IZ Express
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:
  • New CDC vaccine recommendations
  • FDA vaccine approvals
  • Newly released Vaccine Information Statements
  • New immunization resources
  • Current events
  • Notable journal articles
  • Ask the Experts special editions
  • And more …
Results (1793)

Issue 1273: November 2, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 32-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis is taking high-dose immunosuppressive…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! October issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
CDC reports on outbreak of influenza A (H3N2) variant virus among persons attending agricultural fairs
AAP releases immunization social media toolkit
Vaccine Education Center plans Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on November 16
Association of Immunization Managers Awards nominations open
IAC Handouts
IAC updates “It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements"
IAC revises "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens" and "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults"
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Hmong-, Korean-, and Tagalog-language translations of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) VIS
World News
On World Polio Day, U.N. begins vaccination campaign aimed at 5.8 million Iraqi children
Featured Resources
Just the Vax provider toolkit available from the Vaccine Education Center
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals vaccinate patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center's newsletter for healthcare professionals includes a review of intussusception and rotavirus research, the Technically Speaking column reviewing hepatitis B vaccine schedules and intervals for adults, and resources for countering the movie Vaxxed
WHO publishes rabies fact sheet

Issue 1272: October 26, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have a patient who has selective IgA deficiency. We also have patients with selective…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! October issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
ACIP votes to recommend 2-dose HPV vaccine series for younger adolescents; related CDC webinar on October 26
IAC provides summary article about votes taken at Oct 19–20 ACIP meeting
CDC reports on status of new vaccine introduction worldwide in MMWR
CDC NetConference about vaccines during pregnancy scheduled for November 9
Join Voices for Vaccines for a November 10 conference call about online vaccine advocacy
Join CDC’s #FightFlu campaign on social media
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Armenian-language translation of the HPV9 VIS
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health professionals vaccinate patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study shows economic impact of adult vaccine-preventable diseases
Education and Training
NFID to offer webinar “Updates from October 2016 ACIP Meeting” on November 16
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on influenza; free CE credit available
Conferences and Meetings
Immunize Ohio Conference to be held November 16
Early-bird registration ends November 18 for Hawaii Immunization Coalition's "Pink Book" course offering

Issue 1271: October 21, 2016

Ask the Experts: CDC Experts Answer Your Questions

The questions and answers about influenza vaccination in this edition of IAC Express first appeared in the October 2016 issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults.

IAC extends thanks to our experts, medical officer Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH, and nurse educator Donna L. Weaver, RN, MN. Both are with the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Q: Which influenza vaccines will be available during the 2016–17 influenza season?
Q: Why did CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend that LAIV not be used during the 2016–17 season?
Q: With the ACIP recommendation to not use LAIV during the 2016–17 season, will there be enough inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) to meet the demand for the upcoming season?
Q: I know that LAIV is not recommended to be used this season. If a dose of LAIV is administered this season, is it a valid dose, or should we repeat it with IIV?
Q: Please tell me about Fluad, the new influenza vaccine for people age 65 years and older.
Q: Who is recommended to receive vaccination against influenza?
Q: When should influenza vaccine be administered?
Q: Is influenza vaccine recommended for pregnant women?
Q: We have noticed that ACIP recommends that we begin vaccinating with seasonal influenza vaccine in September or even earlier. Does protection from seasonal influenza vaccine decline or wane within 3 or 4 months of vaccination? Should I wait until later in the year to vaccinate my elderly or medically frail patients?
Q: Some of my patients refuse influenza vaccination because they insist they “got the flu” after receiving the injectable vaccine in the past. What can I tell them?
Q: Is a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) only recommended or is it mandatory when administering influenza vaccine?
Q: We are trying to provide influenza vaccination to all eligible patients during their stay in our hospital. If a patient does not remember if he or she has already received the vaccine this season, should we go ahead and vaccinate?
Q: Which children younger than age 9 years will need 2 doses of influenza vaccine in this influenza season?
Q: When determining whether a child age 2 through 8 years needs one or two doses of influenza vaccine this season, can we count doses of LAIV administered in past years? We were not sure because LAIV is not recommended this year.
Q: If a child receives influenza vaccine at age 34 or 35 months for the first time (0.25 mL dose) and then returns for the second dose at age 37 months, should we give another 0.25 mL dose or should we give the 0.5 mL dose that is indicated for ages 3 and older?
Q: What is the latest ACIP guidance on influenza vaccination and egg allergy?
Q: Does the ACIP prefer that healthcare personnel administer high-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccine to people age 65 years and older, or is standard-dose influenza vaccine acceptable?
Q: May Fluzone High-Dose or Fluad be administered to patients younger than age 65 years?
Q: Some of our patients believe that they have had reactions to influenza vaccine in the past, and request the dose to be split into 2 doses administered on different days. Is this an acceptable practice?
Q: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar, Pfizer) package insert says that in adults, antibody responses to PCV13 were diminished when given with inactivated influenza vaccine. Does this mean we should not give PCV13 and influenza vaccine at the same visit?
Q: We inadvertently administered a 0.5 mL dose of Fluvirin (IIV3, Seqirus) to a 2-year-old before realizing that the vaccine is only licensed for use in people age 4 years and older. Do we need to repeat the dose with an age-appropriate product?
Q: How should influenza vaccines (IIV and LAIV) be stored?
Q: What are the ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel (HCP)?
Q: Is it okay to draw up vaccine into syringes at the beginning of the day? If it isn't, how much in advance can this be done?

Issue 1270: October 19, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I've seen the recommendation stating air bubbles in manufacturer-filled syringes do not…read more
Top Stories
New! October 2016 issue of Vaccinate Adults is available online
Reminder! October 2016 issue of Needle Tips is available online
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; six previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Indian Health Service now requires seasonal influenza vaccination for its civilian healthcare personnel
Reminder! MCV4: You’re Not Done If You Give Just One; Give 2 Doses to Strengthen Protection initiative offers resources for healthcare professionals
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month; join related Twitter chat on October 25
IAC Handouts
IAC updates and reformats "What if you don't vaccinate your child?”
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO publishes “Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2017 southern hemisphere influenza season”
CDC publishes "Summary of Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Conditions—United States, 2014" in MMWR
Featured Resources
CDC develops “Only Flu Shots This Year” handout to help parents understand the new ACIP recommendations
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Parents PACK posts “What You Should Know—Lessons from FluMist”
Journal Articles and Newsletters
September issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available

Issue 1269: October 12, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have an 8-month-old patient who is traveling internationally. The infant needs…read more
Top Stories
New! October 2016 issue of Needle Tips is available online
CDC reports on vaccination coverage of children 19–35 months old during 2015 in MMWR
CDC reports on vaccination coverage of kindergarten students during 2015–16 in MMWR
Six healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
World Pneumonia Day to be held on November 12; related social media toolkit released
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its vaccine storage and handling handout titled "Vaccine Handling Tips"
Featured Resources
ShotByShot.org adds “Cecilia’s Story” to its collection of stories about people with vaccine-preventable diseases
CDC releases "Dear Colleague" letter for 2016–17 influenza season
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC and WHO report on use of cell phones for real-time monitoring of vaccination campaign in Nepal
MMWR releases update about pneumonia and influenza mortality reporting
Education and Training
Reminder: Archived webinar of Dr. William L. Atkinson presenting “Adolescent Immunization: Where We Are Now and How We Can Do Better” now available for viewing on IAC website; slide set and speaker notes also available

Issue 1268: October 5, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Mom comes in with her 19-month-old. She reports that her (the mother’s) sibling has…read more
Top Stories
CDC reports on influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare professionals in 2015–2016
Final 2015–16 influenza vaccination coverage estimates reported in MMWR
CDC reports on measles outbreak in Shelby County, Tennessee
PAHO/WHO announces measles elimination in the Americas
NFID releases summary of September 29 news conference about influenza and pneumococcal disease
CDC’s “Parents' Guide to Childhood Immunizations” wins a 2016 National Health Information Award
Join the Hepatitis B Foundation as part of their Hepatitis B Storytelling Project
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services adds reimbursement for hepatitis B screening
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts nine translations of the Hepatitis B VIS
IAC posts nine translations of the Serogroup B Meningococcal (MenB) VIS
Featured Resources
Adult Immunization Resource Guide now available online from Association of Immunization Managers
CDC offers digital media toolkit for influenza season
“Talking About Vaccines with Dr. Paul Offit” DVDs available for purchase through VEC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Medical Assistants Resources and Training on Immunization (MARTi) releases newsletter on influenza
Education and Training
NFID to offer webinar, “Reducing the Burden of Pneumococcal Infection through Vaccination,” on October 11
Conferences and Meetings
2017 Annual Conference on Vaccine Research to be held April 24–26 in Baltimore; abstract submission ends December 5

Issue 1267: September 28, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Is it acceptable to write the expiration date (the “Beyond Use Date”) of an opened…read more
Top Stories
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls ten new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; two previously honored institutions qualify for additional periods
CDC reports on death of a toddler from meningococcal disease in MMWR
CDC and NFID to host a Thunderclap for flu prevention on September 29
Medscape posts video about CDC's influenza vaccine recommendations for 2016–2017 season
IAC Handouts
IAC posts revised “Vaccines with Diluents: How to Use Them”
IAC updates “Hepatitis A & B Vaccines: Be Sure Your Patients Get the Correct Dose!”
IAC posts revised “Handy Resources,” a handout about IAC's free publications
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts four translations of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) VIS
IAC posts three translations of the Meningococcal (MCV4/MPSV4) VIS
IAC posts four translations of the Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13) VIS
IAC posts eight translations of the Td VIS
Featured Resources
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as an app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Journal Articles and Newsletters
The Lancet publishes article about trends in vaccine coverage
CDC reports about influenza activity in the United States from May 22 to September 10, 2016
Education and Training
Hepatitis B Foundation and AAPCHO to present “Bring it Home! Strategies to Work with Your Local Policymakers on Hepatitis B” webinar on September 29
NFID to offer webinar, “Influenza Prevention in U.S. Adults Age 65 Years and Older,” on October 5
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on varicella; free CE credit available

