- CDC adds Heplisav-B vaccine as an option during pregnancy: “Updated Recommendation for Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination in Adults Aged 19–59 Years—United States, 2024” published in MMWR
- Immunize.org updates all “Ask the Experts” content on meningococcal and COVID-19 vaccines
- “Rollout of Nirsevimab to Protect Infants and Young Children During the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Season—New York City, 2023–2024” published in MMWR
- Immunize.org updates “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size” and companion version focused on adults
- Immunize.org updates two patient handouts on reliable sources of immunization information and a parent’s guide to HPV vaccine
- Immunize.org updates “Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents?”
- Immunize.org updates "Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools"
- PBS offers free streaming of Shot in the Arm documentary on vaccine hesitancy
- Influenza-like-illness activity advances in 13 jurisdictions. Encourage the unvaccinated to act as the holidays approach.
- “May Influenza Vaccines Be Given at the Same Time as Other Vaccines, Including COVID-19 Vaccines?” Watch the 2-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
- Vaccines in the news
- Recap: CDC releases 2025 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for children and teens
- Recap: CDC releases 2025 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for adults
- NFID posts podcast featuring Reed V. Tuckson, MD, on building trust and bridging gaps
- Mighty handy! Immunize.org offers adult and lifetime handheld immunization record cards you can provide your patients.
- Virtual: North Dakota State University hosts webinar titled “Change the Conversation: Motivational Interviewing and Vaccine Hesitancy” on December 16 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) and December 19 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit available
- Virtual: Questions about our website? Register for the next Immunize.org Website Office Hours on January 8 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or January 9 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Previously recorded sessions available online.
CDC published Updated Recommendation for Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination in Adults Aged 19–59 Years—United States, 2024 in the December 5 issue of MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
[ACIP] recommendations include HepB vaccination of all adults aged 19–59 years, including pregnant persons. Pregnant persons may receive any HepB vaccine licensed for adults for which data are sufficient to evaluate vaccine-associated risks in pregnancy. . . .
On September 11, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved updates to the package insert for Heplisav-B [HepB vaccine (recombinant), adjuvanted] . . . to include human data that do not suggest an increased risk for both major birth defects and miscarriage. . . .
Providers can now administer Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, Recombivax HB, or Twinrix to pregnant persons needing HepB vaccination.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
Immunize.org updated the questions and answers in its "Ask the Experts" web pages for meningococcal ACWY, meningococcal B, and COVID-19 vaccines. The meningococcal vaccine content is updated with the new 6-month dosing interval for Bexsero (GSK). Both meningococcal B vaccines (Bexsero and Trumenba from Pfizer) now have the same dosing schedule.
Ask the Experts COVID-19 content now includes the October 2024 ACIP recommendations for routine administration of an additional dose of 2024–2025 Formula COVID-19 Vaccine to adults age 65 and older and to all people age 6 months and older with moderate or severe immunocompromising conditions. This additional dose is due about 6 months after the first dose (minimum interval, 2 months). The content also includes information about the option to administer additional doses (at 2-month minimum intervals) to people with moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions, based on the judgment of the patient and healthcare provider.
Immunize.org's Ask the Experts main page leads you to 31 categories of vaccine-specific and general topics with answers to more than 1,300 common or challenging questions and answers about vaccines and their administration. Immunize.org's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP; Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH; and Jane R. Zucker, MD, MPH.
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Meningococcal ACWY main page
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Meningococcal B main page
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: COVID-19 main page
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts main page to access more than 1,300 questions and answers
CDC published Rollout of Nirsevimab to Protect Infants and Young Children During the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Season—New York City, 2023–2024 in the December 5 issue of MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that protects infants and young children against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection through passive immunization, was approved for U.S. use during the 2023–24 RSV season. . . .
Among New York City infants who were born during the recommended nirsevimab administration period for the 2023–24 RSV season (October 1, 2023–March 31, 2024) and who reportedly received nirsevimab, 37% of Vaccines for Children (VFC)–eligible and 45% of non–VFC-eligible infants received it within the first 7 days of life. . . .
