- Immunize.org introduces standing orders template for RSV vaccination of adults age 60 years and older
- “Trends and Disparities in Childhood Vaccination Coverage by Vaccines for Children Program Eligibility—National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2012–2022” published in MMWR Early Release
- Immunize.org updates the screening checklists for contraindications to injectable and live attenuated influenza vaccines for the 2024–25 season
- Immunize.org updates “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size” and companion version for adults
- Immunize.org updates “Notification of Immunization Letter Template” to include newly recommended vaccines
- August is National Immunization Awareness Month; view CDC resources available for supporting vaccination now
- Watch and share the latest installment in Immunize.org’s Orientation Video Series: Introducing Clinical Resources
- Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
- Vaccines in the news
- The Public Health Communications Collaborative launches a new training hub to improve communication skills
- Montgomery County Immunization Coalition and Families Fighting Flu announce “#ItCanHappenToAnybody Flu Campaign” to show the importance of getting your family vaccinated
- Organizing a new vaccination program? Use Immunize.org’s Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download
Global News
A new template, Standing Orders for Administering Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine (RSV) to Adults Age 60 Years and Older, is now available from Immunize.org. This template reflects current ACIP recommendations for any of the three licensed RSV vaccines: Abrysvo (Pfizer), Arexvy (GSK), and mResvia (Moderna).
In June 2024, ACIP recommended routine RSV vaccination of two groups:
- All unvaccinated adults age 75 years and older
- Unvaccinated adults age 60–74 years who experience health or living conditions that increase their risk of serious RSV disease
ACIP no longer recommends the use of shared clinical decision-making for vaccination of adults age 60–74 years who are not at increased risk for serious RSV disease. People who have already received a dose of RSV vaccine should not be revaccinated this season.
Standing orders templates help vaccine providers establish protocols to streamline routine immunization without requiring individual patient orders.
Immunize.org also offers other standing orders templates for RSV prevention:
- Standing Orders for Administering Nirsevimab RSV Preventive Antibody (Beyfortus, by Sanofi) to Infants
- Standing Orders for Administering Pfizer Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine (Abrysvo) during Pregnancy
Related Links
- CDC: Healthcare Providers: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years of Age and Over main page
- CDC MMWR: Use of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines in Adults Aged ≥60 Years: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2024 (8/15/24)
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) web page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Standing Orders Templates main page
“Trends and Disparities in Childhood Vaccination Coverage by Vaccines for Children Program Eligibility—National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2012–2022” published in MMWR Early Release
CDC published Trends and Disparities in Childhood Vaccination Coverage by Vaccines for Children Program Eligibility—National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2012–2022 on August 13 in MMWR Early Release. A portion of the summary appears below.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program covers the cost of vaccines for eligible children to help ensure that all U.S. children are protected from life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases. . . .
Among VFC-eligible children, coverage with measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine was high and stable during 2012 through 2022, but there is room for improvement to increase coverage with other routinely recommended vaccines. Among children born in 2020, vaccination coverage was 4–14 percentage points lower among children who were eligible versus non-eligible for the VFC program. . . .
The VFC program plays a vital role in increasing and sustaining vaccination coverage. Increased efforts must promote awareness of, confidence in, and receipt of all recommended vaccines among those eligible for the VFC program.
Access the MMWR article.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
Immunize.org updates the screening checklists for contraindications to injectable and live attenuated influenza vaccines for the 2024–25 season
Immunize.org updated its screening checklists for the 2024–25 influenza season to remove references to the number of strains contained in influenza vaccine products. All vaccines for this season contain three strains, following the removal of the B/Yamagata strain that is no longer detected anywhere in the world. The checklists are:
- Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Injectable Influenza Vaccination
- Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Influenza main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Screening Checklists main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
Immunize.org updates “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size” and companion version for adults
Immunize.org recently updated two clinical resources:
- Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size
- Administering Vaccines to Adults: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size
Updates to both documents include the following:
- The volume for Fluzone High-Dose (HD-IIV, Sanofi) vaccine changed from 0.7 mL to 0.5 mL for the 2024–25 season
- References were removed for the specific number of strains in influenza vaccines
- A footnote now indicates that 2024–25 HD-IIV and adjuvanted IIV (Fluad, CSL Seqirus) are options for administration to people age 18–64 years who are solid organ transplant recipients on an immunosuppressive medication regimen
- The mpox (Jynneos, Bavarian Nordic) footnote was updated to state that subcutaneous administration is preferred over intradermal administration
- Readers are directed to the latest COVID-19 vaccine information in Immunize.org's frequently updated Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools
- MenABCWY (Penbraya, Pfizer) was added
![](https://mcusercontent.com/69948816469e0f4801f8647ee/images/e2bedcff-5c43-a91a-7a81-24d4daa68812.png)
![](https://mcusercontent.com/69948816469e0f4801f8647ee/images/4314114f-2c5f-3ab6-cb84-c0ff7cc52aec.png)
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Administering Vaccines main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Adult Vaccination main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
Immunize.org updates “Notification of Immunization Letter Template” to include newly recommended vaccines
Immunize.org recently updated its Notification of Immunization Letter Template to incorporate PCV21 (Capvaxive, Merck), the mRNA RSV vaccine (mResvia, Moderna), MenABCWY (Penbraya, Pfizer), and mpox (Jynneos, Bavarian Nordic).
