Issue
Number 481
September 27, 2004
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- CDC reports on influenza-vaccination coverage of U.S. children ages
6-23 months during the 2002-03 influenza season
- CDC makes supplemental recommendations about the timing of influenza
vaccination for the 2004-05 season
- Updated: New edition of "Employee Flu Immunization Campaign Kit" now
online
- Mark your calendar: October 14 is the date for CDC's next "Current
Issues in Immunization" net conference
- English/Spanish DVD explains trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine
VIS to patients with limited English literacy
- New: Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine VIS now available in
Japanese and Italian
- New: September issue of IAC's "HEP EXPRESS" electronic newsletter is
now online
- Newly revised hepatitis A VIS has been translated into Spanish,
Chinese, and Tagalog
- New: Use IAC's Pediatric and Adult Clinic Supplies Checklist to get
your community clinic ready for immunization season
- Updated: IAC revises its parent-education brochure "All Kids Need
Hepatitis B Shots"
- Erratum: MMWR corrects error to its report about suspension of
rotavirus vaccine
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ABBREVIATIONS: AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American
Academy of Pediatrics; ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices;
CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug
Administration; IAC, Immunization Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report; NIP, National Immunization Program; VIS, Vaccine
Information Statement; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health
Organization.
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September 27, 2004
CDC REPORTS ON INFLUENZA-VACCINATION COVERAGE OF U.S. CHILDREN AGES 6-23
MONTHS DURING THE 2002-03 INFLUENZA SEASON
CDC published "Childhood Influenza-Vaccination Coverage--United States,
2002-03 Influenza Season" in the September 24 issue of MMWR. Portions of the
article are reprinted below.
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[From the article text]
Children aged <2 years are at increased risk for influenza-related
hospitalizations. Beginning in 2002, the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) encouraged that, when feasible, all children aged 6-23
months, as well as household contacts and out-of-home caregivers for
children aged <2 years, receive influenza vaccinations each influenza
season. Beginning with the 2004-05 influenza season, ACIP strengthened the
encouragement to a recommendation. Other children recommended to receive
influenza vaccine continue to include those aged 6 months-18 years with
certain high-risk medical conditions and those aged 6 months-18 years who
are household contacts of persons at high risk for influenza complications.
This report on childhood influenza-vaccination coverage for the 2002-03
influenza season provides a baseline for the continuing assessment of
coverage among children aged 6-23 months. The findings demonstrate that,
during the first year of the ACIP encouragement to vaccinate children aged
6-23 months against influenza, vaccination coverage was low, with
substantial variability among states and urban areas.
This report is based on data from the 2003 National Immunization Survey (NIS),
an ongoing survey that provides estimates of vaccination coverage among
noninstitutionalized children aged 19-35 months. Children included in the
2003 NIS were born during January 2000-July 2002. The survey is conducted in
all 50 states and 28 selected urban areas. In 2003, entire
influenza-vaccination histories were obtained for all children.
Two measures of childhood influenza-vaccination coverage are reported: (1)
receipt of one or more influenza vaccinations during September-December 2002
and (2) full vaccination (based on ACIP recommendations for 2 doses of
influenza vaccine for previously unvaccinated children aged <9 years and 1
dose for previously vaccinated children aged <9 years). Children were
considered fully vaccinated if they had (1) received no doses of influenza
vaccine before September 1, 2002, but then received 2 doses from September 1
through either the date of interview or January 31, 2003, or (2) received
>=1 dose of influenza vaccine before September 1 and then received >=1 dose
during September-December 2002. Because children aged <6 months are not
eligible for vaccination and because the encouragement (and now the
recommendation) calls for vaccination of children aged 6-23 months, analyses
for both measures included only those children who were aged 6-23 months
during the entire span of September-December 2002.
In the 2003 NIS, the overall response rate for eligible households was
62.7%, and 13,831 children (unweighted) met the age criteria for this
assessment. Of these, 7.4% (+/-0.7) received one or more influenza
vaccinations, and 4.4% (+/-0.5) were fully vaccinated. Substantial
variability in influenza coverage was observed among states and selected
urban areas. Percentages of children receiving one or more influenza
vaccinations ranged from 2.2% (+/-2.1) in El Paso County, Texas, to 26.6%
(+/-8.0) in Rhode Island. . . .
[From the Editorial Note]
Influenza-vaccination coverage among children aged 6-23 months was low
during the first year of the ACIP encouragement. For the 2004-05 influenza
season, an ACIP recommendation replaces the encouragement that was in place
previously; this change is expected to result in increased vaccination
coverage. However, substantial work is needed to fully implement this new
recommendation for children aged 6-23 months and household contacts of
children aged <2 years and to reduce the number of preventable
influenza-related hospitalizations among young children.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5337a1.htm
To access a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5337.pdf
To receive a FREE electronic subscription to MMWR (which includes new ACIP
statements), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwrsubscribe.html
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September 27, 2004
CDC MAKES SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE TIMING OF INFLUENZA
VACCINATION FOR THE 2004-05 SEASON
CDC published "Notice to Readers: Supplemental Recommendations About the
Timing of Influenza Vaccination, 2004-05 Season" in the September 24 issue
of MMWR. The article is reprinted below in its entirety, with the exception
of references.
