Issue 1309: June 7, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If someone received MPSV4 or MenACWY at age 9 years, will two additional doses . . . read more
TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS
WORLD NEWS
FEATURED RESOURCES
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
TOP STORIES
Measles outbreak in Minnesota continues; related articles provide insight
The measles outbreak in Minnesota is continuing. The state will have to go two full incubation periods of 21 days each without a case before the outbreak is declared over. The current totals:
- 75 total cases have been confirmed; 66 in Hennepin County, 3 in Ramsey County, 4 in Crow Wing County, and 2 in Le Sueur County
- 69 have been confirmed to be unvaccinated; 3 had received 1 dose of MMR and 3 had received 2 doses of MMR
- 72 cases have occurred in children ages 0 through 17 years; there have been 3 cases in adults
- 63 of the cases are in Somali-Minnesotan individuals
The local Somali community has been targeted for years with misinformation about a connection between vaccination and autism, including visits from anti-vaccine activists, including Andrew Wakefield, the controversial figure stripped of his license to practice medicine by Britain's General Medical Council as a result of ethical and financial misconduct.
The following is a sample of the coverage of this outbreak and its causes in the last week:
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Presentations from National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit now online
The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) was held May 9–11 in Atlanta. A complete overview of the meeting and associated activities, including the individual presentations given during each session of the Summit, the posters exhibited during the meeting, and the recipients of the 2017 NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards, is now available on the 2017 National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit page of the NAIIS website.
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IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls eight new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; seven previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is pleased to announce that eight 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.
- Baylor, Scott & White Medical Center–Round Rock, Round Rock, TX (95%)
- Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE (93%)
- East Texas Medical Center Jacksonville, Jacksonville, TX (98%)
- Fayette Regional Women's Center, Connersville, IN (100%)
- Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, IN (100%)
- Goodall-Witcher Hospital, Clifton, TX (93%)
- McDonough District Hospital, Macomb, IL (92%)
- Valley Baptist Medical Center–Brownsville, Brownsville, TX (100%)
The following five institutions are being recognized for a second year:
- Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT (95%)
- Harrington Hospital, Southbridge, MA (98%)
- Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, IA (98%)
- UConn Health, Farmington, CT (99%)
- Valley Baptist Medical Center–Brownsville, Brownsville, TX (100%)
In addition, the following institution is being recognized for a third year:
- Oswego Hospital, Oswego, NY (97%)
Finally, the following institution is being recognized for a fourth year:
- Myrtue Medical Center, Harlan, IA (94%)
Note: Valley Baptist Medical Center–Brownsville qualified for two 12-month periods at one time.
The Honor Roll now includes 344 birthing institutions from 39 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Seventy-two institutions have qualified for two years, 40 institutions have qualified three times, 9 institutions have qualified four times, and 3 institutions have qualified five times.
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 percent 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.
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Sixth Annual NFID Flu Awareness night at the Washington Nationals game scheduled for September 15
Mark your calendars and plan to join the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and the Washington Nationals for a special evening of baseball and influenza awareness at the 6th Annual Flu Season Awareness Night on Friday, September 15 at 7:05 p.m. (ET), when the Nationals play the Los Angeles Dodgers. Special discounted tickets in the Outfield Reserved section (field level) are available by clicking here. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to NFID to help support the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, including influenza.
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New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
The 6th edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians ("The Purple Book") is considered a vital source of practical, up-to-date information for vaccine providers and educators. Now printed in color and updated with the latest vaccine information through early 2017, "The Purple Book" draws 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.
The sixth edition of this valuable guide (592 pages) is available on IAC's website at www.immunize.org/vaccine-handbook. The price of the handbook is $34.95 per copy, plus shipping charges. Order copies for your staff or for distribution at an upcoming conference.
Discount pricing is available for more than 10 copies. For quotes on larger quantities, email admininfo@immunize.org.
Order your copy today! Click on the image below to visit the "Shop IAC: The Vaccine Handbook" web page.
The Vaccine Handbook App for Apple iPhones and iPads is available free from IAC. Sorry, the app is not available for android devices. Book purchase is not necessary but registration to obtain the app is required.
The app is fully searchable, allows for bookmarking, highlighting and annotation, and contains hyperlinks to valuable content from nonprofit and governmental sources.
Click on the image below to visit the The Vaccine Handbook App page in the iTunes store.
About the Author
Gary S. 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.
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IAC HANDOUTS
IAC updates "Vaccinations for Adults: You're never too old to get vaccinated," as well as seven additional versions for various patient risk groups
IAC recently revised the following eight handouts that address adult vaccination to improve their readability, standardize the text, and create a separate section for MenB vaccine:
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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.
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IAC makes small correction to its 5-page child/teen and adult summaries of immunization recommendations
IAC recently made a small change to its Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization and Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization (each 5 pages). An edit was made in the MenB section to correct the 3-dose schedule for Trumenba to read 0, 1–2, and 6 months (previously it read 0, 2, and 6 months).
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IAC updates "MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism: Examine the evidence!" with the addition of three new studies
IAC recently revised MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism: Examine the evidence! to include three additional studies, for a total of 26 listed. There is no scientific evidence that MMR vaccine causes autism. The question about a possible link between MMR vaccine and autism has been extensively reviewed by independent groups of experts. These reviews have concluded that the available evidence does not support a causal link between MMR vaccine and autism. This piece features summaries of, and links to, articles published in peer-reviewed journals so that parents and practitioners can compare the balance of evidence about MMR vaccine and autism.
