IAC Express 2011

Issue number 949: August 29, 2011

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Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. Institute of Medicine publishes report on vaccine safety
  2. IAC updates screening questionnaires and standing orders for influenza vaccination
  3. Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides are available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
  4. MMWR reports on adolescent vaccination rates
  5. IAC's Video of the Week features a mother describing the aftermath of losing her 5-year-old son to influenza
  6. Spotlight on immunize.org: IAC's Central Feature Box
  7. CDC publishes ACIP's 2011-12 influenza recommendations in MMWR
  8. IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are available. Order a supply for your workplace today!
  9. Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
  10. Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare conference set for September 28-October 1
 
Abbreviations
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.
  
Issue 949: August 29, 2011
1.  Institute of Medicine publishes report on vaccine safety

On August 25, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a new report titled, "Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality." IOM reviewed a list of adverse events associated with eight vaccines and evaluated the scientific evidence about the event-vaccine relationship. Overall, the committee concluded that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines.

To access this new report, click here.

To read a related press release, click here.
 
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2 IAC updates screening questionnaires and standing orders for influenza vaccination.

IAC recently revised the following four handouts for healthcare professionals to use during the 2011-12 influenza season.

(1) For "Screening Questionnaire for Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination," go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4066.pdf

(2) For "Screening Questionnaire for Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination," go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4067.pdf

(3) For "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Adults," go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3074.pdf

(4) For "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccines to Children and Adolescents," go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3074a.pdf

Standing orders for all other routinely administered vaccines are available at http://www.immunize.org/standing-orders

IAC's Handouts for Patients and Staff web section offers healthcare professionals and the public approximately 250 FREE English-language handouts (many also available in translation), which we encourage website users to print out, copy, and distribute widely. To access all of IAC's free handouts, go to: http://www.immunize.org/handouts
 
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3 Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides are available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit

To aid in efforts to vaccinate against influenza and pneumococcal disease, the Immunization Action Coalition is inviting IAC Express readers to place orders now for bulk quantities of the National Influenza Vaccine Summit's 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Information Guide and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination (PPSV) Pocket Guide. Both are free--you can order them in the hundreds or thousands!

These laminated, 3.75 x 6.75-inch, 2-color cards serve as a convenient reference for front-line healthcare professionals who vaccinate patients. Place a bulk order now, and your organization will be ready to educate healthcare professionals at upcoming immunization training sessions and conferences. Each staff person who administers influenza or PPSV vaccine needs these handy resources.

THE 2011-12 INFLUENZA POCKET GUIDE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION:
  • Important points for healthcare providers
     
  • Indications, contraindications, and precautions for the injectable, intradermal, and intranasal influenza vaccines
     
  • Clear direction regarding which children ages 6 months through 8 years need 2 doses of influenza vaccine this year
     
  • Dosage, route of administration, and indicated age group for all the various influenza vaccine products
     
  • Talking points for discussing influenza vaccination with patients

See an image of the influenza vaccine pocket guide at http://www.immunize.org/pocketguides/pocketguide_flu.pdf

The influenza pocket guide also serves as a reminder to keep giving influenza vaccine throughout influenza season (through the spring months).

THE PPSV POCKET GUIDE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

  • Indications for vaccination with PPSV, contraindications, and precautions
     
  • Indications for vaccination with 2 doses of PPSV and intervals between doses
     
  • Dosage and routes of administration

See an image of the PPSV pocket guide at http://www.immunize.org/pocketguides/pocketguide_ppsv.pdf

The 2011-12 influenza pocket guide and PPSV pocket guide are designed to be used by healthcare professionals only; THEY ARE NOT PATIENT HANDOUTS.

HOW TO ORDER
Place your order at http://www.preventinfluenza.org/pocketguides There is no cost for the pocket guides, shipping, or handling within the U.S. They're going fast, so to avoid disappointment, place your order ASAP!

If you have questions, email admininfo@immunize.org

BACKGROUND
These pocket guides were developed by, and are being provided under the sponsorship of the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, http://www.preventinfluenza.org The Summit brings together public and private stakeholders to facilitate and promote influenza and PPSV vaccination. The pocket guides are also distributed by many major medical, nursing, and pharmacist organizations, specialty societies, state health departments, Indian Health Service Area facilities, Quality Improvement Organizations, Visiting Nurse Associations, community vaccinators, and many others.

Thanks for your dedication to immunization, and don't forget to keep vaccinating against influenza through the spring months!

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4 MMWR reports on adolescent vaccination rates

CDC published "National and State Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13 Through 17 Years--United States, 2010" in the August 26 issue of MMWR. The data show that HPV vaccine coverage has not demonstrated the same strong and steady increases over time like the increases seen following the introduction of other vaccines.

The first paragraph of the editorial note is reprinted below.


