Our weekly email newsletter, IZ Express, has been in production since 1997 and currently has more than 53,000 subscribers. Each week, it provides up-to-date information about:
Three infectious diseases societies issue joint statement on mandatory immunization of healthcare personnel
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CDC publishes report estimating the number of influenza illnesses and hospitalizations averted by influenza vaccination during 2012–13 season
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IAC enrolls eleven more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
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CDC reports on progress in immunization information systems
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IAC Spotlight! Hundreds of images/photos related to vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases
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Reminder: December 19 is the date of the HHS-sponsored webinar on preventing perinatal hepatitis B infection
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC posts Portuguese translation of the VIS for rotavirus vaccines
Featured Resources
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The Know Hepatitis B campaign promotes testing for hepatitis B among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
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Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available—free—from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CDC publishes report on influenza vaccination coverage among women who gave birth during the 2009–10 and 2010–11 influenza seasons
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CDC publishes update on progress toward polio eradication in Nigeria
Conferences and Meetings
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Registration now open for the National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions
IAC Spotlight! Real-life stories about vaccine-preventable diseases
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Analysis of newly available data highlights the value of immunization—100 million cases of vaccine-preventable diseases averted since 1924
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Institute for Safe Medication Practices publishes first annual review of data submitted to its National Vaccine Errors Reporting Program
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CDC publishes report on influenza vaccination coverage among people with asthma
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Recently published study provides warning that measles still a threat in the U.S.
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "Vaccines Work!" handout for parents
Official Releases and Announcements
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Stakeholders publish report on possible ways to increase HPV vaccination
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CDC publishes announcement about National Influenza Vaccination Week in MMWR
Featured Resources
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Stay up to date with CDC's free email subscription service
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Reminder: If you vaccinate children and teens, be sure to download AAP's revised immunization training guide and procedure manual
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Project Tycho database makes health data available to everyone
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Family Planning and Immunization Integration Working Group releases new toolkit
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Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available–free–from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CDC reports on global progress in eliminating rubella and congenital rubella syndrome
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November issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Q: What are the ACIP recommendations for vaccination of preterm infants?
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Q: We plan to keep our influenza vaccine in coolers when we travel to off-site vaccination events. How can we ensure the vaccine remains within the proper temperature range?
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Q: We inadvertently administered a 0.5 mL dose of FluLaval (GSK) to a 2-year-old child before realizing that the vaccine is only licensed for use in people age 3 years and older. Do we need to repeat the dose with an age-appropriate product?
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Q: We inadvertently administered intradermal influenza vaccine (Fluzone ID, sanofi) to a patient who is not in the recommended age range of 18 through 64 years. What should we do now?
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Q: Is it acceptable to administer a dose of the quadrivalent influenza vaccine to a patient who has already received the trivalent vaccine? We’ve had a few patients request this.
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Q: Sometimes patients age 65 years and older who have received the standard-dose influenza vaccine hear about the high-dose product (Fluzone High-Dose, sanofi) and want to receive that, too. Is this okay to administer?
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Q: Would giving an older patient 2 doses of standard-dose influenza vaccine be the same as administering the high-dose product?
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Q: How soon after bone marrow transplant do we start to vaccinate our patients against influenza?
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Q: When should adolescents who received a dose of Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria, pertussis-containing vaccine; Adacel, sanofi; Boostrix, GSK) at age 11–12 years receive their next dose of Td or Tdap?
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Q: Please describe the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vote recommending the use of the meningococcal vaccine Menveo in high-risk children 2 through 23 months of age.
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Q: Why is it recommended to delay meningococcal vaccination for infants with functional or anatomic asplenia until after the PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Prevnar, Pfizer) series is completed?
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Q: We frequently see children (mostly from certain foreign countries) who have received 6 or more doses of polio vaccine, all administered before age 4 years. How do we handle this when assessing the child’s immunization history?
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Q: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV, Pneumovax, Merck) is recommended for people with diabetes. Does this include gestational diabetes?
