Issue
Number 560
October 24, 2005
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- Read immediately: CDC issues guidance about vaccine
storage during power outages
- FDA approves Havrix hepatitis A vaccine for use in
children as young as age 12 months
- New: LTC facilities funded by Medicare or Medicaid now
must offer residents influenza and pneumococcal vaccination
- New: Here are three excellent influenza resources you
should know about
- New: CDC's Influenza web section posts comprehensive
information about avian influenza
- CDC declares 1918 pandemic influenza virus a select
agent
- 2003 influenza vaccination rates for elderly and
high-risk persons fell short of national objectives
- Survey indicates only 13 percent of pregnant women
received influenza vaccination during the 2003-04 influenza season
- October issue of CDC's Immunization Works electronic
newsletter now available on the NIP website
- Interim VIS for injectable influenza vaccine now in
Vietnamese and Armenian; audio and video VISs available
- MMWR includes CDC's report on recent polio infections
among four Minnesota children
- New: APHA annual meeting moved from New Orleans to
Philadelphia; date changed to December 10-14
----------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
---------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------
(1 of 12)
October 24, 2005
READ IMMEDIATELY: CDC ISSUES GUIDANCE ABOUT VACCINE STORAGE DURING POWER
OUTAGES
On October 21, CDC published a Read Immediately issue of Immunization Works,
its email immunization newsletter. Titled "Impact of Power Outage on Vaccine
Storage," the Read Immediately issue offers guidance on vaccine storage
during power outages. It is reprinted below in its entirety.
**************************
IMPACT OF POWER OUTAGE ON VACCINE STORAGE
With the approach of a hurricane, an interruption of power supply is always
an issue of concern. While outages may be brief, they can persist for
extended periods of time. As many of you are aware, power outages have
significant implications for vaccine storage. The following should provide
some guidance regarding vaccine storage issues.
Do not open freezers and refrigerators until power is restored.
Most refrigerated vaccines are relatively stable at room temperature for
limited periods of time. The vaccines of most concern are MMR and Varivax,
which are sensitive to elevated temperatures. MMR may retain potency at room
temperature, depending on the duration of exposure. With regard to Varivax,
CDC will be consulting with Merck Vaccines to determine the best course of
action.
MONITOR TEMPERATURES; DON'T DISCARD [VACCINES]; DON'T ADMINISTER AFFECTED
VACCINES UNTIL YOU HAVE DISCUSSED WITH PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITIES.
If the power outage is on-going, [do the following]:
-
Keep all refrigerators and freezers closed. This will help to conserve the
cold mass of the vaccines.
-
Continue to monitor temperatures if possible. Do not open units to check
temperatures during the power outage. Instead, record the temperature as
soon as possible after the power is restored, and the duration of the
outage. This will provide data on the maximum temperature and maximum
duration of exposures to elevated temperatures.
-
If alternative storage with reliable power sources is available (i.e.,
hospital with generator power), transfer to that facility can be
considered. If transporting vaccine, measure the temperature of the
refrigerator(s) and freezer(s) when the vaccines are removed. If possible
transport the vaccine following proper cold-chain procedures for storage
and handling or try to record the temperature the vaccine is exposed to
during transport.
When power has been restored, [do the following]:
-
Record the temperature in the unit as soon as possible after power has
been restored. Continue to monitor the temperatures until they reach the
normal 2–8 degrees Celsius (C) range in the refrigerator, or -15 degrees
C or less in the freezer. Be sure to record the duration of increased
temperature exposure and the maximum temperature observed.
-
If you receive vaccine from your state or local health department, they
may be contacting you with guidance on collecting information on vaccine
exposed to extreme temperatures.
-
If you are concerned about the exposure or efficacy of any of your
vaccine stock, do not administer the vaccine until you have consulted
your state or local health department.
-
Keep exposed vaccine separated from any new product you receive and
continue to store at the proper temperature if possible.
