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IAC Express 2007 |
| Issue number 638: January 2, 2007 |
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Contents
of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article. |
- Reminder:
Be sure to continue administering influenza vaccine during the early
months of 2007
- CDC
reports low level of activity in the first two months of the 2006-07 U.S.
influenza season
- CDC's
report on U.S. measles activity in 2005 indicates continuing need for high
measles vaccination coverage
- IAC
revises five of its professional- and patient-education print materials
- Free:
Order two pads each of the Vaccine Education Center's Tdap and HPV
informational tear sheets at no charge
- New:
Current Issues in Immunization Net Conference to focus on new adult
hepatitis B and Tdap recommendations
- January
19 is the deadline for nominations for the Influenza Summit's 2007
Immunization Excellence Awards
- Showcase
your PSAs during the 2007 Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable
Diseases satellite-broadcast series
- CDC adds
new materials to its influenza web section
- For
immunization coalitions: AED to offer three skill-based workshops at CDC's
National Immunization Conference
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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; AMA, American Medical Association; CDC, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; IAC, Immunization
Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; NCIRD,
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; NIVS, National
Influenza Vaccine Summit; VIS, Vaccine Information Statement; VPD,
vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health Organization. |
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Issue 638: January 2, 2007 |
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1. |
Reminder: Be sure to continue
administering influenza vaccine during the early months of 2007
Remember, influenza vaccination
should continue in the early months of 2007. Visit the following websites
often to find the information you need to keep vaccinating. Both are
continually updated with the latest resources.
The National Influenza Vaccine Summit website at
http://www.preventinfluenza.org
CDC's Influenza web section at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
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2. |
CDC reports low level of activity
in the first two months of the 2006-07 U.S. influenza season
CDC published "Update: Influenza
Activity—United States, October 1-December 9, 2006" in the December 22, 2006,
issue of MMWR. Portions of the article are reprinted below.
During October 1-December 9, 2006, influenza activity remained
low in the United States overall but increased in southeastern
states. This report summarizes U.S. influenza activity since
October 1, the beginning of the 2006-07 influenza season, and
updates the previous summary.
Viral Surveillance
During October 1-December 9, 2006, the World Health Organization
(WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance
System collaborating laboratories in the United States tested
27,474 specimens for influenza viruses, and 884 (3.2%) were
positive. Of these, 689 (77.9%) were influenza A viruses and 195
(22.1%) were influenza B viruses. A total of 171 (24.8%) of the
689 influenza A viruses were subtyped; 162 (94.7%) of these were
influenza A (H1) viruses, and nine (5.3%) were influenza A (H3)
viruses. Influenza-positive tests were reported from 37 states
in all nine surveillance regions; 441 (49.9%) of the 884
positive tests were reported from Florida.
Antigenic Characterization
States are requested to submit a subset of their influenza
isolates to CDC for further antigenic characterization. Since
October 1, 2006, CDC has antigenically characterized 28
influenza viruses collected and submitted by U.S. laboratories,
including 10 influenza A (H1) isolates from six states, one
influenza A (H3) isolate, and 17 influenza B viruses from four
states. Eight of the 10 influenza A (H1) viruses were
characterized as A/New Caledonia/20/99-like, the influenza A
(H1) component of the 2006-07 influenza vaccine, and two showed
reduced titers with ferret antisera produced against A/New
Caledonia/20/99. The influenza A (H3) virus was characterized as
A/Wisconsin/67/2005-like, the influenza A (H3) component of the
2006-07 influenza vaccine. Influenza B viruses currently
circulating can be divided into two antigenically distinct
lineages represented by B/Victoria/02/87 and B/Yamagata/16/88.
The influenza B component of the 2006-07 influenza vaccine is
B/Ohio/01/2005, which belongs to the B/Victoria lineage of
viruses. Six (35.3%) of the 17 influenza B viruses characterized
belong to the B/Victoria lineage of viruses; three were similar
to B/Ohio/01/2005, and three had reduced titers with antisera
produced against B/Ohio/01/2005. Eleven (64.7%) of the 17
influenza B viruses characterized belong to the B/Yamagata
lineage of viruses. Nine (81.8%) of the 11 influenza B/Yamagata
viruses were received from a single state. . . .
Editorial Note:
During October 1-December 9, 2006, the United States experienced
a low level of influenza activity. Widespread and regional
activity was reported in only six states in the southeastern
area of the country. Outbreaks were reported primarily among
children in Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina. Influenza
virus isolates have been reported in all nine surveillance
regions in the United States. Patient visits for ILI [influenza-like illness], represented by the Sentinel Provider Surveillance
Network, and P&I [pneumonia and influenza] mortality,
represented by the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System, have
not exceeded national baseline levels. In addition, no
influenza-associated hospitalizations from the EIP [Emerging
Infections Program] or NVSN [New Vaccine Surveillance Network]
surveillance systems have been reported to CDC and no influenza-related pediatric deaths have been reported through the National
Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
Vaccination is the best method for prevention of influenza and
its potentially severe complications. Although the optimal
months for influenza vaccination are October and November,
vaccination in December and beyond is recommended because
influenza activity peaks in January or later during most
seasons. The degree of antigenic match between the current
vaccine strains and strains that will circulate this season will
be determined as more strains become available for analysis. To
date, influenza A (H1) viruses have been reported most
frequently, and the majority of influenza A (H1) viruses
characterized are well matched by the vaccine.
