Today, we delve into the changing landscape of COVID-19. Corinne Kohler, MD, FAAFP and Santina Wheat, MD, MPH, FAAFP provide valuable insights into this complex scenario.

COVID-19's shift from a designated public health emergency isn't an end. Rather, it’s a transition in the battle against the virus. We explore the impacts of this decision, the continued need for testing and vaccinations, and the vital role of vigilance against new variants. It's clear that even as the emergency status ends, the importance of sustained public health education and understanding the nuances of reported data remains paramount.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of COVID-19, we discuss the imminent introduction of monovalent vaccines in the fall. These vaccines will undoubtedly bring about new counseling challenges. Dr. Wheat and Dr. Kohler share their concerns and discuss programs to ensure the availability and continued coverage of vaccines for our patients. Furthermore, they address the potential impacts of changing regulations on cross-border healthcare for those practicing in states serving neighboring residents; as well as the need for increased flexibility and vigilance in response to these changes.

As clinicians, we need to pay attention to information that is continuing to evolve and speak with our organizations about how our processes are changing. At the same time, we must remain good advocates for our patients throughout these transitions.

Topics include:

- Updates since public health emergency (PHE) ended
- What has remained the same since the PHE ended
- Changes in perception of COVID-19 and vaccines
- Keeping up with new information about changes regarding COVID-19 vaccines

Objectives:

- Review items that have changed or remained the same with the end of the public health emergency
- Discuss the introduction of future COVID-19 vaccines and the changing landscape

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We are witnessing alarming levels of trust erosion and vaccine skepticism that have emerged in the post-COVID world. Join us as we take a deeper look into this critical issue with Christina Wells, MD, MPH, DipABLM, FAAFP and Marian Sassetti, MD, FAAFP.

These seasoned family doctors, with over five decades of combined experiences, address the concerning decline in vaccine confidence. They share their encounters with unexpected mistrust within their practices. They also bring to light the startling number of children missing out on critical vaccines, painting a picture of the current state of vaccine uptake worldwide.

Yet, all is not doom and gloom. As we progress through this enlightening conversation, we map out effective strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Topics include:

- Practical methods to track and communicate vaccine schedules
- The vital role of healthcare providers in advocating for vaccines
- Innovative ways to improve vaccine delivery

Emphasizing the significance of accurately communicating the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine, we delve into the potential repercussions of decreased vaccine uptake.

We wrap up by tackling the pivotal task of fostering vaccine trust, sharing insights on how to effectively communicate vaccine information to patients and parents.

Join us on this deeply impactful journey as we navigate a path to promote vaccination access, trust, and ultimately, the health and well-being of our communities.

Objectives:

• Awareness of alarming levels of trust erosion & vaccine skepticism post-COVID
• Understanding where vaccine skepticism and mistrust stem from
• Ways to navigate challenging conversations with patients who don’t trust vaccines
• Explore strategies to rebuild trust and improve vaccine uptake in our patients

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Do you know the true impact of COVID-19 vaccinations in preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death? Join us for a vital conversation with our faculty experts. Together, we uncover the latest research on the vaccines' role in preventing complications from the virus and reveal exciting new findings on potential anti-inflammatory benefits and a reduced risk of long COVID for those who have been vaccinated.

As new data is published, we should be continually providing that information to our patients. We can keep those conversations going by sharing that data in meaningful ways for our patients. Amid the misinformation that circulates, we can be a trusted resource for patients for reliable information about vaccines and their importance.

We also explore the importance of vaccination for high-risk patients, the risk factors associated with COVID-19 complications and how chronic illnesses can increase the severity of symptoms. Learn how to effectively communicate the risk and the benefits of getting vaccinated. Boost your resolve to be a role model and advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations in our healthcare practices and communities.

Topics include:

• Preventive benefits of COVID-19 vaccination
• Factors that contribute to a higher likelihood of experiencing severe issues from COVID-19
• Benefits of vaccines pre and post infection
• Incorporating COVID-19 vaccines into regular immunization schedules
• Research specific to pregnant women and children
  • More evidence of safety and benefits of the vaccine
  • Additional risks from contracting COVID-19 & other inflammatory or chronic conditions that might arise
• Recently added populations who are at higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19

Objectives

• Understand how to discuss the evidence for the continued recommendation of the COVID-19 vaccine
• Recognize the additional impacts of COVID-19 on special populations
• Identify the current higher risk groups for COVID-19 complications

Hosted by: Corinne Kohler, MD, FAAFP, Christina Wells, MD, MPH, FAAFP, and Santina Wheat, MD, MPH, FAAFP
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