IAC Express 2011

Issue number 961: November 7, 2011

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Contents of this Issue
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New: November 2011 issue of Needle Tips is now online
Immunization Action Coalition receives major award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Third annual World Pneumonia Day is November 12
2011 National Influenza Vaccination Week planned for December 4-10; be sure to submit information about your influenza immunization activities
Spotlight on immunize.org: where you'll find up-to-date vaccine package inserts and contact information for vaccine manufacturers
IAC's Video of the Week focuses on CDC's disease investigation teams
"After the Shots," IAC's popular handout for parents, now available in Spanish and six other languages
CDC publishes report on invasive pneumococcal disease and PCV13 coverage in selected U.S. regions during 2010-2011
Congressional leaders introduce legislation to require viral hepatitis testing, treatment, and education
Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
Best Shot Foundation strives to get Empire State Building illuminated for World Pneumonia Day--support is needed
Reminder: Abstracts for National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions due November 15
Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
CDC publishes report on progress India made toward polio eradication from January 2010 to September 2011
IAC posts Turkish translation of VIS for meningococcal vaccine
IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are still available. Order a supply for your workplace today!
CDC issues 2011 recommendations on animal rabies prevention and control

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 961: November 7, 2011

New: November 2011 issue of Needle Tips is now online

The November 2011 issue of Needle Tips is now online for downloading at http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n50/n50.pdf

This issue presents an array of materials that healthcare professionals can rely on to vaccinate people of all ages against influenza. Readers will also find "Refusal of Vaccination for My Child," a new form providers can ask parents to sign, as well as new and updated resources for vaccine storage and handling and for Td/Tdap vaccination.

It also includes the Ask the Experts column from CDC experts Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH; Donna L. Weaver, RN, MN; and William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH.

To download a PDF of the entire 22-page issue of Needle Tips, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n50/n50.pdf

To access the Needle Tips table of contents where you can view and print individual sections, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nt Back issues are accessible from this page as well.

Immunization Action Coalition receives major award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

On October 25, the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) issued a press release announcing that it and CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease are entering into a cooperative agreement for $1.4 million over five years. A portion of the press release is reprinted below.

This cooperative agreement will support three key current IAC functions: (1) creation and distribution of weekly editions of IAC Express to IAC's email subscribers; (2) publication of the feature "Ask the Experts," in which CDC and IAC immunization experts answer questions from vaccine providers; and (3) creation of new immunization education materials designed to respond to the needs of immunization providers, parents, and patients. Importantly, the new agreement also makes IAC the nation's central clearinghouse for Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) in languages other than English.

To access the entire press release, go to: http://www.immunize.org/press/cdc_award.pdf

Third annual World Pneumonia Day is November 12

CDC published "World Pneumonia Day--November 12, 2011" in the November 4 issue of MMWR. The article is reprinted below.

Pneumonia kills more children than any other illness; among approximately 9 million children aged <5 years who die each year worldwide, 1.6 million die from pneumonia. At the 2010 World Health Assembly, a resolution on the prevention and control of childhood pneumonia was passed. The resolution stated that leaders in each country should implement comprehensive plans to reduce pneumonia deaths. This effort will support United Nations Millennium Development Goal 4, which states that childhood mortality should be reduced by two thirds from 1990 to 2015.

Illness and deaths from pneumonia can be reduced with the use of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), influenza, and measles vaccines; antimicrobial treatments; and supportive health care, among other strategies.

To raise awareness of the effects of pneumonia globally, the third annual World Pneumonia Day, November 12, 2011, is being promoted by a coalition of approximately 120 major health, humanitarian relief, advocacy, faith-based, government, and other organizations; CDC and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are providing technical assistance. Events are scheduled around the world. More information is available at http://worldpneumoniaday.org

To access the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6043a1.htm

2011 National Influenza Vaccination Week planned for December 4-10; be sure to submit information about your influenza immunization activities

This year, National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is scheduled for December 4-10. NIVW is a national observance established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of influenza vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.

CDC's NIVW web section includes an online form for organizations to describe the activities they have planned for NIVW. Be sure to add your plans to the form at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/NIVW/form.htm

CDC's NIVW web section also includes resources to help organizations spread the word about the importance of administering and receiving influenza vaccine throughout the influenza season. To access them, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw

Spotlight on immunize.org: where you'll find up-to-date vaccine package inserts and contact information for vaccine manufacturers

Looking for vaccine product information? IAC's web sections of Package Inserts and Manufacturers saves you time: All package insert information for vaccines licensed for use in the United States are provided. In addition, the Manufacturers' section provides website links, contact information, and product listings for vaccine and immune globulin manufacturers.

For links to package inserts for all U.S. licensed vaccines, visit: http://www.immunize.org/packageinserts

For the listings of U.S. vaccine product manufacturers, visit: http://www.immunize.org/resources/manufact_vax.asp

In addition to the listings of organizations, IAC's online compendium of immunization resources includes descriptions and links for the following sections: Books and Periodicals, CDC Materials, Continuing Education Opportunities, Email News Services, Government Agencies, Hotlines, International Organizations, and Partners. To access these sections, go to http://www.immunize.org/resources

IAC's Video of the Week focuses on CDC's disease investigation teams

IAC encourages IAC Express readers to watch "Real Life Disease Detectives," a 30-second video of Dan Jernigan, MD, MPH, describing the work CDC does in investigating disease outbreaks. Dr. Jernigan is a senior medical officer in CDC's Influenza Division.

