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Issue 1,521:
October 14, 2020
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IAC Handouts
Featured Resources
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Education and Training
On the Lighter Side
Top Stories
Tune in Thursday: IAC will host “Mass Vaccination Clinics: Challenges and Best
Practices” webinar on October 15
Mass vaccination clinics allow rapid and efficient administration of vaccines to many people over a relatively short period of time. This approach can help during delivery of routinely recommended vaccines such as influenza. It can also be used once COVID-19 vaccines are released. How can you plan and manage such a daunting undertaking?
This Thursday, October 15 from 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET, IAC will host an informative webinar titled Mass Vaccination Clinics: Challenges and Best Practices. Experienced organizers will discuss successes and challenges in conducting mass-vaccination clinics. They will highlight best practices and offer practical information for ensuring a successful clinic. Expert speakers include:
- Andrew Kroger, MD, MPH, Medical Officer, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA
- Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, ARPN, CIC, Professor, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Jeanne Marconi, MD; FAAP; Vice President, Clinical Integration, The Center for Advanced Pediatrics, Norwalk, CT
- Kevin Cleveland, PharmD, ANP, Assistant Dean and Director for Experiential Education, Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, Meridian, ID
- Karen Sharpnack, Executive Director, Idaho Immunization Coalition
- Amy Sauls, PharmD, BCACP, CPP, Director of Pharmacy and Professional Services for Campus Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Michelle Camarena, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing and Performance Improvement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Thevy Chai, MD, Director of Medical Services, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Register now to attend this free webinar.
This webinar is supported by a medical education grant from Seqirus, Inc.
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FDA posts briefing document for its advisory committee, VRBPAC titled “Development, Authorization and Licensure of Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19”
To prepare for its October 22 advisory committee meeting, FDA has posted a briefing document titled Development, Authorization and Licensure of Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19. An excerpt from the document is reprinted below.
The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee [VRBPAC] will convene on October 22, 2020, to discuss studies, in addition to those recommended in the June 2020 guidance for industry, that should be conducted, pre- and/or post-licensure, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine candidates, including in special populations (e.g., pediatric populations and pregnant women), and to further evaluate the immunogenicity and duration of effectiveness of these vaccines. The committee will also be asked to discuss the need for post-marketing safety studies following approval of a BLA for a COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, the committee will be asked to discuss what would be necessary for active safety follow up in order to permit an ongoing assessment of the benefits and risks of a COVID-19 vaccine following issuance of an EUA.
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CDC analysis of flu hospitalization data shows that people from racial and ethnic minority groups are at higher risk
A recent CDC analysis, shown on the CDC’s Flu Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups web page, highlights that non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino persons are at higher risk for being hospitalized with flu than are non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Asian persons.
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Sawbones releases “Our 2020 Flu Shot Extravaganza” podcast, an annual celebration of influenza vaccination with answers to listeners’ questions
Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine is a one-of-a-kind podcast reaching adults of all ages as well as their families with entertaining dialogue about the history of medicine, medical quackery, and current issues. Family physician Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her joke-cracking husband Justin McElroy, formerly a journalist, have produced weekly episodes of Sawbones since 2013. Their shows frequently include information about the importance of getting vaccinated.
The couple describe their October 2 episode, Our 2020 Flu Shot Extravaganza, as an annual celebration of the flu shot. During the episode, the McElroys "gift" us with answers to flu shot quandaries. They even give a kind nod to the Immunization Action Coalition (thank you!).
A previous flu-related episode asked listeners to send in their “reasons” for not getting flu shots. The McElroys then busted the most common excuses by “blowing them to smithereens.”
Sawbones is a hugely popular medical podcast, averaging about 250,000 downloads per episode. During the 2020 National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit, Sawbones was recognized with the Laura Scott 2019–20 Outstanding Influenza Season Activities Award.
All recent and past podcasts of Sawbones are available online at www.maximumfun.org/podcast/sawbones, where you can also access "How to Listen."
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FluView reporting has begun; be sure all your patients are getting vaccinated!
Influenza season is now beginning, and CDC expects flu activity to remain low but increase in the coming weeks. Visit the CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, for details.
If you don’t provide influenza vaccine at your site, please recommend vaccination and refer to a site that does vaccinate. Boston Children’s Hospital, in partnership with CDC, has developed VaccineFinder, a user-friendly website to help adult and pediatric patients find flu and other vaccines. Participating providers can now update supply estimates on VaccineFinder for a more accurate reporting. For questions or more information, contact vaccine@healthmap.org.
