Issue
Number 558
October 17, 2005
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- FDA releases three lots of Chiron's Fluvirin vaccine for
use during 2005-06 influenza season
- NEW: CDC issues Adult Immunization Schedule for October
2005-September 2006
- MMWR includes CDC's report on Guillain-Barre Syndrome
among recent recipients of Menactra vaccine
- MMWR notifies readers about FDA's approval of VAQTA
hepatitis A vaccine for children age 1 year and older
- New: The October 2005 issue of Vaccinate Adults is in
the mail and on the Web
- Typo trouble: NIP corrects a typo on the interim VIS for
Tdap vaccine
- Erratum: IAC Express corrects its October 10 article on
Alaska's meningococcal mandate
- Update: IAC makes minor changes to four of its vaccine
administration pieces
- Rate of pertussis hospitalizations for infants younger
than 6 months increased by 20% from 1994-1998 to 1999-2003
- New: November 4 is the deadline for abstracts for the
2006 National Immunization Conference
- CDC's Influenza web section begins posting the "Weekly
Report: Influenza Summary Update" for the 2005-06 season
- CDC's Influenza web section posts information on
laboratory diagnosis of respiratory illness
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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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October 17, 2005
FDA RELEASES THREE LOTS OF CHIRON'S FLUVIRIN VACCINE FOR USE DURING 2005-06
INFLUENZA SEASON
The website of the FDA recently posted information that as of October 12 FDA
had released three lots of Chiron Corp.'s Fluvirin trivalent inactivated
influenza vaccine (TIV). To access the information, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/cber/flu/flulot101205.htm
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October 17, 2005
NEW: CDC ISSUES ADULT IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 2005-SEPTEMBER 2006
CDC published "Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule--United States,
October 2005-September 2006" as an MMWR QuickGuide in the October 14 issue
of MMWR. The article is reprinted below in its entirety, excluding
references and two figures.
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Changes in the Schedule for October 2005-September 2006
The 2005-2006 schedule differs from the previous schedule as follows:
- Vaccines listed on the age-based schedule
(Figure 1) are displayed so that vaccines recommended for routine use can
be differentiated from those recommended for adults with certain risk
indicators (similar to the childhood immunization schedule). This is
illustrated both by the color scheme and by the broken line.
- The yellow bars ("For all persons in this
group") and the green bars ("For persons lacking documentation of
vaccination or evidence of disease") from the previous schedule have been
merged into one yellow bar, which now reads, "For all persons in this
category who meet the age requirements and who lack evidence of immunity
(e.g., lack documentation of vaccination or have no evidence of prior
infection)."
- The purple bar has been changed from "For
persons at risk (e.g., with medical/exposure indications)" to "Recommended
if some other risk factor is present (e.g., on the basis of medical,
occupational, lifestyle, or other indications)." The purple bar was added
to the 50-64 years and >=65 years age-group columns for measles, mumps,
rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- The column, "Diabetes, heart disease,
chronic pulmonary disease, or chronic liver disease including chronic
alcoholism" has been transposed with the column, "Congenital
immunodeficiency, leukemia, lymphoma, generalized malignancy, therapy with
alkylating agents, antimetabolites, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, radiation,
or large amounts of corticosteroids" on the medical/other indications
schedule (Figure 2) so that contraindications for MMR and varicella
vaccines are now side-by-side.
- The row for varicella vaccine has been
moved up on both figures (i.e., to immediately after MMR vaccine) because
the vaccine is now universally recommended for certain age groups.
- Meningococcal vaccine has been added to
the medical/other indications schedule (Figure 2). The footnote has been
revised to incorporate the recently published ACIP recommendations for
this vaccine.
- The tetanus and diphtheria footnote (#1)
has been reworded.
- The varicella footnote (#3) has been
reworded in accordance with ACIP recommendations adopted in June 2005.
- The influenza footnote (#4) has been
revised to add the newest high-risk condition: neuromuscular conditions
that compromise respiratory function.
- A 10th footnote has been added regarding
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination for populations at high risk
(i.e., persons with asplenia, leukemia, and human immunodeficiency virus
[HIV] infection).
The Adult Immunization Schedule is available
in English at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/adult-schedule.htm [IAC Express editor's
note: The Spanish-language version will be available at a later date.]