Reminder: November issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online
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CDC issues health advisory for clinicians related to meningococcal outbreaks at Princeton University and the University of California, Santa Barbara
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CDC issues two new travel health notices concerning polio outbreaks in Syria and Cameroon, and updates travel health notices about polio in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia
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IAC enrolls five more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
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National Influenza Vaccination Week is almost here!
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IAC Spotlight! Influenza vaccination-related handouts for patients and staff
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CDC expands its vaccine safety web content to include "Frequently Asked Questions about HPV Vaccine Safety"
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC posts corrected Marshallese translations of influenza VISs
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IAC posts Thai translation of LAIV VIS
Featured Resources
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Spending a lot of time talking with parents about vaccines? Download CDC resources for healthcare professionals.
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Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available—free—from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
Education and Training
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Illinois AAP chapter to host December 10 webinar on influenza
Conferences and Meetings
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Save the date: Conference on Vaccine Research scheduled for April 28–30, 2014
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Save the date: California Immunization Coalition Summit to be held May 4–5, 2014
New! November issue of Vaccinate Adults is now available online
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Reminder: November issue of Needle Tips is online
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Access information about the Princeton University meningococcal outbreak and the public health response
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IAC Spotlight! Twelve more healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll
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CDC's December 12 NetConference to focus on influenza vaccination
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HHS-sponsored webinar on preventing perinatal hepatitis B infection rescheduled for December 19
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CDC publishes report on health disparities in the U.S.; one section covers seasonal influenza vaccination rates for 2009–10 and 2010–11
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Call for Abstracts deadline for the National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions extended to December 13
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "MMR vaccine does not cause autism: Examine the evidence!"
Featured Resources
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CDC updates information about pertussis outbreak control in the Manual for Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
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CDC updates its Vaccine Price List web page
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Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available—free—from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CDC publishes articles about polio eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan
New! November issue of Needle Tips now available online
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CDC publishes new recommendations for use of Japanese encephalitis vaccine in children
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IAC enrolls three more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
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IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Ask the Experts" Q&As give you answers from CDC experts
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National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 8–14; CDC makes a multitude of resources available
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Voices for Vaccines to host December 3 conference call about effective conversations with vaccine hesitant parents
IAC Handouts
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IAC revises "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines"
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IAC redesigns "Do Not Unplug" and "Do Not Turn Off Circuit Breaker" signs
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IAC updates "Influenza Vaccination of People with a History of Egg Allergy"
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IAC revises "Before you vaccinate adults, consider their 'H-A-L-O'!"
Official Releases and Announcements
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HHS releases new report about federal efforts to implement viral hepatitis action plan
Featured Resources
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Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available—free—from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
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Supplies are low! IAC's full-sized laminated versions of the 2013 immunization schedules are 50% off (use coupon code IAC50)
Conferences and Meetings
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Call for Abstracts deadline extended to November 22 for CDC's 2014 STD Prevention Conference
IAC Spotlight! Thirteen more healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll
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Today, November 12, is World Pneumonia Day!
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Immunization advocates develop universal symbol for immunization
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Intensive vaccination outreach planned after ten wild polio cases confirmed in the Syrian Arab Republic
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WHO reports on two new cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection in China
IAC Handouts
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IAC releases new handout for parents about HPV vaccination of preteens and teens
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IAC updates "Personal belief exemptions for vaccination put people at risk. Examine the evidence for yourself."
