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IAC Express 2009 |
| Issue number 803: June 8, 2009 |
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as well as other FREE IAC periodicals. |
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Contents
of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article. |
- MMWR
publishes update on H1N1 influenza in Mexico
- New!
IAC'S padded screening questionnaires for vaccine contraindications are
now two-sided, with English on one side and Spanish on the back--added
value at no added cost!
- New! IAC
offers free ready-to-print cards featuring popular quick-links for
navigating IAC's www.immunize.org website
- IAC
updates two print pieces: "It's Federal Law" and "Pertussis: Questions and
Answers"
- Vaccine
issues make the news
- IAC's
Video of the Week examines the challenges of global immunization
- Order
laminated U.S. immunization schedules today!
- VIS
translation: VIS for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine now available in
Spanish
- WHO
recommends global use of rotavirus vaccines
- MMWR
discontinuing publication of continuing education activities in hard-copy
format
-
Michigan's Adolescent Immunization webcast now archived for online viewing
- It's not
too late to sign up for the B Informed Patient 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 803: June 8, 2009 |
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1. |
MMWR publishes update on H1N1 influenza in Mexico
CDC published "Update: Novel Influenza A (H1N1)
Virus
Infection--Mexico, March-May, 2009" in the June 5 issue of
MMWR. The editorial note follows, excluding footnotes.
Editorial Note:
Trends in case counts in Mexico suggest that novel influenza
A (H1N1) activity is now decreasing, although localized
transmission continues to occur. The epidemic curve of
laboratory-confirmed cases remains incomplete because of a
backlog of untested specimens. However, data regarding
suspected cases also indicate a peak in late April, and
delays from case identification to reporting have decreased
to a median of <2 days. Taken together, these data suggest
that the outbreak likely has moved beyond its peak
nationally, although a pattern of heterogeneous transmission
and focal outbreak activity remains.
Several features of the outbreak in Mexico are consistent
with outbreaks of the same novel influenza virus strain
circulating in the United States and other countries. These
features include person-to-person transmission during a
period that is typically the low season for circulation of
influenza viruses and an age distribution of laboratory-confirmed cases that includes severe disease and deaths
among children and adults in Mexico aged <60 years. Some
deaths have occurred among previously healthy persons, and
several patients have experienced an aggressive clinical
course with severe pneumonia requiring ventilator support
and progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome.
A recently reported serologic study suggested that children
and younger adults have no or low levels of serum antibody,
respectively, that are cross-reactive for the novel
influenza A (H1N1) virus. Approximately one third of U.S.
adults aged >60 years who were tested had cross-reactive
neutralizing antibodies; however, the extent to which such
antibody might be protective remains unknown. The serologic
data, along with the age distribution of illness and
clinical severity from the outbreak in Mexico, suggest age
<60 years as a risk for infection and serious illness from
novel A (H1N1) infection.
The current pattern of novel influenza A (H1N1) transmission
in the northern hemisphere includes many localized
outbreaks, including several among school children. This
pattern is consistent with influenza outbreaks occasionally
reported outside of the usual influenza season. However an
unprecedented number of such off-season outbreaks are
occurring currently. These outbreaks also involve extension
into the community, as demonstrated by confirmed illness
among travelers with no known epidemiologic link to focal
outbreaks. Similar patterns of off-season outbreaks have
been observed previously with the emergence and sustained
transmission of other novel influenza A virus strains among
humans.
The recent introduction of novel influenza A (H1N1) into
several countries in the southern hemisphere at the
beginning of its influenza season and the presumed
susceptibility among much of the population to this new
virus suggest that this strain might become a dominant
circulating virus in the southern hemisphere during the
coming months. The government of Mexico continues to
coordinate a national response, engage partners, increase
surge capacity, and implement mitigation measures to slow
the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1). Investigations are
ongoing to monitor virus circulation and evaluate mitigation
strategies that might help guide prevention and control
strategies in Mexico and worldwide.
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article,
go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5821a2.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of
MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5821.pdf
To receive a FREE electronic subscription to MMWR (which
includes new ACIP recommendations), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwrsubscribe.html
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2. |
New! IAC'S padded screening questionnaires for vaccine contraindications are
now two-sided, with English on one side and Spanish on the back--added value
at no added cost!
