Issue 1166: February 10, 2015
TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS
VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FEATURED RESOURCES
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS TOP STORIES Organizations attest to the importance of MMR vaccination From January 1 to January 30, 102 people from 14 states have been reported to have measles. Most of these cases are part of an ongoing outbreak linked to an initial exposure in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. The majority of the people who got measles were unvaccinated. A number of organizations have issued statements attesting to the importance of MMR vaccination, including the following:
AAP urges public officials to cite credible science when discussing measles On February 3, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement by its CEO/executive director, Errol R. Alden, MD, FAAP, titled American Academy of Pediatrics CEO Urges Public Officials to Cite Credible Science When Discussing Measles. The entire statement is reprinted below. A measles outbreak has grown to more than 100 people in 14 states. As public officials discuss the outbreak and the immunizations that could have prevented it, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges each of them to research the issue first, using credible, science-based sources of information. It is incumbent on public officials to speak from the facts when shaping public perception and policy. This is crucial when it comes to our children's health and safety. Getting the measles vaccine is much safer than getting the measles infection. Numerous peer-reviewed research articles have documented the safety record of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is one of the most effective vaccines we have available today. A vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing side effects, but usually these are mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site and a fever that lasts a day or two. The risk of the measles vaccine causing serious harm is extremely small—less than one in a million people who receive the vaccine will experience a severe reaction. In fact, these reactions are so rare it is hard to tell whether they are due to the vaccine. But we do know that of people who get measles, 1 or 2 in 1,000 will die. We encourage public officials to employ sound science in communicating about such an important topic. Our children's health is at stake. More information about MMR vaccine is available at http://www2.aap.org/immunization/ and www.HealthyChildren.org. Back to top CDC publishes details about the 2015 immunization schedules for children/teens and adults in the February 6 issue of MMWR CDC published Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years—United States, 2015 in the February 6 issue of MMWR (pages 93–94). This schedule was first published on CDC's website on January 26. CDC published Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older—United States, 2015 in the February 6 issue of MMWR (pages 91–92). This schedule was first published on CDC's website on February 3. For 2015, the figures, footnotes, and tables are being published on the CDC immunization schedule website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html. This provides readers electronic access to the most current version of the schedules and footnotes. Healthcare providers are advised to use figures, tables, and the combined footnotes together. Printable versions of the 2015 immunization schedules are also available at the website in several formats. Related Links
Check out The Summit Buzz for a quick guide to the latest information on adult and influenza immunizations Are you looking for the most current adult immunization information in a quick, easy-to-read format? How about a summary of the latest influenza news? If so, check out The Summit Buzz for information such as:
Be sure to add The Summit Buzz to your “must read” list. Related Links
IAC Spotlight! During this measles outbreak, a reminder to use IAC’s free educational materials for healthcare professionals and patients; many available in other languages Please refer to the following information and resources as we all work together to help stop the spread of measles during this multi-state outbreak. Resources about Measles for Healthcare Providers
Final reminder: February 13 is the deadline for National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit excellence award nominations The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) is now soliciting nominations for the 2015 NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards. The 2015 awards recognize individuals and organizations that made extraordinary contributions towards improving vaccination rates within their communities during 2014. The awards focus on individuals and organizations that exemplify the meaning of the “immunization neighborhood” (collaboration, coordination, and communication among immunization stakeholders dedicated to meeting the immunization needs of the patient and protecting the community from vaccine-preventable diseases). The "Adult Immunization Publication Award" has been added this year, making a total of six categories. Unless specifically indicated in the award description, the immunization activities should be broader than influenza activity. A National Winner and possibly an Honorable Mention recipient will be selected for each award category. Award Categories
Related Links
Back to top National Vaccine Program Office seeks public comment on a just-released draft of its National Adult Immunization Plan On February 6, HHS's National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO) announced the release of a draft of its National Adult Immunization Plan and is asking for written comments on the plan. The 46-page draft is now available on the NVPO website. NVPO asks for the participation of stakeholders and the public in the public comment process for the National Adult Immunization Plan by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. (ET) on March 9, 2015. NVPO thanks you for your participation in this process. Related Links
CDC publishes report on noninfluenza vaccination coverage among adults CDC published Vaccination Coverage Among Adults, Excluding Influenza Vaccination—United States, 2013 in the February 6 issue of MMWR (pages 95–102). The first paragraph is reprinted below. Vaccinations are recommended throughout life to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and their sequelae. Adult vaccination coverage, however, remains low for most routinely recommended vaccines and below Healthy People 2020 targets. In October 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved the adult immunization schedule for 2015. With the exception of influenza vaccination, which is recommended for all adults each year, other adult vaccinations are recommended for specific populations based on a person's age, health conditions, behavioral risk factors (e.g., injection drug use), occupation, travel, and other indications. To assess vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥19 years for selected vaccines, CDC analyzed data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report highlights results of that analysis for pneumococcal, tetanus toxoid-containing (tetanus and diphtheria vaccine [Td] or tetanus and diphtheria with acellular pertussis vaccine [Tdap]), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, herpes zoster (shingles), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines by selected characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, and vaccination indication). Influenza vaccination coverage estimates for the 2013–14 influenza season have been published separately. Compared with 2012, only modest increases occurred in Tdap vaccination among adults aged ≥19 years (a 2.9 percentage point increase to 17.2%), herpes zoster vaccination among adults aged ≥60 years (a 4.1 percentage point increase to 24.2%), and HPV vaccination among males aged 19–26 years (a 3.6 percentage point increase to 5.9%); coverage among adults in the United States for the other vaccines did not improve. Racial/ethnic disparities in coverage persisted for all six vaccines and widened for Tdap and herpes zoster vaccination. Increases in vaccination coverage are needed to reduce the occurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases among adults. Awareness of the need for vaccines for adults is low among the general population, and adult patients largely rely on health care provider recommendations for vaccination. The Community Preventive Services Task Force and the National Vaccine Advisory Committee have recommended that health care providers incorporate vaccination needs assessment, recommendation, and offer of vaccination into every clinical encounter with adult patients to improve vaccination rates and to narrow the widening racial/ethnic disparities in vaccination coverage. Related Links
IAC HANDOUTS IAC revises two of its most popular staff education materials, "Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization" and "Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization" IAC recently updated two of its most popular educational resources for healthcare professionals. Both the Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization and the Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization were revised based on updated ACIP recommendations. IAC's Handouts for Patients & Staff web section offers healthcare professionals and the public more than 250 FREE English-language handouts (many also available in translation), which we encourage website users to print out, copy, and distribute widely. Back to top IAC revises its staff education document titled "Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations" IAC recently updated Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations with changes to the hepatitis B, MMR, and varicella sections, as well as other minor edits. Related Link
VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS IAC posts Haitian Creole and Portuguese translations of the pediatric multi-vaccine VIS IAC recently posted Haitian Creole and Portuguese translations of the pediatric multi-vaccine VIS. IAC thanks the Massachusetts Immunization Program for the translations.
