The ANSI Federation and standardization community are stepping up with guidance, resources, and initiatives to support public health and safety and the nation's recovery. Suggestions for news items may be submitted to [email protected]. All submissions are published at ANSI's discretion.
FDA Shares Tips to Navigate Reliable Sources in Recognition of National Immunization Month
In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published an article that sheds light on the FDA’s role in vaccinations, and how the public can better navigate sources of information, especially as trying to filter fact from fiction about health information can be a challenge. Dr. Robert M. Califf, commissioner of food and drugs, emphasizes that vaccines undergo a “rigorous FDA evaluation” of laboratory and clinical data to “ensure their safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality.”
Furthermore, he explains that the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) spearheads regulating vaccines, and that the center has been integral in overseeing the development of the vaccines to prevent COVID-19. It authorizes and approves the vaccines that are proven to meet criteria for safety and effectiveness.
For those lost in a sea of public health facts, Dr. Califf explains: “For accurate information about immunizations, look for information from U.S. government partners, such as the CDC and your local health authority.”
CDC Streamlines COVID-19 Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has unveiled updated COVID-19 guidance in its effort to help the public protect themselves, with information on what to do if exposed to the disease, updated isolation recommendations, and guidance for people who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
The CDC notes that its guidance actions will continue to be informed by the COVID-19 Community Levels, launched in early 2022, which help individuals and communities decide which prevention actions to take based on the latest information.
“We’re in a stronger place today as a nation, with more tools—like vaccination, boosters, and treatments—to protect ourselves, and our communities, from severe illness from COVID-19,” said Dr. Greta Massetti. “We also have a better understanding of how to protect people from being exposed to the virus, like wearing high-quality masks, testing, and improved ventilation.”
See more ANSI member efforts in the ANSI COVID-19 Resource Webpage Highlighting Standardization Community Response.
UL LLC Receives WHO Accreditation for Vaccine Storage Testing
Last month, UL Solutions announced that UL LLC received World Health Organization (WHO) accreditation to test vaccine storage devices in the U.S., to the WHO PQS E003 series of standards. The standards establish a set of performance requirements specific for refrigeration equipment. Additionally, the performance requirements focus on “criteria to safely store vaccines at specific temperatures for long periods of time,” UL reports.
Access the full article via UL news.