- First U.S. measles death reported since 2015 as outbreaks grow; review and optimize your MMR vaccination practice with resources from Immunize.org
- “Interim Estimates of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years—VISION and IVY Networks, September 2024–January 2025” published in MMWR
- “Interim Estimates of 2024–2025 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—Four Vaccine Effectiveness Networks, United States, October 2024–February 2025” published in MMWR
- “Reports of Encephalopathy Among Children with Influenza-Associated Mortality—United States, 2010–11 Through 2024–25 Influenza Seasons” published in MMWR
- “Trends in Cervical Precancers Identified Through Population-Based Surveillance—Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Impact Monitoring Project, Five Sites, United States, 2008–2022” published in MMWR
- Immunize.org updates its “Standing Orders for Administering Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (Shingrix) to Adults” template
- Influenza continues to hit hard across the country; vaccination protects
- Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
- Vaccines in the news
- Spotlight on the website: CDC Resources
- Recap: Immunize.org updated these clinical resources in January and February
- Recap: Immunize.org reviews, updates “Ask the Experts: Documenting Vaccination,” and adds three new questions
- Recap: Immunize.org reviews, updates “Ask the Experts: Billing & Reimbursement,” and adds a question on Medicaid policies
- Recap: Immunize.org updates two “Questions and Answers” resources, one for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and one for pneumococcus
- Virtual: Hepatitis B Foundation and National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable host webinars on preventing liver cancer through vaccination on March 11 at 3:00 p.m. (ET) and March 18 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)
- Questions about our website? Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours March 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or March 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Previously recorded sessions available online.
In late February, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the death of an unvaccinated school-aged child at a hospital in Lubbock, the first United States death from measles since 2015. As of February 28, Texas reports 146 measles cases, with 20 hospitalizations, as a part of the growing outbreak that began in Gaines County, Texas, in late January.
Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning that the virus does not continuously spread in this country, although outbreaks can happen when the virus is introduced through travel. If measles spreads continuously within the United States for more than 1 year, then the United States will lose its status as a country that has eliminated measles.
CDC updates its 2025 count of measles cases in the United States on its Measles Cases and Outbreaks web page each Friday. From January 1 through February 27, 164 measles cases in nine states were reported to CDC. These states include Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas. Healthcare professionals should prepare to recognize and respond to measles in their practice.
MMR vaccine is the best defense against measles infection. One dose administered after the first birthday is 93% effective in preventing measles infection, and a second dose, which may be administered a minimum of one month later, increases effectiveness to 97%. The vaccine can also prevent or reduce the severity of infection if administered to an unvaccinated person up to 3 days after an exposure.
Immunize.org offers useful resources to support vaccination providers who offer MMR vaccine, including a standing orders template and other clinical resources to address the questions or concerns of parents and vaccine recipients. See our Vaccines A–Z: Measles page to find everything we offer to support measles vaccination.
Related Links
- CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks web page
- CDC: Measles (Rubeola) web section
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z Measles main page
- Immunize.org: Standing Orders for Administering Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine to Children and Teens
- Immunize.org: Standing Orders for Administering Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine to Adults
- AP News: A Texas Child Who Was Not Vaccinated Has Died of Measles, a First for the U.S. in a Decade (2/26/25)
CDC published Interim Estimates of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years—VISION and IVY Networks, September 2024–January 2025 on February 27 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine was 33% against COVID-19–associated emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) visits among adults aged ≥18 years and 45%–46% against hospitalizations among immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years, compared with not receiving a 2024–2025 vaccine dose. VE against hospitalizations in immunocompromised adults aged ≥65 years was 40%. . . .
These findings indicate that 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccination provides additional protection against COVID-19–associated ED/UC encounters and hospitalization, versus no 2024–2025 vaccination and support CDC and ACIP recommendations that all persons aged ≥6 months receive 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccination.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
CDC published Interim Estimates of 2024–2025 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—Four Vaccine Effectiveness Networks, United States, October 2024–February 2025 on February 27 in MMWR. A portion of the discussion appears below.
These interim estimates of 2024–25 VE indicate that influenza vaccination was effective in preventing medically attended influenza-associated illness in children, adolescents, and adults in the United States. Among children and adolescents, VE against medically attended influenza ranged from 32% to 60% in outpatient settings and from 63% to 78% against influenza-associated hospitalization. Among adults, VE against medically attended influenza was 36% and 54% in two outpatient settings and 41% and 55% against influenza-associated hospitalization. Despite increased circulation of influenza A(H3N2) viruses, which are generally associated with lower VE (3), estimates from this influenza season were consistent with those from the 2023–24 season and seasons associated with higher VE over the last 15 years.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
CDC published Reports of Encephalopathy Among Children with Influenza-Associated Mortality—United States, 2010–11 Through 2024–25 Influenza Seasons on February 27 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Influenza-associated encephalopathy or encephalitis (IAE), including acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), is a rare and potentially fatal complication of influenza. No national IAE surveillance exists. . . .
During late January 2025, CDC received anecdotal reports of critically ill children with IAE, including deaths with ANE. Data from the Influenza-Associated Pediatric Mortality Surveillance System was investigated and revealed the median proportion of pediatric influenza deaths with IAE during the 2010–11 through 2024–25 influenza seasons was 9%. IAE was identified in 13% (nine of 68) of deaths during the 2024–25 influenza season (through February 8, 2025), including four with ANE. . . .
It is not known whether cases observed in the 2024–25 season vary from expected numbers. Clinicians should consider IAE in children with influenza and abnormal neurologic signs or symptoms. Influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months while influenza viruses are circulating.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
CDC published Trends in Cervical Precancers Identified Through Population-Based Surveillance—Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Impact Monitoring Project, Five Sites, United States, 2008–2022 on February 27 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Since 2006, when human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was first recommended in the United States to prevent cancers and other diseases caused by HPV, vaccination coverage has increased, and many young women vaccinated as children or adolescents have become age-eligible for cervical cancer screening. CDC monitors cervical precancer incidence through the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Impact Monitoring Project. . . .
During 2008–2022, cervical precancer incidence decreased 79% and higher-grade precancer incidence decreased 80% among screened women aged 20–24 years, the age group most likely to have been vaccinated. . . .
Observed declines in cervical precancers are consistent with HPV vaccination impact and support Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations to vaccinate children against HPV at age 11–12 years with catch-up through age 26 years.
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 its Standing Orders for Administering Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (Shingrix) to Adults template to update URLs and formatting.
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Standing Orders Templates main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Zoster (Shingles) main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
For week 8, ending February 22, CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, showed influenza-like illness activity at high to very high levels in 41 of 49 reporting jurisdictions. CDC classified this season as a high-severity season for people of all ages. During week 8, 5.8% of outpatient visits were for influenza-like illness, well above the epidemic threshold of 3.0% for the twelfth consecutive week. Twelve influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during week 8, bringing the 2024–25 season total to 98 pediatric deaths.
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. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older; RSV vaccination at this point in the season is recommended for certain high-risk adults age 60 through 74 and all adults age 75 years and older. RSV immunization of infants and certain high-risk toddlers with nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi) is recommended until the end of March.
Influenza Vaccination Dashboard
CDC's Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard shows the latest statistics. Coverage level estimates through February 15 appear below.
- For children age 6 months–17 years, 45.8% of children received a flu vaccination, lower than last season at this time point (50.9%).
- For adults age 18 years and older, 45.3% of adults received a flu vaccination, consistent with last season at this time point.
CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get annual influenza vaccination. Given the high levels of circulating influenza across the country, vaccination remains important for all eligible, unvaccinated people.
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
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 a selection of our recent citations.
- CNN: Disrupted U.S. Vaccine Meetings Could Threaten Timelines, Access and Transparency Around Shots (2/28/25)
- NBC News: Could Flu Shot Supply Fall Short This Year? FDA’s Canceled Meeting Sparks Worries (2/27/25)
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
- Washington Post: Rise of Pediatric Flu Cases Is Sending More Children to the Hospital (3/1/25)
- Fox 7 Austin: Measles in Texas: Austin Doctor Speaks on Recent Virus Outbreak (2/28/25)
- New York Times: FDA Cancels Meeting of Vaccine Experts Scheduled to Advise on Flu Shots (2/26/25)
This week’s spotlight features CDC recommendations and resources. These are accessed by selecting the “Official Guidance” menu, then “CDC” among the lefthand choices, then one of the three righthand choices. This area of our website includes:
- The CDC Recommended Schedules page features official recommended immunization schedules for children, teens, and adults. You can view or download PDF versions of the schedules, or link to download a schedule app for mobile devices.
