IZ Express
Our weekly email newsletter, IZ Express, has been in production since 1997 and currently has more than 55,000 subscribers. Each week, it provides up-to-date information about:
  • New CDC vaccine recommendations
  • FDA vaccine approvals
  • Newly released Vaccine Information Statements
  • New immunization resources
  • Current events
  • Notable journal articles
  • Ask the Experts special editions
  • And more …
Results (60)

Issue 1342: December 20, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1342
December 20, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a woman's rubella test result shows she is "not immune" during a prenatal visit…read more
Top Stories
Happy holidays from all of us at IAC! We'll be back on January 3.
Please donate to the Immunization Action Coalition!
CDC and global health partners estimate that more people worldwide die from seasonal influenza-related respiratory illnesses each year than previously thought
CDC requests nominations for its Childhood Immunization Champion Awards; submissions due by February 2
Dr. Litjen Tan pens guest post about the benefits of influenza vaccination on "Shot of Prevention" blog
Dr. Paul Offit's column in The Daily Beast explores why the unhealthiest state in America has the best vaccination rates
IAC Spotlight! IAC's new 142-page book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide, describes how to implement adult vaccination services in your healthcare setting and provides a review for staff who already vaccinate adults; IAC Guide available for free download or purchase
World News
WHO publishes review of global influenza activity in this week's Weekly Epidemiological Record
CDC reports on introduction of IPV in China and elimination of vaccine-associated paralytic polio
Report of outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C published in MMWR
Featured Resources
NFID releases PSA to increase awareness of the importance of Tdap vaccination
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video titled "Carolyn's Story" in its storytelling project #justB
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Education and Training
January 8 VICNetwork webinar to focus on HPV and oral cancer prevention
National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership to host January 10 webinar about addressing patients' misconceptions and hesitancy about flu vaccination
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: Abstract deadline for the 2018 National Immunization Conference is December 31

Issue 1341: December 13, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1341
December 13, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 17-year-old received two doses of Twinrix, separated by one month. The second…read more
Top Stories
Please donate to the Immunization Action Coalition!
IAC's new 142-page book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide, describes how to implement adult vaccination services in your healthcare setting and provides a review for staff who already vaccinate adults; IAC Guide available for free download or purchase
CDC publishes “Update: Influenza Activity in the United States, October 1–November 25, 2017” in this week’s MMWR
CDC publishes three online reports in FluVaxView on U.S. flu vaccination coverage in 2017 for three groups in U.S.
Having some difficulty getting your adolescent patients vaccinated? Here are some useful tools
BuzzFeed reports on 20-year-old Arizona mother of two who dies one day after receiving flu diagnosis
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast, “Get the Flu Shot,” to answer your questions about the flu
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its healthcare professional information sheet titled "Vaccines with Diluents: How to Use Them"
IAC updates "Notification of Vaccination Letter Template" for use when vaccinating someone else's patients
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts new and updated Turkish translations of VISs
World News
Diphtheria spreading fast among Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh; WHO working with partners to contain outbreak
WHO, UNICEF, and other partners combat diphtheria outbreak in Yemen with vaccinations and medicines following war-related closure of air and sea ports
Featured Resources
CDC slide presentation, “10 Ways to Create a Culture of Immunization within Our Pediatric Practice,” now available for free downloading
Journal Articles and Newsletters
November issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Pediatrics publishes 10-year study confirming HPV vaccine effective and safe for participants, ages 9–15
Study from Emory University finds that vaccine hesitancy among parents associated with beliefs about liberty and purity rather than fact
Education and Training
NFID and mdBriefCase Group Inc. offering on-demand CME activity: "Seasonal Influenza Immunization in the U.S.: Strategies for Protecting Older Adults"
Conferences and Meetings
NFID inviting abstracts by January 4 for presentations at 2018 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research, April 23–25, in Bethesda; applications open for 2018 Maurice R. Hilleman Early-Stage Career Investigator Award

Issue 1339: December 6, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1339
December 6, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: My 11-year-old patient inadvertently received a dose of Td instead of Tdap…read more
Top Stories
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week; make sure all your patients are protected against flu!
New! IAC's updated 142-page book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide now available for purchase or free download
AAFP announces it joined more than 50 additional organizations in signing a joint letter calling for fully funding the Section 317 federal immunization program
Daily Beast publishes plea for increased HPV vaccination by man dying of HPV-related cancer
Utah hepatitis A outbreak hits 95 cases with over 60% needing hospitalization; Los Angeles County approves portable toilets and washbasins to stop spread of HAV among homeless population
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; ten previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines: Be Sure Your Patients Get the Correct Dose"
IAC updates "Hepatitis B and Healthcare Personnel: CDC answers frequently asked questions about how to protect healthcare personnel"
IAC revises two handouts for parents: "Hepatitis B Shots Are Recommended for All New Babies" and "All Kids Need Hepatitis B Shots!"
IAC updates its resource for healthcare professionals, "Hepatitis B Facts: Testing and Vaccination"
IAC revises its sample standing orders for administering Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine to both children/teens and adults
Official Releases and Announcements
ACP and CDC jointly publish clinical guidelines for hepatitis B screening and treatment
World News
WHO reports on the October meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization in Weekly Epidemiological Record
CDC reports on fractional-dose IPV campaign in Pakistan
Featured Resources
2017 edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," available for purchase
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on the absence of asymptomatic mumps virus shedding among vaccinated college students during an outbreak
Conferences and Meetings
Next ACIP meeting scheduled for February 21–22

Issue 1338: November 29, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1338
November 29, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was administered into my patient's…read more
Top Stories
New: IAC's updated 142-page book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide now available for purchase or free download
National Influenza Vaccination Week will be observed December 3–9
CDC publishes report on the cost associated with two measles case investigations in Colorado
CDC posts information on hepatitis A vaccine shortage
Kentucky officials declare hepatitis A outbreak; 7 more cases reported in San Diego County
IAC Spotlight! Four healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Kaiser Health News publishes powerful personal story titled "Shingles: Don't let it get you the way it got me"
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward polio eradication in Pakistan in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
Vaccine Education Center develops two new Q&A sheets; one on measles and one on non-standard immunization schedules
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video titled "Rensely's Story" in its storytelling project #justB
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Journal Articles and Newsletters
American Journal of Preventive Medicine publishes article about Tdap vaccination of healthcare personnel
Vaccine Education Center publishes November issue of its newsletter for healthcare professionals
Education and Training
Reminder: NFID webinar on shingles vaccines to take place on December 6
Free online course provides information about viruses and vaccines for non-scientists and concerned parents
Vaccine Education Center's November 15 "Current Issues in Vaccines" webinar now available for viewing at your convenience
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: Registration open for 2018 National Immunization Conference; abstract submission deadline is December 31

Issue 1337: November 22, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1338
November 29, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was administered into my patient's…read more
Top Stories
New: IAC's updated 142-page book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide now available for purchase or free download
National Influenza Vaccination Week will be observed December 3–9
CDC publishes report on the cost associated with two measles case investigations in Colorado
CDC posts information on hepatitis A vaccine shortage
Kentucky officials declare hepatitis A outbreak; 7 more cases reported in San Diego County
IAC Spotlight! Four healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Kaiser Health News publishes powerful personal story titled "Shingles: Don't let it get you the way it got me"
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward polio eradication in Pakistan in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
Vaccine Education Center develops two new Q&A sheets; one on measles and one on non-standard immunization schedules
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video titled "Rensely's Story" in its storytelling project #justB
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Journal Articles and Newsletters
American Journal of Preventive Medicine publishes article about Tdap vaccination of healthcare personnel
Vaccine Education Center publishes November issue of its newsletter for healthcare professionals
Education and Training
Reminder: NFID webinar on shingles vaccines to take place on December 6
Free online course provides information about viruses and vaccines for non-scientists and concerned parents
Vaccine Education Center's November 15 "Current Issues in Vaccines" webinar now available for viewing at your convenience
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: Registration open for 2018 National Immunization Conference; abstract submission deadline is December 31

Issue 1336: November 17, 2017

Influenza Vaccines
Q: What's new in the 2017–18 influenza vaccine recommendations?
Q: Which influenza vaccines will be available during the 2017–18 influenza season?
Q: Who is recommended to be vaccinated against influenza?
Q: When should influenza vaccine be given?
Q: When administering influenza vaccine, is giving patients a VIS mandatory or is it only "recommended"?
Q: Which influenza vaccines can we give to children?
Q: Please provide details about the use of FluLaval influenza vaccine in children younger than 3 years.
Q: Which children younger than age 9 years will need 2 doses of influenza vaccine in this influenza season?
Q: Can a child 6 through 35 months of age who needs 2 doses of influenza vaccine this season receive one each of Fluzone and FluLaval vaccine?
Q: If a child receives Fluzone vaccine (0.25 mL) at age 34 or 35 months for the first time and then returns for the second dose at age 37 months, should we give another 0.25 mL dose of Fluzone or should we give the 0.5 mL dose that is indicated for ages 3 and older?
Q: A 1-year-old was inadvertently given a 0.25 mL dose of FluLaval rather than the recommended 0.5 mL dose. What should we do?
Q: Is influenza vaccine recommended for pregnant women?
Q: I heard that a recent study suggested an increase in miscarriage among women who received inactivated influenza vaccine. Please provide details.
Q: Please tell me about Fluad, the new influenza vaccine for people age 65 years and older.
Q: A study published in 2014 found that the injectable vaccine Fluzone High-Dose protects people 65 years and older better than standard-dose Fluzone. Does ACIP preferentially recommend use of Fluzone High-Dose for all people age 65 years and older?
Q: May Fluzone High-Dose or Fluad be administered to patients younger than age 65 years?
Q: What is the latest ACIP guidance on influenza vaccination and egg allergy?
Q: Should staff at drive-through influenza vaccination clinics encourage drivers to park and wait for 15 minutes after vaccination to make sure they don't have a
syncopal (fainting) episode?
Q: When removing both pediatric (0.25 mL) and adult (0.5 mL) doses from a multi-dose vial of Fluzone, we can get more than 10 doses from the 5.0 mL vial. Can we
continue to remove doses from the vial until it is empty?
Q: We inadvertently administered intradermal influenza vaccine to a patient who is outside the recommended age range of 18 through 64 years. What should we do
now?
Q: How should influenza vaccines be stored?
Q: Some of my patients refuse influenza vaccination because they insist they "got the flu" after receiving the injectable vaccine in the past. What can I tell them?
Q: Does ACIP recommend one influenza product over another for pregnant women?
Q: If quadrivalent vaccine includes one additional strain, why isn't it preferred for use over trivalent vaccines?
Q: Sometimes patients age 65 years and older who have received the standard-dose influenza vaccine hear about the high-dose (Fluzone High-Dose) or adjuvanted
vaccine (Fluad) and want to receive that, too. Is this okay to administer?
Q: The influenza VIS states that giving pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and inactivated influenza vaccine simultaneously may increase the risk of febrile seizures.
Can we continue to give these two vaccines at the same time?
Q: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) package insert says that in adults, antibody responses to PCV13 were diminished when given with inactivated
influenza vaccine. Does this mean we should not give PCV13 and influenza vaccine at the same visit?
Q: Some of our patients believe that they have had reactions to influenza vaccine in the past and request the dose to be split into 2 doses administered on different
days. Is this an acceptable practice?
Q: Is it acceptable to draw up vaccine into syringes at the beginning of the day? If it isn't, how much in advance can this be done?

