Issue 1,502: June 24, 2020
Top Stories
Featured Resources
Journal Articles and Newsletters
On the Lighter Side
Top Stories
FDA expands license for Gardasil 9 to include preventing oropharyngeal and other head-and-neck cancers caused by relevant HPV types
On June 12, the FDA approved a supplemental biologics licensure application (sBLA) to add a new indication for Gardasil 9 (Merck): prevention of oropharyngeal and other head-and-neck cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types targeted by the vaccine.
Accelerated approval regulations require a post-licensure confirmatory study to verify and describe the clinical benefit for the indication. To satisfy this requirement, Merck is conducting a study to evaluate the efficacy of Gardasil 9 in men 20 through 45 years of age. FDA has accepted the prevention of oral persistent infection as an intermediate surrogate endpoint to predict the prevention of oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV.
Gardasil 9 remains approved for use in individuals 9 through 45 years of age, with no other changes to the previously approved age-specific dosing regimens.
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ImmYounity, a new eLearning platform for healthcare providers about communicating effective, efficient, and confident vaccine recommendations for patients, now available
ImmYounity is a new eLearning educational tool for healthcare providers from Sanofi Pasteur designed to increase healthcare provider confidence, by helping them engage in conversations about vaccines, enhance trust, and improve vaccine acceptance. This training is designed for the entire healthcare community including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants, office staff, and pharmacy technicians. This training tool is of particular importance as healthcare providers prepare for the upcoming influenza season. The materials are unbranded.
This eLearning curriculum is available on smartphones, tablets, and computers. The education is personalized to the learner based on their role and experience.
 
Ninety percent of patients surveyed stated that the number one reason they accept vaccination is because of the recommendation of their trusted healthcare provider. When patients have questions or concerns about vaccination, a healthy dialogue that develops trust is essential. ImmYounity eLearning—grounded in evidence-based vaccine science—is designed to teach a communication process that facilitates effective conversations. Since ImmYounity eLearning is available to all healthcare personnel, it can be used to help align entire practices with the knowledge and skills to support timely vaccination.
Visit ImmYounity.vaccines.com today to register and start learning.
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IAC Spotlight! IAC’s Immunization Partners gateway page recognizes the many organizations working hard to promote immunization
The IAC Immunization Partners gateway page lists governmental and nonprofit organizations as well as professional societies that work in the field of immunization in the U.S. The current list includes partners with whom IAC has worked over the years. The alphabetical list includes short descriptions and links to the organizations' websites. If we inadvertently omitted your organization, please let us know by emailing us at admin@immunize.org.
Check out the IAC Immunization Partners gateway page to see the breadth of immunization collaborators.
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IAC’s Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic now includes ten dozen materials
In May, IAC launched the Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic to assist in maintaining routine immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located on the website of the National Network of Immunization Coalitions, a project of IAC, this repository includes 120 links to both national and state-level policies and guidance; advocacy materials, including talking points, webinars, press releases, articles, and social media posts; and telehealth resources. These resources are intended for healthcare settings, state and local health departments, professional societies, immunization coalitions, advocacy groups, and the community to use in their efforts to sustain routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These resources can be sorted and searched by date, title, geographic area, source, type, age category, or setting.
If you have a resource to submit to the repository, please send a message to info@immunizationcoalitions.org.
Access the repository to view the range of valuable resources available to support the patients, families, and communities you serve.
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CDC updates Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2020–2021 Season to include information about vaccinating during the COVID-19 pandemic and two new quadrivalent formulations
CDC has updated its Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2020–2021 Season to include information about vaccinating during the COVID-19 pandemic and two new quadrivalent formulations. The section called “Flu and COVID-19” highlights the likelihood that influenza viruses and SARS CoV-2 will both circulate this fall and winter and that—while getting an influenza vaccine will not protect against COVID-19—influenza vaccination “will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources.”
The updated “Flu Vaccine” section gives information on two newly licensed quadrivalent formulations of existing vaccine brands that will be available during the 2020–2021 influenza season. Both are licensed for use in adults 65 years and older. One is a quadrivalent high-dose vaccine that replaces the previously licensed trivalent high-dose vaccine; the other is a quadrivalent adjuvanted vaccine that is similar to the previously licensed trivalent vaccine but has one additional influenza B component.
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HHS releases its National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy (NIVMS) 2020–2030
The U.S. Department of Human Health Services (HHS) released its National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy (NIVMS) 2020–2030 as directed by Executive Order (EO) 13887 on Modernizing Influenza Vaccines in the United States to Promote National Security and Public Health.
