Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc; and Ryan P. McNamara, PhD

Panelists discuss the pivotal role of microbiology laboratories and rapid diagnostic technologies in managing multidrug-resistant infections, highlighting their impact on timely treatment, antibiotic stewardship, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively interpret and act on resistance data.

Panelists discuss emerging therapies for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, focusing on the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, evolving resistance mechanisms like extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamases (NDMs), regional variability in pathogen prevalence, and the clinical implications for treatment in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Drs Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, Madeline King, Rodney Rohde, and expert nurse practitioner Wendy Wright provide insight on receiving the influenza vaccine concurrently with the SARS-CoV-2 booster shot, and comment on data on immune responses from the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines.

Experts in the management of SARS-CoV-2 educate on CDC and FDA recommendations for approaching administration of booster vaccines, including those for special patient populations.

Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP; Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD; and Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc; review what encompasses a bivalent vaccine and give their perspective on how to communicate the role of the vaccine in optimizing protection for patients.

Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc, leads a discussion on the constant evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the impact on vaccine and booster shot development and administration.

Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD; Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP; and Madeline King, PharmD, BCIDP, examine the efficacy and real-world implications of the COVID-19 booster shot in terms of vaccination protection rates.

Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP, leads a discussion on the challenges subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 present in terms of vaccination and approaching optimal communication to the public surrounding vaccination.

Expert health professionals share their thoughts on variants of concern vs variants of interest of the SARS-CoV-2 strains as they relate to clinical practice.

Infectious diseases are emerging at an alarmingly rapid pace, faster than any other time in human history.