IAC Express 2011

Issue number 960: October 31, 2011
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Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. ACIP votes to recommend HPV vaccine for all males age 11-12 years
  2. CDC releases updated hepatitis A vaccine VIS
  3. IAC develops declination form for parents who refuse to vaccinate their children
  4. Spotlight on immunize.org: IAC'S Influenza section offers one-stop access to vaccination information
  5. IAC updates online "Ask the Experts" Q&A section related to influenza
  6. IAC's Video of the Week features a teenager's account of the 34 days he was hospitalized with influenza
  7. CDC and FDA issue guidance regarding patients who received influenza vaccine via jet injector
  8. Vaccine Education Center offers webinar on current vaccine issues on November 2
  9. Webinar on promoting influenza vaccine uptake in culturally diverse populations to be offered November 10
  10. American Nurses Association launches campaign to increase influenza vaccination rates
  11. Lancet Infectious Diseases publishes article about influenza vaccine effectiveness; public health groups respond
  12. IAC posts several new VIS translations for influenza, chickenpox, and shingles vaccines
  13. IAC divides its 2011-12 influenza vaccine products piece into two information sheets, one about products and one about vaccine administration
  14. HHS to release leading health indicators for Healthy People 2020 on October 31
  15. Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
  16. Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
  17. National Cocooning Summit to be held in Las Vegas on March 15-16
  18. IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are still available. Order a supply for your workplace today!
  19. MMWR publishes report on two 2011 outbreaks of rotavirus gastroenteritis among elderly adults in Illinois retirement communities
  20. Effective November 30, CDC will discontinue distributing investigational pentavalent (ABCDE) botulinum toxoid (PBT) vaccine for workers at risk for occupational exposure to botulinum serotypes A, B, C, D, and E
 
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 960: October 31, 2011
1.  ACIP votes to recommend HPV vaccine for all males age 11-12 years

On October 25, ACIP voted to recommend the routine vaccination of males age 11-12 years with 3 doses of HPV4 vaccine [Gardasil; Merck]. The HPV vaccine will provide protection against certain HPV-related conditions and cancers in males, and may also provide indirect protection for women by reducing transmission of HPV.

For a related press release transcript from CDC, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/t1025_hpv_12yroldvaccine.html
 
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2.  CDC releases updated hepatitis A vaccine VIS

CDC posted an updated interim hepatitis A vaccine VIS on October 25, primarily to include recommendations for families and other close contacts of newly arriving adopted children, and information about post-exposure prophylaxis.

To access the updated interim hepatitis A vaccine VIS, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/hepatitis-a.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
 
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3.  IAC develops declination form for parents who refuse to vaccinate their children

IAC recently developed "Refusal of Vaccination for My Child," a declination form for a parent or guardian to sign when refusing one or more recommended vaccines. The form includes information about how an unvaccinated child might get seriously ill and could spread disease to another susceptible person. Space is provided for the parent to check and sign for each vaccine declined.

A second page is explanatory for the healthcare professional. It includes background information on the importance of educating parents about vaccination and provides links to information about the importance of documenting vaccine refusal from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the National Association of County & City Health Officials, and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.

To access "Refusal of Vaccination for My Child," go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4059.pdf
 
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4.  Spotlight on immunize.org: IAC'S Influenza section offers one-stop access to vaccination information

Looking for online influenza vaccination information and resources? Look no further. IAC offers one-stop access to essential information, including recommendations, patient and staff handouts, as well as many other resources to help you carry out your influenza vaccination activities this season. To access the Influenza web section, visit http://www.immunize.org/influenza

The Diseases and Vaccines web section is a central organizing hub of IAC's website. To access information and resources for 19 vaccine-preventable diseases in addition to influenza, visit http://www.immunize.org/vaccines
 
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5.  IAC updates online "Ask the Experts" Q&A section related to influenza

IAC's online "Ask the Experts" Q&A section about influenza vaccine and disease was recently updated with input from vaccine experts at CDC.

