IAC Express 2011

Issue number 946: August 15, 2011

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Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. CDC website posts ACIP's provisional recommendations for use of Tdap vaccine in pregnant women
  2. Reminder: New issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online
  3. New: Spanish-language versions of the 2011-12 influenza vaccine VISs now available
  4. Spotlight on immunize.org: guide to immunize.org
  5. IAC posts new vaccine refrigerator and freezer temperature logs and updates existing logs
  6. IAC's Video of the Week presents tips for preventing errors in vaccine administration and storage and handling
  7. IAC updates "It's federal law! You must give your patients vaccine information statements (VISs)"
  8. NACCHO policy statement supports eliminating personal-belief exemptions from immunization requirements for child care and school attendance
  9. Dr. Arthur Caplan makes the ethical case for mandatory influenza vaccination of healthcare workers
  10. August is National Immunization Awareness Month; HHS toolkit is loaded with resources and ideas
  11. IAC's "After the Shots . . ." And "When Do Children And Teens Need Vaccinations?" now available in Spanish and six other languages
  12. CDC reports on 2010 Louisiana rabies death after exposure to a vampire bat in Mexico
  13. CDC makes the Pink Book available as an e-Book
  14. For parents: August 18 webinar will discuss FDA's role in protecting children's health with safe, effective vaccines
  15. IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are available. Order a supply for your workplace today!
  16. Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
  17. National Meningitis Association launches a new blog--Parents Who Protect
  18. WHO announces that the Measles Initiative has helped vaccinate more than one billion children against measles since 2001
  19. CDC reports on progress toward poliomyelitis eradication in Nigeria during January 2010-June 2011
 
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 946: August 15, 2011
1.  CDC website posts ACIP's provisional recommendations for use of Tdap vaccine in pregnant women

On August 5, CDC's website posted ACIP's provisional recommendation titled "ACIP Provisional Recommendations for Pregnant Women on Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)." Portions of the provisional recommendations are reprinted below.


On June 22, 2011, the ACIP approved recommendations for use of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) for pregnant women, and updated Tdap recommendations for persons in contact with infants and special situations. These recommendations are in line with the overall CDC strategy to reduce the burden of pertussis disease in infants and are consistent with existing ACIP recommendations for use of Tdap.

SUMMARY OF NEW RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Use of Tdap in pregnant women:
    Women's healthcare providers should implement a Tdap vaccination program for pregnant women who previously have not received Tdap. Healthcare providers should administer Tdap during pregnancy, preferably during the third or late second trimester [after 20 weeks gestation]. Alternatively, if not administered during pregnancy, Tdap should be administered immediately postpartum.
     
  • Vaccination of adolescents and adults in contact with infants:
    Adolescents and adults who have or who anticipate having close contact with an infant aged less than 12 months (e.g., parents, siblings, grandparents, child-care providers and healthcare providers) and who previously have not received Tdap should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis. Ideally, these adolescents and adults should receive Tdap at least 2 weeks before beginning close contact with the infant. . . .

To access the provisional recommendations, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/provisional/default.htm#acip
 
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2 Reminder: New issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults available online

The July issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online for viewing, downloading, and printing. The content of Vaccinate Adults is identical to that of Needle Tips, except that the pediatric information has been removed.

To download the entire issue (PDF) of Needle Tips, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n49/n49.pdf

To download the entire issue (PDF) of Vaccinate Adults, go to: http://www.immunize.org/va/va32.pdf

To access the July Needle Tips table of contents and magazine-viewer option, as well as back issues, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nt

To access the July Vaccinate Adults table of contents and magazine-viewer option, as well as back issues, go to: http://www.immunize.org/va
 
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3 New: Spanish-language versions of the 2011-12 influenza vaccine VISs now available

IAC recently posted Spanish translations of the 2011-12 inactivated influenza (TIV) VIS and the 2011-12 live, intranasal influenza (LAIV) VIS on its website. IAC gratefully acknowledges the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch, for the translations.

To access the Spanish translation of the VIS for TIV, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_flu_inactive.asp

To access the Spanish translation of the VIS for LAIV, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_flu_live.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
 
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4 Spotlight on immunize.org: guide to immunize.org

Looking for quick access to IAC's web sections and resources? Look no further. IAC's Guide to immunize.org provides a hand-picked listing of links to key web sections and resources on immunize.org. On the lower half of IAC's newly redesigned home page, you will find this handy guide.

To access the Guide to immunize.org, please visit the lower half of IAC's home page at http://www.immunize.org
 
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5 IAC posts new vaccine refrigerator and freezer temperature logs and updates existing logs

In collaboration with CDC, IAC has developed individual temperature logs for refrigerator and freezer vaccine storage units. These logs are intended for use in healthcare settings that store vaccines in separate, free-standing refrigerators and freezers, as well as in combination-style refrigerator/freezer units. We gratefully acknowledge the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch, for allowing us to adapt their logs for national use. To access the individual temperature logs, see the section below titled IAC's New Vaccine Storage Temperature Logs.

In addition, IAC recently updated its existing temperature logs (which have refrigerator and freezer logs on the same page). These logs were updated with information that cautions against storing or transporting certain frozen vaccines at temperatures colder than -58 degrees F (-50 degrees C). To access the updated existing temperature logs, see the section below titled IAC's Existing Vaccine Storage Temperature Logs.


IAC's NEW VACCINE STORAGE TEMPERATURE LOGS:
Fahrenheit freezer: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3038f.pdf

Fahrenheit refrigerator: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3037f.pdf

Celsius freezer: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3038c.pdf

Celsius refrigerator: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3037c.pdf


IAC'S EXISTING VACCINE STORAGE TEMPERATURE LOGS:
Fahrenheit refrigerator/freezer: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3039f.pdf

Celsius refrigerator/freezer: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3039c.pdf

IAC's Vaccine Handling and Storage web section houses several useful handouts that can help you safeguard the integrity of your vaccine supply. To access these handouts, go to: http://www.immunize.org/handouts/vaccine-storage-handling.asp

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
 
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6 IAC's Video of the Week presents tips for preventing errors in vaccine administration and storage and handling

IAC encourages IAC Express readers to watch a 6-minute Expert Commentary video from Medscape titled Make No Mistake with Vaccines. In the video, CDC medical epidemiologist Andrew Kroger, MD, MPH, presents information on preventing errors in vaccine administration and storage and handling.

The video will be available on the home page of IAC's website through August 21. To access it, go to: http://www.immunize.org and click on the image under the words Video of the Week. Registration is required to access this video on Medscape. There is no charge to register.

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
 
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7 IAC updates "It's federal law! You must give your patients vaccine information statements (VISs)"

IAC recently updated "It's federal law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)" to include the most current issue dates of all new and revised VISs released through July 26, 2011. Go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2027.pdf
 
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8 NACCHO policy statement supports eliminating personal-belief exemptions from immunization requirements for child care and school attendance

The National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) recently issued a statement of policy titled "Eliminating Personal Belief Exemptions from Immunization Requirements for Child Care and School Attendance." The first paragraph of the policy statement is reprinted below.


While supporting the continued availability of medical and religious exemptions to school immunization requirements, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) urges that personal belief exemptions be removed from state immunization laws and regulations. To reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, protect those who cannot receive vaccine due to age or medical condition, and protect those at greater risk of severe complications if they do become infected and ill, NACCHO encourages eliminating personal belief exemptions. As a way to move toward this goal, NACCHO encourages state and local health departments to limit the casual use of personal belief exemptions to the greatest degree possible. . . .


To access the complete policy statement, click here.
 
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9 Dr. Arthur Caplan makes the ethical case for mandatory influenza vaccination of healthcare workers

The Lancet, a British medical journal, recently published a brief article by Arthur Caplan, PhD, titled "Time to mandate influenza vaccination in health-care workers." Dr. Caplan views mandatory influenza vaccination for healthcare workers as consistent with three established tenets of medical ethics: (1) the professional duty to put the patient's interests first; (2) the obligation to do no harm, and (3) the requirement to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Dr. Caplan is the director of the Center for Bioethics and professor of bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

To access the article in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://download.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140673611611562.pdf
 
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10.  August is National Immunization Awareness Month; HHS toolkit is loaded with resources and ideas

With children and teens heading off to school and influenza vaccination season beginning, August is the perfect time to promote immunization. The resources and ideas the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has compiled in its toolkit for National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) make it easy for health care professionals and the public to access the information they need.

Resources include sample media, newsletter, and Listserv announcements; sample tweets for different groups of the population; ideas for ways to raise awareness about immunization; and more.

To access comprehensive information about NIAM, go to: http://www.healthfinder.gov/nho/augtoolkit.aspx
 
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11.  IAC's "After the Shots . . ." And "When Do Children And Teens Need Vaccinations?" now available in Spanish and six other languages

Updated in May 2011, IAC's parent-education handout "After the Shots . . . What to do if your child has discomfort" is now available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese. Updated in July 2011, "When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?" is also available in Spanish and the six other languages listed above.

To access the Spanish version of "After the Shots . . . What to do if your child has discomfort," 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


To access the Spanish version of "When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?" go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050-01.pdf

For Arabic: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050-20.pdf

For Chinese: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050-08.pdf

For French: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050-10.pdf

For Korean: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050-09.pdf

For Russian: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050-07.pdf

For Vietnamese: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050-05.pdf

For English: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050.pdf
 
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12.  CDC reports on 2010 Louisiana rabies death after exposure to a vampire bat in Mexico

CDC published "Human Rabies from Exposure to a Vampire Bat in Mexico--Louisiana, 2010" in the August 12 issue of MMWR. The first paragraph is reprinted below.


In August 2010, CDC confirmed a case of rabies in a migrant farm worker, aged 19 years, hospitalized in Louisiana with encephalitis. The man developed acute neurologic symptoms at the end of July, shortly after arriving in the United States from Michoacan, Mexico. Despite supportive care, his condition deteriorated, and he died on August 21. Antemortem diagnostic testing confirmed the diagnosis of rabies, and samples collected at autopsy were positive for a vampire bat rabies virus variant. The patient's mother reported that he had been bitten by a bat in July in Mexico but had not sought medical care. Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) was offered to 27 of the patient's contacts in Louisiana and to 68 healthcare workers involved in his care. Although bats have become the primary source of human rabies in the United States, this is the first reported death from a vampire bat rabies virus variant in the United States. Clinicians caring for patients with acute progressive encephalitis should consider rabies in the differential diagnosis and implement early infection control measures.


To access the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6031a2.htm
 
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13.  CDC makes the Pink Book available as an e-Book

The just-released twelfth edition of the Pink Book (formally titled Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases) is now available as an e-Book at Amazon.com, Google eBookstore, and Barnes & Noble.

The Pink Book is also available for download and purchase (softcover).

For information on accessing the Pink Book in various formats, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook
 
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14.  For parents: August 18 webinar will discuss FDA's role in protecting children's health with safe, effective vaccines

FDA will host a webinar titled Protecting Your Child's Health through Safe and Effective Vaccines. The webinar is scheduled for August 18 from 2:00-2:30 PM ET. The presenter is Norman Baylor, PhD, director, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA.

Space for the webinar is limited. Materials from the webinar will be available on the FDA web site. Here are directions for parents who wish to join:

Click on https://collaboration.fda.gov/safe_and_effective_vaccines/ (or cut and paste it into your internet browser). Then, click the "Enter as a Guest" button, fill in your name, and then click "Enter Room."
 
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15.  IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are 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
 
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16.  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.
 
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17.  National Meningitis Association launches a new blog--Parents Who Protect

National Meningitis Association (NMA) has launched a new blog, Parents Who Protect, which will serve as a forum for parents to share their personal stories about immunization and encourage others to vaccinate their children. Long-time vaccine advocate and NMA President Lynn Bozof began this blog so that a wide range of voices could discuss various aspects of immunization.

After losing her college-age son in 1998 to meningococcal disease, which is potentially vaccine preventable, Ms. Bozof worked to promote initiatives that increase public awareness of the best approaches to disease prevention.

To access and contribute to the blog, go to: http://parentswhoprotect.com
 
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18.  WHO announces that the Measles Initiative has helped vaccinate more than one billion children against measles since 2001

On August 4, WHO issued a press release about the status of the Measles Initiative. Portions of the press release are reprinted below.


The Measles Initiative announced that it has helped vaccinate one billion children in more than 60 developing countries since 2001, making significant gains in the global effort to stop measles.

The child who received the history-making measles vaccination was one of 3.5 million immunized in Mozambique this May. The immunization campaign was sponsored by the Measles Initiative's five founding partners--the American Red Cross, United Nations Foundation, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, and World Health Organization (WHO). . . .


To access the entire press release, click here.
 
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19.  CDC reports on progress toward poliomyelitis eradication in Nigeria during January 2010-June 2011

CDC published "Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication--Nigeria, January 2010-June 2011" in the August 12 issue of MMWR. To access the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6031a3.htm
 
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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.

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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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