| IAC Express 2006 |
| Issue number 628: November 6, 2006 |
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Contents
of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article. |
- CDC reports supply of meningococcal conjugate vaccine sufficient to
resume vaccination of children age 11-12 years
- CDC website posts statement about recall of Fluvirin influenza vaccine
- CDC website posts updated Q&A on influenza vaccine supply and
prioritization for the 2006-07 season
- IAC updates its online Ask the Experts information on influenza, Hib,
HPV, polio, and PCV
- IAC revises seven of its patient and staff education materials
- California issues short-term exemption to law banning
mercury-containing influenza vaccine for children younger than age three
years
- CDC publishes special issue of Immunization Works electronic
newsletter soliciting candidates for five new ACIP members
- It's easy to locate influenza vaccination clinics with ALA's online
Flu Clinic Locator
- Before the holiday rush, take time to register for CDC's 2007 National
Immunization Conference
- MMWR corrects errors in its October 20 update on GBS among recipients
of meningococcal conjugate vaccine
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| Abbreviations |
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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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| Issue 628: November 6, 2006 |
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1. |
CDC reports supply of meningococcal conjugate vaccine sufficient to resume
vaccination of children age 11-12 years
CDC published "Notice to Readers: Improved Supply
of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Recommendation to Resume Vaccination of
Children Aged 11-12 Years" in the November 3 issue of MMWR. The update is
reprinted below in its entirety, excluding references.
In January 2005, a tetravalent meningococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (MCV4)
(Menactra, sanofi pasteur,
Inc., Swiftwater, Pennsylvania) was licensed for use among
persons aged 11-55 years. The Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination with MCV4 for
children aged 11-12 years at their regular healthcare visit and,
if not previously vaccinated with MCV4, of adolescents at high
school entry (at approximately age 15 years), of college
freshmen living in dormitories, and of other persons at
increased risk for meningococcal disease (i.e., military
recruits, travelers to areas in which meningococcal disease is
hyperendemic or epidemic, microbiologists who are routinely
exposed to isolates of Neisseria meningitidis, persons with
anatomic or functional asplenia, and persons with terminal
complement deficiency).
In May 2006, CDC, in consultation with ACIP, the American
Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians,
American College Health Association, and Society for Adolescent
Medicine, recommended deferral of MCV4 vaccination of children
aged 11-12 years in response to vaccine supply limitations.
Currently, sanofi pasteur reports that limitations in the MCV4
supply have resolved. Therefore, CDC recommends resuming routine
vaccination for all recommended groups according to ACIP
recommendations, including children aged 11-12 years and, if not
previously vaccinated with MCV4, of adolescents at high school
entry (at approximately age 15 years), of college freshmen
living in dormitories, and of other persons at increased risk
for meningococcal disease. Where possible, providers who
deferred vaccination of children aged 11-12 years should recall
those patients for vaccination. Providers who have questions
about ordering vaccine may contact sanofi pasteur at (800) 822-2463 or at
http://www.vaccineshoppe.com
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go
to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5543a5.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR,
go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5543.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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2. |
CDC website posts statement about recall of Fluvirin
influenza vaccine
On October 30 the CDC website posted a statement titled Recall
of Fluvirin Influenza Vaccine That Was Potentially Exposed to
Freezing Temperatures. It is reprinted below in its entirety.
Novartis (formerly Chiron) became aware of some instances where
their Fluvirin vaccine shipped under the CDC contract was
received from Cardinal Health Care in either a frozen state
and/or below the required storage temperature. Novartis is
conducting a recovery of the shipments made under the CDC
contract (click here for FDA Recovery Notice
http://www.fda.gov/cber/recalls/novflu102006.htm), which is in
5mL multi-dose vials bearing the Chiron Vaccines label. The
shipments were distributed between October 11th and 17th, 2006.
Only Fluvirin vaccine (Novartis/Chiron) purchased through CDC
contracts and shipped by Cardinal Health Care were potentially
exposed to freezing temperatures. This vaccine has been
recalled. There is no safety concern due to receiving this
vaccine, however, the vaccine potency may have been compromised
due to the temperature exposure.