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AAP announces Virtual Visiting Immunization Expert Initiative
AAP recently announced its Virtual Visiting Immunization Expert Initiative, which will fund virtual meetings with a visiting immunization expert. The focus of the meeting should be increasing HPV and/or pediatric influenza vaccination rates; target audience may be pediatricians, other primary-care physicians, and/or practice staff. The AAP will accept up to 20 applications from AAP chapters, health departments, immunization coalitions, healthcare systems, and organizations with limited access to immunization experts. The brief application form should be submitted by November 13, 2020.
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IAC Spotlight! PowerPoint Slide Sets gateway page contains 13 presentations on immunization topics; available by request for your use
IAC's PowerPoint Slide Sets gateway page on immunize.org contains 13 presentations on a variety of immunization topics. These slides are available for your use "as is" or you can modify them to suit your organization's needs. Some of the slide sets include speaker’s notes. Currently the 13 slide sets are available for viewing online in a 6-slide-per-page handout format. The titles and links to the handout-formatted slides are listed below.
To request any of the slide sets, go to IAC's PowerPoint Slide Sets gateway page. Just below the presentation's title and description, click on "Request the PowerPoint slide set" and an email request form for the PowerPoint presentation will appear. Complete the form and hit “send.” You can edit and use the slides as you see fit. If you change the slides in any way, please acknowledge that the slide set was adapted from the Immunization Action Coalition.
Visit the IAC's PowerPoint Slide Sets gateway page on immunize.org to access and begin utilizing these valuable slide sets today!
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Voices for Vaccines releases podcast "I Fought the (Anti-Vaccine) Law," featuring law professor Dorit Reiss
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) has posted a new entry in its Vax Talk podcast series: I Fought the (Anti-Vaccine) Law. Vaccine science is now fairly widely understood in the media and the general public, so where does someone turn to spread disinformation about vaccines? To court. VFV invited UC Hastings law professor Dorit Reiss to discuss the types of lawsuits being filed, why they are being filed, and how these lawsuits are connected to harassment (both legal and petty) of vaccine advocates.
Voices for Vaccines is a national organization of parents and others who are dedicated to amplifying the voices of immunization supporters. VFV invites everyone who values vaccines to become a member, use VFV tools in their own community, and sign up for VFV’s free newsletter. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues to join VFV!
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
These recent articles and presentations convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
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IAC Handouts
IAC revises its meningococcal B standing orders template for adolescents and adults
IAC recently revised Standing Orders for Administering Meningococcal B Vaccine to Adolescents and Adults. Revisions were made to incorporate recommendations based on shared clinical decision-making for persons 16 through 23 years old and to add pregnancy as a precaution. Changes also include a chart with scheduling recommendations for people with risk factors and information on booster dosing.
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IAC updates "Meningococcal B Vaccine: IAC Answers Your Questions" and "Meningococcal B Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor"
IAC recently updated Meningococcal B Vaccine: IAC Answers Your Questions and Meningococcal B Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor.
Meningococcal B Vaccine: IAC Answers Your Questions: Revisions were made to incorporate factors to consider when using shared clinical decision-making for teens and adults 16 through 23 years old, and to elaborate on the recommendations for booster doses.
Meningococcal B Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor: Revisions were made to incorporate vaccination using shared clinical decision-making for teens and adults 16 through 23 years old.
 
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IAC updates "Meningococcal: Questions and Answers, Information about the Disease and Vaccines"
IAC recently revised its popular handout for the public titled Meningococcal: Questions and Answers.
Meningococcal: Questions and Answers: Revisions were made to incorporate recent epidemiologic data for meningococcal disease, expanded vaccination recommendations based on shared clinical decision-making for MenB for teens and adults 16 through 23 years old, a new complement inhibitor (ravulizumab [Ultomiris]) as a risk factor for MenB disease, and schedules for MenB booster doses.
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IAC updates “Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations for Children and Adults by Age and/or Risk Factor”
IAC recently updated Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations for Children and Adults by Age and/or Risk Factor to show age parameters for pneumococcal vaccination for people with alcoholism or chronic liver disease.
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Featured Resources
Explore a wealth of resources on innovative approaches for enhancing influenza and general vaccination services
With the emergence of COVID-19, we must rethink how patients receive routine care, including CDC-recommended vaccinations. It also is important for patients to go to their medical home to receive preventive services that may have been deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sanofi Pasteur developed new resources to support innovative approaches to vaccination delivery:
 
Each resource includes checklists to help prepare for running a general immunization clinic in addition to goal-tracking resources and others.
Discover the many resources available in each of the three tabs accessible from Sanofi Pasteur’s Vaccination Solutions gateway page: influenza immunizations, general immunizations, and patient education. You’ll find a library of downloadable posters, brochures, social posts, and more.
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Check out the FLU+FORCE website, a centralized collection of trusted information to help plan a mobile flu vaccination clinic
COVID-19 has overwhelmed the healthcare system, making it difficult for many practices to maintain routine services, including vaccinations. Off-site flu vaccination clinics can expand services to more people this influenza season.