Ensuring birthing hospital VFC enrollment and establishing protocols to offer nirsevimab to eligible infants before hospital discharge might increase nirsevimab administration within the first week of life.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
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
Each of these clinical resources was revised to remove PreHevbrio, the HepB vaccine from VBI, as an option. PreHevbrio is no longer available in the United States.
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 recently updated two of its resources, Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers! and Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A Parent's Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination. Changes include updated URLs and resource references. CDC is updating its website, often resulting in changes to URLs on its site. Immunize.org is reviewing and updating its content to reflect these changes.
Related Link
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
Immunize.org updated its handout, Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents? Edits updated several URLs.
Related Link
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
Immunize.org's December 3 version of its Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools incorporates minor updates and document availability. If you have not assessed your inventory of resources since CDC updated its vaccination guidance in late October, please do so soon.
There are no longer frequent changes to COVID-19 vaccine clinical resources and guidance from CDC and FDA. Since the introduction of this Immunize.org checklist in March 2022, it has been revised monthly and, when necessary, even more frequently. Beginning in 2025, Immunize.org will shift to as-needed updates of this document. You can continue to rely on this simple tool to keep your COVID-19 vaccination practice up to date with the most current resources available.
Related Links
- CDC: U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information main page
- CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations main page for use of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: COVID-19 main page
Shot in the Arm, a documentary exploring vaccine hesitancy, is now being streamed, free of charge, thanks to the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), through its website and the PBS Passport app. A description of the documentary appears below.
Both skeptical and hopeful, SHOT IN THE ARM - from Academy Award-Nominated filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy and Executive Producer Neil deGrasse Tyson - explores vaccine hesitancy historically and in the context of our modern pandemic. Can we replace cynicism with healthy curiosity and bridge the political divides that make us sick? Featuring: Tony Fauci, Paul Offit, and Robert Kennedy, Jr.
Stream it for free at pbs.org/show/shot-in-the-arm and request it on your local PBS stations.
The 2024–25 U.S. influenza season advanced substantially from last week, a signal that the annual U.S. influenza epidemic is beginning. Now is the time to vaccinate. For week 48, ending November 30, CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, FluView, shows influenza activity reached moderate to very high levels in 13 jurisdictions. This week, the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like-illness crossed the epidemic threshold for the first time this season, at 3.5%, suggesting increased influenza activity.
RESP-NET
Visit the CDC Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET) for weekly reports of hospitalizations due to three vaccine-preventable seasonal respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
Influenza Vaccination Dashboard
CDC's Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard shows the latest statistics. Coverage level estimates from IIS data submitted to CDC through October 2024 appear below.
- For children 6 months–17 years:
- Among 29 reporting state and city IIS jurisdictions, flu vaccination coverage ranged from 4.4% to 28.3%.
- Among 7 reporting U.S. territorial and affiliated island jurisdictions, coverage ranged from 0.0% to 28.3%.
- For adults 18 years and older:
- Among 29 reporting state and city IIS jurisdictions, flu vaccination coverage ranged from 6.7% to 27.5%.
- Among 7 reporting U.S. territorial and affiliated island jurisdictions, coverage ranged from 0.0% to 10.3%.
CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get annual influenza vaccination. Influenza and other vaccines (e.g., COVID-19, RSV) may be given at the same visit, if needed. Infants age 6 months and older may receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit when receiving nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi).
Identify pharmacies in your area that may offer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines by entering a zip code in the VaccineFinder on Vaccines.gov or Vacunas.gov.
Related Links
- CDC: Weekly National Flu Vaccination Dashboard main page
- CDC: FluView main page
- CDC: RESP-NET main page
- Immunize.org: free clinical resources and patient handouts related to influenza
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Influenza main page
This week, our featured episode from the Ask the Experts Video Series is May Influenza Vaccines Be Given at the Same Time as Other Vaccines, Including COVID-19 Vaccines? The video highlights CDC guidance for administering COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines. Any vaccine may be given on the same day or any day before or after COVID-19 vaccination, at a different anatomic site.
