Issue 1423: May 1, 2019
TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS
WORLD NEWS
FEATURED RESOURCES
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
TOP STORIES
CDC issues an MMWR Early Release on measles cases and holds a media briefing on multi-state measles outbreak as number of cases increases
On April 29, CDC published an MMWR Early Release titled Increase in Measles Cases—United States, January 1–April 26, 2019. The first paragraph and discussion section is reprinted below.
As of April 26, 2019, CDC had reported 704 cases of measles in the United States since the beginning of 2019, representing the largest number of cases reported in the country in a single year since 1994, when 963 cases occurred, and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness characterized by fever and a maculopapular rash; complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Among the 704 cases, 503 (71%) were in unvaccinated persons and 689 (98%) occurred in U.S. residents. Overall, 66 (9%) patients were hospitalized. Thirteen outbreaks have been reported in 2019, accounting for 663 cases, 94% of all reported cases. Six of the 13 outbreaks were associated with underimmunized close-knit communities and accounted for 88% of all cases. High 2-dose measles vaccination coverage in the United States has been critical to limiting transmission. However, increased global measles activity poses a risk to U.S. elimination, particularly when unvaccinated travelers acquire measles abroad and return to communities with low vaccination rates. Health care providers should ensure persons are up to date with measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, including before international travel, and rapidly report all suspected cases of measles to public health authorities....
Discussion
Before 2019, the highest number of measles cases following elimination in the United States occurred in 2014, when 667 cases were reported; 383 (57%) of those cases were associated with an outbreak in an underimmunized Amish community in Ohio. Worldwide, 7 million measles cases are estimated to occur annually, and since 2016, measles incidence has increased in five of the six World Health Organization regions, contributing to increased opportunities for measles importations into the United States. Fortunately, the majority of importations do not lead to outbreaks because of rapid implementation of control measures by state and local health departments. Additionally, the United States benefits from a long-standing vaccination program, with overall measles vaccination coverage of >91% in children aged 19–35 months. However, unimmunized or underimmunized subpopulations within U.S. communities are at risk for large outbreaks of long duration that are resource intensive to control. Recent outbreaks have been driven by misinformation about measles and MMR vaccine, which has led to undervaccination in vulnerable communities.
Unvaccinated U.S. residents traveling internationally are at risk for acquiring measles. Health care providers should vaccinate persons without contraindications and without acceptable evidence of immunity to measles before travel to any country outside the United States. Only written (not self-report) documentation of age-appropriate vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease, or birth before 1957 is considered acceptable presumptive evidence of immunity. In addition to routine recommendations for MMR vaccination, infants aged 6–11 months should receive 1 dose of MMR vaccine, and adults should receive a second dose before international travel; infants who receive MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive 2 additional doses (1 dose at age 12–15 months and another dose at least 28 days after the first dose). Measles is a nationally notifiable disease in the United States; health care providers should rapidly report all cases of suspected measles to public health authorities to ensure that timely control measures are implemented. High coverage with MMR vaccine is the most effective strategy to limit transmission and maintain elimination of measles in the United States.
Also on April 29, CDC held a telebriefing for the press about the multi-state measles outbreak that is occurring. The presenters were Alex Azar, secretary, HHS; Admiral Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for health, HHS; Dr. Robert Redfield, director, CDC; Dr. Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director, CDC; and Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. A portion of the telebriefing is reprinted below.
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Measles cases in the U.S. hit a new record; CDC and HHS issue statements that measles cases are now the highest since the disease was eliminated in 2000
On April 24, CDC issued a statement announcing that measles cases in the U.S. are the highest since measles was eliminated in the year 2000. A portion of the CDC media statement is reprinted below.
"This current outbreak is deeply troubling and I call upon all healthcare providers to assure patients about the efficacy and safety of the measles vaccine," said CDC Director Robert Redfield. "And, I encourage all Americans to adhere to CDC vaccine guidelines in order to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from measles and other vaccine preventable diseases. We must work together as a nation to eliminate this disease once and for all."
The high number of cases in 2019 is primarily the result of a few large outbreaks—one in Washington State and two large outbreaks in New York that started in late 2018. The outbreaks in New York City and New York State are among the largest and longest lasting since measles elimination in 2000. The longer these outbreaks continue, the greater the chance measles will again get a sustained foothold in the United States....
