Issue Number 510            February 7, 2005

CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

  1. New feature: IAC Express now offers its readers a link to the web version of the current issue
  2. Reminder: Be sure to register for CDC's satellite broadcast Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
  3. Register for NIC and take time to plan your conference participation using the new NIC Track System
  4. New: Special training will be held after NIC for National Immunization Coalition TA members
  5. New: HAN issues an official CDC Health Update about avian influenza
  6. Updated: CDC continues to supplement its Influenza web section
  7. New: Scripts and slides now available from CDC's net conference on Varicella Case-Based Reporting
  8. Teleconference on planning and implementing an immunization event for the public is scheduled for February 22
  9. CDC reports on a polio outbreak in Sudan in 2004
  10. Spring 2005 Phacilitate Vaccine Forum scheduled for May 23-25 in Amsterdam

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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.
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February 7, 2005
NEW FEATURE: IAC EXPRESS NOW OFFERS ITS READERS A LINK TO THE WEB VERSION OF THE CURRENT ISSUE

On January 31, IAC Express began offering its readers a link to the web version of the current issue. The link is located directly above the table of contents. Once in the web version, readers can go directly to any article by clicking on the article title in the table of contents.

Check it out by scrolling up from this article to the top of the table of contents. Then, cut and paste, or click on the link that begins, "A web page version . . ."
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February 7, 2005
REMINDER: BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR CDC'S SATELLITE BROADCAST EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION OF VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES

CDC's National Immunization Program and the Public Health Training Network (PHTN) will present a live, four-part satellite broadcast series, Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Broadcasts are scheduled for February 17 and 24, and March 3 and 10 from 12 noon to 3:30PM ET.

A complete list of resources for each session of the series was recently posted at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/EpiVacLinks.htm In addition, two days before each session's broadcast, CDC will post a case study at the same link.

To access comprehensive information about the series (i.e., content of each session, series objectives, faculty and audience, continuing education credit, webcast information, satellite technical specifications, registration, course materials, and self-study programs), go to: http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/PHTN//epv05/default.asp
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February 7, 2005
REGISTER FOR NIC AND TAKE TIME TO PLAN YOUR CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION USING THE NEW NIC TRACK SYSTEM

This year's National Immunization Conference (NIC) is scheduled for March 21-24 in Washington, DC. The regular registration rate of $175 remains in effect until March 4; after that date, the rate increases to $200. To register online, go to: http://conferences.taskforce.org/2005NIC/2005NIC.htm

NIC TRACK SYSTEM
This year, the conference program has been organized into a Track System that comprises these topics: (1) adult immunization; (2) epidemiology (including surveillance, assessment, evaluation, CASA, NIS, etc.); (3) health communications (including education, health promotion, media, community outreach, etc.); (4) immunization registries; (5) programmatic issues (including program operations, policy, funding, VFC, AFIX, managed care, etc.); and (6) vaccine safety.

The conference program is divided into one-hour segments, each of which gives conference attendees the choice of going to a plenary session or to one of five workshops. During each segment, topics from each of the tracks will be addressed. Conference attendees will have the option of following a single track throughout the conference or choosing to attend plenaries and workshops from several different tracks.

NIC's conference planning team recommends that attendees plan their time at the conference in advance, using the online Draft Conference Agenda as a guide. The team also urges attendees to arrive early at the plenaries/workshops that interest them most, because seating at all sessions is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Draft Conference Agenda is subject to change without notice; to access it, go to:
http://cdc.confex.com/cdc/nic2005/techprogram/meeting_nic2005.htm Scroll down to find each day's program and to learn which plenaries and workshops are offered for the track(s) that interest you.

GENERAL INFORMATION
For comprehensive information about the conference, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/nic

For additional information, contact the conference planning team by phone at (404) 639-8225 or by email at NIPNIC@cdc.gov
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February 7, 2005
NEW: SPECIAL TRAINING WILL BE HELD AFTER NIC FOR NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION COALITION TA MEMBERS

The Academy for Educational Development (AED) has scheduled a special training event for members of the National Immunization Coalition TA [technical assistance] Network after the National Immunization Conference adjourns. FEBRUARY 9 IS THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THE EVENT.

