Human rabies and healthcare worker exposure in the United States; two publications released in MMWR
CDC published two articles about human rabies on January 15 in MMWR: Imported Human Rabies—Kentucky and Ohio, 2024 and Human Rabies Deaths—Minnesota and California, 2024. A portion of the summaries appear below.
Imported Human Rabies—Kentucky and Ohio, 2024
Human rabies cases are rare in the United States; most result from domestic wildlife exposure. U.S. residents can acquire rabies abroad, typically through contact with dogs in areas where dog-maintained rabies is endemic. . . .
A man who relocated to the United States from Haiti later died from infection with a dog-maintained rabies virus acquired in Haiti. Rabies diagnosis was delayed, and standard infection control precautions were not uniformly used during his medical care, leading to risk assessments of 709 contacts across three states and recommendations for postexposure prophylaxis for 60 persons, 88% of whom were health care workers. . . .
Prompt diagnosis of human rabies is essential to limit potential exposure of health care workers and other contacts. Use of standard infection control precautions, recommended for all patient care, can help prevent exposure.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Human Rabies Deaths—Minnesota and California, 2024
Rabies virus is maintained in wild mammals in the continental United States and is typically transmitted through bites from infected animals. Rabies is nearly universally fatal without administration of timely postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). . . .
CDC confirmed two deaths of U.S. residents from rabies virus infection after bat encounters in 2024. Both patients recognized their bat interaction; however, they might not have been aware of the potential rabies risk, and neither sought health care consultation, bat testing, or PEP. . . .
Increased awareness of the potential rabies risk after any bat encounter, even without a visible bite wound, might help prevent deaths.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
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How do the 2026 CDC childhood immunization schedule changes affect the way you offer vaccines? See this 4-minute video, newest addition to our Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
Our newest Ask the Experts Video Series addition is timely and important for all who deliver childhood vaccines. The new video addresses the question of how the 2026 CDC childhood immunization schedule changes affect the way vaccinators offer vaccines at this time. The video explains that the shift of certain vaccines on the schedule from routine to high risk or shared clinical decision-making categories does not substantively change insurance coverage, the VFC program, or how you approach conversations with parents and patients about vaccines.
The new 4-minute video is available on our YouTube channel, along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts questions.
Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise.
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Respiratory viral activity across the country: vaccination underutilized
The overall amount of acute respiratory illness activity causing people to seek health care is currently classified as moderate, led by very high levels of influenza activity. CDC characterizes this influenza season as a severe one for children younger than age 18 years. Getting vaccinated now against COVID-19, influenza, or RSV, or administering RSV preventive antibodies to unprotected babies can still help reduce the risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization this season.
Nationally, data presented for the week ending January 10:
- Influenza: Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the country, with high or very high influenza-like illness (ILI) reported in 36 jurisdictions. Although reported ILI activity has declined for two weeks, it is common for seasonal influenza levels to rise again after schools reopen following the holiday travel season.
- Influenza: Fifteen more childhood deaths were reported during week 1 (ending January 10), for a total of 32 reported deaths of children with influenza so far this season.
- RSV: The Epidemic Trends map shows that RSV activity is growing in Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire, and the District of Columbia.
- COVID-19: Activity is variable, increasing in some regions and decreasing in others.
Level of Respiratory Illness Activity
CDC monitors respiratory illness activity using an acute respiratory illness (ARI) metric. The ARI metric measures ED visits for a wide range of causes of ARI, with or without fever, including the common cold, as well as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. It offers a more complete picture than the influenza-like illness (ILI) metric used in past seasons. Because influenza is leading the respiratory illness wave, the ILI map is shown below:
Emergency Department (ED) Visits for Viral Respiratory Illness
The illustration below shows the proportion of ED visits (ranging from 0 to 10 percent) associated with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The horizontal axis shows trends from October 2024 into January 2026 for the three diseases.
Vaccination against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV reduces the risk of severe illness. Administration of RSV monoclonal antibodies for all infants younger than 8 months who are unprotected is critical now to provide them immediate protection as RSV activity rises in many communities. Vaccination coverage data from CDC indicate vaccines are underutilized so far this season:
- The majority (57%) of adults age 75 years and older report they have not ever received an RSV vaccine.