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In early August 2004, discussion with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
and influenza vaccine manufacturers indicated that production of vaccine for
the 2004-05 influenza season was proceeding satisfactorily. However, on
August 26, Chiron Corporation announced that, in conducting final internal
release procedures for its inactivated influenza vaccine, Fluvirin, the
company's quality-assurance systems had identified a small number of lots
that did not meet product sterility specifications; these lots will not be
distributed. In recent discussions with CDC, the company stated that
laboratory testing determined the problem was localized. After the company
completes its quality-assurance testing, all remaining lots that have met
sterility specifications will be available for distribution. Chiron expects
to distribute 46-48 million doses during this influenza season, with 42-44
million doses distributed in October and the remaining doses distributed in
early November. Total influenza-vaccine production from all manufacturers
who will supply the U.S. market during the 2004-05 influenza season is
estimated at 100 million doses, which is approximately 13 million more doses
than was produced for the 2003-04 influenza season.
CDC is recommending that influenza vaccination proceed for all recommended
persons as soon as vaccine is available, recognizing that availability might
be limited in early October. Some delay might occur for customers receiving
influenza-vaccine doses purchased from Chiron, which might result in a need
to reschedule planned clinics and other vaccination campaigns. The optimal
time to vaccinate against influenza is October and November, and the
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that persons
planning substantial organized vaccination campaigns consider scheduling
those events after mid-October because availability of vaccine in any one
location cannot be ensured consistently in early fall. Aventis Pasteur,
Inc., expects to distribute approximately 52 million doses of inactivated
influenza vaccine (Fluzone) this season. MedImmune Vaccines, Inc., expects
to distribute approximately 1.5 million doses of live attenuated influenza
vaccine (FluMist). No delays in the timing of distribution of vaccine from
these two manufacturers of influenza vaccine are expected.
The annual preseason assessment of each year's projected vaccine supply was
requested by ACIP to help address vaccine shortages first experienced in
2000. The committee recommended that mass vaccination campaigns for the
2000-01 season be delayed until the availability of supply was ensured. ACIP
issued similar recommendations for the 2001-02 influenza season and
incorporated into its annual influenza recommendations the possible use of
prioritized timing of vaccine administration when necessary because of
vaccine shortages or delays. No delays occurred in vaccination campaigns
during either the 2002-03 or the 2003-04 seasons.
CDC also will purchase 4.5 million doses of inactivated influenza vaccine,
which will be held in a stockpile to ensure sufficient supply in the event
of increased demand like that experienced last winter. CDC has legislative
authority through the Vaccines for Children program to purchase influenza
vaccine for a national stockpile program for children aged <=18 years.
Additional information about influenza and influenza vaccination is
available from CDC at http://www.cdc.gov
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5337a7.htm
To access a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5337.pdf
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September 27, 2004
UPDATED: NEW EDITION OF "EMPLOYEE FLU IMMUNIZATION CAMPAIGN KIT" NOW ONLINE
The Massachusetts Medical Society recently posted the 2004 "Employee Flu
Immunization Campaign Kit" on its website. Developed by the Massachusetts
Medical Society, MassPRO, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
the updated kit replaces one developed in 2002. It is intended for use with
trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV).
The 32-page kit is designed to help hospital and nursing home occupational
health specialists, employee health specialists, and infection control
specialists protect staff and patients from influenza through immunization
of health care employees. It includes step-by-step instructions,
information, worksheets, promotional materials, and tips to assist in
planning and conducting a successful health care employee influenza
immunization campaign.
To find out more about the kit and to download each campaign step
separately, go to:
http://www.massmed.org/pages/flu_kit.asp
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September 27, 2004
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: OCTOBER 14 IS THE DATE FOR CDC'S NEXT "CURRENT ISSUES IN
IMMUNIZATION" NET CONFERENCE
Scheduled for October 14, from noon to 1PM ET, the net conference "Current
Issues in Immunization" is designed to provide clinicians with up-to-date
information on immunization. The program has two primary topics: (1) adult
immunization issues, including adult influenza immunization and influenza
vaccine supply, and (2) vaccine information statements: history and use.
The conference requires pre-registration, as space is limited. Registration
will close when the course is full or on October 11 (midnight ET). To
register for the conference, go to:
http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/isd/ciinc/default.asp
The program will combine a telephone audio conference and simultaneous
online visual content. Participants can join the Q&A session by telephone or
Internet. For instructions and system requirements, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/ciinc/instructions.htm
For additional information, call (404) 639-8225 or go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/ciinc/default.htm
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September 27, 2004
ENGLISH/SPANISH DVD EXPLAINS TRIVALENT INACTIVATED INFLUENZA VACCINE VIS TO
PATIENTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH LITERACY
If you will be conducting influenza vaccination clinics for Spanish speakers
or low-literacy English speakers this fall, you might want to purchase
Healthway Software's new DVD version of the VIS for trivalent inactivated
influenza vaccine (TIV). Based on the current (5/24/04) VIS for TIV, the DVD
explains the information covered in the VIS in English and Spanish and uses
audio and graphics to clarify the material. It comes with a print copy of
the VIS.
