Prepare for Respiratory Illness Season With Academy Webinar

Learn the answers to those questions, and more, in an Academy webinar now available on AAFP.org.

The webinar features AAFP Senior Vice President for Research, Science and Health of the Public Julie Wood, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, along with two CDC officials: U.S. Public Health Service Capt. Manisha Patel, M.D., M.S., M.B.A., chief medical officer with the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; and Charlene Wong, M.D., M.S.H.P., a senior advisor for health strategy.

The webinar addresses challenges related to a CDC health advisory about limited availability of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody designed to prevent RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections in infants, as well as

• vaccines, treatment tools, testing methods and personal actions to protect patient health;
• recommendations for COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines;
• key points to remind patients of the benefits of vaccination and encourage them to get vaccinated;
• how family physicians can order vaccines this respiratory illness season;
• the COVID-19 Bridge Access Program, which provides free vaccines to adults without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs;
• the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines at no cost; and
• insurance coverage for nirsevimab and other RSV immunizations.

“While we don’t know exactly what will happen this fall and winter season, we do know it’s critical for people to take advantage of safe and effective immunizations, proven treatments and everyday precautions to help protect themselves and their families — and their communities — against flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” said Patel.

Look for updates on AAFP.org throughout the respiratory illness season.