Kansas City is experiencing a surge in cases of a new 'super flu' variant of Influenza A, leading to increased hospitalizations and deaths. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures like hand hygiene and masks to combat the ongoing outbreak, which is expected to continue for several weeks.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated its guidelines to strongly recommend vaccination during pregnancy against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, emphasizing the safety and benefits of maternal immunization for protecting both mothers and infants, including passive immunity for newborns and reduced pregnancy complications.
The World Health Organization has announced the recommended viral composition for influenza vaccines for the 2024-2025 northern hemisphere influenza season, based on data from the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. The recommendations include specific virus components for trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines, necessary due to the evolving nature of influenza viruses. These recommendations will guide the development, production, and licensing of influenza vaccines for the upcoming season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new public relations campaign called "Wild to Mild" to reset expectations around the influenza vaccine after finding that some Americans misunderstand its benefits. The campaign aims to avoid scare tactics and emphasizes the growing evidence that flu vaccination reduces the risk of serious outcomes in vaccinated individuals who still get sick. The CDC's surveys show that rates of seasonal flu vaccination have plateaued nationwide following the COVID-19 pandemic. As officials prepare for a potential uptick in infections from COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the colder months, the CDC is also preparing separate efforts to boost awareness around the general pan-respiratory season.