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Spanish translation of "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years" corrected
Featured Resources
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Michigan Department of Community Health releases toolkit of resources to increase influenza vaccination of young adults
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Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available—free—from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
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Supplies are low! IAC's full-sized laminated versions of the 2013 immunization schedules are 50% off (use coupon code IAC50)
Education and Training
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Reminder: Vaccine Education Center plans November 13 Current Issues in Vaccines webinar
Conferences and Meetings
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Reminder: December 6 is abstract deadline for the 11th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions
Pediatrics publishes article by CDC authors on influenza-associated pediatric deaths in the U.S., 2004–2012; CDC posts related commentary
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CDC publishes report on influenza vaccination of pregnant women in Massachusetts during the 2009–2010 influenza season
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IAC enrolls five more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
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AAP endorses CDC meningococcal vaccine guidance
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Spotlight on immunize.org: access influenza videos and public service announcements
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CDC's Immunization Safety Office expands its vaccine safety services for U.S. healthcare providers
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CDC reports on global vaccination coverage
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available—free—from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "Checklist for Safe Vaccine Storage and Handling"
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Spanish translations of "Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years" as well as "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years" are now available
Featured Resources
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CDC develops new resources to help providers increase HPV vaccination rates
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National Institutes of Health publishes article for public that encourages vaccination against HPV
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Influenza is serious; be sure to vaccinate everyone age 6 months and older!
IAC Spotlight! Fifteen more healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll
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Bulk quantities of laminated pocket guides for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available—free—from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and IAC
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CDC publishes surveillance summary on influenza vaccination coverage from 2007 through 2012 in the U.S.
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CDC publishes report on influenza activity in the U.S. from May 19 through September 28
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Eleventh National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions scheduled for May 21–23 in Seattle; abstract deadline is December 6
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "First do no harm: Mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare personnel help protect patients"
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IAC revises "Questions Frequently Asked about Hepatitis B"
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC posts Spanish translation of the large-print VIS for inactivated influenza vaccine
Featured Resources
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CDC and Safe Injection Practices Coalition offer new infographic to help clinicians properly use single- and multiple-dose vaccine vials
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Influenza is serious; be sure to vaccinate everyone age 6 months and older!
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Help-4-Hep offers support and information for people with questions about hepatitis C
CDC publishes report on influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare personnel during 2012-13 influenza season
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CDC publishes report on influenza vaccination coverage of pregnant women during 2012-13 influenza season
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IAC Spotlight! Vaccineinformation.org Video Library offers an extensive and searchable collection of more than 125 videos about vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of immunization
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History of Vaccines website educates the public about immunization’s past and present contributions to public health
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HHS to sponsor webinar on preventing perinatal hepatitis B infection on October 10
IAC Handouts
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IAC's updated screening checklists for influenza vaccination contraindications now available in Spanish
Vaccine Information Statements
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CDC's supplemental provider information for the 2013-14 influenza VISs summarizes many important issues
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Spanish translations of 19 routinely recommended vaccine VISs are now available in rich text format (RTF)
Featured Resources
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CDC updates its interactive quiz for adolescent and adult immunization
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Influenza is serious; be sure to vaccinate everyone age 6 months and older!
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Information about NFID's September 26 influenza/pneumococcal press conference is now online
Q: What influenza vaccine products will be available during the 2013–14 influenza season?
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Q: What are the differences in trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccines?
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Q: If quadrivalent vaccine includes one additional strain, why isn't it preferred for use over trivalent vaccines in ACIP's 2013–14 influenza recommendations?
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Q: I heard there was a new influenza vaccine that can be given to people with severe egg allergies. Is that true?
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Q: How many doses of vaccine are recommended for children younger than 9 years who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time?
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Q: Can a child who needs 2 doses of influenza receive 1 dose of quadrivalent vaccine and 1 dose of trivalent vaccine?
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Q: Does ACIP recommend one influenza product over another for pregnant women?
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Q: Why is a higher dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) available for adults 65 and older?
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Q: If a patient is undergoing treatment for cancer, is it safe to vaccinate her or him against influenza?
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Q: If a woman received Tdap in early pregnancy, should she get it again in the third trimester?
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Q: Each time there is a pregnancy in the family, should fathers and other family members receive a Tdap booster to ensure adequate protection and boost the cocoon effect to protect the newborn from pertussis?
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Q: A pertussis outbreak is occurring in our town, with many cases happening in the schools. Is there a recommendation for boosting middle and high-school students with an additional dose of Tdap during an outbreak if students have already had 1 dose?
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Q: Currently, ACIP recommends pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) for smokers age 19–64 years. Should we also vaccinate 16-year-olds who smoke?
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Q: Rather than giving pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) first and waiting 8 weeks to give PPSV as recommended for an immunocompromised child (2 years+) or adult patient, we inadvertently gave both vaccines at the same visit. We are looking for guidance.
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Q: What is the latest on rotavirus vaccination and intussusception?
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Q: Why did Merck discontinue the registry for collecting reports of pregnant women who inadvertently received its HPV vaccine (Gardasil) during pregnancy?
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Q: Why does CDC include 2D barcodes on VISs now?
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Q: It seems CDC is changing the format of VISs. Do we have to throw our old supply away and use the new ones?
Reminder: September 2013 issue of Needle Tips is online
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IAC's resources can help you learn more about the importance of giving the hepatitis B birth dose to newborns
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IAC Spotlight! Please refer parents and patients to www.vaccineinformation.org, IAC's website for the public
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "Guides for determining the number of doses of influenza vaccine to give children age 6 months through 8 years during the 2013–2014 influenza season" and "How to administer intramuscular, intradermal and intranasal influenza vaccines"
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IAC updates "Hepatitis B and Healthcare Personnel"
Featured Resources
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Vaccine Education Center's free mobile app for iPhones educates parents about vaccines
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Vaccine Education Center updates its fact sheet on influenza
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CDC publishes information on 2013–14 influenza vaccine production
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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August issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
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CDC's surveillance of waterborne disease outbreaks includes information on viral hepatitis
Education and Training
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Reminder: Vaccine Education Center plans September 11 webinar on rotavirus and intussusception
Conferences and Meetings
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Reminder: Registration deadline for October 23–24 ACIP meeting is September 30 for non-citizens and October 7 for citizens
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Meeting on vaccination and pathogen evolution is planned for November 25–27 in Annecy, France
New! September 2013 issue of Needle Tips now online
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Dr. Anne Schuchat’s "Dear Colleague" letter urges healthcare professionals to discuss benefits of annual influenza vaccination with patients
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IAC Spotlight! Reminder to use IAC’s 27 new educational materials for patients and staff; 20 are available in Spanish translation
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CDC publishes report on 2012 national and state vaccination coverage among adolescents age 13–17
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Wild poliovirus detected in sewers in Israel; CDC posts clinical update on polio vaccine guidance for travelers
IAC Web Sections
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IAC updates online Ask the Experts Q&A web sections on hepatitis B, rabies, and rotavirus
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates four popular influenza staff resources: its two checklists for influenza vaccination contraindications and its two influenza standing orders templates
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IAC updates its staff education materials "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements" and "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)"
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IAC updates Q&As for the public on three vaccine-preventable diseases: hepatitis B, rabies, and rotavirus
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Dr. Ari Brown's "Clear Answers & Smart Advice About Your Baby's Shots" newly updated
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC posts four additional influenza VIS translations
Official Releases and Announcements
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American Academy of Pediatrics releases 2013–14 influenza policy statement
Featured Resources
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Order IAC's popular full-size laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. immunization schedules today!