Influenza vaccine can be administered to any person who wants to
reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza. Annual
influenza vaccination is particularly targeted toward persons at
increased risk for influenza-related complications and severe
disease (e.g., children aged 6-59 months, pregnant women,
persons aged >=50 years, and persons aged 6 months-49 years with
certain chronic medical conditions) and their close contacts
(e.g., healthcare workers and household contacts of persons at
increased risk, including contacts of children aged <6 months).
In addition, all children aged 6 months to <9 years who have not
been previously vaccinated at any time should receive 2 doses of
influenza vaccine. Vaccine should be offered throughout the
influenza season, even after influenza activity has been
documented in the community.
Influenza surveillance reports for the United States are posted
online weekly during October-May and are available at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivity.htm Additional
information regarding influenza viruses, influenza surveillance,
the influenza vaccine, and avian influenza is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go
to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5550a5.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR,
go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5550.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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3. |
CDC's report on U.S. measles
activity in 2005 indicates continuing need for high measles vaccination
coverage
CDC published "Measles—United States, 2005" in the December 22,
2006, issue of MMWR. Portions of the article are reprinted
below.
Measles is a highly infectious, acute viral illness that can be
complicated by severe pneumonia, diarrhea, and encephalitis and
can result in death. In the prevaccine era, approximately
500,000 cases of measles occurred annually in the United States.
During 2005, local and state health departments reported to CDC
66 confirmed cases of measles (incidence rate: less than one
case per 1 million population), 34 of which were from a single
outbreak in Indiana associated with infection in a traveler
returning to the United States. This report describes the
epidemiology of U.S. measles cases in 2005 and documents the
absence of endemic measles and the continued risk for imported
measles infections that can result in transmission within the
United States. The findings underscore the need to maintain the
highest possible measles vaccination coverage in the United
States and to adhere to recommendations regarding measles
vaccination. . . .
Editorial Note:
The epidemiology of measles in 2005 supports previous
conclusions that endemic transmission of measles has been
eliminated in the United States. Measles incidence was low (less
than one case per million population), measles cases were
geographically isolated, and 95% of cases were linked to
importations (i.e., internationally imported or U.S.-acquired,
import-linked cases). In addition, no predominant and recurring
viral genotype was detected, and the measles genotypes detected,
in most circumstances, had been circulating within the country
of presumed exposure.
Half of all the cases in 2005 are traceable to one unvaccinated
U.S. resident, who was infected during a visit to Romania of
less than 2 weeks. This outbreak was the largest documented in
the United States since 1996. All but two of the 34 patients in
this outbreak were unvaccinated. The outbreak occurred because
measles was imported into a population of children whose parents
had chosen not to vaccinate their children because of safety
concerns, despite evidence that measles-containing vaccine is
safe and effective. A major epidemic was averted because of high
vaccination levels and a low rate of vaccine failure in the
surrounding community. The cost of containing this outbreak was
estimated at $167,685. This outbreak and other cases reported
during 2005 likely could have been prevented had existing ACIP
vaccination recommendations been followed. The index case
traveler should have been vaccinated with 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine before departure; exposed school-age children
and personnel working in healthcare facilities also should have
had the recommended 2 doses before exposure.
The epidemiology of measles in 2005 highlights the need to
maintain the highest possible measles vaccination coverage in
the United States and to continue to address the concerns of
those who choose not to be vaccinated or who choose not to
vaccinate their children. Because 100% coverage in U.S.
residents might never be achieved and because communities of
unvaccinated persons continue to exist, accurate surveillance
and rapid response to outbreaks are essential to preventing
widespread transmission of imported measles. Moreover, providing
assistance to other countries to control measles globally can
limit the risk for imported measles in the United States.
