Update on Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States (April 24, 2023)

The CDC is continually monitoring the availability, safety and use of COVID-19 vaccines. Despite the vaccine safety and effectiveness, according to the agency, only 17.7% of people in the U.S. over the age of 5 have received the recommended updated booster shot, meaning they are not up to date for the best protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Health care workers continue to educate and motivate their patients to recieve the primary vaccine series and the most recent booster to avoid severe illness. As of April 22, 2024, there are several updates on the COVID-19 vaccination schedule for children:

  • At the time of initial vaccination, depending on vaccine product, children ages 6 months–4 years are recommended to receive 2 or 3 bivalent mRNA vaccine doses; children age 5 years are recommended to receive 1 or 2 bivalent mRNA vaccine doses
  • People ages 6 years and older who are unvaccinated or previously received only monovalent vaccine doses are recommended to receive 1 bivalent mRNA vaccine dose

To view the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and teens, visit Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters. Information for parents can be found in COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know.

 

Engineering Controls Take Spotlight in OSAP'S Infection Control in Practice Team HuddleTM (ICIP): Aerosol Management: Part 2 Engineering Control Options To Reduce Risk Of Airborne Diseases (April 6, 2023)

ICIP is a resource prepared by the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) with the assistance and expertise of its members. OSAP is a nonprofit membership organization providing information and education on infection control and prevention and patient and provider safety to dental care settings worldwide.

This issue is the second in a two-part series on indoor air safety and aerosol management, focusing on engineering controls. A workplace scenario continues the challenge of a dental hygienist in two different clinical environments and each office's approaches to improving air quality. Featured is a four-step action plan for managing indoor air quality to reduce airborne disease risk in dental settings. Lists and charts include tips when choosing and using different add-on technologies to improve ventilation and air filtration, and how to monitor and maintain air safety equipment. Learning is engaged using a team discussion guide, a photo and video quiz, and key takeaways. Reference links support trusted sources of information.