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MEDTECH The CDC recently advised that new COVID-19 vaccinations should be given to all people aged 6 months and older to protect them from a potentially dangerous epidemic this fall and winter.
As healthcare professionals brace for the upcoming fall and winter season, the CDC and ACP have issued updated guidelines on COVID-19 vaccinations and outpatient treatments. These updates aim to better equip clinicians and pharmacists with the latest evidence-based practices to manage the pandemic effectively.
HCN Medical Memo
These updated guidelines offer a more nuanced approach to managing COVID-19 as we head into the fall and winter months. The inclusion of new outpatient treatments like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir provides additional options for patient care, while the CDC’s updated vaccine recommendations aim to mitigate the risks of a severe outbreak. It’s crucial to stay updated and exercise clinical judgment in line with these evolving guidelines.
Key Points
- The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to prepare for a potentially severe outbreak this fall and winter.
- ACP’s new practice points suggest molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir as viable treatments for symptomatic patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for severe disease.
- The ACP guidelines explicitly state that ivermectin and sotrovimab are not recommended for treating mild to moderate COVID-19.
- Healthcare professionals are advised to make treatment decisions based on clinical judgment, patient characteristics, and social determinants of health.
The CDC notes that this is the first fall and winter season where vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations: COVID-19, RSV, and the flu.
Additional Points
- An Israeli study found that coadministration of COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines did not significantly affect reactogenicity or immunogenicity, supporting their combined use.
More Guidelines/Recommendations
