Issue Number 33
December 4, 1998
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- Free immunization teaching modules
available
- The 1998 edition of Canada's
Immunization Guide is now on the web.
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(1)
December 4, 1998
FREE IMMUNIZATION TEACHING MODULES AVAILABLE
If it's your job to teach medical students, residents, or practitioners about immunization
and vaccine-preventable diseases, then this information about free teaching resources is
for you!
The Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine (ATPM) will send you immunization
teaching modules. All you have to pay is the cost of shipping and handling. The two
modules that are currently available are "Measles Prevention" and
"Influenza Prevention."
These innovative case-based materials address gaps in knowledge and skills related to
vaccine indications, contraindication, and delivery strategies. The materials are based on
the most current ACIP recommendations.
David A. Link, MD, coordinator of Pediatric Curriculum Education, Harvard Medical School,
says this about the ATPM teaching modules:
"Case-based learning about vaccine-preventable diseases is clearly the best way to
carry out the job of teaching effectively. These cases are exciting and offer a gold mine
full of information...materials you simply cannot get any place else. The
interactive approach is far superior to passive learning."
For more information about these materials or other resources that are available from
ATPM, call 800-789-6737 between the hours of 9am and 5pm eastern time. Their supply is
limited, so call today.
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(2)
December 4, 1998
THE 1998 EDITION OF CANADA'S IMMUNIZATION GUIDE IS NOW ON THE WEB
The "Canadian Immunization Guide, Fifth Edition, 1998" prepared by Canada's
National Advisory Committee on Immunization is now available for viewing and/or
downloading as an Adobe Acrobat file from the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control of
Health Canada website. The document is available in English and French.
Warning...this is a carefully detailed and important document, which means it's long (200+
pages)! Click here to download:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/publicat/immguide/index.html
(Information on how to obtain a hard copy is at the end of this article.)
The fifth edition contains a preface that points out the numerous changes since the
previous edition in 1993, changes that "mirror the extraordinary pace of change in
the immunization field."
The following information has been excerpted from the preface of the new edition:
"...Every chapter has been thoroughly reviewed and updated as needed. New chapters
have been added on hepatitis A vaccine, national guidelines for childhood immunization
practices, and counselling of those with concerns about immunization..."
Highlights of other major changes in this edition of the "Canadian Immunization
Guide," some of particular relevance to the Canadian context, are as follows:
1. Vaccine storage and handling is considered in greater detail, with explicit
instructions.
2. Vaccination of immunocompromised hosts is describe in more depth.
3. The pertussis chapter is completely revised, with preference stated for acellular
vaccines and the list of precautions reduced significantly.
4. The measles chapter now describes the two-dose schedule and omits egg allergy as a
contraindication.
5. The poliomyelitis chapter now recommends inactivated vaccine exclusively.
6. The rabies chapter places more emphasis on management of potential bat exposures.
7. The travel vaccine sections have been updated regarding oral cholera vaccine and new
typhoid vaccines.
8. Pneumococcal vaccine use is more strongly encouraged; revaccination after 3-5 years is
recommended for individuals at highest risk."
Since the Guide is only published every few years, interim updates to the individual
vaccine statements, new vaccine statements, and any revisions to the immunization schedule
in Canada or its various provinces can be located through the web site of the Division of
Immunization, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/bid/di/
Look for any links to the "Canada Communicable Disease Report" as well as links
to any "National Reports on Immunization."
If you would like a hard copy of the "Canadian Immunization Guide, Fifth Edition,
1998," you can order it for US$10.95 through the Canadian Medical Association (the
publisher) by calling 888-855-2555 or inquiring by e-mail at cmamsc@cma.ca or click here:
mailto:cmamsc@cma.ca |