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Documenting Vaccination main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
August is National Immunization Awareness Month; view CDC resources available for supporting vaccination now
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). During NIAM, encourage your patients to schedule appointments to ensure they are up to date on annual exams and recommended vaccines. CDC offers education, training, resources, and social media toolkits, including:
- Communication and Print Resources
- Toolkit for Reaching Healthcare Professionals
- Toolkit for Reaching Parents and Patients
- Immunization Education and Training
- The Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool
- Child and Adolescent Vaccine Assessment Tool
Related Links
- CDC: National Immunization Awareness Month web page
- Immunize.org: Key Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals
Watch and share the latest installment in Immunize.org’s Orientation Video Series: Introducing Clinical Resources
Immunize.org is pleased to share the latest installment in the Orientation Video Series, a 3-minute video introducing our clinical resources, one of the most popular sections of the Immunize.org website.
Available now on our YouTube channel, this video is the third in a new orientation series of 3-minute videos. These videos will help both new and experienced users get the most out of all the resources we offer. Horizontal versions of these videos, like the one below, orient viewers to the desktop format of the website. Vertical versions feature the mobile view displayed for smartphone users.
Please share this video with anyone who needs to learn how to get the most out of Immunize.org’s website to support effective immunization practices.
Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise.
- Facebook at ImmunizeOrg
- Instagram at ImmunizeOrg
- LinkedIn at ImmunizeOrg
- YouTube at ImmunizeOrg
Journalists seek out Immunize.org experts to help explain vaccines to the public and policy makers. We help the media understand and communicate the complex work vaccinators do. Here is one of our recent citations.
- Washington Post: New COVID Vaccines for Summer Variants Slated for Approval Late Next Week (8/16/24)
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
- Washington Post: What to Know about Mpox after WHO Declared It a Global Health Emergency (8/15/24)
- Pharmacy Times: From Hesitation to Vaccination: Tackling Vaccine Hesitancy (8/14/24)
- Healio: Childhood Vaccine Coverage Lower among Uninsured, Children Living below Poverty Level (8/13/24)
- Washington Post: Childhood Immunizations Lag Worldwide, Data Suggests (8/11/24)
- News from the States: More Parents Using Religious Exemption to Opt Children out of School Vaccinations (8/9/24)
- CBS: Measles Cases Are Triple What They Were Last Year in the U.S. Doctors Say Vaccines Can Help. (8/8/24)
The Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) launched its PHCC Academy, a free training hub to support public health communicators. Through dynamic and engaging content, this Academy seeks to fill skill gaps and help the public health communications workforce learn from experts and one another while building knowledge and communication skills.
The PHCC Academy, in a partnership that includes the CDC Foundation, launched its first course, "Strengthening Public Health Communications through Community Engagement." This 2-hour course reviews the principles of effective community engagement.
In addition to the self-paced video course, the PHCC Academy will offer live training at 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the following dates:
- September 25
- October 9
- October 23
View the PHCC Academy main page and register for an account. CE is not available, but digital certificates for participants will be posted on their LinkedIn accounts.
Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) Immunization Coalition (MCIC) partnered with Families Fighting Flu (FFF) to create the "#ItCanHappenToAnybody Flu Campaign." The campaign centers around Montgomery County native Alissa, whose life changed 20 years ago when her four-year-old daughter, Amanda, died suddenly from influenza. Alissa shares her story and how important it is to get your family vaccinated.
Watch Alissa's story on YouTube.
In addition to the video, MCIC and FFF created a social media toolkit for advocates to promote influenza vaccination.
Include #ItCanHappenToAnybody and tag @mcicpa to amplify your posts.
Download Immunize.org’s free 142-page book on adult vaccination to help build your program and train your team: Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide (Guide).
This thorough "how to" guide on adult vaccination provides easy-to-use, practical information covering all essential activities. It helps vaccine providers enhance their existing adult vaccination services or introduce them into any clinical setting.