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New! IAC offers a print alternative for applying to its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
IAC's Hepatitis B Birth Dose 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. Due to a suggestion from the Michigan state perinatal hepatitis B coordinator, IAC has developed an alternative print version of the application form to allow more flexibility.
Access the print Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll Application.
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WORLD NEWS
New Ebola vaccine to be used to stop outbreak in Congo
A new vaccine is headed to the Democratic Republic of Congo to help fight an outbreak of Ebola. The vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, hasn't yet been approved by the World Health Organization or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but 300,000 doses are now available due to the financial support of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization.
Read an article about this new vaccine on the NPR website: Powerful New Ebola Vaccine Heads To Congo To Help Stop Outbreak.
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WHO reports on the April meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization in Weekly Epidemiological Report
The June 2 edition of the WHO periodical Weekly Epidemiological Record reported on the April 2017 meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization in an article titled Meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization, April 2017—conclusions and recommendations.
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CDC develops new slide set to help child care programs support immunization
CDC is pleased to offer a new slide deck called “How Your Child Care Program Can Support Immunization.” This presentation is intended for use by health departments, coalitions, child care resource & referral agencies, and other organizations that provide training for child care programs at the state and community level. Child care providers have an important role to play by verifying immunization records and educating parents about the benefits of immunization. Organizations are invited to customize the presentation with their own slide template, logos, and state-specific information.
To download the presentation in PowerPoint format, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/partners/childhood/professionals.html and scroll down to "Presentation: How Your Child Care Program Can Support Immunization."
Please contact childhoodvaccines@cdc.gov with any questions or feedback.
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Washington State Department of Health develops vaccination resource for travelers on Hajj or Umrah
The Washington State Department of Health has developed an immunization flyer for U.S. travelers going to Saudi Arabia on Hajj or Umrah. This year’s Hajj will take place August 30–September 4. Travel agencies, clinics giving vaccines, mosques, and other agencies and organizations can distribute this new flyer to people planning a pilgrimage or other travel to Saudi Arabia. The flyer contains information on vaccination requirements, how to find a travel clinic, and a chart explaining 10 different vaccines and the 14 diseases they prevent. The contact information is specific to the state of Washington, but others may wish to adapt this flyer for their use.
Access the Going to Hajj or Umrah? flyer.
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Voices for Vaccines offers pro-vaccine customizable photo frames for Facebook
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) has developed a number of pro-vaccine frames for Facebook. Frames are the little logos that people can affix to their profile pictures. They are easy to use—just go to this link, and search for the term "vaccinated." These frames are un-branded to encourage everybody to use them. Let your profile picture send a positive message about vaccines to your friends!
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 values vaccines to become a member. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues to join VFV!
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Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC's laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 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. Both schedules are eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages) and are 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.
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics begins June 14; register now
CDC is presenting a 15-part webinar series to provide a chapter-by-chapter overview of the 13th edition of Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (also known as "The Pink Book"). This is a live series of 1-hour webinars that starts June 14. Recordings of sessions will be available online within 2 weeks after each webinar. All sessions begin at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Continuing education will be available for each event.
The webinar series will provide an overview of vaccines and the diseases they prevent, general recommendations for vaccines, vaccination principles, and immunization strategies for providers.
Registration and more information is available on CDC's Pink Book Webinar Series web page.
All the sections of "The Pink Book" (i.e., chapters, appendices, 2017 supplement) are available to download at no charge at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/index.html.
You can also order this resource from the Public Health Foundation for $40 plus shipping and handling. This print version does not include the 2017 supplement.
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AAPCHO to sponsor June 21 webinar on National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine's report on eliminating hepatitis B and C in the U.S.
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recently released the second part of a two-phase report on eliminating both hepatitis B and C in the United States. The report provides comprehensive recommendations for federal agencies, community-based providers, and health centers. The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) is sponsoring a webinar on June 21 at 1:00 p.m. (CT) that will provide an overview of the report's key findings, developments, critical opportunities, and recommendations for health centers .
Access registration information.
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CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
Mid America Immunization Coalition to sponsor 2017 Immunization Symposium on June 23 in Independence, MO
The Mid America Immunization Coalition and Children’s Mercy Kansas City will present a 2017 Immunization Symposium, “Talkin’ Vaccines,” on June 23 in Independence, MO. This multi-state symposium will feature local and national experts who will focus on the latest information on present and future immunization issues and ways to identify and implement communication and practice strategies to improve immunization rates, decrease vaccine hesitancy or refusal, and promote advocacy for immunizations throughout the lifespan.
Access more information about the agenda and registration.
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Immunize South Dakota conference set for August 4 in Sioux Falls
The Sioux Falls Area Immunization Coalition invites people to attend their 2017 state-wide conference, Immunize SD, to be held August 4 in Sioux Falls. Topics to be covered by national and local speakers include adolescent vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, vaccines on the horizon, and HPV.
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Question of the Week
If someone received MPSV4 or MenACWY at age 9 years, will two additional doses of MenACWY be needed?
Yes. Doses of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (either MPSV4 or MenACWY) given before 10 years of age should not be counted as part of the routine 2-dose series. If a child received a dose of either MPSV4 or MenACWY before age 10 years, they should receive a dose of MenACWY at 11 or 12 years and a booster dose at age 16 years.
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 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.
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