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:
National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 2–8; CDC makes a multitude of resources available
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Bulk quantities of pocket guides for influenza, pneumococcal, Tdap, and zoster vaccines are available—FREE!—from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit and IAC
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Dr. Chesley Richards named director of NCIRD's Immunization Services Division
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IAC Spotlight! Newly developed educational materials for patients and staff on immunize.org
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "Recommendations for Pneumococcal Vaccine Use in Children and Teens"
IAC Web Sections
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IAC updates online Ask the Experts Q&A web section on pneumococcal disease and vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements
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CDC issues updated multi-vaccine VIS
Official Releases and Announcements
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AAP announces that the Red Book Online now includes full text of the new Spanish 2012 Red Book
Featured Resources
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Influenza vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please vaccinate your patients
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CDC launches new website on Haemophilus influenzae disease
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CDC's influenza iPad app for healthcare professionals is available for free download
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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October issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
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Register soon for CDC's November 29 NetConference on vaccine storage and handling
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Families Fighting Flu offers free November 29 webinar to teach moms and moms-to-be how to protect themselves and their children from influenza
Conferences and Meetings
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CDC posts presentation slides from the October 24–25 ACIP meeting and publishes brief meeting update
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November 30 is the deadline for coalitions to apply to host the 2014 National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions
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CDC announces the Annual Conference on Vaccine Research will be held in Baltimore on April 22–24, 2013
Q: Which formulations of influenza vaccines (i.e., nasal spray, intradermal, injectable high-dose, and injectable standard-dose) are recommended for various age groups?
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Q: Can a clinic vaccinate children younger than age 3 years with a 0.25 mL dose of influenza vaccine taken from a multi-dose vial of Fluzone (TIV; sanofi)? The multi-dose vial contains thimerosal as a preservative.
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Q: In recommending influenza vaccination for people age 65 and older, does CDC prefer that healthcare professionals administer high-dose influenza vaccine or standard-dose influenza vaccine?
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Q: If a patient received a dose of influenza vaccine in June (e.g., for international travel), how long should the patient wait before getting vaccinated with the next season’s flu vaccine?
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Q: Can adolescents and adults who have been exposed to pertussis be vaccinated if they haven’t had a one-time dose of Tdap yet?
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Q: Should a person who received 2 doses of varicella vaccine be vaccinated with zoster vaccine when they turn 60?
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Q: Can we accept receipt of a single documented dose of zoster vaccine as proof of varicella immunity in a healthcare employee who has no other evidence of immunity?
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Q: I work in employee health. Several hospital employees have told me they have had chickenpox, but their titers show no antibodies. Should I offer varicella vaccination to them even though they insist they’ve had the illness?
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Q: Does the recommendation to administer hepatitis B vaccine to diabetics younger than age 60 extend to women with gestational diabetes?
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Q: I still am not clear about the need for testing if the hepatitis B vaccine series was completed many years ago—can you advise?
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Q: Should women who have not received HPV vaccine get Pap tests more often than women who have received HPV vaccine?
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Q: Is it acceptable practice to administer MMR, Tdap, and influenza vaccines to a postpartum mom at the same time as administering RhoGam?
Q: Which children younger than age 9 years will need 2 doses of influenza vaccine in the 2012–13 influenza season?
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Q: What is the latest ACIP guidance on influenza vaccination and egg allergy?
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Q: Why do we vaccinate pregnant women against influenza when it is not recommended to vaccinate infants younger than age 6 months?
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Q: A child received a 0.25 mL dose of inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) at age 34 months. She is scheduled to return for the second dose at age 36 months. Should she receive a 0.25 mL dose or a 0.5 mL dose?
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Q: Now that FDA has licensed Prevnar 13 (PCV13; Pfizer) for adults, does ACIP have recommendations for its use?
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Q: I am confused about which adults to vaccinate with Tdap vaccine and which product to use. Please help!
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Q: Who should get a second dose of Tdap vaccine?
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Q: If Cervarix (HPV2; GSK) is inadvertently administered to a male, does the dose need to be repeated with Gardasil (HPV4; Merck)?
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Q: If a healthcare worker does not have a history of varicella vaccination or disease but has had a clinically diagnosed case of shingles, does she or he still need varicella vaccination?