The FLU+FORCE website is designed to help plan an alternate site flu vaccination clinic. It features a collection of trusted links and documents from such organizations as CDC, IAC, NAIIS, and NFID. Topics include:
- Planning and Process Documents
- Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines
- Patient Communication Templates
- Patient Education Materials
- Vaccine Documentation
For these resources and many more, check out FluForce.com/resources, offered by AstraZeneca.
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In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez reassures parents that children cannot get the flu from the flu shot
In this October 2020 video from CDC’s #HowIRecommend series, Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, reassures parents that children cannot get the flu from the influenza vaccine, but can avoid severe complications from influenza disease by getting vaccinated.
Visit the VOTW archive.
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Baylor University launches a series of lessons and activities to help teach children and adolescents about the importance of vaccines
Baylor University launched Vaccines for Children and Adolescents: Lessons and Activities, a series that helps parents and teachers start conversations about vaccines with children and adolescents, with advice and activities for each age group.
They also offer The Amazing Vaccine Race, an activity for elementary, middle, or high school students to review the phases of Covid-19 vaccine development and track the progress of the leading candidates.
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Keep vaccinating against the flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today!
IAC “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers are flying out of our office by the thousands! A half-million stickers already sold this year! 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, these stickers adhere well to clothing and have an easy-peel-off backing.
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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Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes graph showing “Death Rates from Influenza and Pneumonia among Persons Aged ≥65 Years, by Sex and Age Group—National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2018” in MMWR
CDC published a "Quick Stats" report, Death Rates from Influenza and Pneumonia among Persons Aged ≥65 Years, by Sex and Age Group—National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2018 in the October 9 issue of MMWR. The text accompanying the "Quick Stats" graphic is reprinted below.
In 2018, the death rate from influenza and pneumonia among persons aged ≥65 years was 93.2 deaths per 100,000 population. Death rates increased with age from 31.7 deaths per 100,000 population among adults aged 65–74 years, to 94.2 among adults aged 75–84 years, to 377.6 among those aged ≥85 years. Rates increased with age for both men and women, and in each age group the death rates were higher for men than for women.
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"Ensuring Uptake of Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2" published in New England Journal of Medicine
In the October 1 issue, New England Journal of Medicine published Ensuring Uptake of Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. The third paragraph is reprinted below.
Although a vaccine remains months to years away, developing a policy strategy to ensure uptake takes time. We offer a framework that states can apply now to help ensure uptake of the vaccine when it becomes available—including consideration of when a mandate might become appropriate. Our approach is guided by lessons from U.S. experiences with vaccines for the 1976 “swine flu,” H1N1 influenza, smallpox, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
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“Evaluating and Deploying Covid-19 Vaccines—the Importance of Transparency, Scientific Integrity, and Public Trust” published in New England Journal of Medicine
In the September 23 issue, New England Journal of Medicine published Evaluating and Deploying Covid-19 Vaccines—the Importance of Transparency, Scientific Integrity, and Public Trust. The last paragraph is reprinted below.
Public confidence in vaccination is fragile. Covid-19 vaccination programs will succeed only if there is widespread belief that available vaccines are safe and effective and that policies for prioritizing their distribution are equitable and evidence-based. Trust in science and expertise are threatened, as the pandemic has shown with catastrophic results. Relying on nonpartisan government scientists, their expert advisors, and the transparent, science-based processes that have served U.S. vaccination-related activities exceedingly well for generations would provide the best chance for Covid-19 vaccines to realize the high hopes for their role in addressing the current public health crisis.
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“Facebook Pages, the ‘Disneyland’ Measles Outbreak, and Promotion of Vaccine Refusal as a Civil Right, 2009–2019” published in American Journal of Public Health
In the October 1 issue, American Journal of Public Health published Facebook Pages, the "Disneyland" Measles Outbreak, and Promotion of Vaccine Refusal as a Civil Right, 2009–2019. The Conclusions and Public Health Implications sections are reprinted below.
Conclusions: The “Disneyland” measles outbreak drew vaccine opposition into the political mainstream, followed by promotional campaigns conducted in pages framing vaccine refusal as a civil right. Political mobilization in state-focused pages followed in 2019.
Public Health Implications: Policymakers should expect increasing attempts to alter state legislation associated with vaccine exemptions, potentially accompanied by fiercer lobbying from specific celebrities.
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Education and Training
CDC's "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on influenza vaccination to be held October 21
Mark your calendar! CDC's Current Issues in Immunization Webinar on the topic of influenza vaccination for the 2020–21 season will be held on October 21 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET).
Attendance for the live webinar is limited to 1,500 registrants, so log in early to secure a "seat." If you miss the live event, you can watch the archived version once it is posted on CDC’s website.
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25th Annual MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference to be held on October 22
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