Issue 1425: May 15, 2019
TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS
OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORLD NEWS
FEATURED RESOURCES
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
TOP STORIES
Total number of U.S. measles cases for 2019 climbs to 839 with 75 new cases reported since last week
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 839 cases across 23 states as of May 10. 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, Pennsylvania, 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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Three close family members of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publish an editorial decrying his promotion of vaccine misinformation
On May 8, three members of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s family published an editorial titled RFK Jr. Is Our Brother and Uncle. He’s Tragically Wrong About Vaccines in Politico Magazine. Subtitled "We love Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but he is part of a misinformation campaign that’s having heartbreaking—and deadly—consequences," the piece was co-authored by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, former chair of the Global Virus Network, and sister of RFK Jr.; Joseph P. Kennedy II, former member of Congress from Massachusetts, chairman and president of Citizens Energy Corporation, and brother of RFK Jr.; and Maeve Kennedy McKean, executive director of Georgetown University’s Global Health Initiatives and niece of RFK Jr.
Selections from this article are reprinted below.
Americans have every right to be alarmed about the outbreak of measles in pockets of our country with unusually high rates of unvaccinated citizens, especially children. Right now, officials in 22 states are grappling with a resurgence of the disease, which was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. With over 700 cases already reported and indications that more outbreaks will occur, 2019 will likely see the most recorded cases of measles in decades. And it’s not just measles. In Maine, health officials in March reported 41 new cases of whooping cough, another disease once thought to be a relic of the past—more than twice as many cases as this time last year.
This problem isn’t only an American one. The World Health Organization reports a 300 percent increase in the numbers of measles cases around the world this year compared with the first three months of 2018. More than 110,000 people are now dying from measles every year. The WHO, the health arm of the United Nations, has listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health in 2019. Most cases of preventable diseases occur among unvaccinated children, because parents have chosen not to vaccinate, have delayed vaccination, have difficulty accessing vaccines, or the children were too young to receive the vaccines.
These tragic numbers are caused by the growing fear and mistrust of vaccines—amplified by internet doomsayers. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—Joe and Kathleen’s brother and Maeve’s uncle—is part of this campaign to attack the institutions committed to reducing the tragedy of preventable infectious diseases. He has helped to spread dangerous misinformation over social media and is complicit in sowing distrust of the science behind vaccines....
Those who delay or refuse vaccinations, or encourage others to do so, put themselves and others, especially children, at risk. It is in all our interests to make sure that immunizations reach every child on the globe through safe, effective and affordable vaccines. Everyone must communicate the benefits and safety of vaccines, and advocate for the respect and confidence of the institutions which make them possible. To do otherwise risks even further erosion of one of public health’s greatest achievements.
Read the complete editorial: RFK Jr. Is Our Brother and Uncle. He’s Tragically Wrong About Vaccines.
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IAC Spotlight: IAC's "Talking about Vaccines" web page about MMR vaccination has been updated
IAC's Talking About Vaccines: MMR Vaccine web page on immunize.org contains numerous resources that will help you have conversations with parents and patients who have concerns about MMR vaccination, including much information to help refute the myth that MMR vaccine can cause autism. On this page, you'll find links to handouts, videos, slide presentations, journal articles, photos, and more from IAC, CDC, the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Institute of Medicine, Vaxopedia, and the Autism Science Foundation.
To easily locate this web page from anywhere on immunize.org, go to the light blue band of tabs across the top, choose the "Talking About Vaccines" tab (far right), and then select "MMR Vaccine" from the drop-down menu.
Visit the Talking About Vaccines: MMR Vaccine web page.
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CDC reports that hepatitis A cases have increased almost 300% from 2016–18, mostly related to widespread nationwide outbreaks among people reporting drug use or homelessness
CDC published Increase in Hepatitis A Virus Infections—United States, 2013–2018 in the May 10 issue of MMWR. A summary made available to the press is reprinted below.
A new CDC analysis finds an alarming increase in hepatitis A virus infections in the United States in recent years. Compared with 2013–2015, reports of hepatitis A cases increased almost 300 percent during 2016–2018. While there were two foodborne outbreaks of hepatitis A in 2016 and an increase of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM), widespread outbreaks among people reporting drug use or homelessness in 16 states have overwhelmingly driven the recent surge in cases. For all hepatitis A outbreaks, vaccination is the most effective strategy for halting ongoing transmission and preventing future outbreaks. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination for adults at increased risk for exposure to hepatitis A, including: MSM, persons who use drugs, and persons who are homeless.