A significant factor contributing to the outbreaks in New York is misinformation in the communities about the safety of the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine. Some organizations are deliberately targeting these communities with inaccurate and misleading information about vaccines. CDC continues to encourage parents to speak to their family’s healthcare provider about the importance of vaccination. CDC also encourages local leaders to provide accurate, scientific-based information to counter misinformation.
That same day, HHS Secretary Azar issued a statement on measles outbreaks and the importance of vaccines. A portion of the HHS statement is reprinted below.
“Measles is not a harmless childhood illness, but a highly contagious, potentially life-threatening disease. We have the ability to safely protect our children and our communities. Vaccines are a safe, highly effective public health solution that can prevent this disease. The measles vaccines are among the most extensively studied medical products we have, and their safety has been firmly established over many years in some of the largest vaccine studies ever undertaken....
"All Americans would be safer and healthier if we received measles vaccines on the recommended schedule. Next week is a significant opportunity to educate ourselves on the importance of vaccines, as we mark National Infant Immunization Week. The Department of Health and Human Services will undertake a comprehensive campaign to reinforce the message that vaccines are safe and effective ways to protect your children, your family, yourself, and your neighbors.”
CDC has posted its latest update on 2019 measles cases in the U.S. on its Measles Cases and Outbreaks web page. The web page shows a preliminary estimate of 704 cases across 22 states as of April 26. In 2018, the number of cases for the entire year was 372. The first two paragraphs from this web page are reprinted below.
From January 1 to April 26, 2019, 704 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 22 states. This is an increase of 78 cases from the previous week. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000.
The states that have reported cases to CDC are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington.
Access additional information about U.S. measles cases in 2019 on CDC's Measles Cases and Outbreaks web page.
Click on the following links for information about specific outbreaks:
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AAP urges tougher vaccination laws as measles cases hit new high
According to an article in AAP News, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging families to vaccinate their children and lawmakers to make it harder to opt out of vaccine requirements for school entry. The following is an excerpt from the article:
“It is disappointing to see that the U.S. has lost so much ground in our efforts to prevent a childhood disease as significant and impactful as measles,” said Yvonne A. Maldonado, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases. “This is especially discouraging because our intervention is safe and effective. There is no reason for children to suffer from measles”
...Misinformation online about the safety of vaccines has been a growing threat to vaccination rates.
In March, AAP President Kyle E. Yasuda, MD, FAAP, sent letters to the CEOs of Google (which owns YouTube), Facebook (which owns WhatsApp and Instagram) and Pinterest requesting that they partner with the Academy to make sure parents using their platforms are seeing credible, science-based information.
Academy leaders also are advocating for the elimination of non-medical exemptions to school vaccination requirements, which they voted the top priority at the Annual Leadership Forum last month.
Reprinted with permission of AAP News, April 2019.
Access the entire article: Measles cases hit new high; AAP urges vaccination.
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FDA issues statement about MMR vaccine safety and efficacy; urges public to get timely vaccinations
On April 22, the FDA issued a statement on its continued confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. A portion of the statement is reprinted below.
...We cannot state strongly enough—the overwhelming scientific evidence shows that vaccines are among the most effective and safest interventions to both prevent individual illness and protect public health.
Vaccinating against measles, mumps, and rubella not only protects us and our children, it protects people who can’t be vaccinated, including children with compromised immune systems due to illness and its treatment, such as cancer.
We do not take lightly our responsibility to ensure the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and work diligently to assess safety and effectiveness of all licensed vaccines for their intended uses. The MMR vaccine is very effective at protecting people against measles, mumps, and rubella. It also prevents complications caused by these diseases. And we have nearly 50 years of experience and evidence supporting that fact. In fact, according to the CDC, two doses of the MMR vaccine beginning at 12 months of age (the recommended dosing schedule) are 97% effective against measles, 88% effective against mumps, and 97% effective for rubella....
The FDA will continue to closely monitor these outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases alongside our federal partners at CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services, and will provide any new information about vaccine safety or effectiveness to the public. But just to be clear, the FDA has determined that the MMR vaccine is both safe and effective in preventing these diseases. We join our colleagues at HHS, CDC, National Institutes of Health, and state and local health departments across the country in the continued effort to encourage vaccinations against these preventable diseases.