-
Do not discard any exposed vaccine. Any vaccine determined not to be
viable may be returned to your vaccine supplier. Your state or local
health department will work with you on all vaccine they supply to you.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE OR LOCAL
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
**************************
To access this Read Immediately issue, go to the Immunization Works index
page at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/newsltrs/imwrks/imwrks.htm Scroll down to
the section titled "Special 2005 'read immediately' issues," and click on
the link for the October 21 issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(2 of 12)
October 24, 2005
FDA APPROVES HAVRIX HEPATITIS A VACCINE FOR USE IN CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS
AGE 12 MONTHS
On October 17, FDA approved the use of GlaxoSmithKline's Havrix
hepatitis A vaccine for persons ages 12 months and older. In the
original licensure, the age indication was for persons ages two years
and older.
To view the supplemental license approval information on the FDA
website, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/cber/products/havgsk101705.htm
To read the prescribing information, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/cber/label/havgsk101705LB.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(3 of 12)
October 24, 2005
NEW: LTC FACILITIES FUNDED BY MEDICARE OR MEDICAID NOW MUST OFFER
RESIDENTS INFLUENZA AND PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a
final rule requiring long-term care (LTC) facilities to offer residents
annual influenza vaccination and lifetime pneumococcal vaccination as a
condition of participation in the Medicare program. Measurement of
vaccination levels will occur by state survey and certification staff;
it will be available on a quarterly basis starting in 2006.
The rule, which went into effect October 7, was published in the Federal
Register; the summary is reprinted below in its entirety.
*********************
MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS; CONDITION OF PARTICIPATION: IMMUNIZATION
STANDARD FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
SUMMARY: The goal of this final rule is to increase immunization rates
in Medicare and Medicaid participating long-term care (LTC) facilities
by requiring LTC facilities to offer each resident immunization against
influenza annually, as well as lifetime immunization against
pneumococcal disease. LTC facilities will be required to ensure that
before offering the immunization, each resident or the resident's legal
representative receives education regarding the benefits and potential
side effects of immunization. The facilities will be required to offer
immunization against influenza annually and immunization against
pneumococcal disease once, unless medically contraindicated or the
resident or the resident's legal representative refuses immunization.
Increasing the use of Medicare-funded preventive services is a goal of
both CMS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This
final rule is intended to increase the number of elderly receiving
influenza and pneumococcal immunization and decrease the morbidity and
mortality rate from influenza and pneumococcal diseases.
*********************
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the entire final rule as
published in the Federal Register, go to:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providerupdate/regs/cms3198F.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(4 of 12)
October 24, 2005
NEW: HERE ARE THREE EXCELLENT INFLUENZA RESOURCES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
IAC has recently become aware of three excellent influenza resources for
health professionals, parents, and patients: (1) the website of Families
Fighting Flu, Inc.; (2) Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) Vaccine, a new
CDC fact sheet for parents and patients; and (3) Influenza: What You
Should Know (volume 2), a patient-education tear pad published by the
Vaccine Education Center of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Details
follow:
(1) FAMILIES FIGHTING FLU, INC.
Launched on October 12, Families Fighting Flu, Inc., is an alliance of
U.S. families and pediatricians whose aim is to reduce pediatric
influenza deaths by promoting annual influenza immunization for
children. Family members involved in the alliance have either lost a
child to the disease or have a child who experienced severe medical
complications from the disease. The alliance encourages such families to
unite for support and prevention. The alliance also works with
pediatricians to help parents recognize the warning signs of influenza
and to prevent its spread.
