HIV.gov Blog

Dear Partners in Prevention, I am pleased to report that CDC has awarded funding to the University of Alabama Birmingham and the University of Washington to explore innovative sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV prevention strategies: 1) implementation of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP); and 2) HIV and syphilis point-of-care testing (POCT). This work has been made possible by an investment from the HHS Minority HIV/AIDS Fund (MHAF).

Cross-posted from: CDC Newsroom [On October 23, 2024], CDC Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.

Summary: During the August 2024 meeting, Advisory Council members discussed the intersection between the global and domestic HIV responses, undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U), expanding PrEP access, and other key issues. The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) convened virtually August 28-29, 2024, for the 82nd full council meeting.

Cross-posted from: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Press Room Funding will allow 23 local organizations to provide critical assistance for Americans living with HIV and AIDS and ensure stable housing for individuals and families at risk of homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced [on 10/9/24] nearly $28 million in funding to ensure Americans living with HIV and AIDS and their families have access to stable, safe, permanent housing.

Content From: HIV.gov••1 min read Topics The Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) at the Department of Health and Human Services is in the process of developing the 2026–2030 National Strategic Plans for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Vaccines, and Viral Hepatitis. OIDP is collaborating with the White House Office of National AIDS Policy to develop the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Content From: HIV.gov••1 min read Topics On October 21, 2024, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) issued new guidance.

Summary: Three pharmacists with the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy share their thoughts on their profession during American Pharmacists Month. October is American Pharmacists Month, and this year’s theme is Caring for Our Communities. In recognition of the month, three pharmacists with HHS’s Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) shared their thoughts on the essential role pharmacists play in health care with HIV.gov.

Flu season is upon us, and that means it’s time to get a flu vaccine. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Every year, millions of people get infected with flu, with potentially serious complications. Getting the yearly flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from flu.

Cross-posted from: NIAID Newsroom NIH-Funded Study Provides Evidence on Transplantation Practice Currently Limited to Research Settings Kidney transplantation from deceased donors with HIV (HIV D+) to recipients with HIV (HIV R+) was safe and comparable to kidney transplantation from donors without HIV (HIV D-) in a multicenter observational study in the United States.

Cross-posted from: CMS.gov When’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period? Every year, Medicare’s open enrollment period is October 15 - December 7. What’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period? Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks.