| Issue #1113: April 8, 2014 TOP STORIES
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEATURED RESOURCES
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
TOP STORIES Reminder: March issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online The March 2014 issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online. Vaccinate Adults is an abbreviated version of Needle Tips with the pediatric content removed. Click on the images below to download the entire March issues (PDF) of Needle Tips and/or Vaccinate Adults.   Needle Tips
Back to top More cases of measles identified in New York City; 25 cases confirmed since February 5 As of April 1, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has identified 25 cases of measles in 13 adults and 12 infants/children. Since last reported on March 7 by the health department, the number of confirmed measles cases has increased from 16 to 25. Transmission remains centered in Northern Manhattan but also includes a recent cluster of 3 cases residing in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. New York City residents are urged to make sure all household members, including young children, are vaccinated. To date, there have been six hospitalizations as a result of this outbreak. Related Links
Health advisory issued by California Department of Health: 49 measles cases in 2014 On April 2, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health advisory titled Measles Update: 49 Measles Cases in the State of California in 2014. CDPH asks that healthcare professionals look for signs of measles, a highly contagious disease.
An excerpt from the advisory is reprinted below.
Measles activity continues to be high in California this year. As of March 27, 2014, 49 confirmed measles cases with onset in 2014 had been reported to California Department of Public Health. In 2013, four measles cases had been reported by this date. Among the 2014 cases, 11 patients had traveled outside of North and South America with travel to the Philippines (n=8), India (n=2), or Vietnam (n=1). Of the patients without international travel, 30 had contact with known measles cases, 3 had contact with international travelers and 5 are under investigation to identify potential sources. Measles cases have occurred in both Northern and Southern California; however, the majority of cases are in Southern California (40/49). Several large contact investigations are ongoing. Cases range in age from 5 months to 60 years. Of the 29 measles cases for whom vaccination records are available: 22 were unvaccinated (16 were intentionally unvaccinated, 3 were too young to be vaccinated, 3 were not vaccinated for unknown reasons), and seven had received appropriate vaccination. Immunization data collection is ongoing and vaccination status is preliminary. Transmission has occurred in the following settings: households, urgent care clinics, physician offices, hospitals, churches, and schools. There are 10 independent measles transmission chains. Four originated from imported cases (Philippines, n=4), two from cases who had contact with international travelers and four from cases with unknown source. A large measles outbreak is ongoing in the Philippines with over 15,000 cases in 2014, but measles is also circulating in many other countries outside of North and South America.... Related Links
Mumps in Ohio: more than 150 cases reported, with the majority of cases linked to the outbreak at Ohio State University In Ohio, the Columbus Public Health (CPH) and Franklin County Public Health continue to investigate a growing number of mumps cases in their area, and are encouraging individuals at highest risk of mumps to get vaccinated. As of April 7, 153 mumps cases have been reported in Franklin and Delaware counties and 100 cases have been linked to The Ohio State University outbreak. Related Links
Read Dr. Peter Hotez's blog post "Thoughts on World Autism Awareness Day" World Autism Awareness Day is held on April 2. Please take a minute to read this thoughtful and timely post about the causes of autism titled Thoughts on World Autism Awareness Day, which was written by Peter Jay Hotez, MD, PhD, founding dean, National School of Tropical Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair in Tropical Pediatrics. As a vaccine-development scientist and father, Hotez is often asked to provide public comment about the autism spectrum conditions. The first three paragraphs of his post are reprinted below. Today is the seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day, a day when organizations committed to autism research, advocacy, or policy promote awareness through events and public discussions. As both a scientist and a father of four—one of whom is an adult child with autism (as well as other mental and physical disabilities) and a second who is actually doing her PhD on the developmental psychology of autism—I am often asked to speak or provide public comment about the autism spectrum conditions, especially their causes. Indeed, the fact that I lead a multidisciplinary team that develops neglected disease vaccines while also serving as President of the non-profit Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development often places me front and center in the dialogue about purported links between autism and vaccines....read more. Related Links
Newly available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2014 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2014 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today! IAC's laminated versions of the 2014 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2014 U.S. adult immunization schedule are covered with a tough, washable coating; they will stand up to a year's worth of use in every area of your healthcare setting where immunizations are given. The child and adolescent schedule has eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages) and is folded to measure 8.5" x 11". The adult immunization schedule has six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages) and is folded to measure 8.5" x 11".
