MMWR Weekly Briefing

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, vaccination rates among kindergartners are still lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, 1 in 3 U.S. veterans has arthritis. Diagnosed arthritis is much more common among the youngest veterans compared with people of the same age. Finally, health care personnel were less likely to get a flu shot during the pandemic. Most were not up to date with COVID-19 vaccination during the last respiratory virus season.

This episode discusses two MMWR reports. The first report describes racial and ethnic differences in COVID-19 vaccination coverage among children and teens and parental intent to vaccinate their children. The second report describes mpox cases among cisgender women and pregnant people.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, no new safety concerns have been identified a year after the RSV vaccine was recommended for older adults. Second, in response to New York City's chickenpox outbreak, about 27,000 vaccine doses have been administered to prevent new infections. Third, despite a decrease in reported cases, mosquitoes and ticks continue to spread disease in the U.S. Last, dangerous meningococcal infections after travel to Saudi Arabia highlight the need for vaccination before travel to perform the Umrah or Hajj pilgrimages.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, CDC encourages clinicians to confirm fungal diagnoses before prescribing topical antifungals. Next, CDC releases the 2024 immunization schedules for children and adolescents, as well as adults. Finally, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines helps prevent COVID-19-related strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks in adults aged 65 years and older and adults on dialysis.

This episode discusses four MMWR reports. First, West Nile virus continues to be the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., with almost 3,000 cases reported in 2021. Second, CDC releases its first-ever 'Sepsis Core Elements' to help hospitals strengthen their sepsis programs. Third, CDC publishes its 2023-24 influenza vaccination recommendations. Everyone 6 months and older should get their annual flu shot, ideally in September or October. Finally, CDC recommends a new preventive tool for severe respiratory syncytial virus, the leading cause of infant hospitalizations.