| Issue 1056: May 21, 2013 TOP STORIES
VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FEATURED RESOURCES
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS
TOP STORIES New! May 2013 issue of Needle Tips now online The May issue of Needle Tips is now online.
 This issue of Needle Tips gives healthcare professionals up-to-date information on meningococcal vaccination and features the two newly published 2013 U.S. immunization schedules, one for children/teens and one for adults. It also includes a new series of eight handouts for adults and teens about vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of getting vaccinated, and much more. As always, the issue features the "Ask the Experts" column from CDC medical epidemiologist Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH; nurse educator Donna L. Weaver, RN, MN; and medical officer Iyabode Akinsanya-Beysolow, MD, MPH. Back to top Shortage of Pentacel, Daptacel, and Pediarix vaccines to continue through summer 2013 On May 16, CDC updated its Current Vaccine Shortages & Delays web section with the information reprinted below. Sanofi Pasteur’s Pentacel (DTaP-IPV/Hib) and Daptacel (DTaP) are expected to remain in short supply throughout the summer of 2013. As a result of the ongoing Pentacel vaccine shortage that began in April 2012, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has experienced increased demand for Pediarix (DTaP-IPV-HepB) vaccine. GSK has taken steps to meet this increased demand, but will not be able to supply this vaccine at the same rate over the next 4–6 months before Pentacel is available without restrictions, which is currently anticipated to occur in September 2013. Related Links
IAC Spotlight! Reminder to consider using IAC’s newest educational materials for patients and staff IAC wants to remind you that during the past year we have created several new patient handouts and staff-education materials. Please review them to see if they might be of help to you in your work setting.
VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS CDC releases updated HPV (Gardasil) VIS On May 17, CDC released an updated HPV (Gardasil) Vaccine Information Statement (VIS). The only substantive change to the Gardasil VIS is the removal of language relating to the manufacturer's pregnancy registry. The registry has met its goal of 5 years of enhanced surveillance and has been closed to new enrollment. The updated VIS has an edition date of 5/17/13. Providers may use up existing stocks of the previous edition, but should make patients aware that the pregnancy registry is no longer operating. Related Links
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS WHO press release: Yellow fever vaccination booster not needed On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement to the press titled Yellow Fever Vaccination Booster Not Needed. The first paragraph is reprinted below. The yellow fever ‘booster’ vaccination given ten years after the initial vaccination is not necessary, according to WHO. An article published in WHO’s Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER) reveals that the Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE) has reviewed the latest evidence and concluded that a single dose of vaccination is sufficient to confer life-long immunity against yellow fever disease. The entire SAGE report can be read in the May 17 issue of WER. The yellow fever information is found on pages 208-210. Related Links
FEATURED RESOURCES Vaccine Education Center offers new booklet for parents about vaccine safety The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has developed a new resource for parents. Vaccine Safety and Your Child is a 32-page booklet by Paul Offit, MD, and Charlotte Moser, BS. The booklet's content is excerpted from the book Vaccines and Your Child: Separating Fact from Fiction, which was published by Columbia University Press in 2011. Booklet sections include
Related Links Back to top CDC offers free Spanish-language posters that promote childhood immunization CDC has free Spanish-language posters available that healthcare providers can order to promote childhood immunization efforts. These posters are part of the CDC campaign that has the tagline Con salud, todo es posible. Vacune a sus hijos. (With health, all is possible. Vaccinate your children.). The materials included in the campaign are not simply translations of English materials. Rather, the campaign materials were developed for Spanish-speaking parents of children under age two years. View posters and download or order Other materials available as part of the campaign include Back to top Order IAC's popular full-size laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. immunization schedules today! IAC's laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. child/teen and adult immunization schedules are covered with a tough, washable coating that lets them stand up to a year's worth of use in every area of your healthcare setting where immunizations are given. Each has six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages) and is folded to measure 8.5" by 11".
