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Harris plans to focus presidency on building public trust in our work and advancing collaboration between state and territorial public health agencies

Juthani plans to focus presidency on the importance of public health and public health communications

ASTHO highlights unseen public health work on Public Health Thank You Day

State Health Officials Urge Families to Take Preventive Measures During Current Respiratory Virus Surge astho, association of state and territorial health organizations, anne zink, joseph kanter, manisha juthani, respiratory virus surge, respiratory illness, respiratory illness activity, centers for disease control, physician in chief, long term care facilities, influenza activity, infectious diseases, hospitalized surveillance, viruses surge, common respiratory, united states, respiratory viruses, cdc data, season influenza, children s hospital, disease control and prevention, week 40, influenza virus, flu season, pediatric hospital bed, difficulty breathing, health care Press Statement | ASTHO President Anne Zink is tracking the rise in respiratory illness activity across the country. Available for Interviews ARLINGTON, VA—Today, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) President and Chief Medical Officer of the Alaska Department of Health Anne Zink, MD, FACEP, issued the following statement given the rise in respiratory illness activity across the country and increasing strain on hospitals. "We are concerned about the surge in children's respiratory illnesses circulating in communities across the country. Many states are seeing a spike in children’s hospitalizations from COVID-19, flu, and RSV; adult cases are also on the rise. Unfortunately, this means that many hospitals are at or near capacity and it is beginning to strain healthcare systems. Public health officials are currently partnering with hospital systems throughout the country to increase bed capacity, explore ways to address workforce shortfalls, promote immunization, and communicate with the public on the best ways to prevent the spread of these diseases. The partnership between public health and healthcare is essential in ensuring individuals have the knowledge and tools to prevent illness and can access care when needed. State and territorial public health officials urge parents and families to take precautions now in order to be healthy and to avoid putting strain on hospital systems. The best way to avoid serious complications from many respiratory illnesses is for everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations. Other prevention measures such as frequent handwashing and staying home when you are sick can also help stop the spread of illness.” ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes

Recording Available: State Health Leaders Outline Respiratory Virus Season Strategies During ASTHO Briefing ARLINGTON, VA — Ahead of the fall respiratory virus season, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) hosted a deskside media briefing with public health leaders to discuss the importance, efficacy and safety of vaccines and the role they play in reducing the burden of respiratory illness. "Reliable studies show that vaccines are critical tools which offer protection against serious respiratory illnesses such as seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Vaccines and boosters strengthen protection and improve the chances that any infections will be less severe in children and adults this fall and winter,” says Scott Harris, MD, MPH, ASTHO president and state health officer, Alabama Department of Public Health. “Routine childhood vaccination has been proven safe and effective, flu shots are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older with a few exceptions, and RSV vaccine helps protect pregnant women and older adults against hospitalization and death.” “Connecticut ranked highest in the country for two-dose measles vaccination rate among kindergarteners and our other increasing immunization rates stand in contrast to the national decline," says Manisha Juthani, MD, ASTHO president-elect and Connecticut Department of Public Health commissioner. "Our high vaccination rates have helped Connecticut remain one of nine states that has not had a case of measles yet as cases continue to accumulate around the country. Staying up to date on routine vaccines, particularly as we head into back-to-school and cold and flu season, is crucial for protecting families from preventable diseases and maintaining community-level immunity. We cannot predict which respiratory viral infection will be most prevalent this season, but we can protect our families against them and potential severe complications by getting vaccinated this fall." “There are signs that disinformation and confusion have impacted how parents have vaccinated their kids both for regular school-based vaccines and for respiratory viruses. This is a trend we need to really be concerned about,” says Ayanna Bennett, MD, MSPH, director of the District of Columbia Department of Health. “Children have special vulnerabilities, and we want to be sure that if we have protection, we are delivering it to them.” View a recording of ASTHO’s deskside media briefing. ASTHO Press Release Boilerplate website yes