As part of this effort, Families Fighting Flu has started a website that
explains the alliance and introduces users to families that have been
affected by influenza. The website also offers information about the
disease and vaccine and provides links to influenza-related
organizations. To visit the website, go to:
http://www.familiesfightingflu.org
To access a press release announcing the formation of the alliance, go
to:
http://www.familiesfightingflu.org/resources/pressrelease.aspx
(2) FACT SHEET: KEY FACTS ABOUT INFLUENZA (FLU) VACCINE
CDC's Influenza web section (http://www.cdc.gov/flu)
recently added a banner, "Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Get
your flu vaccine." The banner has a link to an updated patient-education
fact sheet "Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) Vaccine," which is currently
available in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the English-language fact
sheet, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/pdf/vaccinekeyfacts.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version of it, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the Chinese-language
version, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/chi/pdf/vaccinekeyfacts_ch.pdf
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the Vietnamese-language
version, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vie/pdf/vaccinekeyfacts_vi.pdf
(3) INFLUENZA: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Updated for 2005, the tear pad "Influenza: What You Should Know" answers
10 frequently asked questions about influenza and the influenza vaccine.
Both English- and Spanish-language tear pads are available; each has 50
sheets. Each site of a medical practice can order two pads in each
language at no cost. Larger quantities are available for a nominal
shipping cost. Tear pad sheets can also be downloaded.
To view or download a ready-to-print (PDF) version of an
English-language tear pad sheet, click
here.
To view or download a ready-to-print (PDF) version of a Spanish-language
tear pad sheet, click
here.
To place an order for two free tear pads in English and/or Spanish,
contact VEC by email at
vaccines@email.chop.edu, by phone at (215) 590-9990, by fax at (215)
590-2025. To place an online order, go to:
https://www.chop.edu/vaccine/vec/vecprof_order.cfm
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(5 of 12)
October 24, 2005
NEW: CDC'S INFLUENZA WEB SECTION POSTS COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ABOUT
AVIAN INFLUENZA
CDC's Influenza web section recently posted a page, "Avian Influenza
(Bird Flu)," that has links to comprehensive information about avian
influenza. Included is general information about the disease, as well as
outbreak information, professional guidance, and travel advice.
Information is continually updated. To access the avian influenza page,
go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(6 of 12)
October 24, 2005
CDC DECLARES 1918 PANDEMIC INFLUENZA VIRUS A SELECT AGENT
On October 20, CDC announced in a press release that an interim rule
published in the Federal Register classifies the virus strain
responsible for the 1918 influenza pandemic as a select agent. Portions
of the press release are reprinted below.
***************************
For Immediate Release
October 20, 2005
1918 PANDEMIC INFLUENZA VIRUS DECLARED A SELECT AGENT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published today in
the Federal Register an interim rule declaring the strain of influenza
responsible for the 1918 pandemic asa select agent. There are currently
41 other agents and toxins listed as select agents under the Public
Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.
This action follows recent work done by CDC scientists to successfully
reconstruct the 1918 virus in hopes of better understanding it. The
virus was reconstructed to aid public health officials in preparing for
the possibility of another pandemic of influenza. It will also be
helpful to biomedical scientists as they seek to understand what made
the virus so harmful and to develop better antiviral drugs and influenza
vaccines.
"We've learned why this virus was so deadly and we know it's easily
transmitted from person to person," said CDC Director Dr. Julie
Gerberding. "But there is a lot we don't know so it's only logical that
we take immediate steps to regulate this virus as a select agent as an
added way to protect the public."
Under provisions outlined in the interim rule, all entities (e.g.,
scientists and researchers) that possess, use, or transfer the 1918
strain of influenza or the eight key gene regions of the 1918 virus are
required to register with the CDC. People, labs, and other facilities
that work with select agents are required to ensure that they can safely
handle the virus as outlined in the CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological
and Biomedical Laboratories, 5th edition. In addition, they are required
to increase safeguards and security measures for thevirus, including
controlling access, screening personnel, and maintaining records to be
included in a national database with records from others registered. The
Act imposes criminal and civil penalties for inappropriate use of select
agents and toxins. . . .
***************************
To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r051020.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(7 of 12)
October 24, 2005
2003 INFLUENZA VACCINATION RATES FOR ELDERLY AND HIGH-RISK PERSONS FELL
SHORT OF NATIONAL OBJECTIVES
CDC published "Influenza Vaccination Levels Among Persons Aged 65 Years
[and Older] and Among Persons Aged 18-64 Years with High-Risk
Conditions--United States, 2003" in the October 21 issue of MMWR.