PRICING 1-4 copies: $7.50 each 5-19 copies: $5.50 each 20-99 copies: $4.50 each 100-499 copies: $4.00 each 500-999 copies: $3.50 each For quotes on customizing or placing orders for 1,000 copies or more, call (651) 647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org You can access specific information on both schedules, view images of both, order online, or download an order form at the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules web page. Back to top JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS Pediatrics publishes results of CDC study on rotavirus vaccine safety On May 13, Pediatrics published online results of a CDC study on rotavirus vaccine safety titled Intussusception After Rotavirus Vaccines Reported to US VAERS, 2006–2012. The abstract is reprinted below. BACKGROUND: In 2006 and 2008, 2 new rotavirus vaccines (RotaTeq [RV5] and Rotarix [RV1]) were introduced in the United States. METHODS: We assessed intussusception events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System from February 2006 through April 2012 for RV5 and from April 2008 through April 2012 for RV1. For RV5, we conducted a self-controlled risk interval analysis using Poisson regression to estimate the daily reporting ratio (DRR) of intussusception comparing average daily reports 3 to 6 versus 0 to 2 days after vaccination. We calculated reporting rate differences based on DRRs and background rates of intussusception. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess effects of differential reporting completeness and inaccuracy of baseline rates. Few reports were submitted after RV1, allowing only a descriptive analysis. RESULTS: The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System received 584 confirmed intussusception reports after RV5 and 52 after RV1, with clustering 3 to 6 days after both vaccines. The DRR comparing the 3- to 6-day and the 0- to 2-day periods after RV5 dose 1 was 3.75 (95% confidence interval = 1.90 to 7.39). There was no significant increase in reporting after dose 2 or dose 3. Over all 3 doses, the excess risk of intussusception was 0.79 events (95% confidence interval = –0.04 to 1.62) per 100,000 vaccinations. From the sensitivity analyses, we conclude that under a worst-case scenario, the DRR could be 5.00 and excess risk per 100,000 doses could be 1.36. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a persistent clustering of reported intussusception events 3 to 6 days after the first dose of RV5 vaccination. This clustering could translate to a small increased risk of intussusception, which is outweighed by the benefits of rotavirus vaccination. The complete article is available online for Pediatrics subscribers only. Related Links
CDC publishes report on hepatitis B virus transmission in assisted-living facilities CDC published Notes from the Field: Transmission of HBV Among Assisted-Living–Facility Residents—Virginia, 2012 in the May 17 issue of MMWR (page 389). Excerpts from the report are reprinted below. On June 29, 2012, the Rappahannock Area Health District in northwestern Virginia received a report of an acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in an elderly resident of an assisted-living facility (ALF). The resident reported no risk factors for HBV infection except assisted monitoring of blood glucose (AMBG), which has been implicated in the transmission of HBV in ALFs and other long-term–care facilities.... ALF staff members routinely used pen-shaped lancing devices on multiple residents during AMBG, in contrast with long-standing recommendations and standards of care.... Among the 55 residents tested, two acutely and two chronically HBV-infected patients were identified; all were aged >60 years and receiving AMBG, none shared rooms.... Training ALF and home health agency staff members on the proper methods for AMBG and increased oversight to measure adherence to safe diabetes-care practices remain critical public health priorities to prevent outbreaks of bloodborne pathogens in ALFs. Back to top CDC announces Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day in MMWR CDC published Announcement: Hepatitis Awareness Month and National Hepatitis Testing Day—May 2013 in the May 17 issue of MMWR (page 390). The announcement is reprinted below. In the United States, an estimated 3.5–5.3 million persons have chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C, and as many as three fourths of those with hepatitis C are unaware they are infected. To increase provider and public awareness of viral hepatitis and the need for testing, May has been designated Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 is recognized as National Hepatitis Testing Day. Testing of persons to assess current infection with hepatitis C virus, especially those born during 1945–1965 (i.e., "baby boomers"), who have a higher prevalence of chronic hepatitis C than other birth cohorts, is an important step in achieving the viral hepatitis prevention goals set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CDC also has published updated testing guidance for clinicians and laboratorians to ensure the identification of persons with current hepatitis C virus infection. To promote viral hepatitis awareness beyond Hepatitis Awareness Month, CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis will partner with the National Hepatitis B United Coalition (Hep B United) to release a national, multilingual education campaign in June. This campaign will engage community partners to promote hepatitis B virus testing among Asian Americans and other populations experiencing health disparities related to hepatitis B. Back to top CDC publishes study on human exposure to bats in Kentucky camp facilities CDC published Assessment of Risk for Exposure to Bats in Sleeping Quarters Before and During Remediation—Kentucky, 2012 in the May 17 issue of MMWR (pages 382-384). This report describes a study that CDC and the Kentucky Department for Public Health conducted to assess human exposure to bats occurring at a number of summer camps and other facilities located in eastern Kentucky in 2012. The first paragraph of the editorial note is reprinted below. Rabies is an acute, progressive, and fatal encephalitis transmitted to humans by a bite from a rabid animal or infectious saliva or neural tissue that comes in direct contact with open wounds or mucous membranes. Since 2002, the source of infection for 21 of 24 domestic human rabies cases was determined to be a bat. In 2011, 7% of bats tested in Kentucky were positive for rabies virus. Rabies PEP is recommended for anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat (if the bat is unavailable for testing). In addition, thorough risk assessment should be conducted and PEP considered in situations where a bat is identified in direct proximity to a person who cannot be reasonably sure a bat bite or scratch did not occur, such as someone awaking in a room with a bat or having a condition that might decrease awareness of a bat contact. Bat bites and scratches typically are not severe, and history of a known bite was not elicited in approximately half of the reported cases of human rabies attributable to bats. Bites or scratches from animals should be washed with soap and water immediately, and consultation should be sought with a health-care provider or local health department for any potential exposure to bats. Back to top  |
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ISSN 2771-8085
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ISSN 2771-8085
Editorial Information
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Editor-in-ChiefKelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
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Managing EditorJohn D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
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Associate EditorSharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
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Writer/Publication CoordinatorTaryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA -
Style and Copy EditorMarian Deegan, JD
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Web Edition ManagersArkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes -
Contributing WriterLaurel H. Wood, MPA
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Technical ReviewerKayla Ohlde