Issue 1,572: June 9, 2021
Top Stories

Featured Resources

Education and Training

Conferences and Meetings

Immunization PSAs from the Archive

 


Top Stories


June is National Month of Action: a sprint to vaccinate Americans against COVID-19 by the 4th of July

The Made to Save Coalition and HHS’s We Can Do This campaign are launching a month-long mobilization to protect 70% of adults by Independence Day. 

During this National Month of Action, initiatives include:

Declare independence from COVID-19! Commit to the National Vaccine Month of Action and add your events to the Mobilize America web page.



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“Hospitalization of Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19—COVID-NET, 14 States, March 1, 2020–April 24, 2021” published in MMWR

CDC published Hospitalization of Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19—COVID-NET, 14 States, March 1, 2020–April 24, 2021 in an Early Release MMWR on June 4. A portion of the summary appears below.
 
...COVID-19 adolescent hospitalization rates from COVID-NET peaked at 2.1 per 100,000 in early January 2021, declined to 0.6 in mid-March, and rose to 1.3 in April. Among hospitalized adolescents, nearly one third required intensive care unit admission, and 5% required invasive mechanical ventilation; no associated deaths occurred.

...Recent increased hospitalization rates in spring 2021 and potential for severe disease reinforce the importance of continued COVID-19 prevention measures, including vaccination and correct and consistent mask wearing among persons not fully vaccinated or when required.


Access the MMWR article in HTML format or in PDF format.



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Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality publishes “Safety of Vaccines Used for Routine Immunization in the United States: An Update”

In May, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) revised its report Safety of Vaccines Used for Routine Immunization in the United States: An Update. The main points appear below.

  • Since the prior 2014 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) report on vaccine safety, we found no new evidence of increased risk for key adverse events following administration of vaccines that are routinely recommended for adults, children, and pregnant women.
  • Signals from the prior report remain unchanged for adverse events that include anaphylaxis in adults and children, and febrile seizures and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children. There continues to be no evidence of increased risk of adverse events for vaccines currently recommended in pregnant women.
  • There remains insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about some rare potential adverse events.



Access the report in HTML format and PDF format.

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IAC Spotlight! IAC's Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) gateway page has VISs in 49 languages

In 2020, visitors to immunize.org downloaded more than 3.3 million copies of Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) from its VIS web section, including more than 960,000 downloads in English and more than 2.4 million downloads in other languages.

IAC's VIS gateway page offers 27 VISs in English. The site also offers translations in 48 other languages—alphabetically, from Albanian to Yiddish! (Note: Not all VISs are available in all languages.) 

The VIS gateway page, in which the VISs are listed by disease in the Vaccine Index, is found at www.immunize.org/vis. You can also access VISs sorted by language in the Language Index. Both pages also feature a handy table of current VIS dates, an easy way to check that you are using the most recent version. IAC has recently reviewed and updated several IAC VIS web pages within the VIS web section.



A sheet in PDF format that lists the current VIS dates is available at http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2029.pdf.

IAC has a cooperative agreement with CDC to provide VIS translations in several languages for routinely recommended vaccines for children and adults, including Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, Russian, Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese. Most other VIS translations have been donated by other organizations to be made available to the public by IAC, including several state health departments, that generously partner with us to provide translations. You can see all available translations here

IAC's VIS main page also includes links to information about new VISs, instructions for correctly using VISs, links to CDC about VISs, and more.

For COVID-19 vaccines available under terms of Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), Fact Sheets for Recipients and Caregivers are used rather than VISs. Translations of the individual COVID-19 vaccine Fact Sheets for Recipients and Caregivers are available on the FDA gateway page.

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A tribute to IAC founder Deborah L. Wexler, MD, with our thanks!

On June 30, 2021, IAC founder and Executive Director Deborah L. Wexler, MD will retire and turn the leadership of IAC over to Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH. We celebrate Deborah’s extraordinary legacy of immunization advocacy in our IAC Express Special Edition article, “Never a Dull Moment: A Celebration of the Legacy of Deborah L. Wexler, MD” (published June 1).
 
Personal messages and best wishes may be shared with Deborah at admininfo@immunize.org, noting “Retirement” in the subject line. Those who wish to honor Deborah’s career with a donation are invited to contribute to either her specially selected project to preserve and record the history of IAC or to IAC’s general fund, to help ensure that the important work of the organization she founded continues long into the future. Both options are available on the Support IAC page.

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Unity Consortium launches “Don't Wait. Vaccinate.” campaign to help healthcare providers catch up adolescents and young adults on missed immunizations

The disruption of routine healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a 20% decline in adolescent vaccinations. In response, the Unity Consortium has launched the Don't Wait. Vaccinate. campaign to catch up adolescents and young adults on missed immunizations. The campaign urges parents and adolescents to take three steps: schedule a well visit, stay up to date on vaccines, and visit a healthcare professional.

Campaign resources include:

  • Customizable email, letter, and text message templates for healthcare providers
  • Infographics 
  • Posters and flyers
  • Social media graphics and sample messages



When sharing images on social media, use the hashtag #DontWaitVaccinate to spread the word.

On May 6, the Unity Consortium hosted a webinar, moderated by Chelsea Clinton, which included IAC's L.J Tan as a panelist. Watch the archived webinar: The Imperative to Vaccinate Adolescents and Young Adults Now

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MMWR recap: CDC publishes COVID-19 vaccination coverage trends by social vulnerability and urbanicity on June 4; previously issued as an MMWR Early Release

CDC recently published: 

  • "Patterns in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity—United States, December 14, 2020–May 1, 2021" (MMWR, June 4, HTML format or PDF format)

Related Link

  • MMWR gateway page provides access to MMWR WeeklyMMWR Recommendations and ReportsMMWR Surveillance Summaries, and MMWR Supplement

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IAC experts called on by news media

Journalists seek out IAC experts to communicate the intricacies of running a quality vaccination program. Our insights have helped explain vaccines to the public and policy makers. We want to help them understand the complex work vaccinators do. Here is a recent citation:

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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
 

These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.