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“Ask the Experts: Zoster (shingles)” web page recently updated
CDC recently updated its Ask the Experts: Zoster (shingles) Q&As on immunize.org. Revisions to the zoster Ask the Experts set included adding information on the cause of zoster (shingles), expanding information on the transmission of varicella zoster virus, and updating information on the supply of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix).
IAC’s Ask the Experts web section is a compilation of common as well as challenging Q&As about vaccines and their administration. William Atkinson, MD, MPH, IAC's associate director for immunization education, manages this web section, with answers provided by Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH; Mark S. Freedman, DVM, MPH, DACVPM; Tina S. Objio, MSN, MHA, RN; Candice L. Robinson, MD, MPH; Raymond A. Strikas, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA; and JoEllen Wolicki, BSN, RN, all from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC.
Some of the most frequently visited sections of Ask the Experts Q&As include the following:
IAC Express publishes five special editions each year of Ask the Experts Q&As answered by CDC experts. You can access the four most recent IAC Express Ask the Experts sets of Q&As from the main web page of Ask the Experts, in the right-hand column.
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New podcast series from NPR radio affiliate explores the history of vaccine innovation and success alongside the spread of vaccine misinformation
WBUR-FM, Boston's NPR-affiliated news station, has announced a special multi-part series on "vaccine innovation, hysteria and the spread of disinformation" to kick off the third season of its Endless Thread podcast in collaboration with Reddit. Select portions of the description are reprinted below.
For “Infectious: The Strange Past and Surprising Present of Vaccines—and Anti-Vaxxers,” hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson, along with producer Josh Swartz, will explore the weird, winding story of scientific innovation, medical disasters, and online virality that radicalized new parents and created a movement that threatens to send us back to the disease-ridden dark ages....
“Our series takes a deep dive into the controversy, looking at everything from the early discovery of vaccines and the first anti-vaxxers, to the way the digital age has created new platforms to amplify the opposing voices,” said Iris Adler, Executive Director for Programming, Podcasts and Special Projects at WBUR. “Endless Thread takes podcast listeners way beyond the headlines and reductionist arguments to understand how these opposing forces came to be...."
Access this new Endless Thread podcast series: Infectious: The Strange Past and Surprising Present of Vaccines—and Anti-Vaxxers.
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Influenza activity continues to decrease but 5 additional pediatric deaths still reported
According to CDC, influenza activity decreased again in the U.S. in the period ending May 4, with the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness decreasing to 1.6%, which is below the national baseline of 2.2%. However, CDC reported 5 additional influenza-associated pediatric deaths during this week, for a total of 106.
CDC stated in its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, that during the week ending May 4, the geographic spread of influenza in two states was reported as widespread; Puerto Rico and seven states reported regional activity; 18 states reported local activity; the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 22 states reported sporadic activity; one state reported no activity; and Guam did not report.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 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.
Following is a list of resources related to influenza disease and vaccination for healthcare professionals and the public:
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April's Technically Speaking column by IAC executive director Dr. Deborah Wexler is titled "Refresher! Use of Pneumococcal Vaccines in Infants and Children, as Well as in Children with Health Conditions"
Technically Speaking is a monthly column written by IAC executive director Dr. Deborah Wexler for Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers, a monthly e-newsletter from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The column covers practical topics in immunization, such as vaccine administration, immunization scheduling, vaccine storage and handling, and vaccine recommendations.
April's column is titled Refresher! Use of Pneumococcal Vaccines in Infants and Children, as Well as in Children with Health Conditions and is reprinted below.
Refresher! Use of Pneumococcal Vaccines in Infants and Children, as Well as in Children with Health Conditions
Published April 2019
Since the licensure of PCV13 (Prevnar 13, Pfizer) in 2010, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has published three sets of recommendations for the use of PCV13 and PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23, Merck) in children. The guidance for high-risk conditions can be complex, but fortunately, a number of organizations have developed detailed materials to help healthcare professionals determine which of the two pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for whom and with what timing.