Access the full article: Statement from Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, on FDA’s continued confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
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Opinion piece by former first lady Rosalynn Carter about disinformation as the new barrier to measles vaccination published in USA Today
On April 23, USA Today published an opinion piece by former first lady and Vaccinate Your Family founder, Rosalyn Carter. Disinformation Is the New Barrier to Measles Vaccines, and It's Deadly is a response to the current measles outbreak in the U.S. and the shift from the fight to make parents aware of the need for vaccines and to make them accessible and affordable to the current battle of dealing with vaccine disinformation. Portions of the opinion piece are reprinted below.
...Today, as our nation faces another outbreak of deadly measles and with the number of cases rising daily, we battle a different threat: disinformation. This crisis is not caused by an inability to access life-saving vaccines. Rather, families have been misled into believing that vaccines pose a greater risk than the diseases they prevent. This is simply untrue....
Our organization, now renamed Vaccinate Your Family: The Next Generation of Every Child by Two, continues our efforts to educate the public, the news media and policymakers about the critical importance of timely immunizations for all ages. Families should understand that opting out places their loved ones and their community in grave danger. It is critical that people take the time to consider the sources of health information they are accessing via the Internet and elsewhere to ensure that they are evidence-based.
Get the facts: Vaccines are safe and effective, and they save lives.
Access the full article: Disinformation Is the New Barrier to Measles Vaccines, and It's Deadly: Rosalynn Carter.
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It's National Infant Immunization Week; CDC names Childhood Immunization Champion Award winners
It's National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) and this year is the 25th anniversary! Celebrated from April 27–May 4, NIIW is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities.
In accordance with annual tradition, CDC has released the names of the 2019 Childhood Immunization Champion Award recipients during this week. The CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award is an annual award given jointly by the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) and CDC to recognize individuals who make a significant contribution toward improving public health through their work in childhood immunization. Each year, up to one CDC Childhood Immunization Champion from each of the 50 states, 8 U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States, and the District of Columbia is honored.
On Thursday, May 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (ET), CDC is inviting parents of young children to join in an Instagram live event to answer questions about vaccinations. Questions can be submitted during the event on the @CDCgov Instagram page.
CDC is encouraging immunization partners to post about NIIW on social media throughout the week using #ivax2protect. Sample social content, social graphics, and more are available in the 2019 NIIW Digital Media Toolkit.
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CDC states current flu season is the longest in a decade; influenza activity decreased again this week but remains elevated
On April 19, CDC reported that influenza-like-illness levels have been elevated for 21 weeks this season, breaking the previous record of 20 weeks set during the 2014–2015 flu season and making the current flu season the longest in a decade.
According to CDC, influenza activity decreased again in the U.S. in the period ending April 20. The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) decreased to 2.1%, which is below the national baseline of 2.2%. This is the first week ILI activity was below the national baseline since mid-November 2018. Four of 10 regions reported ILI at or above their region-specific baseline level. CDC estimates that flu has caused as many as 41.3 million flu illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 57,300 deaths so far this season.
CDC has reported 5 additional influenza-associated pediatric deaths this season, for a total of 96. Last season, there was a record-setting 185 pediatric deaths in the U.S.
CDC stated in its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, that during the week ending April 20, the geographic spread of influenza in five states was reported as widespread; Puerto Rico and 17 states reported regional activity; 19 states reported local activity; the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and nine states reported sporadic activity; and Guam did not report.
Following is a list of resources related to influenza disease and vaccination for healthcare professionals and the public:
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IAC Spotlight! Visit IAC’s updated "Vaccines" web section for information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent
IAC's recently redesigned and renamed Vaccines web section on immunize.org (formerly "Diseases and Vaccines") provides access to the latest recommendations, information, and up-to-date resources from IAC and CDC. You can access the "Vaccines" web section from the top of every web page as the fifth blue tab from the left.
The "Vaccines" web section contains 22 individual web pages on all of the routinely recommended vaccines, along with a few others. The content on all pages was reformatted and all pages include links to IAC handouts, Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), Ask the Experts, State Laws and Mandates, Unprotected People Stories, photos, and videos.
