What's New

FDA Updates Device Discontinuance List

The FDA updated its list of medical devices that have been permanently discontinued by manufacturers. Categories of devices on the list include PPE, ventilation-related products, sterilization products, and testing supplies and equipment. See the updated discontinuance list.
FDA Allows More Flexible Storage for Pfizer Vaccine

The FDA revised requirements for storage and transportation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to allow undiluted frozen vials to be transported and stored at conventional temperatures commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers for a period of up to two weeks. This reflects an alternative to the preferred storage of the undiluted vials in an ultra-low temperature freezer between -80ºC to -60ºC (-112ºF to -76ºF). Read the updated Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine.
CDC/COCA Webinar on the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine

CDC Clinician Outreach and communication Activity (COCA) will hold a webinar on Tuesday, March 2 from 2-3 pm ET to help clinicians will learn about characteristics and administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, vaccinating special populations, and contraindications. Presenters will also answer a number of clinical questions CDC has received about this new vaccine. Click here for more information and to access the webinar.
CDC/AAP Twitter Q&A on Infection Control

The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC experts will host a live Twitter event on Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 pm ET to answer questions about infection control in pediatric healthcare settings. Join the chat:
https://twitter.com/CDC_Firstline
APHA/NAM COVID-19 Webinar Series

The latest COVID-19 Conversations webinar series cosponsored by the American Public Health Association and the National Academy of Medicine will discuss the current state of the pandemic in the U.S. and new and continuing federal-level initiatives to curb and control the virus. Continuing education credits are available. The webinar is on Wednesday, February 24 at 5:00 – 6:30 pm ET. Register to attend the webinar.
FDA Issues Policies to Address COVID-19 Variants

The U.S. FDA issued guidances for medical product developers, specifically covering vaccine, diagnostic and therapeutic products, to address the emergence and potential future emergence of variants of SARS-CoV-2. Read the FDA statement.
FDA Webinar on Respirator Decontamination Systems

The FDA will host a webinar on Updated Information on Respirator Decontamination Systems. This webinar, part of the series on Respirators and Other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Health Care Personnel Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic, will include representatives from FDA, NIOSH, and OSHA. The webinar is on Tuesday, February 23. No advance registration is required. Click here for more information.
FDA Updates Hand Sanitizer Compounding Policy

The FDA issued updated guidance to communicate its policy for the temporary compounding of certain alcohol-based hand sanitizer products registered outsourcing facilities (referred to collectively in this guidance as compounders) for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on January 31, 2020. Read the February 10, 2021 updated guidance document.
CDC to Sponsor National Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Feb 22-24

The National Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine is a virtual event that will unite all stakeholders that have a role in supporting COVID-19 vaccination. The Forum aims to promote the most effective strategies to build trust and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, use data to optimize vaccine implementation, and provide participants with practical information for increasing vaccine access in communities nationwide, especially for persons at increased risk of COVID-19 disease and those who may face barriers to vaccination. The Forum will be held February 22-24. Click here for more information and to register for the event.
FDA Authorizes Monoclonal Antibodies for Treatment of COVID-19

The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age or older) who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19. The authorized use includes treatment for those who are 65 years of age or older or who have certain chronic medical conditions. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. Bamlanivimab and etesevimab are monoclonal antibodies that are specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells. Bamlanivimab and etesevimab bind to different but overlapping sites on the spike protein of the virus. Read the FDA announcement.

Coronavirus Facts

With coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the forefront of the news and lawmakers minds, now is an important time to help educate your state lawmakers about the virus.
Act Now to Secure PPE: Every Minute Matters

Healthcare workers are not being provided the PPE they need for the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact your Members of Congress today!
Act Now to Secure PPE: Every Minute Matters (Administration)

Healthcare workers are not being provided the PPE they need for the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact the Administration today and demand action.
Support Transparent and Accurate Data Reporting

Urge your Members of Congress to continue working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NHSN data collection efforts to combat COVID-19.
Science Policy Should be Nonpartisan

IPs rely on the best scientific evidence to limit the spread of infection in their facilities. Tell your Members of Congress to not politicize science!
Challenges of COVID-19 in Long-term Care Facilities

Invite your members of Congress to attend the APIC virtual briefing, "Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities in the Era of COVID-19.” The virtual briefing is scheduled for Thursday, December 10 at 11:00 am ET. The briefing will discuss the unique challenges associated with infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities and the effects of COVID-19 on the resident population.