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS NFID publishes report on the impact of influenza vaccination requirements in day care facilities; offers related resources The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has published a report titled Flu Care in Day Care: The Impact of Vaccination Requirements. The "Overview" section is reprinted below. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, tens of thousands of young children in the United States are hospitalized each year for influenza (flu). To protect as many young children as possible, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York City have each implemented influenza vaccine requirements for children enrolled in licensed preschools, child care, or day care centers. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), in collaboration with the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM), brought together key professionals from all three jurisdictions to discuss the challenges and key lessons learned in the planning and implementation of the regulations. These professionals were joined by immunization stakeholders, including members of the Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition (CIIC). This report presents case studies from each jurisdiction along with an integrated set of lessons learned and key elements of successful programs to help others considering implementing similar regulations. Related Links
FEATURED RESOURCES NFID develops new resources to promote adult immunization, including a pneumococcal vaccination guide for providers The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has developed a number of new resources to promote adult immunization. The NFID Adult Vaccination Resources web section includes materials designed to help healthcare professionals educate adults about the importance of vaccination and implement strategies to improve adult vaccination rates. A separate Pneumococcal Vaccination Resources web section features materials to help educate healthcare professionals and community members about the importance of pneumococcal prevention. Of special interest to healthcare providers may be the handout titled Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination Guide for HCPs which can aid in determining which adults age 19 to 64 years need pneumococcal vaccination, including details on sequence and timing of doses of PCV13 and PPSV23 for both at-risk adults and all adults age 65 years and older. Back to top Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients According to CDC, U.S. influenza activity is high across most of the country with flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths elevated. Flu season will probably continue for several weeks. While the influenza vaccine may not work as well as usual against some H3N2 viruses, vaccination can still offer protection for some people, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and will protect against other influenza viruses. Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone age six months of age 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. Influenza antiviral drugs can treat influenza illness. CDC has issued guidance for clinicians on the use of antiviral treatment for the 2014–15 flu season. Early antiviral treatment works best. Following is a list of resources related to influenza disease and vaccination for healthcare professionals and the public:
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS CDC reports on outbreaks of Avian Influenza A among birds in the United States CDC published Outbreaks of Avian Influenza A (H5N2), (H5N8), and (H5N1) Among Birds—United States, December 2014–January 2015 in the February 6 issue of MMWR (page 111). The first paragraph is reprinted below. During December 15, 2014–January 16, 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture received 14 reports of birds infected with Asian-origin, highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) (H5N2), (H5N8), and (H5N1) viruses. These reports represent the first reported infections with these viruses in U.S. wild or domestic birds. Although these viruses are not known to have caused disease in humans, their appearance in North America might increase the likelihood of human infection in the United States. Human infection with other avian influenza viruses, such as HPAI (H5N1) and (H5N6) viruses and (H7N9) virus, has been associated with severe, sometimes fatal, disease, usually following contact with poultry. Back to top CDC publishes two articles about Ebola CDC published the following two articles about Ebola in the February 6 issue of MMWR. The first article was previously published as an MMWR Early Release on January 30.
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS WithinReach Washington to sponsor CDC's Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course September 15–17 in Tacoma WithinReach Washington will sponsor CDC's two-day Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course ("Pink Book" course) on September 16–17 in Tacoma, with optional pre-conference workshops on September 15. The course provides a comprehensive review of immunizations and the diseases they prevent. Continuing education credits are available. Related Links
ASK THE EXPERTS Question of the Week The Catch-Up Immunization Scheduler on the CDC Vaccines and Immunization website is not working. Can you please fix it? We use it to make schedules for Head Start children who are behind schedule. Answer: The child immunization scheduler tool is no longer available. Please use your state or local immunization information system (IIS) for this service. If you are not familiar with your state or local IIS, you can find your state or local immunization program online at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/awardee-imz-websites.html, where you can access your IIS or contact the program for assistance. About IAC's Question of the Week Each week, IAC Express highlights a new, topical, or important-to-reiterate Q&A. This feature is a cooperative venture between IAC and CDC. William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH, IAC's associate director for immunization education, chooses a new Q&A to feature every week from a set of Q&As prepared by experts at CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. We hope you enjoy this new feature and find it helpful when dealing with difficult real-life scenarios in your vaccination practice. Please encourage your healthcare professional colleagues to sign up to receive IAC Express at www.immunize.org/subscribe. If you have a question for the CDC immunization experts, you can email them directly at nipinfo@cdc.gov. There is no charge for this service. Related Links
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About IZ Express
IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. NH23IP922654 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