Issue 1469: December 18, 2019


TOP STORIES


VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS


WORLD NEWS


FEATURED RESOURCES


JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS

 


TOP STORIES


Happy holidays from all of us at IAC! We'll be back on January 8. 

All of us at the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) wish you, our readers, a safe, happy, and relaxing holiday season. Because of the holiday schedule, we will not publish another issue of IAC Express until January 8. The IAC office will be closed on December 24 and 25, as well as January 1.

Happy holidays!

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WHO and CDC issue joint press release reporting more than 140,000 died from measles worldwide in 2018 and urging increased global investment in immunization and response
 
On December 5, the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC issued a joint press release highlighting the surge in worldwide measles cases in 2018. The press release stresses the risk for complications among infants and young children, with most deaths from complications occurring in children under 5 years of age. Populations that are hardest hit by measles outbreaks are those in the poorest countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The joint statement calls for ongoing investment in high-quality national immunization programs and disease surveillance in addition to improved outbreak response.

Access the complete press release: More than 140,000 Die from Measles as Cases Surge Worldwide (12/5/19)

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CDC updates ACIP recommendations on use of anthrax vaccine in the U.S.

CDC published Use of Anthrax Vaccine in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2019 in the December 13 issue of MMWR Recommendations and Reports. The first paragraph of the summary for the press is reprinted below.

This report updates the 2009 recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding use of anthrax vaccine in the United States (Wright JG, Quinn CP, Shadomy S, Messonnier N. Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP)], 2009. MMWR Recomm Rep 2010;59[No. RR-6]). The report 1) summarizes data on estimated efficacy in humans using a correlates of protection model and safety data published since the last ACIP review, 2) provides updated guidance for use of anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and in conjunction with antimicrobials for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), 3) provides updated guidance regarding PrEP vaccination of emergency and other responders, 4) summarizes the available data on an investigational anthrax vaccine (AV7909), and 5) discusses the use of anthrax antitoxins for PEP.

Access the complete MMWR article:

Related Link

  • MMWR main page provides access to MMWR Weekly, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, MMWR Surveillance Summaries, and MMWR Supplements

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Reminder: National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit soliciting nominations for its 2020 Immunization Excellence Awards

The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) is soliciting nominations for the 2020 NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards. The 2020 awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions towards improving vaccination rates within their communities during 2019. Awardees exemplify the meaning of the "immunization neighborhood" (collaboration, coordination, and communication among immunization stakeholders dedicated to meeting the immunization needs of the patient and protecting the community from vaccine-preventable diseases). 

A National Winner will be selected for each award category, and where appropriate, an Honorable Mention recipient. The winners will be presented with their awards at the NAIIS meeting to be held on May 18 in Atlanta, GA, in conjunction with CDC’s National Immunization Conference. The National Winners in each category will be invited to present their programs at the NAIIS meeting.  

Nominations deadline is February 1, 2020.

Access information on the award categories and the nomination form.

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IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make great gifts for the holidays!

IAC’s new elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin on hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges makes a meaningful gift for people who care about immunization.



The pin is a stick-through-post variety with the back end covered by a round rubber cap that holds the pin securely. A gold metal spring-lock clasp is also provided. The pin makes a refined statement, measuring 1.125" x 0.75". 

Wear these pins on clothing, uniforms, lab coats, tote bags, and backpacks to show that you value vaccines!



Click here for "Vaccines Save Lives" pins pricing and ordering information.

Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.

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Flu season is here, so make sure you have IAC's new "FLU VACCINE" buttons for staff and patient stickers on hand!

IAC's “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers are ready to ship! Their bright red color helps broadcast your important message about the need for flu vaccination. And the cost is nominal.



“FLU VACCINE” BUTTONS

The button measures 1.25" across and carries a bold message! Pin on lab coats, uniforms, other clothing, tote bags, or backpacks to show support for flu vaccine.
 
Buttons are delivered in bags of 10 buttons per bag.

Click here for pricing and ordering information for "FLU VACCINE" buttons.

“FLU VACCINE” STICKERS
 
Measuring 1.5" across and printed on Avery labels, theses stickers adhere well to clothing and have an easy-peel-off back.
 
Stickers are delivered to you cut individually (not on rolls)—available in bundles of 100. 

Click here for pricing and ordering information for “FLU VACCINE” stickers.

Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.

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VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS


Updated translations of the PPSV23 VIS are now available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese 

IAC recently posted updated Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese translations of the PPSV23 VIS. Access these updated translated versions below.

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IAC posts updated translations of  both zoster recombinant and zoster live VISs in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese;  Spanish-language RTF files also available  

IAC recently posted updated Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese translations of the VISs for both the zoster recombinant (Shingrix, GlaxoSmithKline) and the zoster live vaccine (Zostavax, Merck). Access the updated translated versions below.

Zoster recombinant  VIS

Zoster live VIS

RTF files are intended for use in electronic systems, such as electronic medical records, immunization information systems, or other electronic databases. CDC supplies RTF files of the English-language VISs, and IAC provides Spanish RTF files of VISs for each routinely recommended vaccine. 

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Updated Turkish translations of the PPSV23, typhoid, zoster recombinant, and zoster live VISs now available

IAC has posted updated Turkish-language versions of the PPSV23, typhoid, zoster recombinant, and zoster live VISs. IAC thanks Betül Polatdemir, MD, and Sibel Bostancıoğlu, MD, Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, for their donation of the Turkish translations. Access these Turkish-language versions below.

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IAC posts new and updated Karen translations of the PPSV23, zoster recombinant, and zoster live VISs

IAC has posted both new and updated Karen-language versions of the PPSV23, recombinant zoster, and zoster live VISs. IAC thanks St. Peter's Health Partners, Albany, NY, for the donation of these translations.

