IAC Express 2006
Issue number 629: November 13, 2006
 
Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. AAP releases policy statement recommending routine immunization of infants with pentavalent rotavirus vaccine
  2. VIS news: Influenza vaccine VISs in Haitian Creole and Brazilian Portuguese; interim shingles vaccine VIS in Spanish
  3. Article in AAP News urges health professionals to provide VISs each time they vaccinate
  4. Update: IAC revises three of its professional-education materials
  5. NEHI report examines the barriers to widespread adoption of the new HPV vaccine
  6. CDC's influenza web section posts new and updated pediatric influenza immunization information
  7. National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable releases plan to eliminate viral hepatitis in the United States
  8. New: November 7 issue of IAC's Hep Express electronic newsletter now online
  9. CDC website posts information on shortage of hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines
  10. Teleconference on ACIP's working process and recent recommendations is scheduled for December 12
  11. NFID offers an online CME program highlighting the need for routine influenza vaccination of children with asthma
  12. Surveillance of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the U.S. in 1998-2002 includes information on hepatitis A outbreaks
  13. CDC reports on 2006 polio outbreak among adults in Namibia
 
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.
  
Issue 629: November 13, 2006
1.  AAP releases policy statement recommending routine immunization of infants with pentavalent rotavirus vaccine

On November 2, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement made by its Committee on Infectious Diseases. It is titled "Prevention of Rotavirus Disease: Guidelines for use of rotavirus vaccine"; the abstract is reprinted below.

ABSTRACT. On February 3, 2006, a bovine-based pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq, Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ) was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in infants in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine immunization of infants with 3 doses of pentavalent rotavirus vaccine administered orally at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The first dose should be administered between 6 and 12 weeks of age; immunization should not be initiated for infants older than 12 weeks of age. Subsequent doses should be administered at 4- to 10-week intervals, and all 3 doses of vaccine should be administered by 32 weeks of age. Pentavalent rotavirus vaccine can be co-administered with other childhood vaccines. Pentavalent rotavirus vaccine is contraindicated for infants with a serious allergic reaction to any vaccine component or to a previous dose of vaccine.

To access the complete policy statement, go to:
http://aapredbook.aappublications.org/news/Rotavirus110306.pdf

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2.  VIS news: Influenza vaccine VISs in Haitian Creole and Brazilian Portuguese; interim shingles vaccine VIS in Spanish

Dated 6/30/06, the VISs for trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV; injectable) and live, attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine (LAIV; nasal-spray) are available in Haitian Creole and Brazilian Portuguese. Dated 9/11/06, the current version of the interim VIS for herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine is now available in Spanish. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the Haitian Creole and Brazilian Portuguese translations and the California Department of Health Services for the Spanish translation.

VISs for TIV
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for TIV in Haitian Creole, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/ha_flu06.pdf

To obtain it in Brazilian Portuguese, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/pr_flu06.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/2flu.pdf


VISs for LAIV
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for LAIV in Haitian Creole, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/haliveflu06.pdf

To obtain it in Brazilian Portuguese, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/prliveflu06.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/liveflu.pdf


VISs for herpes zoster vaccine
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for herpes zoster vaccine in Spanish, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/sp_shingles.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/shingles.pdf


For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in more than 30 languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at http://www.immunize.org/vis

 
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3.  Article in AAP News urges health professionals to provide VISs each time they vaccinate

A short article in the November 2006 AAP News urges health professionals to provide VISs each time they vaccinate. Written by David Marcus, MD, "Doctor, Do You Know What a VIS is?" states that providing VISs is both good medicine and good risk management. It briefly answers a number of questions about VISs and mentions IAC as a source for VIS translations. To access the article, go to: http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/collection/pediatrics_and_the_law and click on the article title.