Issue 1266: September 21, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: With the ACIP recommendation to not use live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV,…read more
Top Stories
Vaccine Education Center posts article on presidential candidates’ beliefs on vaccination
"Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic" now available to screen with a free public viewing license in six states
IAC Handouts
IAC posts revised "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2016–2017 Influenza Season"
IAC updates "Influenza: Questions and Answers," a resource for patients and parents
IAC posts updated "Influenza Vaccination of People with a History of Egg Allergy" and "Guide for Determining the Number of Doses of Influenza Vaccine to Give to Children Age 6 Months Through 8 Years During the 2016–2017 Influenza Season"
IAC posts “Protect yourself from meningococcal disease...Get vaccinated!” and “Meningococcal disease is serious...Make sure your child is protected!”
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts nine translations of the Hepatitis A VIS
IAC posts eight translations of the Rotavirus VIS
IAC posts three translations of the Tdap VIS
Featured Resources
California's EZIZ program posts two new meningococcal serogroup B vaccine fact sheets
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as an app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series about "The Pink Book" chapter topics ends September 21; full series archived online
Conferences and Meetings
Save the date! Florida Immunization Summit to be held February 2–4, 2017

Issue 1265: September 14, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I know that live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, FluMist) is not recommended…read more
Top Stories
AAP issues recommendations for influenza vaccination for 2016–2017 season
CDC and WHO report on global cessation of trivalent OPV use in MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
MMWR reports on varicella outbreak associated with riding on a bus in Michigan
IAC Handouts
IAC posts "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Adults" and "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Children and Adolescents"
IAC posts "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination" and "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination"
IAC updates "When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?" and "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years," user-friendly schedules for parents of children and preteens/teens
IAC updates English- and Spanish-language versions of "Cocooning Protects Babies: Everyone in a baby’s life needs to get vaccinated against whooping cough and flu!"
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts nine translations of the Polio-IPV VIS
World News
Nigeria polio vaccination drive targets areas formerly held by militant insurgency groups
Millions vaccinated against yellow fever in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Featured Resources
The One & Only campaign offers resources to raise awareness about safe injection practices
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as an app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Survey of pediatricians finds increase in vaccine refusal
August issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
"Pink Book" training scheduled for October 25–26 in Austin, TX

Issue 1264: September 7, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1264
September 7, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Why should we not give PCV13 vaccine to someone who has had a serious reaction…read more
Top Stories
CDC awards IAC new five-year cooperative agreement
AAP issues recommendations for using MenB vaccines
CDC reports about two-dose varicella vaccination program in MMWR
CDC reports about meningococcal C outbreak primarily among men who have sex with men in Southern California
Join Voices for Vaccines for a September 19 conference call about vaccine refusal with Dr. Jennifer Reich
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization and at conferences
Featured Resources
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Watch grand rounds about HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer presented by Children’s Mercy Hospital; CE credit available
Nurses can now watch the film "Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic" and get free continuing education credit
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Attending the National Immunization Conference? Presentation on vaccine hesitancy/confidence to be offered the evening of September 14
Reminder: Registration open for Idaho Immunization Summit, November 2–4; meeting will include CDC's "Pink Book" course

Issue 1263: August 31, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1263
August 31, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: As I understand, the 4-day grace period for HPV vaccination can be applied to the…read more
Top Stories
CDC publishes 2016–17 influenza vaccination recommendations
AAP releases new policy statement titled "Medical Versus Nonmedical Immunization Exemptions for Child Care and School Attendance," which urges states to eliminate all non-medical exemptions to vaccine requirements; related resources now available
CDC reports on adolescent vaccination coverage rates in 2015
Today (Wednesday) is the last day of IAC's 20% off sale! The 20% discounts on record cards, schedules, DVDs, and books on Shop IAC end on Wednesday, August 31
IAC Handouts
“Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2016–2017 Influenza Season” available with updated information
Vaccine Information Statements
Reminder! Influenza VIS for 2016–2017 influenza season is unchanged from the 2015–2016 version
World News
CDC and WHO report on poliovirus vaccination campaign in India in MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
CDC releases new labels for vaccines within storage units
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center's newsletter for healthcare professionals includes updated Q&A information sheets for parents, a review of meningococcal B vaccine research, and the Technically Speaking column reviewing hepatitis B vaccine schedules and intervals
Education and Training
Vaccine Education Center announces registration for September 21 webinar: “FluMist: What went wrong?”
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now

Issue 1262: August 24, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1262
August 24, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: When not given on the same day, is the interval between yellow fever and MMR…read more
Top Stories
CDC recommends that high-risk people avoid contact with pigs and swine barns at fairs after four cases of variant virus infections are linked to pig exposure
California Department of Public Health issues health advisory to vaccinate men who have sex with men in southern California and HIV-infected people statewide with MenACWY to contain outbreak of meningococcal disease
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls eight new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional periods
Hepatitis A outbreak in Hawaii causes long wait times for vaccination
CDC updates Twitter account, replacing @CDCIZLearn with @DrNancyM_CDC
Only one week left! The 20% discount on record cards, schedules, DVDs, and books on Shop IAC ends soon!
IAC Handouts
IAC posts revised parent handout by Dr. Ari Brown titled "Clear Answers and Smart Advice About Your Baby’s Shots"
IAC updates two influenza handouts for parents: “Keep your kids safe—get them vaccinated every fall or winter!” and "Don’t take chances with your family’s health—make sure you all get vaccinated against influenza every year!"
World News
WHO reports on conclusions and recommendations of the Immunization and Vaccine-Related Implementation Research Advisory Committee
Featured Resources
CDC publishes two online resources for parents to encourage childhood vaccination
ShotByShot.org adds “Megan’s Story” to its collection of stories about vaccine-preventable diseases
Education and Training
National HPV Vaccination Roundtable to present webinar about best practices on August 29
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Video presentations from the June 2016 ACIP now available online; register now for October ACIP meeting
Washington State Immunization Summit to be held April 26, 2017

Issue 1261: August 17, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1261
August 17, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a six-year-old child is due for the fifth dose of DTaP and inadvertently receives…read more
Top Stories
CDC releases final version of the Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Information Statement
Reminder: Archived webinar of Dr. William L. Atkinson presenting “Adolescent Immunization: Where We Are Now and How We Can Do Better” now available for viewing on IAC website; slide set and speaker notes also available
National Immunization Awareness Month continues next week with a focus on preteen and teen immunization
IAC offers 20% discount on record cards, schedules, DVDs, and books on Shop IAC during National Immunization Awareness Month!
IAC Spotlight! Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC Handouts
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"
World News
WHO reports on yellow fever in Africa and South America
Featured Resources
Alliance for Aging Research releases video encouraging seniors to get vaccinated
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study finds three different vaccines create protection against Zika virus in monkeys
Researchers assess different pneumococcal vaccination schedules for premature infants
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course scheduled for November 4–6 in Philadelphia, PA

Issue 1260: August 10, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1260
August 10, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: The ACIP recommendations for meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine say…read more
Top Stories
Archived webinar of Dr. William L. Atkinson presenting “Adolescent Immunization: Where We Are Now and How We Can Do Better” now available for viewing on IAC website; slide set and speaker notes also available
National Immunization Awareness Month continues next week with a focus on infant and young child immunization
Institute for Safe Medication Practices publishes article summarizing vaccination errors collected over a three-year period in their vaccine error reporting system
NIH begins Zika vaccine trials in humans
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; three previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its "Sample Vaccine Policy Statement," a template for medical practices to adapt and create their own vaccine policy statements
Featured Resources
AAP offers #WhyIVax resources for National Immunization Awareness Month
CDC releases pneumococcal disease vaccine resources for healthcare providers
CDC releases updated “Flu Vaccine Finder” widget
American Pharmacists Association releases new Tdap guide
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC and WHO report on vaccine-derived polioviruses in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Study finds 9-valent HPV vaccine provides greater coverage and similar safety to quadrivalent HPV vaccine
July issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
VICNetwork to offer August 30 webinar on what's new for the 2016–17 influenza season
NFID to offer webinar titled “Vaccines for Preteens and Teens: The Importance of Timely Vaccination for All Adolescents”
Reminder: IAC and Med-IQ developed two free CME courses on adult immunization
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: Minnesota Department of Health's Got Your Shots? Immunization Conference to be held September 8–9

Issue 1259: August 4, 2016

SPECIAL OFFER
IAC offers 20% discount on record cards, schedules, DVDs, and books on Shop IAC during August!

Issue 1258: August 3, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1258
August 3, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I gave a dose of ActHIB vaccine to a 15-month-old that was reconstituted with…read more
Top Stories
IAC posts updated temperature logs for vaccine storage unit monitoring
National Immunization Awareness Month continues next week with a focus on maternal immunization
MMWR reports on mumps outbreak at a University of Illinois campus
Ninety-three confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Oahu outbreak
NFID releases new toolkit on meningococcal diseases and college students
Reminder! Share your personal story about immunization with federal and state legislators
Join Immunization Action Coalition of Washington and WithinReach’s August 22 Thunderclap in support of maternal immunization
World News
WHO issues updated position paper on dengue vaccine
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center's newsletter for healthcare professionals includes an article about live attenuated influenza vaccine, a literature review of malaria vaccines, and an article about adult immunization
Medscape posts 2016 report about vaccine acceptance
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now

Issue 1257: July 27, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1257
July 27, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If my patient is taking Tamiflu (oseltamivir), can she receive zoster vaccine?…read more
Top Stories
CDC releases final versions of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and polio Vaccine Information Statements
Last chance to register! On July 28, Dr. William Atkinson will present "Adolescent Immunization: Where We Are Now and How We Can Do Better" webinar
IAC updates its guidebook Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns
National Immunization Awareness Month kicks off next week with a focus on adult immunization
2016 National Immunization Awareness Month communication toolkit launched this week
IAC Spotlight! IAC’s ACIP recommendations web section makes guidance available in chronological order as well as alphabetically by vaccine name
Share your personal story about immunization with federal and state legislators
July 28 is World Hepatitis Day; CDC publishes related announcement in MMWR
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization and at conferences
IAC Handouts
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"
Featured Resources
The American Cancer Society updates its guidelines for HPV vaccination; get continuing education credit by reading about these new guidelines
CDC offers resources to help employers increase influenza vaccination
California's EZIZ program posts new meningococcal vaccine timing graphic
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Presentation slides from June ACIP meeting are now available; next meeting scheduled for October 19–20

Issue 1256: July 20, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1256
July 20, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: In a mumps outbreak, should we offer a third dose of MMR to persons who have two…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! CDC confirms that the influenza VISs will remain the same for the 2016–17 influenza season
Register now! On July 28, Dr. William Atkinson will present "Adolescent Immunization: Where We Are Now and How We Can Do Better" webinar
CDC and NPHIC release “11 Things You Can Do During National Immunization Awareness Month”
New York Times publishes article about immigration detention center’s failure to contain measles outbreak in Arizona
FDA extends the age indication for PCV13 (Prevnar 13) to include adults age 18 through 49 years
IAC Spotlight! Calendar of Events highlights conferences, workshops, and other immunization-related events around the nation
World Hepatitis Day is July 28!
IAC Handouts
IAC posts updated “Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Children and Teens” and “Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Adult Patients”
IAC posts “Standing Orders for Administering Varicella Vaccine to Children and Teens” and “Standing Orders for Administering Varicella Vaccine to Adults”
World News
WHO reports on June meeting of the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety
Featured Resources
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
MMWR reports on a case of meningococcal disease in an international traveler
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Immunize Georgia Conference to be held September 9
Register now! Hawaii Immunization Coalition to offer CDC's “Pink Book” course January 10–11, 2017

Issue 1255: July 13, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1255
July 13, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have patients who are in their 70s or 80s and remember getting a pneumococcal…read more
Top Stories
CDC releases updated Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit along with additional new resources
CDC confirms that the influenza VISs will remain the same for the 2016–17 influenza season
MMWR reports on HPV-associated cancers
Register now! On July 28, Dr. William Atkinson will present "Adolescent Immunization: Where We Are Now and How We Can Do Better" webinar
California issues meningococcal disease health advisory for at-risk gay and bisexual men and all people with HIV
Arizona confirms two new cases of measles, bringing the total to 22 cases
CDC publishes best practices for diagnosing Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis disease
Providers and partners can join CDC as flu prevention partners
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization and at conferences
IAC Handouts
“Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2016–2017 Influenza Season” now available
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Portuguese-language translations of the HPV9 and Meningococcal ACWY VISs
IAC posts Yiddish-language translation of the DTaP VIS
Featured Resources
Reminder! Free SHOTS app from STFM is a great tool for new doctors starting their residencies in July
Also for new residents! Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study finds HPV vaccination reduces cervical abnormalities
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Minnesota Department of Health's Got Your Shots? Immunization Conference to be held September 8–9

Issue 1254: July 6, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1254
July 6, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: The meningococcal conjugate vaccine recommendations state that a…read more
Top Stories
Save the date! On July 28, Dr. William Atkinson will present "Improving Adolescent Immunization" webinar
NAIIS's Influenza Vaccine Availability Tracking System is now available for the 2016–2017 season
August is National Immunization Awareness Month; 2016 communications toolkit now available
Association of Immunization Managers publishes new resource about selecting and using data loggers to monitor vaccine temperatures
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
One healthcare organization joins IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization and at conferences
IAC Handouts
"Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2016–2017 Influenza Season" now available
IAC updates and reformats "Personal belief exemptions for vaccination put people at risk"
"Recommendations for Pneumococcal Vaccine Use in Children and Teens" updated and reformatted
Vaccine Information Statements
Spanish translations of the HPV9, Meningococcal (MCV4/MPSV4), pediatric multi-vaccine, and PCV13 vaccine VISs are now available in rich text format (RTF)
World News
WHO publishes travel guidelines from the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia for Hajj travelers in Weekly Epidemiological Report
Featured Resources
AAP Ohio Chapter releases Fast Vax Facts app
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians ("The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
June issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
University at Albany School of Public Health to offer July 21 webinar on maternal immunization
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Indiana Immunization Coalition "The Pink Book" training scheduled for October 12–13

Issue 1253: June 29, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1253
June 29, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We did a hepatitis B panel for a new hospital employee from Gambia…read more
Top Stories
ACIP votes that live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) should not be used during the 2016–2017 flu season
IAC provides summary article about votes taken at June 22–23 ACIP meeting
FDA approves plans for first human Zika vaccine trial
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization and at conferences
IAC Handouts
Reminder: "10 Steps to Implementing Standing Orders for Immunization in Your Practice Setting" now available
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Yiddish-language translations of the HPV9 and Meningococcal ACWY VISs
World News
WHO publishes report on maternal and neonatal tetanus prevention in Indonesia
Featured Resources
Vaccine Education Center's newsletter for healthcare professionals includes a rabies Q&A and other new resources
CDC's "You are the key to HPV cancer prevention" slide deck for providers available in Spanish
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Studies find association between rotavirus vaccination and reduction of childhood seizures
Education and Training
Time sensitive! VICNetwork webinar about social media will be held today (Wednesday), June 29, at 2:00 p.m. (ET)
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Registration deadline for October 19–20 ACIP meeting is September 28 for non-U.S. citizens and October 10 for citizens
North Dakota Immunization Conference scheduled for August 3–4

Issue 1252: June 22, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1252
June 22, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Is the top shelf of a pharmacy-grade storage unit acceptable for vaccine storage if…read more
Top Stories
Reminder: “10 Steps to Implementing Standing Orders for Immunization in Your Practice Setting” now available
FDA approves changes in dosing language for YF-Vax for the prevention of yellow fever
Winners of the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit video contest announced
IAC Spotlight! IAC updates Email News Services listings
2016 HPV vaccination toolkit available online from ACOG
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization or at conferences
Featured Resources
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Journal Articles and Newsletters
May issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Study investigates most effective interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake
Education and Training
NFID to offer webinar about June ACIP meeting
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Final June ACIP meeting agenda available
Reminder: Registration open for CDC’s 47th National Immunization Conference on September 13–15
NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course scheduled for November 4–6 in Philadelphia

Issue 1251: June 15, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1251
June 15, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have a 20-week-old infant who was born prematurely. The infant has never…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! May issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
New! IAC releases “10 Steps to Implementing Standing Orders for Immunization in Your Practice Setting”
FDA approves Vaxchora for the prevention of cholera
MMWR reports on 2015–2016 influenza season in the United States and 2016–2017 vaccine composition
IAC Spotlight! IAC updates Vaccine Timeline of historic dates and events
NFID releases report: “Addressing the Challenges of Influenza Vaccination on U.S. College Campuses”
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization
IAC Handouts
IAC updates “Decision to Not Vaccinate My Child”
Featured Resources
CDC 2016 easy-to-read immunization schedule for preteens and teens now available in Spanish
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study finds reduction in HPV infection and related conditions since vaccine’s introduction
Education and Training
Ohio AAP offers free webinar on HPV vaccination
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now
Conferences and Meetings
2016 Nevada Health Conference scheduled for October 17–18
Webcast instructions for June ACIP meeting now available

Issue 1250: June 8, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1250
June 8, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: My 7-year-old patient has had only 1 dose of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! May issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
Nineteen cases of measles in nine states confirmed by CDC so far in 2016
MMWR reports on a case of human rabies contracted in Wyoming
IAC enrolls 10 new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; two previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization
Register now for an IAC "Take a Stand™" workshop on the use of standing orders in Philadelphia or Baltimore in June; related workshop to be offered at the Iowa Immunization Coalition Conference on June 15
Applications to host 2017 National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships due July 15
IAC Handouts
IAC updates “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size”
IAC revises “Notification of Vaccination Letter Template”
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts translations of the meningococcal (MCV4/MPSV4) VIS in Bengali, Haitian Creole, Polish, and Urdu languages
IAC posts translations of the HPV9 VIS in Bengali, Haitian Creole, Polish, and Urdu languages
World News
WHO reports on outbreaks of influenza in the southern hemisphere in this week's Weekly Epidemiological Report
Featured Resources
CDC’s Vaccines and Immunizations web page updated to be mobile friendly
CDC Health Information for International Travel (“The Yellow Book”) now available for download as an app for iOS or Android mobile devices
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Education and Training
NFID offers free online educational program about seasonal influenza in older adults
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through September 21; register now

Issue 1249: June 2, 2016

IAC Express Special Edition - Ask the Experts: Issue 1249
June 2, 2016
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Q: What is the recommended time to do hepatitis B testing for evidence of success or failure of immunoprophylaxis given at birth to an infant born to a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mother?
Q: I work in occupational health and have some patients who are off schedule for their hepatitis B vaccine series. They came back for dose #2 in 4 to 6 months rather than getting it 1 month later. In this situation, what is the correct timing for dose #3? And how long must the interval be between doses before I am required to restart the series?
DTaP/Tdap/Td Vaccines
Q: The U.S. immunization schedule indicates that DTaP #4 is recommended at age 15–18 months. However, the footnote says that dose #4 can be given at age 12 months as long as the minimal interval of 6 months has been met. If the minimal interval is met, is it acceptable to give DTaP #4 to a 12-month-old in order to avoid a missed opportunity to vaccinate?
Q: A 16-year-old has a written record of receiving doses of DTaP at ages 2 months and 5 months and one dose of Tdap at age 15 years. Since she has had three doses of pertussis-containing vaccine, would she still need two additional doses of Td?
Q: For a person entering a long-term-care facility at age 70 or older, if we cannot document that the resident has had a primary series of three doses of tetanus-containing vaccine, is the right course of action upon admission to give a Tdap first, then a Td in 1 to 2 months, followed by a Td in 6 to 12 months, and then a Td booster every 10 years?
Q: If a patient is receiving a tetanus-containing vaccine after an injury and there is no history of any prior tetanus vaccine (e.g., an Amish person who has previously declined vaccination), how much tetanus protection will one dose provide? Also, what is the time frame that the tetanus toxoid needs to be given following an injury?
MMR Vaccine
Q: During a mumps outbreak, should a 6-month-old baby be vaccinated with MMR as we do during a measles outbreak?
Q: Would you consider a healthcare worker with two documented doses of MMR vaccine to be immune, even if the serology for one or more of the antigens comes back negative?
Meningococcal Vaccines
Q: I have a 7-year-old patient with congenital asplenia. She has already received PCV13 and meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Would you consider giving her meningococcal B vaccine?
Q: I have an otherwise healthy 26-year-old patient with HIV infection who received one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4, MenACWY: Menactra, Sanofi Pasteur; Menveo, GSK) three years ago. Should he receive one or two doses now? Will he need booster doses later?
Q: Are microbiologists recommended to receive meningococcal B vaccine? And if so, how frequently?
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Q: Does a patient younger than age 65 years who smokes marijuana on a daily basis, but doesn’t smoke cigarettes, need to receive pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV) vaccine?
Q: Is a patient younger than age 65 years who recently had a prostatectomy with lymph node dissection for prostate cancer a candidate for PPSV? The patient is believed to be cancer-free and is on no chemotherapy.
Q: I have patients who are in their 70s and 80s and remember getting a pneumococcal vaccine a few years ago. Should we assume that this was PPSV? Should I assume that it was given before the 65th birthday?
Zoster Vaccine
Q: If a patient received dose #1 of varicella vaccine at age 60 years, should we administer zoster vaccine as dose #2?
Q: A dose of zoster vaccine was inadvertently given to a patient receiving chemotherapy for colon cancer. We realize this was an error, so please advise us on what to do now.
Healthcare Personnel
Q: Which vaccines are recommended for healthcare personnel (HCP)?
Q: Should HCP be vaccinated routinely against hepatitis A?
Q: I am a nurse who received the hepatitis B vaccine series more than 10 years ago and had a positive follow-up antibody titer for anti-HBs (at least 10 mIU/mL) at that time. At present, my titer is negative (less than 10 mIU/ mL). What should I do now?
Vaccine Storage and Handling
Q: How long is a vaccine viable if it has been stored in the refrigerator in a syringe?
Miscellaneous Questions
Q: I understand that certain vaccines contain aluminum and/or formaldehyde. Could you provide me with the research showing the "safe" amounts of aluminum and formaldehyde that can be injected per pound of body weight?