In addition, each vaccine web page contains links to CDC's vaccine information for health care professionals on that particular vaccine.
Some of the most popular pages in this section are: Access the Vaccines web section on immunize.org from the top of every web page as the fifth blue tab from the left.
Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia creates new web section on the human immune system
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has created a new web section titled Human Immune System. You will find it a helpful resource for talking about the immune system or for sharing with patients and their families.
Its new web pages include:
- About this Section — Provides an overview of each of the other pages.
- Types of Immunity — Describes how passive and active immunity are achieved and describes community immunity.
- Parts of the Immune System — Describes the organs and tissues of the immune system and the innate and adaptive immune systems and how they respond to pathogens.
- Development of the Immune System — Describes the gestational development of the immune system as well as its status at birth and what that means for vaccines.
- How the Immune System Works — Describes primary and memory immune responses as well as original antigenic sin and weakened immunity. This page also briefly addresses the effects of vitamins, complementary and alternative treatments, and medications on the immune system.
- What Happens When the Immune System Does Not Work Properly? — Describes immune deficiencies, unnecessary or overzealous immune responses and autoimmunity, and provides examples of each.
The new website section can be accessed from the right navigation of the VEC website by selecting “Human Immune System.”
Visit VEC's new Human Immune System web section today.
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WHO issues report on vaccine safety communication
In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the 2018 meeting report of the Vaccine Safety Net (VSN) titled Vaccine Safety Communication in the Digital Age. The report provides information about managing digital information and communications on vaccine safety in a credible way. Sections of the report include:
- Vaccine Safety Communication in a Hyper-Connected, Polarized World
- Experiences and Strategies to Address Information Needs
- Review Existing and Generate New Evidence for Vaccine Safety Communication in the Digital Sphere
- Conclusions
Read the complete WHO report: Vaccine Safety Communication in the Digital Age.
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ShotByShot.org adds “Dash’s Story” to its collection of stories about people with vaccine-preventable diseases
Read the newly posted Dash's Story, the story of a healthy young man who was rushed to the hospital with meningitis B the week before heading off for college. The story is a part of the ShotByShot collection of stories about people with vaccine-preventable diseases. ShotbyShot is a program of the California Immunization Coalition that features a collection of videos and written stories about people affected by vaccine-preventable diseases. Consider promoting Dash's Story and other such stories on social media, during health events, or in waiting rooms to put a face on vaccine-preventable diseases.
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IAC HANDOUTS
IAC updates its popular “Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization” and “Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization”
IAC recently revised its heavily downloaded and easy-to-use Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization and Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization.
These multiple-page reference tables provide information on appropriate use, scheduling, and contraindications of vaccines for children, teens, and adults.
Both documents were updated to include new changes in ACIP recommendations.
Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization:
Changes were made to include other guidance on who should not receive live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), the precaution for interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) testing and timing with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the addition of aspirin or aspirin-containing products as a precaution for all children and teens receiving varicella vaccine, the addition of children/teens who are homeless as a targeted group for hepatitis A vaccine, the change of pregnancy as neither a contraindication nor a precaution for HPV vaccine, and to clarify that children younger than age 12 months should be given IG rather than vaccine for postexposure prophylaxis to hepatitis A.
Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization:
Changes were made to include other guidance on who should not receive LAIV, the precaution for IGRA testing and timing with MMR vaccine, the addition of aspirin or aspirin-containing products as a precaution for adults receiving varicella vaccine, the addition of family history of seizures as a precaution for MMRV vaccine, the addition of people who are homeless as a targeted group for hepatitis A vaccine, and the change of pregnancy as neither a contraindication nor a precaution for HPV vaccine.
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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WORLD NEWS
UNICEF launches #VaccinesWork campaign to inspire support for vaccines and highlight social norms
UNICEF has launched a new social media campaign, #VaccinesWork, to inspire support for vaccines and to show that most parents trust vaccines to protect their children. Portions of a press release announcing the campaign are reprinted below.
The campaign will run alongside World Immunization Week from 24 to 30 April to spread the message that together communities, including parents, can protect everyone through vaccines.
