Author: Rishi Sharma

Nationally, COVID-19 activity is increasing from low levels. Continuing to vaccinate is important in protecting vulnerable individuals, such as infants, against the disease. Infants and children between 6 months and 23 months of age are at high risk of severe COVID-19. Children with certain medical conditions, such as asthma and congenital...

There are no changes in vaccine recommendations and availability in Philadelphia.  On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the pediatric immunization schedule, changing several routine childhood vaccines from a routine recommended category to a shared-decision-making and/or high-risk category. Despite these...

RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the country, including Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) immunization remains the most effective protection against RSV illness. A recent study showed that nirsevimab was 81% effective against RSV-associated hospitalization among infants younger than 6 months. Refer to these previous messages regarding availability and...

There is increasing influenza disease activity in parts of the U.S. The most recent weekly CDC influenza surveillance report shows one influenza-associated pediatric death, bringing the 2025-2026 season total to nine reported influenza-related pediatric deaths. CDC estimates that there have been at least 11,000,000 illnesses,...

The hepatitis B vaccine has saved millions of lives. Since its implementation in 1991, hepatitis B vaccination at birth has reduced pediatric hepatitis B infections by 99%.When discussing hepatitis B vaccination with patients, especially the hepatitis B birth dose, frame the choice clearly: the hepatitis B vaccine...

All Philadelphia providers enrolled in the VFC Program are eligible. What is PA CARES?  The Pennsylvania Children's Access to Routine and Essential Shots (PA CARES) program is a new state-directed initiative designed to support Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers enrolled in and in good standing with the...

The vaccine distribution center will have reduced delivery capacity during the holiday season. Orders submitted during this time will take longer than usual to ship. December: Place your order by Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. Orders placed after this date may not ship until January...

The health department has recently identified a varicella (chickenpox) outbreak in a school and is sharing clinical reminders on the diagnosis and management of varicella. Varicella is a highly contagious disease that can be serious for non-immune pregnant people, newborns, and those with weak immune...

The CDC released updated clinical guidance for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. Previously, all unvaccinated children younger than 5 years were recommended to receive 2 doses of 2025-2026 Moderna vaccine as their primary series. Now, children aged 6-23 months who are unvaccinated are recommended to receive 2 doses...

The Vaccines for Adults at Risk (VFAAR) program's FluLaval supply has run out for the season. Pediatric influenza vaccine doses are still available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for VFC-eligible patients. Please do not submit any new orders for adult influenza vaccine, as these requests will be rejected. For...

The vaccine distribution center will have reduced delivery capacity during the holiday season. Orders submitted during this time will take longer than usual to ship. November: Place your order by Friday, November 14, 2025, at 12 p.m. Orders placed after this date may not ship until December...

On September 18-19, 2025, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend: MMRV (combined MMR + varicella) vaccine should not be given to children under 4 years old. It is recommended to administer MMR and varicella vaccines separately. Clinical Background: MMRV Vaccine The MMRV vaccine is a...

VFC providers can now order Moderna, Pfizer, & Sanofi 2025-2026 COVID-19 products for their eligible patients.Make sure that your EHR/EMR is set-up to report this year’s COVID-19 products.These are the vaccines available this year:  *Pfizer 6 mos - 4 years is no longer available.**This is a...

On February 14, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved GSK’s MenABCWY vaccine, Penmenvy, for use in individuals aged 10 through 25 years. Penmenvy (meningococcal groups A, B, C, W, and Y vaccine) is now available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The vaccine is...

On June 9, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed Merck’s Enflonsia (clesrovimab) for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).On June 26, 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices(ACIP) voted to recommend clesrovimab for use in infants younger than...

Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers are now welcome to order nirsevimab (Beyfortus) as needed. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a monoclonal antibody immunization used to prevent RSV infection in infants and young children, can be administered from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Once we receive your nirsevimab orders,...

Effective immediately, all 2024-2025 COVID-19 products are no longer approved for use. Remove all 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines from storage units immediately, even if they are not expired. Discard any open vials of vaccine and adjust inventory using the Wasting Vaccine Guide. Return any unopened vials or syringes using the Vaccine Return Guide. Mark...

The Philadelphia Immunization Program has free print materials available for your office to order. We recently sent a sample of these materials to your offices, so keep an eye out! Review the materials below and click the button at the bottom of this message to place...