Noteworthy Recent Developments in Adult Vaccines
A White Paper from the IMA Public Health Committee
There have been some recent developments in vaccine recommendations for adults. An RSV vaccine for older adults is now available for adults 60 years of age and older, and eligible individuals should discuss with their healthcare providers whether to receive the vaccine. An RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant individuals during 32 through 36 weeks gestation, using seasonal administration, to protect their infants from RSV. Adults should ensure they are fully vaccinated against polio, particularly given recent community transmission within the United States. The mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS, is recommended for persons 18 years and older at risk for mpox. A pentavalent formulation of meningococcal vaccine is now available for use when MenACWY and MenB are indicated at the same visit.
To view the full white paper from the IMA Public Health Committee, click HERE .
Pregnancy Complications with Risk of Maternal Death and Impairment
A White Paper from the IMA Reproductive Health Committee
Due to the significant risk of sudden onset of complications that could result in serious compromise of maternal health or death, termination of pregnancy prior to fetal viability is within the standard of care. When any associated complications are detected, termination of pregnancy is indicated to prevent severe maternal impairment and death.
In general, the earlier in pregnancy that one of these conditions develops, the higher the probability of severe maternal or fetal morbidity and/or mortality. Waiting until complications arise greatly increases the risk of maternal death/injury and does not guarantee the fetus will survive to delivery or childhood. If the pregnant patient dies prior to fetal viability, there is no possible way for the fetus to survive; thus, the pregnancy will result in a fetal demise at the time of her death.
To view the full white paper from the IMA Reproductive Health Committee, click HERE .
Impact of Pregnancy on Preexisting Maternal Medical Conditions
A White Paper from the IMA Reproductive Health Committee
Pregnancy carries a baseline, low level risk for the expecting mother. However, women with certain preexisting medical conditions face higher pregnancy related risks that can impact maternal or fetal health (morbidity) or place the mother at increased risk of death (mortality). For conditions with known increased risk of mortality, obstetric care providers may counsel patients against pregnancy. However, nearly half of pregnancies in the United States are unintended, therefore, the majority of counseling occurs after pregnancy has already been established.
Counseling regarding each specific condition and various options for pregnancy management must be provided in a non-directive way, such that the obstetric provider respects patient autonomy and involves the patient in shared decision making. This allows patients and families to make an informed decision regarding pregnancy continuation.
To view the full white paper from the IMA Reproductive Health Committee, click HERE .
Change to Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS) from Opt-out to Opt-in Being Debated in the Legislature
A White Paper from the IMA Public Health Committee
What is IRIS? It is a free, state-run electronic system that consolidates immunization-related information into a single centralized record. It can be used by healthcare providers, public health
professionals, schools, and childcare providers to check immunization records. It can help healthcare providers determine which immunizations are due and provides official immunization
records. IRIS is password-protected and allows only individuals with a need-to-know the ability to access records. The information in IRIS serves to enhance the care of individuals, families,
and communities.
To view the full white paper from the IMA Public Health Committee, click HERE .
Parental Rights in Medical Decision-Making
A White Paper from the IMA Public Health Committee
What does SB 1329 want to do?
It has two objectives: 1) Prohibit individuals from providing or soliciting to provide healthcare services to anyone under 18 without parental consent. These services include “a service for the diagnosis, screening, examination, prevention, treatment, cure, care, or relief of any physical or mental health condition, illness, injury, defect, or disease.” And 2) It would prohibit a healthcare provider or government entity from denying access to a parent to their child’s health information.
To view the full white paper from the IMA Public Health Committee, click HERE .
Syringe Services Programs
A White Paper from the IMA Public Health Committee
What are Syringe Services Programs (SSP)? SSPs “are community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services, including linkage to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment; access to and disposal of sterile syringes and injection equipment; and vaccination, testing, and linkage to care and treatment for infectious diseases.”i SSPs are an important strategy to equip individuals who use drugs with life-saving tools and information, and to help reduce the risk of spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.
To view the full white paper from the IMA Public Health Committee, click HERE .