As alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) continues to rise across the United States, two new continuing medical education (CME) courses—one from the CDC and one from VectorWise CME—are stepping in to address the urgent need for clinician awareness and training.

AGS, often called “red-meat allergy,” is a tick-borne condition that can cause delayed allergic reactions to meat, dairy, and even certain medications.

In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Despite its growing prevalence, a 2022 U.S. survey found that 42% of healthcare providers had never heard of AGS, and only 29% of those familiar with it knew how to diagnose it.

CDC’s free AGS training module

The CDC has released a comprehensive online training module designed to help healthcare providers understand AGS and prevent tick bites.

It offers continuing education credits across seven professional categories—including CME, CNE, CEU, and more—for a wide range of professionals: physicians, nurses, pharmacists, veterinarians, epidemiologists, and public health educators.

The module covers:

• Clinical characteristics of AGS
• Diagnostic testing
• Appropriate management
• Tick bite prevention

With over 110,000 suspected cases identified between 2010 and 2022—and estimates suggesting up to 450,000 Americans may be affected—the CDC encourages widespread sharing of this resource. Access CDC training here.

VectorWise CME’s Accredited Course: Basics of Alpha-gal Allergy

VectorWise CME, in partnership with Project Lyme, has launched Basics of Alpha-gal Allergy, an accredited course taught by Dr. Scott Commins of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. This free online course (0.75 credits, accredited through AAFP and ACCME) is tailored for clinicians and the public.

It provides a deep dive into:

• AGS pathophysiology and clinical presentation
• Diagnostic strategies
• Patient management, including avoidance diets and prevention counseling

Ali Moresco, Board Chair of Project Lyme, emphasized the importance of clinician education: “We move one step closer to protecting patients, preventing misdiagnosis, and improving quality of life for the hundreds of thousands already impacted.”

Enroll in the VectorWise CME course here.

With both the CDC and VectorWise CME offering free, evidence-based training, healthcare providers now have powerful tools to better recognize, diagnose, and manage AGS—ultimately improving patient outcomes and safety.