- The ACIP Vaccine Recommendations page provides a list of current and archived ACIP recommendations. Separate tabs display general (not vaccine-specific) or vaccine-specific recommendations. You may filter results to display only current recommendations and you may sort by date. Immunize.org maintains its own collection of PDF copies of ACIP recommendations as published in the MMWR to ensure your uninterrupted access. We also link to CDC’s online MMWR collection.
- The Additional CDC Resources page offers links to important CDC web pages related to immunization services and public health. You will find links to CDC publications, educational content, reference materials, and contact information.
“Additional CDC Resources” can also be accessed from their respective Vaccines A–Z pages. View the right menu on those pages and click on “ACIP Vaccine Recommendations” or “CDC Recommended Schedules” to jump directly to their location.
IZ Express regularly provides readers with information about Immunize.org’s new and updated educational materials for healthcare professionals and handouts for patients. All Immunize.org materials are free to distribute.
In case you missed them during recent weeks, updates were made to these helpful materials:
Immunize.org Updated Materials for Clinicians
- Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations
- Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools
- Leading Medical Organizations Endorse Strong School and Childcare Vaccine Requirements and Elimination of Non-Medical Exemptions
- Hepatitis B vaccination resources
- Before You Vaccinate Adults, Consider Their “H-A-L-O”!
- Vaccine Administration Record for children and teens; and for adults
- Quick Chart of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Terms in Multiple Languages
- Notification of Immunization Letter Template
- Temperature logs, storage and handling resources:
- Temperature Logs for Refrigerator Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Temperature Logs for Freezer Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Checklist for Safe Vaccine Storage and Handling
- Vaccine Storage Emergency Response Worksheet
- Don't Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Storage and Handling!
- Supplies You May Need at an Immunization Clinic
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Questions and Answers
- Hepatitis B: Questions and Answers
- Pneumococcus: Questions and Answers
- Evidence Shows Vaccines Unrelated to Autism
- Ask the Experts Vaccine Topics: Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Hepatitis B, and Dengue
- Ask the Experts General Topics: Billing & Reimbursement, Documenting Vaccination, and Vaccine Recommendations
- Vaccine Confidence & Addressing Concerns: Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Partner Resources
- New! Image Library: Mpox Images
Immunize.org reviewed the content of its Ask the Experts: Documenting Vaccination web page, updating answers, including hyperlinks to CDC references that changed during CDC’s recent website restructuring program. Three new questions and answers were added:
- What is the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP)?
- Does providing a digital copy of a VIS count, or must we give a paper VIS?
- What is a vaccine EUA fact sheet and when do I use one?
Immunize.org reviewed and updated the content of its Ask the Experts: Billing & Reimbursement web page, updating answers, including CDC website links. The answers reflect current Medicare and Medicaid payment policies.
New questions and answers were added: What vaccines are covered by Medicaid? Does coverage vary by state?
Immunize.org updated two of its "Questions and Answers" resources.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Questions and Answers: Edits update morbidity data and expand information on Hib vaccine safety
- Pneumococcus: Questions and Answers: Edits incorporate PCV21 (Capvaxive, Merck) recommendations and describe CDC's PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor app as a valuable tool to determine pneumococcal vaccine needs based on a person's age, health condition, and vaccination history
Confident healthcare provider recommendations for influenza vaccine are powerfully persuasive. This influenza season has been a tough one, and it is far from over. To help you maximize patient protection, Immunize.org, in collaboration with CSL Seqirus, updated the 65+ Flu Defense website.