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Q: ACIP recommends that adolescents who receive the first dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) at age 13–15 years receive a one-time booster dose at age 16–18 years. Given how hard it is to get teens into a medical office, is it okay to give the doses close together if the opportunity arises? For example, if a patient got the first dose at age 15, and then came back for a sports physical at age 16, could we give the second dose of MCV4 then or should we try to space it out as far as possible (age 18)?
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Q: Can you switch brands of rabies vaccine to complete the 4-dose series?
Reminder: August 2012 issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online
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CDC publishes report on 2011 national and state vaccination coverage among adolescents age 13–17
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CDC to expand efforts to promote HPV vaccination to physicians, teens, and parents
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CDC reports nation's first influenza H3N2v-associated death, as well as more cases and hospitalizations
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Study indicates children with neurologic disorders have high risk of death from influenza
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Spotlight on immunize.org: five more healthcare organizations join IAC's Honor Roll for Patient Safety
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HealthMap Vaccine Finder directs users to nearby locations that give influenza vaccinations
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "Screening Questionnaire for Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination" and "Screening Questionnaire for Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination"
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IAC updates "Guides for determining the number of doses of influenza vaccine to give to children ages 6 months through 8 years during the 2012–2013 influenza season"
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IAC updates "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Adults" and "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccines to Children and Adolescents"
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IAC updates "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2012–2013 Influenza Season"
Featured Resources
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FDA posts guidance on storing and using temperature-sensitive biological products during severe weather
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CDC publishes report on measles outbreaks and transmission in the Horn of Africa during 2010–11
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2011 National Immunization Survey included households with only cell phone service
Q: What are the minimum intervals for giving the 3-dose series of Twinrix (hepatitis A-hepatitis B vaccine; GSK)?
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Q: When reconstituting a vaccine with the manufacturer-supplied diluent, should the clinic nurse administer exactly 0.5 mL and then discard the rest?
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Q: Should we fill out a report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) if a patient faints after getting a vaccination, even if no injury or complication resulted?
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Q: If a new version of a VIS becomes available, is it legal for us to use up the outdated VISs or do we have to discard them and provide the most up-to-date version?
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Q: A 10-year-old girl came to our immunization clinic, and the nurse noted crusted lesions on her arms and legs. The parent said the child had had chickenpox a week earlier. The girl was not ill, so we vaccinated her. But now I am wondering if her recent case of chickenpox might interfere with her immune response to vaccines.
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Q: A child wiggled when we were injecting a dose of vaccine, and approximately half the dose was lost. Should we revaccinate the child? If so, when?
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Q: Should a healthcare worker who has just received a dose of a live virus vaccine (varicella, MMR, LAIV, yellow fever) stay away from work for a certain number of days?
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Q: How long must a patient wait after receiving zoster vaccine to start treatment with an immunosuppressive drug?
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Q: Should we withhold rotavirus vaccine from an infant if someone in the household is receiving chemotherapy for cancer?
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Q: If a patient recently received a blood product, when can he or she receive MMR vaccine?