Issue 1335: November 15, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1335
November 15, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Are there recommendations for meningococcal ACWY vaccination for people who reside…read more
Top Stories
IAC releases newly updated 142-page book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—available for purchase or free download
Reminder! Final issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
FDA licenses Heplisav-B, the new hepatitis B vaccine from Dynavax, for use in adults age 18 and older
IAC Spotlight! IAC’s Immunization Coalitions Network website is the “go-to” place for information on immunization coalitions in U.S.
Featured Resources
Families Fighting Flu launches online toolkit, “Do You Know the Flu?,” with resources for healthcare professionals
CDC’s Public Health Matters blog posts “Everyone can be a flu vaccine advocate!”
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals vaccinate patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study published in Pediatrics finds sharing vaccine information through social media during pregnancy enhances infant vaccination rates
CDC and WHO publish "Country Immunization Information System Assessments—Kenya, 2015 and Ghana, 2016" in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Record, respectively
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: 2018 National Immunization Conference abstract submission deadline is December 31

Issue 1334: November 8, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1334
November 8, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: My 36-year-old patient was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and…read more
Top Stories
The final issue of Vaccinate Adults is available online
Reminder: The final issue of Needle Tips is available online
CDC reports on vaccination coverage of children 19–35 months old during 2016 in MMWR
Two Colorado hepatitis A cases linked to California outbreak that has killed 20 people; unrelated outbreak in Michigan has claimed 19
IAC Spotlight! "Ask the Experts" web page with influenza Q&As is newly updated by CDC experts
IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
World News
National Geographic publishes article about why vaccines are so critical in poor countries
Worldwide, measles-related deaths dropped 84% over 16 years
Harvard School of Health and NPR's forum on eradicating polio now available to view online
International Vaccine Access Center releases 2017 edition of its "Pneumonia & Diarrhea Progress Report" as part of World Pneumonia Day
Featured Resources
AAPCHO offers toolkit to help reduce stigma related to hepatitis B infection
BuzzFeed offers fun list of reasons for getting vaccinated against influenza to share with patients and parents
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals vaccinate patients
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Journal Articles and Newsletters
October issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Study finds that vaccine refusal has an impact on other routine medical care
CDC publishes report on progress in childhood vaccination data in immunization information systems
CDC and WHO publish information about rotavirus surveillance and vaccine introduction in the African Region countries
CDC and WHO provide update on vaccine-derived polioviruses in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Education and Training
CDC to offer two-part "Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs): Update 2017" course on November 28 and December 5
CDC's "You Are the Key to HPV Cancer Prevention—Train the Trainer" course now available as a web-on-demand video
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" module on influenza; free CE credit available

Issue 1333: November 1, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1333
November 1, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I am a pharmacist who administers vaccines. I was recently told by a colleague…read more
Top Stories
Now online! Needle Tips, the final issue
IAC provides summary article about votes taken at October 24–25 ACIP meeting
CDC's Health Alert Network issues advice for providers treating patients currently in or recently returned from hurricane-affected areas
CDC reports on timeliness of vaccination among children of immigrants in Minnesota
CDC reports that 47 states and the District of Columbia have reported 4,667 mumps cases in 2017
CDC announces 2017 HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention Champion award winners
CDC releases new podcast in its "Defining Moments in MMWR History" series about its response to the 2001 intentional release of anthrax
CDC publishes report about postexposure prophylaxis for rabies for two people who ate a prepackaged salad containing a partial bat carcass
IAC Handouts
IAC posts updated handout for the public titled "Influenza: Questions and Answers"
IAC updates “Standing Orders for Administering Hepatitis B Vaccine to Children and Teens"
IAC updates “Standing Orders for Administering Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine to Children and Teens"
Official Releases and Announcements
CDC releases national progress report on hepatitis elimination
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward regional measles elimination in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
CDC adds selections to its #HowIRecommend video series about HPV vaccination
AIM releases “Engaging Teens Directly” resource to provide insight into immunization program activities that engage adolescents to take part in decisions about their own health
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals vaccinate patients
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center’s November newsletter for healthcare professionals now online
Education and Training
CDC to host a “Current Issues in Immunization NetConference” on November 8; session will cover the new ACIP zoster vaccine recommendations and guidance regarding hepatitis A outbreaks
Registration now open for Vaccine Education Center's "Current Issues in Vaccines" webinar on November 15 with Dr. Paul Offit

Issue 1332: October 25, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1332
October 25, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Our patient is starting college with no documented doses of meningococcal ACWY…read more
Top Stories
FDA licenses Shingrix, the new shingles vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline, for use in adults age 50 and older
San Diego hepatitis A deaths rise to 19, with more than 500 confirmed cases
IAC Spotlight! The "View All Materials" pages on IAC’s website list all 316 IAC handouts for patients and staff
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast, “The Unvaccinated Children We Love,” about vaccine hesitancy among family and friends
CDC publishes report on "Tdap Vaccination Coverage During Pregnancy—Selected Sites, United States, 2006–2015"
Sabin Vaccine Institute now accepting nominations for the 2018 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal, awarded annually for an individual's contribution to the immunization field
IAC Handouts
IAC updates “Skills Checklist for Vaccine Administration,” a 3-page resource to help assess skills in administering vaccines
IAC revises “Meningococcal B Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor"
IAC makes small changes to “Meningococcal B Vaccine: CDC Answers Your Questions”
IAC updates “Standing Orders for Administering Meningococcal B Vaccine to Adolescents and Adults”
IAC reformats both its sets of standing orders for administering hepatitis A vaccine, one for children and teens and the other for adults
New! IAC’s ready-to-print flyer, “Practical Resources from the Immunization Action Coalition”
Official Releases and Announcements
Weekly Epidemiological Record publishes recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the southern hemisphere's 2018 flu season
World News
WHO assists Nigeria in launching 10-day campaign to immunize 874,000 people against yellow fever
Featured Resources
AMA’s STEPS Forward posts “Adult Vaccinations: Team-Based Immunization,” a downloadable module for improving adult vaccination rates in primary care practices
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that 7 million men and 1.4 million women are infected with oral HPV infection
Conferences and Meetings
Immunization Coalitions! Nevada's upcoming conference has one-day track devoted to immunization coalitions. If you're part of a coalition, you'll want to be there!

Issue 1331: October 18, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1331
October 18, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a pregnant patient who is 26 weeks along and received a Tdap vaccine 2 1/2…read more
Top Stories
CDC reports on vaccination coverage of kindergarten students during 2016–17 in MMWR
San Diego County hepatitis A death toll rises to 18; public health emergency status extended through October 24
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month
IAC Spotlight! Four healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC Handouts
New for 16-year-olds! "You’re 16 . . . We recommend these vaccines for you!" from IAC and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine
IAC makes small changes to the recently updated "Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size"
World News
WHO receives news about attack on medical facilities in eastern Syrian Arab Republic that destroyed vaccines and related supplies
Second largest oral cholera vaccination campaign starts in Bangladesh
Featured Resources
CDC provides resource on making a strong recommendation for influenza vaccination
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video titled "Dai's Story" in its storytelling project #justB
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Education and Training
VICNetwork to present webinar about HPV immunization quality improvement tools on October 19
Conferences and Meetings
Tune in to CDC's ACIP meeting October 25–26 (Wednesday and Thursday) via live webcast

Issue 1330: October 11, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1330
October 11, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Please explain why pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is…read more
Top Stories
Webinar from CDC and NVPO on understanding and addressing parent questions about child vaccines scheduled for October 17
CDC reports on influenza activity in the United States and world from May 21 through September 23
IAC Spotlight! IAC's Administering Vaccines handouts web page contains valuable, easy-to-find resources for healthcare professionals
Registration now open for CDC’s 48th National Immunization Conference on May 15–17, 2018
October 15–21 is International Infection Prevention Week
IAC Handouts
New! IAC develops "Don’t Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Administration," a 4-page print resource for healthcare professionals
New! IAC develops resource for healthcare professionals titled "Strategies to Improve Adult Vaccination Coverage"
IAC posts updated "Standing Orders for Administering Tdap/Td Vaccine to Adults"
World News
WHO publishes news release on October 3 regarding new global strategy to reduce cholera deaths by 90% by 2030
Featured Resources
CDC and Georgia Tech release parent-friendly "Catch-up Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Online Tool"
NFID releases two campaign toolkits to educate consumers and healthcare professionals about the importance of protecting older adults against influenza
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals vaccinate patients
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Journal Articles and Newsletters
September issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
CDC reports on human adenovirus surveillance in the United States
Education and Training
AAFP webinar on influenza vaccination now archived and available for viewing
Final reminder: Last segment of CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics airs on October 11

