Public Policy Updates

The World Health Organization (WHO) extended the deadline for participation in its multi-level, global survey on implementation of minimum requirements for IPC at the national and healthcare facility levels. The new deadline is March 10. Facilities may participate through the WHO IPC Portal. Learn more.

New data from CDC show that the updated COVID-19 vaccines were effective against COVID-19 during September 2023 – January 2024, including against variants from the XBB lineage, which is included in the updated vaccine, and JN.1, a new variant that has become dominant in recent weeks. Read more.

The CDC released the latest version of its antimicrobial resistance (AR) investment map, highlighting CDC’s funding to combat the US and global AR threat. In FY 2023, the agency invested in detection, containment, prevention, and innovation projects in every U.S. state and over 20 other countries. Explore the updated AR investment map.

The CDC has been alerted to 23 confirmed cases of measles between December 1, 2023 and January 23, 2024, mostly among children and adolescents who have not been vaccinated. Due to the recent cases, CDC is advising healthcare providers to be on alert for patients exhibiting symptoms consistent with measles, especially if the patient has … Continued

The CDC and ACIP recommend the RSV vaccination (Pfizer Abrysvo) for pregnant people during 32–36 weeks gestation using seasonal administration to protect infants against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) after birth. In most of the continental United States, the RSV vaccine should be given to pregnant people from September 1 through January 31, regardless of year-to-year circulation, … Continued

NIOSH is sponsoring the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to host a virtual public workshop, March 4-5, examining opportunities to increase the use of reusable healthcare textiles (HCTs) for PPE used in healthcare settings. Technical experts, policy makers, manufacturers, PPE users in healthcare, and others will have the opportunity to explore the potential … Continued

During this COCA call, CDC subject matter experts will present an overview of diagnostic testing and therapeutic options for COVID-19 and influenza, including eligibility, indications, and efficacy. The call is on Thursday, February 1 at 2 – 3 pm ET. Free continuing education is available. Click here for more information and to access the webinar.

Based on the significant interest in the draft recommendations for revisions to the Isolation Precautions Guidelines, CDC has asked HICPAC to reconsider some initial questions and comments before submitting the guideline into the Federal Register for public comment. In addition, CDC is working to expand the scope of technical backgrounds of participants on the HICPAC … Continued

A CDC report identified a hotel swimming pool as the source of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection outbreak in Maine in March 2023. Inadequate maintenance and monitoring of chlorine concentration likely contributed to the outbreak. Read the report in MMWR.