The NIVMS outlines three strategic objectives that align with four policy objectives in EO 13887. The NIVMS objectives aim to transform the U.S. influenza enterprise to adequately prepare for, prevent, detect, and respond to both seasonal influenza epidemics and potential pandemics over the next 10 years. The three objectives propose to:
- strengthen and diversify influenza vaccine development, manufacturing, and supply chain;
- promote innovative approaches and use of new technologies to detect, prevent, and respond to influenza;
- and increase influenza vaccine access and coverage across all populations.
Execution of this strategic approach over the next 10 years will require innovative partnerships, financial investments, and efficient utilization of resources.
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CDC issues Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory titled “Detection of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant, β-Lactamase-Producing Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup Y Isolates, United States, 2019–2020” highlighting the importance of vaccination
On June 18, the CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) released Detection of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant, β-Lactamase-Producing Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup Y Isolates, United States, 2019–2020. Eleven meningococcal disease cases reported in the United States during 2019–2020 had isolates containing a blaROB-1 β-lactamase gene associated with penicillin resistance, as well as mutations associated with ciprofloxacin resistance. This health advisory highlights the importance of ACIP’s recommendations for vaccination against meningococcal serogroups ACWY.
Access the complete HAN health advisory for more background information and detailed guidance for healthcare providers: Detection of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant, β-Lactamase-Producing Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup Y Isolates, United States, 2019–2020.
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
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Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
CDC, NIH, WHO, and Johns Hopkins are closely monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Be sure to check the resources below for the latest information. Stay in touch with your local and state health departments.
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Featured Resources
CDC develops new web page to alert parents that well-child visits and vaccinations should be continued during the pandemic
Pediatric outpatient visits and routine childhood vaccination have declined substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving children and communities at risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. CDC's National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) has developed a suite of materials to remind parents that well-child visits and vaccinations are essential. These resources include a new web page titled Routine Vaccination during the COVID-19 Outbreak, a new web feature titled Well-Child Visits Are Essential, and social media graphics and content for partners to share.
 
Sample social media messages for parents:
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In this week’s “Video of the Week,” the SciShow video explains how to make a COVID-19 vaccine
This April 2020 SciShow video (12:31 minutes) explains the way our immune system works as well as the types of COVID-19 vaccines being developed, using older and newer technologies. It emphasizes that three phases of testing are needed to ensure a vaccine is safe and effective, which slows our ability to produce a vaccine. The video concludes that until we have a SARS CoV-2 vaccine, finding effective treatments and taking preventive measures, such as physical distancing, will be needed.
Visit the VOTW archive.
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“Shop IAC” on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
On the Shop IAC web page, you will find many resources such as laminated vaccination schedules, personal immunization record cards, pins for your lapel, and more! Your purchases will help IAC keep delivering free, educational materials to healthcare professionals and to the public.
IAC's laminated versions of the 2020 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule and the 2020 U.S. adult immunization schedule are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccinations are given.
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The schedules' coating can be wiped down, and they’re durable enough to stand up to a year's worth of use. Visit the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules web page for more information on the schedules.
IAC’s three personal immunization record cards—child & teen, adult, and lifetime—are printed on durable rip-, smudge-, and water-proof paper. Sized to fit in a wallet when folded, the cards are brightly colored to stand out. Give these nearly indestructible personal record cards to your patients. They're sold in boxes of 250.
You too can show your support for vaccination with IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin on your lapel. The pin makes a refined statement in hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.125" x 0.75”. Order yours today to show how much you value immunizations!
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Journal Articles and Newsletters
“The Dual Epidemics of COVID-19 and Influenza: Vaccine Acceptance, Coverage, and Mandates” published in JAMA
On June 11, 2020, JAMA published The Dual Epidemics of COVID-19 and Influenza: Vaccine Acceptance, Coverage, and Mandates, by Lawrence O. Gostin and Daniel A. Salmon. The first paragraph is reprinted below.
The confluence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza this fall and winter will result in considerable morbidity and mortality, stressing the health system. With more than 100,000 COVID-19–related deaths already, the U.S. could see a second wave of disease later this year. In 2018–2019 (a “moderate” year for influenza), the U.S. experienced 35.5 million influenza cases, with 490,600 hospitalizations and 34,200 deaths related to influenza. An effective COVID-19 vaccine is unlikely until 2021. Even though seasonal influenza vaccines have variable year-to-year effectiveness, they can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality, especially with high coverage.
Access the full article.
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On the Lighter Side
“Spot Prevention” 1966 animated video describes the development of measles vaccine
Take a nostalgic look at vaccine education in this 14-minute CDC-produced animated feature describing the development of measles vaccine. This was produced by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1966 and is part of a PSA collection curated by vaccine expert William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH.
Previous videos mentioned in “On the Lighter Side” are available on IAC's Vimeo channel.
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