Issue 1179: April 21, 2015 Ask the Experts–Question of the Week: I have heard concerns from individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy about…read more TOP STORIES
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEATURED RESOURCES JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS EDUCATION AND TRAINING TOP STORIES It's National Infant Immunization Week and CDC names Childhood Immunization Champion Award winners National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is being celebrated this year from April 18–25. In accordance with annual tradition, CDC has released the names of the 2015 Childhood Immunization Champion Award recipients during this week. 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 recipients for 2015 can be viewed at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/champions/profiles-2015.html. Related Links
CDC releases interim HPV Gardasil-9 Vaccine Information Statement On April 15, CDC announced the availability of an interim Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for HPV Vaccine Gardasil-9. The VIS for 4-valent Gardasil should not be used for Gardasil-9; the new HPV Gardasil-9 VIS should be used instead. Related Links
CDC releases final edition of Rotavirus Vaccine Information Statement On April 16, CDC posted the final revised version of the Rotavirus Vaccine Information Statement (VIS), dated 4/15/2015. This VIS is now final. According to CDC, it doesn't differ significantly from the previous interim edition, and existing copies of that edition may be used until stocks have been depleted. Related Links
World Meningitis Day is April 24 World Meningitis Day is held every year on April 24. This year on that date, the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) will unite with 43 member organizations in 28 countries worldwide to promote the seventh World Meningitis Day. This designated day aims to raise the global profile of meningitis, emphasize the importance of vaccination, and provide support to those dealing with the consequences of the disease. Every year, more than 1.2 million people are affected by meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is the most severe and common form, causing approximately 120,000 deaths globally each year. Vaccination can prevent the most dangerous forms of meningococcal infection, but access to these lifesaving vaccines differs from one country to the next. The largest burden of meningitis is in sub-Saharan Africa, often called the "Meningitis Belt." Visit the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations website for more information on World Meningitis Day 2015, including resources to help spread awareness of meningococcal disease. Related Links
IAC Spotlight! During National Infant Immunization Week and beyond, refer parents to IAC's website for the general public: www.vaccineinformation.org IAC's website for the public, www.vaccineinformation.org, is one of the most user-friendly sources of scientifically accurate and easily navigable immunization information on the Web today. Information on the website is organized into sections based on the four age groups listed below. This arrangement allows visitors to easily find vaccine schedules and other information pertinent to people of a specific age: Highlights of Vaccineinformation.org
Back to top IAC enrolls six more birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; one previously honored institution qualifies for a second year and another qualifies for a third year The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is pleased to announce that six 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 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
CDC publishes report on measles in the U.S. from January 4–April 2; more than 80 percent of measles cases occurred among unvaccinated/unknown status CDC published Measles—United States, January 4–April 2, 2015 in the April 17 issue of MMWR. The first paragraph is reprinted below. Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. As a result of high 2-dose measles vaccination coverage in the United States and improved control of measles in the World Health Organization's Region of the Americas, the United States declared measles elimination (defined as interruption of year-round endemic transmission) in 2000. Importations from other countries where measles remains endemic continue to occur, however, which can lead to clusters of measles cases in the United States. To update surveillance data on current measles outbreaks, CDC analyzed cases reported during January 4–April 2, 2015. A total of 159 cases were reported during this period. Over 80% of the cases occurred among persons who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Four outbreaks have occurred, with one accounting for 70% of all measles cases this year. The continued risk for importation of measles into the United States and occurrence of measles cases and outbreaks in communities with high proportions of unvaccinated persons highlight the need for sustained, high vaccination coverage across the country. 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. MEASLES RESOURCES FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS From IAC:
From IAC:
From IAC:
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2015 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2015 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today! IAC's laminated versions of the 2015 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2015 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". 
