MMWR News Synopsis

Articles

Influenza Activity and Composition of the 2022–23 Influenza Vaccine — United States, 2021–22 Season

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Flu activity during the 2021–2022 season began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June, with two different waves of influenza A(H3N2) viruses occurring; the first peaked in late December 2021 and the second in April 2022 — the latest peak on record. Because influenza activity had an unusual timing and extended until later in the season, providers and patients should continue to consider the possibility of flu as a cause of respiratory illness. While there was more flu activity than the prior season, the 2021–2022 influenza season was still relatively mild. Flu activity was elevated much later into the spring. The first wave of flu activity peaked in mid-December throughout the country, but the timing of peak activity during the second wave varied by region, ranging from mid-March through May. Notably, the second wave, which peaked nationally in April, was the latest peak on record. The predominant influenza viruses all season were influenza A(H3N2) viruses. The majority of these viruses that circulated were different from the influenza A(H3N2) virus in the 2021–22 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccines. However, according to preliminary vaccine effectiveness estimates, people who were vaccinated last season reduced their risk of flu illness requiring a medical visit by about one-third. This is more evidence that the flu vaccine can still offer protection, even when vaccine viruses are different from circulating viruses. For the upcoming 2022–2023 flu season, flu vaccines will include two updated flu viruses to better match the viruses that are expected to circulate. Receiving a seasonal influenza vaccine each year remains the best way to protect against seasonal influenza and its potentially severe consequences.

Workplace Perceptions and Experiences Related to COVID-19 Response Efforts Among Public Health Workers — Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, United States, September 2021–January 2022

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

A nationally representative survey of state and local public health workers found that nearly three-quarters of the U.S. government’s public health workforce served in a COVID-19 response role during March 2020–January 2022. More than 40% intend to leave their jobs in the next 5 years. Focused attention on recruiting and retaining staff will be critical as the public health workforce rebuilds as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.  The COVID-19 pandemic has strained many essential frontline health care workers; however, few studies have evaluated the specific challenges public health workers faced during this period. Using data from a nationally representative survey of governmental public health workers, investigators were able to gain insight into the workers’ demographic characteristics and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 72% of respondents reported working fully or partially in a COVID-19 response role at any point during March 2020–January 2022. An estimated 44% of workers reported that they were considering leaving their jobs in the next 5 years for retirement or other reasons. Of those considering leaving, 76% began thinking about leaving within the past 18 months, which coincides with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked what was needed, besides funding, to respond to COVID-19, 51% selected additional staff capacity. Survey findings show that more staff are needed to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and many public health workers report an intention to leave their organization in the near future.

Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers — United States, March 14–25, 2022

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Nearly half of U.S. public health workers surveyed from state, tribal, territorial, local, and territorial (STLT) health departments reported symptoms of at least one mental health condition in early March 2022. Reported conditions included depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts (known as suicidal ideation). Public health agencies can modify work schedules, make organizational changes, and provide additional mental health services to support department staff to address and prevent these adverse outcomes. Investigators conducted a survey of more than 26,000 STLT health department workers from March 14–25, 2022. The survey evaluated mental health trends for U.S. public health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the respondents, 48% reported symptoms of at least one mental health condition during the previous 2 weeks. This was an improvement from the 2021 survey findings, when 53% of public health workers reported experiencing symptoms of one or more mental health conditions during the previous 2 weeks. Symptoms of mental health conditions remained highest among public health workers who worked more than 60 hours per week or who spent most of their time working on COVID-19 response activities. In addition, respondents who felt bullied or threatened in their work reported high levels of mental health symptoms and suicidal ideation. Respondents were less likely to report mental health symptoms if they were able to take time off from work or if they reported an increase in mental health resources provided by their employer. The report findings highlight the importance of identifying risk factors for workplace stress and implementing public health department policies and programs to protect staff mental health and well-being.

Previously Released: Effectiveness of 2, 3, and 4 COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Doses Among Immunocompetent Adults During Periods when SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2/BA.2.12.1 Sublineages Predominated — VISION Network, 10 States, December 2021–June 2022

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Previously Released: Vital Signs: Drug Overdose Deaths, by Selected Sociodemographic and Social Determinants of Health Characteristics — 25 States and the District of Columbia, 2019–2020

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

• Age-Adjusted Drug Overdose Death Rates Among Workers Aged 16–64 Years in Usual Occupation Groups with the Highest Drug Overdose Death Rates — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2020

###

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.