The 2-minute video is available on our YouTube channel, along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts questions.
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
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
- Washington Post: Cervical Cancer Deaths Drop Among Younger Women; Study Credits HPV Vaccine (12/5/24)
- MedPage Today: Nursing Homes Fell Behind on Vaccinating Patients for COVID (12/5/24)
- University of Arizona: From Polio to COVID-19: An Award-Winning Oral History Project Reflects Vaccine Hesitancy Across Generations (12/3/24)
- The Guardian: ‘We Learned the Hard Way’: Samoa Remembers a Deadly Measles Outbreak and a Visit from RFK Jr (11/26/24)
Providing VISs to your patients in their own language increases their confidence in and understanding of vaccination. Immunize.org’s library of VIS translations includes 47 languages. At least 20 different VISs are available in 31 of those languages. You can access the VIS translations by searching for a specific language or by a specific vaccine. Most are translations of the current VISs. If a translation of the current VIS is not available, CDC states it is acceptable to use out-of-date VIS translations. Whenever a translation is used, it is to be accompanied by the current federal document in English.
You may access all translated documents on our site through the translations main page from either the VIS or Clinical Resources menus. To limit your search to VISs only, you may also use the options described below.
Search by Language. At the top of any Immunize.org web page, under the tab “Vaccines & VISs,” click on “VIS Translations." The web page defaults to Spanish (our most frequently downloaded language). Tap the word Spanish and a drop-down list of available languages will appear. Select the language of interest. Then, click on the icon next to the desired vaccine to view or download the PDF. The current English VIS is also included because federal law requires the current English version to be provided and documented in the vaccine administration record.
Search by Vaccine. From the top of any Immunize.org web page, click on "Vaccines & VISs" on the left side of the ribbon. Click on “VISs” and then click one of the “Vaccines” listed on the left of that page. The image below shows the screen for MMR. At the top of the resulting “MMR Vaccine VIS” web page, you will see the image of the English VIS, followed by a list of the current translations available. Click on the icon next to the listed language to view or download the translated MMR VIS PDF.
IZ Express regularly provides readers with information about Immunize.org’s new and updated web pages, educational materials for healthcare professionals, and patient handouts. All Immunize.org clinical resources are free to distribute.
Immunize.org Updated Materials for Clinicians
- Standing Orders for Administering Pneumococcal Vaccines to Adults
- How to Administer Intranasal and Oral Vaccinations
- Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools
- Hepatitis B Facts: Testing and Vaccination
- Implementing Hepatitis B Universal Adult Screening and Vaccination: Clinical Answers for Healthcare Professionals
- Don't Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Administration!
New! Punjabi translations:
- Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults
- Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens
- Record of Vaccine Declination now also available in Spanish
Updated Printable Materials for Your Patients
- Vaccinations for Adults: You’re Never Too Old to Get Vaccinated! Seven updated translations are available: Arabic, Chinese-Simplified, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese
- Series of adult vaccination resources with various risk factors: heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, chronic liver disease or infection, HIV infection, without a spleen, and men who have sex with men
- Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences
- Questions and Answers have three updated files: measles, polio, and rabies
- Spanish translation of You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You
Web Pages
- Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal
- Vaccine History Timeline
- New! Travel Vaccines, includes new links to travel vaccine resources on 22 "Vaccines A–Z" web pages
- New! Clinical Resources: VIS-Related Resources
New! Archived Immunize.org Website Office Hours
- Website Office Hours: Ask the Experts Website Section
- Website Office Hours: Clinical Resources Website Section
- Website Office Hours: Vaccines A–Z Website Section
- Website Office Hours: Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) Website Section
IZ Express provides readers with information about new and updated VISs, translations, and resources. In October 2024, CDC released three updated VISs (COVID-19 Vaccine, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine, and Cholera Vaccine).
During November, the following VIS translations were posted:
Two clinical resources related to VISs were updated:
- Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)
- You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's Federal Law!