General information about adult immunization, including recommendations
concerning vaccination of persons with HIV and other immunosuppressive
conditions, is available from state and local health departments and from
the National Immunization Program at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip Vaccine information statements are available at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/vis ACIP statements for each
recommended vaccine can be viewed, downloaded, and printed from the National
Immunization Program website at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/acip-list.htm Instructions for
reporting adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System are
available at http://www.vaers.hhs.gov
or by telephone, (800) 822-7967.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the Adult Immunization Schedule, go
to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5440-Immunizationa1.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5440-Immunization.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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October 17, 2005
MMWR INCLUDES CDC'S REPORT ON GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME AMONG RECENT
RECIPIENTS OF MENACTRA VACCINE
CDC published "Guillain-Barre Syndrome Among Recipients of Menactra
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine--United States, June-July 2005" in the
October 14 MMWR. Previously, the article was available only in electronic
format as an "MMWR Dispatch."
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the MMWR article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5440a6.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR,
go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5440.pdf
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October 17, 2005
MMWR NOTIFIES READERS ABOUT FDA'S APPROVAL OF VAQTA HEPATITIS A VACCINE
FOR CHILDREN AGE 1 YEAR AND OLDER
CDC published "Notice to Readers: FDA Approval of VAQTA (Hepatitis A
Vaccine, Inactivated) for Children Aged [1 Year and Older]" in the October
14 issue of MMWR. The article is reprinted below in its entirety, with the
exception of references.
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On August 11, 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an
application of a pediatric/adolescent formulation of VAQTA (hepatitis A
vaccine, inactivated) (Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, New Jersey) for
use among persons aged 12 months-18 years. Previously, the
pediatric/adolescent formulation of VAQTA was approved for use in persons
aged 2-18 years. The approved labeling change applies only to VAQTA and
not to other licensed hepatitis A vaccines.
The formulation, dosage, and schedule for VAQTA have not changed. Each 0.5
mL dose of the pediatric/adolescent formulation of VAQTA contains
approximately 25 units of formalin-inactivated hepatitis A virus antigen,
adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, in 0.9% sodium chloride.
The formulation does not contain a preservative.
VAQTA is now indicated for active immunization of persons aged 12 months
[and older] to protect against disease caused by hepatitis A virus. The
primary vaccination schedule is unchanged and consists of 2 doses,
administered on a 0, 6-18 month schedule. The Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued recommendations for hepatitis A
vaccination.
Results from the study to lower the age indication for VAQTA indicated
that 100% of 343 initially seronegative children aged 12-23 months who
received 2 doses of VAQTA had seroconverted to antibody levels previously
indicated to be protective. The study also indicated that VAQTA may be
administered concomitantly with M-M-R II (measles, mumps, and rubella
virus vaccine live). Insufficient data are available to evaluate the
concomitant use of VAQTA with other routinely recommended childhood
vaccines. According to the general recommendations of ACIP, inactivated
vaccines generally do not interfere with the immune response to other
inactivated or live vaccines.
In combined clinical trials reported as part of the labeling change
application, 706 healthy children aged 12-23 months received 1 [or more]
doses of VAQTA alone or in combination with other routinely recommended
pediatric vaccines. The most commonly reported complaints after 1 or both
doses of VAQTA were similar to those reported among older children. VAQTA
is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to any component
of the vaccine.
Additional information is available from the manufacturer's package insert
and at telephone (800) 672-6372.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5440a7.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5440.pdf
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October 17, 2005
NEW: THE OCTOBER 2005 ISSUE OF VACCINATE ADULTS IS IN THE MAIL AND ON THE
WEB
IAC recently mailed the latest issue of Vaccinate Adults (October 2005) to
130,000 adult medicine specialists and others who work in the field of
immunization. Packed with immunization resources for health professionals
and patients, the 12-page issue is well worth downloading. All articles and
education pieces, except editorials, have been thoroughly reviewed by
immunization and hepatitis experts at CDC.
HOW TO READ VACCINATE ADULTS ON THE WEB
You can view selected articles from the table of contents below or download
the entire issue from the Web.