- Most adults and children (about 55%) have not yet received this season’s influenza vaccine.
- About 2 out of 3 adults age 65 years and older have not yet received a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, with vaccination rates among children and younger adults far lower.
Other CDC Respiratory Illness Resources
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Measles: 2026 begins with 171 confirmed cases across nine states, including a surge of cases in South Carolina As of January 13, CDC reported 171 confirmed measles cases in nine states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. On January 16, South Carolina announced a surge of 124 cases reported since its January 13 update, for a total of 558 cases of measles reported between October and January 16. Two siblings in North Carolina contracted measles after exposures related to the South Carolina outbreak.
CDC only requires reporting of laboratory-confirmed measles cases. Cases without laboratory testing for confirmation are not included in these numbers. Actual numbers of cases are, therefore, higher than confirmed case counts.
A map of 2025–26 measles cases in the United States, as of January 16, from the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center, appears below. Their U.S. Measles Tracker website includes state and county-level data.
Immunize.org offers measles-related resources for the public on several of our affiliated websites:
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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month; HPV vaccination is a powerful defense
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a great time to share the importance of HPV vaccination. Almost all cervical cancer is linked to infection with high-risk HPV strains, a very common virus transmitted through intimate contact.
According to the most recent available detailed guidance in the CDC 2025 childhood and adult immunization schedules, HPV vaccination may begin as early as age 9 years and should be completed before age 13. Catch-up vaccination should continue through age 26 years for those not vaccinated on time. Adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may choose to get the HPV vaccine based on their personal risk and preference for protection after speaking with a nurse, pharmacist, or doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance aligns with the 2025 CDC guidance; the 2026 CDC schedule recommends universal 1-dose vaccination at age 11–12 but is silent on special cases (such as immunocompromise) and catch-up vaccination. The VFC program and insurance coverage continues to reimburse for vaccination according to the 2025 CDC schedule; it would be reasonable to continue to follow this comprehensive dosing guidance for now.
Protect your patients from cervical cancer and the other HPV-related cancers that strike men and women by recommending, promoting, and offering the HPV vaccine.
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Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
Journalists seek out Immunize.org experts to help explain vaccines to the public and policy makers. We help the media understand and communicate the complex work vaccinators do. Here are recent citations.
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
Spotlight on the website: VISs and Translations
For each recommended vaccine, CDC produces a VIS that explains the benefits and risks of the vaccine. When applicable, VISs describe a recipient’s eligibility for compensation through the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) if a rare, vaccine-attributable adverse event follows vaccination. Federal law requires that vaccinators provide VISs for any vaccine included in the VICP.
In addition to current official VISs published in English, Immunize.org links to translations of 34 VISs in up to 48 languages, more than 900 translations in all. Enabling patients to access vaccine information in their preferred language increases understanding and trust. Our VIS translations are provided by a translation service engaged by Immunize.org through grant support or are donated by trusted and experienced partner organizations.
Where can I find VISs and their translations on Immunize.org?
At the top of every page, find Vaccines & VISs on the left tab. Click on the VISs option to open the expanded VISs menu on the right, which lists all VISs alphabetically.
On a mobile device, navigate to the main menu by clicking the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. On the screens that pop up, click on Vaccines & VISs, then on VISs, and then scroll down the menu of disease listings to your desired selection.
  
Once you click on a choice such as Influenza (Inactivated or Recombinant) you will see the image of the current English VIS at the top of the page. Click on the image or View PDF to open the VIS.
 
On each vaccine-specific VIS page, there is a Current Translations table. That table links to all available translations corresponding to the current official VIS. Icons allow for viewing, printing, and downloading. Below the table of Current Translations may be a table of Out-of-Date Translations. These translations correspond to an earlier version of the official VIS. When a current translation is unavailable, CDC states it is acceptable to provide an out-of-date VIS translation accompanied by the current English version.
Where can I find more information about VISs?
Learn more about VISs and VIS translations with our two short orientation videos (customized for desktop or smartphone). For a deeper dive, we offer a 33-minute webinar to explore content and demonstrate navigation of the VIS website:
Related Links to access VISs with QR codes
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CDC offers updated You Call the Shots web-based training modules on Vaccines for Children and storage and handling; CME, CNE, and CPE available
CDC’s immunization education team produced updated modules on the VFC program and vaccine storage and handling released in January 2026 as part of CDC's free, interactive, web-based immunization training course, You Call the Shots. Each module includes self-test practice questions, reference and resource materials, and an extensive glossary.
