IAC recently developed ready-to-print versions of some of the CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website (www.vaccineinformation.org). The website is intended for the public, health professionals, and the media.

The newly formatted Q&As present information on the following diseases and vaccines: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and measles. In the next several weeks, IAC Express will announce the availability of more ready-to-print Q&As on additional vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines.

Organized in an easy-to-follow Q&A format, these pieces can be printed and handed out to patients to help educate them about the seriousness of VPDs and the importance of vaccination. Links to the new ready-to-print Q&As follow:

To access "Hepatitis A: Questions and Answers," go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4204.pdf

To access "Hepatitis B: Questions and Answers," go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4205.pdf

To access "Measles: Questions and Answers," go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4209.pdf

To access all of IAC's online disease/vaccine Q&A material for patients and parents, go to: http://www.vaccineinformation.org and click on the pertinent link(s).

The current version of the VISs for inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV; injectable), measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), and rotavirus vaccine are now available on the IAC website in Somali. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Minnesota Department of Health for the translations.

TIV VACCINE (dated 6/30/06)
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for TIV vaccine in Somali, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/so_flu05.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/2flu.pdf

MMR VACCINE VIS (dated 1/15/03)
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for MMR vaccine in Somali, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/so_mmr98.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/mmr03.pdf

PCV7 VACCINE VIS (dated 9/30/02)
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for PCV7 vaccine in Somali, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/sopnPCV7.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/pnPCV7.pdf

ROTAVIRUS VACCINE VIS (dated 4/12/06)
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for rotavirus vaccine in Somali, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/so_rota.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/rota_06.pdf

For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in more than 30 languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at http://www.immunize.org/vis

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recently published its policy principles for adult and adolescent vaccination. Titled "Actions to Strengthen Adult and Adolescent Immunization Coverage in the United States: Policy Principles of the Infectious Diseases Society of America," the article appeared in the online version of the June 15 issue of IDSA's journal, Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID).

To access the article, click here.

An executive summary of the policy principles was also published.

To access it, click here.

The issue also includes a related editorial written by Dr. Alan R. Hinman and Dr. Walter A. Orenstein, both former heads of the U.S. immunization program.

To access the editorial, titled "Adult Immunization: What can we learn from the childhood immunization program?" click here.

IAC is giving away bulk copies (up to 50 per request) of the March 2007 issue of "Needle Tips." (To view the contents of the March 2007 issue, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n36/n36.pdf)

If you have an immunization conference or an educational program coming up for physicians, residents, or nurses who specialize in pediatrics or family practice, this 24-page publication is an excellent item to distribute. "Needle Tips" is written for health professionals. IT IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC.

The March issue features the full-size, three-page "Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0-18 Years--United States, 2007" and the full-size, four-page "Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule--United States, October 2006-September 2007." Both are formatted for you to copy and use. The issue also offers access to standing orders for administering a variety of vaccines to patients in all age groups, a one-page summary of vaccination recommendations for healthcare personnel, access to viral hepatitis fact sheets for professionals and patients, and much more.

Because supplies are limited, it's best to make your request right away. The free copies go quickly. Sorry, we can mail orders only to addresses within the United States.

To request copies, fill out the online form on IAC's website:
http://www.immunize.org/freeoffernt

You will be asked to supply the following information:

• The number of copies you want (maximum 50)
• A description of how you plan to use the copies
• Your name and complete contact information, including mailing address, telephone number, and email address

The California Distance Learning Health Network (CDLHN) and the Immunization Branch of the California Department of Health Services have recently released the Media Magic Kit 2007. The kit is designed to help immunization programs and coalitions use broadcast media to promote immunizations and other important health topics. It includes the following:

• Public service announcements (PSAs) to provide to local radio and television stations; many are available in both English and Spanish
   
• Materials and templates (news release, media advisory, and PSA pitch letter) helpful in organizing media events

The DVD is available for $35. To order, go to: http://cdlhn.com and click on the icon labeled Media Magic Kit 2007.