 Laminated schedules are printed in color for easy reading, come complete with essential tables and footnotes, and include contraindications and precautions—a feature that will help you make an on-the-spot determination about the safety of vaccinating patients of any age. 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. Back to top IAC is selling The Vaccine Handbook, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book,” 2015, 560 pages) is a uniquely comprehensive source of practical, up-to-date information for vaccine providers and educators. Its author, Gary S. Marshall, MD, has drawn together the latest vaccine science and guidance into a concise, user-friendly, practical resource for the private office, public health clinic, academic medical center, and hospital.  IAC Executive Director Deborah Wexler, MD, is enthusiastic about helping get this resource circulated as widely as possible. “During more than 20 years in the field of immunization education, I have not seen a book that is so brimming with state-of-the-science vaccine information,” she states. "This book belongs in the hands of every medical student, physician-in-training, doctor, nursing student, and nurse who provides vaccines to patients.” The Vaccine Handbook provides:
Gary Marshall, MD, is professor of pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky, where he serves as chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases and director of the Pediatric Clinical Trials Unit. In addition to being a busy clinician, he is nationally known for his work in the areas of vaccine research, advocacy, and education. The newly released fifth edition of this invaluable guide is now available on IAC’s website at www.immunize.org/vaccine-handbook. The price of the handbook is $29.95 each, plus shipping charges. Discount pricing is available for more than 10 copies. Order copies for your staff or for distribution at an upcoming conference. Quantity Discount Pricing
Order your copy today! Back to top American Academy of Pediatrics recruiting primary care office staff for an online survey about vaccine administration practices The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been asked by CDC to survey primary care office personnel about vaccine administration practices in order to learn about ways to prevent improper vaccine administration. No identifying information will be collected in the survey, which should take about 15 minutes to complete. The information generated from these interviews will help shape future guidance, tools, and resources. Please volunteer! Please contact Jill Hernandez with questions or to talk about volunteering by email at jhernandez@aap.org or phone at (800) 433-9016 x4270. To complete the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VaxAdminSurvey. For more information about the survey, download AAP's flyer. Related Links
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS African Union and U.S. CDC partner to launch African CDC On April 13, CDC announced that it had formalized a collaboration with the African Union to create an African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The first three paragraphs of a related CDC press release are reprinted below. A Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed today by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, M.B. Ch.B., chairperson of the African Union Commission, formalizes a collaboration between the African Union Commission and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in creating the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (African CDC). “The West African Ebola epidemic reaffirmed the need for a public health institute to support African ministries of health and other health agencies in their efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to any disease outbreak,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “This memorandum solidifies the commitment by the United States to advance public health across Africa and global health security.” The need for an African CDC was recognized at the African Union Special Summit on HIV and AIDS, TB, and Malaria in Abuja in July 2013. The concept has since moved through various stages of development, stakeholder review, and approval. The African CDC is slated to launch later this year with the establishment of an African Surveillance and Response Unit, which will include an Emergency Operations Center.
CDC begins Ebola vaccine trial in Sierra Leone On April 14, CDC announced that an Ebola vaccine trial would begin in Sierra Leone. The first and third paragraphs of a related CDC press release are reprinted below. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with the Sierra Leone College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), is now enrolling and vaccinating volunteers for the Sierra Leone Trial to Introduce a Vaccine against Ebola (STRIVE). This study will assess the safety and efficacy of the rVSV-ZEBOV candidate Ebola vaccine among health and other frontline workers. STRIVE will enroll about 6,000 health and other frontline workers. It will be conducted in Western Area Urban district, which includes Freetown, Western Area Rural district, and certain chiefdoms in Bombali, Port Loko, and Tonkolili districts. These study locations were selected because they have been heavily affected by the Ebola outbreak in the past few months.
FEATURED RESOURCES 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. 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 Ebola transmission linked to a traditional funeral ceremony in Guinea CDC published Ebola Transmission Linked to a Single Traditional Funeral Ceremony—Kissidougou, Guinea, December, 2014–January 2015 in the April 17 issue of MMWR. A summary made available to the press is reprinted below. During December 1, 2014–January 10, 2015, the Guinean Ministry of Health requested assistance from CDC, the World Health Organization, and other partners to investigate an Ebola outbreak in Kissidougou, a prefecture in southeastern Guinea where Ebola was first reported in West Africa in March of 2014. Interventions included active identification and isolation of cases, assessing transmission chains, and implementation of control measures. Lessons learned from this outbreak were employed in planning for subsequent outbreaks in rural communities, developing improved protocols for safe burial practices, and creating health-communication messages in local languages. Related Links
EDUCATION AND TRAINING CDC's Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course in Tacoma, Washington, on September 16–17 The State of Washington's immunization coalition, WithinReach, will sponsor CDC's live two-day Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course (also known as the "Pink Book" course) on September 16–17, in Tacoma, Washington. The course provides a comprehensive review of immunizations and the diseases they prevent. Continuing education credits are available. Additionally, a selection of pre-course workshops will be offered on September 15, with topics including HPV, vaccine hesitancy, and the Washington State Immunization Information System.
ASK THE EXPERTS Question of the Week I have heard concerns from individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy about being exposed to a child who recently received MMR vaccine. Is there a risk for the vaccinated child to transmit vaccine virus to the chemotherapy patient? MMR vaccine can be given to the healthy household contacts of immunosuppressed persons, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine viruses are not transmitted from the vaccinated person, so MMR vaccination of a household contact does not pose a risk to an immunocompromised person. 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. 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