Updates from the Health Department
November 26, 2024
Dr. Benjamin Schwartz
In the December 2024 edition of the Golden Gazette, Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Director of Epidemiology and Population Health, Fairfax County Health Department, shared five things that you should know about COVID-19, flu, and RSV immunizations.
1. What are your biggest concerns about cold and flu season 24/25?
My biggest concern about the upcoming respiratory disease season is that people will think that because the pandemic is over that COVID-19 is no longer a threat and will choose not to get vaccinated. We saw this last year when many people in all age groups, including older adults, got vaccinated for flu but not for COVID-19. In fact, COVID-19 remains a significant cause of hospitalization and death in older adults. At this time, we don’t know how severe the respiratory disease season will be, but we do know that vaccination is particularly effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization. Please don’t go out only half protected. Get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
2. What observations do you have in our "post pandemic" world?
“Post-pandemic” does not mean “COVID-19 free” or even “COVID-19 trivial.” COVID-19 remains a real threat, particularly to the health of older adults. Flu and COVID-19 illness can result in serious health consequences, disrupt holiday plans, and spread to loved ones and friends. Vaccines are safe and effective, widely available, and free for people who have health insurance or are on Medicare. [Low-cost options also are available for people who do not have health insurance through the local health department].
3. What is the reason for vaccine hesitance and what is your advice for people who feel that hesitancy?
Some people don’t get vaccinated because of concerns about side effects of vaccination but many people don’t get vaccinated because it’s simply not convenient or a high enough priority to make the effort. For the latter group, my message is that getting vaccinated is easier than you may think. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, for example at your local pharmacy, both vaccines can be given at the same time, and costs are covered by insurance and Medicare. Getting a serious respiratory illness would be far more inconvenient than making the effort to get vaccinated.
For those who are concerned about a possible side effect, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she is concerned about your health and can provide the best science-based information to help you make a good decision – separating facts from misinformation that seem common or that we hear about so often lately. Know also that vaccine safety is not only studied before a vaccine is recommended, but studied afterwards as well, by independent experts in science, medicine, and public health. Over 600 million COVID-19 vaccinations have safely been given in the U.S. and over 13 billion worldwide. This experience provides strong data for the safety of COVID-19 vaccines (and flu vaccine has an even longer track record of safety).
4. What are the current recommendations for vaccines to prevent seasonal respiratory illnesses?
Both COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines are recommended for everyone older than 6 months old. These two vaccines are especially important for older adults who are at highest risk of more serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. COVID-19 and flu vaccines are updated each year because the viruses change, making previous vaccines less effective, and because the immunity from vaccination decreases over time. Getting the new vaccines ensures the best protection. RSV vaccine also protects against serious respiratory illness in older adults. This vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years old and older, and persons between 60-74 years old who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease. Unlike COVID-19 and flu vaccines, RSV vaccine is currently only given once.
5. Who makes these recommendations, and can we trust them?
Vaccine recommendations are made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which is comprised of experts in science, medicine, and public health. While the committee advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ACIP members are independent experts who consider the evidence in meetings that are open to the public. Before a vaccine is considered for recommendation, it has been rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness in large clinical studies, considered by an independent advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is approved by the FDA. Following licensure and recommendation, vaccines continue to be carefully studied to ensure that they are safe and effective in routine use. One can be confident in vaccines because the process of investigation, approval, and recommendation is rigorous, transparent, and independent.
New CDC Guidance Recommends Second Dose COVID Vaccine for Some
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their initial dose. This guideline, endorsed by CDC Director Mandy Cohen, highlights the increased risk of severe disease for these groups and emphasizes the importance of maintaining vaccination to combat COVID-19 and its variants.
Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems may receive additional doses based on shared decision-making with healthcare providers. Ongoing vaccination is crucial not only for reducing severe outcomes but also for minimizing the risk of Long COVID. Read more from the CDC.
November 18, 2024
On October 23, the Fairfax County Health Department, Department of Family Services and other county agencies and non-profit organizations and partners, joined together to host a Baby Extravaganza – Free Baby and Maternal Health Expo. New and expectant mothers gathered at the Gerry Hyland Government Center for a morning of education, support, and community. Attendees learned about safe sleep practices, nutrition, breastfeeding, and more. Additionally, the mothers were able to get connected to community resources, such as home visiting services, WIC, and parenting education.
Watch the video below to learn more about the event.
Maternal Child Health Nurses provide support for Fairfax County residents during and after pregnancy as well as during infancy and early childhood. Public Health Nurses can offer home visits which include assessment and screening, resource referrals, and anticipatory guidance, education, and support related to maternal child health and parenting through programs such as Nurse-Family Partnership, Maternal Child Health Field Nursing, and Healthy Families Fairfax.
For more information visit our Maternal and Child Health page.
October 28, 2024
According to the CDC, each year more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. That’s one American every 40 seconds. Every year, World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. On this World Stroke Day, we highlight the Health Department’s Helping Hands Stroke Group, and its facilitator, Erica Wrenn.
Erica is a Speech-Language Pathologist, working at the Joseph Willard Health Clinic as part of the Speech and Hearing Clinic team. And while she says she didn’t set out to work in Public Health, she can’t imagine being anywhere else.