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go
to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5550a2.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR,
go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5550.pdf
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4. |
IAC revises five of its
professional- and patient-education print materials
IAC recently revised five of its immunization and hepatitis
education materials for health professionals, patients, and
parents. Following is a list of the updated materials; it
explains the changes made to each and gives the link to each:
For health professionals:
(1) "Does Your Patient Have Chronic Hepatitis B?" now has
updated information about medical management of patients with
chronic infection.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2162.pdf
(2) "Checklist for Safe Vaccine Handling and Storage" was
slightly revised and reformatted.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3035chk.pdf
For patients:
(3) "Should You Be Vaccinated Against Hepatitis A? A screening
questionnaire for adults" now tells patients that they can be
vaccinated if they want to be protected against infection from
the hepatitis A virus, even if they are not in one of the risk
groups for the disease. If they are in a risk group, they do not
need to indicate which one.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2190hepa.pdf
(4) "Should You Be Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B? A screening
questionnaire for adults" now tells patients that they can be
vaccinated if they want to be protected against infection from
the hepatitis B virus, even if they are not in one of the risk
groups for the disease. If they are in a risk group, they do not
need to indicate which one.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2191hepb.pdf
For parents:
(5) "Hepatitis B Shots Are Recommended for All New Babies" has
been updated with the most current information about the birth
dose.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4110bab.pdf
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5. |
Free: Order two pads each of the
Vaccine Education Center's Tdap and HPV informational tear sheets at no
charge
The Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia recently published two informational tear sheets:
(1) "Tdap: What you should know" and (2) "Human Papillomavirus:
What you should know." Each sheet answers frequently asked
questions about the diseases caused by (1) tetanus, diphtheria,
and pertussis infections and (2) human papillomavirus infection.
The sheets also present information about the recently licensed
tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) and human papillomavirus
(HPV) vaccines.
Intended for patients and providers, the tear sheets are
available in English and Spanish. Health professionals can order
two 50-sheet pads of each tear sheet in each language at no
charge. Additional pads are available for $3 each, plus
shipping.
To access a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of the Tdap tear sheet,
click
here.
To access a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of the HPV tear sheet, click
here.
To order the tear sheets online, go to:
http://www.chop.edu/vaccine/vec/vecprof_order.cfm
Order by email at vaccines@email.chop.edu or by phone at (215)
590-9990.
For additional ordering information, go to:
http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp?id=75982
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6. |
New: Current Issues in
Immunization Net Conference to focus on new adult hepatitis B and Tdap
recommendations
Scheduled for January 18, 2007, 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) new adult hepatitis B
vaccine recommendations and (2) new adult Tdap recommendations.
The conference requires pre-registration, as space is limited.
Registration will close when the course is full or on January
17, 2006 (midnight ET). To register for the conference, go to:
http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/isd/ciinc
The program will combine a telephone audio conference with
simultaneous online visual content. It will allow for a question
and answer segment both by telephone and Internet. Internet
access and a separate phone line are needed to participate.
For instructions and system requirements, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/ciinc/instructions.htm
For additional information, go to: nipinfo@cdc.gov
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7. |
January 19 is the deadline for
nominations for the Influenza Summit's 2007 Immunization Excellence Awards
The National Influenza Vaccine Summit (NIVS) is soliciting
candidates for the 2007 NIVS Immunization Excellence Awards. The
2007 awards will recognize individuals and organizations that
have made extraordinary contributions towards improved adult
and/or childhood influenza vaccination rates within their
communities. The deadline for nominations is January 19.
For more information, go to:
http://www.preventinfluenza.org/whatsnew.asp For a nomination
form, go to:
http://www.preventinfluenza.org/nivs_nomin_2007.doc
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8. |
Showcase your PSAs during the
2007 Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
satellite-broadcast series
Attention state and local immunization projects: CDC would like
to showcase public service announcements (PSAs) and other
immunization promotional materials created within the last year.
The venue is the four-part satellite-broadcast series
Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.
Ideally, CDC would like to receive PSAs on beta-sp videotape,
but the agency can work with other formats if necessary. Contact
Dr. William Atkinson at wla2@cdc.gov for mailing instructions.
Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases is
scheduled for broadcast on four consecutive Thursdays in 2007:
January 25 and February 1, 8, and 15. Each broadcast will be
held from noon to 4PM ET. Registrations are not being accepted
yet. IAC Express will publicize registration information and
other details when they becomes available.
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9. |
CDC adds new materials to its
influenza web section
CDC recently added new materials to its Influenza web section:
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"FluWorkLoss 1.0" software
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"FluAid 2.0" software
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"Questions & Answers: 2006-07
Influenza (Flu) Season"
To access these materials, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm#new and click on the
pertinent links.
To access a broad range of continually updated information on
seasonal influenza, avian influenza, pandemic influenza, and
swine influenza, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu
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10. |
For immunization coalitions: AED
to offer three skill-based workshops at CDC's National Immunization
Conference
The Academy for Educational Development (AED) recently announced
its Immunization Coalitions Technical Assistance Network (IZTA)
will be conducting three trainings before and after CDC's
National Immunization Conference.
CDC's conference is scheduled for March 5-8 in Kansas City. AED's
training sessions are scheduled for March 4 and the afternoon of
March 8, after the CDC conference adjourns. Information on the
trainings follows:
(1) Social Marketing to Promote Adult Immunization will be held
from 2PM to 6PM CT on March 4.
(2) Recruiting New Coalition Partners and Keeping Old Partners
Engaged will be held from 3PM to 6PM CT on March 4.
(3) Strategic Planning for Immunization Coalitions will be held
from 1PM to 3PM on March 8.
For further information, go to:
http://www.izcoalitionsta.org/content.cfm?id=612 To register,
send an email to IZTA@aed.org
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