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“Ask the Experts: Hepatitis B” web page updated with new recommendation for universal vaccination of adults through age 59 and added information about PreHevbrio vaccine Immunize.org updated its popular Ask the Experts: Hepatitis B web page. This extensive list of clinical questions and answers incorporates the new recommendation for universal vaccination of adults through age 59 and adds information about PreHevbrio (manufactured by VBI). PreHevbrio is licensed and recommended as a hepatitis B vaccine option for people age 18 and older. It is administered as a 3-dose series.
Immunize.org's Ask the Experts main page leads you to 30 distinct web pages on a variety of topics with more than 1,100 common or challenging questions and answers about vaccines and their administration. Immunize.org's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead), Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP, and Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH.
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Today! Watch April 20 ACIP meeting.
CDC will convene its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) today, April 20, from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (ET).
No registration is required to watch webcasts of live ACIP meetings or listen via telephone. Opportunities for public comment are described at the website.
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National Infant Immunization Week starts April 24! Prepare using CDC’s 2022 digital media toolkit. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 24–30, highlights the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievements of immunization partners. This year, it’s particularly critical to ensure that families get back on track for routine checkups and recommended vaccinations following disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A CDC report released in May 2020 found a troubling drop in routine childhood vaccination as a result of families missing many in-person clinical visits during the pandemic: many children remain behind schedule.
Save time by using CDC's 2022 NIIW Digital Media Toolkit for your organization's NIIW activities. The toolkit includes updated logos, sample social media content, social graphics, and key messages. Please share them, using the hashtags #NIIW and #ivax2protect.
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Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,282 organizations, including six new hospitals, one long-term care facility, and a large outpatient clinic network
Immunize.org's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll recognizes facilities that take a stand for patient safety by implementing policies for mandatory healthcare personnel influenza vaccination. There are now 1,282 healthcare organizations enrolled. Since December 8, 2021, six new hospitals, one long-term care facility, and a large network of outpatient medical practices have been added to the honor roll.
Newly added hospitals and health systems
- CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center, Bayonne, NJ
- CarePoint Health – Hoboken University Medical Center, Hoboken, NJ
- Bronson Commons, Mattawan, MI
- Bronson LakeView Hospital, Paw Paw, MI
- Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, Battle Creek, MI
- Bronson South Haven Hospital, South Haven, MI
Newly added long-term care/assisted living facility
- Bronson Commons, Mattawan MI
Newly added medical practices
- Bronson Health Group Medical Practices, Specialties and Diagnostics
- (9 clinics) Battle Creek, MI
- (4 clinics) Marshall, MI
- (26 clinics) Paw Paw, MI
- (59 clinics) Kalamazoo, MI
- (4 clinics) Oshtemo, MI
- (8 clinics) Portage, MI
- (3 clinics) Vicksburg, MI
- Bronson LakeView Family Care, Bangor, MI
- Bronson Family Medicine – Blue Star, South Haven, MI
- Bronson LakeView Family Care, Decatur, MI
- Bronson Primary Care Partners, Three Rivers, MI
- Bronson Primary Care Partners, Galesburg MI
- Bronson Primary Care Partners, Richland, MI
Eligibility:
- Eligible organizations: Hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical practices, pharmacies, professional organizations, health departments, and other government entities
- Requirements:
- Your policy must require influenza vaccination for all staff
- The application must describe measures to prevent transmission of influenza from unvaccinated personnel to patients (e.g., masking for the entire work shift)
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Influenza activity increases yet again nationally; continue to vaccinate Influenza Surveillance
For week 14, ending on April 9, Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView summary reports that influenza activity increased in most regions this week, with the highest activity in the central and south-central regions of the country.
Influenza Vaccination Dashboard
CDC's new Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard shares preliminary vaccination data. This week’s key fact: for children 6 months through 17 years, coverage varies widely among states and DC as of March 19, 2022, ranging from 32.4% to 76.5%; overall national coverage is 54.7%.
CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccine. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same visit, if needed. COVID-19 vaccination alone provides no protection from influenza or any other respiratory virus.
Vaccine Finder
If you don’t provide influenza vaccine at your site, please strongly recommend vaccination and refer people to sites that do vaccinate. Use VaccineFinder, a user-friendly website to help people of all ages find influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccines. Participating providers can update their vaccine inventory estimates on VaccineFinder. For questions or more information, contact vaccine@healthmap.org.
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Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org that focus on vaccine products and manufacturers In this week's Spotlight, we summarize resources at Immunize.org that focus on specific vaccine products.
Package Inserts and FDA Product Approvals main page provides up-to-date product information links for all vaccines licensed for use in the United States, as well as links to FDA vaccine approval web pages.
Vaccine Manufacturers main page provides links to the websites of the vaccine manufacturers in the United States, as well as contact information such as telephone numbers and email addresses. In addition, the vaccine products for each of the companies are listed.
Vaccines main page links to information about 23 vaccines and the diseases they prevent. For each vaccine, access the latest recommendations, information, and up-to-date resources from Immunize.org and CDC.
