As the nation prepares for the upcoming respiratory virus season, ASTHO will convene state and territorial public health leaders to discuss influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and the role of vaccination in protecting communities. Speakers will provide updates on vaccination trends, state preparedness efforts, and strategies to improve vaccine confidence, access, and uptake. With students returning to school, the briefing will also highlight the importance of routine childhood immunizations in protecting children, families, and communities.
Our featured speakers are public health leaders with extensive expertise in infectious disease prevention, immunization policy, and public health preparedness, offering practical insights into how states and territories are preparing for the upcoming respiratory virus season. The experts will discuss vaccine safety and effectiveness and explore how recent vaccine policy developments may influence public health planning and preparedness.
The session will feature presentations from public health leaders, followed by a moderated discussion on the current vaccine landscape, and a live Q&A with members of the media.
After the briefing, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the outlook for the upcoming respiratory virus season, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
- Explain the importance of seasonal and routine childhood vaccinations in preventing serious illness.
- Identify state strategies to improve vaccination coverage, increase vaccine confidence, and expand access.
- Discuss how recent vaccine policy developments may influence state public health preparedness.
Speakers:
- Manisha Juthani, MD, ASTHO President and Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health
- Scott Harris, MD, MPH, ASTHO Immediate Past President and State Health Officer, Alabama Department of Public Health
- James McDonald, MD, MPH, ASTHO Board Member and Commissioner, New York State Department of Health
- Erica Pan, MD, MPH, (SHO-CA), State Public Health Officer, California Department of Public Health