October 8, 2024 CDC Recommends Children and Adults Get Vaccinated for Flu Season The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone over the age of 6 years get an updated flu vaccine. Learn More All U.S. flu vaccines for the 2024-25 season are trivalent – which means three component – vaccines that prevent against three influenza viruses: A(H1N1) virus A(H3N2) virus B/Victoria virus The CD also recommends that everyone, ages 6 and above, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine helps to protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The FDA recently approved and authorized the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. Every U.S. household is now eligible to order four free at-home tests.
September 30, 2024 Tips from the CDC on Preventing Respiratory Virus Spread in Schools The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a list earlier this year of everyday actions that schools can undertake to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Learn More With the 2024-25 school year underway, the likelihood of viruses, from COVID-19 to the common cold and respiratory viruses, spreading among students at school is on the rise. The CDC has provided guidance on how students can stay healthy by minimizing the spread of infections in school. Infections often spread because of shared objects, close contact with others, students playing closely together, a lack of cleaning and disinfection routines and supplies, and lack of proper ventilation. The CDC recommends that schools emphasize: Take steps for cleaner air Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting Hand washing Respiratory etiquette Vaccinations Cleaner Air The CDC suggests improving air quality by improving ventilation in buildings or moving gatherings outside. Strategies to provide cleaner air include: Ensuring existing HVAC systems are providing the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirement in accordance with ventilation design codes Considering ventilation design and/or enhancements when remodeling or constructing new buildings to optimize clean air Opening windows to increase ventilation, as long as this does not create a safety hazard Using portable air cleaners in spaces with low ventilation Holding some activities outside, such as lunch, certain classes, or recess Keeping bus windows open when it does not create a safety hazard Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Schools should put into place procedures for routinely cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often – such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones, and toys. Surfaces that are visibly soiled with blood or other bodily fluids should be immediately cleaned. Schools should consult with their state or local health department to determine how to clean and disinfect particular infectious diseases when new pathogens emerge. Hand Washing Teaching and reinforcing proper handwashing can lower the risk of spreading illnesses. Schools should set routines or scheduled opportunities for handwashing throughout the day. Schools should also provide adequate handwashing supplies – soap, water, and power towels – within easy reach of users. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be provided. Respiratory Etiquette Schools should teach and reinforce respiratory etiquette to keep individuals from getting and spreading respiratory viruses, such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Teachers should reinforce covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throwing the used tissue in the trash after use. If a tissue is not available, students and staff should be reminded to sneeze into the elbow, not the hands. Handwashing should be performed immediately after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing. Vaccinations Schools are recommended to stay up to date on vaccinations for students. All states have vaccination requirements for children attending school. Schools and health departments can promote routine and annual vaccinations by: Providing information about recommended vaccines to staff, students, and families Promote the safety and effectiveness of vaccines Establish supportive policies and practices that make getting vaccinated easy and convenient Make vaccinations available on-site by hosting school-located vaccination clinics or connect children, students, staff, and families to off-site locations More information on the CDC’s recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses can be found on its website.
August 26, 2024 CDC Issues Update on Spread of Parvovirus B19 in United States The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an update on Parvovirus B19 activity in the United States. Learn More Parvovirus B19 is a respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Infection usually causes no symptoms or mild illness, such as flu-like symptoms, rash, and joint pain. However, it can cause serious complications for high-risk groups. The CDC has issued a health alert to notify healthcare providers, public health authorities, and the public about the increases in parvovirus B19 activity around the nation. People who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have certain blood disorders – such as sickle cell disease – should talk to their healthcare provider if they experience flu-like symptoms or might have been exposed to someone with parvovirus B19. Prevention The CDC recommends several preventative strategies to avoid the virus: Stay up to date with immunizations. Practice good hygiene. Take steps for cleaner air. When you have a respiratory virus, use precautions to prevent spread and seek healthcare promptly for testing or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
August 19, 2024 OCDEL, Penn State Project ECHO to Host Series for Spanish-Speaking Families The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Penn State Project ECHO will release a new series this fall that features the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and focuses on the needs of Spanish-speaking families. Learn More The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO), which launches in the fall, will feature the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program, which is aimed at serving Spanish speakers. The CDC’s tools and resources allow families and early care providers to jointly engage in the early identification of developmental delays and disabilities among children from birth through age 5. Participants in the series will learn how to help support families with developmental milestone monitoring. It will highlight the utilization and promotion of the CDC’s Milestones Tracker App, which is a free developmental tracker resource offered in English and Spanish. The series is for early care providers only and registration is not limited to those who work only with Spanish-speaking families. The series will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the following Wednesdays: Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 Dec. 4 More details and registration information will be announced in the September Early Ed News. Any questions should be sent to Ilecia Voughs at ivoughs@pattan.net.
July 29, 2024 Tips for Protecting Children During August’s Summer Sun Safety Month With the summer season in full swing and school being out – which means more youth outdoors – now is a good time to consider how to keep children safe while spending long periods of time in the sun. Learn More August is observed as Summer Sun Safety Month. So, now is a good time to learn how to stay safe while spending time in the sun and preventing sunburn, sun poisoning, skin cancer, or other heat-related ailments. Skin cancer is often caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, which come from the sun, tanning beds, and ultralamps. UV rays are an invisible type of radiation that can cause damage to skin cells, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to protect children from UV rays all year-round. The rays can reach individuals on cloudy days and can reflect off such surfaces as water, cement, sand, or snow. There are a number of methods for keeping children safe while spending time outdoors on hot, sunny days. The CDC recommends: Making sure they spend time in the shade, especially when engaging in activities Encouraging the use of hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen Not scheduling outdoor activities on days when the sun is strongest or the temperatures are especially high Providing breaks during outdoor activities to allow children to reapply sunscreen and drink water More Resources Additional tips on staying safe in the sun – but also tips on water safety, bug bites, and other topics – can be found in a 2023 brochure released by Allegheny County. Below are some resources on how to protect children and yourself during Summer Sun Safety Month – and during all months when outdoor activity is prevalent. CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together Summer Safety Brochure, Allegheny County Health Department, Trying Together Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer, CDC Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
