Clinical Updates

Registration is now open for the Philadelphia Immunization Coalition (PIC) stakeholder roundtable — click the button below to register! This event can accommodate up to 30 participants. Join leaders from healthcare, community organizations, public health, and partner sectors for a discussion on strengthening immunization efforts across...

The Philadelphia Department of Health has recently identified a varicella (chickenpox) outbreak in a daycare located in ZIP code 19145 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,...

Influenza test positivity in Philadelphia has fallen to below 3% for both influenza A and B, indicating the end of influenza season. Therefore, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommends stopping influenza immunization for all eligible patients. Vaccination against influenza may continue based on clinical judgment.  Unused vaccines may...

Based on decreased RSV test positivity and pediatric hospitalizations, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommends stopping RSV monoclonal antibody immunization (i.e., nirsevimab and clesrovimab) to all eligible patients on April 15, 2026. Administration may continue until April 30, 2026, based on clinical judgment. Due to...

Increased disease activity indicates season extension The Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommends offering RSV monoclonal antibody immunization (i.e., nirsevimab and clesrovimab) to all eligible patients until April 15, 2026 due to continued RSV hospitalizations.  Federally purchased RSV immunization will no longer be available to order after...

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...

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...

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,...

The following products are now available to order: Flulaval (VFC & VFAAR) Fluzone (VFC only) Flucelvax (VFC only) FluMist (VFC only) 2025-2026 Available Influenza Products Vaccines for Children (VFC) Product Manufacture/NDC Eligibility Dose / Presentation / Type CPT Code CVX Code Available FluLaval GSK, 19515-0904-52 6 mos – 18 years 0.5 mL / Single-dose syringe / inactivated, trivalent 90656 140 Yes Fluzone Sanofi, 49281-0425-50 6 mos – 18...

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...

Can I order self- or caregiver-administered FluMist for patients in the upcoming influenza season? No, providers can not order self- or caregiver-administered FluMist for patients. Patients and/or caregivers must initiate the order themselves. FluMist can be ordered through an online pharmacy service, Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Network (ASPN)....