Related Links

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New Hindi-language version of the Japanese encephalitis VIS now available

IAC has posted a new Hindi-language version of the Japanese encephalitis VIS. IAC thanks Avinash Bansal, MD, Keshav Swarnkar, and Geeta Bansal, MD, of Kota, India, for donating the translation. Access the updated translation as well as the English-language version below.

Related Links

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WORLD NEWS


Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiencing world’s largest measles epidemic, launches phase 2 of campaign to vaccinate 18.9 million children by end of 2019

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), currently experiencing the world’s largest measles epidemic, has begun its effort to vaccinate 2.2 million children against measles in North Kivu. This effort is phase 2 of its campaign to vaccinate 18.9 million children against measles by end of 2019. The third and final phase of the campaign will target the ten remaining provinces. At this time, the DRC is also dealing with the world's second worst Ebola outbreak.

Read the article on WHO's regional office for Africa website: Measles Vaccination Drive Launched, North Kivu Targets 2.2 Million Children (12/5/19)

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Pakistan, first country worldwide to introduce typhoid conjugate vaccine into its routine immunization program, vaccinates 9.4 million children against typhoid fever in Sindh province

On December 4, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Pakistan had vaccinated 9.4 million children against typhoid fever in the Sindh province. This campaign, conducted with the financial support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and technical support from WHO and UNICEF, included more than 8,000 skilled vaccinators, 20,000 organizers and on-the-ground mobilizers, and more than 2,000 supervisors and monitors between November 18–30, 2019. Pakistan is the first country in the world to introduce the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) into its routine vaccination program.

Read the article on WHO's Pakistan web page: More than 9.4 Million Children Vaccinated against Typhoid Fever in Sindh (12/4/19)

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FEATURED RESOURCES


Seasonal influenza activity in the U.S. elevated for five weeks and continues to increase. Make sure all your patients are getting vaccinated!

According to CDC, seasonal influenza activity in the United States has been elevated for five weeks and continues to increase. CDC stated in its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, that as of the week ending December 7, the number of jurisdictions reporting regional or widespread activity increased to 38 this week from 30 last week.



Four new influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC during the week ending December 7. A total of 10 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2019–20 season. 

Visit the CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, for details.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, so please continue to vaccinate all your patients in this age range. 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 influenza vaccination services near them.

Related Links:

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New 16-minute personal background film about Dr. Maurice Hilleman released by the Vaccine Makers Project at VEC

A new 16-minute film about Dr. Maurice Hilleman titled Maurice Hilleman: The Man behind the Science, presents the personal background of Dr. Hilleman through memories shared by those who were close to him. It has been released on the Hillemanfilm.com website, which is sponsored by the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Hilleman is considered by many to be the "father of modern vaccines" because of his work in preventing pandemic flu, combining the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, and other achievements. His work has been estimated to save about 8 million lives every year.



Read about Dr. Hilleman's life and accomplishments and access a link to watch the film on the About Dr. Hilleman web page of Hillemanfilm.com.

Access the film directly: Maurice Hilleman: The Man behind the Science 

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NFID’s redesigned website brings together the organization’s valuable information and resources for the public and healthcare professionals 

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has redesigned its website, www.nfid.org, to bring together information and resources from its blog and previously separate NFID websites. The navigation menu on the redesigned site provides access to NFID's toolkits, reports, events, and trainings more easily than before. In addition, the website has improved search capabilities and is optimized for mobile devices.

Visit the NFID website to see the range of valuable information and resources it offers.

Related Link

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IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)

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 "how to" guide on adult immunization provides easy-to-use, practical information covering essential adult immunization activities. It helps vaccine providers enhance their existing adult immunization services or introduce them into any clinical setting. Topics include:

  • 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 Guide is available to download/print either by chapter or in its entirety free of charge at www.immunize.org/guide. The downloaded version is suitable for double-sided printing. The National Vaccine Program Office and CDC both supported the development of the Guide and provided early technical review.

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


JAMA Pediatrics study finds need for strategies to increase MMR vaccination rates among pediatric travelers to reduce measles outbreaks in the U.S.

On December 9, JAMA Pediatrics published a study titled Clinical Practices for Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination among U.S. Pediatric International Travelers (Emily P. Hyle, et al.). The first and last paragraphs of the abstract are reprinted below.

Importance
The U.S. population is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with more than 1,000 cases during the first 6 months of 2019. Imported measles cases among returning international travelers are the source of most US measles outbreaks, and these importations can be reduced with pretravel measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination of pediatric travelers. Although it is estimated that children account for less than 10% of U.S. international travelers, pediatric travelers account for 47% of all known measles importations.

Conclusions and Relevance  
Although most infant and preschool-aged travelers evaluated at GTEN
[Global TravEpiNet] sites were eligible for pretravel MMR vaccination, only 41.3% were vaccinated during pretravel consultation, mostly because of clinician decision or guardian refusal. Strategies may be needed to improve MMR vaccination among pediatric travelers and to reduce measles importations and outbreaks in the United States.

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About IAC Express
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IAC Express is supported in part by Grant No. 6NH23IP922550 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of IAC and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC. IAC Express is also supported by educational grants from the following companies: AstraZeneca, Inc.; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; Pfizer, Inc.; and Sanofi Pasteur.

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Editorial Information

  • Editor-in-Chief
    Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
  • Managing Editor
    John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
  • Associate Editor
    Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
  • Writer/Publication Coordinator
    Taryn Chapman, MS
    Courtnay Londo, MA
  • Style and Copy Editor
    Marian Deegan, JD
  • Web Edition Managers
    Arkady Shakhnovich
    Jermaine Royes
  • Contributing Writer
    Laurel H. Wood, MPA
  • Technical Reviewer
    Kayla Ohlde

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