Education and Training
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October 28–30 Nevada Health Conference includes CDC's Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course
IAC's Give birth to the end of Hep B initiative helps birthing hospitals adopt and strengthen hepatitis B birth dose policies
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It's National Immunization Awareness Month! Here are materials you can use to develop your own promotions
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New York State Department of Health adopts new influenza prevention regulations for all personnel in healthcare facilities, residential facilities, and agencies
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FDA expands age indication for Menveo (Norvartis) to include infants and toddlers age 2 through 23 months
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IAC Spotlight! Five more healthcare organizations join IAC's Honor Roll for Patient Safety
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CDC publishes report on vaccination coverage among kindergartners during 2012–13 school year
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates its staff education materials "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements" and "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)"
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IAC updates Q&As for the public on varicella disease and vaccines
IAC Web Sections
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IAC updates online Ask the Experts Q&A web section on varicella
Featured Resources
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CDC redesigns its Vaccine Information Statements web section
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Order IAC's popular full-size laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. immunization schedules today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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July issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
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Archive of July 25 Current Issues in Immunization NetConference available online
Conferences and Meetings
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North Carolina Cervical Cancer Coalition Summit planned for September 13 in Raleigh
CDC issues updated recommendations for use of VariZIG immune globulin for varicella postexposure prophylaxis
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Adult vaccination providers—please list your clinics with the HealthMap Vaccine Finder; newsletter publishers and Twitter account holders—please promote the Vaccine Finder
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ACIP redesigns its vaccine recommendations web page and discontinues issuing provisional recommendations
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IAC Spotlight! Compelling videos featured each week on the vaccineinformation.org home page
IAC Web Sections
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IAC updates online Ask the Experts Q&A web section on pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria diseases and vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements
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VISs for Tdap and HPV (Gardasil) vaccines now available in Spanish RTF
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IAC posts VIS for PCV vaccine in Haitian Creole and Portuguese, and multi-vaccine VIS in Thai
Featured Resources
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Vaccines for Maxine teaches children about immunization
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Order IAC's popular full-size laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. immunization schedules today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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Surveillance summary indicates vaccine-preventable diseases were spread through travel during 1997–2011
Education and Training
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2013 Ohio Statewide Immunization Conference to be held in Cleveland on October 18
Conferences and Meetings
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Archived video slide sets from the June ACIP meeting now available
Q: Please review the most recent ACIP changes in recommendations for use of PCV13 in children.
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Q: If a patient has already had PPSV23 for his high-risk condition and also needs PCV13 for the same condition, how long should we wait before administering PCV13?
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Q: I work in a family medicine clinic that sees patients (children and adults) who are asplenic. Can we give them Hib vaccine since they are at high risk for Haemophilus influenzae type b disease?
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Q: I have a patient who is eligible for zoster vaccination who is going to be receiving chemotherapy soon. What are the guidelines in such a situation?
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Q: A 33-year-old patient in my practice has already suffered from three episodes of shingles. He would like to receive the zoster vaccine. Is this a good idea?
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Q: Some women have closely spaced pregnancies. Should we give Tdap during each pregnancy, even if it means such women would get 2 doses within 12 months?
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Q: At what gestational age of pregnancy should we vaccinate pregnant women with Tdap?
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Q: We would like to avoid stocking both Tdap and Td vaccines. Is CDC likely to recommend that Tdap completely replace Td in the immunization schedule in the near future?
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Q: The recently updated ACIP recommendations, Prevention and Control of Meningococcal Disease, advise using MCV4 in certain adults older than age 55. Please give me more details.
New! May 2013 issue of Vaccinate Adults now online
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Reminder: May 2013 issue of Needle Tips online
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IAC Spotlight! Seven more healthcare organizations join IAC's Honor Roll for Patient Safety
IAC Handouts
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IAC revises its two most popular staff education materials, "Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization" and "Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization"
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IAC updates its staff education materials "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements" and "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)"
Featured Resources
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Order IAC's popular full-size laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. immunization schedules today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CDC publishes report on value of pharmacy-based influenza surveillance
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CDC publishes report on building laboratory capacity to support the Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network
CDC publishes interim recommendations on influenza vaccination
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AAP reaffirms policy regarding parents who refuse immunization for their children
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Opinion piece by Dr. Paul Offit about religious exemptions to medical care published in the Philadelphia Inquirer
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IAC Spotlight! Personal testimonies on vaccine-preventable diseases; polio survivor recalls loss of twin to the disease in recently added testimony
IAC Handouts
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New! IAC develops eight easy-to-read handouts that encourage adults and teens to get vaccinated
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IAC updates its educational pieces "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements" and "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements"
Vaccine Information Statements
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CDC releases updated Tdap VIS; additional document available for providers
Official Releases and Announcements
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CDC publishes updated guidance on HCV testing
Featured Resources
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It's Hepatitis Awareness Month; organizations offer resources to promote hepatitis awareness and education
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Order IAC's popular full-size laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. immunization schedules today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CDC reports on HCV infection testing and reporting in the U.S.