“I was previously employed at an inpatient rehab hospital. However, I stumbled upon this position at the Fairfax County Health Department and have enjoyed a lengthy and very fulfilling career since then,” said Erica. “I can honestly say I love being a speech-language pathologist.”
And it’s a job that Erica says has roots in personal experience.
“My grandfather suffered a stroke. Even his ability to swallow was impacted by the stroke,” said Erica. “I saw firsthand the care that was provided to help him regain his ability to speak and comprehend language, and I saw the speech and language pathologist teach him how to swallow safely so that he could enjoy the foods he loved.”
The Helping Hands Stroke Club was founded in 1977 with just five members which has grown into 30 members across three groups: one is a combined support group for stroke survivors and caregivers, the second group is for caregivers only and the third is a speech therapy group for stroke survivors to continue working on improving speech, language and cognitive deficits. Erica has facilitated these groups since 2008.
Members of the Helping Hands Stroke Group share at a meeting earlier this year.
In describing her role as facilitator, Erica is clearly focused on those she serves. She adds, “I’m an advocate for stroke survivors who are often overlooked due to communication and mobility challenges. I’m a champion for those who continue to fight for recovery in ways that are most important to them.”
The Helping Hands Stroke Club offers stroke survivors and caregivers the opportunity to share personal experiences, exchange valuable information and network with others in an informal group setting. The primary benefit of the stroke Club is to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment for survivors and caregivers to openly and honestly discuss the challenges of stroke recovery. Activities vary and consist of guest speakers, open discussions and social events. Erica remembers that it was one of those other activities that made all the difference for one specific club member.
“I received a call from the daughter of a stroke survivor. Her mother was refusing to attend any support groups,” Erica recalls. “During our discussion, I learned that her mother enjoyed poetry which just happened to be an upcoming topic for a stroke club meeting. I encouraged the daughter to bring her mother to that meeting and to bring some poetry to share. After this initial meeting, the stroke survivor returned week after week and began to participate in other stroke related activities. It’s been 10 years and she’s still an active and vital member as well as the group’s staunchest supporter.”
The Helping Hands Club meets on Fridays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and group speech therapy is on alternating Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A caregiver support group meets every other month. If you would like information on the group, you can call (703) 246-7120 (TTY 711) for details or visit the Speech and Hearing Services page on our Health Department website.
November 20, 2024
Pneumonia Increase Update — November 20, 2024
Fairfax Health District continues to experience elevated rates of diagnosed pneumonia. Visits to emergency departments (ED) and urgent care (UC) centers with diagnosed pneumonia comprised 4.9% of all ED/UC visits for the week of November 10-16.
Among ED/UC visits in Fairfax facilities during the week of Nov. 10-16, 9.8% of visits for children ages 5- 17 years and 12.2% of visits for children ages 2-4 years had a discharge diagnosis of pneumonia.
Across the state of Virginia, including the Fairfax Health District, hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers are seeing an increase in visits for diagnosed pneumonia, particularly among children ages 5-17 years old.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It can be caused by different germs, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. People can get pneumonia any time of the year, but it is more common in the fall and winter when germs that cause respiratory illnesses are spreading.
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fever or chills
Chest pain when breathing or coughing
Fatigue (feeling tired)
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Confusion
Certain people are more likely to get pneumonia, including:
Adults 65 years and older (with risk increasing as age increases);
Children younger than 5 years old, with higher risk among infants and young children;
People with chronic medical conditions, including chronic heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, and diabetes; and,
People with a weakened immune system.
How can I protect myself and loved ones?
Vaccines can help prevent infections that can cause pneumonia, including influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal disease, pertussis (whooping cough), and measles. Staying up-to-date on routine and seasonal immunizations can protect those at risk for developing pneumonia.
Healthy habits can prevent respiratory infections that lead to pneumonia. Avoid infections by:
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve
Washing your hands often
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched a lot
Taking care of chronic medical conditions (like asthma)
Quitting smoking or avoiding cigarette smoke, as these can also increase the risk of lung infections
For Providers
Consider collecting specimens from persons with pneumonia to determine the cause of the infection. Consider Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a possible cause of infection among children with community-acquired pneumonia, as CDC has reported a recent rise in M. pneumoniae infections in the U.S., particularly in young children. Perform testing to ensure appropriate antibiotic therapy is administered, as beta-lactams are ineffective against M. pneumoniae.
When testing, consider using both an NP and OP swab to improve the likelihood of detection in respiratory swab specimens.
Promote and encourage routine and seasonal immunizations in your community. This will help prevent respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia. Review vaccination history with patients and encourage them to stay up-to-date on all recommended vaccines for optimal protection. CDC recently lowered the recommended age for pneumococcal vaccination for all adults from 65 to 50 years old.
Promote healthy habits with patients to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Additional Information
Learn more about pneumonia from the CDC.
Visit our website to learn more about healthy habits to protect against respiratory viruses.
Visit our respiratory illness dashboard to see data about acute respiratory illness activity in our community.
Wash Your Hands Often
Mosquito & Tick Bite Prevention
Health Dept. Strategic Plan
Parents: Get your child's immunizations up-to-date!
Don’t wait, get caught up on well check-ups and recommended childhood immunizations now!
Ensuring children are up-to-date on their vaccinations helps provide immunity before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are safe and effective.
And remember, vaccination it important at all ages. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers, make sure you are up to date, too!