CME, CNE, CPE, CEU, and CECH are available upon completion of the training course.
View all of the training modules on CDC's You Call the Shots web page.
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Recap: HHS and CDC release 2026 childhood immunization schedule; what it means today for frontline providers
On January 5, HHS and CDC announced changes to the childhood immunization schedule, following a presidential directive to align U.S. recommendations with those of “peer, developed countries.” This resulted in the acting CDC director’s decision to retain, as routinely recommended, the vaccines routinely recommended by other countries selected by HHS for evaluation. Other vaccines on the previous CDC schedule were shifted to categories of recommendation called “high-risk” or “shared clinical decision-making” (SCDM). No vaccines were removed from the schedule. Scientific evidence affirming the effectiveness, safety, and value of childhood immunizations remains unchanged.
The updated Childhood Immunization Schedule by Recommendation Group lays out these new categories.
Important information for nurses, pharmacists, and physicians who vaccinate:
- Science Remains Unchanged: The balance of risks and benefits are unchanged for vaccines shifted from routine to SCDM. If you recommended these vaccines strongly to your patients before, the classification of SCDM does not require changing your strong recommendation. The routine practice of informing parents of risks and benefits before their decision to vaccinate should continue.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs Remain Unchanged: HHS affirmed in its announcement that all childhood vaccines, including those moved to SCDM, remain covered with no out-of-pocket cost by private insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or federal insurance programs such as Medicaid. Clinicians, hospitals, and states may continue to offer and be paid for administering these vaccines with no out-of-pocket cost to beneficiaries.
- Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Remains Unchanged: There has been no change to vaccines approved for use through the VFC Program, which covers all vaccines on the schedule, including SCDM.
- HepB Vaccination of Newborns Is Permitted: Providing HepB vaccination at birth for optimal protection from hepatitis B remains a choice for mothers who are test-negative for hepatitis B. The schedule change does not require mothers to delay vaccination.
- SCDM Does NOT Require a Medical Appointment or a Doctor: SCDM simply involves a conversation with a healthcare provider (defined by CDC as a nurse, pharmacist, or physician) about the risks and benefits of receiving a vaccine, which is routine in any vaccination conversation. In the absence of a state regulation specifically limiting the scope of practice of a nurse or pharmacist to provide vaccines classified as SCDM, a child whose parent desires an SCDM vaccine may still be vaccinated by a nurse or in a pharmacy; they do not need to be referred to a medical clinic.
- SCDM Does NOT Require a Parent to Ask for Vaccination: You may recommend vaccines as usual. The decision to vaccinate has always been made by an informed parent and shifting from “routine” to “SCDM” does not change that.
- Healthcare Professional Organization Recommended Childhood Schedules Are Unchanged: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have not changed their childhood vaccine recommendations.
- Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) Unchanged: There have been no changes to the existing liability protection and patient compensation for vaccine injuries through the VICP, including vaccines shifted to SCDM. Changes to VICP would require a substantial period of time and would require public notice and the opportunity for public comment.
What we don’t know:
- CDC Schedule Details: For example, we await more information about the HPV schedule change to one dose and whether two doses or three doses remain recommended for certain subsets of children, including those with immunocompromise or those who initiate vaccination at older ages. Detailed schedule footnotes for all vaccines previously provided in CDC schedules to cover special cases and the definition of high-risk groups for specific vaccines are unavailable at this time.
- Future Changes: Immunize.org will keep our readers alerted to any changes in our understanding of vaccine injury compensation, insurance coverage, VFC program coverage, state, school, or childcare requirements, and announcements from HHS or CDC.
NFID offers archived webinar titled “Pediatric Vaccine Updates”; CME credit available
On January 12, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) hosted a webinar titled Pediatric Vaccine Updates. The webinar discussed current evidence-based vaccine recommendations for U.S. children, the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among children, and effective communication strategies to improve vaccine confidence.
NFID hosts monthly webinars to increase awareness of the importance of infectious disease prevention and treatment. CME, CNE, and CPE credits are available for select recordings. View all archived NFID webinars.