  PRICING 1–4 copies: $7.50 each 5–19 copies: $5.50 each 20–99 copies: $4.50 each 100–499 copies: $4.00 each 500–999 copies: $3.50 each For quotes on customizing or placing orders for 1,000 copies or more, call (651) 647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org. You can access specific information on both schedules, view images of both, order online, or download an order form at the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules web page. Related Link Back to top IAC Spotlight! Reminder to use IAC’s new series of educational materials for patients and parents IAC wants to remind you that during the past year we have expanded our selection of patient-friendly schedules. Many of these handouts are available in other languages. Please review them to see if they might be of help to you in your work setting.
Related Links
New! CDC resources on implementing the "Standards for Adult Immunization Practice" CDC has developed resources to support healthcare professionals in implementing the NVAC's recently updated adult immunization practice standards. In addition to an overview of the new standards, there are a series of fact sheets on improving vaccine assessment, recommendation, administration, and referral. Each two-sided fact sheet (8.5" x 11") includes key information, tips, and resources relevant for all healthcare professionals—whether they provide vaccination services or not. These resources are available for free; download the fact sheets at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/AdultStandards CDC encourages wide distribution of these resources. NOTE: A fact sheet on documentation will be available in the coming weeks. CDC Fact Sheets
Something to Talk About: Voices for Vaccines' benefit event at the Mall of America on April 11; tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available To celebrate its success and gear up for the future, Voices for Vaccines (VFV) is holding a fundraising event, Something to Talk About: VFV Benefit Party and Silent Auction, on April 11 at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. Local band Verge will provide live entertainment and some luminaries in the world of vaccines are expected to join the fun. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. (CT); appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. Even if you are unable to attend the event, you can participate by sponsoring the event or buying some tickets! See www.voicesforvaccines.org/event for more information. Proceeds will support VFV's groundbreaking work to counter the vaccine misinformation that is putting children at risk of contracting preventable diseases. If you can't make the event but still want to help the cause, you can donate to Voices for Vaccines. Voices for Vaccines is a national organization of parents and others who are dedicated to raising the level of the voices of immunization supporters. VFV invites everyone who appreciates vaccines to join their organization. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues! Back to top OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issues new vaccination recommendations for men at risk of contracting meningitis On April 2, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a press release titled Public Health Issues New Vaccination Recommendations for Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) At-Risk for Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Four new cases of IMD among MSM reported in 2014. Portions of the press release are reprinted below. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) issued new recommendations today for vaccinating against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) after a recently identified increase in cases. Public Health has now confirmed a total of eight IMD cases in Los Angeles County in 2014. Of these eight cases, four cases were reported among men who have sex with men (MSM), including three men who were HIV-positive.... Based on consultation with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health is recommending the Meningococcal vaccine for both HIV-positive MSM (including men who may or may not identify as gay or bisexual) and MSM, regardless of HIV status, whose activities put them at higher risk. Back to top Updated federal action plan to combat viral hepatitis released The updated viral hepatitis action plan details more than 150 actions to be undertaken between 2014 and 2016 by 14 federal agencies or offices from across four federal departments. Those actions are organized around six priority areas. The updated viral hepatitis action plan underscores that its national goals cannot be achieved through federal action alone. Envisioning active involvement of and innovation by a broad mix of nonfederal stakeholders from various sectors, both public and private, the plan provides a framework and focus around which all key stakeholders can engage to strengthen the nation’s response to viral hepatitis and seeks to leverage opportunities to improve the coordination of viral hepatitis activities across all sectors. Related Links
Back to top CDC announcement: April is STD Awareness Month CDC published Announcement: STD Awareness Month — April 2014 in the April 4 issue of MMWR (page 296). The first paragraph of the announcement is reprinted below. April is STD Awareness Month, an annual event calling attention to the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. This month-long observance provides individuals, doctors, and community-based organizations the perfect opportunity to address ways to prevent some of nearly 20 million new cases of STDs that occur in the United States each year, costing the U.S. health-care system nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs and placing a significant human and economic burden on the nation.... Back to top FEATURED RESOURCES Society of Teachers of Family Medicine releases 2014 versions of "Shots Immunizations" mobile app and "Shots Online" for PCs All medical students, residents, physicians, and healthcare personnel, and anyone providing vaccines or vaccine information should have readily available and reliable information about all routine vaccines. Shots Online for PCs and Shots Immunizations mobile app for iPhone and Android devices, now released in 2014 versions by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM), serve this purpose exceptionally well. Shots Immunizations mobile app is a downloadable application (app) for iPhones and Android devices that was developed to serve as a point of care tool. It is available for the purchase price of $3.99 per download from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. Apple offers a 50% discount rate for educational use for purchasers of more than 20 applications. Funds garnered through sales are utilized to keep Shots Immunizations up to date with any vaccine information changes or with technological improvements. Shots Online is a free, personal computer-based program covering every aspect of the current CDC immunization schedules. It includes the unified 2014 CDC childhood and adolescent schedule, the catch-up schedule, the adult schedule, and the adult medical indications schedule. Each vaccine is covered in sections on the basics, special indications, catch up, side effects, contraindications, precautions, and contents with additional sections on epidemiologic information about each disease and a search engine. Shots Online has a proven history as a reliable and useful source of information about all routine vaccines. Please consider making a volume purchase for your institution for iPhone use. For more information, contact Judith Troy, Project Coordinator of the Group on Immunization Education of STFM at troyja@upmc.edu. Related Links Back to top Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia revises two of its Q&A fact sheets The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recently revised two of its Q&A fact sheets.