New: CDC issues VISs for the 2012–13 influenza vaccines—for translations, stay tuned
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CDC issues recommendations on managing healthcare providers and students with hepatitis B virus infection
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Spotlight on immunize.org: “Technically Speaking” column from IAC’s executive director covers practical topics in delivering vaccination services
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "It's Federal Law" and "Current Dates of VISs" with new influenza vaccine VIS dates
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC posts VIS translations in Armenian, Cambodian, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Karen, Korean, Portuguese, Tagalog, and Yiddish
Education and Training
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CDC and America's Health Insurance Plans schedule webinars to improve public health third-party billing and reimbursement processes for vaccine delivery
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VICNetwork to host July 25 webinar on CDC's strategies and plans for the 2012–13 influenza season
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American Society of Heath-System Pharmacists plans webinars on increasing adult immunization in hospitals
CDC updates information on avian influenza, highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses, pediatric influenza deaths, and influenza vaccination of pregnant women during 2009–10
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Spotlight on immunize.org: Immunization schedules web section offers quick access to child, teen, and adult schedules and schedulers for 2012
Featured Resources
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National Council on Aging educates older adults about seriousness of influenza and importance of vaccination
Conferences and Meetings
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Presentations from the 2012 National Adult Immunization Summit and 2012 National Influenza Vaccine Summit now online
FDA approves Menhibrix, a new combination vaccine for infants from GlaxoSmithKline
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ECBT offers resources for vaccine advocates
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Spotlight on immunize.org: News and Information
IAC Handouts
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IAC creates new staff education piece of current VIS dates and updates "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)"
Official Releases and Announcements
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AAP releases 2012 editions of Red Book and Red Book Online
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MMWR supplement reports on clinical preventive services among adults, including influenza vaccination
Featured Resources
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CDC offers interactive vaccine schedulers for infants, adolescents, and adults
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History of Vaccines website now offers Spanish translations of some sections
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2010 edition of The Forgotten Story includes accounts of the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases
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GAVI Alliance Progress Report 2011 now available online
Education and Training
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CDC offers one-hour training course on infection control in hemodialysis settings
Q: Please review the new recommendations for the use of Tdap in people 65 years and older.
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Q: Is there an upper age limit for Tdap administration? For example, should I vaccinate an 85-year-old?
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Q: If HPV vaccine is given subcutaneously (SC) instead of intramuscularly (IM), does the dose need to be repeated?
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Q: Which children should receive PPSV vaccine (in addition to PCV7 and/or 13)? At what age should they receive it? What about older high-risk children who never received PCV13—should they get it now?
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Q: Which adults need to receive PPSV prior to age 65 years?
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Q: Which adults should receive a second dose of PPSV?
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Q: PCV13 is now licensed for use in adults, but I don't see anything about it in the 2012 adult immunization schedule. How should it be used?
National Infant Immunization Week is on its way—April 21 through April 28
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Spotlight on immunize.org: handouts for parents of infants
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CDC publishes report on rabies risk assessment after exposure to a bat on an airplane
IAC Handouts
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Updated "Screening Questionnaire for Child and Teen Immunization" now available in seven languages
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC posts Thai translation of the VIS for Td/Tdap vaccines
Featured Resources
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If you vaccinate children and teens, be sure to download AAP's immunization training guide and procedure manual
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AAP posts videos to help providers talk with parents about vaccine safety concerns
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CDC launches two user-friendly websites—one on meningococcal disease and one on meningitis
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Influenza vaccination is recommended for almost everyone, so please keep vaccinating
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CDC publishes report on antibodies cross-reactive to influenza A(H3N2) variant virus and impact of 2010–11 seasonal influenza vaccine on cross-reactive antibodies
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March issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
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CDC, IAC, ANA, and NNINA present series of netconferences developed for nurses and others who provide immunizations
Conferences and Meetings
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Reminder: National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions planned for May 23–25 in New Orleans
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Texas plans perinatal hepatitis B prevention conference for May 15–16 in Austin; free CE credit available
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ACIP posts live archive of its February 22–23 meeting
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CDC hosts 61st Annual Epidemic Intelligence Services Conference on April 16–20 in Atlanta
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Vaccines to take center stage at the New York Academy of Sciences' May 11 symposium on HIV/AIDS
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Vaccines Discovery and Development conference planned for San Francisco on July 9–10
IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2012 U.S. child/teen and adult immunization schedules are now available. 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!
Q: Is it true that ACIP no longer specifies a time interval between administering doses of Td and Tdap to teens and adults?
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Q: If a teen or adult patient received a dose of Td vaccine 2 years ago, should I wait approximately 8 more years before administering a dose of Tdap to the patient?
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Q: If a teen or adult mistakenly received a dose of Td when they should have received Tdap, what is the optimal time to give the missing Tdap dose?
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Q: Is there any reason not to administer Tdap vaccine to adults age 65 and older who want the vaccine but are not in contact with an infant? It seems like it would be a good idea to vaccinate them to protect them, their family, and their community from pertussis.
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Q: We intend to start vaccinating family contacts of pregnant women with Tdap to protect the newborn. Can you tell me how long it takes for the Tdap vaccine to provide protection?