The Guide is available to download/print either by chapter or in its entirety free of charge. The National Vaccine Program Office and CDC both supported the development of the Guide and provided early technical review.
The Guide is a valuable resource to assist providers in increasing adult vaccination rates. Be sure to get a copy today!
Please note: this guide was produced in 2017, before the COVID-19 era, and reflects the recommendations of that time.
Related Links
- Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide main page, permitting download of entire Guide (142 pages, PDF)
- View the table of contents and individual chapters (PDF):
- Table of Contents
- Step 1: Getting Started
- Step 2: Setting Up for Vaccination Services
- Step 3: Vaccine Storage and Handling
- Step 4: Deciding Whom to Vaccinate
- Step 5: Administering Vaccines
- Step 6: Documentation and Related Issues
- Step 7A: Financial Considerations
- Step 7B: How to Bill for Adult Immunizations
- Immunize.org’s Clinical Resources (handouts) on adult immunization
In the August 14 issue, Emerging Infectious Diseases published One Health Investigation into Mpox and Pets, United States. The abstract appears below.
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is zoonotic and capable of infecting many mammal species. However, whether common companion animals are susceptible to MPXV infection is unclear. During July 2022–March 2023, we collected animal and environmental swab samples within homes of confirmed human mpox case-patients and tested for MPXV and human DNA by PCR. We also used ELISA for orthopoxvirus antibody detection. . . . Despite the high likelihood for exposure, however, we found no indications that companion animals were infected with MPXV.
Global News
On August 14, WHO's Director-General declared the surge in mpox cases in several African countries to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The emergence of the new clade 1b variant spread rapidly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has been reported in several neighboring countries, with the potential to spread further and outside the continent. At least 12 African countries, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, reported mpox outbreaks. On August 15, Swedish officials reported a case of mpox clade 1b, the first case identified outside of Africa.
Africa CDC declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), which will enable the mobilization of resources and funding across the affected countries.
There are two different groups of mpox virus: clade 1 and clade 2. Clade 2 caused the 2022 global outbreak and only clade 2 is detected, to date, in the United States. The PHEIC refers to the most recent outbreak caused by a type of clade 1 virus known as “clade 1b.” Clade 1b emerged in 2023 and appears to be more contagious and to cause more severe illness than clade 2.
Both clades spread through direct contact with infected animals, intimate contact, and contact with contaminated materials. In the United States, CDC recommends vaccination for people exposed or likely to be exposed to mpox due to sexual activities that may put them at risk. Jynneos (Bavarian Nordic) is the mpox vaccine licensed by the FDA for preventing mpox in adults age 18 years and older at high risk for infection.
Related Links
- WHO: WHO Director-General Declares Mpox Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (8/14/24)
- Africa CDC: Africa CDC Declares Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, Mobilizing Resources across the Continent (8/13/24)
- WHO: Emergencies: Mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak web page
- CDC: Mpox Vaccine Recommendations web page
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Mpox main page
NFID will host a webinar titled Back to School: Childhood and Adolescent Immunization at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on August 22. The panel includes NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD; Jessica N. Snowden, MD, MS, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; and NFID Director Matthew M. Zahn, MD.
CME and CNE credit are available. There is no fee to participate in this activity, but preregistration is required.
Register for the webinar.
NFID hosts monthly webinars to increase awareness of the importance of infectious disease prevention and treatment. CME, CNE, and CPE credits are available for select recordings. View all archived NFID webinars.
Virtual: Public Health Communications Collaborative hosts webinar titled “New Approaches to Vaccine Communications” on August 26 at 2:30 p.m. (ET)
The Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) will host a webinar titled New Approaches to Vaccine Communications at 2:30 p.m. (ET) on August 26. The webinar will introduce newly tested messages to encourage routine vaccinations for children and adults. These new messaging approaches can inspire openness and curiosity about vaccines.
The panel includes Jessica Malaty Rivera, MS, de Beaumont Foundation; Michael Perry, PerryUndem; and Dana Howe, MS, Vaccinate Your Family.
Register for the webinar.
Archived materials from previous webinars are also available on the PHCC website.
For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events.
About IZ Express
IZ Express Disclaimer
ISSN 2771-8085
Editorial Information
-
Editor-in-ChiefKelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
-
Managing EditorJohn D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
-
Associate EditorSharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
-
Writer/Publication CoordinatorTaryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA -
Style and Copy EditorMarian Deegan, JD
-
Web Edition ManagersArkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes -
Contributing WriterLaurel H. Wood, MPA
-
Technical ReviewerKayla Ohlde