Issue 1329: October 4, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1329
October 4, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If you choose to give Trumenba brand MenB vaccine (Pfizer) to a 16-year-old with HIV…read more
Top Stories
CDC releases "Dear Colleague" letter about the importance of influenza and Tdap vaccination for pregnant women; letter also signed by 12 medical organizations
CDC reports on influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare professionals in 2016–17
CDC reports on influenza vaccination coverage of pregnant women in 2016–17
CDC publishes final 2016–17 influenza vaccination estimates coverage on its website
CDC issues press release on study showing Tdap vaccination during pregnancy can prevent whooping cough in babies
CDC issues media release on study reporting that 12% of physicians and 3% of nurses indicate reuse of syringes for more than one patient in their workplace
Vaccine Education Center offers three new educational resources for healthcare professionals to give to patients
Dr. Paul Offit responds to interview with Robert Kennedy Jr. and study about influenza vaccination of pregnant women
San Diego hepatitis A outbreak continues, with 17 deaths and over 325 people hospitalized; cases reported in Los Angeles County, Santa Cruz County, and Salt Lake County (UT)
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "What's New" page provides links to new and recently updated IAC handouts and staff education materials for free downloading and printing, VISs and their translations, and immunize.org web sections
IAC enrolls four new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; two qualify for additional years
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size"
IAC updates "How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections"
IAC posts nine updated translations of "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults"
Featured Resources
ShotByShot releases video about woman suffering from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a complication from her childhood measles infection
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases releases summary of September 28 news conference about influenza and pneumococcal disease
Influenza is serious; many resources are available to help healthcare professionals vaccinate patients
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC issues press release on study indicating that just over half of adults with work-related asthma reported receiving a pneumococcal vaccine
Education and Training
The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable and the Hepatitis B Foundation to sponsor October 11 webinar on the #justB project, a national story bank featuring people living with hepatitis B infection
Reminder: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases sponsoring three upcoming webinars: the first on hepatitis A and B vaccination, the second a recap of the October ACIP meeting, and the third about shingles vaccines
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Texas Immunization Conference scheduled for November 28–30 in San Antonio

Issue 1328: September 27, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1328
September 27, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Is it okay to administer rotavirus vaccine and immune globulin at the same time?…read more
Top Stories
CDC launches campaign to educate and remind vaccination providers about proper administration technique in time for influenza season
CDC releases "Dear Colleague" letter for 2017–18 influenza season also signed by 17 medical organizations
CDC announces changes made to ACIP's "Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization" in July
San Diego hepatitis A outbreak spreads to Los Angeles County
CDC reports on increase in hepatitis A infections among men who have sex with men in New York City
Annual NFID influenza/pneumococcal news conference will be held on September 28; listen to the event and join the Thunderclap
IAC Spotlight! July 10 webinar of Dr. William L. Atkinson presenting “Adolescent Immunization Update and the 16-Year-Old Platform” can be viewed on IAC website; slide set and presenter's notes also available for your use
IAC Handouts
IAC posts 7 updated translations of "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens"
IAC posts 7 updated translations of "When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?"
IAC posts updated Spanish-language version of "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years" as well as 6 new translations
IAC posts updated Spanish-language version of "Vaccinations for Pregnant Women," as well as 6 new translations
IAC posts 7 updated translations of "Vaccinations for Adults—You're Never Too Old to Get Vaccinated!"
IAC posts 5 revised and 2 new Spanish translations of 1-page immunization schedules for adult patients in various risk groups
IAC posts updated Spanish-language translation of "Keep your kids safe—get them vaccinated every fall or winter"
World News
WHO asks Yemen to accept offered cholera vaccines as outbreak continues
Featured Resources
Dr. Litjen (LJ) Tan, IAC's chief strategy officer, writes guest column for NFID about the value of the 16-year-old immunization platform
Clinicians: As part of a series of CDC-created HPV-related videos, pediatrician Dr. Alix Casler demonstrates how to recommend HPV vaccine to parents of 11–12-year-olds
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan Priority Populations webinar to take place on September 28
NAIIS webinar on improving adult immunization within healthcare systems archived and available for viewing at your convenience
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now

Issue 1327: September 20, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1327
September 20, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 22-year-old female is going to pharmacy school and the school wants…read more
Top Stories
CDC releases guidance for prevention of tetanus in areas affected by a hurricane
CDC releases information about influenza and influenza vaccination during pregnancy and provides guidance on how to address concerns that patients may have about vaccination
CDC publishes updated dosing instructions for hepatitis A prophylaxis with immune globulin
New Technically Speaking column: "Standing Orders Protocols Can Improve Your Vaccination Rates"
NAIIS's Influenza Vaccine Availability Tracking System is now available for the 2017–2018 season
CDC and NFID to host a Thunderclap for flu prevention on September 28
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast—an interview with Dr. Tara Smith about how individuals can promote vaccination in their communities
IAC Handouts
IAC posts six new translations of "Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years"
IAC makes correction to the recently updated "Standing Orders for Administering Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine to Adults"
World News
Report on June meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication available; focus was on HBV and HCV
Featured Resources
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study shows that HPV vaccine does not have a negative impact on fertility
Education and Training
AAFP to sponsor webinar about the 2017–18 influenza recommendations on September 26
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now

Issue 1325: September 13, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1325
September 13, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: My adult patient is traveling to Nigeria in three days. She is already immune to hepatitis A, but…read more
Top Stories
San Diego County Board of Supervisors ratifies a local health emergency declaration regarding the county's ongoing hepatitis A outbreak
Medical exemptions to immunization rise in California after elimination of personal belief exemptions
AAP News reports on shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
International vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez and his daughter who has autism are targeted with threats
National Adult Immunization and Influenza Summit offers tools to assist satellite, temporary, and off-site influenza vaccination clinics
IAC Spotlight! Three healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Join NFID and the Washington Nationals for the 6th Annual Flu Awareness Night in Washington, DC, on September 15
IAC Handouts
IAC posts "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2017–2018 Influenza Season"
IAC updates "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination"
IAC updates "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Adults" and "Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Children and Adolescents"
IAC updates "Guide for Determining the Number of Doses of Influenza Vaccine to Give to Children Age 6 Months through 8 Years during the 2017–2018 Influenza Season"
IAC posts revised "Influenza Vaccination of People with a History of Egg Allergy"
IAC updates "How to Administer Intramuscular, Intradermal, and Intranasal Influenza Vaccines"
Official Releases and Announcements
AAP issues recommendations for influenza vaccination for 2017–2018 season
World News
WHO provides summary of cholera cases and deaths worldwide in 2016
WHO publishes report on the estimated economic impact of vaccinations in 73 low- and middle-income countries
Featured Resources
CDC offers infographic and text to promote adolescent HPV vaccination
Hepatitis B Foundation and the ShotByShot project release new video about a man with a history of drug use who is infected with both HIV and HBV
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
August issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Study found that third dose of MMR helped control a college mumps outbreak
Mott Poll Report investigates parents' understanding of teen vaccine recommendations
CDC reports on human infections with novel avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses in China during the fifth epidemic
Education and Training
NFID announces three upcoming webinars: the first on hepatitis B and A vaccination, the second a recap of the October ACIP meeting, and the third about shingles vaccines
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: Indiana Immunization Coalition to host October 5 meeting on the importance of standing orders for administering vaccines

Issue 1324: September 6, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1324
September 6, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 5-year-old patient received Pentacel (DTaP-IPV/Hib) for the 5th dose of DTaP…read more
Top Stories
AAP issues policy stating that newborns should routinely receive hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls seven new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; one previously honored institution qualifies for additional year
IAC Handouts
IAC revises "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens" and "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults"
IAC updates "Standing Orders for Administering Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine to Adults"
Featured Resources
Resources for the 2017–18 flu season featured on EZIZ.org, including poster of all influenza vaccine packages
HistoryofVaccines.org website is now available in Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu, as well as Spanish
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Pediatrics publishes review of 29 studies showing that serious vaccine reactions rarely recurred
CDC reports on a fatal case of yellow fever in a U.S. traveler returning from Peru
Education and Training
CDC Current Issues in Immunization NetConference, "Influenza Update 2017–2018," scheduled for September 13
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now

Issue 1323: August 30, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a healthy 11-month-old patient whose family is traveling to Zimbabwe…read more
Top Stories
CDC publishes ACIP 2017–18 influenza vaccination recommendations
CDC issues report on the national, regional, state, and selected local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years in the U.S. in 2016
Deadly hepatitis A outbreak has killed 14 in San Diego County since early 2017
American Academy of Family Physicians releases new immunization advocacy online tool showing vaccine legislation and vaccine coverage by state
Reminder: Today, Wednesday, August 30, VICNetwork webinar at 2 p.m. (ET) about new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations on influenza vaccination for 2017–18
IAC Spotlight! IAC's Video of the Week presents personal stories, news, animations, and other video clips of interest to our readers every Monday
Voices for Vaccines releases a total of four podcasts in August during National Immunization Awareness Month
IAC corrects small error in the Question of the Week in the August 16 issue of IAC Express
Reminder! Nominations due by September 15 for the HPV Vaccine Is Cancer Prevention Champion award sponsored by CDC, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, and the American Cancer Society
Official Releases and Announcements
Weekly Epidemiological Record publishes position paper on cholera vaccines
Featured Resources
AAFP News guest editorial by Dr. Margot Savoy highlights wealth of resources to help boost immunization rates
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center’s August newsletter for healthcare professionals now online
Education and Training
Registration now open for Vaccine Education Center's "Current Issues in Vaccines" webinar on September 13 with Dr. Paul Offit
IAC and the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit sponsor August 31 webinar: “Overcoming Challenges to Providing Adult Immunizations in Healthcare Systems”
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Save the date: Texas Immunization Conference scheduled for November 28–30 in San Antonio