In response to demand, IAC has recently added a
Spanish-language translation of the questions on its padded
Screening Questionnaire for Child and Teen Immunization and
Screening Questionnaire for Adult Immunization. The Spanish
page, which is printed on the back of the English page, has
been added to this product at no additional cost.
These questionnaires provide a quick, easy, and thorough way
for you and your patients to determine if they have
contraindications and precautions to vaccination. Patients
(now including Spanish-speaking patients!) fill out the
questionnaire with yes-or-no answers while waiting to be
seen, allowing you to review their responses quickly and be
confident you're not missing any contraindications or
precautions.
The questionnaires come in convenient tear-off pads of 100
sheets. The price per pad is economical (discounts for 2
pads or more), so you'll be able to keep pads at the
receptionist's desk, the nurse's station, and in every exam
room. Each pad comes with four English-language reference
sheets (printed on heavy-weight paper) for health
professionals.
Prices start at $16 each for one pad and drop to $12 each
for two pads, $11 each for three pads, and $10 each for four
pads. For quotes on larger quantities or customizing, call (651) 647-9009 or
email admininfo@immunize.org
To learn more about the padded screening questionnaires, or
to order online or download an order form, visit
Screening Questionnaire for Child and Teen Immunization
http://www.immunize.org/shop/pad_sqchild.asp
Screening Questionnaire for Adult Immunization
http://www.immunize.org/shop/pad_sqadult.asp
IAC's offers other products for sale, including educational
videos and personal immunization record cards, at
http://www.immunize.org/shop
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3. |
New! IAC offers free ready-to-print cards featuring popular quick-links for
navigating IAC's www.immunize.org website
IAC has recently developed a postcard-sized card
that lists
quick-links to the most commonly used sections of IAC's
website for healthcare professionals, www.immunize.org, as
well as general IAC contact information.
We encourage you to print cards for your personal reference,
as well as for distribution to all those involved with
immunization, including staff members and training and
conference participants.
To access the new printable quick-link cards, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/news.d/u6024.pdf
Measuring 5-1/2" x 4-1/4", the cards can be printed on an
inkjet printer using Avery cardstock products #8387 (50
sheets; 200 cards) or #3263 (15 sheets; 60 cards). White
with a matte finish, these Avery cardstock products are
perforated and produce 4 cards per sheet.
The following quick links are included on one side of the
postcard.
To access all 82 IAC website quick links, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/quicklinks
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4. |
IAC updates two print pieces: "It's Federal Law" and "Pertussis: Questions
and Answers"
IAC updated the healthcare provider resource,
"It's federal
law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information
Statements (VISs)," to incorporate newly released VIS dates.
To access the revised "It's federal law! You must give your
patients current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)," go
to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2027.pdf
IAC also updated the piece for the general public,
"Pertussis: Questions and Answers," to include new
statistics and licensure information.
To access the revised "Pertussis: Questions and Answers," go
to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4212.pdf
To view an HTML version of these pertussis Q&As, go to the
following:
(1) Pertussis disease:
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/pertuss/qandadis.asp
(2) Pertussis vaccine:
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/pertuss/qandavax.asp
To access Q&As about other diseases and vaccines in PDF
format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/printmaterials/questions.asp
IAC's Print Materials web section offers healthcare
professionals and the public approximately 250 FREE English-language materials (many also available in translation),
which we encourage website users to print out, copy, and
distribute widely. To access all of IAC's free print
materials, go to: http://www.immunize.org/printmaterials
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5. |
Vaccine issues make the news
Articles related to vaccine safety and
effectiveness were
recently published in various sources.