To access the revised influenza Q&As, go to: http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_inf.asp

To access the index page of "Ask the Experts" Q&As for all other vaccines, go to: http://www.immunize.org/askexperts
 
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6.  IAC's Video of the Week features a teenager's account of the 34 days he was hospitalized with influenza

IAC urges IAC Express readers to watch a 1-minute public service announcement (PSA) featuring Luke Duval, a healthy high school football player who was hospitalized with influenza for 34 days in 2009. Titled "Choose You Over the Flu," the PSA was produced by Families Fighting Flu (FFF). To learn more about Luke's ordeal and about influenza, visit the FFF website at http://www.familiesfightingflu.org and click on the link following the end of the paragraph titled "Choose You Over the Flu."

The PSA will be available on the home page of IAC's website through November 6. To access it, go to: http://www.immunize.org and click on the image under the words Video of the Week.

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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7.  CDC and FDA issue guidance regarding patients who received influenza vaccine via jet injector

On October 21, FDA released a communication to healthcare professionals who administer influenza vaccines to advise them not to use injector devices to administer influenza vaccines (see IAC Express #959). On October 26, FDA updated this document to provide guidance on whether or not to re-vaccinate people who had been vaccinated against influenza via jet injector. The pertinent information is reprinted below.


Based on limited information from recent publications using currently licensed inactivated influenza vaccines, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe that it is not necessary for people who received their influenza vaccine via jet injector to be re-vaccinated.


To read the complete "FDA Updated Communication on Use of Jet Injectors with Inactivated Influenza Vaccines," click here.
 
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8.  Vaccine Education Center offers webinar on current vaccine issues on November 2

The Vaccine Education Center (VEC), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will present a free webinar at noon (ET) on November 2. "Current Issues in Vaccines--Fall 2011" will feature VEC director Paul Offit, MD, discussing such topics as HPV vaccine for boys and meningococcal vaccine for infants.

Registration is required to attend this event. For more information, click here.
 
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9.  Webinar on promoting influenza vaccine uptake in culturally diverse populations to be offered November 10

American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and its member companies are working with the Office of Minority Health, HHS, and CDC to increase seasonal influenza vaccination rates among culturally diverse populations and promote the 2011-2012 minority flu outreach campaign. As part of this collaboration, AHIP is offering a webinar titled "Effective Strategies to Promote Influenza Vaccine Uptake among Culturally Diverse Populations" on November 10, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET.

Leading experts in vaccine safety and healthcare disparities at federal agencies and health insurance plans will discuss best practices for improving influenza immunization rates at the local, regional, and national level. The focus will be on increasing rates among individuals in Hispanic/Latino, African American, and other culturally diverse communities.

For more information or to register, go to: http://www.ahip.org/webinar/influenza
 
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10.  American Nurses Association launches campaign to increase influenza vaccination rates

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has launched its 2011-12 seasonal influenza campaign, "Unite to Fight the Flu." The campaign reflects the recommendation for everyone age six months and older to get vaccinated against influenza and encourages nurses to become leaders and role models in promoting this safe and effective disease-prevention strategy.

The campaign resources are part of a Seasonal Influenza Toolkit. The toolkit features clinical tools, patient education handouts, posters, and a video that addresses healthcare worker vaccination hesitancy.

To access the ANA toolkit in sections (text format), go to: http://www.anaimmunize.org/flutoolkit

To access the ANA toolkit in ready-to-print (PDF) format, click here.
 
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11.  Lancet Infectious Diseases publishes article about influenza vaccine effectiveness; public health groups respond

On October 25, Lancet Infectious Diseases published an article titled "Efficacy and effectiveness of influenza vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis." This report found that influenza vaccines can provide moderate protection against confirmed influenza illness, but that protection can be lower--sometimes substantially so--in some influenza seasons.

The authors and CDC recommend the continued use of current vaccines. While CDC continues to encourage and acknowledge the need for better influenza vaccines, CDC also recognizes that existing influenza vaccines are the best tool currently available for people to protect themselves against influenza.

To read the article abstract, click here.

A number of public health organizations and experts have responded to this article. To read "Public health groups say flu vaccine is best tool, despite limitations," click here.