Issue 1248: June 1, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1248
June 1, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A child was inadvertently administered the first dose of rotavirus vaccine at five…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! May issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
MMWR reports on response to cases of serogroup B meningococcal disease at a university
MMWR reports on chemoprophylaxis to a case of meningococcal disease at an elementary school
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis releases its five-year strategic plan
Register now for an IAC "Take a Stand™" workshop on the use of standing orders in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore in June; related workshop to be offered at the Iowa Immunization Coalition Conference on June 15
Register for the 2016 Iowa Immunization Coalition Conference
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization
IAC Handouts
IAC updates eight translations of its educational handout for parents: "Immunizations for Babies"
World News
WHO reports on April 2016 meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization
Featured Resources
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Register now for the 2016 CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics, starting June 1

Issue 1247: May 25, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1247
May 25, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A provider has a 54-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had been on…read more
Top Stories
New! May 2016 issue of Vaccinate Adults is available online
Reminder: May 2016 issue of Needle Tips is also available online
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls nine new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; twelve previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization
Register now for an IAC "Take a Stand™" workshop on the use of standing orders in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore in June; related workshop to be offered at the Iowa Immunization Conference on June 15
IAC Handouts
IAC updates educational handout about hepatitis B virus infection for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
World News
WHO reports on work of the Smallpox Secretariat and global preparedness
Featured Resources
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
NFID to offer webinar on travel vaccines
Conferences and Meetings
Draft agenda for June ACIP meeting now available
Save the date: Hawaii Immunization Coalition to offer CDC's “Pink Book” course January 10–11, 2017

Issue 1246: May 18, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1246
May 18, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: An expired dose of ProQuad (MMRV, Merck) was given to a patient. We assume…read more
Top Stories
New! May 2016 issue of Needle Tips is now available online
CDC offers resources about mumps targeted to college students and healthcare professionals
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
IAC Spotlight! Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides now available from IAC for distribution within your organization
MMWR reports on Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day
Vaccine Education Center releases Vax Pack Hero, a program designed for elementary-school age children
Register now for an IAC "Take a Stand™" workshop on the use of standing orders in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore in June; related workshop to be offered at the Iowa Immunization Conference on June 15
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts four translations of the HPV9 VIS
Official Releases and Announcements
NIH news release announces that investigational malaria vaccine protected healthy U.S. adults for more than one year
World News
CDC and WHO report on global progress toward polio eradication in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Register now for the 2016 CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics

Issue 1245: May 11, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1245
May 11, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have a 40 lb six-year-old patient who has been taking 15 mg of methotrexate weekly…read more
Top Stories
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians ("The Purple Book") as an app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
Institute for Safe Medication Practices reports on hospital in Brazil where 50 employees received a dose of insulin instead of influenza vaccine; same error has been reported many times globally, including in the United States
Free bulk quantities of pneumococcal and zoster vaccination laminated pocket guides available from IAC for distribution within your organization
CDC launches Clean Hands Count campaign
IAC Spotlight! Easy-to-access slide deck with speaker notes on meningococcal ACWY disease prevention and how to increase second dose coverage is available for healthcare professionals' use
Watch a new Medscape module on meningococcal serogroup B vaccination
Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Register now for an IAC "Take a Stand™" workshop on the use of standing orders in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore in June; related workshop to be offered at the Iowa Immunization Conference on June 15
Join Voices for Vaccines on a May 19 conference call with law professor Dr. Dorit Rubinstein Reiss on parental rights
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Emergency Response Worksheet," a resource that helps healthcare professionals handle vaccine storage temperature excursions
IAC makes correction to patient handout "You are not alone! Information for young adults who are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus"
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts 13 translations of the Meningococcal ACWY VIS
IAC posts 10 translations of the HPV9 VIS
Official Releases and Announcements
CDC's 2014 viral hepatitis surveillance report is now available
World News
CDC and WHO report on laboratory support for global measles and rubella elimination in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study finds that vaccinating pregnant women against influenza protects their infants
Education and Training
National Partnership on Adolescent Immunization training modules on quality improvement stress HPV vaccination

Issue 1244: May 4, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1244
May 4, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a patient has a history of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak but no current leak…read more
Top Stories
Six measles cases confirmed in Memphis area outbreak
Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians ("The Purple Book") as an app for iOS devices or purchase as a print book
CDC marks World Immunization Week by sharing historical highlights and future strategies
Visit CDC's "Keep the Momentum Going" web page for ideas to keep the NIIW energy alive
CDC reports on FDA approval for use of Hiberix as a 3-dose primary Hib vaccination series
FDA provides updated information about yellow fever vaccine shortage
National Meningitis Association to host an inaugural panel discussion in New York City on May 9
CDC publishes MMWR Surveillance Summary about certain health behaviors, chronic diseases, and conditions; includes information on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates
IAC enrolls seven new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; two previously honored institutions qualify for second year
IAC Spotlight! IAC's 84-page HepB birth dose guidebook Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns is available free online or as a hard copy for purchase
Reminder: IAC and Med-IQ developed two free CME courses on adult immunization
IAC’s "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore in June
IAC Handouts
IAC revises its medical chart vaccine administration record forms for documenting child, teen, and adult vaccine administration
IAC updates healthcare professional resource "Hepatitis B Facts: Testing and Vaccination"
IAC updates three educational handouts about chronic hepatitis B virus infection for parents and patients
IAC posts updated Spanish-language translations of "Top Ten Reasons to Protect Your Child by Vaccinating" and "Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A parent's guide to preteen and teen HPV vaccination"
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Thai-language translation of the Tdap Vaccine VIS
Official Releases and Announcements
It's Hepatitis Awareness Month; fifth annual national Hepatitis Testing Day scheduled for May 19
Featured Resources
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes article about healthcare-associated hepatitis A outbreak in Texas
March and April issues of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available online
Education and Training
University of Pittsburgh develops training module on maximizing adult vaccination rates; continuing education credit available for physicians
CDC Learning Connection offers public health training developed by CDC, CDC partners, and other federal agencies
Conferences and Training
Reminder: Registration open for CDC’s 47th National Immunization Conference on September 13–15

Issue 1243: April 27, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1243
April 27, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have read that HPV vaccine should not be administered to pregnant women…read more
Top Stories
FDA approves changes to vaccine administration schedule for Trumenba vaccine (MenB; Pfizer)
Visit the newly designed CDC immunization website for parents
California Immunization Coalition's ShotByShot website has new look and functionality
IAC Spotlight! "Like" IAC on Facebook and "follow" IAC on Twitter!
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore in June
National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships is coming in May; register and reserve your room now
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements" to include new VIS dates
IAC posts recently revised handout, "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years"
World News
Global switch to bivalent OPV from trivalent OPV occurring from April 17 to May 1
Featured Resources
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Education and Training
CDC adds a video for providers as part of their "You are the key to HPV cancer prevention" campaign; continuing education credit available
CDC to sponsor a #PreteenVaxScene webinar on improving HPV vaccination rates on May 19
Conferences and Training
Video footage of presentations from the February 2016 ACIP now available; register now for June ACIP meeting
Minnesota's immunization conference scheduled for September 8–9

Issue 1242: April 20, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1242
April 20, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a female patient who has a non-immune rubella titer two months after…read more
Top Stories
It's National Infant Immunization Week and CDC names Childhood Immunization Champion Award winners
American Society of Clinical Oncology urges more aggressive use of HPV vaccination to prevent cancer
New! Simplified flowchart for MCV4 immunization in adolescents now available
NFID publishes call to action to improve adolescent vaccination rates
New HPV brief released by CHOP's Policy Lab and Vaccine Education Center
IAC posts corrected Spanish translation of the PCV13 VIS
Institute of Medicine publishes the first phase of a report on eliminating hepatitis B and C in the United States
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a June session in Boston, New York,
Philadelphia, or Baltimore
Featured Resources
NFID launches new shingles awareness campaign targeted to people age 60 and older
Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on rotavirus vaccine; free CE credit available

Issue 1241: April 13, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1241
April 13, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Zoster vaccine was inadvertently given to a patient taking Humira…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! March issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
Reminder: National Infant Immunization Week begins this Saturday, April 16
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC enrolls eight new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; nine previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Atlanta in April or Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore in June
IAC Spotlight! IAC offers vaccination recommendation summaries for healthcare professionals
IAC Handouts
New! IAC develops hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) checklist for nurses working with women in labor and delivery
IAC updates its staff resource "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements"
World News
CDC publishes information about global polio surveillance systems
Featured Resources
CDC publishes easy-to-read 2016 immunization schedule for preteens and teens
Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Influenza vaccination during pregnancy may reduce the risk of stillbirth
Education and Training
Continuing education credit is available for watching Vaccine Education Center's archived webinar featuring Dr. Paul Offit
CDC's March 16 "Current Issues in Immunization NetConference" on the 2016 immunization schedules now archived; continuing education credit available

Issue 1240: April 6, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1240
April 6, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have a two-month-old male with his second episode of meningococcemia…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! March issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
CDC estimates one in 68 school-age children have autism; no change from previous estimate
CDC publishes 2016 binational immunization schedule for children who received some vaccines in Mexico
NAIIS announces 2016 Immunization Excellence Award winners
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or Atlanta in April
IAC Spotlight! Vaccine package inserts and FDA web pages on immunize.org have been updated
Three healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Join CDC in a social media Thunderclap to promote childhood immunization on April 18
Join Voices for Vaccines for an April 14 conference call about online vaccine advocacy
Voting is open! NAIIS 2016 adult vaccine video contest entries now posted
IAC Handouts
IAC makes an additional revision to "Vaccinations for Pregnant Women," a handout developed in collaboration with ACOG
Vaccine Information Statements
CDC releases final versions of HPV 9 and Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Information Statements
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Analysis shows the global burden of influenza in pediatric respiratory hospitalizations
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on Tdap/Td; free CE credit available
Conferences and Meetings
Presentation slides from February ACIP meeting are now available; next meeting scheduled for June 22–23

Issue 1239: April 4, 2016

Hepatitis B Vaccine
Q: An 18-year-old with a documented hepatitis B series as a child was seen for a school-required titer of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). She has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and receives immunoglobulin (IG) infusions every month. Her last treatment with an IG infusion was three weeks prior to her blood draw. The anti-HBs titer was positive. Could the IG infusion from three weeks ago cause her anti-HBs to be false positive? If so, how long should she wait to have another anti-HBs drawn?
Q: A physician ordered a 40-mcg dose of hepatitis B vaccine for a hemodialysis patient. The clinic does not stock the Recombivax HB 40-mcg/dose dialysis formulation (Merck) and would like to give 2 doses of Engerix-B 20-mcg/dose (GSK) for each dose in the series. Is this acceptable?
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccines
Q: I have an HIV-positive 64-year-old patient who received meningococcal conjugate vaccine last week. Was this the correct vaccine for this patient or should he have gotten MPSV4 due to his age? Also, should this patient get another dose in 2 months?
Q: We have a 68-year-old who has been asplenic since 2009. She had one dose of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4, Menomune, Sanofi Pasteur) in 2009, but no subsequent dose. She is now due for a booster. Should she receive 2 doses of MenACWY, 2 months apart, to catch up, or just one dose?
Meningococcal B Vaccines
Q: I know the schedule for Trumenba (meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, Pfizer) is 0, 2, and 6 months. What are the MINIMUM intervals between doses of Trumenba and Bexsero (meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, GSK)? Our immunization information system needs to know the minimum intervals in order to assure that patients are appropriately vaccinated.
Q: I have a patient who was given Trumenba in August. Two months later she was given a dose of Bexsero. How should I proceed with her MenB vaccination series? We stock both vaccines.
Q: My 8-year-old patient had a bone marrow transplant and has just finished the posttransplant re-vaccination process. Should I offer her vaccination with a MenB vaccine now or wait two years until she is 10 years old?
DTaP/Tdap Vaccines
Q: Can Quadracel (DTaP-IPV, Sanofi Pasteur) be used to complete a series with vaccines other than Daptacel (DTaP, Sanofi Pasteur) or Pentacel (DTaP-IPV-Hib, Sanofi Pasteur)?
Q: There is a debate within my clinical department about not allowing influenza vaccine to be given with DTaP and PCV13. Are there data that state these should not be given concomitantly?
Q: One of our staff inadvertently gave Tdap to an infant instead of DTaP. Now what should be done?
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?
General Vaccine Questions
Q: We have a question concerning delaying vaccinations for an infant born to a heroin-addicted mother. We had a foster parent come into our health department requesting only certain vaccines for a 3-month-old, stating that the private physician recommends delaying the schedule due to the possible residual effects of the heroin. The baby appeared to be healthy.
Q: What is the provider’s liability when using standing order protocols?
Q: The protective cap on a single-dose vial was removed but the vaccine was not needed. No needle punctured the rubber seal. According to CDC’s Vaccine Storage & Handling Toolkit, the vial without the cap should be discarded at the end of workday. If no needle punctured the seal, what is the reasoning for discarding the vaccine?

Issue 1238: March 30, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1238
March 30, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a patient who is a medical student about to start clinical rotations…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! March issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Reminder: National Infant Immunization Week to be held April 16–23
IAC Spotlight! Photos of vaccine-preventable diseases illustrate the importance of vaccination
IAC’s "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or Atlanta in April
Check out the third phase of CDC's Know Hepatitis B campaign, designed to promote hepatitis B testing among Asian Americans
Official Releases and Announcements
ACOG publishes committee opinion on integrating immunization services into practice
WHO publishes updated position paper on polio vaccines
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: National Immunization Conference abstract submission deadline is April 13

Issue 1237: March 28, 2016

Top Stories
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC's 84-page HepB birth dose guidebook Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns is now available in hard copy for purchase
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!

Issue 1236: March 23, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1236
March 23, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Does an adult younger than age 65 years with beta thalassemia minor…read more
Top Stories
New! March 2016 issue of Vaccinate Adults is available online
Reminder: March 2016 issue of Needle Tips is available online
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2016 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2016 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Dr. Nancy Messonnier is named new director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
CDC publishes ACIP recommendations for use of vaccinia virus smallpox vaccine in laboratory and healthcare personnel
JAMA publishes article on the association between vaccine refusal and vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States
IAC enrolls one new birthing institution into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for a third time
IAC’s "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or Atlanta in April
Please help AAP by completing a quick online survey about vaccine 2D barcoding
CDC corrects Spanish-language version of its 2016 easy-to-read childhood immunization schedule
Reminder: IAC's 84-page HepB birth dose guidebook Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns is now available in hard copy for purchase
IAC Handouts
IAC updates and renames its checklist for contraindications and precautions for teen vaccination to include MenB
Official Releases and Announcements
National Institutes of Health reports on successful trial of an experimental dengue vaccine
World News
WHO reports on characteristics and development of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on human rabies case in Missouri
New study supports the recommendation to vaccinate surgical inpatients against influenza
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on hepatitis B; free CE credit available
NFID to offer webinars on vaccines for immunocompromised adults, shingles vaccines, and travel vaccines
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: the National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships is coming up in May

Issue 1235: March 22, 2016

Pneumococcal Vaccine
Q: If a provider does not yet stock pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar 13, Pfizer) for adults age 65 years and older but stocks pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax 23, Merck), should that provider refer patients to another provider to ensure they receive the PCV13 dose first? Or should the provider not miss an opportunity to give the PPSV23 and refer patients elsewhere for PCV13 in a year?
Q: We have a healthy 66-year-old patient who received a dose of PPSV23 in January then received a dose of PCV13 five months later at a different facility. Should the PCV13 dose be repeated since it was given earlier than the 1-year interval recommended by ACIP?
Q: Diabetes is an indication for giving PPSV23 to patients younger than age 65 years. Does this include both insulin- and non-insulin-dependent diabetes?
Q: For adults without high-risk conditions, a 1-year interval is recommended between PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines. What is the definition of a year? Does it need to be exactly one year? We have provided PCV13 to some individuals during flu season this year and told them to get the PPSV23 next year when they get their flu shot. What if they received their flu shot in November this year, but return for their flu shot in October next year?
Q: Why is there no recommendation for patients older than 65 years to get a booster dose of PPSV23 if they first received it at age 65 years or older? It seems to me that their protection against pneumococcal disease would benefit from a booster dose of PPSV23 five or ten years after the first dose.
Q: I have a patient who takes adalimumab (Humira) for rheumatoid arthritis. Does a person who takes adalimumab meet the definition of immunosuppression for the purposes of PCV13 vaccination?
Q: A healthy child received only one dose of PCV at age 10 months. She is now 6 years old. Our state requires one dose of PCV13 after the first birthday for school attendance. Her physician says because she is older than 59 months, she does not need another dose of PCV13. What should we do in this situation?
Zoster Vaccine
Q: I know that ACIP only recommends zoster vaccine for adults age 60 years and older, although it is licensed for use in those 50 years and older. If I choose to vaccinate patients age 50–59 years, are there any criteria as to which patients in this age group might benefit most from zoster vaccination?
Q: We have an 18-year-old male patient with a history of chickenpox disease. He now has shingles. We are unsure what to advise for future vaccination. Should we administer zoster vaccine?
Q: My patient is a 66-year-old male with a condition that requires treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) once a month. Can he receive zoster vaccine?
Q: Before administering zoster vaccine is it necessary to ask if the person has ever had chickenpox or shingles?
Q: For patients age 60 or older who don’t remember having chickenpox in the past, should we test them for varicella immunity before giving zoster vaccine?
Q: We weren’t familiar with the recommendation (not to test) and tested a 60-year-old for varicella antibody because she said she never had chickenpox. Her result was negative. Should this patient receive zoster vaccine or varicella vaccine?

Issue 1234: March 16, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1234
March 16, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have a 61-year-old patient who is taking 500 mg of valacyclovir (Valtrex) daily…read more
Top Stories
New! March issue of Needle Tips is available online
WHO reports on recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2016–2017 Northern Hemisphere influenza season
Reminder: National Infant Immunization Week to be held April 16–23
IAC updates multiple web pages about state laws and mandates related to vaccines
IAC Spotlight! Six healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or Atlanta in April
Join Voices for Vaccines on March 17 for a conference call with three mothers who will discuss their children's battles with vaccine-preventable diseases
CDC publishes errata on February 19 report on administration errors involving Menveo meningococcal conjugate vaccine
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Vaccinations for Pregnant Women," a handout developed in collaboration with ACOG
IAC updates its "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines" and "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines in Adults"
IAC updates "Human Papillomavirus: A Parent’s Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination"
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
February issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Study shows that state laws mandating influenza immunization for healthcare personnel increase vaccination rates
Education and Training
March 23 VICNetwork webinar to focus on norovirus, including issues and challenges related to norovirus vaccine development

Issue 1233: March 9, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1233
March 9, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: An adult patient with asplenia received Menactra two weeks after a dose of PCV13…read more
Top Stories
IAC's 84-page HepB birth dose guidebook Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns is now available in hard copy for purchase
CDC releases Spanish-language version of the 2016 easy-to-read adult immunization schedule
IAC's Take a Stand™" workshops are highly successful across the nation: Register NOW for a session in Seattle, Phoenix, or Tucson in March
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its "Questions and Answers" handouts about influenza and pneumococcal disease and vaccines
IAC updates eight patient vaccination schedules in its suite of handouts focused on adults, including those in risk groups
IAC revises "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination"
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward measles elimination in Nepal in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
Voices for Vaccines releases new toolkit to guide conversations with vaccine-hesitant family and friends
VEC's Vaccines and Teens: The Busy Social Years booklet updated to include information about HPV9 and meningococcal B vaccines
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study describes the importance of healthcare providers in parental decisions about HPV vaccination
CDC publishes surveillance report on malaria in the United States
Conferences and Meetings
Idaho Immunization Summit scheduled for November 2–4 in Boise; meeting will include CDC's "Pink Book" course

Issue 1232: March 2, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1232
March 2, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a patient who is traveling internationally and needs MMR vaccine…read more
Top Stories
Vaccine Education Center plans Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on March 23
Pediatrics publishes study showing a decrease in the prevalence of HPV after introduction of the HPV vaccination program in the United States
CDC reports that influenza vaccine effectiveness is approximately 60% this season
IAC Spotlight! "Ask the Experts" web section about HPV vaccination updated
IAC’s “Take a Stand™” workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for a session in Seattle, Phoenix, or Tucson in March
Reminder: Two free CME courses on adult immunization available through IAC and Med-IQ
Reminder: Submissions for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit adult vaccine video contest due by March 21
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
New research shows a vaccination program of 9vHPV for both genders can improve health outcomes and save costs
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on pneumococcal vaccination; free CE credit available
Conferences and Meetings
October 2015 ACIP meeting minutes are now available; ACIP will meet next on June 22–23

Issue 1231: February 24, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1231
February 24, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Although licensed by the Food and Drug Administration for use through age 4…read more
Top Stories
CDC reports on vaccine administration errors with the meningococcal conjugate vaccine Menveo
New slide deck on meningococcal disease prevention and how to increase second dose coverage is available for healthcare professionals' use
IAC Spotlight! Six healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; one previously honored institution qualifies for two additional years
Deadline extended to February 26 for nominating candidates for the 2016 NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for a session in Seattle, Phoenix, or Tucson in March
VEC’s #BeLikeBen campaign offers an opportunity to recognize those making a difference in their communities
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens" and "Screening Checklist for Contraindications
to Vaccines for Adults"
IAC corrects recently updated handout, "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years"
IAC revises "Guidance for Developing Admission Orders in Labor & Delivery and Newborn Units to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Transmission" and "Sample Text for Developing Admission Orders in Newborn Units for the Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose" to include new guidance on 9–12 month post-vaccination serology
New: IAC updates handout about hepatitis B virus transmission and divides into separate pieces, one about transmission in medical settings and one about transmission in the community
IAC reviews "Top Ten Reasons to Protect Your Child by Vaccinating" and posts Arabic translation of this handout for parents
Featured Resources
NFID offers coloring books in English and Spanish to teach children about influenza prevention
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on influenza activity in the U.S. from October 4–February 6
JAMA publishes article about the benefits of vaccination and the importance of sustainable vaccine pricing
WHO publishes article about risk communication in the World Epidemiological Record
Education and Training
NFID to offer March 4 webinar about the February ACIP meeting and an April 5 webinar about vaccines for immunocompromised adults
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: Poster deadline for the National Conference on Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships is February 29

Issue 1230: February 17, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1230
February 17, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Do we need to wait for the vaccine to reach room temperature before…read more
Top Stories
CDC reports on influenza-related hospitalizations and poverty levels
CDC publishes MMWR Supplement on strategies for reducing health disparities in the U.S.; includes chapter on disparities in hepatitis A virus disease in the U.S.
Registration now open for CDC’s 47th National Immunization Conference on September 13–15
IAC Spotlight! Standing orders templates can help practices and clinics improve vaccination rates
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for a session in Seattle, Phoenix, or Tucson in March
Featured Resources
CDC offers online quiz for healthcare professionals about use of antivirals during the influenza season
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC and WHO report on circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks in five countries in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
"Health Affairs" issue focuses on vaccination, with a special emphasis on the value of vaccines
Study finds that less than half of U.S. infants receive recommended influenza vaccination
Education and Training
Access archived webinars from CDC and the Vaccine Education Center

Issue 1229: February 10, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1229
February 10, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If someone is older than 55 years and had their spleen removed…read more
Top Stories
CDC publishes two articles about the release of the 2016 childhood and adult immunization schedules; both previously published as MMWR Early Releases
CDC reports on surveillance of vaccination coverage among adults in 2014
National Vaccine Program Office releases National Adult Immunization Plan
"Ask the Experts" web section about Hib vaccination updated
IAC’s “Take a Stand™” workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in Texas (February 16–19)
February is Heart Month; patients with heart disease are at high risk of influenza complications
U.S. cancer centers call for improved HPV vaccination rates to help prevent HPV-associated cancers
Reminder: Nominations are now open for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards; submission deadline is February 15
UNITY Consortium invites practices to apply for participation in a new study about adolescent vaccination
Join Voices for Vaccines on February 17 for a conference call featuring Dr. David Gorski, author of the Respectful Insolence blog
National Vaccine Program Office solicits proposals for conducting research related to vaccine confidence and hesitancy
IAC Handouts
IAC updates three parent-friendly vaccine schedules for children and adolescents to include meningococcal B vaccine
IAC updates "Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations" to include meningococcal B vaccination for microbiologists who are routinely exposed to isolates of Neisseria meningitidis
Official Releases and Announcements
AAP publishes 2016 recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule online
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; CDC releases guidance on antiviral treatment
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
January issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on meningococcal vaccine; free CE credit available
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: Early bird registration deadline is February 12 for National Conference on Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships; poster deadline is February 29

Issue 1228: February 3, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1228
February 3, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have an 18-year-old male who had a history of chickenpox disease…read more
Top Stories
2016 U.S. recommended immunization schedules for 0 through 18 years and "catch up" now available
2016 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for adults now available
National Infant Immunization Week scheduled for April 16–23; visit CDC's website for resources
Nominations are now open for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards; submission deadline is February 15
CDC reports increase in hepatitis B virus infection related to injection drug use in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia
CDC's Health Advisory Network issues advisory about infection control practices and hepatitis C transmission in dialysis units
IAC’s “Take a Stand™” workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in Texas (February 16–19)
IAC Spotlight! Download free vaccine storage and handling resources from immunize.org
National Conference on Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships calls for poster presentations; poster deadline is February 29 and early bird registration deadline is February 12
Official Releases and Announcements
MMWR publishes announcement about 50 years of global immunization at CDC
World News
WHO publishes position paper on malaria vaccines in the Weekly Epidemiological Report
Featured Resources
AAP offers case studies in an online training format that demonstrate effective vaccine safety communication; slide deck and discussion guide also available
CDC launches website that provides forecasts of influenza activity made by external research groups
ACOG updates its toolkit for influenza immunization during pregnancy
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
New study shows that 90 percent of participants had evidence of protection 30 years after hepatitis B vaccination
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on HPV; free CE credit available
Conferences and Meetings
Draft agenda for February ACIP meeting now available online

Issue 1226: January 27, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1226
January 27, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: What is the schedule for hepatitis B vaccination for infants weighing…read more
Top Stories
Reminder: CDC requests nominations for its Childhood Immunization Champion Awards
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in Texas (February 16–19)
"Ask the Experts" web sections about influenza and pneumococcal vaccines updated
Enter the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit adult vaccine video contest
There's still time to apply for the Gerontological Society of America's 2016 ICAMP Academies; application deadline for first academy is January 31
CMS has initiated a National Coverage Analysis process for adding hepatitis B screening as a covered Medicare preventive service; comments accepted until February 20
IAC enrolls one new birthing institution into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; nine previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
IAC Spotlight! Many handouts and VISs are available for patients and parents who don't read English
World News
WHO reports on December meeting of the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study finds HPV vaccination rates highest in low-income and Hispanic communities
CDC reports on tetanus cases after voluntary male circumcision for HIV prevention in Eastern and Southern Africa
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" modules on vaccine storage and handling and the VFC program; free CE credit available
Earn CME credit for reading a journal article about sustained transmission of pertussis in vaccinated children in a Florida daycare
NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course scheduled for March 18–20 in Phoenix

Issue 1225: January 20, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1225
January 20, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: An 86-year-old patient came in today and stated he needed a pneumococcal vaccine…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! December issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
IAC Spotlight! Three healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Reminder: CDC requests nominations for its Childhood Immunization Champion Awards
FDA approves Hiberix for full Hib vaccine series
Medscape posts commentary by Dr. Paul Offit on a child's right to be vaccinated
Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research publishes a collection of personal stories about HPV
Save the Date: VICNetwork offers February 4 webinar to help providers prepare for National Infant Immunization Week
Don't forget to participate in CDC's #VaxWithMe selfie photo campaign
IAC Handouts
IAC updates patient education handout, "Vaccines work!"
IAC revises its resource for healthcare professionals, "Before you vaccinate adults, consider their 'H-A-L-O!'"
World News
Cholera vaccine supply set to double, easing global shortage
WHO reports on rabies transmitted by dogs
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
AAP's Red Book Alert article summarizes what's new with influenza
Education and Training
Pharmacists and physicians: Watch the film "Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic" and get free continuing education credit
HPV education program available with free continuing education credit for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists
Conferences and Meetings
Early bird registration open for the National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships; meeting scheduled for May 25–27 in Indianapolis

Issue 1224: January 13, 2016

IAC Express: Issue 1224
January 13, 2016
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If an egg-free influenza vaccine (FluBlok, Protein Sciences) was given inadvertently…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! December issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
CDC requests nominations for its Childhood Immunization Champion Awards
IAC teams up with Med-IQ to offer two free CME courses on adult immunization
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in California (January 19–23, 2016)
CDC reports on percentage of adolescents who didn't receive a well-child checkup in the past 12 months
IAC Spotlight! Visit the "Clinic Resources" web section to find a wide variety of practical resources for vaccine providers
IAC Handouts
IAC reformats the Spanish translations of its screening questionnaires for hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination
Minor correction made to Spanish-language version of "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination"
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Pediatrics publishes article on characteristics of physicians who dismiss families for refusing vaccines
Study investigates physicians' perspectives on HPV vaccination
Fourth edition of WHO's Vaccine Safety Net quarterly newsletter is now online
Conferences and Meetings
Archived video broadcast of the October 2015 ACIP meeting now available; ACIP will meet next on February 24–25

