communication can help in future outbreaks
Nov 7, 2023, 10:00 AM PT
In this presentation we will review the problem of infodemics, and how we can reduce information overload and confusion by prioritizing consistent and clear science communication. Presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control. Cosponsored by the Region IV Public Health Training Center.
Event: Sixth Annual Minority Health Summit
Thursday, November 9 10am-4pm PT
Join the Sixth Annual Minority Health Summit, a must-attend event for anyone passionate about improving healthcare for minority communities. This year’s summit will be a hybrid event with in-person presentations. Connect with prominent figures and specialists deeply engaged in delivering healthcare to minority populations and communities of color. This hybrid Summit will feature dynamic discussions addressing critical topics, including healthcare disparities, health outcomes and the pursuit of health equity.
Webinar: 2023 Shingles Webinar
November 15, 2023: 18:00 – 19:00
This webinar provides viewers with an update on shingles epidemiology, changes to the NIP schedule, and current trends in vaccination rates.
Training: NFICD 2023 Clinical Vaccinology Course
November 15-17th, 2023, 11:30am PT
The online Clinical Vaccinology Course (CVC) will focus on new developments and issues related to the use of vaccines including the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and practical strategies for ensuring timely and appropriate immunization.
Each month we will feature information on childhood vaccines.
Spotlight: Varicella (Chickenpox)
Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing and from mucus, saliva, or fluid from blisters.
To learn more:
Visit Voices for Vaccines: The Big Deal About Chickenpox to read about Patricia Walters-Fischer, RN personal testimonial having Chickenpox before the vaccine became available.
Visit Vaccinate Your Family: Child and Teen Vaccine Preventable Diseases to read about other vaccine preventable diseases you maybe concern about for your children.
News, Updates, Events, Webinars
Protecting Against Respiratory Illness This Fall
Last fall, we experienced the triple-demic of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Fortunately, this year we have powerful tools to protect infants and young children against severe respiratory illness. Children 6 months and older should receive an annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, young infants and children can receive the RSV product Nirsevimab (Beyfortus). It is safe for eligible children to receive Flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations during the same visit.
To learn more:
- CDPH Fall-Winter 2023-24 immunizations
- LACDPH COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet
- LACDPH RSV Fact Sheet
- CDC Parent Guide for Flu Vaccine
Children eligible for Medi-Cal or uninsured/underinsured can receive vaccine through the Vaccine for Children Program. Parents should speak to their pediatrician’s office to schedule a visit.
Got to LACDPH Vaccine website for more information or to locate a vaccine site.
LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide FREE flu vaccinations, the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine (only available for those 12 years and older), and Mpox vaccine. Health insurance is not required. Appointments are available on LA County Library’s.
TIPS TO SHARE WITH PARENTS THIS FALL
Read, Print, and share this guide to fellow guardians, to help you keep your children safe and the community.
World Pneumonia Day – November 12, 2023
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Symptoms can include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Globally, Pneumonia is the largest infectious cause of death in both adults and children. In 2019, 2.5 million people died from pneumonia, including 672,000 children. In the United States, common causes of pneumonia are due to influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 viruses. Immunizations can help prevent infections that can cause pneumonia.
To learn more:
