Issue 1064: July 2, 2013


TOP STORIES

IAC HANDOUTS

OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

FEATURED RESOURCES

JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING



TOP STORIES

Don’t miss July 16 webinar on IAC’s major initiative to end hepatitis B infection in newborns
July 16 is the launch date for the Immunization Action Coalition’s major new project, which urges hospitals and birthing centers to Give birth to the end of Hep B.

Healthcare professionals are invited to attend the free one-hour webinar on July 16, 12 noon ET, about strategies and tools for increasing hepatitis B birth dose coverage in birthing settings.

The webinar will feature Trudy V. Murphy, MD, medical epidemiologist, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC. Also speaking will be Lynn Pollock, RN, MSN, perinatal hepatitis B coordinator, New York State Department of Health; Mary Miller, RNC, nurse manager, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY; and Deborah Wexler, MD, executive director, Immunization Action Coalition. Debra Blog, MD, MPH, director, Bureau of Immunization, New York State Department of Health, will moderate.

The webinar will include the launch of IAC’s comprehensive e-book Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns and its new Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll.

Visit www.immunize.org/protect-newborns for more information as it becomes available.

Important Note: Please register early at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/751803942. The webinar will use the services of GoToMeeting and will require a safe and quick installation of some software on your computer. If you have not previously used GoToMeeting, it is a good idea to register ahead of time in order to resolve any additional steps needed to get fully set up for the webinar.

Also, a security warning may appear when you go to the registration website. If it does, simply click the "continue to this website” option and proceed. If you are using the web browser Firefox, you may need to click several times to "accept" the "exception."

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CDC issues recommendations for PCV and PPSV vaccination of children with immunocompromising conditions
CDC published Use of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Among Children Aged 6–18 Years with Immunocompromising Conditions: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the June 28 issue of MMWR (pages 521–524). Reprinted below is part of the article's first paragraph, as well as the article section titled "ACIP Recommendations for PCV13 and PPSV23 Use in Immunocompromised Children Aged 6–18 Years."

On February 20, 2013, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13; Prevnar 13, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer, Inc.) for children aged 6–18 years with immunocompromising conditions, functional or anatomic asplenia, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, or cochlear implants who have not previously received PCV13. PCV13 should be administered to these children regardless of whether they received the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) or the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Recommendations for PPSV23 use for children in this age group remain unchanged. . . .


ACIP Recommendations for PCV13 and PPSV23 Use in Immunocompromised Children Aged 6–18 Years

PPSV23-naïve children. ACIP recommends that children aged 6–18 years who have not received PCV13 and are at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) because of anatomic or functional asplenia (including sickle cell disease [SCD]), HIV infection, cochlear implant, CSF leak, or other immunocompromising conditions receive a single PCV13 dose first, followed ≥8 weeks later by a dose of PPSV23. A second PPSV23 dose is recommended 5 years after the first PPSV23 dose for children with anatomic or functional asplenia (including SCD), HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions.


Previous vaccination with PPSV23. Children aged 6–18 years who have not received PCV13; are at increased risk for IPD because of anatomic or functional asplenia, including SCD, HIV infection, CSF leaks, cochlear implants, or other immunocompromising conditions; and who previously received ≥1 doses of PPSV23 should be given a single PCV13 dose ≥8 weeks after the last PPSV23 dose, even if they have received PCV7. If a second PPSV23 dose is indicated, it should be given ≥5 years after the first PPSV23 dose. These children should not receive more than 2 doses of PPSV23 before age 65 years.

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CDC study shows influenza vaccination prevents significant illness, physician visits, and hospitalizations
On June 24, CDC issued a press release, CDC Study Shows Flu Vaccination Prevents Significant Flu Illness, Doctor’s Visits and Hospitalizations. The press release summarizes the findings of a study conducted by CDC, which were published on June 19 in the online journal PLOS ONE. The first three paragraphs of the press release are reprinted below.

Flu vaccination prevented an estimated 13.6 million flu cases, 5.8 million medical visits and nearly 113,000 flu-related hospitalizations in the United States over a 6-year period (2005–2011), according to a study by CDC experts. Since 2010, all people 6 months of age and older in the United States have been recommended to receive annual flu vaccination.

The study, published in
PLOS ONE on June 19, 2013, presents a new model to estimate the direct annual impact of flu vaccination in the United States. CDC researchers used flu surveillance data collected during the flu season to project the burden of flu in the absence of vaccination compared to the burden of flu with vaccination. By looking at the difference between the two, the researchers estimated the burden of flu averted by vaccination.

This new model will help CDC experts to quantify the public health benefit of the flu vaccination program in the United States. In the past, CDC has relied on surveys of vaccine coverage and observational studies of vaccine effectiveness that focused on specific populations at specific times to assess and communicate the benefits of vaccination. The new CDC model provides a more standardized and repeatable way to measure and communicate som
e of the direct public health benefits of flu vaccination.

Related Link

Access the entire PLOS ONE article (titled "Influenza Illness and Hospitalizations Averted by Influenza Vaccination in the United States, 2005–2011")

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A toolkit and related July 9 webinar will help you promote August 2013 National Immunization Awareness Month 
The National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) is coordinating activities for this year's National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), which will take place throughout the month of August. NIAM highlights the need for improving national immunization coverage levels and encourages people of all ages to protect their own health and the health of their loved ones by getting immunized against infectious diseases.

The NIAM communication campaign is designed to help public information officers, immunization program managers, and coalition leaders work together to communicate about the importance of immunizations during NIAM and build momentum among provider groups, the media, and social networks.

2013 NIAM Campaign Materials and Webinar
The online August 2013 NIAM Toolkit is a key piece of the communication campaign. It contains information about creating and sending newsletter/listserv announcements, tweets, and e-cards and also offers a Web badge for posting. It outlines ways your organization can promote immunization in your community and offers links to downloadable resources an organization or individual can use to further immunization education. 
 
Speakers from NPHIC and CDC will introduce the August 2013 NIAM Toolkit and an array of related resources from CDC and other organizations at a webinar, which will take place on July 9 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET (11 a.m. to noon PT). Speakers will pesent ideas for using social media to share information, messages, reports, and local stories. Webinar registrations are being accepted now.

Related Link NPHIC is a network of public health communicators based in the United States and U.S. territories.

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IAC Spotlight! Featured Resources web section
Looking for noteworthy immunization resources for patients and healthcare staff? Look no further. IAC’s Featured Resources web section is a frequently updated listing of links to timely, practical, and cool resources from our immunization partners including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the American Medical Association, and many more.

In addition, you will find the latest update to the Featured Resources section in the central box on IAC's home page.

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IAC HANDOUTS

New! IAC develops 12 easy-to-read handouts that encourage parents to get their children vaccinated
IAC has just posted 12 new easy-to-read handouts for parents that promote childhood vaccination against chickenpox, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, HPV, influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, and whooping cough-tetanus-diphtheria. These handouts were specifically developed to be short and non-medical, and to emphasize the dangers of these vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.

Download these new resources and share them with the parents of your child patients!
  1. Chickenpox is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  2. Hepatitis A is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  3. Hepatitis B is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  4. Hib is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  5. HPV is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  6. Influenza is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  7. Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases...Make sure your child is protected!
  8. Meningococcal disease is serious...Make sure your child is protected!
  9. Pneumococcal disease is serious...Make sure your child is protected!
  10. Polio is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  11. Rotavirus is a serious disease...Make sure your child is protected!
  12. Whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria are serious diseases...Make sure your child is protected!
All these handouts can be accessed from IAC's new Vaccine Summaries web page. Eight similar handouts for adult and teen vaccination were released in May. See the May 14, 2013, issue of IAC Express for details.

IAC's Handouts for Patients & Staff web section offers healthcare professionals and the public more than 250 FREE English-language handouts (many also available in translation), which we encourage website users to print out, copy, and distribute widely.

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OFFICIAL RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issues recommendation on screening adults for hepatitis C virus infection
On June 25, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a press release announcing that the task force has issued its final recommendation statement on screening adults for hepatitis C virus infection. The first paragraph of the press release is reprinted below.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) today released its final recommendation statement on screening for hepatitis C virus infection in adults. Based on the latest evidence, the Task Force recommends hepatitis C screening for adults at risk of infection, including people who currently use injection drugs or have in the past, as well as people who received a blood transfusion before 1992. The Task Force also recommends one-time hepatitis C screening for all adults born between 1945 and 1965.

The current USPSTF recommendation statement, which updates its previous (2004) recommendation statement, is similar to CDC's Recommendations for the Identification of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Persons Born During 1945–1965, which was published on August 17, 2012.

Related Links
USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications.

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FEATURED RESOURCES

ACOG’s comprehensive toolkit gives obstetrician-gynecologists resources that encourage patient immunization
As part of its goal to increase patient immunization rates, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has created multiple resources for obstetrician-gynecologists and their patients. The most recent is the 96-page Immunization Resources for Obstetrician-Gynecologists: A Comprehensive Tool Kit.

The toolkit includes the following new and revised resources:
  • New resource manual, Immunizations and Routine Obstetric-Gynecologic Care
  • New College Committee Opinion on Integrating Immunizations into Practice
  • Updated 2013 Immunization Coding book
  • New laminated immunization coding quick-glance guide
  • Customized Text4Baby data sheet that explains how the Text4Baby service can help improve influenza vaccination rates in pregnant women
  • Updated Flu Shot for Pregnant Patients FAQ tear pad, endorsed by the American Medical Association (AMA) and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), available in English and Spanish
  • Updated Vaccine Safety FAQ for patients tear pad, endorsed by AMA and SMFM, available in English and Spanish
  • New Adult Immunization Record pocket card that includes sections for pregnant women
Related Links
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Sabin Vaccine Institute launches International Association of Immunization Managers
On June 24, the Sabin Vaccine Institute issued a press release announcing the launch of the International Association of Immunization Managers (IAIM). Portions of the press release are reprinted below.