Issue 1223: January 12, 2016

Influenza Vaccine
Q: Which influenza vaccines are available for this influenza season?
Q: Which influenza vaccines can we give to children?
Q: Is it acceptable to administer a dose of the quadrivalent influenza vaccine to a patient who has already received the trivalent vaccine?
Q: How late in the season can I vaccinate my patients with influenza vaccine?
Q: If an unvaccinated patient who has just recovered from a diagnosed case of influenza comes into our clinic, should we vaccinate this patient?
Q: Can LAIV be given to a child with asthma?
Q: When a child needs 2 doses of influenza vaccine, can I give 1 dose of each type (injectable and live attenuated)?
Q: A 5-year-old child received her second MMR a week ago. How long should she wait before receiving LAIV?
Q: A study published in 2014 found that the injectable vaccine Fluzone High-Dose (Sanofi) protects people 65 years and older better than standard-dose Fluzone. Does ACIP preferentially recommend use of Fluzone High-Dose for all people age 65 years and older?
Q: May I give Fluzone High-Dose to patients younger than age 65 years?
Q: Sometimes patients age 65 years and older who have received the standard-dose influenza vaccine hear about Fluzone High-Dose and want to receive that, too. Is this okay to administer?
Q: Would giving an older patient 2 doses of standard-dose influenza vaccine be the same as administering the high-dose product?
Q: Is LAIV contraindicated for adults with asthma?
Q: What is the preferred anatomic site for administration of inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV)?
Q: We offer healthcare professionals live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) but question whether newborn intensive care unit (NICU) staff can receive this vaccine without compromising neonates.
Q: Should staff at drive-through influenza vaccination clinics encourage drivers to park and wait for 15 minutes after vaccination to make sure they don't have a vaccination reaction or syncopal (fainting) episode?
Q: We inadvertently administered a 0.5 mL dose of FluLaval (GlaxoSmithKline) to a 2-year-old 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?
Q: Some of our patients believe that they have had reactions to influenza vaccine in the past, and request the dose to be split into 2 doses administered on different days. Is this an acceptable practice?
Q: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar, Pfizer) package insert says that in adults, antibody responses to PCV13 were diminished when given with inactivated influenza vaccine. Does this mean we should not give PCV13 and influenza vaccine at the same visit?
Q: Do statin medications (taken to lower blood lipid levels) affect the efficacy of influenza vaccine?
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Q: Do patients who were vaccinated with 1 or 2 doses of PPSV23 before age 65 need an additional dose of PPSV23 at age 65?
Q: Should a healthy 75-year-old patient who was given PPSV23 at age 65 years be revaccinated?
Q: Can we administer PCV13 and PPSV23 to a person 65 years of age or older at the same visit? If not, what is the recommended interval between doses?
Q: Rather than giving PCV13 first and waiting 8 weeks to give PPSV23 as recommended for an immunocompromised child (2 years or older) or adult patient, we inadvertently gave both vaccines at the same visit. We are looking for guidance.
Q: What is the recommended interval between doses for adult patients who have already received 1 dose of PPSV23 and now need PCV13?
Q: If patients who are in a recommended risk group for PPSV23 or PCV13 aren't sure if they have previously received these vaccines, should health care providers vaccinate them?
Q: If influenza vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers to protect high-risk patients from getting influenza, why aren't pneumococcal vaccines also recommended?

Issue 1222: January 6, 2016

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a patient received Trumenba (MenB; Pfizer) two months ago and Bexsero…read more
Top Stories
Reminder: December issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in California (January 19–23, 2016)
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Avoid vaccine administration and storage and handling errors such as those documented in the December MMWR
Study underscores value of child getting two doses of influenza vaccine the first season they are vaccinated
HHS shares report from September technical consultation about eliminating perinatal hepatitis B transmission in the United States
HHS requests information from stakeholders for report on viral hepatitis; deadline for submissions is February 8
IAC Spotlight! Find the latest additions to immunize.org by going to "What's New"
Official Releases and Announcements
Limited number of single dose vials of yellow fever vaccine now available from Sanofi
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals in vaccinating
The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
December issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
CDC posts a new training video on the 2015–2016 influenza recommendations; continuing education credit available
CDC Public Health Grand Rounds to present session about public health decision-making on January 19

Issue 1221: December 23, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A dose of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, Flumist) was inadvertently given…read more
Top Stories
Happy holidays from all of us at IAC!
New! December issue of Vaccinate Adults available online
Reminder! December issue of Needle Tips available online
CDC reports on injection safety and vaccine administration errors at an employee influenza vaccination clinic
FDA expands Gardasil 9 licensure to include males age 16–26 years
FDA approves new injectable influenza vaccine, Fluad, for use in people age 65 years and older
IAC’s "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in California (January 19–23, 2016)
Every Child By Two expands mission to include timely vaccination of people of all ages
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Armenian, Hmong, Korean, and Tagalog translations of the pediatric multi-vaccine VIS
IAC posts Amharic and Tigrigna translations of the 2015–16 inactivated influenza VIS
IAC posts Marshallese translation of the hepatitis B VIS
World News
Gavi approves an additional $220 million to fight measles and rubella
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Education and Training
NFID to offer webinar on healthcare personnel vaccination on January 13
Register for CDC's #PreteenVaxScene webinar miniseries in January
Webinar on tracking, scheduling, and recommending HPV vaccine to take place on January 21

Issue 1220: December 16, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We are having difficulty getting meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine…read more
Top Stories
New! December issue of Needle Tips available online
IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in California (January 19–23, 2016)
CDC releases new estimates on influenza vaccination coverage
CDC releases information for clinicians about current Pentacel shortage
Seasonal Health campaign supplement of December 11 issue of USA Today features articles from IAC, Families Fighting Flu, and NFID
IAC enrolls five more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
IAC Spotlight! Three healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Join Voices for Vaccines on January 7 for a conference call featuring Dr. Nathan Boonstra discussing HPV vaccination
Applications for the Gerontological Society of America's 2016 ICAMP Academies now open; first session to be held February 15–16 in Los Angeles
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "First Do No Harm: Mandatory Influenza Vaccination Policies for Healthcare Personnel Help Protect Patients"
World News
WHO publishes summary of October meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on influenza activity in the United States from October 4 to November 28, 2015
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on Tdap/Td; free CE credit available
Conferences and Meetings
2016 California Immunization Coalition Summit to be held April 24–25; abstracts due by January 13
International Rotavirus Symposium to be held September 7–9 in Melbourne; abstract deadline is April 1

Issue 1218: December 9, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: There is a debate within my clinical department about not allowing…read more
Top Stories
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week! Make sure your patients age 6 months and older are protected now and into 2016
Federal and military employees: Help IAC by using agency code 10612 when you make your Combined Federal Campaign contribution before December 15
IAC’s "Take a Stand™" workshops proving highly successful around the country: Register NOW for the next sessions in California (January 19–23, 2016)
CDC updates its Vaccine Conversations with Parents website
Vaccine Education Center updates its fact sheets for parents and patients on HPV and meningococcal vaccines
WHO's Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations reports on the international spread of polio
IAC Spotlight! Read Technically Speaking columns by IAC's Dr. Deborah Wexler for practical vaccination information
IAC Handouts
IAC releases new one-page guidance sheet for healthcare professionals: "Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor for Serogroup B Protection"
IAC develops new standing orders template titled "Standing Orders for Administering Meningococcal B Vaccine to Adolescents and Adults"
IAC updates and redesigns "How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections"
IAC releases updated Spanish translation of "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination"
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts nine translations of the PCV13 and pediatric multi-vaccine VISs
Official Releases and Announcements
CDC publishes medical guidelines for use during a mass casualty incident due to anthrax
Featured Resources
CDC releases the 13th edition of "The Pink Book" in e-book format
AAP's Red Book now available in Spanish in print and online
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Journal Articles and Newsletters
November issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
CDC offers new Medscape Expert Commentary on influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel
National Area Health Education Center Organization to present webinar on December 9 about using social media to reach healthcare professionals with HPV vaccination information
Conferences and Meetings
Presentation slides from October ACIP meeting are now available

Issue 1217: December 2, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We see many patients with multiple co-morbidities…read more
Top Stories
National Influenza Vaccination Week begins on December 6. It’s time to vaccinate before the holidays arrive!
IAC Spotlight! Calendar of Events highlights conferences, workshops, and other immunization-related events around the nation
Reminder: Abstract deadline for the 12th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships is December 11
World News
WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization releases recommendations on polio and measles vaccination
WHO publishes review of the 2015 influenza season in the southern hemisphere
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Medical Assistants Resources and Training on Immunization (MARTi) releases newsletter on influenza
Study looks into the immunization knowledge, beliefs, intentions, and behaviors of women expecting their first child
Study highlights missed opportunities for HPV vaccination

Issue 1216: November 25, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: It has just come to my attention that the plumbers working for our plumbing contractor…read more
Top Stories
Reminder: November issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
Reminder: National Influenza Vaccination Week is scheduled for December 6–12
IAC Spotlight! Easy-to-read vaccine fact sheets are available for patients and parents
Reminder: Call-to-action letter from national organizations emphasizes the importance of second dose of MCV4 vaccine
Invite your friends to join Voices for Vaccines!
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations for Children and Adults by Age and/or Risk Factor" and "Pneumococcal Vaccines: CDC Answers Your Questions"
IAC updates its standing orders templates for pneumococcal and zoster vaccination of adults
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"
IAC posts updated Batman and Robin poster that promotes its two main websites: immunize.org and vaccineinformation.org
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Arabic translations of the 2015–16 influenza VISs
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward polio eradication in Pakistan in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
ACOG provides resources on its Immunization for Women website, including influenza season updates
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health care professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Nominations and Awards
Nomination period open for the Association of Immunization Manager's Bull’s-Eye Award
Education and Training
NFID to offer two webinars on influenza vaccination in December

Issue 1215: November 18, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Do you have any information on the use of aborted fetal cells in vaccine development?…read more
Top Stories
Reminder: November issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online
CDC releases final versions of PCV13 and pediatric multi-vaccine Vaccine Information Statements
Register for IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops in 2016 to learn all about standing orders for adult vaccination
Reminder: Call-to-action letter from national organizations emphasizes the importance of second dose of MCV4 vaccine
CDC reports on cases of meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men
IAC Spotlight! Five health care organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory health care worker vaccination
IAC enrolls five more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; five previously honored institutions qualify for a second year
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size"
IAC revises "How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections to Adults"
IAC revises "How to Administer Intradermal, Intranasal, and Oral Vaccinations"
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Haitian Creole translations of the 2015–16 influenza VISs
IAC posts corrected Portuguese translation of the DTaP VIS
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization requests nominations for new members
World News
CDC and WHO report on global routine vaccination coverage in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
CDC and WHO report on worldwide measles elimination
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and PATH report on HPV vaccine delivery in 37 low- and middle-income countries
Featured Resources
The One & Only campaign offers resources to raise awareness about safe injection practices
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health care professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Education and Training
Listen to any of the archived sessions of CDC's webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics
Conferences and Meetings
First Institute of Medicine committee meeting on eliminating hepatitis B and C from the United States to be held November 30–December 1; meeting will include open sessions