For a CDC overview of influenza vaccine effects studies, including a summary of recent study results and methodological considerations and limitations for conducting such studies, go to "Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness: Questions and Answers for Health Professionals" at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/effectivenessqa.htm

For answers to common questions from the general public about how well the influenza vaccine works, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
 
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12.  IAC posts several new VIS translations for influenza, chickenpox, and shingles vaccines

IAC recently posted 14 new VIS translations on its website.

(1) The 2011-12 VIS for inactivated influenza (TIV) vaccine and the 2011-12 VIS for live, intranasal influenza (LAIV) vaccine are now available in Bengali (spoken in India and Bangladesh), Polish, Russian, and Urdu (spoken in Bahrain, Guyana, India, Oman, Pakistan, and United Arab Emirates). IAC gratefully acknowledges the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for the translations.

To access the new translations of the VIS for TIV, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_flu_inactive.asp

To access the new translations of the VIS for LAIV, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_flu_live.asp

(2) The chickenpox vaccine VIS is now available in Hmong, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Minnesota Department of Health for the translations.

To access the new translations of the VIS for chickenpox vaccine, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_chickenpox.asp

(3) The shingles vaccine VIS is now available in Hmong and Russian. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Minnesota Department of Health for the translations.

To access the new translations of the VIS for shingles vaccine, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_shingles.asp

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
 
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13.  IAC divides its 2011-12 influenza vaccine products piece into two information sheets, one about products and one about vaccine administration

IAC recently divided "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2011-12 Influenza Season" into two separate pieces. The handout titled "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2011-12 Influenza Season" is now one page and includes only information about the various influenza vaccine products available this season. Go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4072.pdf

IAC made the former second page of the above piece into a separate document. This new piece is titled "How to administer intramuscular, intradermal, and intranasal influenza vaccines." Go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2024.pdf

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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14.  HHS to release leading health indicators for Healthy People 2020 on October 31

CDC published "Announcements: Release of Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicators" in the October 28 issue of MMWR. "Immunization and infectious diseases" is included as one of the topics and objectives of Healthy People 2020. Portions of the announcement are reprinted below.


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will present the leading health indicators for Healthy People 2020 at 10:30 a.m. [ET] October 31, 2011, at the 139th annual meeting of the American Public Health Association at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Healthy People 2020 provides a comprehensive set of 10-year national goals and objectives for improving the health of all persons in the United States. . . .

Additional information regarding Healthy People 2020 and the leading health indicators is available at http://www.healthypeople.gov [This] will link to the streaming live broadcast of the October 31 event at http://nmr.rampard.com/apha/20111031


To access the full article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6042a7.htm
 
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15.  Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit

To aid in efforts to vaccinate against influenza and pneumococcal disease, readers are invited 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
For background information on the pocket guides, see http://www.immunize.org/express/issue949.asp#n3

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

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16.  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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17.  National Cocooning Summit to be held in Las Vegas on March 15-16

A national summit, "Cocooning as a Strategy to Prevent Pertussis and Influenza," will be held in Las Vegas, NV, on March 15-16, 2012. There is no registration fee for this event, but you must pre-register.

For more information go to: http://www.snicnv.org/cocooningsummit.html
 
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18.  IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are still 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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19.  MMWR publishes report on two 2011 outbreaks of rotavirus gastroenteritis among elderly adults in Illinois retirement communities

CDC published "Notes from the Field: Outbreaks of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Among Elderly Adults in Two Retirement Communities--Illinois, 2011" in the October 28 issue of MMWR. Beginning in February 2011, thirty residents of two different Illinois retirement communities were hospitalized for confirmed or probable rotavirus gastroenteritis. No deaths were identified in either outbreak.

To access the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6042a4.htm
 
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20.  Effective November 30, CDC will discontinue distributing investigational pentavalent (ABCDE) botulinum toxoid (PBT) vaccine for workers at risk for occupational exposure to botulinum serotypes A, B, C, D, and E

CDC published "Notice of CDC's Discontinuation of Investigational Pentavalent (ABCDE) Botulinum Toxoid Vaccine for Workers at Risk for Occupational Exposure to Botulinum Toxins" in the October 28 issue of MMWR.

To access the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6042a3.htm
 
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About IZ Express

IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. NH23IP922654 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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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

This page was updated on .

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