Issue 1296: March 29, 2017

Ask the Experts
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a person received a Tdap vaccine and then had a positive pertussis PCR . . . read more


TOP STORIES


VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS


WORLD NEWS


FEATURED RESOURCES


EDUCATION AND TRAINING


CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

 


TOP STORIES


Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!

IAC's laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule now available! Covered with a tough, washable coating, these resources will stand up to a year's worth of use in every area of your healthcare setting where immunizations are given. Both schedules are eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages) and are folded to measure 8.5" x 11". 

Laminated Child and Teen Laminated Schedule

Adult Laminated 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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Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine publishes position statement advocating the establishment of an immunization platform for 16-year-olds

The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) has published a position statement advocating the establishment of an immunization platform for 16-year-olds. Establishing an Immunization Platform for 16-Year-Olds in the United States is intended to raise awareness that immunization rates for older adolescents are well below desired levels and leave many adolescents under-protected against key diseases. A 16-year-old immunization platform has the potential to increase these immunization rates and protect adolescents with other preventive services as they embark on their future as young adults. 

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CDC reports on tetanus in an unvaccinated woman after a home birth in Kentucky

CDC published Notes from the Field: Obstetric Tetanus in an Unvaccinated Woman After a Home Birth Delivery—Kentucky, 2016 in the March 24 issue of MMWR (pages 307–8). The first two paragraphs and the last paragraph are reprinted below.

On July 11, 2016, state and local health departments in Kentucky were notified of a case of obstetric tetanus in an unvaccinated woman. Obstetric tetanus, which occurs during pregnancy or within 6 weeks of the end of pregnancy, follows contamination of wounds with Clostridium tetani spores during pregnancy, or the use of contaminated tools or practices during nonsterile deliveries or abortions. CDC did not identify any cases of obstetric tetanus in the United States during 1972–2008. State and local health departments in Kentucky investigated this case to identify risk factors and provide recommendations.

The patient, a woman aged 30 years, is a member of an Amish community. In late June, she delivered a child at home, assisted by an unlicensed community childbirth assistant. She had never received a vaccination for tetanus. Delivery was complicated by breech presentation, but no birth trauma, unsterile conditions, or other complications were reported. Nine days postpartum, the patient experienced facial numbness and neck pain, which progressed over 24 hours to stiff neck and jaw and difficulty swallowing and breathing. She was admitted to the hospital where a clinical diagnosis of tetanus was made, and 6,000 international units of tetanus immunoglobulin were administered intramuscularly. Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were required. Her hospital course was complicated by seizures and a need for prolonged respiratory support. After approximately a month, the patient was stable and discharged home....

This case highlights the importance of tetanus vaccination for all persons as recommended by ACIP. Although Amish communities generally do not have religious objections to vaccination, preventive health care has not historically been accessed by this Amish community. Trust between the Amish community, local health department, and a familiar health care provider, as well as working within community members’ homes, and providing culturally appropriate education and recommendations through community leaders, facilitated vaccination of some persons. Ongoing outreach by health departments is beneficial to vulnerable, nonimmunized, or underimmunized populations.


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Five healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination

Over 600 organizations are now enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes hospitals, medical practices, professional organizations, health departments, and government entities that have taken a stand for patient safety by implementing mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare personnel.

Since February 8, when IAC Express last reported on the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll, five additional healthcare organizations have been enrolled for a total of 619.

IAC urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply.

Newly added healthcare organizations, hospitals, government agencies, and medical practices

  • AppHealthCare (Appalachian District Health Department), Boone, NC
  • Carle Foundation Hospital/Carle Physicians Group, Urbana, IL
  • Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, Coffeeville, KS
  • Hamilton Healthcare System, Hamilton, TX
  • McDonough County Health Department, Macomb, IL

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IAC Spotlight! IAC's Immunization Apps web page recently updated

IAC has recently updated its page of immunization apps for healthcare providers and their patients. Go to www.immunize.org/resources/apps.asp to check out 14 immunization-related apps from CDC, professional societies, nonprofits, and more.

If you have additional immunization apps to recommend, please let us know by emailing admin@immunize.org.

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Newly updated: Popular slide deck for healthcare professionals on meningococcal disease prevention and how to increase second dose coverage 

In 2015, IAC launched MCV4: You’re Not Done If You Give Just One; Give 2 Doses to Strengthen Protection, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur. This project was developed in response to the low immunization rates found for the recommended second (booster) dose of meningococcal ACWY (MCV4) vaccine.

As part of this project, a downloadable slide deck (with accompanying speaker notes) was added to the www.Give2MCV4.org website in 2016. This valuable resource was made available for use by healthcare professionals (HCPs) to assist them in educating HCPs about the seriousness of meningococcal disease and the risk it poses to adolescents, raise awareness of the low immunization rates for the second (booster) dose of MCV4, and offer tools and resources to help HCPs increase their immunization rates and close the meningococcal booster dose gap.

This popular slide deck was just updated to include more recent data, as well as to incorporate recently revised recommendations for HPV and meningococcal group B vaccine. The new 16-year-old immunization platform highlighted in the ACIP’s recommended immunization schedule is also mentioned in the Speaker’s Notes.

This “ready-to-use” slide deck, which may be used free of charge, is available in two convenient formats.

  • PDF version of the slides (without speaker notes)
  • PowerPoint version, which can be downloaded and used for presentations to HCPs. The slide deck may be viewed with the embedded speaker notes. (Be sure to read the “Important Notes” on the download page for assistance in how to view the speaker notes.)

To access the slide deck in either format, go to www.give2mcv4.org/essential-tools/slide-deck. Be sure to take advantage of this great training tool and the wealth of other educational resources available on the website.

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Voices for Vaccines releases third podcast—a discussion about vaccines legislation and ways parents can get involved

Voices for Vaccines (VFV) has posted the third entry in its Vax Talk podcast series: Vaccines and Legislation. In this podcast, Sarah Despres, ECBT board member, discusses what the federal government can do concerning vaccines and what effect the proposed American Healthcare Act and the president’s proposed budget could have on immunizations. Jinny Suh, Immunize Texas, provides information on state legislation and how parents can become involved.

Voices for Vaccines is a national organization of parents and others who are dedicated to raising the level of the voices of immunization supporters. VFV invites everyone who values vaccines to become a member. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues to join VFV!
 
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VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS


Vietnamese Influenza (IIV) VIS translation corrected

IAC recently posted a corrected version of the Vietnamese translation of the VIS for the 2016–17 inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). Small but significant corrections were made.

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WORLD NEWS


WHO publishes report on zoonotic influenza viruses and pandemic preparedness

WHO published Zoonotic influenza viruses: antigenic and genetic characteristics and development of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness in the March 24 issue of its Weekly Epidemiological Record. Two paragraphs are reprinted below.
 
The development of candidate influenza vaccine viruses (CVVs), coordinated by WHO, remains an essential component of the overall global strategy for influenza pandemic preparedness....

This report summarizes the genetic and antigenic characteristics of recent zoonotic influenza viruses and related viruses circulating in animals that are relevant to CVV updates. Institutions interested in receiving these CVVs should contact WHO at gisrs-whohq@who.int or the institutions listed in announcements published on the WHO website.


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FEATURED RESOURCES


Washington State Department of Health develops toolkit for healthcare professionals about the importance of HPV vaccination for individuals living with HIV

The Washington State Department of Health has created a toolkit for healthcare professionals on the importance of HPV vaccination for individuals who are living with HIV. People who are immunocompromised or HIV-positive are at greater risk for HPV infection. Providers can help protect immunocompromised and HIV-positive patients by routinely recommending and administering HPV vaccine. The materials in this toolkit will help providers start the conversation and strongly recommend HPV vaccine to their patients.

The HPV-HIV Provider Toolkit is available on the Washington State Department of Health website. Scroll down to "Materials for Your Practice and Your Patients: HPV-HIV Provider Toolkit" where you will be able to access the toolkit in segments (PDF format).

Related Link

Spring is here, but influenza season isn't over yet!

Although spring has technically arrived, influenza season isn't over. During the week ending March 11, CDC reported continued elevated influenza activity in the U.S., with 36 states reporting widespread activity. Five influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during this period, for a total of 53 influenza-associated pediatric deaths for the 2016–17 season.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. If you don't provide influenza vaccination in your clinic, please recommend vaccination to your patients and refer them to a clinic or pharmacy that provides vaccines or to the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to locate sites near their workplaces or homes that offer influenza vaccination services.

Following is a list of resources related to influenza disease and vaccination for healthcare professionals and the public:

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING


NFID offers webinar on improving HPV immunization rates in practice on April 19
 
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) will present a webinar titled "HPV Vaccinations: From Recommendations to Practice" on April 19 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). NFID president-elect Joseph A. Bocchini, Jr., MD, professor and chair, Department of Pediatrics Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University; and Tracy Bieber, RN, BSN, immunization strategy manager, Sanford Health System, will provide an update on current ACIP recommendations regarding the use of HPV vaccines and strategies for improving immunization rates.

 At the conclusion, participants will be able to: 
  • Discuss the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of HPV infection
  • Discuss ACIP recommendations for the use of HPV vaccines and the rationale for universal immunization
  • Discuss safety of HPV vaccines and early data on vaccine effectiveness
  • Review challenges and strategies for increasing HPV vaccination in large healthcare systems 

Dr. Paul Offit discusses mumps epidemic on Medscape

Paul Offit, MD, director, Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, offers a new expert commentary on Medscape titled "Fading Immunity to MMR Vaccine May Be Behind the Mumps Epidemic." The first paragraph of the transcript is reprinted below.

Last year in the United States, there were 5642 cases of mumps. [Editor's note: These were the case numbers noted at the most recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Working Group meeting on February 22, 2017.] That was the biggest mumps epidemic we've had in a long time, and it included 19 university-based outbreaks. To find out what happened, let's go back to the beginning.

Access Fading Immunity to MMR Vaccine May Be Behind the Mumps Epidemic on Medscape (free, but log-in is required).

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CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS


Next ACIP meeting scheduled for June 21–22 

ACIP will hold its next meeting on June 21–22 in Atlanta. To attend the meeting, ACIP attendees (participants and visitors) must register online. The registration deadline for non-U.S. citizens is May 22; for U.S. citizens, it's June 7. Registration is not required to watch the meeting via webcast or listen to the proceedings via phone.

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ASK THE EXPERTS

Question of the Week

If a person received a Tdap vaccine and then had a positive pertussis PCR two weeks later, could it be a false positive from the vaccine or should we consider this a case of pertussis? The patient had a cough, nausea, and vomiting for 2–3 days prior to PCR testing. 

Recent Tdap vaccination does not affect PCR testing. PCR tests are used to detect DNA sequences of the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. PCR tests are very sensitive and could give a false positive result for other reasons. For more information on the interpretation of pertussis diagnostic tests, see
www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-confirmation.html.


About IAC's Question of the Week

Each week, IAC Express highlights a new, topical, or important-to-reiterate Q&A. This feature is a cooperative venture between IAC and CDC. William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH, IAC's associate director for immunization education, chooses a new Q&A to feature every week from a set of Q&As prepared by experts at CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

We hope you enjoy this feature and find it helpful when dealing with difficult real-life scenarios in your vaccination practice. Please encourage your healthcare professional colleagues to sign up to receive IAC Express at www.immunize.org/subscribe.

If you have a question for the CDC immunization experts, you can email them directly at nipinfo@cdc.gov. There is no charge for this service.

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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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