| Issue 1011: August 28, 2012 TOP STORIES
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS TOP STORIES New: August 2012 issue of Vaccinate Adults is now online The August 2012 issue of Vaccinate Adults is now online.  This issue presents an array of materials that healthcare professionals can rely on to vaccinate adults. Readers will find several updated pieces on adult vaccination. The issue also includes the "Ask the Experts" column from CDC medical epidemiologist Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH; nurse educator Donna L. Weaver, RN, MN; and medical officer Iyabode Akinsanya-Beysolow, MD, MPH. Note: Vaccinate Adults is an abbreviated version of Needle Tips with the pediatric content removed.
Reminder: August 2012 issue of Needle Tips available online The August 2012 issue of Needle Tips is now online. 
CDC updates influenza H3N2v case count; recommends those at high risk for influenza complications avoid swine barns and contact with pigs On August 24, CDC posted H3N2v Update: New Cases Reported, Limited Person-to-Person Transmission Detected. The first paragraph is reprinted below. Today, 52 additional cases of H3N2v are being reported, bringing the total number of such infections since July 2012 in the United States to 276 across 10 states. Investigations into H3N2v cases indicate that the main risk factor for infection is exposure to pigs, mostly in fair settings; however, CDC also is reporting three instances of likely human-to-human spread of this virus during the current outbreaks. Found in pigs in 2010 and first detected in humans in July 2011, this H3N2 variant virus appears to be more transmissible from pigs to people than other variant viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with states to respond to this evolving situation and continues to monitor the situation closely. Also on August 24, CDC posted the PDF and web versions of "Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between People and Pigs at Fairs." It contains the following information for people who are at high risk for developing serious complications to influenza virus infection. CDC Recommendations For People with High Risk Factors:
CDC publishes report on vaccination coverage among kindergartners during 2011–12 school year CDC published Vaccination Coverage Among Children in Kindergarten—United States, 2011–12 School Year in the August 24 issue of MMWR (pages 647–652). A press summary of the article is reprinted below. Nationally, most kindergarteners are up-to-date on their vaccines. This report includes assessments from 47 states and the District of Columbia and highlights vaccination coverage among kindergarten children from the 2011–2012 school year. Statewide levels of vaccination coverage are at or very near Healthy People 2020 targets. Median vaccination coverage for three vaccines (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis; poliovirus; and hepatitis B) met the Healthy People 2020 target of 95 percent coverage or higher. However, median coverage for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and varicella vaccine were below 95 percent, the Healthy People 2020 goal. Exemptions levels were low overall. Although statewide levels of vaccination coverage are at or very near target levels, clusters of unvaccinated children or locally low vaccination coverage for extremely transmissible diseases like measles remains a potential threat. CDC urges parents to give their children the best protection from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles by ensuring that their children are vaccinated according to the recommended immunization schedule before starting school this fall. Back to top Spotlight on immunize.org: Visit "What's New at IAC" Looking for just-released handouts for staff and patients and for new VISs and their translations from IAC? Look no further. The "What's New at IAC" web section offers visitors a chronological list of new and revised materials. To help users find selected materials of interest, the entries in "What's New at IAC" are also organized into three subcategories:
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS "Leading by Example" initiative calls on healthcare, business, and community leaders to commit to influenza vaccination Through its Leading by Example initiative, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is calling on healthcare professionals and business and community leaders to “lead by example” and get vaccinated annually to help prevent influenza in our communities. NFID issued an influenza prevention commitment statement calling on these leaders, as well as individuals, to do their part to make influenza prevention a health priority for all. Organizations and public figures can show their support for influenza prevention by adding their name to the commitment statement by September 10. Supporters of this program will be included in press materials at NFID’s Influenza-Pneumococcal News Conference on September 27 and in the list of supporters on its website. To learn more about the initiative or to add your organization to the list of supporters, click on the first link above or email Lindsay Paul. Back to top "Flu + You" campaign plans regional events to encourage older adults to get their annual influenza vaccination As part of its "Flu + You" campaign, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) issued a press release on August 21 that focuses on the seriousness of influenza for adults age 65 and older. The release provides extensive information about the health consequences that complications from influenza pose for seniors and urges seniors to get vaccinated early with either trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) or high-dose TIV. The information in the release is based on interviews with Richard Birkel, PhD, MPA, acting senior vice-president, Center for Healthy Aging, NCOA, and director, Self-Management Alliance, NCOA; Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, associate director of adult immunizations, CDC; and Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH, assistant secretary for health, HHS. As part of the "Flu + You" campaign, Dr. Bridges and Dr. Birkel will be participating in interviews with media across the nation to help educate older adults, their caregivers, and family members about the serious threat of influenza and the importance of vaccination. NCOA also plans to participate in regional events in Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania to launch the "Flu + You" campaign and conduct influenza vaccination clinics. Since June 26, when IAC Express last published an article about the "Flu + You" campaign, NCOA has added a multimedia newsroom to the "Flu + You" web section. It houses a video presentation by Dr. Bridges and Dr. Birkel, a radio public service announcement, and print materials. A nonprofit service and advocacy organization, NCOA is a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. Back to top EDUCATION AND TRAINING Reminder: Vaccine Education Center plans September 12 webinar on current vaccine issues The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will present a free one-hour webinar, beginning at noon (ET) on September 12. "Current Issues in Vaccines—Fall 2012" will feature VEC director Paul Offit, MD, discussing the following topics:
Back to top CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS Texas Immunization Summit and Fall Fete scheduled for September 27–28 in Houston The Immunization Partnership has scheduled the Texas Immunization Summit 2012 for September 27–28 in Houston. Keynote speakers for the summit include Anne Schuchat, MD, director, NCIRD. The money-saving early registration deadline is September 7. The deadline for full-price registration is September 21, 5 p.m. CT. Comprehensive summit information is available, as is an online registration form The Fall Fete, which is a separate evening event featuring Seth Mnookin, author, The Panic Virus: A True Story of Medicine, Science, and Fear, is scheduled for September 27. A book signing will follow Mr. Mnookin's presentation. The Fall Fete requires separate online registration With a focus on the Houston (TX) area, The Immunization Partnership works to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases by developing and coordinating community resources through public and private partnerships. The organization has three focus areas: support of immunization information systems, advocacy, and education. Back to top  |
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IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. 1NH23IP922654 from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
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ISSN 2771-8085
IZ Express Disclaimer
ISSN 2771-8085
Editorial Information
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Editor-in-ChiefKelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
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Managing EditorJohn D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
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Associate EditorSharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
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Writer/Publication CoordinatorTaryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA -
Style and Copy EditorMarian Deegan, JD
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Web Edition ManagersArkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes -
Contributing WriterLaurel H. Wood, MPA
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Technical ReviewerKayla Ohlde