Issue 1322: August 23, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1322
August 23, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Is there any plan to change the Influenza Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)…read more
Top Stories
National Immunization Awareness Month is wrapping up, with the final week focusing on vaccinations for preteens and teens
CDC issues guidance for tetanus-diphtheria vaccination during the current Td vaccine shortage
Seventh edition of Plotkin's Vaccines textbook now available for purchase
IAC Spotlight: Package Inserts & FDA Product Approvals and ACIP Recommendations web pages on immunize.org are popular resources for IAC website visitors
GSK reports a potential for shipping delays of Menveo in August and September
National Adult Immunization and Influenza Summit publishes white paper on lowering the burden of adult disease through vaccination
CDC reports error in HTML version of the Pertussis chapter in its "Pink Book"
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward polio eradication in Afghanistan in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
WHO reports on human cases of influenza at the human-animal interface
Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia issues requirements and recommendations for entry visas for 2017 Hajj and Umra seasons
Featured Resources
International Vaccine Access Center adds impact studies modules for PCV and rotavirus to its VIEW-hub interactive platform
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study published in Clinical Therapeutics found that access to pharmacies and other nontraditional settings helped increase adult influenza vaccination rates
Education and Training
NFID to offer September 6 webinar about protecting older adults against influenza
Earn free continuing education credit by participating in “Increasing Adolescent Immunization Coverage” e-learning opportunity from the HPV Vaccination Roundtable and AHEC
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Indiana Immunization Coalition to host October 5 meeting on the importance of standing orders for administering vaccines
Washington Vaccine Update scheduled for October 27
ImmunizeOhio to host 13th Annual Statewide Immunization Conference on November 15

Issue 1321: August 17, 2017

The following questions and answers have all been published previously as a Question of the Week in 2017 issues of IAC Express.
IAC extends thanks to our experts: Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH; Candice L. Robinson, MD, MPH; Raymond A. Strikas, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA; Donna L. Weaver, RN, MN; and Jessie Wing, MD, MPH, all from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dtap/Tdap/Td Vaccines
Q: Is there any contraindication to administering Tdap vaccine and Rhogam at the same time to a pregnant woman?
Q: Mom comes in with her 19-month-old. She reports that her (the mother's) sibling has a history of a severe reaction to pertussis vaccine in the mid-1990s. Now mom is reluctant to give her child pertussis vaccine although the child received Pediarix (DTaP-HepB-IPV, GlaxoSmithKline) 2 months ago without incident. Should we be concerned about the mother's family history of a severe reaction to pertussis vaccine?
Q: A dose of Kinrix (DTaP-IPV; GSK) should have been administered to a 4-year-old, but Pentacel (DTaP-IPV/Hib; Sanofi Pasteur) was administered instead. Does the dose of DTaP count?
Q: Are there recommendations for administering Tdap when Td is not available?
Q: If a person received a Tdap vaccine and then had a positive pertussis PCR two weeks later, could it be a false positive from the vaccine or should we consider this a case of pertussis? The patient had a cough, nausea, and vomiting for 2–3 days prior to PCR testing.
Q:  A 7-year-old has a history of 3 doses of DTaP, appropriately spaced, between 4 years and 6 years of age. Is her DTaP series complete?
Q: Tenivac Td (Sanofi Pasteur) for adults is expected to be unavailable until the second half of 2017. Another Td vaccine produced by MassBiologics is available at our wholesaler, but it looks like the components are slightly different from Tenivac. Are the two products interchangeable during the shortage?
Q: My 11-year-old patient received a dose of Tdap when he was 7 years old. He also received a dose of Td 6 months later in order to finish a primary series of tetanus-toxoid. Can I give him a dose of Tdap now?
Q: A 16-year-old refugee's record indicates 2 doses of Td separated by 1 month and 1 dose of Tdap given 4 months after the second Td. The first Td was given at age 16 years. Is he up to date?
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Q: Is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) a risk-based indication for pneumococcal vaccines?
Q: We have a 45-year-old patient taking Mesalamine for ulcerative colitis. Should he receive PCV13 and/or PPSV23?
Rabies Vaccines
Q: A patient recently exposed to a bat received the rabies vaccine series. One of the doses was given in the gluteus. Does this dose count?
Varicella Vaccine
Q: I have a patient who is 62 years old and is immigrating to the U.S. She received a dose of zoster vaccine 2 months ago. The immigration requirements state she should receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Does she need additional varicella vaccine?
Zoster Vaccine
Q: For our "Mother's Day Out" program, one of the teachers has shingles. The program serves moms of 2-month-olds to 4-year-olds. All children are up to date with their vaccinations, but some are too young to have received varicella vaccine. Is it safe for the teacher to work?
Q: My healthy 29-year-old son recently had a mild episode of herpes zoster. He has no underlying medical problems. He was treated with famcyclovir. Should he now get zoster vaccine?
Precautions and Contraindications
Q: I had an 18-year-old in the clinic today for varicella vaccination. He reports having antiphospholipid syndrome being treated with rituximab (a drug that affects the function of B lymphocytes). The next dose of rituximab will be in 2 weeks. He has also had 12 immune globulin (IG) injections in the last year. Should he get the varicella vaccine at all with this condition, and if so, what time frame do we need to be concerned with in relation to the rituximab treatment and/or IG?
Scheduling Vaccines
Q: If a child falls behind on immunizations, is it recommended to use only minimum intervals to get the child caught up? Or should we use a minimum interval for the same vaccine only once?
Vaccine Safety
Q: Why are zoster, pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) and meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines not covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?

Issue 1320: August 16, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a patient received Trumenba (Pfizer) meningococcal B vaccine…read more
Top Stories
National Immunization Awareness Month is here, with the third week focusing on vaccinations for adults
CDC updates its immunization scheduling tool for children from birth through age 6 years
New Technically Speaking column: "Routine Schedules for MenACWY and MenB Vaccines—Make Sure You’re Giving Them on Time"
International Vaccine Access Center launches VoICE, a new digital tool that supports evidence-based advocacy
The Lancet encourages people to remember the Yemen cholera crisis during World Humanitarian Day, August 19
Indiana mother promotes pertussis vaccination in memory of her baby who died of the disease
IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; one previously honored institution qualifies for an additional year
Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Did your July 26 issue of IAC Express (#1317) arrive?
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Influenza (IIV) VISs in Dari, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Oromo, Pashto, and Nepali
Official Releases and Announcements
CDC publishes "Summary of Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Conditions—United States, 2015" in MMWR
World News
WHO reports on deployments from the oral cholera vaccine stockpile
WHO reports on yellow fever in Africa and the Americas, 2016
Featured Resources
Colorado Refugee Immunization Provider Resource Hub shares a compilation of resources related to refugee-specific immunization guidelines
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video in its storytelling project: #justB
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
New issue of WHO's Vaccine Safety Net Newsletter is now online
Education and Training
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Joint symposium on oropharyngeal cancer sponsored by ADA and MD Anderson Cancer Center to be held October 18 in Atlanta
NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course scheduled for November 3–4 in Bethesda; submissions for poster presentations due by September 6

Issue 1319: August 9, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: What is the schedule for hepatitis B vaccine administration for infants who…read more
Top Stories
National Immunization Awareness Month is here, with the second week focusing on vaccinations for pregnant women
Hepatitis A outbreak claims eighth life in southern California
Hilleman: A Perilous Quest to Save the World’s Children documentary now available to purchase
AAP publishes information about coding for influenza vaccination during 2017–18 season
Study of audio recordings of pediatrician-parent conversations reveals how providers' use of presumptive statements in recommending HPV vaccination can improve uptake of same-day vaccination for patients
Voices for Vaccines plans four new podcasts, one for each week of National Immunization Awareness Month
Chicago Tribune publishes article about new measures to limit vaccination exemptions in Illinois and across U.S.
IAC Spotlight: Check out the "Ask the Experts" online archive for answers to immunization questions
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Hepatitis B, HPV, and MenB VIS translations in Hindi, Punjabi, and Thai
IAC posts Multi-vaccine VIS in Farsi
IAC posts Adenovirus VIS translation in Turkish
Official Releases and Announcements
NACCHO releases statement about the President's proposed budget
WHO issues updated position paper on diphtheria vaccination
World News
CDC reports on meningitis outbreak caused by vaccine-preventable bacteria in Ghana
Featured Resources
Hepatitis B Foundation and the ShotByShot project release new video about raising adopted daughters who are chronically infected with hepatitis B
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
NFID to offer webinar on maternal immunization Thursday, August 10 (tomorrow)
ACOG to present webinar about communicating with adult patients about vaccination on August 17
CDC to offer webinar about proven practices for increasing immunization rates in adults on August 24
CDC webinar on positive vaccine conversations with parents set for August 25
CDC's Medscape Expert Commentary series now includes guidance from Dr. Nancy Messonnier about working with vaccine-hesitant parents
AAP's archived 1-hour webinar on HPV vaccination now offers free CME/CNE credit
AHEC to offer HPV quality improvement webinar on August 24
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Video presentations from the June 2017 ACIP meeting are now available online