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CDC reprints MMWR Early Release article about avian influenza A(H7N9) in May 10 MMWR
Education and Training
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Archive of March 21 Current Issues in Immunization NetConference available online
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. child/teen and adult immunization schedules—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
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Now's a great time to place an order for the Immunization Techniques DVD and IAC's personal patient record cards! For greater discounts, make bulk purchases!
Reminder: February issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online
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Dr. William L. Atkinson receives the United States Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal
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NVAC Report highlights the critical role the federal Section 317 Immunization Program plays in sustaining the nation's vaccine infrastructure
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New York State law requires hospitals to offer and provide Tdap vaccination to parents and caregivers of newborns
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Vaccineinformation.org, IAC's newly launched website for the public, offers the basics on vaccines and vaccination
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CDC publishes a summary of the February 2013 ACIP meeting
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IAC clarifies an "Ask the Experts" answer that appeared in the March 6 issue of IAC Express
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April 24 is World Meningitis Day
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates its educational piece titled "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements"
Vaccine Information Statements
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CDC releases updated VIS for PCV13 vaccine; additional document available for providers
Official Releases and Announcements
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CDC reports that U.S. rabies vaccine supply remains restricted
Featured Resources
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Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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New CDC infographic shows parents and parents-to-be the three ways to protect infants against pertussis
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CDC posts updated vaccine price lists for pediatric/VFC vaccines and adult vaccines
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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February issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
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CDC's March 21 NetConference to cover adult immunization, Tdap vaccine recommendations for pregnant women, and the 2013 child/adolescent immunization schedule
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MMWR announces the Epidemiology in Action course will be held in Atlanta on June 3–14
Conferences and Meetings
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2013 California Immunization Coalition Summit scheduled for April 14–15 in Los Angeles
Q: I understand that ACIP recently changed its definition of evidence of immunity to measles, rubella, and mumps. Please explain.
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Q: What are the new provisional ACIP recommendations for use of immune globulin (IG) for measles post-exposure prophylaxis?
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Q: Please describe the new provisional ACIP recommendations for the use of MMR vaccine in people who are HIV-infected.
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Q: Some single-dose pre-loaded vaccines come with an air pocket in the syringe chamber. Do we need to expel the air pocket before vaccinating?
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Q: Is it recommended to use a new alcohol swab to cleanse the skin before administering a vaccine, or can we swab the skin with the same alcohol swab that we used to wipe off the stopper on the vial?
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Q: I have a 45-year-old patient who is traveling to Haiti for a mission trip. She doesn’t recall ever getting an MMR booster (she didn’t go to college and never worked in health care). She was rubella immune when pregnant 20 years ago. Her measles titer is negative. Would you recommend an MMR booster?
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Q: A nursing student received 2 valid, documented doses of varicella vaccine. For whatever reason, she subsequently had a titer drawn. The titer was negative. Do you recommend revaccination with 2 doses of varicella vaccine?
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Q: If a patient is not able to receive rotavirus vaccine orally, can we give it through a G-tube?
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Q: What vaccines can we safely give to an infant or older child who has a sibling undergoing treatment for leukemia?
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Q: If the lymph nodes under a patient’s arm were surgically removed, should we avoid giving vaccines in that arm?
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Q: An employee is currently taking prophylactic acyclovir daily to prevent herpes type 2 recurrent infection. Can she receive zoster vaccine?