(1) Titled "Crazy Talk," the cover story in the June 8 issue
of Newsweek is a hard-hitting article about Oprah Winfrey's
coverage of health issues. The story includes discussion of
Winfrey's promotion of inaccurate information about vaccines
and autism. To read this article online, go to:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/200025
(2) The May 2009 issue of PLoS Biology includes an article
by Liza Gross, senior science writer/editor, titled "A
Broken Trust: Lessons from the Vaccine-Autism Wars." This
article can be accessed at
http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.1000114
(3) The June 2009 issue of Discover magazine includes an
excellent article titled "Vaccination Nation." The
description in the table of contents reads, "Ignoring a
wealth of data, a vocal minority still insists vaccines
cause autism. But the anti-vaccine movement is a far more
serious threat to public health." This article can be read
online at
http://discovermagazine.com/2009/jun/06-why-does-vaccine-autism-controversy-live-on
(4) City Pages, a Minneapolis, MN, alternative newspaper,
published an article titled "Rare Hib disease increases in
Minnesota: Is the anti-vaccine movement to blame?" on June
2. The article details the experiences of several families
affected by Hib disease. To access this article online, go
to:
http://www.citypages.com/2009-06-03/news/rare-hib-disease-increases-in-Minnesota/
(5) Paul Offit, MD, Vaccine Education Center of the
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, was profiled in an
article in the June issue of Philadelphia Magazine. To read
about the clash between Dr. Offit and some segments of the
anti-vaccine movement, go to:
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/will_this_doctor_hurt_your_baby/page1
(6) Trust for Health, a project of the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation and the Center for Biosecurity of UPMC
[University of Pittsburgh Medical Center], published a
report titled "Pandemic Flu Preparedness: Lessons from the
Frontlines" in June. The report looks at the current H1N1
influenza outbreak as a real-world test of the world's
ability to respond to a major infectious disease outbreak.
To read this report, go to:
http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/pandemic-flu-lesson.pdf
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6. |
IAC's Video of the Week examines the challenges of global immunization
IAC encourages IAC Express readers to watch a
22-minute
video titled "Vaccine Hunters: An Injection of Hope."
Vaccine Hunters is a four-part BBC World documentary series
(originally aired in February 2007) that examines the
science of modern vaccines, what it takes to deliver them to
some of the poorest people in the world, and the challenges
and opportunities that lie ahead.
The video will be available on the home page of IAC's
website through June 14. To access it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org and click on the image under the
words Video of the Week, which you'll find toward the top of
the page. It may take a few moments for the video to begin
playing; please be patient!
If you wish to watch the other three segments of the Vaccine
Hunters series, you can access them from the same
introductory page (look for links on the right side).
Remember to bookmark IAC's home page to view a new video
every Monday. While you're at our home page, we encourage
you to browse around--you're sure to find resources and
information that will enhance your practice's immunization
delivery.
Videos previously featured as IAC's Video of the Week are
archived by month on IAC's website. To view any of them, go
to: http://www.immunize.org/votw/may09.asp
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7. |
Order laminated U.S. immunization schedules today!
IAC has two laminated immunization schedules for
2009--one
for children/teens ages 0 through 18 years and one for
adults. Based on CDC's 2009 immunization schedules, the
laminated schedules offer two significant advantages over
paper schedules:
(1) They are covered with a tough, washable coating that
lets them stand up to a year's worth of use as at-your-fingertips guides to immunization and as teaching tools you
can use to give patients and parents authoritative
immunization information.
(2) Each schedule includes a guide to vaccine
contraindications and precautions, an additional feature
that will help you to make an on-the-spot determination
about vaccinating any patient of any age.
IAC's laminated schedules come complete with essential
footnotes and are printed in color for easy reading. Each
schedule has six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages), and
when folded, measures 8.5" x 11".
For specific information about the child/teen schedule, to
view images of it, or to order online or download an order
form, visit http://www.immunize.org/shop/schedule_child.asp
For specific information about the adult schedule, to view
images of it, or to order online or download an order form,
visit http://www.immunize.org/shop/schedule_adult.asp
Prices start at $10 each for 1-4 copies and drop to $6.50
each for 5-19 copies. Discount pricing is available for 20
or more copies. For quotes on customizing or placing orders
in excess of 999 schedules, call (651) 647-9009 or email
admininfo@immunize.org
To learn about other essential immunization resources
available for purchase from IAC, such as personal
immunization record cards, padded screening questionnaires,
and educational videos, go to: http://www.immunize.org/shop
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8. |
VIS
translation: VIS for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine now available in
Spanish
The current version (dated 4/16/09) of the VIS
for
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) is now available
on the IAC website in Spanish. IAC gratefully acknowledges
Iowa Health Des Moines, Des Moines, IA, for the translation.