The Sabin Vaccine Institute today announced the launch of the newly-formed International Association of Immunization Managers (IAIM).  With the support of a five-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IAIM’s objective is to help drive the achievement of national, regional and international immunization goals, including those in the Global Vaccine Action Plan. . . .
 
IAIM is the first-ever international association for immunization managers. Its objectives are to establish a forum from which immunization managers can discuss and exchange best practices; build and support international and regional networks of immunization managers; and provide immunization managers with opportunities to develop their technical and leadership capacity. The main benefits IAIM will provide for its members include: convening international and regional meetings to provide a forum for discussion, access to training and cutting-edge information and networking opportunities; organizing peer-to-peer exchanges as a means of sharing success factors and problem-solving strategies among immunization managers; and creating an interactive website where members can access and share best practices, research, training and tools.

Related Link
The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a nonprofit organization of
scientists, researchers, and advocates dedicated to reducing needless human suffering caused by vaccine-preventable and neglected tropical diseases.

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Order IAC's popular full-size laminated versions of the 2013 U.S. immunization schedules today!
IAC's laminated versions of the 2013 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 healthcare setting where immunizations are given. Each has six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages) and is folded to measure 8.5" by 11".

IAC's Laminated Child and Teen Immunization SchedulesIAC's Laminated Adult Immunization Schedules
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
100-499 copies: $4.00 each
500-999 copies: $3.50 each

For quotes on customizing or placing orders for 1,000 copies or more, call (651) 647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org

You can access specific information on both schedules, view images of both, order online, or download an order form at the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules web page.

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JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS

June issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
CDC recently released the June issue of its monthly newsletter Immunization Works and posted it on the website of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). The newsletter offers the immunization community information about current topics. The information is in the public domain and can be reproduced and circulated widely.

The June issue contains a great deal of useful, timely information. Be sure to read through all four sections: Top Stories, Influenza Information, Meetings and Conferences, and Resources and Information.

Related Link
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HHS publishes guidelines for preventing HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission through human tissue and organ transplantation
CDC published Announcement: New Resources on Transplantation Safety in the June 28 issue of MMWR (page 526). The article is reprinted below.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released the 2013 PHS Guideline for Reducing Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus Transmission Through Organ Transplantation. This guideline updates the 1994 U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Guidelines for Preventing Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Through Transplantation of Human Tissue and Organs.

Major changes from the 1994 PHS guidelines are that the 2013 PHS guideline includes (1) recommendations that organ donors be screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in addition to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); (2) recommendations for new, more sensitive laboratory testing; and (3) inclusion of a revised set of risk factors for HIV, HBV, and HCV infection. CDC's
Solid Organ Transplantation and the Probability of Transmitting HIV, HBV, or HCV: A Systematic Review to Support an Evidence-Based Guideline comprises the primary evidence underlying the recommendations in the 2013 PHS guideline.

In addition, CDC recently launched a website devoted to transplant safety, which features (1) the role of CDC and other agencies and organizations involved in organ and tissue safety; (2) donor screening and testing requirements; and (3) information for health-care providers.


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CDC issues biosafety recommendations for work involving highly pathogenic avian influenza
On June 28, CDC issued Biosafety Recommendations for Work with Influenza Viruses Containing a Hemagglutinin from the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 Lineage, which was published as one of CDC's MMWR Recommendations and Reports. The introduction to the recommendations is reprinted below.

During 2003–2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) received reports of approximately 600 confirmed cases of human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses, with a mortality rate of approximately 59%. To date, almost all human cases have been linked to close contact with infected poultry. Several reports of family clusters indicate that human-to-human transmission might occur, although infrequently, after prolonged and close contact with an infected person. All human cases reported during 2003–2011 have been caused by viruses containing the hemagglutinin from the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that once transmitted into a human host, HPAI H5N1 viruses might result in more severe disease than other subtypes of influenza. Recent studies designed to identify genetic elements related to the transmissibility of these viruses have produced mammalian and avian influenza viruses containing the hemagglutinin from the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage that are transmissible via respiratory droplets in the ferret model, which is considered to be the animal model most representative of human influenza. In response to these developments, CDC has developed the following biosafety guidelines for working with this lineage and specimens suspected of containing these viruses.

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course planned for October 10–11 in Chicago
The Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics will be hosting the CDC's Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases course in Chicago on October 10–11 at the Chicago Cultural Center. The conference also will include a brief update on immunization information specific to Illinois.

Presented by CDC, this live two-day course provides a comprehensive review of immunizations and the diseases they prevent. This is your opportunity to meet with experts from the CDC in the great city of Chicago. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants, students, and other health professionals will learn the most up-to-date immunization information from the CDC. Health educators, immunization program managers, public health department staff, and other people who administer healthcare services will also benefit from this course. Continuing education credits are available.

Related Links
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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 DisclaimerISSN 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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