Issue 1318: August 2, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: How long can reconstituted MMR vaccine be stored in a refrigerator before…read more
Top Stories
National Immunization Awareness Month has begun with the first week focusing on vaccinations for babies and young children
CDC reports on Merck hepatitis B vaccine shortage
WHO, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme issue statement in effort to help the people of Yemen, where more than 400,000 people have been infected with cholera, and nearly 1,900 have died
CDC, the Association of American Cancer Institutes, and the American Cancer Society announce the HPV Vaccine Prevention Champion award
CDC reports temporary total depletion of U.S. licensed yellow fever vaccine for civilian travelers to be replaced by investigational imported Stamaril vaccine
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors endorses promotion of the HPV vaccine to reduce the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer
IAC Spotlight! Three healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Mandates Honor Roll
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts new Hib VIS translations in Amharic, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Nepali, Oromo, and Tigrinya
IAC posts new Tdap VIS translations in Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, and Tigrinya
IAC posts new PCV13 VIS translations in Amharic, Karen, Nepali, and Oromo
IAC posts updated Polio (IPV) VIS Nepali translation in Nepali, as well as new Oromo translation
Featured Resources
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
July issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
New article in JAMA Pediatrics finds that small declines in vaccine coverage from vaccine hesitancy can have substantial impacts on measles outbreaks
Education and Training
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Save the date for the next VICNetwork webinar, "Communication Strategies and Recommendations for the Upcoming 2017–18 Flu Season," on Wednesday, August 30
Conferences and Meetings
Minutes from February ACIP meeting now available

Issue 1317: July 26, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: In the past, CDC has recommended to only accept patient-reported history for…read more
Top Stories
CDC reminds international travelers to protect themselves against measles
WHO and UNICEF report that nearly one in 10 infants worldwide didn’t receive any vaccinations in 2016
Association of Immunization Managers issues press release commending ACIP for adding the 16-year-old immunization column to the child/teen immunization schedule
Reminder: August is National Immunization Awareness Month; 2017 communications toolkit available
Yemen’s cholera epidemic, with 360,000 cases and rising, now considered to be worst in modern history
MMWR reports on hospital contact investigation after a patient developed a zoster vaccine–related rash
CDC releases video about using new VAERS reporting system
Reminder: July 10 webinar of Dr. William L. Atkinson presenting “Adolescent Immunization Update and the 16-Year-Old Platform” can be viewed on IAC website; slide set and presenter's notes also available for your use
IAC Spotlight! IAC offers many vaccine storage and handling resources for healthcare professionals
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its staff education materials: "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements" and "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements"
IAC and ACOG collaborate to update "Vaccinations for Pregnant Women"—a one-page immunization schedule to give to your pregnant patients
IAC revises "Standing Orders for Administering MMR Vaccine to Children and Teens" and "Standing Orders for Administering Varicella Vaccine to Children and Teens"
IAC updates patient education piece titled "Vaccines Work!," which provides statistics on the pre-vaccination era compared to the present day
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts new translations of the Hepatitis A VIS in Amharic, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Nepali, Oromo, and Tigrinya
IAC posts new translations of the DTaP VIS in Oromo and Tigrinya
IAC posts new translations of the Hepatitis B VIS in Nepali and Oromo
IAC posts new translations of the MenACWY VIS translations in Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, and Oromo
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward measles elimination in Bangladesh in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
WHO reports on acute flaccid paralysis surveillance and incidence of poliomyelitis
Featured Resources
AAFP Foundation launches program to help address teen undervaccination
CDC presents latest podcast in its “Defining Moments in MMWR History” series; subject is 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Reminder: ACOG to present "Best Practices to Improve Maternal Immunization" webinar on August 7
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Presentation slides from June ACIP meeting now available; next meeting scheduled for October 25–26

Issue 1316: July 19, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: What is the dosing for tetanus immune globulin for an adult with suspected…read more
Top Stories
CDC reports on Minnesota measles outbreak in MMWR
Measles outbreaks in Europe have caused 35 deaths in the past year
CDC publishes Vaccine Information Statement for cholera
IAC Spotlight! July 10 webinar of Dr. William L. Atkinson presenting "Adolescent Immunization Update and the 16-Year-Old Platform" can be viewed on IAC website; slide set and presenter's notes also available
Cholera cases in Yemen now exceed 300,000, with 7,000 new cases daily
Reminder: August is National Immunization Awareness Month; 2017 communications toolkit available
CDC reports on pneumococcal vaccination of Medicare beneficiaries following 2014 ACIP recommendation
Unity Consortium survey finds major areas for improvement in preventive health communications to teens
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast about a pro-vaccine advocate touring the country to counter misinformation
World News
Weekly Epidemiological Report publishes summary of Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety meeting
Featured Resources
CDC offers new multimedia products to share with parents
Reminder: CDC offers new online educational program on vaccine administration
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
June issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
CDC publishes information about patients receiving eculizumab being at high risk for meningococcal disease despite vaccination; previously published as an MMWR Early Release
Education and Training
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
ACOG to present "Best Practices to Improve Maternal Immunization" webinar on August 7
Four upcoming opportunities to participate in GSA's "Immunization Champions, Advocates & Mentors Program" (ICAMP) training
Area Health Education Center Network offers archived webinars on HPV vaccination, including one on HPV hesitancy and myths; free CE/CEU credit available

Issue 1315: July 12, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Is it acceptable to administer vaccines in the nurses' station…read more
Top Stories
Secretary Price appoints Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald as new CDC director
CDC and FDA announce new Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting website and reporting form
CDC publishes an MMWR Early Release and a CDC Health Advisory about patients receiving eculizumab being at high risk for meningococcal disease despite vaccination
Polio worker killed in Pakistan; over 100 such workers have been killed in the last 5 years
IAC Spotlight! Six previously honored institutions qualify for additional years on IAC's Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO releases updated position paper on hepatitis B vaccination
Featured Resources
Reminder: Coding and billing resources available online from the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video in its storytelling project: #justB
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Hawaii Immunization Coalition to sponsor September 19 webinar on using standing orders
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now

Issue 1314: July 6, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1314
July 6, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: How effective are three doses of MMR vaccine compared to two doses…read more
Top Stories
Register now! Dr. William L. Atkinson, IAC's associate director for immunization education, will present a webinar on adolescent immunization and the 16-year-old platform on July 10
National Center for Health Statistics releases data brief titled "Vaccination Coverage Among Adults Aged 65 and Over: United States, 2015"
John Oliver, Last Week Tonight host on HBO, promotes vaccination in 27-minute monologue that has gone viral and has run in major media sources
August is National Immunization Awareness Month; 2017 communications toolkit now available
IAC Spotlight! Reminder: Explore the new "Favorites" tab at the top of every page on immunize.org
CDC's "Update: Influenza Activity in the United States During the 2016–17 Season and Composition of the 2017–18 Influenza Vaccine"
Featured Resources
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
New report by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzes the connection between nonmedical vaccine exemptions and pertussis outbreaks in the U.S.
Education and Training
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now

Issue 1313: June 28, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: How can I get yellow fever vaccine? Is there a vaccine shortage?…read more
Top Stories
CDC releases new online educational program on vaccine administration
IAC provides summary of June 21–22 ACIP meeting, including the influenza vaccine vote
Suspected cases of cholera in Yemen now exceed 200,000, with more than 1,300 deaths
Countries and partners pledge $1.2 billion to protect 450 million children from polio every year
Register now! Dr. William L. Atkinson, IAC's associate director for immunization education, will present a webinar on adolescent immunization and the 16-year-old platform on July 10
IAC Spotlight! Explore the new "Favorites" tab at the top of every page on immunize.org
Dr. Paul Offit's recent columns in The Daily Beast discuss proposed federal funding cuts for health care and the issue of government-mandated vaccination
Due to the Independence Day holiday, the next issue of IAC Express will be published on July 6
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its parent handout "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years"
IAC updates its two standing orders templates for administering MMR vaccine: the one for children and teens and the one for adults
IAC revises "Before you vaccinate adults, consider their 'H-A-L-O'!"
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO issues position paper about the use of fractional doses of yellow fever vaccine
World News
CDC and WHO report on progress toward containment of poliovirus type 2 in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
AAP reorganizes the immunization pages on its website
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center's June newsletter for healthcare professionals includes information about measles, a summary regarding CDC's adult immunization survey, an introduction to ACIP's "General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization," and more
May issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
CDC's 6-part NetConference series on adult vaccination now archived for viewing at your convenience
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now
Conferences and Meetings
Nevada Health Conference scheduled for November 13–14; one of the tracks will be devoted to topics of interest to coalitions
Washington Vaccine Update to take place on October 27 in Seattle

Issue 1312: June 21, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1312
June 21, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We received a report of an infant who received rotavirus vaccine intramuscularly…read more
Top Stories
Hepatitis A outbreak claims fourth life in southern California
FDA investigates findings of hepatitis A link to frozen tuna
CDC reports 3,176 cases of mumps in 42 states across the U.S. from January through May
IAC Spotlight! Looking for the top patient handouts and staff education materials on immunize.org? Visit our newly updated Top Handouts web page.
Reminder: Dr. William L. Atkinson, IAC's associate director for immunization education, will present a webinar on adolescent immunization on July 10
Unity Consortium publishes a call to action on adolescent immunization
Importance of adult immunizations highlighted in Becker’s Hospital Review article
IAC Handouts
IAC revises "When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?"
IAC updates "Standing Orders Administering Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine to Children Younger Than Age 7 Years"
IAC updates "Guidance for Developing Admission Orders in Labor and Delivery and Newborn Units to Prevent Hepatitis B" as well as "Sample Text for Developing Admission Orders in Newborn Units for the Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose"
World News
WHO reports on maternal and neonatal tetanus in Equatorial Guinea in this week's Weekly Epidemiological Report
Featured Resources
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Canada experienced measles outbreak with unique virus genotyping in 2015
Education and Training
NFID to sponsor July 13 webinar about June 2017 ACIP meeting
Register now for CDC’s July 13 webinar: “Partner Resource Showcase: New Tools for HPV Vaccination”
Register now for the June 28 VICNetwork webinar: "Creating a Pro-Immunization Culture and Preparing for National Immunization Awareness Month"
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues through October 11; register now
Continuing education credit is available for reading ACIP's "General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization"
Conferences and Meetings
Tune into CDC's ACIP meeting June 21–22 (Wednesday and Thursday) via live webcast

