| Issue 1118: April 29, 2014 TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEATURED RESOURCES
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS EDUCATION AND TRAINING CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
TOP STORIES It's National Infant Immunization Week! CDC celebrates by naming Childhood Immunization Champion Award winners National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 26–May 3. In accordance with annual tradition, CDC has released the names of the 2014 Childhood Immunization Champion Award recipients. CDC published Announcements: National Infant Immunization Week in the April 25 issue of MMWR (page 364). The entire announcement is reprinted below. From April 26 through May 3, National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) will focus attention on the role immunization plays in protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases. This year marks the 20th anniversary of both NIIW and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines at no cost for children who might otherwise not be vaccinated because of their caregiver's inability to pay. NIIW and VFC were initially created in response to a measles epidemic in which thousands of persons became infected as a result of low vaccination coverage among children aged <2 years. Since 1994, hundreds of communities across the country have joined to promote NIIW. Although immunization coverage among children has increased, recent outbreaks of measles and mumps in the United States underscore the importance of maintaining high immunization rates. Throughout NIIW, local and state health departments, national immunization partners, and health-care professionals will conduct parent-focused events, clinician education activities, and other events to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and to call attention to immunization achievements. To support these efforts, a variety of promotional and educational materials are available from CDC on the NIIW website (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/index.html). NIIW is being observed simultaneously with World Immunization Week (April 24–30), an initiative of the World Health Organization to promote and advance equity in the use of vaccines. Additionally, the winners of the annual CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award, which recognizes local contributions to public health through work in childhood immunizations, will be announced. The CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award is an annual award given jointly by the CDC Foundation and CDC to recognize individuals who make a significant contribution toward improving public health through their work in childhood immunization. Each year, one CDC Immunization Champion from each of the 50 states, 8 U.S. territories and freely associated states, and the District of Columbia may be honored. The award winners are announced during NIIW. The award recipients for 2014 can be viewed at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/champions/profiles-2014.html. Related Links
Report shows 20-year U.S. immunization program spares millions of children from diseases CDC published Benefits from Immunization During the Vaccines for Children Program Era—United States, 1994–2013 in the April 25 issue of MMWR (pages 352–355). The first paragraph is reprinted below. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program was created by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 and first implemented in 1994. VFC was designed to ensure that eligible children do not contract vaccine-preventable diseases because of inability to pay for vaccine and was created in response to a measles resurgence in the United States that resulted in approximately 55,000 cases reported during 1989–1991. The resurgence was caused largely by widespread failure to vaccinate uninsured children at the recommended age of 12–15 months. To summarize the impact of the U.S. immunization program on the health of all children (both VFC-eligible and not VFC-eligible) who were born during the 20 years since VFC began, CDC used information on immunization coverage from the National Immunization Survey (NIS) and a previously published cost-benefit model to estimate illnesses, hospitalizations, and premature deaths prevented and costs saved by routine childhood vaccination during 1994–2013. Coverage for many childhood vaccine series was near or above 90% for much of the period. Modeling estimated that, among children born during 1994–2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes, at a net savings of $295 billion in direct costs and $1.38 trillion in total societal costs. With support from the VFC program, immunization has been a highly effective tool for improving the health of U.S. children. Related Links
CDC publishes report on measles in California in early 2014 CDC published Notes from the Field: Measles—California, January 1–April 18, 2014 in the April 25 issue of MMWR (pages 362–363). The first and last paragraphs and three selected sentences are reprinted below. Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that can lead to severe complications and death. Even patients who experience uncomplicated acute measles have a small risk for developing a devastating neurologic illness, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, years after their infection. Measles was documented as eliminated (defined as interruption of continuous transmission lasting ≥12 months) in the United States in 2000; however, importation of measles cases and limited local transmission continue to occur. During January 1–April 18, 2014, the California Department of Public Health received reports of 58 confirmed measles cases, the highest number reported for that period since 1995. Patients ranged in age from 5 months to 60 years. Three (5%) patients were aged <12 months, six (10%) were aged 1–4 years, 17 (29%) were aged 5–19 years, and 32 (55%) were aged ≥20 years. As of April 18, there had been 12 hospitalizations, and no deaths had been reported. During 2000–2013, the median annual number of measles cases reported in California was nine (range = four to 40). Among the 58 cases, 54 (93%) were classified as importation-associated, including 13 importations, 13 cases epidemiologically linked to importations, 18 with virologic evidence suggesting recent importation, and 10 linked to cases with virologic evidence of recent importation.... Most of the 58 patients were either unvaccinated (25 [43%]) or had no vaccination documentation available (18 [31%]). Of the 25 patients who were known to be unvaccinated, 19 (76%) had philosophical objections to vaccination, three (12%) were too young (aged ≤12 months) for routine vaccination, and three (12%) were unvaccinated for unknown reasons.... All U.S. residents born after 1956 should ensure that they have received MMR vaccine or have serologic evidence of measles immunity. Vaccine recommendations for travel outside of North or South America by those born after 1956 who do not have serologic evidence of immunity include the following: 1 dose of MMR vaccine for infants aged 6–11 months and 2 doses of MMR separated by at least 28 days for children aged ≥12 months and adults. Prompt identification of patients with suspected measles and implementation of appropriate infection control can reduce transmission in health-care settings. Back to top The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit announces 2014 Immunization Excellence Award winners On April 22, the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) announced the recipients of its 2014 Immunization Excellence Awards. There are five categories of recognition: overall influenza season activities, healthcare personnel campaign, “immunization neighborhood” champion, corporate campaign, and adult immunization champion. Nominees were evaluated based on impact, originality, challenges, opportunities, collaboration, coordination, and communication with partners and stakeholders. The awards will be presented on May 14 at the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit meeting in Atlanta. Here are the 2014 winners:
IAC Spotlight! IAC features more than 35 free parent handouts about infant immunization According to the CDC, one of the key messages of the National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) campaign is that healthcare professionals remain parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children. You play a critical role in supporting parents in understanding and choosing vaccinations. If you’re looking for helpful vaccination-related handouts for parents, look no further. IAC’s Parent Handouts web page features more than 35 educational pieces about immunization for the parents of infants. IAC’s popular handout for parents of infants, Immunizations for Babies, is up to date and available in 8 languages in addition to English: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Be sure to check out these new handouts for parents of infants too: Top 10 Reasons to Protect Your Child by Vaccinating, Cocooning Protects Babies, and Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years. To find all IAC's handouts for parents, visit the Parent Handouts web section. Related Links
IAC enrolls five more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is pleased to announce that five new institutions have been accepted into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll. The birthing institutions are listed below with their reported hepatitis B birth dose coverage rates in parentheses.
