IAC Express 2006
Issue number 628: November 6, 2006
 
Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. CDC reports supply of meningococcal conjugate vaccine sufficient to resume vaccination of children age 11-12 years
  2. CDC website posts statement about recall of Fluvirin influenza vaccine
  3. CDC website posts updated Q&A on influenza vaccine supply and prioritization for the 2006-07 season
  4. IAC updates its online Ask the Experts information on influenza, Hib, HPV, polio, and PCV
  5. IAC revises seven of its patient and staff education materials
  6. California issues short-term exemption to law banning mercury-containing influenza vaccine for children younger than age three years
  7. CDC publishes special issue of Immunization Works electronic newsletter soliciting candidates for five new ACIP members
  8. It's easy to locate influenza vaccination clinics with ALA's online Flu Clinic Locator
  9. Before the holiday rush, take time to register for CDC's 2007 National Immunization Conference
  10. MMWR corrects errors in its October 20 update on GBS among recipients of meningococcal conjugate vaccine
 
Abbreviations
AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; IAC, Immunization Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; NIP, National Immunization Program; VIS, Vaccine Information Statement; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health Organization.
  
Issue 628: November 6, 2006
1. 

CDC reports supply of meningococcal conjugate vaccine sufficient to resume vaccination of children age 11-12 years

CDC published "Notice to Readers: Improved Supply of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Recommendation to Resume Vaccination of Children Aged 11-12 Years" in the November 3 issue of MMWR. The update is reprinted below in its entirety, excluding references.
 

In January 2005, a tetravalent meningococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (MCV4) (Menactra, sanofi pasteur, Inc., Swiftwater, Pennsylvania) was licensed for use among persons aged 11-55 years. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination with MCV4 for children aged 11-12 years at their regular healthcare visit and, if not previously vaccinated with MCV4, of adolescents at high school entry (at approximately age 15 years), of college freshmen living in dormitories, and of other persons at increased risk for meningococcal disease (i.e., military recruits, travelers to areas in which meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, microbiologists who are routinely exposed to isolates of Neisseria meningitidis, persons with anatomic or functional asplenia, and persons with terminal complement deficiency).

In May 2006, CDC, in consultation with ACIP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College Health Association, and Society for Adolescent Medicine, recommended deferral of MCV4 vaccination of children aged 11-12 years in response to vaccine supply limitations. Currently, sanofi pasteur reports that limitations in the MCV4 supply have resolved. Therefore, CDC recommends resuming routine vaccination for all recommended groups according to ACIP recommendations, including children aged 11-12 years and, if not previously vaccinated with MCV4, of adolescents at high school entry (at approximately age 15 years), of college freshmen living in dormitories, and of other persons at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Where possible, providers who deferred vaccination of children aged 11-12 years should recall those patients for vaccination. Providers who have questions about ordering vaccine may contact sanofi pasteur at (800) 822-2463 or at http://www.vaccineshoppe.com

 
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5543a5.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5543.pdf

To receive a FREE electronic subscription to MMWR (which includes new ACIP statements), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwrsubscribe.html
 
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2.  CDC website posts statement about recall of Fluvirin influenza vaccine

On October 30 the CDC website posted a statement titled Recall of Fluvirin Influenza Vaccine That Was Potentially Exposed to Freezing Temperatures. It is reprinted below in its entirety.



Novartis (formerly Chiron) became aware of some instances where their Fluvirin vaccine shipped under the CDC contract was received from Cardinal Health Care in either a frozen state and/or below the required storage temperature. Novartis is conducting a recovery of the shipments made under the CDC contract (click here for FDA Recovery Notice http://www.fda.gov/cber/recalls/novflu102006.htm), which is in 5mL multi-dose vials bearing the Chiron Vaccines label. The shipments were distributed between October 11th and 17th, 2006.

Only Fluvirin vaccine (Novartis/Chiron) purchased through CDC contracts and shipped by Cardinal Health Care were potentially exposed to freezing temperatures. This vaccine has been recalled. There is no safety concern due to receiving this vaccine, however, the vaccine potency may have been compromised due to the temperature exposure.