#VaccinesWork has long been used to bring together immunization advocates online. This year, UNICEF is partnering with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to encourage even greater reach. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will contribute USD$1 to UNICEF for every like or share of social media posts using the hashtag #VaccinesWork in April, up to USD$1 million, to ensure all children get the life-saving vaccines they need....
The centerpiece of this UNICEF campaign is a 60-second animated film, “Dangers,” which, along with illustrated animations for social media posts and posters, is based on the relatable insight that kids, by their very nature, are little daredevils who are constantly putting themselves in danger. Available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog, the video explains that while parents can’t prevent all the dangers their kids get themselves into, they can use vaccination to help prevent the dangers that get into their kids.
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WHO issues press release about landmark malaria vaccine campaign to be launched in Malawi
On April 23, WHO issued a press release titled Malaria Vaccine Pilot Launched in Malawi: Country First of Three in Africa to Roll Out Landmark Vaccine. Portions of the press release are reprinted below.
WHO welcomes the Government of Malawi’s launch of the world’s first malaria vaccine today in a landmark pilot programme. The country is the first of three in Africa in which the vaccine, known as RTS,S, will be made available to children up to 2 years of age; Ghana and Kenya will introduce the vaccine in the coming weeks....
Thirty years in the making, RTS,S is the first, and to date the only, vaccine that has demonstrated it can significantly reduce malaria in children. In clinical trials, the vaccine was found to prevent approximately 4 in 10 malaria cases, including 3 in 10 cases of life-threatening severe malaria.
“Malaria is a constant threat in the African communities where this vaccine will be given. The poorest children suffer the most and are at highest risk of death,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We know the power of vaccines to prevent killer diseases and reach children, including those who may not have immediate access to the doctors, nurses and health facilities they need to save them when severe illness comes.”
The WHO-coordinated pilot programme is a collaborative effort with ministries of health in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi and a range of in-country and international partners, including PATH, a non-profit organization, and GSK, the vaccine developer and manufacturer, which is donating up to 10 million vaccine doses for this pilot.
Access the full press release: Malaria Vaccine Pilot Launched in Malawi: Country First of Three in Africa to Roll Out Landmark Vaccine.
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UNICEF publishes article about the power of vaccines and unified efforts of doctors and parents to address the measles outbreak in Ukraine
On April 23, UNICEF published a photo essay titled The Undeniable Power of Vaccines: As Ukraine faces one of the world’s worst measles outbreaks, doctors and parents work together to dispel myths about vaccines. The essay features beautiful photos of Ukrainian families, many of whom have been affected by vaccine-preventable diseases, and the reasons why they chose to vaccinate. The second paragraph of the essay is reprinted below.
Since 2017, more than 100,000 people have contracted measles in Ukraine, with 15 deaths already in 2019—six of them children. The outbreak has fuelled concerns over low vaccination rates in the country, caused by misinformation and a shortage of vaccines in previous years. Measles is extremely contagious; an estimated 90 percent of unprotected people who come close to someone with measles will contract it, too.
Access the full article: The Undeniable Power of Vaccines: As Ukraine faces one of the world’s worst measles outbreaks, doctors and parents work together to dispel myths about vaccines.
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FEATURED RESOURCES
Still available! IAC’s sturdy laminated versions of the 2019 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule and the 2019 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order them for your exam rooms today! Bulk purchase prices available.
IAC's laminated versions of the 2019 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule and the 2019 U.S. adult immunization schedule are available now. These schedules are covered with a tough coating you can wipe down; they will stand up to a year's worth of use in every area of your healthcare setting where immunizations are given. The child/adolescent schedule is eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages) and the adult schedule is six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages). Both schedules are folded to measure 8.5" x 11".
Laminated schedules are printed in color for easy reading. They come complete with essential tables and notes, and they replicate the newly designed CDC schedule format.
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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Families Fighting Flu launches expanded website to inform different audiences about flu and flu vaccines
Families Fighting Flu has expanded their website, www.familiesfightingflu.org, in an effort to inform different audiences about flu and flu vaccines. The updated site now includes expanded information for children, adolescents, adults, seniors, pregnant and postpartum women, and people with chronic health conditions.
New web pages include:
Visit the Families Fighting Flu web page today.