To view the table of contents with links to individual articles, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/va
The PDF file of the entire issue, linked below, is 563,483 bytes. For tips
on downloading and printing PDF files, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/tips.htm
To download a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the October issue, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/va/va16.pdf
Below are descriptions of articles published in the October issue, followed
by links:
GENERAL IMMUNIZATION (three resources)
(1) In "Ask the Experts," CDC specialists answer questions about vaccines
and their recommended use.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/va/va16exprt.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/va/va16exprt.htm
(2) "Vaccine Highlights" presents information on four newly licensed
vaccines and updated influenza recommendations.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/va/va16vacc.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/va/va16vacc.htm
(3) Newly adapted from the Michigan Department of Community Health,
"Healthcare Worker Vaccination Recommendations" offers a succinct overview
of seven vaccines all or some healthcare workers should receive.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2017.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2017.htm
ADULT IMMUNIZATION (one resource)
(1) Updated in September, "Summary of Recommendations for Adult
Immunization" now includes the updated influenza recommendations, as well as
information on newly licensed vaccines.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2011b.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2011b.htm
VIRAL HEPATITIS (one resource)
(1) Updated in September, the professional-education piece "Hepatitis B
Facts: Testing and Vaccination" now includes a section on managing chronic
hepatitis B infection and information about using results of serologic tests
to determine whom to vaccinate.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2110.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2110.htm
INFLUENZA VACCINATION (four resources)
(1) Developed in response to many requests, "Standing Orders for
Administering Influenza Vaccines to Children & Adolescents" presents a
model protocol for administering the injectable and nasal-spray influenza
vaccines to children and adolescents without a physician's direct order.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3074a.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3074a.htm
(2) Updated in August, "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza
Vaccines to Adults" now includes information on the new influenza
recommendations for injectable and nasal-spray vaccines.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3074.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3074.htm
(3) Updated in July, "Screening Questionnaire for Intranasal Influenza
Vaccination" lets adult patients indicate if they or their child have
contraindications to the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4067.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4067.htm
(4) Updated in July, "Screening Questionnaire for Injectable Influenza
Vaccination" lets adult patients indicate if they or their child have
contraindications to the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV).
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4066.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4066.htm
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October 17, 2005
TYPO TROUBLE: NIP CORRECTS A TYPO ON THE INTERIM VIS FOR Tdap VACCINE
NIP recently corrected a typo in the interim VIS for
tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. In the first section (Why get
vaccinated?), the last sentence in the paragraph titled PERTUSSIS now
reads, "Up to 2 in 100 adolescents with pertussis are hospitalized or have
complications." Previously, the sentence had read, "Up to 2 in 10
adolescents with pertussis are hospitalized or have complications."
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the corrected interim VIS
(dated 9/22/05) from the NIP website, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-tdap.pdf
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it from the IAC website, go
to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/tdap.pdf
For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total of 33
languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at
http://www.immunize.org/vis
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October 17, 2005
ERRATUM: IAC EXPRESS CORRECTS ITS OCTOBER 10 ARTICLE ON ALASKA'S
MENINGOCOCCAL MANDATE
The title of article #6 in IAC Express #557 (dated October 10) was
misleading. The title, which read "New: Alaska mandates meningococcal
vaccine for college students; three more states let pharmacists
vaccinate," implied that Alaska has mandated meningococcal VACCINATION for
college students.
In fact, as the body of the article stated, Alaska has mandated EDUCATION
about meningococcal disease and vaccine for incoming college students who
intend to reside in campus housing. IAC has corrected the title to read
"New: Alaska mandates education about meningococcal disease and vaccine
for college students; three more states let pharmacists vaccinate." To
access the corrected article, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/genr.d/issue557.htm#n6
IAC regrets the misleading title and any confusion it may have caused IAC
Express readers.
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October 17, 2005
UPDATE: IAC MAKES MINOR CHANGES TO FOUR OF ITS VACCINE ADMINISTRATION PIECES
IAC recently revised four of its vaccine administration pieces to include
information about recently licensed vaccines. The pieces are (1) "How to
administer intramuscular (IM) injections and how to administer subcutaneous
(SC) injections"; (2) "How to administer IM and SC injections to adults";
(3) "Vaccine administration record for children and teens"; and (4) "Vaccine
administration record for adults." Information about the revisions follows:
(1) The two-page "How to administer intramuscular (IM) injections and how to
administer subcutaneous (SC) injections" now includes information on
administering these two vaccines: diphtheria-tetanus with pertussis (Tdap)
and meningococcal conjugate (MCV4).
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the revised piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2020.pdf
(2) The one-page "How to administer IM and SC injections to adults" now
includes information on administering these two vaccines: diphtheria-tetanus
with pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal conjugate (MCV4).