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
Vaccine Information Statements
Reminder! Haitian Creole and Portuguese translations of 18 Vaccine Information Statements posted by Immunize.org. Immunize.org posted new translations of 18 Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) in Haitian Creole and Portuguese. These translations were generously donated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Program.
All translations are available in print-ready PDF format.
VIS translations in Haitian Creole:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Hepatitis A VIS PDF (view in English)
- Hepatitis B VIS PDF (view in English)
- HPV (human papillomavirus) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Influenza, inactivated or recombinant VIS PDF (view in English)
- Influenza, live intranasal VIS PDF (view in English)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Meningococcal ACWY VIS PDF (view in English)
- Meningococcal B VIS PDF (view in English)
- Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Polio VIS PDF (view in English)
- Rotavirus VIS PDF (view in English)
- Tetanus, diphtheria (Td) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Varicella (chickenpox) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Recombinant zoster (shingles) VIS PDF (view in English)
VIS translations in Portuguese:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Hepatitis A VIS PDF (view in English)
- Hepatitis B VIS PDF (view in English)
- HPV (human papillomavirus) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Influenza, inactivated or recombinant VIS PDF (view in English)
- Influenza, live intranasal VIS PDF (view in English)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Meningococcal ACWY VIS PDF (view in English)
- Meningococcal B VIS PDF (view in English)
- Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Polio VIS PDF (view in English)
- Rotavirus VIS PDF (view in English)
- Tetanus, diphtheria (Td) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Varicella (chickenpox) VIS PDF (view in English)
- Recombinant zoster (shingles) VIS PDF (view in English)
Translations of previous VIS versions may be used until new translations become available. CDC states that the corresponding up-to-date English-language VIS must also be supplied when providing an out-of-date translation.
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Featured Resources
CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center releases “Communicating about Vaccines – COVID-19 and More,” a free, web-based interactive module; CE available Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center (VEC) released Communicating about Vaccines – COVID-19 and More, a free, web-based interactive session. It is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Details the dangers of COVID-19 disease, explains the U.S. system to authorize and license vaccines, and highlights the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines
- Part 2: Explores best practices in vaccine communication
- Part 3: Reviews key points, offers additional resources, and explains how to receive continuing education credit (up to 2 hours) or a certificate of attendance
To access versions “for credit” (registration required) or “no credit,” visit Online Learning for Healthcare Providers web page.
This module was developed by the Vaccine Education Center and the Office of Community Engagement at CHOP, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition, and Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules available while supplies last. Immunize.org's laminated versions of the 2022 U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule and the 2022 U.S. adult immunization schedule are in stock and shipping now. Order while supplies last.
While the schedules are available online from CDC at no cost, Immunize.org's printed, laminated 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.
In 2022, the length of each schedule with appendices was extended by two pages. As a result, the laminated schedules are now published in a standard 8.5” X 11” booklet format.
- The child/adolescent schedule booklet is ten pages (i.e., five double-sided pages) and includes a bonus page with Immunize.org’s popular 1-page handout summarizing the dose, route, and needle size recommendations for all vaccines and recipients
- The adult schedule booklet is eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages)
 
With color coding for easy reading, our laminated schedules replicate the original CDC formatting, including the essential tables and notes.
PRICING
| Number of Copies |
Cost |
| 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 Immunize.org: Laminated Schedules web page for more information on the schedules, to view images of all the pages, to download the order form, and to order today!
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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use Immunize.org’s Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety. Download Immunize.org’s free 142-page book on adult vaccination, to help build your program and train your team: Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide (Guide).
This thorough "how to" guide on adult vaccination provides easy-to-use, practical information covering all essential activities. It helps vaccine providers enhance their existing adult vaccination services or introduce them into any clinical setting.
The Guide is available to download/print either by chapter or in its entirety free at www.immunize.org/guide. The National Vaccine Program Office and CDC both supported the development of the Guide and provided early technical review.
The Guide is a valuable resource to assist providers in increasing adult vaccination rates. Be sure to get a copy today!
Please note: this guide was produced in 2017, before the COVID-19 era, and reflects the recommendations of that time.
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Notable Publications
“Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization among Adults with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection—United States, June 2021–February 2022” published in MMWR
CDC published Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization among Adults with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection—United States, June 2021–February 2022 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Persons with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have some protection against reinfection leading to hospitalization, but there is limited evidence regarding the additional benefit of vaccination among these persons....
Among persons with previous infection, COVID-19 mRNA vaccination provided protection against subsequent COVID-19–associated hospitalization. Estimated vaccine effectiveness against reinfection leading to hospitalization during the Omicron-predominant period was approximately 35% after dose 2, and 68% after a booster dose....
To prevent COVID-19–associated hospitalization, all eligible persons should stay up to date with vaccination, including those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
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“Supporting Immunization Programs to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Recommendations for National and Community-Based Stakeholders” published in Vaccine
In its March 28 issue, Vaccine published Supporting Immunization Programs to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Recommendations for National and Community-Based Stakeholders. The article is a collaborative effort of the Association of Immunization Managers, with lead author Katelyn Wells, MS, PhD, Immunize.org's Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH, and Emory University’s Robert Bednarczyk, PhD. The conclusion appears below.