Portions of the article are reprinted below.
***********************
Influenza vaccination is an effective tool for preventing
hospitalization and death among persons aged 65 years [and older] and
among persons aged 18-64 years with medical conditions that increase the
risk for influenza-related complications. Two national health objectives
for 2010 are to increase influenza vaccination coverage to 90% among
persons aged 65 years [and older] and to 60% among persons aged 18-64
years who have one or more high-risk conditions (objectives 14-29a and
14-29c, respectively). To determine influenza vaccination coverage among
persons in both targeted groups, CDC analyzed data from the 2003
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report summarizes the
results of that analysis, which determined that influenza vaccination
coverage among persons aged 65 years [and older] and persons aged 18-64
years with high-risk conditions remains substantially below 2010 target
levels. In addition, racial/ethnic disparities in coverage levels
persist in both targeted populations. To improve overall influenza
vaccination coverage and reduce racial/ethnic disparities, combinations
of evidence-based effective interventions should be implemented, and the
influenza vaccine supply should be stabilized. . . .
In 2003, influenza vaccination levels varied by age group,
race/ethnicity, presence of high-risk medical conditions, and other
characteristics. Coverage among persons aged 65 years [and older] was
65.6%. Racial/ethnic-specific estimates of coverage were 68.7% for
non-Hispanic whites, 48.0% for non-Hispanic blacks, and 45.4% for
Hispanics. Combining the three racial/ethnic populations, the following
characteristics were associated with lower coverage levels: age 65-74
years, less than a high school education, income below the poverty
threshold, no supplemental health insurance, no high-risk conditions,
and fewer doctor visits in the preceding 12 months. Among persons aged
18-64 years with high-risk conditions, influenza vaccination coverage
was 34.1%. Racial/ethnic-specific estimates of coverage among persons
aged 18-64 years with high-risk conditions were 35.8% for non-Hispanic
whites, 30.4% for non-Hispanic blacks, and 27.0% for Hispanics.
Characteristics associated with lower coverage levels in the combined
racial/ethnic groups were age 18-49 years, less than high school
education, income near (100%-199%) or below ([less than] 100%) the
poverty threshold, no health insurance, and fewer doctor visits during
the preceding 12 months. Among Hispanics aged 18 years [and older],
those who were interviewed in Spanish had a vaccination coverage level
that was nearly two-thirds the level for those interviewed in English.
Among persons aged 50-64 years, influenza vaccination coverage was 46.3%
for persons with high-risk conditions and 32.7% for persons without
high-risk conditions. . . .
Editorial Note
The findings in this report indicate that influenza vaccination coverage
since 2000 has increased only slightly among non-Hispanic whites and
non-Hispanic blacks aged 65 years [and older] and among younger adults
with high-risk conditions and decreased among Hispanics aged 65 years
[and older]. Given these trends, the national health targets for
influenza vaccination coverage of 90% for persons aged 65 years [and
older] and 60% for persons aged 18-64 years with one or more high-risk
condition will not be met by 2010. In addition, racial/ethnic
disparities in coverage levels were observed, with lower coverage among
non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics than among non-Hispanic whites of both
targeted populations. These disparities underscore the need to implement
more widespread effective interventions (e.g., standing orders and
provider and patient reminders), especially among certain racial/ethnic
populations, to achieve national objectives for influenza vaccination
coverage among persons aged 65 years [and older] and persons aged 18-64
years with high-risk conditions. . . .
***********************
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5441a3.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5441.pdf
To receive a FREE electronic subscription to MMWR (which includes new
ACIP statements), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwrsubscribe.html
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(8 of 12)
October 24, 2005
SURVEY INDICATES ONLY 13 PERCENT OF PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVED INFLUENZA
VACCINATION DURING THE 2003-04 INFLUENZA SEASON
CDC published "Influenza Vaccination in Pregnancy: Practices Among
Obstetrician-Gynecologists--United States, 2003-04 Influenza Season" in
the October 21 issue of MMWR. Portions of the article are reprinted
below.