Immunize.org offers three clinical resources that link to VISs via QR codes:
- QR Code Links to Routinely Recommended Vaccine Information Statements
- QR Code Links to All Vaccine Information Statements
- QR Code Links to Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) Translations: Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (Inactivated or Recombinant)
All these resources appear on our new Clinical Resources: VIS-Related Resources.
On November 21, CDC posted the 2025 recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents, with a version for healthcare providers and another for parents. CDC will publish the schedule along with additional commentary about its changes in MMWR in January. In the meantime, on the CDC website you may view a section-by-section description of what changed on the child and adolescent schedule for 2025.
The updated schedule for children and adolescents includes:
- Table 1: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age
- Table 2: Catch-Up Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents
- Table 3: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Medical Indication
- Notes: vaccine types, dosing frequencies and intervals, and considerations for special situations
- Appendix: contraindications and precautions for vaccine types
- Addendum: new or updated ACIP recommendations issued during 2025 will be posted online on the addendum page
Access the PDF with the full-color, 17-page child/adolescent schedule.
Immunize.org is producing sturdy, waterproof, laminated copies of these schedules for sale. They are expected to begin shipping during January 2025. Preordering information will be shared in IZ Express soon. You may visit our online shop for details and to place a preorder.
On November 21, CDC posted the 2025 recommended immunization schedule for adults. CDC will publish the schedule along with additional commentary about its changes in MMWR in January. In the meantime, on the CDC website you may view a section-by-section description of what changed on the adult schedule for 2025.
The updated schedule for adults includes:
- Table 1: The Adult Immunization Schedule by Age
- Table 2: Adult Immunization Schedule by Medical Condition and Other Indication
- Notes: vaccine types, dosing frequencies and intervals, and considerations for special situations
- Appendix: contraindications and precautions for vaccine types
- Addendum: new or updated ACIP recommendations issued during 2025 will be posted online on the addendum page
Access the PDF with the full-color, 15-page adult schedule.
Immunize.org is producing sturdy, waterproof, laminated copies of these schedules for sale. They are expected to begin shipping during January 2025. Preordering information will be shared in IZ Express soon. You may also visit our online shop for details and to place a preorder.
Infectious IDeas, a podcast series from NFID, brings leading experts together for thought-provoking conversations. The latest entry in the series, Building Trust and Bridging Gaps, features Reed V. Tuckson, MD. A description from the web page appears below.
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Reed V. Tuckson, MD, co-founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and chair of the board of the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science. Tuckson explores the vital role of community-based public health initiatives and the urgent need to rebuild trust in science and health, particularly in underserved communities. From his early roots to his latest efforts tackling misinformation, he shares lessons in leadership, collaboration, and hope for the future.
Immunize.org's personal immunization record cards, printed on rip-proof, smudge-proof, waterproof paper, are designed to last a lifetime. They fit in a wallet when folded. The record cards are for providers to give to patients as a permanent personal vaccination record and are sold in boxes of 250.
Make bulk purchases and receive quantity discounts. For quotes on larger quantities or customizing, or to request sample cards, call 651-647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org.
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Documenting Vaccination main page
- Immunize.org: Shop: Collection List web page
North Dakota State University's Center for Immunization Research and Education (CIRE) will host a webinar titled Change the Conversation: Motivational Interviewing and Vaccine Hesitancy, 1:00–2:00 p.m. (ET) on December 16 and 1:00–2:00 p.m. (ET) on December 19. Participants will deepen their understanding of factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, introduce practical ways to integrate core Motivational Interviewing (MI) concepts, and engage in practice opportunities to apply MI skills in patient encounters.
Free pediatric maintenance of certification (MOC) credit is available for this activity.
Register for the webinar.
CIRE offers free access to recordings of its monthly webinars on its website. Participants who watch the full recording and complete the pre- and post-training quizzes may earn free CE credit for each webinar.
Learn more about CE opportunities.
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our website efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, January 8 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, January 9 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 45-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating the Official Guidance website section and address questions submitted in advance. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.
Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.