PCV13 vaccination of infants and young children
- All infants are recommended to receive a primary series of PCV13 at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, followed by a booster dose at age 12–15 months. Children who fall behind on the schedule should be given "catch-up" vaccinations through age 59 months.
- Children ages 60–71 months with certain health conditions who haven't completed the four-dose series should complete it before their sixth birthday. These health conditions include (but are not limited to) sickle cell disease, anatomic or functional asplenia, HIV infection, and immunosuppression. For detailed guidance, see the ACIP recommendations for the use of PCV13 and PPSV23 in infants and children (12/10/10), as well as the ready-to-print resources section at the end of this article.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Public Health
ADDITIONAL TOOLS
In addition, CDC has released a free mobile app, the PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor, to help vaccination providers quickly and easily determine which pneumococcal vaccines a patient needs and when.
IAC links to ACIP pneumococcal recommendations listed chronologically.
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Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast episode about National Infant Immunization Week and the measles outbreak
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) has posted a new entry in its Vax Talk podcast series: National Infant Immunization Week & Measles Outbreaks. In this special mini-episode, Karen Ernst, VFV executive director, talks to Dr. Nathan Chomilo, pediatrician and hospital internist, about the 25th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week and how the reasons for not vaccinating have changed over the years. They also discuss the current measles outbreaks.
If you or your organization would like information about how to become a sponsor of a VFV "Vax Talk" podcast, please contact VFV's executive director Karen Ernst, at info@voicesforvaccines.org.
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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IAC HANDOUTS
IAC updates "MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism. Examine the evidence!" with additional study
IAC recently updated its resource titled MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism. Examine the evidence! with the latest published study showing no association between MMR vaccine and autism—a Danish study of more than 650,000 children, including more than 6,500 children with diagnosed autism.
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IAC revises "Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers!"
IAC recently revised the handout for parents titled Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers! Changes were made to update several URLs and add the Vaxopedia website as a good source of information.
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IAC revises resource for healthcare professionals titled "Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor"
IAC recently revised its piece for healthcare professionals titled Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor. Changes were made to 1) remove the upper age limit for first year college students living in residence halls, 2) clarify the targeted groups of "children age 7 through 23 months who had not initiated a series of MenACWY (previous text was Menveo, rather than MenACWY) . . . ," and 3) expand the accepted time frame for Menactra and DTaP to also include "at least 6 months after DTaP."
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OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CDC publishes announcement about Hepatitis Awareness Month and Testing Day
CDC published Hepatitis Awareness Month and Testing Day—May 2019 in the May 10 issue of MMWR. The entire announcement is reprinted below.
May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 is Hepatitis Testing Day. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C, the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States, can cause chronic infections, and many persons remain unaware of their infection until serious complications occur. In 2016, an estimated 862,000 and 2.4 million persons were living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C, respectively, despite availability of a vaccine and effective treatment for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C.
Although hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination, multiple states have had outbreaks since 2016, with unprecedented large numbers of cases and person-to-person spread (primarily among persons who use drugs or experience homelessness). A report in this issue of MMWR summarizes this resurgence of hepatitis A among unvaccinated adults at risk.
New cases of hepatitis C are also increasing; during 2010–2016, they increased 3.5-fold, mostly among young adults. Recent increases in viral hepatitis infections, many attributed to surges in injection-drug use, highlight the importance of acknowledging and combatting the infectious disease consequences of the nation’s opioid crisis.
CDC has shared many tools and resources to help your efforts during May and beyond. The Hepatitis Awareness Month and Testing Day Resource Center has free tools to help support your awareness activities and testing events. The new Division of Viral Hepatitis’s website has information and resources on all types of hepatitis, including fact sheets, posters, provider resources, and much more.
Free resources are also available for the multilingual Know Hepatitis B campaign, which promotes hepatitis B testing among Asian Americans, and the Know More Hepatitis campaign, which encourages people born from 1945–1965 to get tested for hepatitis C. Campaign resources include video and radio PSAs, posters, infographics, fact sheets, customizable event flyers, and other materials.
Sign up for monthly emails from the Division of Viral Hepatitis about new publications, recommendations, new materials, or significant events.