Issue 1311: June 15, 2017

Hepatitis B Vaccine
Q: An adolescent received the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at age 11 years but did not return for subsequent doses. If the patient comes back at age 16 years, is it necessary to repeat the first dose of the series?
Q: If a patient receives hepatitis B vaccine while undergoing hemodialysis, will the vaccine be effective? Will the dose need to be repeated?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Q: I have a patient who was diagnosed with HPV types 16 and 18. The patient received a properly spaced Gardasil series in 2006 when she was 25 years old. Did the HPV vaccine she received in 2006 fail to protect her?
Influenza Vaccine
Q: We have had three employees who have tested positive for influenza by nasal swab within 2 weeks of receiving Fluarix Quadrivalent (GlaxoSmithKline) vaccine. Is there a time period after receiving influenza vaccine that a nasal swab can give a false positive result?
Q: When I was 5 years old, I had Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS) unrelated to vaccination. I am now 35 with no residual effects of the GBS. I am a nurse and my facility requires employees to receive influenza vaccine. Is it safe for me to be vaccinated?
Meningococcal ACWY and B Vaccines
Q: Several healthy adult college students from Asia (ages 24 years and older) presented to our clinic. They will be living in a residence hall. None have a record of having received meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). Should they receive a dose of MenACWY now?
Q: A 32-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis is taking high-dose immunosuppressive medications (6-mercaptopurine). Should he receive meningococcal vaccine?
Q: Can the meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine and meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine be given at the same visit?
Q: I have a 3-month-old patient whose family will be doing mission work in sub-Saharan Africa. They are leaving as soon as the child is 6 months old. We gave her the first dose of Menveo brand MenACWY vaccine today. I know the usual Menveo schedule for an infant is 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. If we maintain usual spacing, she will only get 1 more dose before she leaves. Can we compress the schedule so she can get 2 more doses prior to travel?
Q: If someone received MPSV4 or MenACWY at age 9 years, will two additional doses of MenACWY be needed?
Miscellaneous Vaccines
Q: What are the recommendations for use of the new oral cholera vaccine?
MMR Vaccine
Q: I have an 8-month-old patient who is traveling internationally. The infant needs immune globulin (IG) for hepatitis A protection as well as MMR vaccine. The family is leaving in 11 days. Can I give the IG and the MMR vaccine simultaneously?
Q: We have a patient who has selective IgA deficiency. We also have patients with selective IgM deficiency. Can MMR or varicella vaccine be administered to these patients?
Administering Vaccines
Q: I've seen the recommendation stating air bubbles in manufacturer-filled syringes do not need to be expelled. Can you explain why those air bubbles can be injected but air bubbles in user-filled syringes must be expelled?
Scheduling Vaccines
Q: A 5-year-old is in the office for vaccines and is due for MMR, polio, varicella, and DTaP. Is there a specific order I should be giving these vaccines?

Issue 1310: June 14, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1310
June 14, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: The package insert for VaxChora oral cholera vaccine states that effectiveness…read more
Top Stories
Germany and Italy pass mandatory vaccination laws
Mark your calendar! Dr. William L. Atkinson, IAC's associate director for immunization education, will present a webinar on adolescent immunization on July 10
ASTHO creates guide to assist in identifying and vaccinating uninsured and underinsured adults
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast on the topic of Andrew Wakefield
IAC Spotlight! Five healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts new and updated Japanese-language VIS translations
World News
CDC and WHO report on Japanese encephalitis surveillance and immunization in Asia and Western Pacific Regions in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
Faculty members: Be sure to tell incoming residents in all specialties about the free SHOTS app that covers child, teen, and adult immunization
Also for new residents! Download Dr. Gary Marshall's The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians (“The Purple Book") as a new app for iOS devices
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video in its storytelling project: #justB
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Reminder: Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs through October 11; register now

Issue 1309: June 7, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If someone received MPSV4 or MenACWY at age 9 years, will two additional doses…read more
Top Stories
Measles outbreak in Minnesota continues; related articles provide insight
Presentations from National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit now online
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls eight new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; seven previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Sixth Annual NFID Flu Awareness night at the Washington Nationals game scheduled for September 15
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Vaccinations for Adults: You're never too old to get vaccinated," as well as seven additional versions for various patient risk groups
IAC makes small correction to its 5-page child/teen and adult summaries of immunization recommendations
IAC updates "MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism: Examine the evidence!" with the addition of three new studies
New! IAC offers a print alternative for applying to its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
World News
New Ebola vaccine to be used to stop outbreak in Congo
WHO reports on the April meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization in Weekly Epidemiological Report
Featured Resources
CDC develops new slide set to help child care programs support immunization
Washington State Department of Health develops vaccination resource for travelers on Hajj or Umrah
Voices for Vaccines offers pro-vaccine customizable photo frames for Facebook
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics begins June 14; register now
AAPCHO to sponsor June 21 webinar on National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine's report on eliminating hepatitis B and C in the U.S.
Conferences and Meetings
Mid America Immunization Coalition to sponsor 2017 Immunization Symposium on June 23 in Independence, MO
Immunize South Dakota conference set for August 4 in Sioux Falls

Issue 1308: May 31, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Does live oral cholera vaccine need to be administered at an interval…read more
Top Stories
New slide set! "How to Implement Standing Orders in Your Practice" now available
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC
CDC reports on a measles outbreak at an immigration and customs enforcement facility in Arizona
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Indonesian-language translation of the Hepatitis B VIS
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO publishes document on vaccination and trust
CDC publishes "Malaria Surveillance—United States, 2014" in MMWR
World News
CDC and WHO report monitoring of poliovirus type 2 after oral vaccine withdrawal in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
An additional 23 human infections with Asian H7N9 bird flu in China reported for a total of 688 in current epidemic; CDC prepares to ship a new candidate vaccine virus
Featured Resources
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center's monthly newsletter for healthcare professionals includes an article about the implications of anti-vaccine sentiment, a summary of research about influenza vaccine efficacy in children, Technically Speaking column on updated recommendations for the use of Tdap, and more
Study shows that 2-dose HPV schedule reduces genital warts about same as 3 doses
Education and Training
Reminder: One session left in CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization
Conferences and Meetings
Draft agenda for June ACIP meeting available

Issue 1307: May 24, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1307
May 24, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a 3-month-old patient whose family will be doing mission work in…read more
Top Stories
CDC publishes ACIP's updated recommendations on use of Trumenba meningococcal serogroup B vaccine
Reported measles cases now number 69 in Minnesota outbreak
Voices for Vaccines releases fifth podcast—Measles in Minnesota
CDC updates 3 items in "The Pink Book" appendices
CDC's 2015 viral hepatitis surveillance report is now available
Applications to host 2019 National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships due July 31
IAC clarifies Question of the Week about Td/Tdap vaccine series published in previous issue of IAC Express
Featured Resources
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Still available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on hepatitis B screening of pregnant women and care of infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers in Guam
Pediatrics publishes study that showed children were more likely to be immunized if their parents had received influenza vaccine
Education and Training
NFID webinar on addressing challenges in adult vaccine financing scheduled for June 7
"Principles of Vaccine Storage and Handling" webinar, along with other NFID offerings, now archived for viewing at your convenience
Reminder: CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization runs every Wednesday, April 12–May 31

Issue 1306: May 17, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 16-year-old refugee’s record indicates 2 doses of Td separated by 1 month…read more
Top Stories
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook available from the Immunization Action Coalition
New! 2018 edition of CDC Health Information for International Travel ("The Yellow Book") now available online
CDC publishes ACIP recommendations for use of cholera vaccine in MMWR
CDC publishes article about Hepatitis Awareness Month and Testing Day
Fifty-eight cases of measles reported in Minnesota outbreak
Three people have died in San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
IAC Spotlight! “Handouts” section on IAC’s website one of our busiest places! Find out what’s there.
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "DTaP, Tdap, and Td Catch-up Vaccination Recommendations by Prior Vaccine History and Age"
IAC revises "Suggestions to Improve Your Immunization Services"
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO issues updated position paper on human papillomavirus vaccines
Featured Resources
CDC updates its online Adult Vaccine Quiz
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
April issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
WithinReach offers new e-learning course on vaccine hesitancy; HPV immunization course updated with information about 2-dose schedule
Reminder: CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization runs every Wednesday, April 12–May 31
Conferences and Meetings
Michigan's Adult Immunization Summit to be held June 14 in Lansing

Issue 1305: May 10, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I had an 18-year-old in the clinic today for varicella vaccination…read more
Top Stories
MMWR reports on vaccination coverage among U.S. adults in 2015
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook newly available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Forty-eight cases of measles reported in Minnesota children
The PolicyLab and the Vaccine Education Center release an Evidence to Action brief about addressing vaccine hesitancy
The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit’s new coding and billing resource is now available online
Please complete CDC’s post-NIIW survey and share your feedback on this year's planning and promotional materials
AAP invites all immunizers to join its Community of Immunizers Listserv
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls three new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
CDC publishes information about yellow fever vaccine shortage; previously published as an MMWR Early Report
Official Releases and Announcements
World Hand Hygiene Day celebrated May 5; CDC and WHO have many new resources on their websites
World News
Measles & Rubella Initiative announces the launch of its newly redesigned website
CDC and WHO report on the progress toward measles elimination in Africa in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
Dr. Paul Offit's column in The Daily Beast discusses the importance of influenza and Tdap vaccination during pregnancy
ECBT's "Shot of Prevention" blog provides a community forum for discussing immunization; May 4 post features "The Purple Book" app
"Seattle Mama Doc" explores vaccine hesitancy in recent blog post
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
Reminder: CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization runs every Wednesday, April 12–May 31

Issue 1304: May 3, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have a 45-year-old patient taking Mesalamine for ulcerative colitis…read more
Top Stories
Free app of The Vaccine Handbook newly available from the Immunization Action Coalition
Children’s chewable acetaminophen 80 mg dose being discontinued; 160 mg will be the only children’s chewable dosage available in the future
U.S.-licensed yellow fever vaccine supply expected to be depleted by mid-2017 in the U.S.
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month; promote hepatitis awareness and the sixth annual Hepatitis Testing Day
Hep B United and StoryCenter to host May 9 video chat on the Hepatitis B Foundation's storytelling project: HBF releases additional videos in honor of Hepatitis Awareness Month
FDA publishes article about PRISM, a computer-based vaccine safety monitoring system
IAC Spotlight! Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Voices for Vaccines releases fourth podcast—an interview with two mothers whose children suffered from vaccine-preventable diseases
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts 17 translations of the Td VIS released by CDC on April 11
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO issues updated position paper on measles vaccines
World News
UNICEF warns that too many poor children still missing out on life-saving vaccinations
Featured Resources
CDC offers helpful handouts for parents
Vaccine Education Center releases new fact sheets for the public, one about hepatitis B and one about evaluating information
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Science magazine publishes special issue about "The Vaccine Wars"
Vaccine Education Center's newsletter for healthcare professionals features an article about fetal cell use in vaccine development, research on HPV vaccination during pregnancy, and more
Education and Training
Reminder: CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization runs every Wednesday, April 12–May 31

Issue 1303: May 2, 2017

CHECK OUT THESE ITEMS FROM SHOP IAC
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Purchase the updated edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall
Order IAC's handheld immunization record cards in any of 3 styles—child/teens, adults, and lifetime. For greater discounts, make a bulk purchase!
"Immunization Techniques" training DVD demonstrates recommended techniques for administering vaccines
IAC's guidebook Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns helps hospitals and birthing centers establish, implement, and optimize their birth dose policies

Issue 1302: April 26, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: My 11-year-old patient received a dose of Tdap when he was 7 years old…read more
Top Stories
CDC publishes ACIP recommendations titled "General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization" to replace "General Recommendations on Immunization"
It's National Infant Immunization Week; CDC names Childhood Immunization Champion Award winners
Reminder! April issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
Twenty cases of measles reported in Minnesota children
CDC reports on a varicella death on a cargo ship in Puerto Rico
World Meningitis Day celebrated on April 24
IAC Spotlight! Archived webinar of Dr. William L. Atkinson presenting “Adolescent Immunization: Where We Are Now and How We Can Do Better” can be viewed on IAC website; slide set and speaker notes also available
IAC Handouts
IAC posts Spanish translations of four updated HPV handouts for parents, teens, or adults
IAC corrects a small error on its "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults"
Official Releases and Announcements
CDC publishes community mitigation guidelines to prevent pandemic influenza
World News
Immunization campaign protects 5 million children from polio and measles in Yemen
WHO publishes global strategy on eliminating yellow fever epidemics
World Malaria Day was commemorated on April 25
Featured Resources
CDC launches a new childhood immunization quiz for parents
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Education and Training
CDC to present a May 8 "train the trainer" webinar on how to use its "You Are the Key to HPV Cancer Prevention" slide set
Reminder: CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization runs every Wednesday, April 12–May 31
Conferences and Meetings
CDC and the Viral Hepatitis Action Coalition to sponsor a summit on April 27–28 to discuss the recommendations of the National Strategy for the Elimination of Hepatitis B and C

Issue 1301: April 25, 2017

Meningococcal ACWY Vaccines
Q: The 2013 ACIP meningococcal ACWY recommendations list household crowding and both active and passive smoking as risk factors for meningococcal disease. Should I recommend MenACWY vaccine for a nonsmoker living in a crowded household of smokers?
Q: We run immunization clinics at the local jail, which has a living arrangement comparable to a college residential hall. In this setting, would you recommend vaccinating incarcerated individuals who are younger than age 22, as is recommended for people living in a college dormitory?
Q: If someone received meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4, Menomune; Sanofi) or MenACWY at age 9 years, will two additional doses of Men-ACWY be needed?
Q: If someone received MPSV4 or MenACWY vaccine at age 10 years and a dose of MenACWY before the 16th birthday, will they still need a booster dose at age 16?
Q: Sanofi is discontinuing the production of Menomune (MPSV4) this year. I administer a lot of travel vaccine doses. Should I now give MenACWY (Menactra or Menveo) off-label to travelers age 56 years and older?
Q: In its 2016 recommendations for use of meningococcal conjugate vaccines in HIV-infected persons, ACIP states not to use MenACWY-D (Menactra, Sanofi) in children younger than age 2 years. However, in Table 3 of these recommendations (page 1192), MenACWY-D is listed as an option for children 9 through 23 months of age. This seems to be a discrepancy. Please clarify.
Meningococcal B Vaccines
Q: I have a 9-year-old patient traveling to Kenya for one week. In addition to MenACWY vaccine, should she be offered meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine?
MMR Vaccine
Q: Due to outbreaks of mumps in our state, I have been asked about college students getting a third dose of the MMR vaccine, even if there was not a mumps outbreak on their campus. My understanding is that a third dose of MMR is only recommended for students attending colleges that are experiencing an outbreak. Although I have advised families that this is the case, would there be any issues with proceeding with the third dose preemptively?
Hepatitis B Vaccines
Q: We give hepatitis B vaccine to newborns in the hospital followed by DTaP-IPV-HepB (Pediarix, GSK) at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, so our patients get 4 doses of hepatitis B vaccine. For some children, the Pediarix dose #3 is delayed and given closer to 5 months of age, so the interval is less than 8 weeks between dose #3 and #4 of the hepatitis B component of Pediarix. We are receiving conflicting information about whether their HepB dose #4 is a valid final dose because of the shortened interval between dose #3 and #4. Our electronic health record says dose #4 is valid (regardless of the short interval from dose #3) but the health department says it is not. Which is correct?
Q: Some nephrologists give a high dose (40 mcg) of hepatitis B vaccine (2 adult doses of Engerix-B, GSK, or Recombivax HB Dialysis Formulation, Merck) to all patients with renal failure with glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) of less than 30 ml/min even if the patient is not on dialysis. Is this practice advisable?

Issue 1300: April 20, 2017

Ask the Experts: CDC Experts Answer Your Questions

The questions and answers in this edition of IAC Express first appeared in the April 2017 issue of Needle Tips.

IAC extends thanks to our experts: Andrew T. Kroger, MD, MPH; Candice L. Robinson, MD, MPH; Raymond A. Strikas, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA; Donna L. Weaver, RN, MN; and Jessie Wing, MD, MPH, all from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Influenza Vaccines
Q: I have a patient who is now 12 weeks pregnant. In September 2016, she received quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccination (before she was pregnant). Should we give her another dose of 2016–17 influenza vaccine since she was not pregnant at the time of her first dose?
Q: A nursing home resident was admitted to the hospital with influenza and treated with oseltamivir. The person is now returned to the nursing home. The residents in the facility are being treated prophylactically with oseltamivir. Should the person who was hospitalized also receive oseltamivir prophylactically?
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Q: A child with selective IgA deficiency was sent by her physician to the health department to receive a dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax; Merck). Does her illness fall under the criteria for administering PPSV23?
Q: We have a 19-year-old patient with a history of vasculitis, nephritis, and asthma. She is on azathioprine (Imuran) and is immunosuppressed. Her rheumatologist recommends she receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar 13, Pfizer) and meningococcal B vaccine. How often should these vaccines be given? Will she require a series of PCV13 doses or just a booster?
Varicella and Zoster Vaccines
Q: Recently we had a one-year-old with congenital heart disease and who is on chronic aspirin therapy in for a well-child check and routine vaccination. Are there any recommendations regarding varicella vaccine being given to children who are on chronic aspirin therapy?
Q: A healthcare worker with no history of chickenpox, and unknown serologic immunity, was exposed to a patient with zoster. She received varicella vaccine two days later. She developed a pruritic maculopapular rash 11 days after vaccination. Is the rash from the vaccine or from her zoster exposure?
Q: I was told by a coworker that varicella vaccine can be stored at refrigerator temperature for up to three days and still be used. Is this true?
Td Vaccines
Q: The tetanus and diphtheria toxoid Tenivac (Td, Sanofi) is not currently available from the manufacturer and may not be available until later in 2017. What are we to do when someone is in need of a Td booster dose?