Scheduled from 1PM to 5PM ET on March 24, the event will include three workshops (held simultaneously) on the following topics:

  • Forming and maintaining effective partnerships
  • Elements of effective program evaluation
  • Recruiting and engaging providers for your coalition

To receive workshop descriptions, a registration form, and other information, contact Katherine Shrout at kshrout@aed.org or (202) 884-8652.
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February 7, 2005
NEW: HAN ISSUES AN OFFICIAL CDC HEALTH UPDATE ABOUT AVIAN INFLUENZA

On February 4, the Health Alert Network (HAN) issued a health update on avian influenza. A portion of the update is reprinted below.

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This update reviews (1) the current epidemiologic situation in Asia and (2) the U.S. surveillance, laboratory diagnostic, and infection control recommendations for avian influenza A (H5N1), which were most recently stated in August 2004. As detailed in the recommendations below, identification of possible imported cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) in the U.S. clinical setting depends on healthcare providers consistently obtaining information on recent international travel and other potential exposures from persons who have certain respiratory symptoms.

Current Situation

Outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) among poultry are ongoing in several countries in Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Reports of sporadically occurring human cases of influenza A (H5N1) continued through January 2005. Thailand reported five human cases of influenza H5N1 (with four deaths) in September and October 2004, but no additional cases to date. Thirteen human cases of influenza A (H5N1) infection (with 12 deaths) have been reported by Vietnam since mid-December 2004; WHO has reported that 10 of these cases (with 9 deaths) have been confirmed.

One instance of probable limited human-to-human transmission of influenza A (H5N1) virus was reported in Thailand between a child and her mother and aunt in September 2004. Health authorities in Vietnam are investigating two possible instances of limited human-to-human transmission in family clusters. One instance involves two brothers in Vietnam with confirmed influenza A (H5N1) infections; a third brother was hospitalized for observation only and did not become ill. In the second instance, a daughter developed symptoms within 6 days of her mother's onset of illness, which was confirmed as influenza A (H5N1). Investigations are exploring possible sources of exposure and looking for other signs of illness in family members, other close contacts, and the general community.

In addition, the first human case of influenza H5 infection in Cambodia has been confirmed in a woman who was hospitalized in Vietnam and died. A joint mission between the Cambodian Ministries of Health and Agriculture and WHO is in Cambodia investigating the circumstances surrounding this case.

As of February 4, 2005, the cumulative number of confirmed human cases of influenza A (H5N1) reported in Asia since January 28, 2004, is 55 cases (with 42 deaths), according to WHO. This total includes the case from Cambodia.

The avian influenza A (H5N1) epizootic in Asia poses an important public health threat, and CDC is in communication with WHO and will continue to monitor the situation. The epizootic in Asia is not expected to diminish substantially in the short term, and it is likely that influenza A (H5N1) infection among birds has become endemic to the region and that human infections will continue to occur. So far, no sustained human-to-human transmission of the influenza A (H5N1) virus has been identified, and no influenza A (H5N1) viruses containing both human and avian influenza virus genes, indicative of gene reassortment, have been detected. . . .

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To access the complete update, go to:
http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/HAN/ArchiveSys/ViewMsgV.asp?AlertNum=00221
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February 7, 2005
UPDATED: CDC CONTINUES TO SUPPLEMENT ITS INFLUENZA WEB SECTION

CDC recently posted the following updated information to its Influenza web section.

(1) Updated in English on January 27, Fact Sheet: Key Facts About Flu Vaccine is now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Tagalog.