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WORLD NEWS
WHO reports that 34,300 cases of measles were recorded in European region in the first two months of 2019, triple the number of cases in the same period last year
On May 6, the World Health Organization (WHO) put out a press release titled Measles—European Region. Sections of the four paragraphs are reprinted below.
In the first two months of 2019, 34,300 measles cases have been reported in 42 countries of the WHO European Region, including 13 measles-related deaths in three countries (Albania, Romania, and Ukraine). The majority of cases are reported in Ukraine, with more than 25,000 cases (>70%).
As of 28 March 2019, the WHO European Region reported a total of 83,540 measles cases and 74 related deaths for 2018. This is compared to 25,869 cases and 42 deaths in 2017, and 5,273 cases and 13 deaths in 2016....
Most cases are occurring in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals....
Every opportunity should be used to vaccinate susceptible children, adolescents, and adults. Measles-containing vaccines should also be recommended for susceptible persons intending to travel to countries where measles is endemic and where outbreaks are ongoing.
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Gavi announces that inactivated polio vaccine has been introduced in all countries worldwide
On May 9, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, released a statement titled Inactivated Polio Vaccine Now Introduced Worldwide: Momentous Global Effort Enables Record-Breaking Milestone for Polio and Immunisation. Sections of this press release are reprinted below.
After the introduction of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into Zimbabwe and Mongolia’s routine immunisation programmes with Gavi’s support, every country worldwide, including all 73 Gavi-supported countries, have now introduced the vaccine which protects children against the disease....
By the end of 2017, Gavi, backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Norway, and the United Kingdom, had helped more than 75 million children to be immunised against polio with IPV. Nepal became the first Gavi-supported country to introduce the vaccine in September 2014, just ten months after the Gavi Board agreed to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s (GPEI) efforts as part of the global effort to eradicate polio. Mongolia and Zimbabwe became the last countries to introduce the vaccine in April 2019....
Thanks to global efforts and vaccination, since the beginning of 2019 only fifteen cases of wild poliovirus have been recorded in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Moreover, Nigeria, the third endemic country could be declared polio-free by the end of the year. Polio cases have fallen by 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases to 33 reported cases in 2018.
As part of the global effort to eradicate polio, all countries needed to introduce at least one dose of IPV per child and to begin the phased removal of OPV. As a first step, the poliovirus type 2 antigen was removed from OPV in April 2016 in a globally synchronised effort. At that time, not all countries had introduced IPV prior to this global switch as a result of constrained supply due to challenges faced by manufacturers when scaling up production capacities in line with the increased global demand.
Now that all countries have introduced IPV, efforts need to be targeted towards stopping transmission as well as strengthening routine immunisation to increase coverage which is a pillar of the polio eradication strategy. A new strategy setting out the roadmap to achieving a lasting world free of all polioviruses by 2023 is being presented to the World Health Assembly next month, with Gavi’s involvement in the effort being further strengthened and built upon....
Read the complete statement: Inactivated Polio Vaccine Now Introduced Worldwide: Momentous Global Effort Enables Record-Breaking Milestone for Polio and Immunisation.
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AAFP and STFM offer free Shots Immunizations app updated with the 2019 schedules
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) have released the updated version of their Shots Immunizations app. The updated app offers all the 2019 CDC schedules (adult, child/adolescent, and child catch-up), and includes detailed information on each vaccine, including dosing schedules, potential adverse reactions, contraindications, CPT codes, resident education, and more. A clinician can input patient characteristics (age, conditions, special circumstances) and receive a list of recommended vaccines. The app also provides schedules for the combination vaccines ProQuad, Pediarix/Kinrix, and Pentacel/Quadracel.
This resource is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
Access more information on the Shots Immunizations app, including links to download the app for different devices.
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Hepatitis B Foundation publishes report on the need to increase hepatitis B awareness and prevention in the nail salon workforce
In May, the Hepatitis B Foundation published a new report titled The Impact of Nail Salon Industry Policies and Regulations on Hepatitis B Awareness and Prevention. A section of a related blog post from Hep B United is reprinted below.
North American Occupational Health and Safety Week (May 5–11) is a time to raise awareness about the importance of injury and illness prevention in the workplace! This week, we’re focusing on health and safety within the nail salon industry, specifically the risk for hepatitis B transmission and opportunities to increase awareness and education about hepatitis B among nail salon workers.