To obtain the VIS for PPSV vaccine in Spanish, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/sppne97.pdf
To obtain the VIS for PPSV vaccine in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/pneum3.pdf
For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in more
than 35 languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at
http://www.immunize.org/vis
For general information about VISs from CDC's website go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis
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9. |
WHO
recommends global use of rotavirus vaccines
The World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic
Advisory Group
of Experts announced its recommendation for global use of
rotavirus vaccines in the June 5 issue of the WHO Weekly
Epidemiological Record (WER). This critical endorsement will
help ensure that all the world's children have access to
vaccines that protect against the leading cause of diarrheal
hospitalizations and deaths.
The universal recommendation is based on new data from
clinical trials to evaluate the vaccines' efficacy in
Africa. The GAVI Alliance, vaccine manufacturers, and the
public health community made an unprecedented commitment to
definitively assess how the newest rotavirus vaccines
perform in developing-world conditions. A clinical trial
conducted by PATH, WHO, GlaxoSmithKine Biologicals, and
research sites in high-mortality, low-socioeconomic settings
of South Africa and Malawi found that rotavirus vaccine
significantly reduced severe diarrhea episodes due to
rotavirus.
To access the article in WER, go to:
http://www.who.int/wer/2009/wer8423.pdf
To read a press release about this recommendation, go to:
http://www.path.org/news/pr090605-who-rotavirus.php
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10. |
MMWR discontinuing publication of continuing education activities in
hard-copy format
CDC published " Notice to Readers:
Discontinuation of Paper
Copies of MMWR Continuing Education Activities" in the June
5 issue of MMWR. The notice follows in its entirety.
Effective July 6, 2009, MMWR will discontinue publishing
continuing education (CE) activities in hard-copy format.
MMWR will continue to offer CE electronically on the MMWR CE
website at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/cme/conted.html MMWR
offers CE credits for the following: Continuing Medical
Education (CME), Continuing Medical Education for
Nonphysicians (CME-NP), Continuing Education Unit (CEU),
Continuing Nursing Education (CNE), Certified Health
Education Specialist (CHES), Continuing Pharmacy Education
(CPE), and Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE). No fees
are charged for participating in the CE activities.
Questions and comments should be submitted to the MMWR CE
mailbox at mmwrce@cdc.gov
To access a web-text (HTML) version of this article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5821a5.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of
MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5821.pdf
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11. |
Michigan's Adolescent Immunization webcast now archived for online viewing
On June 2, 2009, the Michigan
Department of Community Health
(MDCH) Division of Immunization hosted a program titled
Adolescent Immunization Webcast. One of the goals of this
webcast was to provide an update on adolescent
immunizations. Other objectives focused on outreach to
diverse settings that serve adolescents, communication tools
and tips for providers, and a discussion of strategies and
barriers to vaccinating adolescents.
This program has now been archived online for viewing by
interested individuals or organizations. Running time is 2
hours, 8 minutes.
To access the webcast, go to:
http://learning.mihealth.org/mediasite/adolescentwebcast
For related resources and handouts, go to:
http://learning.mihealth.org/mediasite/adolescentwebcast_resources
Instructions on viewing a webcast can be found at:
http://adolescent.mihealth.org/WebcastInstructions.pdf.
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12. |
It's not too late to sign up for the B Informed Patient Conference
There's still time to sign up for the 9th Annual
B Informed
Patient Conference. The conference will be held June 26-27
at the Delaware Valley College campus in Doylestown, PA, in
collaboration with the Hepatitis B Information & Support
List and the HBV Adoption Support List. The conference is
free, including meals.
Both days will include roundtable discussion, educational
seminars, breakout sessions, and opportunities to learn to
live more successfully with chronic HBV infection. This
conference continues to be the only one of its kind, giving
patients and families the unique opportunity to connect with
one another in a supportive environment.
For more information on the program and registration, go to:
http://www.hepb.org/patients/patient_conference2009.htm
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