Top 5 Takeaways Preferential Recommendation: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends mRNA COVID-19 vaccines over the Janssen vaccine for all persons aged ≥18 years. Safety Concerns: Cases

Top 5 Takeaways Omicron Detection: The Omicron variant was first detected in U.S. community wastewater in late November 2021. Early Surveillance: Wastewater surveillance provided early evidence of Omicron, ahead of

Top 5 Takeaways Expanded Indication: The FDA expanded the use of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) to include immunocompromised adults aged ≥19 years. ACIP Recommendation: ACIP recommends two doses of RZV

Top 5 Takeaways Prevalence of Birth Defects: Approximately 5% of infants in the U.S. Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry (USZPIR) had Zika-associated brain or eye defects. Common Defects: Frequently reported

Top 5 Takeaways Significant Increase in Overdose Deaths: Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. increased by 28.5% from April 2020 to April 2021. Emergence of Para-fluorofentanyl: Para-fluorofentanyl, a substance from

Top 5 Takeaways Third Dose Effectiveness: A third dose of mRNA vaccines was highly effective at preventing COVID-19–associated emergency department (ED) and urgent care (UC) encounters and hospitalizations during both

Top 5 Takeaways Omicron Predominance: By late December 2021, the Omicron variant became the predominant strain in the U.S., leading to a surge in COVID-19 cases, ED visits, and hospitalizations.

Top 5 Takeaways Vaccine Effectiveness: COVID-19 vaccines remained highly effective against hospitalization and death, even with the emergence of the Delta variant and waning immunity. Impact of Booster Doses: Booster