For general information on VISs and for VISs in up to 30 languages, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis

 
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4.  Update: IAC revises three of its professional-education materials

IAC recently updated the following professional-education materials with new vaccine information or with other revisions:

"It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements" was revised to provide current information on the vaccines for which use of a VIS is required under the federal National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act; other changes were made as well. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2027law.pdf

"Administering Vaccines: Dose, route, site, and needle size" was updated with information on administering the vaccines that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), rotavirus, and herpes zoster (shingles). To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3085.pdf

"Vaccine Administration Record for Children and Teens" was updated to provide space for recording administration of the vaccines that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) and rotavirus. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2022b.pdf

 
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5.  NEHI report examines the barriers to widespread adoption of the new HPV vaccine

In August 2006, the New England Healthcare Institute (NEHI) published the report "Challenges in Vaccine Policy: A case study of the HPV vaccine." An overview of the study states the following: "The new HPV [human papillomavirus] vaccine promises to greatly reduce cervical cancer in women. But unless there are improvements to the immunization system in the U.S., this important innovation will fail to realize its full potential. This study examines the barriers to widespread adoption of the HPV vaccine and presents a call to action to strengthen the adoption of all vaccines."

To access the complete report, go to: http://www.nehi.net/CMS/viewPage.cfm?pageId=29 Scroll down to the link titled "To download the full report."

Formed in 2002, NEHI is an independent, not-for-profit organization with members across the healthcare system. It conducts evidence-based research and stimulates policy change to improve the quality and value of health care.
 
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6.  CDC's influenza web section posts new and updated pediatric influenza immunization information

CDC recently added two new and two updated resources to its Influenza web section:

NEW
  1. "CDC recommends that all children aged 6 to 59 months get a flu shot" (intended for health professionals)
  2. "Children and the flu vaccine—NEW for 2006-2007!" (intended for parents and the public)

To access these materials, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm#new and click on the pertinent links.

UPDATED

  1. "Preventing the spread of influenza (the flu) in child care settings: Guidance for administrators, care providers, and other staff" (intended for child care providers)
  2. "Questions & answers: The disease" (intended for health professionals and the public)

To access these materials, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm#updated and click on the pertinent links.

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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7.  National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable releases plan to eliminate viral hepatitis in the United States

[The following is cross posted from IAC's Hep Express electronic newsletter, 11/7/06.]

The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) is a coalition of public, private, and voluntary organizations dedicated to reducing the incidence of infection, morbidity, and mortality from viral hepatitis in the United States through strategic planning, leadership, coordination, advocacy, and research.

NVHR has spent more than two years developing and debating the best way to prevent unnecessary suffering and death caused by viral hepatitis. In April, the group released their elimination strategy titled "Eliminating Hepatitis: A call to action."

NVHR's comprehensive study and discussions with national experts netted four recommendations:
  • Build the capacity to address the challenges of viral hepatitis
     
  • Vaccinate America to eliminate vaccine-preventable viral hepatitis
     
  • Counsel, test, and refer persons at risk for viral hepatitis to inform them about how to reduce their risks
     
  • Care for persons with chronic hepatitis and help them participate in the management of their condition

Over 60 organizations have already signed on to support the plan.

To download the entire plan (47 pages), the executive summary, or to provide feedback or support, go to: http://www.nvhr.org/calltoaction.htm Organizations wishing to officially support the plan can indicate so via the feedback form.

To join NVHR or for more information, contact Dick Conlon at rconlon@nvhr.org or (404) 483-2826.
 

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8.  New: November 7 issue of IAC's Hep Express electronic newsletter now online

The November 7 issue of Hep Express, an electronic newsletter published by IAC, is now available online. It is intended for health professionals, program planners, and advocates involved in prevention, screening, and treatment of viral hepatitis.