If a person was inadvertently administered this vaccine, they should be recalled for revaccination in order to ensure adequate protection from influenza disease. There is no minimum interval required between doses.

In general, for any inactivated vaccine that has been potentially compromised due to improper storage and handling, the person should be recalled and revaccinated as soon as is practical. Tetanus-containing vaccines and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine are potential exceptions when used for a routine booster due to the potential increased risk for adverse reactions when these vaccines are administered too close together. With all recall activities, any adverse events should be documented and reported to VAERS. Also, recall efforts and patient response should be documented.


To access the statement, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/fluvirinrecall06.htm

To access a broad range of continually updated information on seasonal influenza, avian influenza, and pandemic influenza, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu

 
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3.  CDC website posts updated Q&A on influenza vaccine supply and prioritization for the 2006-07 season

On October 31, the CDC website posted an updated Questions & Answers: Influenza Vaccine Supply and Vaccination Prioritization Recommendations for the U.S. 2006-07 Influenza Season. It is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaxprioritygroups.htm

To access a broad range of continually updated information on seasonal influenza, avian influenza, and pandemic influenza, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu
 
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4.  IAC updates its online Ask the Experts information on influenza, Hib, HPV, polio, and PCV

The IAC website recently posted updated Ask the Experts information on the following diseases and vaccines: influenza, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), human papillomavirus (HPV), polio, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). IAC extends thanks to William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH, and Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH, for reviewing and revising these Ask the Experts webpages so that they reflect the most current information. Bothare medical epidemiologists with CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

To access the influenza Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021e.htm

To access the Hib Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021l.htm

To access the HPV Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021q.htm

To access the polio Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021k.htm

To access the PCV Ask the Experts, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021m.htm

To access IAC's complete index of Ask the Experts information, go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2021.htm

 
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5.  IAC revises seven of its patient and staff education materials

IAC recently updated the following education sheets with new vaccine information or with other revisions:

Are You 11-19 Years Old? Then You Need To Be Vaccinated Against These Serious Diseases! was updated with information on human papillomavirus (HPV). To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/11teens8.pdf

Vaccinations for Adults: You're NEVER Too Old to Get Immunized! was updated with information on herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4030a.pdf

When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations? was updated with information on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/when1.pdf

Immunizations for Babies . . . A Guide for Parents was slightly revised with minor changes. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4010imm.pdf

Administering Vaccines to Adults: Dose, Route, Site, Needle Size, and Preparation was updated with information about the vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes zoster. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3084.pdf

Maintaining the Cold Chain was updated with information about the vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes zoster. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3049.pdf

The Facts about Using VISs was revised and reformatted to accommodate several changes. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2028.pdf

 
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6.  California issues short-term exemption to law banning mercury-containing influenza vaccine for children younger than age three years

On November 2, California's secretary of Health and Human Services issued a short-term exemption to legislation that bans the use of mercury-containing influenza vaccine for children age younger than three years. Portions of a press release about the exemption are reprinted below.



For immediate release
November 2, 2006

CHHS SECRETARY ISSUES STATEMENT ON AVAILABILITY OF MERCURY-FREE FLU VACCINE

Kim Belshe, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, today issued the following statement regarding her decision to issue an exemption allowing the use of influenza vaccine containing mercury for children under age 3 for up to six weeks. Pursuant to AB 2943 (Chapter 837, Statutes of 2004), the Legislature allowed for an exemption to the law so parents have options for vaccination during times of short supply, if desired.

"The Administration is committed to implementing AB2943 and ensuring that pregnant women and children have access to mercury-free vaccines. However, the health threat that seasonal influenza presents is severe and all too often deadly. Given the real constraints on availability of mercury-free seasonal flu vaccine, we feel it is important to offer this short-term alternative to parents and healthcare providers in order to ensure young children are protected from the potentially severe effects of the flu.

"California is experiencing a temporary shortage of mercury-free flu vaccine because the only manufacturer of the vaccine in a formulation that meets California's new mercury standard for children under age 3 has a delay in shipment. We anticipate sufficient mercury-free vaccine will be available within six weeks; however, while waiting for this supply, we could lose the opportunity to vaccinate young children.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics, California Medical Association, California Academy of Family Physicians, and Kaiser Permanente have all called for this exemption because the delay in supply is creating a dangerous situation for our youngest children. . . ."


To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/izgroup/shared/mercury_law.htm

Two additional documents are available at the above link: (1) Letter to California Physicians from State Public Health Officer and (2) Letter to Interested Parties from State Public Health Officer.

 
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7.  CDC publishes special issue of Immunization Works electronic newsletter soliciting candidates for five new ACIP members

IOn November 3, CDC published a "Read Immediately" issue of its online newsletter Immunization Works. Portions of it are reprinted below.



CDC is now soliciting nominations of candidates for the positions of the 5 ACIP members whose 4-year terms will end on June 30, 2007.

The ACIP Solicitation for Nominees letter describes the process of submission of suggestions for nominees, and will be posted on the ACIP website at www.cdc.gov/nip/acip (click on 'request for nominations'). Non-voting members of the ACIP (i.e., eight ex officio members representing other U.S. government agencies and 22 liaison representatives) do not have fixed terms, and therefore will continue in their present positions.

The deadline for receipt of application is December 18, 2006. The Steering Committee will meet early in January 2007 to finalize selection of proposed nominees, which is due in the Department of Health and Human Services in January 2007.


To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/newsltrs/imwrks/2006/11-03-06_spec_imwks.htm

 
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8.  It's easy to locate influenza vaccination clinics with ALA's online Flu Clinic Locator

A website of the American Lung Association (ALA) makes it easy for users to locate influenza vaccination clinics in their area. Called the Flu Clinic Locator, the website locates public clinics based on the user's five-digit zip code. The Flu Clinic Locator will remain active as long as public influenza clinics are offered.

To access it, go to: http://www.flucliniclocator.org

For information on ALA, go to: http://www.lungusa.org

 
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9.  Before the holiday rush, take time to register for CDC's 2007 National Immunization Conference

Take time NOW—before you start juggling work with a long string of winter holiday celebrations—to register for CDC's 2007 National Immunization Conference. Scheduled for March 5-8, 2007, in Kansas City, MO, the conference will give you a chance to get recharged and revitalized. Get together with old friends and colleagues, meet people you know only through phone conversations and email messages, tour the conference exhibit space, and get fresh ideas from poster sessions, workshops, and plenary meetings. You don't want to miss it!

The deadline for early-bird registration ($200) is January 12, but why wait? Register today, and you'll have something to look forward to throughout winter. To register online, go to:
http://conferences.taskforce.org/nic/2007nic.htm

The six topic tracks for this year's conference are (1) adult and adolescent immunization, (2) epidemiology and new vaccines, (3) influenza, (4) immunization information systems, (5) programmatic issues, and (6) health and risk communication.

For general conference information, including conference goals and objectives, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/nic

To plan some fun in Kansas City, visit the official tourism website at http://www.visitkc.com

For additional information, contact the conference planning team at (404) 639-8225 or nipnic@cdc.gov
 
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10.  Before the holiday rush, take time to register for CDC's 2007 National Immunization Conference

CDC published "Errata: Vol. 55, No. 40" in the November 3 issue of MMWR. It is reprinted below in its entirety.



In the report, "Update: Guillain-Barre Syndrome Among Recipients of Menactra Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine—United States, June 2005—September 2006," errors occurred.

On page 1121, in the Table, the date of vaccination for patient 2 should read, "March 22," and for patient 3, "March 24."

On page 1123, the third footnote beneath the Figure should read, "Cluster at 9-15 days statistically significant (p = 0.012; temporal scan statistics [6])."


To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5543a6.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5543.pdf
 

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Editorial Information

  • Editor-in-Chief
    Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
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    John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
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    Courtnay Londo, MA
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