***********************
Women infected with influenza virus during pregnancy are at increased
risk for serious complications and hospitalization. During 1997-2003,
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) included healthy
pregnant women who would be in their second or third trimester of
pregnancy during the influenza season among those persons at high risk
for whom influenza vaccination was indicated. Also included were women
at any stage of pregnancy with certain chronic medical conditions, such
as asthma, diabetes mellitus, or heart disease. ACIP emphasized that the
influenza vaccine was safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants
and that household contacts of children aged [younger than] 2 years also
should be vaccinated. However, despite these recommendations, only 13%
of pregnant women received influenza vaccination in 2003. To assess
understanding of the ACIP recommendations among
obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs), the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), with support from CDC, surveyed
a national sample of OB/GYNs in May 2004. This report describes the
results of that survey, which indicated that 52% of OB/GYNs surveyed
would recommend influenza vaccination for a healthy woman in the first
trimester of pregnancy, 95% would recommend the vaccine for a healthy
pregnant woman beyond the first trimester, and 63% would recommend
vaccination for a woman with a medical condition in the first trimester.
However, of the physicians who would recommend vaccination, 36%-38%
reported that influenza vaccination was not offered in their practices.
Increased efforts are needed to improve vaccine availability and to
educate OB/GYNs regarding the updated ACIP recommendations on the use of
influenza vaccine in the first trimester for both healthy pregnant women
and pregnant women at high risk. . . .
Editorial Note
. . . In May 2004, after the survey was conducted, ACIP published
simplified recommendations, which stated that vaccination is recommended
in any trimester for healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with
high-risk medical conditions. . . .
Evaluation efforts are needed to assess knowledge and practices of OB/GYNs
since the updated 2004-05 ACIP recommendations, which added
recommendations for pregnant women in the first trimester. Pregnant
women infected with influenza virus are at risk for serious medical
complications that are potentially preventable with influenza
vaccination. In addition, postpartum vaccination of women is an
important means of protecting young infants from influenza, particularly
because children [younger than] 6 months are at high risk for
influenza-related complications but cannot be vaccinated themselves. CDC
and ACOG will continue to monitor influenza vaccine use among pregnant
women and the knowledge and practices of OB/GYNs regarding vaccine
recommendations.
Educational materials for both physicians and pregnant women, such as
those that have been successful for other obstetric concerns, regarding
the risk for influenza complications for pregnant women and children
aged [younger than] 6 months and the use of influenza vaccine for
pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women are needed to increase
influenza vaccination coverage among these women. . . . Further research
is needed to determine effective strategies for increasing influenza
vaccine availability in the obstetrics-gynecology setting. OB/GYNs can
play a pivotal role in helping to protect women and newborns from this
vaccine-preventable disease. Achieving optimal compliance with current
recommendations is important for reducing maternal and infant morbidity
from influenza.
***********************
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5441a4.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5441.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(9 of 12)
October 24, 2005
OCTOBER ISSUE OF CDC'S IMMUNIZATION WORKS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER NOW
AVAILABLE ON THE NIP WEBSITE
The October issue of Immunization Works, a monthly email newsletter
published by CDC, is available on NIP's website. The newsletter offers
members of the immunization community non-proprietary information about
current topics. CDC encourages its wide dissemination.
Some of the information in the October issue has already appeared in
previous issues of IAC Express. Following is the text of four articles
we have not covered.
************************
INFLUENZA VACCINE SUPPLY, RECOMMENDATIONS & RESOURCES
The 2005-06 influenza vaccination effort is shifting into high gear
around the country. According to CDC recommendations, October and
November are the optimal months for influenza vaccination. This year,
four companies are licensed to sell influenza vaccine in the United
States: sanofi pasteur, Inc., MedImmune Vaccines, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline,
and Chiron Vaccines, Ltd.