IAC Express has already covered some of the information presented in the November 7 Hep Express; titles of articles we have not yet covered follow.
  • FDA approves another drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B
  • American Liver Foundation's THINK B program targets Asian Americans
  • Hepatitis B Foundation offers information on co-infection
  • Hep Team program for MSM expands from Chicago to other cities
  • 2007 calendar with hepatitis B messages for Asian Pacific Islanders available from WithinReach and the Washington State API Hep B Task Force
  • New law: Syringes can be sold without a prescription in Massachusetts
  • Pennsylvania schedules its first viral hepatitis conference

To access the November 7 issue, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/issue49.asp

To sign up for a free subscription to Hep Express, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/subscribe

To access previous issues of Hep Express, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress

 

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9.  CDC website posts information on shortage of hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines

On November 3, CDC updated its section on current vaccine delays and shortages with the following information on the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
 

GlaxoSmithKline is currently experiencing temporary supply interruptions affecting the immediate availability of the pediatric formulation of hepatitis A vaccine in both the 10-pack vial and 5-pack syringe presentations. Customers may experience backorders for this pediatric vaccine and may contact (866) 475-8222 for current information about availability.

Merck is currently experiencing temporary packaging constraints affecting the immediate availability of the adult formulations of hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines and the pediatric formulation of Hepatitis A. Customers may experience backorders for these vaccines and may contact (800) 637-2590 for current information about availability.

To access the section on vaccine delays and shortages, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/shortages and click on the link titled "Chart of vaccines in delay or shortage."
 

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10.  Teleconference on ACIP's working process and recent recommendations is scheduled for December 12

The National Immunization Coalition TA [technical assistance] Network has scheduled a teleconference on ACIP for December 12 at 1PM ET. The network is a program of the Center for Health Communication, Academy for Educational Development.

During the teleconference, presenters from CDC will explain how ACIP works and makes decisions. In addition, they'll present an update on the changes made in ACIP recommendations in the last 12 months and those likely to be made in the future.

To register, send an email to IZTA@aed.org Include this message: "Sign me up for the ACIP update call."

For additional information, or to access earlier programs, go to:
http://www.izcoalitionsta.org/confcall.cfm

 
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11.  NFID offers an online CME program highlighting the need for routine influenza vaccination of children with asthma

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is offering an online CME course titled "Re-examining the Impact of Influenza and Benefits of Immunization: Respiratory viruses in the development of exacerbation of asthma." The program highlights the need for routine influenza vaccination for children with asthma, examines how to define the asthmatic child, and reviews the importance of increasing recognition of the impact of influenza in this high-risk population.

To enter the CME program, go to: http://www.asthmapedflu.com

For additional information and resources, go to: http://66.11.193.173/cme.html

 
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12.  Surveillance of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the U.S. in 1998-2002 includes information on hepatitis A outbreaks

On November 10 CDC published "Surveillance for Foodborne-Disease Outbreaks—United States, 1998-2002" as an MMWR Surveillance Summary. Information about hepatitis A outbreaks is contained in the body of the article and in Appendix B, Guidelines for Confirmation of Foodborne-Disease Outbreaks.

To access a web-text (HTML) version of the body of the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5510a1.htm

To access a web-text (HTML) version of Appendix B, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5510a3.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the complete Surveillance Summary, which includes the body of the article and Appendix B, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/ss/ss5510.pdf

 
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13.  CDC reports on 2006 polio outbreak among adults in Namibia

CDC published "Outbreak of Polio in Adults—Namibia, 2006" in the November 10 issue of MMWR. Portions of a summary made available to the press are reprinted below.
 

Nineteen young adults in Namibia contracted polio during an outbreak there beginning in May 2006. The outbreak was traced to poliovirus importation from neighboring Angola that had originated in India. This outbreak demonstrates that populations of any age with low immunity against poliovirus are at risk of the disease. Namibia responded by intensifying surveillance for polio and by quickly conducting three large-scale immunization rounds, the first one less than three weeks after the first case was confirmed. No confirmed cases of polio have been reported in the country since late June, and the outbreak appears to have been curbed. However, the threat of polio importations from endemic countries is ongoing.

To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5544a3.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5544.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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IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. 1NH23IP922654 from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

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