IAC Express 2011

Issue number 959: October 24, 2011

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Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. MMWR publishes ACIP recommendations on Tdap vaccination of pregnant women and others with close infant contact
  2. CDC releases updated meningococcal VIS
  3. Congratulations! Dr. Paul Offit elected to Institute of Medicine
  4. MMWR reports on change to rotavirus contraindications regarding history of intussusception
  5. FDA advises healthcare professionals not to use jet injector devices to administer influenza vaccine
  6. IAC releases new influenza handout: "Keep your kids safe--get them vaccinated every fall or winter"
  7. IAC revises "First do no harm--protect patients by making sure all staff receive yearly influenza vaccine!"
  8. Spotlight on immunize.org--IAC in the news
  9. IAC revises "Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV): CDC answers your questions"
  10. IAC's Video of the Week features an influenza campaign targeted to mothers
  11. Vaccine Education Center and AMA release updated booklet about teen immunization
  12. NFID offers new adult pneumoccocal vaccination resources
  13. Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
  14. IAC posts 13 new VIS translations for several different vaccines
  15. Minutes of the June 2011 ACIP meeting now online
  16. National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions set for May 23-25 in New Orleans; abstracts due November 15
  17. Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
  18. IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are still available. Order a supply for your workplace today!
 
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 959: October 24, 2011
1.  MMWR publishes ACIP recommendations on Tdap vaccination of pregnant women and others with close infant contact

CDC published "Updated Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) in Pregnant Women and Persons Who Have or Anticipate Having Close Contact with an Infant Aged <12 Months--Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011" in the October 21 issue of MMWR. The Guidance for Use section is reprinted below.


Maternal vaccination
ACIP recommends that women's healthcare personnel implement a Tdap vaccination program for pregnant women who previously have not received Tdap. Healthcare personnel should administer Tdap during pregnancy, preferably during the third or late second trimester (after 20 weeks' gestation). If not administered during pregnancy, Tdap should be administered immediately postpartum.

Cocooning
ACIP recommends that adolescents and adults (e.g., parents, siblings, grandparents, child-care providers, and healthcare personnel) who have or anticipate having close contact with an infant aged <12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis if they have not previously received Tdap. Ideally, these adolescents and adults should receive Tdap at least 2 weeks before beginning close contact with the infant.


To access the complete ready-to-print (PDF) version of the article, go to pages 1424-1426 of this document: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6041.pdf

To access the full article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6041a4.htm
 
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2 CDC releases updated meningococcal VIS

CDC posted an updated meningococcal interim VIS on October 14. It incorporates changes in the routine schedule and indications, as well as in the precautions and adverse events sections. Mainly because of these latter changes, providers should begin using the new VIS as soon as possible.

This VIS is the first to incorporate a new format, based on input from CDC focus groups. CDC will convert VISs to the new format as they are updated; there are no plans at this time to change all VISs at once.

To access the updated meningococcal VIS, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_meningococcal.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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3 Congratulations! Dr. Paul Offit elected to Institute of Medicine

On October 18, the Institute of Medicine announced the election of 65 new members in recognition of their major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences. One of these new members, Paul Offit, MD, is well known in the immunization community as a strong advocate of vaccination. Dr. Offit is a leading researcher in the fields of virology and immunology, and director of the Vaccine Education Center and chief of Infectious Diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

To read the related CHOP press release, go to: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/581816
 
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4 MMWR reports on change to rotavirus contraindications regarding history of intussusception

CDC published "Addition of History of Intussusception as a Contraindication for Rotavirus Vaccination" in the October 21 issue of MMWR. Prior to this publication, a history of intussusception was a precaution for rotavirus vaccination. According to ACIP, it is now a contraindication. The first and last paragraphs of the article are reprinted below.


The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved revised prescribing information and patient labeling from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals for the monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1, marketed as Rotarix) and revised prescribing information and patient labeling from Merck & Co. for the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5, marketed as RotaTeq) to include history of intussusception as a contraindication. FDA approved the revisions for RV1 in February 2011 and for RV5 in July 2011. In its rotavirus vaccination recommendations, CDC is updating the contraindications for rotavirus vaccine (RV1 and RV5) to include history of intussusception. Previously, CDC had considered history of intussusception a precaution but not a contraindication. . . .

CDC is updating its contraindications for rotavirus vaccine. Rotavirus vaccination is now contraindicated for (1) infants with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of rotavirus vaccine or exposure to a vaccine component, (2) infants diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), and (3) infants with a history of intussusception.


To access the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6041a5.htm
 
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5 FDA advises healthcare professionals not to use jet injector devices to administer influenza vaccine

On October 21, FDA released a communication to healthcare professionals who administer influenza vaccines to advise them not to use injector devices to administer influenza vaccines. In addition, FDA reminded providers that all vaccines, including influenza, be administered in accordance with their labeling. The Summary of Issue section is reprinted below.


The FDA has recently received questions regarding the use of jet injector devices to administer influenza vaccines. Vaccines that are approved by the FDA have information in their labeling about how the vaccines should be administered. The information contained in the labeling is based on the scientific information submitted to the FDA in support of product approval, and it includes information that reflects how the vaccines were studied. Vaccines labeled for intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC) or intradermal (ID) injection are intended for administration using a needle and syringe unless otherwise specified.
  • Currently, there is only one vaccine, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), that is approved for administration by jet injector.
     
  • The FDA has no data to support the safety or effectiveness of other vaccines delivered by jet injector.
     
  • At this time, there are no vaccines for the prevention of influenza disease that are approved by the FDA for administration by jet injector.

To read the complete communication, go to: http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/QuestionsaboutVaccines/ucm276773.htm

In light of this FDA communication regarding the use of jet injectors and influenza vaccine, CDC is doing the following:

  • Assessing the scope of the issue. CDC is working with partners, including pharmacies, to determine the extent to which jet injectors may already have been used to administer influenza vaccine.
     
  • Reviewing current safety information. CDC is reviewing current year safety reports to determine whether there has been any kind of safety signal associated with the use of jet injectors and flu vaccine.
     
  • Reviewing data related to efficacy/safety. CDC is conducting a review of published and unpublished data to assess possible issues related to safety and efficacy from administration of influenza trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) with jet injectors.
     
  • Coordinating with ACIP. CDC is in discussions with ACIP to gather expert advice to determine if additional guidance is needed.

CDC will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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6 IAC releases new influenza handout: "Keep your kids safe--get them vaccinated every fall or winter"

IAC recently released "Keep your kids safe--get them vaccinated every fall or winter," a new handout for parents to encourage them to vaccinate their children age 6 months and older. This handout was produced in cooperation with the New York State Department of Health. Go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4070.pdf

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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7 IAC revises "First do no harm--protect patients by making sure all staff receive yearly influenza vaccine!"

IAC recently updated "First do no harm--protect patients by making sure all staff receive yearly influenza vaccine!" The revised piece is now two pages in length, and includes new information about mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare workers. Go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2014.pdf
 
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8 Spotlight on immunize.org--IAC in the news

Did you know that IAC's immunization experts have been contributing to national and local news stories about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases? To access the latest media coverage in which IAC has made news or been a contributor, please visit the "IAC in the News" web page at http://www.immunize.org/aboutus/publicity.asp
 
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9 IAC revises "Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV): CDC answers your questions"

IAC revised "Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) CDC answers your questions" to show chronic renal failure as an independent indication for vaccination and make some other minor clarifications on who needs a second dose. Go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2015.pdf
 
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10.  IAC's Video of the Week features an influenza campaign targeted to mothers

IAC encourages IAC Express readers to access a video and other resources that are part of a Faces of Influenza campaign for mothers. The campaign features a 1-minute TV PSA, radio PSA, and photos of the campaign's spokespeople, Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and her mother, Carole Yamaguchi.

The video will be available on the home page of IAC's website through October 30. To access it, go to: http://www.immunize.org and click on the image under the words Video of the Week.

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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11.  Vaccine Education Center and AMA release updated booklet about teen immunization

The Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (VEC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently released an updated guide for parents and healthcare professionals, "Vaccines and Teens." The booklet details the most current recommendations and information about immunizations for older children.

Results from a CDC survey released in August showed that approximately 30-50 percent of adolescents are still missing at least one of the recommended critical vaccines for age 11-12 years.

The booklet provides details about each of the recommended vaccines for older children, their safety, and the diseases they prevent. The guide also provides information about making teens comfortable during immunizations, and locating records for colleges and employers.

The "Vaccines and Teens" booklet is available in English and Spanish on the VEC website. To download, go to: http://www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/order-educational-materials Scroll down to Booklets.

To order print copies ($1.00 each, plus shipping and handling), go to: https://www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/profOrder.cfm#additional_materials
 
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12.  NFID offers new adult pneumoccocal vaccination resources

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has designed new free resources to support pneumococcal vaccination. Though CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults age 65 and over as well as younger adults with certain chronic health conditions, vaccination rates are poor.

NFID's "Professional Practice Toolkit: Pneumococcal Disease" includes ready-to-use and customizable resources in English and Spanish to help healthcare professionals educate their adult patients about pneumococcal disease.

Go to: http://www.adultvaccination.org/healthcare/pneumococcal_vaccine_toolkit_adult_immunize.htm

NFID's adult vaccination website includes a pneumococcal web page and expert Q&A feature for consumers.

For the educational page, go to: http://www.adultvaccination.org/pneumococcal_vaccine_vaccination_adult_immunization.htm

For the expert Q&As, go to: http://www.adultvaccination.org/pneumococcal_vaccine_vaccination_QA.htm

Visit NFID's adult immunization website's home page at http://adultvaccination.org
 
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13.  Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit

To aid in efforts to vaccinate against influenza and pneumococcal disease, readers are invited to place orders now for bulk quantities of the National Influenza Vaccine Summit's 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Information Guide and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination (PPSV) Pocket Guide. Both are free--you can order them in the hundreds or thousands!

These laminated, 3.75 x 6.75-inch, 2-color cards serve as a convenient reference for front-line healthcare professionals who vaccinate patients. Place a bulk order now, and your organization will be ready to educate healthcare professionals at upcoming immunization training sessions and conferences. Each staff person who administers influenza or PPSV vaccine needs these handy resources.

THE 2011-12 INFLUENZA POCKET GUIDE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
  • Important points for healthcare providers
     
  • Indications, contraindications, and precautions for the injectable, intradermal, and intranasal influenza vaccines
     
  • Clear direction regarding which children ages 6 months through 8 years need 2 doses of influenza vaccine this year
     
  • Dosage, route of administration, and indicated age group for all the various influenza vaccine products
     
  • Talking points for discussing influenza vaccination with patients

See an image of the influenza vaccine pocket guide at http://www.immunize.org/pocketguides/pocketguide_flu.pdf

The influenza pocket guide also serves as a reminder to keep giving influenza vaccine throughout influenza season (through the spring months).

THE PPSV POCKET GUIDE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

  • Indications for vaccination with PPSV, contraindications, and precautions
     
  • Indications for vaccination with 2 doses of PPSV and intervals between doses
     
  • Dosage and routes of administration

See an image of the PPSV pocket guide at http://www.immunize.org/pocketguides/pocketguide_ppsv.pdf

The 2011-12 influenza pocket guide and PPSV pocket guide are designed to be used by healthcare professionals only; THEY ARE NOT PATIENT HANDOUTS.

HOW TO ORDER
Place your order at http://www.preventinfluenza.org/pocketguides There is no cost for the pocket guides, shipping, or handling within the U.S. They're going fast, so to avoid disappointment, place your order ASAP!

If you have questions, email admininfo@immunize.org

BACKGROUND
For background information on the pocket guides, see http://www.immunize.org/express/issue949.asp#n3

Thanks for your dedication to immunization, and don't forget to keep vaccinating against influenza through the spring months!

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14.  IAC posts 13 new VIS translations for several different vaccines

IAC recently posted 13 new VIS translations on its website.

(1) The 2011-12 VIS for inactivated influenza (TIV) vaccine is now available in Indonesian. IAC gratefully acknowledges DT Interpreting and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, NH, for the translation.
Go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/indonesian_flu_inactive.pdf

(2) The Gardasil and Cervarix (HPV) VISs are now available in Russian, Somali, Hmong, Karen, and Vietnamese. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Minnesota Department of Health for the translations.

For the Gardasil VIS in English and available translations, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_hpv_gardasil.asp

For the Cervarix VIS in English and available translations, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_hpv_cervarix.asp

(3) The DTaP and PPSV VISs are now available in Vietnamese. These VISs are also provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Health.

For the DTaP VIS in Vietnamese, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vietnamese_dtap.pdf

For the PPSV VIS in Vietnamese, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vietnamese_ppsv.pdf

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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15.  Minutes of the June 2011 ACIP meeting now online

The CDC website recently posted the minutes of ACIP's June meeting. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the minutes, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/downloads/min-jun11.pdf

To access information on past and upcoming ACIP meetings, including meeting dates, registration, draft agendas, minutes, live archives, and presentation slides, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/meetings.htm
 
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16.  National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions set for May 23-25 in New Orleans; abstracts due November 15

The National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions will take place in New Orleans on May 23-25. The event host is Louisiana Shots for Tots Coalition.

Abstracts are being sought on many topics. The deadline for submitting abstracts is November 15; submissions must be in electronic format. To access the Call for Abstracts and the submission form, go to: http://www.shotsfortots.com/html/10thNCIHCabstracts.html

For more information on the conference, go to: http://www.shotsfortots.com/html/10thNCIHC.html
 
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17.  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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18.  IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are still 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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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.

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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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