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the revised piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2020A.pdf
(3) The four-page "Vaccine administration record for children and teens" now
includes information on administering these four vaccines:
diphtheria-tetanus with pertussis (Tdap); measles-mumps-rubella with
varicella (MMRV); meningococcal conjugate (MCV4); and live attenuated
influenza (LAIV).
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the revised piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2022b.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2022b.htm
(4) The two-page "Vaccine administration record for adults" now includes
information on administering these three vaccines: diphtheria-tetanus with
pertussis (Tdap); meningococcal conjugate (MCV4); and live attenuated
influenza (LAIV). To access a
ready-to-print (PDF) version of the revised piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2023b.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2023b.htm
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October 17, 2005
RATE OF PERTUSSIS HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR INFANTS YOUNGER THAN 6 MONTHS
INCREASED BY 20% FROM 1994-1998 TO 1999-2003
CDC published "QuickStats: Rate of Hospitalizations for Pertussis Among
Infants Aged [Younger Than] 6 Months--United States, 1994-1998 to 1999-2003"
in the October 14 issue of MMWR. The article is reprinted below in its
entirety, with the exception of the figure.
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More than 90% of hospitalizations for pertussis among children aged [younger
than] 2 years occurred in infants aged [younger than] 6 months, a group too
young either to receive vaccination or to have developed adequate protection
from vaccination. The pertussis hospitalization rate for infants aged
[younger than] 6 months increased by 20% from 1994-1998 to 1999-2003.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5440a10.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5440.pdf
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October 17, 2005
NEW: NOVEMBER 4 IS THE DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS FOR THE 2006 NATIONAL
IMMUNIZATION CONFERENCE
If you have an idea for a workshop or poster presentation for the 2006
National Immunization Conference, you have only a few weeks to submit your
abstract. The deadline is November 4. To submit an abstract online, go to:
http://cdc.confex.com/cdc/nic2006/index.epl
Planned for Atlanta on March 6-9, 2006, the conference will offer
opportunities to learn about the following topics: childhood, adolescent,
and adult immunization; vaccine safety, health communications, community,
partnerships, policy, and legislation; vaccine-preventable diseases, new
vaccines, and vaccine development; cultural diversity and health
education; assessment, surveillance, and barriers to immunization;
immunization registries; and global immunization. To access the
preliminary agenda, go to:
http://cdc.confex.com/cdc/nic2006/techprogram/meeting_nic2006.htm
The deadline for early-bird registration ($175) is January 13, 2006. To
register online, go to:
http://conferences.taskforce.org/2006NIC/2006NIC.htm
For questions or assistance with registration, contact Beverly Fowler by
email at bfowler@taskforce.org
or by phone at (404) 592-1425.
For comprehensive conference information, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/nic
For additional information, contact the Conference Planning Team by email
at nipnic@cdc.gov
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October 17, 2005
CDC'S INFLUENZA WEB SECTION BEGINS POSTING THE "WEEKLY REPORT: INFLUENZA
SUMMARY UPDATE" FOR THE 2005-06 SEASON
CDC collects surveillance data year-round and reports on U.S. influenza
activity each week from October through May in its "Weekly Report:
Influenza Summary Update." For the 2005-06 influenza season, each Weekly
Report will include these components: a synopsis, laboratory surveillance,
pneumonia and influenza (P&I) mortality surveillance, influenza-associated
pediatric mortality, influenza-associated pediatric hospitalizations,
influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance, and influenza activity as
assessed by state and territorial epidemiologists.
To access Weekly Reports for the 2005-06 influenza season, as well as
reports from previous seasons, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivity.htm This link will also give
you access to a U.S. map showing current influenza activity and to
websites that contain international influenza surveillance data.
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October 17, 2005
CDC'S INFLUENZA WEB SECTION POSTS INFORMATION ON LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF
RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
On October 12, CDC updated the Lab Diagnosis web page of its Influenza web
section. The web page has current information on (1) the role of
laboratory diagnosis in treating patients with respiratory illness, (2)
laboratory diagnostic procedures for influenza, and (3) an influenza
diagnostic table, which lists information on a variety of tests, including
viral culture, polymerase chain reaction, and rapid diagnostic tests.
To access the Lab Diagnosis web page, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/labdiagnosis.htm
CDC's Influenza web section offers an array of information and materials
for health professionals and the public. Visit it often at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
For ongoing information about new and updated additions to the Influenza
web section, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm |