Adults Need Vaccines, Too
Vaccines Are Not Just for Kids by Amy Sgueglia, MSN, RN, MAIC Facilitator, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. The COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine have underscored the importance …
COVID-19
Vaccination: A Personal Journey
By Charles W. Redd, MS, RN As we continue to move towards normalcy since the pandemic, which began in the United States in March 2020, I am often asked by …
A Pharmacist Reflects on the Opportunity to Protect the Public’s Health
By Jennifer Griffiths, PharmD, RPh When COVID-19 struck I was working at a small, independent pharmacy on Martha’s Vineyard. We have only one hospital which has three ICU beds and …
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A Patient’s Perspective: Bivalent Booster Offers Another Layer of Protection
by Rosie Bartel, patient advisor As a patient who has a compromised immune system due to healthcare acquired MRSA, I decided to get the bivalent vaccine. My reason was that …
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A Patient’s Perspective: Why the Bivalent Booster was Important to Me
by Janice Tufet, Medicare beneficiary On March 1, 2020, I had just finished a two-day Complex Care and Social Needs Core Competency steering group meeting in Camden, New Jersey, where …
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A Community Effort to Covid-19 Vaccinations
by Chris Symolon, Director, COVID-19 Vaccination Project, Foundation for Healthy Communities, New Hampshire Welcome to 2023, a new year, a new start, a reset! I have been reflecting on the …
If You’ve Seen One Rural Community, You’ve Seen One Rural Community
Perspectives of a Rural Health Advocate Guest Blog by Ronnie Rom, MSPH, CPHQ, Massachusetts Office of Rural Health While I didn’t grow up in a rural area, I lived for …
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Once More into the Breach: Perspectives of an Epidemiologist
By Jenna Cebelius, MPH, HAI Program Coordinator | Health Surveillance Epidemiologist, Division of Laboratory Sciences & Infectious Disease | Vermont Department of Health I meandered my way through several healthcare …
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Raising Preemies During a Pandemic: Vaccines Protect The Most Vulnerable
by Erin Just, BScOT, MA, Quality Improvement Coordinator, Vermont Blueprint for Health In 2019, I welcomed identical twin boys. They arrived earlier than hoped, requiring medical intervention to improve their …
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Walk Alongside the Community to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy
By Sandra N. Colpitts MSN, RN, CIC, Manager, Infection Prevention and Control, South County Health, Wakefield, RI When I first became a nurse, I never imagined the adventures I would …
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Boosters & Beyond: Addressing Key Challenges
In November 2022, IPRO surveyed providers about their key challenges. In this series, the IPRO nursing home team will provide insights and suggestions related to boosters, National Healthcare Safety Network …
The Winter of our Discontent….or Maybe Not! Perspectives of an Infection Preventionist
by Mary Ellen Casey, RN, Infection Preventionist, IPRO QIN-QIO As a college student I nearly drowned. A lifeguard saved my life. I will never forget being in the water, looking …
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National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 Start Time: 4:00 pm ET Please join the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control for a National Nursing Home …
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
On September 23, 2022, the CDC updated its infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel across all settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of recent changes includes: Updated …
CMS OMH Honors National Hispanic Heritage Month
This year, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) honors National Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be focusing on the nation’s 60.5 million …
Educating Your Resident and Family Council on Covid-19 Vaccines and Boosters
In this interactive session, IPRO’s Infection Preventionists will share a PowerPoint presentation that you may use with Resident and Family Advisory Councils in your facility to help support and enhance …
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IP3 Resources: Vaccination Updates
As part of the IPRO QIN-QIO’s efforts to increase knowledge on infection prevention, every Thursday we offer IP3 – Infection Prevention by an Infection Preventionist for Infection Preventionists. The intent …
Great Shot! Make Your Vaccine Campaign a Slam Dunk
August is Immunization Awareness Month. Make sure your team is armed with tools and strategies to launch an effective vaccine campaign. Join us for a one-hour virtual Learning Action Network …
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and it is a great time to encourage all healthcare providers to be vaccinated and promote vaccination. Recommendation from a healthcare professional is the …
CMS Proposes Rule to Advance Health Equity, Improve Access to Care, and Promote Competition and Transparency
Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center Proposed Rule Proposes Payment Policies for Rural Emergency Hospitals and Behavioral Health Services The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing actions …
CMS: Updated Guidance for Nursing Home Resident Health & Safety, June 29, 2022
Overview of New and Updated Guidance To further support the implementation of the Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities Requirements for Participation, which were published in 2016, CMS is issuing surveyor guidance …
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Ideas for Establishing Joy in Healthcare Work
Joy in Work, a framework by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, states an essential part of mitigating burnout and turnover, especially during these challenging times, is to focus on restoring …
July Infection Prevention Question of the Month
Melanie Ronda, RN, MSN, host of our weekly IP3 Office Hours gets many questions each week. Here’s one that may resonate with you: Q: What is the definition of being “up-to-date” on …
Joy in Work: Five Languages of Appreciation
Have you ever been excited to provide a recognition gift or reward to staff only to have it scorned or met with a “chilly” or “less than thrilled” reception? You …
IP3 Resources: Vaccination Campaigns for Long-Term Care Facilities
As part of the IPRO QIN-QIO’s “From Booster Shots to Bouncing Back” weekly educational series, every Thursday we offer IP3 – Infection Prevention by an Infection Preventionist for Infection Preventionists. …
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Small Talk: Ambulatory Care COVID-19 Antivirals (Paxlovid, Lagevrio): Overview for Healthcare Professionals
A presentation highlighting the two available oral treatment options for mild to moderate COVID-19 in the ambulatory care setting. Objectives: Review the IDSA guidelines for treatment of mild to moderate …
June Infection Prevention Question of the Month
Melanie Ronda, RN, MSN, host of our weekly IP3 Office Hours gets many questions each week. Here’s one that may resonate with you: Q: We started using N95 masks during …
Case Study: Improving Access to Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Challenge Access to care is an essential component of healthcare quality. It follows that ensuring access to care is one of the priorities emphasized by the Centers for Medicare …
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Medication Safety Assessment
Did you know that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare beneficiaries experienced a higher rate of adverse drug events due to anticoagulants than for prescribed opioids? And that more antipsychotic drugs …
CDC: New changes coming in May! NHSN Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Cumulative Summary Forms will be Revised
What are the main changes? Simplifications COVID-19 vaccination data will no longer be reported by vaccine manufacturer for questions on primary vaccine series and additional/booster doses. Questions on vaccine supply …
May Infection Prevention Question of the Month
Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, host of our weekly IP3 Office Hours gets many questions each week. Here’s one that may resonate with you: Q: Our nursing home’s medical director has …
IPRO QIN-QIO Presents: ‘From Booster Shots to Bouncing Back,’ a Webinar Series
A possible solution to the challenge of workforce retention is to make sure that staff enjoy their work. But it goes further than just staff satisfaction levels. There is a …
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April 22: HHS Presents ‘We Can Do This Summit: Conversations on Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccinations’
Presented by the White House and the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Summit will feature engaging conversations among leading doctors, medical …
Medicare Beneficiaries to Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests
The Biden-Harris Administration announced on April 4 that more than 59 million Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access to Food …
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Eligible Individuals Can Receive Second COVID-19 Booster Shot at No Cost
On April 6, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will pay for a second COVID-19 booster shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines …
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April Is National Minority Health Month
Each April, the HHS Office of Minority Health highlights the importance of identifying and addressing health disparities to improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities by observing National Minority …
IPRO HQIC presents: Helping Healers Heal, January 27, 2022
The webinar was a peer presentation on a wellness initiative developed by New York City Health + Hospital System entitled “Helping Healers Heal”. During the session, we will explore all-cause …
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Conquering Covid-19: 13-Week Booster Blitz
IPRO QIN-QIO has launched a 13-week educational campaign to provide nursing homes with the tools and resources necessary to increase uptake of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters among staff and residents. …
How Poverty Affects Health – Recognizing National Poverty in America Awareness Month
Imagine living on less than $1.90 a day. It’s difficult to fathom. According to the World Bank, that is the definition of extreme poverty, and about 690 million people live in …
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CMS OMH Celebrates National Rural Health Day
Throughout the month of November, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Rural Health Day, November 18, and highlighting the unique …
Advancing Health Equity Among the Hispanic Population: Part 1 of a HRSA Webinar Series (In Spanish & English)