The video will be available on the home page of IAC's website through November 13. 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

"After the Shots," IAC's popular handout for parents, now available in Spanish and six other languages

Updated in September, IAC's parent handout "After the Shots . . . What to do if your child has discomfort" (no dosing table) is now available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

To access the Spanish version of "After the Shots . . . What to do if your child has discomfort" (no dosing table), go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014-01.pdf

For Arabic: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014-20.pdf

For Chinese: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014-08.pdf

For French: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014-10.pdf

For Korean: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014-09.pdf

For Russian: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014-07.pdf

For Vietnamese: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014-05.pdf

For English: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4014.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

CDC publishes report on invasive pneumococcal disease and PCV13 coverage in selected U.S. regions during 2010-2011

CDC published "Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) Coverage Among Children Aged <=59 Months--Selected U.S. Regions, 2010-2011" in the November 4 issue of MMWR. A press summary of the article is reprinted below.

Identification of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases and low 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) coverage rates suggest children aged through 59 months are left unprotected. Researchers at CDC assessed 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) coverage among children aged 0 through 59 months to determine uptake of this newly recommended vaccine. In addition, they analyzed data from an ongoing PCV13 vaccine effectiveness evaluation to determine the number of children with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to one of six serotypes unique to PCV13 among children who had not previously been vaccinated with PCV13. Results of both analyses indicate that many children are not receiving PCV13 as recommended by ACIP, leaving them unprotected against IPD. Vaccine providers should administer a supplemental dose of PCV13 to all children aged 14 through 59 months who have received an age-appropriate PCV7 series, complete the PCV7 series with PCV13 for children who have not completed the PCV7 series, and ensure that younger children who have not had any PCV7 receive the full PCV13 primary series.

To access the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6043a2.htm

Congressional leaders introduce legislation to require viral hepatitis testing, treatment, and education

On November 3, a congressional newspaper, The Hill, featured an article announcing that Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA) and Senator John Kerry (D-MA) have introduced the Viral Hepatitis Act of 2011. With the ultimate goal of eradicating hepatitis B and C in the United States, the act, if passed by Congress, will require these four activities:

Increased testing for viral hepatitis infection
Development/distribution of public-education information
Better coordination of medical treatment and counseling
Improved education and training of healthcare professionals

For additional information, access the article at http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/191579-putting-an-end-to-viral-hepatitis-americas-silent-killer

10.

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!

11.

Best Shot Foundation strives to get Empire State Building illuminated for World Pneumonia Day--support is needed

The Best Shot Foundation (http://best-shot.org) is working to persuade the management of the Empire State Building to raise awareness of World Pneumonia Day (WPD) by illuminating the building on November 12, the day WPD is observed. The chance of the Empire State Building's management agreeing can be increased if management knows the illuminated building will be recognized for its efforts through conventional and electronic media.

To that end, the Immunization Action Coalition has informed Best Shot that it would notify IAC Express subscribers about the potential for having the Empire State Building illuminated on WPD. If your organization would like to see this event happen, please email Ashley Weatherford at Ashley@best-shot.org to tell her that you support Best Shot's plan and that if the Empire State Building is illuminated on WPD, you will inform your membership, subscribers, website users, and/or social media contacts about it.

Include this information in your email to Ms. Weatherford:

(1) The number of people who subscribe to your e-newsletters, visit your website, follow you on social media platforms, and/or receive other publications from you

(2) That after the Empire State Building event, your organization plans to announce the event on its website or through its e-newsletter, social media platforms, or other publications

Best Shot will then forward your information to the management of the Empire State Building.

12.

Reminder: Abstracts for National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions due November 15

The National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions will take place in New Orleans on May 23-25. The event host is Louisiana Shots for Tots Coalition.

Abstracts are being sought on many topics. The deadline for submitting abstracts is November 15; submissions must be in electronic format. To access the Call for Abstracts and the submission form, go to: http://www.shotsfortots.com/html/10thNCIHCabstracts.html

For more information on the conference, go to: http://www.shotsfortots.com/html/10thNCIHC.html

13.

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.

14.

CDC publishes report on progress India made toward polio eradication from January 2010 to September 2011

CDC published "Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication--India, January 2010-September 2011" in the November 4 issue of MMWR. A portion of a press summary of the article is reprinted below.

Of the four endemic countries, India is the only country that is on track to interrupt wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission in 2011. Although more time will be needed to be sure, the absence of WPV during the high-transmission season strongly indicates that India has interrupted WPV transmission. . . .

To access the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6043a3.htm

15.

IAC posts Turkish translation of VIS for meningococcal vaccine

The VIS for meningococcal vaccine is now available in Turkish. IAC gratefully acknowledges Mustafa Kozanoglu, MD, for the translation.

To access the Turkish translation of the VIS for meningococcal vaccine, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_meningococcal.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

16.

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

17.

CDC issues 2011 recommendations on animal rabies prevention and control

On November 4, CDC issued an MMWR Recommendations and Reports titled "Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2011: National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. (NASPHV)." The recommendations include (1) the national case definition for animal rabies, (2) an explanation of the role of the CDC rabies laboratory in providing confirmatory testing of suspect animals, and (3) an updated table of rabies vaccines licensed and marketed in the United States.

To access the recommendations, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6006.pdf

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Issue number 961: November 7, 2011

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