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Q: Since we know that children with functional or anatomic asplenia are at high risk for contracting Neisseria meningitidis, why aren’t they included in the latest recommendations to vaccinate certain high-risk children against meningococcal disease beginning at age 9 months?
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Q: Can we vaccinate a 2-year-old boy with functional or anatomic asplenia against meningococcal disease if he has not completed a series of PCV13?
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Q: When people are in their 80s, is it still recommended for them to get the shingles vaccine? I've heard it doesn't work as well in the elderly.
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Q: Occasionally we have asplenic adult patients who want to get the Hib vaccine. We know it’s given only to infants and young children, but what about using it in this situation?
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Q: ACIP and CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Guide say that refrigerated vaccines should be stored between 35°–46°F, but some vaccine package inserts list 36°–46°F as the proper range. Should I use 35°F or 36°F as the low boundary of the range?
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Q: What should I do if my thermometer indicates my refrigerated vaccine has been stored between 32°–34°F? Since the vaccine wasn’t “frozen,” will it be OK to use? And what about people who received the vaccine before we discovered the temperature excursion—will we need to revaccinate them?
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Q: Does the federal law that requires providing patients with VISs apply when administering influenza vaccine to employees and volunteers in hospitals or other workplaces?
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Q: If you place a needle on a pre-filled syringe and then don't administer the vaccine, how long can you store the pre-filled syringe with the needle attached?
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Q: I have a child patient traveling to a country for which Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine is recommended. What can I do to protect her now that JE-Vax is no longer available?
Q: Please describe the new recommendations for the use of HPV4 vaccine in males and explain how these new recommendations differ from the previous ones.
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Q: Is it recommended that patients age 26 years start the HPV vaccination series even though they will be older than 26 when they complete it?
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Q: Will patients who have already had genital warts benefit from receiving Gardasil?
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Q: If a patient has been sexually active for a number of years, is it still recommended to give HPV vaccine or to complete the HPV vaccine series?
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Q: If a patient’s vaccination history indicates she received the third dose of HPV vaccine earlier than the recommended minimum interval of 24 weeks, should she be given a fourth dose?
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Q: Will the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program cover HPV vaccination for males?
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Q: If HPV vaccine is given subcutaneously instead of intramuscularly, does the dose need to be repeated?
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Q: Would you please provide details about the new ACIP recommendations for the use of hepatitis B vaccine in adult diabetic patients?
New: February issue of Vaccinate Adults is now online
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Reminder: February issue of Needle Tips available online
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2012 U.S. Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years now available
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National Infant Immunization Week scheduled for April 21–28; many resources are available
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CDC's recommendations for influenza antiviral medications remain unchanged
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates two of its handouts: "Are you 11–19 years old?" and "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)"
Official Releases and Announcements
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George Washington University report analyzes mandatory influenza vaccination of healthcare workers
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Minutes of the October 2011 ACIP meeting now online
Featured Resources
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"Shots by STFM" 2012 immunization schedules available for PCs and smart phones
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Influenza vaccination is recommended for almost everyone, so please keep vaccinating
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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Spotlight on immunize.org: IAC’s collection of practical and clinically relevant journal articles
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January issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Conferences and Meetings
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February 29 is the date of the VICNetwork's webinar on vaccine hesitancy
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March 29 Immunization NetConference to cover CDC's 2012 child/teen and adult immunization schedules
New! February 2012 issue of Needle Tips is now online
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2012 U.S. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule is now available
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CDC publishes report on adult vaccination coverage
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Spotlight on immunize.org: Immunization schedules web section offers quick access to child, teen, and adult schedules for 2012
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CDC publishes report on patient who recovered from clinical rabies
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CDC publishes report on global measles control
Vaccine Information Statements
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CDC releases updated VIS for hepatitis B vaccine
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IAC posts new translations of the hepatitis A vaccine VIS in Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese
Official Releases and Announcements
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National Influenza Vaccine Summit is accepting nominations for its 2012 Immunization Excellence Awards by March 2
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CDC requests nominations for new Childhood Immunization Champion Awards by February 10
Featured Resources
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CDC Catch-Up Immunization Scheduler is now online
IAC Handouts
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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
Conferences and Meetings
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February 10 is the new deadline for abstracts for the 1st National Immunization Conference Online
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Register by February 24 to receive the early-bird registration rate for the National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions
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IOM committee meeting on childhood immunization schedule to be held February 9
IAC revises its parent-education handout "What if you don't immunize your child?"