Influenza is serious; vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone, so please keep vaccinating your patients Vaccination remains the single most effective means of preventing influenza, and is recommended for everyone age six months and older. If you don't provide influenza vaccination in your clinic, please recommend vaccination to your patients and refer them to a clinic or pharmacy that provides vaccines or to the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to locate sites near their workplaces or homes that offer influenza vaccination services. Following is a list of resources related to influenza disease and vaccination for healthcare professionals and the public:
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS CDC publishes report on progress toward measles elimination in African region countries, 2011–2012 CDC published Progress Toward Measles Preelimination—African Region, 2011–2012 in the April 4 issue of MMWR (pages 285–291). A summary made available to the media is reprinted below. To achieve the measles elimination target in the African region by 2020, efforts must be intensified at the global and country levels to implement strategies quickly that close gaps in population immunity and increase routine vaccination services.The number of reported measles cases in the African region decreased during 2011–2012, declining from 194,364 in 2011 to 106,052 in 2012. By the end of 2012, the first dose of measles vaccine coverage in the region was 73 percent. Despite this progress, the region fell short of the 2012 measles preelimination goal set by the 46 countries of the World Health Organization African region. A new target was set for the region for 2020. To achieve measles elimination by then, resource mobilization efforts must be intensified at the global and country levels to implement effective strategies. Back to top CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS 2014 California Immunization Coalition Summit will be held in Sacramento, May 4–5 "Harnessing the Power of Community" is the theme of this year’s California Immunization Coalition (CIC) Summit. CIC invites all physicians, nurses, health communication specialists, and other healthcare providers to join the summit meeting in Sacramento, May 4–5, 2014. At the meeting, best practices will be shared from some of the people and projects that utilize community energy and resources to improve vaccination rates across the lifespan in California and beyond. The Coalition is pleased to welcome keynote speakers, Melinda Wharton, MD, MPH, acting director for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Samuel So, MD, director of the Stanford-based Asian Liver Center. Other presentations and workshops will focus on communicating about vaccine safety, disease surveillance, and immunization advocacy efforts in California. Access the Summit Agenda along with registration and hotel information Back to top Join your fellow vaccine advocates at the 11th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions, May 21–23 in Seattle The 11th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions will be held in Seattle on May 21–23. This conference is a unique opportunity to network with colleagues and learn up-to-date immunization and coalition-building skills. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
Registration is open for the 20th Annual Pennsylvania Immunization Conference on June 19 Registration is open for the 20th Annual Pennsylvania Immunization Conference “Planting the Seeds for Lifelong Health & Immunity." The conference will take place on June 19, 9:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m. (ET), in Wyomissing. The registration fee is $75. Each year the Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC) in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, and the Penn State College of Medicine sponsors a conference to bring immunization partners together to share information, discuss current issues, and recommend strategies to improve immunization rates in Pennsylvania. Related Links Back to top Abstract deadline extended to May 16 for the 11th International Rotavirus Symposium to be held September 3–5 in New Delhi The Scientific Organizing Committee for the 11th International Rotavirus Symposium is calling for posters relevant to rotavirus, rotavirus vaccines, and rotavirus vaccine introduction experience. A copy of each of the accepted poster abstracts will be included in the symposium program book, and some authors of accepted abstracts will be asked to present at the symposium. Please send abstracts to rotavirus@sabin.org by May 16, 2014. The symposium will be held September 3–5 in New Delhi, India. It will bring together interested stakeholders to provide an update on new data and relevant research that will inform public health agendas related to prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Registration information and conference agenda Back to top  |
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ISSN 2771-8085
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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