If a person was inadvertently administered this vaccine, they
should be recalled for revaccination in order to ensure adequate
protection from influenza disease. There is no minimum interval
required between doses.
In general, for any inactivated vaccine that has been
potentially compromised due to improper storage and handling,
the person should be recalled and revaccinated as soon as is
practical. Tetanus-containing vaccines and pneumococcal
polysaccharide vaccine are potential exceptions when used for a
routine booster due to the potential increased risk for adverse
reactions when these vaccines are administered too close
together. With all recall activities, any adverse events should
be documented and reported to VAERS. Also, recall efforts and
patient response should be documented.
To access the statement, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/fluvirinrecall06.htm
To access a broad range of continually updated information on
seasonal influenza, avian influenza, and pandemic influenza, go
to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu
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3. |
CDC website posts updated Q&A on influenza vaccine
supply and
prioritization for the 2006-07 season
On October 31, the CDC website posted an updated Questions &
Answers: Influenza Vaccine Supply and Vaccination Prioritization
Recommendations for the U.S. 2006-07 Influenza Season. It is
available at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaxprioritygroups.htm
To access a broad range of continually updated information on
seasonal influenza, avian influenza, and pandemic influenza, go
to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu
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4. |
IAC updates its online Ask the Experts information on
influenza, Hib, HPV, polio, and PCV
The IAC website recently posted updated Ask the Experts
information on the following diseases and vaccines: influenza,
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), human papillomavirus (HPV),
polio, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). IAC extends
thanks to William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH, and Andrew T. Kroger,
MD, MPH, for reviewing and revising these Ask the Experts webpages so that they reflect the most current information. Bothare medical epidemiologists with CDC's National Center for
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
To access the influenza Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021e.htm
To access the Hib Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021l.htm
To access the HPV Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021q.htm
To access the polio Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021k.htm
To access the PCV Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021m.htm
To access IAC's complete index of Ask the Experts information,
go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021.htm
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5. |
IAC revises seven of its patient and staff education
materials
IAC recently updated the following education sheets with new
vaccine information or with other revisions:
Are You 11-19 Years Old? Then You Need To Be Vaccinated Against
These Serious Diseases! was updated with information on human
papillomavirus (HPV). To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version
of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/11teens8.pdf
Vaccinations for Adults: You're NEVER Too Old to Get Immunized!
was updated with information on herpes zoster (shingles)
vaccine. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated
piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4030a.pdf
When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations? was updated with
information on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. To access a
ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/when1.pdf
Immunizations for Babies . . . A Guide for Parents was slightly
revised with minor changes. To access a ready-to-print (PDF)
version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4010imm.pdf
Administering Vaccines to Adults: Dose, Route, Site, Needle
Size, and Preparation was updated with information about the
vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes zoster. To
access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go
to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3084.pdf
Maintaining the Cold Chain was updated with information about
the vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes zoster.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece,
go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3049.pdf
The Facts about Using VISs was revised and reformatted to
accommodate several changes. To access a ready-to-print (PDF)
version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2028.pdf
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6. |
California issues short-term exemption to law banning
mercury-containing influenza vaccine for children younger
than age three years
On November 2, California's secretary of Health and Human
Services issued a short-term exemption to legislation that bans
the use of mercury-containing influenza vaccine for children age
younger than three years. Portions of a press release about the
exemption are reprinted below.
For immediate release
November 2, 2006
CHHS SECRETARY ISSUES STATEMENT ON AVAILABILITY OF MERCURY-FREE
FLU VACCINE
Kim Belshe, secretary of the California Health and Human
Services Agency, today issued the following statement regarding
her decision to issue an exemption allowing the use of influenza
vaccine containing mercury for children under age 3 for up to
six weeks. Pursuant to AB 2943 (Chapter 837, Statutes of 2004),
the Legislature allowed for an exemption to the law so parents
have options for vaccination during times of short supply, if
desired.
"The Administration is committed to implementing AB2943 and
ensuring that pregnant women and children have access to
mercury-free vaccines. However, the health threat that seasonal
influenza presents is severe and all too often deadly. Given the
real constraints on availability of mercury-free seasonal flu
vaccine, we feel it is important to offer this short-term
alternative to parents and healthcare providers in order to
ensure young children are protected from the potentially severe
effects of the flu.
"California is experiencing a temporary shortage of mercury-free
flu vaccine because the only manufacturer of the vaccine in a
formulation that meets California's new mercury standard for
children under age 3 has a delay in shipment. We anticipate
sufficient mercury-free vaccine will be available within six
weeks; however, while waiting for this supply, we could lose the
opportunity to vaccinate young children.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics, California Medical
Association, California Academy of Family Physicians, and Kaiser
Permanente have all called for this exemption because the delay
in supply is creating a dangerous situation for our youngest
children. . . ."
To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/izgroup/shared/mercury_law.htm
Two additional documents are available at the above link: (1)
Letter to California Physicians from State Public Health Officer
and (2) Letter to Interested Parties from State Public Health
Officer.
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7. |
CDC publishes special issue of Immunization Works
electronic
newsletter soliciting candidates for five new ACIP members
IOn November 3, CDC published a "Read Immediately" issue of its
online newsletter Immunization Works. Portions of it are
reprinted below.
CDC is now soliciting nominations of candidates for the
positions of the 5 ACIP members whose 4-year terms will end on
June 30, 2007.
The ACIP Solicitation for Nominees letter describes the process
of submission of suggestions for nominees, and will be posted on
the ACIP website at
www.cdc.gov/nip/acip (click on 'request for
nominations'). Non-voting members of the ACIP (i.e., eight ex
officio members representing other U.S. government agencies and
22 liaison representatives) do not have fixed terms, and
therefore will continue in their present positions.
The deadline for receipt of application is December 18, 2006.
The Steering Committee will meet early in January 2007 to
finalize selection of proposed nominees, which is due in the
Department of Health and Human Services in January 2007.
To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/newsltrs/imwrks/2006/11-03-06_spec_imwks.htm
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8. |
It's easy to locate influenza vaccination clinics with
ALA's online Flu Clinic Locator
A website of the American Lung Association (ALA) makes it easy for users to
locate influenza vaccination clinics in their area. Called the Flu Clinic
Locator, the website locates public clinics based on the user's five-digit
zip code. The Flu Clinic Locator will remain active as long as public
influenza clinics are offered.
To access it, go to:
http://www.flucliniclocator.org
For information on ALA, go to:
http://www.lungusa.org
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9. |
Before the holiday rush, take time to register for
CDC's 2007 National Immunization Conference
Take time NOW—before you start juggling work with a long string of winter
holiday celebrations—to register for CDC's 2007 National Immunization
Conference. Scheduled for March 5-8, 2007, in Kansas City, MO, the conference
will give you a chance to get recharged and revitalized. Get together with
old friends and colleagues, meet people you know only through phone
conversations and email messages, tour the conference exhibit space, and get
fresh ideas from poster sessions, workshops, and plenary meetings. You don't
want to miss it!
The deadline for early-bird registration ($200) is January 12, but why wait?
Register today, and you'll have something to look forward to throughout
winter. To register online, go to:
http://conferences.taskforce.org/nic/2007nic.htm
The six topic tracks for this year's conference are (1) adult and adolescent
immunization, (2) epidemiology and new vaccines, (3) influenza, (4)
immunization information systems, (5) programmatic issues, and (6) health and
risk communication.
For general conference information, including conference goals and
objectives, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/nic
To plan some fun in Kansas City, visit the official tourism website at
http://www.visitkc.com
For additional information, contact the conference planning team at (404)
639-8225 or
nipnic@cdc.gov
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10. |
Before the holiday rush, take time to register for
CDC's 2007 National Immunization Conference
CDC published "Errata: Vol. 55, No. 40" in the November 3 issue of MMWR. It
is reprinted below in its entirety.
In the report, "Update: Guillain-Barre Syndrome Among Recipients
of Menactra Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine—United States, June
2005—September 2006," errors occurred.
On page 1121, in the Table, the date of vaccination for patient
2 should read, "March 22," and for patient 3, "March 24."
On page 1123, the third footnote beneath the Figure should read,
"Cluster at 9-15 days statistically significant (p = 0.012;
temporal scan statistics [6])."
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go
to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5543a6.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR,
go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5543.pdf
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