As of today's date [10/14/05], all four companies are currently
distributing their vaccine (see FDA's website
http://www.fda.gov/cber/flu/flulot101205.htm). If all of the
anticipated doses are distributed, the number of doses available will
total between 89 million and 97 million. Last year, 61 million doses
were available.
While the nation's total influenza vaccine supply forecast appears
promising, as in several recent past seasons, some uncertainty remains.
Given this uncertainty, CDC continues to recommend that inactivated
vaccine be reserved for the following priority groups until October 24,
2005:
-
Persons aged 65 years [and older] with comorbid conditions
-
Residents of long-term care facilities
-
Persons aged 2-64 years with comorbid conditions
-
Persons aged 65 years [and older] without comorbid conditions
-
Children aged 6-23 months
-
Pregnant women
-
Healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care
-
Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged
[younger than] 6 months
These groups correspond to inactivated vaccine priority groups that were
published previously in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Report (MMWR) in the
event of a vaccination supply disruption (please see
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5430a4.htm).
It is important to note that certain persons within the priority groups
above are also eligible for the live, intranasal influenza vaccine (LAIV).
LAIV influenza vaccine is approved for healthy children and adults from 5
through 49 years of age, including most healthcare workers and household
contacts of most people at high risk for influenza complications. However,
LAIV should not be given to pregnant women or people with certain medical
conditions.
Beginning October 24, 2005, all persons will be eligible for vaccination
with the inactivated vaccine. At this point, CDC encourages vaccination of
anyone who wants to be vaccinated using the inactivated vaccine, in addition
to continued vaccination of persons in the priority groups.
Key Influenza Resources
CDC Influenza Website: This website contains the latest influenza
information for health professionals and the general public, including links
to weekly surveillance reports, press releases, and educational materials.
Please visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu In
addition, this website links to other important CDC influenza resources
including the flu gallery,
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/gallery (contains patient and provider
educational materials), the influenza vaccine bulletins,
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flubulletin.htm (provide updates on
the current vaccine supply situation), and a patient self-screening form,
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/pdf/early_screening_form.pdf (helps
patients to determine whether or not they are in the priority group for
inactivated influenza vaccine).
CDC INFO [Contact Center]: Staff at (800) CDC-INFO [(800) 232-4636] can help
both health professionals and the general public find answers to specific
questions they may have about influenza or other public health issues. This
service is available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, seven days a
week.
Influenza VIS: In July 2005, influenza vaccine was added to the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. CDC strongly urges the use of interim
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs). When the final VISs are available,
most likely in the next month, their use will be required. To obtain copies,
please visit
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm#flu
The American Lung Association (ALA) Clinic Finder: This easy-to-use tool
allows persons anywhere in the country to obtain information about what
influenza vaccine clinics may be scheduled in their area. In addition,
health professionals wishing to list clinics on the locator may do so free
of charge. Please visit
http://www.flucliniclocator.org for more information.
Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) Website: This website lists
contact information for influenza vaccine distributors, regardless of their
membership in HIDA. Please visit
http://www.hida.org/document.asp?document_id=10082
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website and hotline: The
hotline and website provide information for health professionals about
billing procedures, payment rates, and procedural issues as well as links to
many other helpful sites. Please visit
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/preventiveservices/2.asp CMS also offers Medicare
beneficiaries information and answers to their questions about vaccination,
particularly about Medicare coverage. Beneficiaries should call (800)
MEDICARE [(800) 633-4227] or visit
http://www.medicare.gov/health/flu.asp
OTHER IMMUNIZATION NEWS
IMMUNIZATION REGISTRIES HELP CHILDREN AVOID EXTRA SHOTS:
In Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, many people who had to evacuate lost
not only homes and possessions but personal records such as their children's
shot records. Whether some children are up to date on their shots or need to
be vaccinated is being answered through existing immunization information
systems. In Louisiana alone, CDC estimates that more than 8,300 queries were
made to the Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide (LINKS)
concerning evacuated children. Although special provisions are being made to
accept students without proof of immunization into their new schools, having
an immunization record provides extra assurance that no delays will occur,
and no immunizations will be repeated unnecessarily. For more information
about computerized immunization registries, please contact CDC's Gary
Urquhart by email at gau5@cdc.gov or by
phone at (404) 639-8277.
MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND RESOURCES
SAVE THE DATE: 7TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON IMMUNIZATION COALITIONS:
The 7th National Conference on Immunization Coalitions will be held from
August 9-11, 2006, in Denver, Colorado. For details, please contact Roberta
Smith (Colorado Influenza and Pneumococcal Alert Coalition, Adult
Immunizations) at (303) 692-2332 or
roberta.smith@state.co.us In
addition, more information will be forthcoming in future editions of
Immunization Works.
AVAILABLE NOW: THE SELF-STUDY VERSION IMMUNIZATION UPDATE 2005:
This program, originally broadcast on July 28, 2005, is now available as a
self-study to be viewed at home or in the office. To access the Internet
version, go to
http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/PHTN/webcast/immup2005 To order the DVD, go to
http://www2.cdc.gov/nchstp_od/PIWeb/niporderform.asp This specific
update covers new recommendations for influenza vaccine, an update on the
influenza vaccine supply, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, and acellular
pertussis vaccine for adolescents. Continuing Education (CE) credits will be
provided for this activity.
************************
To access the complete October issue from the NIP website, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/newsltrs/imwrks/2005/200510.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(10 of 12)
October 24, 2005
INTERIM VIS FOR INJECTABLE INFLUENZA VACCINE NOW IN VIETNAMESE AND
ARMENIAN; AUDIO AND VIDEO VISs AVAILABLE
Dated 7/18/05, the interim VIS for trivalent inactivated influenza
vaccine (TIV) is now available on the IAC website in Vietnamese and
Armenian. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Orange County Local Health
Department for the Vietnamese translation and the County of Los
Angeles Immunization Program for the Armenian translation.
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the interim VIS for TIV in
Vietnamese, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/vn_flu05.pdf
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the interim VIS for TIV in
Armenian, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/ar_flu05.pdf
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the interim VIS for TIV in
English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/2flu.pdf
AUDIO AND VIDEO FORMATS
In addition, the interim VIS for TIV is available in audio and video
formats in English and Spanish. Audio and video VISs are intended for
use with low-literacy patients. IAC is grateful to Healthy Roads Media
for providing the audio and video versions. Healthy Roads Media offers
health information in a variety of formats and languages. For
information, go to:
http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org
To access an English-language audio and/or video of the interim VIS
for TIV, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/#influenza In the Inactivated
Influenza Vaccine section, click on the link titled "English 7/18/05
(audio VIS*)" or "English 7/18/05 (multimedia 'movie' VIS*)."
To access a Spanish-language audio and/or video of the interim VIS for
TIV, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/#influenza In the Inactivated
Influenza Vaccine section, click on the link titled "Spanish 7/18/05
(audio VIS*)" or "Spanish 7/18/05 (multimedia 'movie' VIS*)."
For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total of 33
languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at
http://www.immunize.org/vis
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(11 of 12)
October 24, 2005
MMWR INCLUDES CDC'S REPORT ON RECENT POLIO INFECTIONS AMONG FOUR
MINNESOTA CHILDREN
CDC published "Poliovirus Infections in Four Unvaccinated
Children--Minnesota, August-October 2005" in the October 21 MMWR.
Previously, the article was available only in electronic format as an
"MMWR Dispatch."
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5441a6.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5441.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------
Back to Top
(12 of 12)
October 24, 2005
NEW: APHA ANNUAL MEETING MOVED FROM NEW ORLEANS TO PHILADELPHIA; DATE
CHANGED TO DECEMBER 10-14
Owing to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the American
Public Health Association (APHA) relocated its annual meeting from New
Orleans to Philadelphia. In addition, the meeting dates were changed
from November 5-9 to December 10-14.
For comprehensive information about the meeting, go to:
http://www.apha.org/meetings |