This helpful site includes information, tools, and tips for communicating with adults age 65 and older about the scope and severity of influenza. Resources include:
- Influenza in Adults 65+: The Facts
- Influenza Vaccination: Questions Patients Aged 65 and Older Frequently Ask Their HCP
- The Importance of Preventing Influenza and COVID-19
Older adults are at increased risk of severe influenza, COVID-19, and RSV illness, including hospitalization and death, especially if they are not up to date on these vaccinations. A clinician recommendation is the most important reason why a patient will get vaccinated.
Check out the updated 65+ Flu Defense website to assist your ongoing efforts in protecting this vulnerable population.
Laminated booklets of the 2025 U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule and the 2025 U.S. adult immunization schedule are available now in the Immunize.org shop.
The schedules are available online as PDFs from CDC at no cost. Immunize.org’s laminated booklets are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccines are given. Features include:
- Durability: Their tough coating can be wiped down, and they can stand up to a year's worth of use.
- Format: Each schedule is produced in an 8.5” X 11” booklet format; with color coding for easy reading, our laminated schedules replicate the original CDC formatting, including all tables and notes. The adult schedule is 16 pages and the child and adolescent schedule is 20 pages.
- Easy access to CDC updates: The CDC online schedule includes an addendum page that will display ACIP’s new recommendations as CDC adopts them during 2025. Each Immunize.org laminated schedule addendum page includes QR codes you can scan to view or print the online addendum page as it is revised.
- Bonus content: Both schedules include a bonus page with Immunize.org’s popular 1-page handout summarizing the dose, route, and needle size recommendations for all vaccines and recipients.
Pricing:
| Child and Adolescent Booklets | Adult Booklets | |
| 1 copy: $10.50 | 1 copy: $10.00 | |
| 2–4 copies: $10.00 each | 2–4 copies: $9.50 each | |
| 5–19 copies: $9.00 each | 5–19 copies: $8.50 each | |
| 20–99 copies: $8.00 each | 20–99 copies: $7.50 each | |
| 100–499 copies: $6.50 each | 100–499 copies: $6.00 each | |
| 500–999 copies: $5.50 each | 500–999 copies: $5.00 each | |
| 1,000–1,999 copies: $4.50 each | 1,000–1,999 copies: $4.00 each | |
| 2,000+ copies: $3.75 each | 2,000+ copies: $3.25 each | |
Visit the Shop Immunize.org: Laminated Schedules web page to view images and order today!
For additional information, call 651-647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org.
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Laminated Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedules (0–18 years) web page
- Immunize.org: Laminated Adult Immunization Schedules (19 and older) web page
- Immunize.org: Shop Immunize.org main page
Georgetown University's Global Health Institute published H5N1 Influenza Vaccines and the Current Outbreak. Immunize.org’s Dr. Kelly Moore served on the panel that contributed to the meeting and paper. Key points from the summary appear below.
The current H5N1 influenza outbreak represents a challenge to global health security. On November 15, 2024, Georgetown University convened a webinar bringing together 20 experts from epidemiology, virology, vaccine development, regulatory science, and public health, engaging with an online audience of over 200 participants. . . .
This document summarizes gaps identified and recommends specific actions to undertake now to help address them. In addition, three overarching major priorities were identified that demand immediate attention.
- Resource and implement a Manhattan Project/Operation Warp Speed type initiative . . . to develop and assess . . . H5 and other pandemic influenza vaccines . . .
- Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to rebuild trust in and ensure effective delivery of critical public health messages. . . .
- H5 pandemic playbooks should be made public, and outgoing and incoming administrations should act together to exercise and test plans at the national, regional and local levels.
Hepatitis B Foundation, in partnership with the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, will host a webinar titled Preventing Liver Cancer From Birth with the Hepatitis B Vaccine, 3:00–4:00 p.m. (ET) on March 11 and 3:00–4:00 p.m. (ET) on March 18.
During this 2-part webinar, panelists will discuss how to prevent liver cancer through vaccination. In part one, panelists will discuss the importance of the HepB birth dose, and the burden of hepatitis B before the routine infant recommendation. In part two, panelists will discuss how to speak about vaccines in the current landscape.
Register for the webinar.
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our website efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, March 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, March 13 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 following site content: images, webinars, videos, and social media. 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):
The archive of previous Website Office Hours content is posted at Immunize.org’s Webinars & Videos page.
Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.