Issue 1214: November 12, 2015

Meningococcal Vaccine
Q: What meningococcal vaccines are currently available in the United States?
Q: Where can I find the most current meningococcal vaccine recommendations?
Q: Who is recommended to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease?
Q: ACIP now designates a vaccine recommendation as either Category “A” or “B.” My interpretation is that an A recommendation means the vaccine is routinely recommended for all people in an age or risk group, and a B recommendation is for use at the clinician’s discretion. Does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) require health plans (non-grandfathered) to provide benefit coverage on Category B recommended vaccines?
Q: Should college students be vaccinated against meningococcal disease?
Q: What is the schedule for MCV4 vaccine?
Q: What is the schedule for MenB vaccine?
Q: Which previously vaccinated college students need a booster dose of MCV4?
Q: Can you provide a comprehensive overview of the MCV4 recommendations, including those for vaccinating younger children and older adults who have risk factors?
Q: I have a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria who is being treated with Soliris (eculizumab). Should he receive meningococcal vaccine?
Q: Are people who are HIV positive in a risk group for meningococcal disease?
Q: Should all adolescents receive a routine booster dose of MCV4?
Q: Why does ACIP recommend a routine booster dose of MCV4 for adolescents age 16 years and older?
Q: If someone received MPSV4 or MCV4 at age 9 years, will two additional doses of MCV4 be needed?
Q: Which groups should receive a booster dose of MenB vaccine?
Q: By what route should meningococcal vaccines be administered?
Q: Can MCV4 and MenB vaccines be given at the same visit?
Q: I understand that a prior history of Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS) is no longer a precaution for giving meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Please tell me more about this.
HPV Vaccine
Q: If a vaccination series was started with HPV2 or HPV4, can it be completed with HPV9? If the answer is yes, what are the spacing intervals that should be used for the remaining doses in the 3-dose series?
Q: Are additional HPV9 doses recommended for a person who started a series with HPV2 or HPV4 and completed the series with one or two doses of HPV9?

Issue 1213: November 11, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Multiple children were vaccinated with DTaP vaccine in the last month…read more
Top Stories
Leading professional societies, CDC, and IAC unite to release national call-to-action emphasizing the importance of second dose of MCV4 vaccine
New! November issue of Vaccinate Adults available online
Reminder! November issue of Needle Tips available online
Reminder! Register today for IAC’s "Take a Stand™" workshops; next up: Nashville, TN (Nov. 18) and Little Rock, AR (Nov. 19)
Vaccine Education Center plans Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on November 18
IAC Spotlight: "Unprotected People Reports" provide compelling real-life accounts of people who have suffered or died from vaccine-preventable diseases
Join the Voices for Vaccines' November 19 call on a study about the types of non-vaccinators
CDC launches #VaxWithMe selfie photo campaign to promote influenza vaccination
IAC Handouts
IAC posts its updated Batman and Robin coloring page
Vaccine Information Statements
Bengali, Hindi, Polish, Urdu, and Yiddish translations of the 2015–16 influenza VISs are now available
IAC posts Portuguese translations of the VISs for influenza and meningococcal serogroup B vaccines
IAC posts Indonesian translations of the inactivated influenza vaccine and Tdap VISs
Official Releases and Announcements
November 12 is World Pneumonia Day; CDC releases related announcement
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health care professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Education and Training
Listen to any of the archived sessions of CDC's webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics; opportunity to earn continuing education credit ends 30 days after posting
Conferences and Meetings
June 2015 ACIP meeting minutes are now available; ACIP will meet next on February 24–25

Issue 1212: November 4, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 16-year-old female came to us prior to having an elective splenectomy…read more
Top Stories
New! November issue of Needle Tips available online
Reminder! Register today for IAC’s "Take a Stand™” workshops; next up: Portsmouth, VA (Nov. 10); Nashville, TN (Nov. 18); and Little Rock, AR (Nov. 19)
AAP reaffirms its support for policies that support mandatory influenza vaccination of health care personnel
CDC updates its set of meningococcal vaccine Q&As for health care professionals, as well as its set for parents
IAC collaborates with Med-IQ to offer two new continuing education opportunities
CDC reports on HPV vaccination coverage among female adolescents in managed care plans
IAC Spotlight: Check out the Vaccine-Related Journal Articles section on immunize.org
Reminder: Abstract deadline for the 12th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships is December 11
IAC Handouts
IAC corrects word omission in "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination"
Official Releases and Announcements
November is American Diabetes Month; make sure your patients with diabetes are up to date with all recommended vaccines
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health care professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Journal Articles and Newsletters
October issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
New issue of Breakthroughs in Bioscience titled "Vaccines: Essential Weapons in the Fight Against Disease"
Education and Training
Listen to any of the archived sessions of CDC's webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics; opportunity to earn continuing education credit ends 30 days after posting
NFID to offer webinar on addressing antimicrobial resistance through vaccines on November 18
Conferences and Meetings
2016 Annual Conference on Vaccine Research to be held April 18–20 in Baltimore; abstract submission ends December 1

Issue 1211: October 27, 2015

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Why is human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Cervarix, GSK; Gardasil and Gardasil 9, Merck…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! Register today for IAC's "Take a Stand™" workshops; next up: Portsmouth, VA (Nov. 10); Nashville, TN (Nov. 18); and Little Rock, AR (Nov. 19)
IAC provides summary article about votes taken at October 21 ACIP meeting
CDC publishes ACIP recommendations for the use of serogroup B meningococcal vaccines in adolescents and young adults
Editors' note: Beginning in November, IAC Express will be published every Wednesday
CDC releases combined summary of notifiable infectious, noninfectious diseases; all nationally notifiable conditions are now in the same MMWR volume
IAC Spotlight! Three health care organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory health care worker vaccination
Don't forget the Summit Awards in your immunization programmatic planning this fall!
Dr. Paul Offit inducted into two prestigious societies: The American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
HealthMap Vaccine Finder needs your help
Save the date! CDC's 47th National Immunization Conference planned for September 13–15, 2016
IAC Handouts
IAC updates two easy-to-read vaccine summaries about meningococcal disease and vaccines: one handout for parents and the other for teen and adult patients
Vaccine Information Statements
Translations of Serogroup Meningococcal B VIS are now available in Hmong, Korean, and Tagalog
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health care professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC Vaccine Datalink study: Tdap vaccination during pregnancy following other recent tetanus-containing vaccines is safe
CDC and WHO report on progress toward polio eradication in Afghanistan in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
MMWR Announcement: World Polio Day is October 24
Education and Training
Listen to any of the archived sessions of CDC's webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics; opportunity to earn continuing education credit ends 30 days after posting
Reminder: Within Reach and Washington State Department of Health offer free online continuing education course about HPV vaccination

Issue 1210: October 20, 2015

IAC Express Issue 1210
October 20, 2015
Ask the Experts–Question of the Week: My state has an immunization recommendation for school and child care employees…read more
Top Stories
Familiar with immunize.org and its materials? Join IAC as a website content manager!
Join the IAC Web Team!
Reminder! Register today for IACs "Take a Stand™" workshops; next up: Chicago on Friday, October 23
American Academy of Family Physicians adopts new policy that supports ending non-medical vaccination exemptions
California governor signs bill into law that will require day care workers to be immunized against pertussis, measles, and influenza and joins Rhode Island in having such requirements
HHS shares information from technical consultation about eliminating perinatal hepatitis B transmission in the United States
IAC Spotlight! Check out the recently updated "Ask the Experts" archive of online Q&As for meningococcal vaccines
IAC enrolls one new birthing institution into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts five new translations of the 2015–16 VIS for live, attenuated influenza vaccine
Spanish translations of the influenza and meningococcal serogroup B vaccine VISs are now available in rich text format (RTF)
Official Releases and Announcements
World Pneumonia Day to be held on November 12
Featured Resources
Vaccine Education Center's Parents PACK offers resources and support; try its "Just the Vax" trivia quiz
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health care professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study shows influenza vaccination reduces hospitalizations for pneumonia
CDC reports on HPV vaccination coverage among girls in a demonstration project in Botswana
WHO publishes article on development of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness
CDC reports on Ebola screening, monitoring, and movement policy statements from U.S. states and territories
Education and Training
Register now for the CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics or listen to any archived sessions soon; opportunity to earn continuing education credit ends 30 days after posting
CDC NetConference scheduled for October 28; topics will be vaccination in adults with altered immunocompetence and intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines

Issue 1209: October 13, 2015

IAC Express Issue 1209
October 13, 2015
Ask the Experts–Question of the Week: If a child only received a half dose of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, FluMist…read more
Top Stories
Familiar with immunize.org and its materials? Join IAC as a website content manager!
Join the IAC Web Team!
CDC updates recommendation for timing of postvaccination serologic testing of infants born to HBsAg-positive women
Reminder! Register today for IAC’s "Take a Stand™" Workshops; next up: Chicago on October 23
CDC study finds anaphylactic reactions rare after immunization
Vaccine Facts and Policy website updated with new information
IAC Spotlight! Four health care organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory health care worker vaccination
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Guide for Determining the Number of Doses of Influenza Vaccine to Give to Children Age 6 Months Through 8 Years During the 2015–2016 Influenza Season." CDC simplifies its guidance.
IAC updates "Influenza Vaccination of People with a History of Egg Allergy"
IAC updates its standing orders templates for administering hepatitis B, Td/Tdap, and zoster vaccines to adults
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO announces recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2016 southern hemisphere influenza season
Featured Resources
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help health care professionals in vaccinating
IAC makes available The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on measles in a person with presumed immunity in California
CDC publishes report of the establishment of an Ebola treatment unit and laboratory in Sierra Leone
Education and Training
Register now for the CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics or listen to any archived sessions soon; opportunity to earn continuing education credit ends 30 days after posting
NFID to offer webinar on the role of rapid diagnostic testing in influenza treatment on October 28
Conferences and Meetings
Final agenda for October 21 ACIP meeting available; you can listen to the meeting if you are unable to attend

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