In 2010, vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13 through 17 years increased from coverage in 2009; however, the percentage-point increase in >=1 dose of HPV among females (4.4 points) was less than half the increase observed for >=1 dose of Tdap (13.1) and >=1 dose of MenACWY (9.1). As in previous years, coverage with >=1 dose of HPV was higher among older compared with younger adolescent females. Among females with adequate time to complete the series, 30.4% had not done so. HPV completion rates were lower among certain populations (i.e., blacks, Hispanics, and those living below poverty) known to have higher cervical cancer rates. Although HPV vaccination is only universally recommended for females aged 9 through 26 years, 2009 ACIP guidance states that HPV vaccination may be administered to males aged 9 through 26 years. Only 1.4% of males aged 13 through 17 years received the vaccine in 2010.


To access the full article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6033a1.htm

To access a good summary of the data, as well as resources related to adolescent immunization, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/vaccination-coverage.html

 
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5 IAC's Video of the Week features a mother describing the aftermath of losing her 5-year-old son to influenza

IAC encourages IAC Express readers to watch a 1-minute video of Serese Marotta describing repercussions she and her family experienced after the death of her son from influenza. Ms. Marotta works with Families Fighting Flu, a nonprofit volunteer-based advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the lives of children by helping to increase annual influenza vaccination rates. The video was produced by the New York State Department of Health.

The video will be available on the home page of IAC's website through September 4. To access it, go to: http://www.immunize.org and click on the image under the words Video of the Week.

For information about Families Fighting Flu, go to: http://www.familiesfightingflu.org

Remember to bookmark IAC's home page to view a new video every Monday.

To access the archives of IAC's Videos of the Week, go to: http://www.immunize.org/votw
 
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6 Spotlight on immunize.org: IAC's Central Feature Box

Looking for the latest updates to IAC's website? Look no further. For frequently updated content, check out the Central Feature Box on IAC's new home page. With its changing visual images, it is the place to go to find frequently updated content. In addition to IAC's welcome message, the central box gives you access to these website sections: Needle Tips & More (IAC's publications: Needle Tips, Vaccinate Adults, and IAC Express), What's New at IAC, Immunization News, Featured Resources, and Shop IAC.

To access this website feature, please visit IAC's home page at http://www.immunize.org
 
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7 CDC publishes ACIP's 2011-12 influenza recommendations in MMWR

CDC published "Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011" in the August 26 issue of MMWR. This report was previously published as an MMWR Early Release on August 18, and was previously covered in IAC Express on August 22.

To access the full article in web-text (HTML) format, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6033a3.htm

To access the complete ready-to-print (PDF) version of the article, go to pages 1128-1132 of this document: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6033.pdf
 
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8 IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are available. Order a supply for your workplace today!

IAC's laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. child/teen and adult immunization schedules are covered with a tough, washable coating that lets them stand up to a year's worth of use in every area of your workplace where immunizations are given. Each has six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages) and is folded to measure 8.5" by 11".

Laminated schedules are printed in color for easy reading, come complete with essential tables and footnotes, and include contraindications and precautions--a feature that will help you make an on-the-spot determination about the safety of vaccinating patients of any age.

PRICING
1-4 copies: $7.50 each
5-19 copies: $5.50 each
20-99 copies: $4.50 each

To view images of the laminated schedules, or to order online or download an order form, go to: http://www.immunize.org/shop/laminated-schedules.asp

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, go to: http://www.immunize.org/shop
 
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9 Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Immunization Branch, has updated its award-winning training video, "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults." The 25-minute program can be used to train new employees and to refresh the skills of experienced staff. The video demonstrates the skills and techniques needed to administer vaccines to patients of all ages.

Prices start at $17 each for 1-9 copies and are greatly reduced for large orders, dropping to $3 each for 1,000-1,499 copies.

To learn more about the DVD, and find out how to order it, go to: http://www.immunize.org/dvd

For quotes on larger quantities, call (651) 647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org

The Immunization Action Coalition is the only nationwide vendor of the DVD.

Note for healthcare settings located in California: Contact your local health department immunization program for a free copy.
 
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10.  Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare conference set for September 28-October 1

The Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare's national conference will take place September 28-October 1, in Minneapolis, MN. The four-day conference will offer occupational health professionals the opportunity to learn, network, exchange information, and earn continuing education credit.

Early bird registration ends on September 9. For more information, go to: http://www.aohp.org/pages/education/national_conference.html
 
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About IZ Express

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.

IZ Express Disclaimer
ISSN 2771-8085

Editorial Information

  • Editor-in-Chief
    Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
  • Managing Editor
    John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
  • Associate Editor
    Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
  • Writer/Publication Coordinator
    Taryn Chapman, MS
    Courtnay Londo, MA
  • Style and Copy Editor
    Marian Deegan, JD
  • Web Edition Managers
    Arkady Shakhnovich
    Jermaine Royes
  • Contributing Writer
    Laurel H. Wood, MPA
  • Technical Reviewer
    Kayla Ohlde

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