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Spotlight on immunize.org: IAC's selection of practical and clinically relevant vaccine-related journal articles
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IAC's video of the week makes the case for nurses receiving annual influenza vaccination
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IAC updates its patient-education handout "Influenza: Questions and Answers"
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HHS announces the dedication of first U.S. facility for manufacturing cell-based influenza vaccine
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IAC posts four new translations of the VIS for meningococcal vaccines
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Influenza vaccination is recommended for almost everyone, so please keep vaccinating
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Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
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Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
"Dear Colleague" joint letter urges healthcare professionals to vaccinate pregnant women against influenza
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CDC releases revised Japanese encephalitis vaccine VIS
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Spotlight on immunize.org: Subscribe to immunization-related email news services from AAP, CDC, CIDRAP, and more
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IAC's Video of the Week focuses on influenza vaccine safety; free CME/CE credit available to video viewers
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CDC publishes a report on U.S. influenza activity during October 2-November 26
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Survey results present data on influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare personnel
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"Keep your kids safe," IAC's new influenza handout for parents, now available in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic
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White paper explores school-located vaccination as a way to increase vaccine uptake
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Influenza vaccination is recommended for almost everyone, so please keep vaccinating
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WHO reports on the validation of elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in Uganda in 2011
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Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
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Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
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Clinical Vaccinology course to be held in Chicago on March 9-11, 2012
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Conference on Vaccine Research to be held in Baltimore on May 7-9, 2012
CDC publishes report on recent human-to-human transmission of novel influenza A(H3N2) virus in Iowa
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It's National Influenza Vaccination Week: CDC's collection of resources will help you get the word out
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IAC's Video of the week offers a selection of influenza videos for National Influenza Vaccination Week
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Spotlight on immunize.org: influenza handouts for patients and staff
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CDC publishes report on increased measles transmission and outbreaks in Europe in 2011
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NCIRD publishes article that summarizes votes taken at the October ACIP meeting
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October issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
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CDC develops influenza materials for refugees
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CDC publishes report on the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Latin America and the Caribbean during 2006-2010
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Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
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Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
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IAC posts Thai translation of the VIS for meningococcal vaccines
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January 9 is the nomination deadline for the Association of Immunization Managers' 2012 Natalie J. Smith, MD, Award
CDC releases ACIP recommendations for immunizing healthcare personnel
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Reminder: November issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online
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AAP News publishes article about the many children who are missing their supplemental dose of PCV 13
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Spotlight on immunize.org: Some of IAC's most popular handouts for patients are offered in several languages
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IAC's Video of the Week features a physician recounting his and his family's first-hand experience with measles
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Reminder: CDC's December 1 Net Conference will cover influenza and HPV vaccination and National Influenza Vaccination Week
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Influenza vaccination is recommended for almost everyone, so please keep vaccinating
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IAC posts Spanish and Chinese translations of the VIS for meningococcal vaccines
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Online newsletter describes activities planned for underserved populations during National Influenza Vaccination Week
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Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
11.
Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
Reminder: New issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online
2.
Immunization Action Coalition's executive director receives national recognition from Every Child By Two
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American Academy of Family Physicians and National Business Group on Health each endorse mandatory influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel; 25 more organizations join IAC's Honor Roll for Patient Safety
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IAC renames its new declination form for parents who refuse to vaccinate their children and updates "It's Federal Law!
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Spotlight on immunize.org: IAC's standing orders for vaccination
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IAC's Video of the Week urges viewers to give a child a shot at life by supporting immunization
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"Declination of Influenza Vaccination" now available in Spanish
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Influenza vaccination is recommended for almost everyone, so please keep vaccinating!
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Online update spreads the word about activities HHS and CDC partners plan for National Influenza Vaccination Week
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Sign up to start receiving "Fighting Influenza," an e-newsletter from Families Fighting Flu
11.
WHO issues updated position paper on meningococcal vaccines
Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
14.
Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