The 64 state, local and territorial IPs [immunization programs] are the backbone of the US immunization system, so we advocate for engagement of all stakeholders to directly support IPs in addressing vaccine hesitancy within their jurisdictions. To maintain routine vaccination coverage rates and implement a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign, IPs need engagement of stakeholders at all levels to promote sound immunization policies, identify and address the needs of vulnerable subpopulations, implement evidence-based strategies to promote the value of vaccination, and combat misinformation online. IPs, with support of stakeholders, are the key to effectively addressing the complex challenges of vaccine hesitancy in order to bring the pandemic to a swift end.
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"Become a Vaccine Champion" published by American Federation of Teachers
The American Federation of Teachers published Become a Vaccine Champion, written by Immunize.org’s Mary Beth Koslap-Petraco, DNP, FAANP. A portion of the article appears below.
By virtue of our profession, nurses have a head start in championing vaccines for ourselves, our patients, and our communities. Ours is the most trusted of all professions. We are rated highly because we’re seen as honest and ethical. The public trusts that we put our patients’ needs ahead of the interests of others. Our voices are heard and our opinions are respected because of what we do. No matter what field of nursing we practice, we all spend much of our time educating patients. We have a way of speaking that makes complicated material understandable without talking down to patients. We need to use that influence to clarify misinformation about vaccines, reassure each other and the public that the science behind vaccines is solid, and encourage everyone to get vaccinated. I truly believe that every nurse should be a vaccine champion and that every nurse can be a vaccine champion. It all starts with conversations with fellow nurses who may be hesitant about vaccines.
Global News
“Surveillance to Track Progress toward Polio Eradication—Worldwide, 2020–2021” published in MMWRCDC published Surveillance to Track Progress toward Polio Eradication—Worldwide, 2020–2021 on April 15 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance, the primary means of tracking poliovirus transmission, is supplemented by environmental surveillance of sewage samples. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected polio surveillance....
Analysis of 2020–2021 AFP surveillance data from 43 priority countries experiencing or at high risk for poliovirus transmission found that national AFP surveillance performance improved from 2020 to 2021 in many priority countries, particularly in the World Health Organization’s African Region; however, substantial national and subnational gaps persist....
Surveillance gaps need to be identified and addressed to ensure timely detection of poliovirus circulation and achieve eventual eradication.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
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“One-Dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Offers Solid Protection against Cervical Cancer” published by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) published One-Dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Offers Solid Protection against Cervical Cancer on April 11. The recommendations of WHO do not alter the ACIP-recommended schedule for HPV vaccination in the United States.
A portion of the article appears below.
The 4-7 April convening of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) evaluated the evidence that has been emerging over past years that single-dose schedules provide comparable efficacy to the two or three-dose regimens.
SAGE’s review concluded that a single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine delivers solid protection against HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer, that is comparable to 2-dose schedules. This could be a game-changer for the prevention of the disease; seeing more doses of the life-saving jab reach more girls....
“The HPV vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of HPV serotypes 16 & 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancer,” said Dr Alejandro Cravioto, SAGE Chair. “SAGE urges all countries to introduce HPV vaccines and prioritize multi-age cohort catch up of missed and older cohorts of girls. These recommendations will enable more girls and women to be vaccinated and thus preventing them from having cervical cancer and all its consequences over the course of their lifetimes.”
SAGE recommended one- or two-dose vaccination schedules for girls and women through age 20 and two doses for women 21 and older. WHO’s recommendations will be updated following further consultation across stakeholders.
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Upcoming Events
Tomorrow! Virtual: Immunize Colorado hosts webinar “For Mothers, by Mothers: A Community Health Meetup That Supports Vaccine Confidence” on April 21.
Immunize Colorado will host a webinar with IDEO.org and National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM) titled For Mothers, by Mothers: A Community Health Meetup That Supports Vaccine Confidence at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on April 21. The webinar showcases the Mothers X Mothers initiative, a toolkit designed to help organizations implement health-focused meetups for immigrant and refugee moms. There will also be focus on how organizations can support vaccine confidence in any community.
Register for the webinar.
This event will be archived on Immunize Colorado's Education Series Past Events web page.
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Virtual: International Vaccine Access Center hosts webinars on April 26, 28, and May 3 for World Immunization Week
Johns Hopkins University's International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), along with global immunization and indigenous health partners, will host a series of three webinars to recognize World Immunization Week, April 24 to 30. Registration dates and times are as follows:
In person: Register today! National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships to be held September 13–15, 2022, in Minneapolis, MN. Immunize.org and Voices for Vaccines are cosponsoring the 15th National for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships (NCICP). This is planned as an in-person meeting in Minneapolis/St. Paul at the Radisson Blu Mall of America on September 13–15, 2022.
The NCICP is the only conference solely dedicated to collaboration and partnership to improve immunization uptake, educate our communities, and prevent the spread of disease. The conference is an engine to address immunizations and public health challenges by sharing successful strategies that strengthen the work our coalitions and partnerships do.
Register for the event. Registration fee: $300 (early bird $260 registration available now).
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