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Q: Is it safe for a pregnant healthcare worker to administer zoster (shingles) vaccine?
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Q: We inadvertently reconstituted a vaccine with the wrong diluent and administered the vaccine. By the time we realized our error, the patient had already left the clinic. Do we need to revaccinate the patient? If so, when should we do it?
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Q: An adult came to our office for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Tdap, and influenza vaccination. Afterward, it appeared that we did not record influenza vaccination on her chart. When questioned, the patient said she thought she got all four shots. Should we give her another dose of influenza vaccine or assume we gave it as intended?
Q: I keep hearing about changes to vaccine storage and handling recommendations. Why is CDC making these changes? And how can I make sure I am up to date with all the newest information?
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Q: Is it still acceptable to use combination household units for storing vaccines?
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Q: What temperature is considered a temperature excursion on refrigerated vaccine? Frozen vaccine?
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Q: What are the new ACIP recommendations for vaccinating pregnant women with Tdap?
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Q: If a woman did not receive Tdap during pregnancy, and it is uncertain whether she received a dose of Tdap prior to her pregnancy, should she receive a dose of Tdap postpartum?
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Q: I have an adult patient with controlled epilepsy who wishes to receive the Tdap vaccine. May I vaccinate him?
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Q: A 7-year-old who needed a tetanus shot for wound management came into our emergency department. My question is, if a child has received the complete 5-dose series of DTaP but has never had Tdap, should the child receive Tdap or Td for wound management?
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Q: What are the new ACIP recommendations for use of MenHibrix, the new combination meningococcal Groups C and Y and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine?
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Q: Is fainting after the first or second dose of HPV vaccine a contraindication to administering subsequent doses?
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Q: How soon after taking prednisone for an asthma attack can a child receive a flu shot?
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Q: We inadvertently administered an adult dose (0.5 mL) of influenza vaccine to an 8-month-old infant. Does this child need the second dose?
New! February 2013 issue of Needle Tips now online
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IAC revises its two most popular staff educational materials, Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization and Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization
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New! Vaccineinformation.org offers personal testimonies on vaccine-preventable diseases, organized by age group and disease
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Clinicians: The Influenza Vaccine Availability Tracking System (IVATS) can help you find influenza vaccine
Featured Resources
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National Foundation for Infectious Diseases relaunches its adolescent vaccination website
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Influenza continues to spread and is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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Hepatitis B and C educational postcards available in Pacific Islander languages
Journal Articles
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CDC publishes article about chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection reporting in Michigan
Education and Training
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CDC adds modules on vaccine storage and handling and the VFC program to its "You Call the Shots" training course
IAC welcomes Dr. Litjen (L.J) Tan as chief strategy officer
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New! Vaccineinformation.org Video Library offers a searchable collection of almost 100 videos about vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of immunization
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At least nine polio vaccine health workers killed in Nigeria
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Clinicians: The Influenza Vaccine Availability Tracking System (IVATS) can help you find influenza vaccine
Featured Resources
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CDC launches new video, infographic, and PSAs
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Influenza continues to spread and is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
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California VFC program's flyer encourages late-season influenza vaccination
Nominations and Awards
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CDC requests nominations for Childhood Immunization Champion Awards
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National Influenza Vaccine Summit is accepting nominations for its 2013 Immunization Excellence Awards by March 15
Conferences and Meetings
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Iowa Immunization Conference scheduled for June 12-13 in Des Moines
New York City recommends meningococcal vaccination for certain men who have sex with men
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IAC Spotlight! Hundreds of images/photos related to vaccination and VPDs
IAC Handouts
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New staff-education piece: "Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations for Children and Adults by Age and/or Risk Factor," along with an updated "Pneumococcal Vaccines—CDC answers your questions"
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New parent handout: "Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years"
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IAC takes a fresh approach in its handout for adolescents “Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years”
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New patient handout: "Vaccinations for Adults with Diabetes"
Featured Resources
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Influenza is spreading and serious, and vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