The Honor Roll is a key part of IAC’s major initiative urging the nation’s hospitals to Give birth to the end of Hep B. Hospitals and birthing centers are recognized for attaining high coverage rates for administering hepatitis B vaccine at birth and meeting specific additional criteria. The initiative urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply for the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll online. To be included in the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, a birthing institution must have: (1) reported a coverage rate of 90% or greater, over a 12-month period, for administering hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge to all newborns, including those whose parents refuse vaccination, and (2) implemented specific written policies, procedures, and protocols to protect all newborns from hepatitis B virus infection prior to hospital discharge. Honorees are also awarded an 8.5" x 11" color certificate suitable for framing and their acceptance is announced to IAC Express’s approximately 50,000 readers. Please visit the new Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll web page that lists these institutions and their exceptional efforts to protect infants from perinatal hepatitis B transmission. Related Links
IAC HANDOUTS IAC updates "Suggestions to Improve Your Immunization Services" IAC recently updated, reorganized, and reformatted its resource for immunization providers, Suggestions to Improve Your Immunization Services. This handout offers ideas that healthcare professionals and practices can use to improve their efficiency in administering vaccines and increase their immunization rates. The suggestions are grouped in the following eight categories:
Related Link IAC's Handouts for Patients & Staff web section offers healthcare professionals and the public more than 300 FREE handouts (including translations), which we encourage website users to print out, copy, and distribute widely. Back to top OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS American Immunization Registry Association releases white paper on pharmacies and registry reporting The American Immunization Registry Association has released a white paper that explores pharmacy reporting to immunization information systems (IIS). To read the paper, go to: Survey of Immunization Reporting to Immunization Information Systems by Major U.S. Pharmacies: A Summary of the Methods, Successes and Challenges of Pharmacy-IIS Interfaces. The American Immunization Registry Association's mission is to promote the development, implementation and interoperability of immunization information systems. Back to top FEATURED RESOURCES AAP highlights resources available for NIIW and beyond The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has highlighted the following resources as useful during National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), World Immunization Week (WIW), and beyond. For NIIW:
PKIDs launches "Your Choice!" immunization campaign targeted at older teens and young adults To celebrate World Immunization Week (April 24–30) Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases (PKIDs) launched a new immunization campaign. The Your Choice! campaign encourages older teens and young adults to take control of their own health, including choosing to protect themselves against infections like meningitis, influenza, and HPV by vaccination. PKIDs requests others to use social media to remind teens and young adults that they need immunizations to stay healthy. Visit the Your Choice! website for resources to share, including videos, print ads, handouts for patients and parents, and compelling stories of young people who have become seriously ill or died from vaccine-preventable illnesses. PKIDs' mission is to educate the public about infectious diseases, the methods of prevention and transmission, the latest advances in medicine, and the elimination of social stigma borne by the infected; and to assist the families of the children living with hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic, viral infectious diseases with emotional, financial, and informational support. Back to top 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 emailadmininfo@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 JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS CDC publishes article about tracking progress toward global polio eradication CDC published Surveillance Systems to Track Progress Toward Global Polio Eradication—Worldwide, 2012–2013 in the April 25 issue of MMWR (pages 356–361). A summary made available to the press is reprinted below. Polio cases are detected by searching for paralyzed children (acute flaccid paralysis [AFP] surveillance) and testing of stool specimens by the laboratories in a global network. The number of countries in Africa and the Middle East meeting national performance targets for disease detection and collection of adequate specimens declined from 27 (90 percent) in 2012 to 22 (73 percent) in 2013, primarily due to weakness in the African Region. Subnational areas of some countries meeting performance criteria still have severe weaknesses in surveillance. The laboratory network is meeting standards for rapid testing of specimens and identification of polioviruses. Intensive efforts are urgently needed to strengthen and maintain polio surveillance globally in countries of Africa, the Middle East and Asian subcontinent where there is current or recent active poliovirus transmission. Polio-free areas in all parts of the world also need to maintain strong polio surveillance. Back to top EDUCATION AND TRAINING Archived video broadcast of the February 2014 ACIP meeting now available ACIP recently posted the archived video broadcast footage from the ACIP meeting held on February 26–27. Presentation slides from this meeting are also available. Related Link Back to top CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS Immunize Nebraska conference scheduled for June 6 in Omaha The 11th annual Immunize Nebraska conference will be held on June 6 in Omaha. The conference is jointly sponsored by the Immunization Task Force Metro Omaha, Creighton University Health Sciences Continuing Education, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The conference will feature many great speakers, including Anne Schuchat, MD, director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Access conference brochure Back to top Reminder: National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions is less than a month away 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. Click on the links below for more information and don't forget to register soon if you are interested in attending. Related Links 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