Vaccine Resources: Preparing for Current and Future Vaccines During the Pandemic — Messages and Resources
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Vaccine Update for Healthcare ProvidersSeveral vaccine- and disease-related messages are important, yet competing for attention, amid the pandemic. Hopefully, these resources can help:
Message: Get adolescents vaccinated
The National HPV Vaccination Roundtable recently released several new resources to focus attention on getting adolescents vaccinated this summer. Called “Getting adolescent health back on track,” the program offers several resources:
- Actions for health systems, YouTube playlist and infographic
- Materials for parents, YouTube playlist and infographic
- These materials are also compiled on the Roundtable’s website.
Related to this, and discussed previously in this newsletter, catching up all children is important. Check out the June Vaccine Update feature article, "Three Current Clinical Issues Resulting from COVID-19 and Resources to Help," for resources to catch up on immunizations as well as to address COVID fatigue and return to office visits.
Message: Prepare for influenza vaccine season
Late 2020, unlike early 2020, is likely to find both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses causing disease at the same time. As such, it will be important to differentiate them and actively work to prevent both. While the masking, handwashing and social distancing being used to decrease spread of COVID-19 are likely to also decrease the spread of influenza, we have the added benefit of influenza vaccination. It is important to start planning for and discussing influenza vaccinations now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted an important article, "The Difference Between Flu and COVID-19," that describes the differences between these infections, including signs and symptoms, transmission, high-risk groups, complications, treatments and vaccines.
Message: Prepare for COVID-19 vaccines
When a COVID-19 vaccine is licensed, questions about the vaccine, concerns about safety, and plans for distribution will take center stage. Therefore, it is important to monitor what is happening as studies are completed and be prepared to speak about them with patients. The following resources may help:
- American Medical Association — The American Medical Association (AMA) recently published an article about “How to ready patients now so they’ll get a COVID-19 vaccine later.” Written by Tanya Albert Henry, the article describes a recent JAMA Viewpoint, “Planning for a COVID-19 vaccination program.” Both articles discuss potential objections as well as proactive actions to take before any COVID-19 vaccines become available.
- International Vaccine Access Center — The International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) hosted a webinar in June 2020 on “How will a COVID-19 vaccine be delivered.” The event featured a discussion of decision-making processes related to COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Categories: Vaccine Update July 2020, Vaccine Update Resources
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.