The DVD's total runtime is about 25 minutes; the price is $18. For
additional information about the DVD and to order it online, go to:
http://www.healthwaysoftware.com/engspfludvid.htm
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September 27, 2004
NEW: TRIVALENT INACTIVATED INFLUENZA VACCINE VIS NOW AVAILABLE IN JAPANESE
AND ITALIAN
Dated 5/24/04, the current version of the VIS for trivalent inactivated
influenza vaccine (TIV) is now available on the IAC website in Japanese and
Italian. IAC gratefully acknowledges the California Department of Health
Services for the Japanese translation and Anastasia Caruso and Maria Rita
Arico, U.S. Naval Hospital, Sigonella, Italy, for the Italian translation.
To obtain a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of the VIS for TIV in Japanese, go
to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/jp_flu04.pdf
To obtain it in Italian, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/it_flu04.pdf
To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/2flu.pdf
For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total of 32
languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at
http://www.immunize.org/vis
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September 27, 2004
NEW: SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF IAC'S "HEP EXPRESS" ELECTRONIC
NEWSLETTER IS NOW ONLINE
The September 16 issue of "HEP EXPRESS," an electronic
newsletter published by IAC, is now available online. "HEP
EXPRESS" is intended for health and social service professionals
involved in the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis. The
September 16 issue includes articles on the following:
-
The addition of a presentation by Dr. Harold Margolis to the
Hepatitis B Foundation's online Expert Speakers Forum
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CDC's Q&A web page about HIV and hepatitis C coinfection
-
Upcoming annual meetings of the American Association for
the Study of Liver Disease and the National Coalition of
STD Directors
-
Information about recently published journal articles
To access the September 16 issue, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/issue21.asp
To sign up for a free subscription to "HEP EXPRESS," go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/signup.asp
To access previous issues of "HEP EXPRESS," go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/index.asp
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September 27, 2004
NEWLY REVISED HEPATITIS A VIS HAS BEEN TRANSLATED INTO SPANISH,
CHINESE, AND TAGALOG
Dated 8/4/04, the current version of the VIS for hepatitis A
vaccine is now available on the IAC website in Spanish, Chinese,
and Tagalog. IAC gratefully acknowledges the California
Department of Health Services for the translations.
To obtain a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of the VIS for
hepatitis A vaccine in Spanish, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/sp_hpa04.pdf
To obtain it in Chinese, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/ch_hpa04.pdf
To obtain it in Tagalog, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/ta_hpa04.pdf
To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/v-hepa.pdf
For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total
of 32 languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at
http://www.immunize.org/vis
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September 27, 2004
NEW: USE IAC'S PEDIATRIC AND ADULT CLINIC SUPPLIES CHECKLIST TO
GET YOUR COMMUNITY CLINIC READY FOR IMMUNIZATION SEASON
In September, IAC developed a one-page checklist that will save
health professionals time when gathering supplies for pediatric
and adult immunization clinics. "Suggested Supplies Checklist
for Pediatric and Adult Immunization Clinic" organizes clinic
supplies into six broad categories: vaccines, vaccine
administration supplies, VISs, emergency supplies, clinic
charts, and miscellaneous office supplies. A detailed list is
given for each category to ensure that clinic staff have all
necessary supplies before the clinic is underway.
To obtain a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of the checklist, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3046chk.pdf
To obtain a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3046chk.htm
SUPPLIES CHECKLIST FOR ADULT IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
If your community outreach clinic immunizes only adults, you may
find IAC's one-page "Suggested Supplies Checklist for Adult
Immunization Clinic" more pertinent.
To obtain a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of the adult checklist,
go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3047.pdf
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September 27, 2004
UPDATED: IAC REVISES ITS PARENT-EDUCATION BROCHURE "ALL KIDS
NEED HEPATITIS B SHOTS"
In August, IAC made minor revisions to it two-page parent-education brochure "All kids need hepatitis B shots."
To obtain a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/4055kidb.pdf
The brochure is available in the following languages: Spanish,
Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, Farsi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean,
Laotian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Somali, Tagalog,
Turkish, and Vietnamese.
To access ready-to-copy (PDF) versions of the brochure in these
languages, go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/free.htm
Scroll down to "All kids need hepatitis B shots" (product P4055)
and click on the language(s) you want.
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September 27, 2004
ERRATUM: MMWR CORRECTS ERROR TO ITS REPORT ABOUT SUSPENSION OF
ROTAVIRUS VACCINE
CDC published "Erratum: Vol. 53, No. 34" in the September 24
issue of MMWR. The erratum is reprinted below in its entirety.
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In the report "Suspension of Rotavirus Vaccine After Reports of
Intussusception--United States, 1999," first paragraph, second
sentence, the date for when rhesus-human rotavirus reassortant-tetravalent vaccine was licensed was incorrect. The date should
be August 31, 1998.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go
to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5337a8.htm
To access a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR,
go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5337.pdf |
