The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to evolve since the first case was seen in the United States in 2020. Over the course of the last 3 years, the United States and the world have lost millions of people from this virus with many more millions hospitalized.1 [1A,P2] COVID-19 vaccines were introduced in late 2020 and have had a significant impact on the pandemic trajectory. Estimates are that between December 8, 2020, and December 8, 2021, the vaccines have prevented at least 14.4 million COVID-19 related deaths in 185 countries.2 [2A,P1]
The initial acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was very high with close to 4 in 5 American adults completing their primary series.3 [3A,P6] With the introduction of subsequent vaccine doses to address the new variants and waning immunity, the overall uptake has been much lower. Only 1 in 5 American adults have received the bivalent vaccine dose.3[3a B,P5] With the introduction of a new vaccine formulation in fall 2023, it is important for healthcare professionals to raise vaccine confidence to ensure their patients, especially those at high-risk, have optimal protection against COVID-19. This program focuses on improving vaccine confidence by helping you deliver presumptive recommendations, address questions and misinformation.