North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education offers archived webinar titled “What Changed, What Matters: Navigating the Latest Vaccine Schedule Updates” On January 13, the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Center for Immunization Research and Education (CIRE) hosted a webinar titled What Changed, What Matters: Navigating the Latest Vaccine Schedule Updates.
The webinar reviewed the most significant CDC immunization schedule updates, compared the new schedule with evidence-based recommendations, and highlighted areas relevant in clinical practice. Tracie Newman, MD, MPH, discussed ways to address patient and community concerns with clarity and confidence.
A recording of the webinar and previous webinars are archived on the NDSU CIRE web page.
Prepare for ice, fire, and other disasters. Practice your vaccine storage emergency plan now. Power outages create emergency conditions that can damage your valuable vaccine inventory. For this reason, every site that stocks vaccines needs an emergency plan. Every Vaccines for Children (VFC) site is required to have one.
If you don’t already have one, follow CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit to create an emergency plan. Plans only work when staff are trained. This month is a good time to refresh everyone’s training. Build redundancy, flexibility, and communication into your plan. Consider:
- Equipment backup options
- Alternate storage options
- Vaccine transport plans
- Circumstances where the physical risk to staff must be prioritized over vaccines
Your plan should specify at least one facility where current staff are willing to receive and properly store your vaccine inventory if it must be relocated. CDC’s guide provides detailed instructions on monitoring temperatures during a power outage and what to do once proper storage conditions are restored.
Have a printed copy of your plan available on or near your storage unit before your printer loses power!
Prevent avoidable vaccine waste by training your staff on emergency procedures, including after-hours roles and responsibilities. Then run an exercise to check understanding.
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Updated 65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults Confident healthcare provider recommendations for influenza vaccine are powerfully persuasive. As the nation faces a challenging influenza season, Immunize.org, in collaboration with CSL Seqirus, updated the 65+ Flu Defense website to help you maximize patient protection.
This helpful site includes information, tools, and tips for communicating with adults age 65 and older about the burden and severity of influenza. Resources include:
A clinician recommendation is the most important reason why a person will get vaccinated. Check out the updated 65+ Flu Defense website to assist your ongoing efforts in protecting this vulnerable population.
Immunize.org's elegant "Vaccination Saves Lives" blue enamel pins make wonderful workplace recognitions Immunize.org is pleased to offer our new lapel pin. Our “Vaccination Saves Lives” pins are meaningful gifts for people who understand that lives are not saved by vaccines on a shelf, but by the act of vaccination. The pin makes a refined statement in rich blue enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.65" x 0.75".
 
Select the design that best suits how you plan to use your pin:
- Double stick-through posts: Two posts slide through fabric and are held securely by either rubber or locking-metal backings. Both types of backing are provided in the package.
- New! Magnetic clasp: Hold the pin firmly in place without piercing clothing.
 
Be first in your office to wear these elegant new pins on clothing, white coats, backpacks, or tote bags to remind everyone you meet of the value of vaccination.
Click here for "Vaccination Saves Lives" pin pricing and ordering information.
Virtual: North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts webinar titled “Preventing HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: Clinical and Survivor Perspectives” on January 28 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit offered
The North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education will host a webinar titled Preventing HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: Clinical and Survivor Perspectives, at 1:00 p.m. (ET) on January 28. Speakers include Katharine Price, MD, a leading clinician in oropharyngeal cancer, and Jason Mendelsohn, a cancer survivor also known as SupermanHPV.
This webinar will highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and patient-centered care. Dr. Price will discuss the epidemiology and burden of disease in the United States and the evidence supporting HPV vaccination in prevention. Jason Mendelsohn will share his personal experience as a survivor, offering insight into the physical, emotional, and quality-of-life challenges of living with HPV-associated cancer.
Free CME will be provided to those who attend in real time.
Register for the webinar.
Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our new Official Guidance: Healthcare Professional Organization Schedules content on February 11 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or February 12 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions are archived. To learn simple tips and tricks for using our websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, February 11, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, February 12, at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our new Official Guidance: Healthcare Professional Organization Schedules website section. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.
Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
The archive of previous Website Office Hours content is posted at Immunize.org’s "Webinars & Videos" page.
Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.
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