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Featured Resources


Going fast! Order IAC's laminated version of CDC's 2021 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule today! Adult schedules sold out.

IAC's laminated version of the 2021 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule is available for order. The 2021 U.S. adult immunization schedule has sold out, but you can print paper versions from the CDC website.

These schedules are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccinations are given. Their tough coating can be wiped down, and they’re durable enough to stand up to a year's worth of use. 
 
The child/adolescent schedule is eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages), but folds down to a convenient 8.5" x 11" size.

  

With color coding for easy reading, our laminated schedules replicate the original CDC formatting, including the essential tables and notes.

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 of 1,000 copies or more, call 651-647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org.

Visit the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules web page for more information on the schedules, to view images of all the pages, and to download the order form today!

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Father’s Day is June 20. Order IAC’s “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and “Vaccines Save Lives” pins for fathers who value prevention

Dad has enough neck ties, so order IAC’s "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons or "Vaccines Save Lives" pins for him and every vaccinated person who will celebrate Father’s Day with him.

    

Buttons: Wear them in the clinic to demonstrate your support for COVID-19 vaccination and to remind those around you to protect themselves from COVID-19.

IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives" pins also make meaningful gifts for people who care about immunization. The pin makes a refined statement in hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.125" x 0.75".


The pin is a stick-through-post variety with the back end covered by a round rubber cap that holds the pin securely. A gold metal spring-lock clasp is also provided. Click here for "Vaccines Save Lives" pin pricing and ordering information.

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Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage friends to follow your lead by adding IAC’s “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame! Available in English and Spanish.

Share your excitement about COVID-19 vaccination and inspire your friends! When you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, add IAC's new "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook photo frame to liven up your profile picture!

You can obtain the frame in three ways:

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Education and Training


NILE offers webinar titled "Working with the Successes of HPV Vaccine in a Time of Rising Vaccine Hesitancy" on June 16 

On June 16 at 12:00 p.m. (PT), Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange (NILE) will offer a webinar titled Working with the Successes of HPV Vaccine in a Time of Rising Vaccine Hesitancy.

This program offers one free CEU for nurses, Nevada pharmacists, and CHWs, upon completion of the post-webinar survey.

Registration information and learning objectives

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NFID offers webinar “COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Adolescent Vaccination” on June 30, CME available

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) will host a webinar titled COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Adolescent Vaccination from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET) on June 30. 

The interactive discussion will focus on strategies for implementing the communications framework outlined in the NFID report, COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Prevention Measures and Vaccine Acceptance, with a focus on returning to in-person education.
 
NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD will moderate the panel discussion with

There is no fee to participate in this activity, but pre-registration is required. One hour of CME credit will be offered upon completion.

Register for the webinar.

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Conferences and Meetings

North Dakota State University’s Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts “Transcending COVID-19 Vaccine Barriers: Strategies to Increase Confidence and Acceptance” virtual conference on June 16–17

The North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education will host Transcending COVID-19 Vaccine Barriers: Strategies to Increase Confidence and Acceptance on June 16–17. This free two-day virtual conference for healthcare providers and public health professionals will examine ways to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.  

The sponsors intend to apply for continuing education credits. 

Register for Transcending COVID-19 Vaccine Barriers: Strategies to Increase Confidence and Acceptance.

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Watch the virtual ACIP meeting June 23–25; no registration is required

A live, virtual meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will be held June 23–25. The agenda is posted and includes discussions on rabies, dengue, tickborne encephalitis, orthopoxviruses, and cholera vaccines, among others. No registration is required to watch the live ACIP meeting or listen via telephone. Opportunities for public comment are described at the website.

Bookmark this link to watch this and future virtual ACIP meetings. 

Related Link

  • ACIP gateway page for recordings and content from previous meetings, as well as information about future meetings

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Immunization PSAs from the Archive


In this hilarious 2009 PSA from the Government of South Australia, sneezes and accompanying secretions are set to classical music

In this hilarious 2009 public service announcement (PSA) from the Government of South Australia, sneezes and accompanying secretions are set to classical music. This PSA is part of a collection curated by vaccine expert William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH, which spans a period of more than 50 years.



Previous PSAs featured in “From the Archives” are available when viewing this Vimeo video

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About IAC Express
The Immunization Action Coalition welcomes redistribution of this issue of IAC Express or selected articles. When you do so, please add a note that the Immunization Action Coalition is the source of the material and provide a link to this issue.

IAC Express is supported in part by Grant No. 6NH23IP922550 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of IAC and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

IAC Express Disclaimer
ISSN: 1526-1786

Our mailing address:
Immunization Action Coalition
2550 University Avenue West, Suite 415 North
Saint Paul, MN 55114

About IZ Express

IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. NH23IP922654 from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

IZ Express Disclaimer
ISSN 2771-8085

Editorial Information

  • Editor-in-Chief
    Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
  • Managing Editor
    John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
  • Associate Editor
    Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
  • Writer/Publication Coordinator
    Taryn Chapman, MS
    Courtnay Londo, MA
  • Style and Copy Editor
    Marian Deegan, JD
  • Web Edition Managers
    Arkady Shakhnovich
    Jermaine Royes
  • Contributing Writer
    Laurel H. Wood, MPA
  • Technical Reviewer
    Kayla Ohlde

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