Español abajo Webinar series on best practices and opportunities for action: Advancing Health Equity Among the Hispanic Population The Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs …
CMS Regional Office COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination IFC-6: Presentation Slides and Video
CMS’ stakeholder call on the COVID-19 Omnibus Vaccine Rule (IFC-6) exceeded its limit of 10,000 participants. CMS has posted the presentation slides and a recording of the call for your …
IPRO QIN-QIO Presents Vaccine Mandate Information Session, November 10, 12 PM
In light of the President’s recent announcement mandating all healthcare staff must be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022, the IPRO QIN-QIO is hosting an information session for providers attempting …
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Health Equity Updates: November Newsletter
View the latest health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your organization and communities. What’s Inside? Overdiagnosis of Schizophrenia for Residents …
HQIC Webinar, November 4, 2021: Antibiotic Stewardship During A COVID Pandemic
November 4, 2021 | 1-2 PM ET (2-3 PM CT) Antibiotic Stewardship (AS) is a national priority aimed at optimizing the use of antibiotics to effectively treat infections, protect patients …
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FDA amends EUA for Moderna/J&J COVID-19 Booster Shots, Effective 10/20/2021 & Billing Codes
Effective October 20, 2021, FDA amended the emergency use authorizations for the Moderna and Jansen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines to allow for use of a single booster dose for …
Rural Americans Share Personal Stories to Inspire Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines in Local Communities and Nationwide
New PSAs from the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative Speak to Those Still Hesitant About Vaccination Across Rural Communities In September 2021, incidence rates of COVID-19 in rural America were …
AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program Winners Announced
In the midst of the pandemic, these homes have gone the distance to receive the prestigious AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. It is a rigorous three-level process that evaluates long-term …
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Health Equity Hospital Highlights: October Newsletter
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s inside? New Data Highlight …
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Washington, D.C. Nursing Home Takes Control of Infection Prevention with I CAN Program
Transitions Healthcare Capitol City in Washington, D.C. has its hands full! With 360 beds, it is a larger home that specializes in transitioning residents back to their homes. With an …
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IPRO QIN-QIO presents: Infection Control Amplification in Nursing Centers (I CAN) a Case Study, Oct. 26, 2021, 3 PM EDT
Hear how a nursing home in Washington, D.C. uses the Infection Control Amplification in Nursing Centers (I CAN) program to enhance infection prevention and encourage staff to get vaccinated with …
IPRO QIN-QIO presents: NHSN Office Hours, October 14, 18, 20
In this session, our nursing home experts will do a brief review of changes to NHSN. Following our “small talk” you’ll have the chance to discuss any challenges you’re experiencing …
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IPRO QIN-QIO Presents: 30-Minute Vaccine Huddle for Nursing Homes, Oct. 19, 2021, 12 PM
Join our 30-minute vaccine huddle meeting, to discuss optimizing influenza and COVID-19 booster dosing this Fall. Learn more about: Vaccine screening upon admission Administration of influenze, COVID-19 vaccines Fast facts …
IPRO QIN-QIO Presents: 30-Minute Vaccine Huddle for Nursing Homes, Oct. 19, 2021, 12 PM Read More »
Health Equity Updates: October Newsletter
View the latest health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s inside? An Equity Agenda for …
Sept. 17 Project Firstline Virtual Town Hall for Healthcare Workers
CDC Experts Will Discuss Updates to its Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic September 17 2:15 – 3:00 pm ET CDC has updated …
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CDC Updates Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Healthcare Settings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about …
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Sept. 9: CDC COCA Call on 2021-2022 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations and Guidance on Coadministration with COVID-19 Vaccines
September 9, 2021 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET Join the CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity Call to hear presenters provide updates on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) …
Health Equity Updates: September Newsletter
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s inside? Communicating About FDA …
Webinar on Sept 8: The Hidden Truth About Emotional Exhaustion and COVID
September 8, 1-2PM EDT Burnout in healthcare has made headlines, but the data tell a more nuanced story. Although some healthcare workers have experienced crippling emotional exhaustion, others have felt …
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CDC August 23 COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Bootcamp on the Rapid Community Assessment
August 23, 2-4PM EDT Registration closes on Friday, August 20, 2021 @ 8PM ET. Pre-registration is required. This bootcamp is provided via Zoom. The meeting access link will be provided …
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