In the U.S., the nail salon workforce is comprised mostly of Vietnamese Americans, with many being immigrants. Refugee and immigrant communities are often susceptible to worker exploitation (including labor trafficking) and encounter cultural and linguistic barriers that may leave them vulnerable to occupational health and safety risks, including hepatitis B transmission.
During routine work, nail technicians may be exposed to a client’s blood or other bodily fluids. It is important for nail salon workers to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their clients to prevent the potential spread of the hepatitis B virus. More importantly, the nail salon industry (including salon owners and state health departments or boards that regulate nail salons) should implement policies that support greater education, awareness, and prevention of hepatitis B transmission among its workforce.
In October of 2011, the American College of Gastroenterology urged the need for increased surveillance and information on disinfection and infectious disease prevention, particularly for hepatitis B and C in nail salons. Since then, no major research or analysis has been conducted to better understand hepatitis B transmission or the policies that protect nail salon workers. In a new report released by the Hepatitis B Foundation, “The Impact of Nail Salon Industry Policies and Regulations on Hepatitis B Awareness and Prevention,” we seek to further understand the nail salon industry landscape through analyzing state policies that govern nail salons and identify strategies to support increased hepatitis B education, awareness, and prevention.
Read the complete Hepatitis B Foundation report: The Impact of Nail Salon Industry Policies and Regulations on Hepatitis B Awareness and Prevention.
Read the complete Hep B United blog post: New Report: Increasing Hepatitis B Awareness and Prevention in the Nail Salon Workforce.
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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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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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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Reminder: "A Strategic Response to Hepatitis A Outbreak: From the Big Picture to the Nitty Gritty" webinar to be held May 22
A webinar titled A Strategic Response to Hepatitis A Outbreak: From the Big Picture to the Nitty Gritty will take place on May 22 at 2:00 p.m. (ET). Two of the objectives are to provide an overview of hepatitis A and the increase in cases seen across the nation in the last 3 years, and to identify strategies that improve hepatitis A vaccination uptake in an outbreak response.
Registration information
This webinar is sponsored by Comagine Health, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, and the New Mexico Department of Health. The sponsorship was incorrectly attributed in last week's IAC Express.
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CDC to host webinar on May 29 titled "Adolescent Vaccines: How Pharmacists Can Make Strong Recommendations and Referrals"
CDC will host a webinar titled "Adolescent Vaccines: How Pharmacists Can Make Strong Recommendations and Referrals" on May 29 at 1:00 p.m. (ET). A description of this educational opportunity provided by CDC is reprinted below.
Every year in the United States, 33,700 women and men are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV infection. HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of these cancers from ever developing. Yet HPV vaccine rates continue to lag behind other vaccines—only half of U.S. adolescents are up to date. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to have a positive impact on HPV vaccine delivery, given that on average a pharmacy is available within two miles of every home in the United States. Pharmacists can identify which vaccines preteens need and motivate parents to make an appointment with their child’s doctor to get vaccinated. In some states, pharmacists can administer HPV vaccine to preteens.
During this webinar, a pharmacist will describe how pharmacists can make effective HPV vaccine recommendations and referrals. A CDC expert will describe effective communication techniques and CDC educational resources for healthcare providers and parents.
Registration information
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Draft agenda for June ACIP meeting now available
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will hold its next meeting on June 26–27 in Atlanta. The draft agenda is now available online. Registration for in-person attendance at the meeting has closed because registration for the meeting has reached the meeting space capacity.
Registration is not required to watch the meeting via webcast or listen to the proceedings via phone. Instructions for tuning in to the June meeting via live webcast will be posted when they become available.
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Reminder: Abstracts for National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships due by May 20
The 14th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships, Navigating from Local to Global, will take place in Honolulu from November 13–15. This is a great opportunity for coalition leaders to learn from expert speakers and network with members of immunization coalitions from around the nation.
Abstracts for breakout sessions and posters are due by May 20. Abstracts are welcome from representatives of all disciplines, including coalition staff and members, community-based providers, healthcare providers, social workers, researchers, government agencies, health communication specialists, and others.
Access general conference information.
Submit an abstract.
Please register by August 31 to receive the early bird rates.
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