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IAC's 142-page book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide, describes how to implement adult vaccination services in your healthcare setting and provides a review for staff who already vaccinate adults; IAC Guide available for free download
In late 2017, the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) announced the publication of its new book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide (Guide).
This completely updated guide on adult immunization (originally published in 2004) provides easy-to-use, practical information covering important “how-to” activities to help providers enhance their existing adult immunization services or introduce them into any clinical setting, including:
- setting up for vaccination services,
- storing and handling vaccines,
- deciding which people should receive which vaccines,
- administering vaccines,
- documenting vaccinations (including legal issues), and
- understanding financial considerations and billing information.
In addition, the Guide is filled with hundreds of web addresses and references to help providers stay up to date on the latest immunization information, both now and in the future.
The entire Guide is available to download/print free of charge at www.immunize.org/guide. The downloaded version is suitable for double-sided printing. Options are available online to download the entire book or selected chapters. The development of the Guide was supported by the National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Expert staff from both agencies also provided early technical review of the content.
The Guide is a uniquely valuable resource to assist providers in increasing adult immunization rates. Be sure to get a copy today!
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JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS
Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia publishes April issue of its newsletter Vaccine Update for Healthcare Professionals
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia publishes a monthly immunization-focused newsletter titled Vaccine Update for Healthcare Professionals. The April issue includes the following articles:
- "Announcements: Webinar Archive," new Q&A sheet
- “News & Views: The Immune System—How It Works, When It Develops and More, in a New Section of the VEC Website,” by Charlotte A. Moser and Paul A. Offit, MD
- “In the Journals: Infections During Pregnancy Increase Chance of Autism or Depression,” by Paul A. Offit, MD
- “Technically Speaking: Refresher! Use of Pneumococcal Vaccines in Infants, Children, and Children With Health Conditions,” by IAC executive director Deborah L. Wexler, MD
- “From the Media: State of the Immunion 2019”
Additional resources, including a calendar of events, recommended books, and vaccine resources, are available in the full newsletter.
Access the sign-up form to subscribe to Vaccine Update for Healthcare Professionals.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci and colleagues issue perspective article titled “Measles in 2019—Going Backward” in the New England Journal of Medicine
The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a perspective article titled Measles in 2019—Going Backward by C. Paules, H. Marston, and A. Fauci. Portions of the article are reprinted below.
In 2000, the United States achieved a historic public health goal: the elimination of measles, defined by the absence of sustained transmission of the virus for more than 12 months. This achievement resulted from a concerted effort by health care practitioners and families alike, working to protect the population through widespread immunization. Unfortunately, that momentous achievement was short-lived, and localized measles outbreaks have recently been triggered by travel-related introductions of the virus by infected persons, with subsequent spread through undervaccinated subpopulations....
Unlike many infectious diseases, measles is a public health problem with a clear scientific solution. Measles vaccination is highly effective and safe. Each complication or death related to measles is a preventable tragedy that could have been avoided through vaccination. The recent upsurge in U.S. measles cases, including the worrisome number seen thus far in 2019, represents an alarming step backward. If this trend is not reversed, measles may rebound in full force in both the United States and other countries and regions where it had been eliminated. Promoting measles vaccination is a societal responsibility, with the ultimate goal of global elimination and eradication—relegating measles to the history books.
Access the full article: Measles in 2019—Going Backward.
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CDC offers archived webinar titled “#HowIRecommend Flu Vaccine: How to Make Recommendations that Matter to Patients”
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Register now: Dr. L.J Tan, IAC's chief strategy officer, will present a webinar on the standards of adult immunization practice on May 7
L.J Tan, MS, PhD, IAC's chief strategy officer, will present a one-hour webinar titled Implementation of the Standards of Adult Immunization Practice: Addressing Barriers to Increasing Adult Immunization Rates on May 7 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). During his presentation, Dr. Tan will describe the status of adult immunizations in the U.S., explain the standards for adult immunization practice, and identify the tools to assist with implementation of the standards.
The target audience includes physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical providers who interact with and counsel adults regarding immunizations. Continuing education credits are available.
Registration (required) is open now.
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CDC offers May 29 webinar on how pharmacists can promote HPV vaccination
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