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in SPANISH, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/espanol/pdf/preventing.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version of it in SPANISH, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/espanol/preventing.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in VIETNAMESE, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vie/pdf/vaccinekeyfacts-vietnamese.pdf

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in CHINESE, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/chi/pdf/vaccinekeyfacts-chinese.pdf

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in TAGALOG, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/tgl/pdf/vaccinekeyfacts-tagalog.pdf

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in ENGLISH, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/pdf/vaccinekeyfacts.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version of it in ENGLISH, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

(2) Updated in English on January 27, Fact Sheet: Who Should Get Flu Vaccine This Season is now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in SPANISH, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/espanol/pdf/0405shortage.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version of it in SPANISH, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/espanol/0405shortage.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in VIETNAMESE go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vie/pdf/0405shortage.pdf

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in TAGALOG, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/tgl/pdf/0405shortage.pdf

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it in ENGLISH, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/pdf/0405shortage.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version of it in ENGLISH, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/0405shortage.htm

On January 31, the case count was updated on the web page Recent Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Asia. To access it, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/asia.htm

For ongoing information about new and updated materials on CDC's Influenza web section, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm
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February 7, 2005
NEW: SCRIPTS AND SLIDES NOW AVAILABLE FROM CDC'S NET CONFERENCE ON VARICELLA CASE-BASED REPORTING

CDC has recently posted on its website scripts, PowerPoint slides, and videos archived from its net conference on Varicella Case-Based Reporting, which was held on January 19. To access the archived material, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/ciinc/January_05.htm
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February 7, 2005
TELECONFERENCE ON PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING AN IMMUNIZATION EVENT FOR THE PUBLIC IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 22

The National Immunization Coalition TA [technical assistance] Network has scheduled a teleconference on how to plan and implement an immunization event for the public. It will be held at 1PM ET on February 22. The network is a program of the Center for Health Communication, Academy for Educational Development.

The teleconference facilitators are Melissa Ely Moore, CDC public health advisor, Los Angeles County Immunization Program, and Michelle Basket, Office of Health Communications, NIP/CDC.

The facilitators will offer practical, hands-on information on event planning and implementation, including an overview of CDC resources for the upcoming National Infant Immunization Week. Other topics will include (1) forming an event planning committee, (2) selecting a venue, (3) options for organizing a standout immunization event, and (4) effective and efficient tactics for promoting an event.

To register for the teleconference, email Katherine Shrout at kshrout@aed.org In your email, include this message: "Sign me up for the Event Planning TA call."
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February 7, 2005
CDC REPORTS ON A POLIO OUTBREAK IN SUDAN IN 2004

CDC published "Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication--Poliomyelitis Outbreak in Sudan, 2004" in the February 4 issue of MMWR. A portion of a summary made available to the press is reprinted below.

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Since 1998, Sudan has made substantial progress eradicating polio; no wild PV [poliovirus] has been reported from May 2001-April 2004. However, in May 2004, a wild PV case was detected in West Darfur, and a polio outbreak is currently affecting 17 of 26 states with a total of 112 cases reported as of January 14, 2005 (109 PV1 [poliovirus strain 1] and 3 PV3 [poliovirus strain 3]). The epidemic curve suggests a waning of the outbreak; the last case reported had paralysis onset December 14. The global eradication initiative should increase efforts to stop transmission in Sudan to prevent further spread into neighboring countries. The outbreak illustrates the risk of wild PV importation posed by areas where polio remains hyperendemic, such as northern Nigeria, and underscores the importance of continued SIAs [supplementary immunization activities] in polio-free countries with low routine immunization coverage and the need to ensure high quality AFP [acute flaccid paralysis] surveillance throughout the country.

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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5404a4.htm

To access a ready-to-copy (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5404.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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February 7, 2005
SPRING 2005 PHACILITATE VACCINE FORUM SCHEDULED FOR MAY 23-25 IN AMSTERDAM

The Spring 2005 Phacilitate Vaccine Forum will be held in Amsterdam May 23-25. To view the full agenda, go to:
http://www.phacilitate.co.uk/pages/spring_vaccine/agenda.html

For registration information, go to:
http://www.phacilitate.co.uk/pages/spring_vaccine/register.html

For additional information, email team@phacilitate.co.uk or call +44(0)20 7839 6137. 

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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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