Issue 1299: April 19, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Tenivac Td (Sanofi Pasteur) for adults is expected to be unavailable…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! April issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
CDC posts updated Td VIS
CDC offers new promotional materials for National Infant Immunization Week scheduled for April 22–29
NFID launches campaign focused on vaccine science, timed to coincide with the March for Science on April 22
So far in 2017, 42 states and D.C. have reported 1,965 mumps cases; learn more
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "What's New" page provides links to new and recently updated IAC handouts, VISs and their translations, and immunize.org web sections
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens"
IAC updates its staff education materials: "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements" and "It's Federal Law! You must give your patients current Vaccine Information Statements"
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC offers 48 new VIS translations!
Official Releases and Announcements
Mississippi Immunization Task Force launches GiveMeAShot website
World News
WHO reports on Immunization and Vaccine-Related Implementation Research Advisory Committee February meeting
Featured Resources
Every Child By Two and Young Minds Inspired develop a Vaccinate Your Family program for daycare providers
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on complications of mumps in 20 college students who had received 2 doses of MMR
Education and Training
CDC to sponsor May 2 NetConference about best practices for holding safe vaccination clinics in temporary settings
Reminder: CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization runs every Wednesday, April 12–May 31
CDC to sponsor April 25 webinar about polio, measles, and rubella eradication
Conferences and Meetings
Next ACIP meeting scheduled for June 21–22; presentation slides and video footage from February meeting are now available

Issue 1298: April 12, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1298
April 12, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 5-year-old is in the office for vaccines and is due for MMR, polio, varicella…read more
Top Stories
New! April 2017 issue of Vaccinate Adults now available online
Reminder: April 2017 issue of Needle Tips is available online
Reminder: National Infant Immunization Week to be held April 22–29; Blog-a-thon to start April 24
Adolescent Immunization Initiative releases white paper providing rationale for an immunization platform at 16 years of age
Pediatrics publishes article about understanding the Category B recommendation for serogroup B meningococcal vaccine
Reminder: New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
New! Easy-to-customize postcards to help you recall 16-year-olds for their MCV4 booster dose
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC Spotlight! Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Official Releases and Announcements
Michigan launches I Vaccinate campaign
World News
CDC and WHO report on surveillance systems to track progress toward polio eradication in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Featured Resources
AAP creates new educational piece for primary care nursing personnel about HPV vaccination
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video in its storytelling project: #justB
Immunize Canada launches its new, more mobile-friendly website!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes data brief on the prevalence of HPV infection in U.S. adults
March issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
CDC study published in Pediatrics confirms that influenza vaccination saves children's lives
New CDC study published in Pediatrics finds that Tdap administered during pregnancy is effective in protecting infants against pertussis
Education and Training
Dr. Kelly Moore to present NFID webinar reviewing principles on vaccine storage and handling on May 3
Reminder: CDC's NetConference series about adult immunization runs every Wednesday, April 12–May 31

Issue 1297: April 5, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1297
April 5, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A 7-year-old has a history of 3 doses of DTaP, appropriately spaced…read more
Top Stories
New! April 2017 issue of Needle Tips is available online
New edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians, a.k.a. "The Purple Book," by Dr. Gary Marshall available for purchase from IAC; free app for iPhones and iPads available from IAC
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls nine new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; 13 previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Reminder: CDC 6-part NetConference series about adult immunization scheduled for Wednesdays, April 12–May 31
Official Releases and Announcements
National Academies publishes phase 2 of "A National Strategy for the Elimination of Hepatitis B and C"; related webinar scheduled for April 10
National Institutes of Health releases statement about World Tuberculosis Day
World News
Africa unites to confront threat of polio; over 116 million children to be immunized
WHO publishes update on yellow fever vaccination recommendations for travelers to Brazil
CDC publishes two articles about a yellow fever outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
WHO publishes report on epidemic meningitis control in countries of the African meningitis belt
Featured Resources
Boost Oregon offers new downloadable booklet, Parents’ Guide to Children’s Vaccines
Journal Articles and Newsletters
New study in Vaccine shows that parental perceptions about influenza vaccine have a strong influence on vaccine acceptance
Study finds HPV vaccine inadvertently administered during pregnancy to be safe
Education and Training
2017 AAP HPV Vaccination Update webinar now archived and available for viewing at your convenience
Area Health Education Center Network and the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine to present HPV webinar on April 6
National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership to host April 20 webinar about strategies to protect underserved populations against influenza
Conferences and Meetings
Opportunity to see new documentary, Hilleman: A Perilous Quest to Save the World’s Children, on April 25 at the NFID Annual Conference on Vaccine Research in Bethesda

Issue 1296: March 29, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1296
March 29, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a person received a Tdap vaccine and then had a positive pertussis PCR…read more
Top Stories
Now available! IAC's sturdy laminated versions of the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule and the 2017 U.S. adult immunization schedule—order a supply for your healthcare setting today!
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine publishes position statement advocating the establishment of an immunization platform for 16-year-olds
CDC reports on tetanus in an unvaccinated woman after a home birth in Kentucky
Five healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC Spotlight! IAC's Immunization Apps web page recently updated
Newly updated: Popular slide deck for healthcare professionals on meningococcal disease prevention and how to increase second dose coverage
Voices for Vaccines releases third podcast—a discussion about vaccine legislation and ways parents can get involved
Vaccine Information Statements
Vietnamese Influenza (IIV) VIS translation corrected
World News
WHO publishes report on zoonotic influenza viruses and pandemic preparedness
Featured Resources
Washington State Department of Health develops toolkit for healthcare professionals about the importance of HPV vaccination for individuals living with HIV
Spring is here, but influenza season isn't over yet!
Education and Training
NFID offers webinar on improving HPV immunization rates in practice on April 19
Dr. Paul Offit discusses mumps epidemic on Medscape
Conferences and Meetings
Next ACIP meeting scheduled for June 21–22

Issue 1295: March 22, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1295
March 22, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a patient receives hepatitis B vaccine while undergoing hemodialysis, will the vaccine be effective? Will the dose need to be repeated?…read more
Top Stories
CDC clarifies footnote in 2017 schedule about birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine given within 24 hours of birth
CDC NetConference about the 2017 immunization schedules to be held on March 29
CDC announces NetConference series about adult immunization; sessions scheduled for Wednesdays, April 12–May 31
IAC Spotlight! IAC's ACIP recommendations web section makes guidance available in chronological order as well as alphabetically by vaccine type
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine updates its "Shots Immunization" app for 2017 as well as its "Shots Online" version
Autism Science Foundation's chief science officer writes article for STAT refuting claims regarding a connection between vaccines and autism
IAC Handouts
 
IAC revises two of its most popular staff education materials, "Summary of Recommendations for Child/Teen Immunization" and "Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization"
IAC updates "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines" and "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines in Adults"
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO and FDA select 2017–2018 influenza vaccine strains for the northern hemisphere
Featured Resources
American Cancer Society offers resource for healthcare professionals titled "HPV: Just the Facts"
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes report about patients testing positive for yellow fever viral RNA after mass yellow fever vaccination campaign in Angola
Education and Training
Webinar on engaging with HPV vaccine-hesitant parents scheduled for April 13
Conferences and Meetings
Iowa Immunization Summit scheduled for June 14–15; includes CDC's "Pink Book" course
Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference to be held April 25 in Marlborough

Issue 1294: March 15, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1294
March 15, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: What are the recommendations for use of the new oral cholera vaccine?…read more
Top Stories
It's coming soon! National Infant Immunization Week to be held April 22–29; many resources available from CDC's website
CDC posts Q&As for the public about mumps outbreaks
IAC Spotlight! Calendar of Events highlights conferences, workshops, and other immunization-related events around the nation
World News
New publication provides overview of vaccine company actions to improve immunization coverage worldwide
Featured Resources
CDC updates its downloadable vaccine labels; use to organize vaccines within storage units and avoid mix-ups
Hepatitis B Foundation releases new video in its storytelling project: #justB
Children's coloring book about influenza available on CDC's website
Please keep vaccinating your patients against influenza: 40 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2016–2017 season
Journal Articles and Newsletters
February issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
CDC publishes report on increase in human infection with avian influenza virus in China in MMWR; previously published as an MMWR Early Release

Issue 1293: March 8, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Are there recommendations for administering Tdap when Td is not available?…read more
Top Stories
ECBT has shared a special report on the state of our nation’s “ImmUnion” with members of Congress
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls eight new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; six previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
World News
Vaccine Safety Net project highlighted on WHO's website
WHO publishes report on measles and rubella surveillance
CDC reports increase in human infection with avian influenza virus in China
Featured Resources
Three items in CDC's Pink Book's appendices have been updated in the online edition
New comic book titled The Test is a readable way to learn about hepatitis B screening results
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC reports on response to polio outbreak in Syria in 2013–2015
New study found that older adults who received high-dose influenza were 36% less likely to die during a bad H3N2 flu season
Education and Training
"Vaccine Confidence: The Key to Communicating with Parents and Patients" webinar to be offered four times in March

Issue 1292: March 1, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: If a child falls behind on immunizations, is it recommended to use…read more
Top Stories
February ACIP meeting vote: For infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers who are nonresponders to the initial 3-dose HepB series, 1 additional HepB dose is now preferred over a repeated 3-dose series
Institute for Safe Medication Practices reports on vaccine abbreviations and acronyms that can lead to errors
CDC updates materials for healthcare professionals, patients, and parents to include ACIP's 2-dose HPV vaccination recommendation
IAC Spotlight! "News & Information" web page provides breaking immunization news
Vaccine Education Center plans Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on March 22
National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards application deadline extended through March 2
Official Releases and Announcements
NVPO announces the publication of "National Adult Immunization Plan: A Path to Implementation"
National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan for 2017–20 available on HHS website; related webinar scheduled for March 8
World News
CDC and WHO report on continued endemic wild poliovirus transmission in Nigeria in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Report, respectively
Guide released on cost and financing of national immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries
Featured Resources
Weekly e-newsletter on vaccine ethics and policy available free of charge—just subscribe!
Flu activity continues to increase; 46 states report widespread activity
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center's newsletter for healthcare professionals features a summary of the changes in the 2017 immunization schedules, including information on the new “16-year-old vaccination platform” in the 2017 U.S. child/teen immunization schedule
MMWR Surveillance Summary about access to health care and healthcare utilization includes information about influenza vaccination
Education and Training
NFID webinar on vaccinations in the workplace scheduled for March 30
HepB United to sponsor March 2 webinar on screening for hepatitis B in clinical and community-based settings
Conferences and Meetings
14th Annual Immunize Nebraska Conference will be held June 9 in Omaha

Issue 1291: February 22, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: Is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) a risk-based indication.…read more
Top Stories
CDC publishes errata on assessing poliovirus vaccination status for children from outside the U.S.
National Infant Immunization Week to be held April 22–29; register for a related webinar on February 28
CDC publishes update on influenza activity in the United States from October 2, 2016 through February 4, 2017
CDC publishes interim estimates of 2016–17 seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness
IAC Spotlight! Guide to Immunize.org now found on the bottom of all pages on IAC's website for healthcare professionals
Voices for Vaccines releases second podcast—an interview with Dr. Paul Offit about outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases
Check out “Making the CASE for Vaccines,” a guide written by the Autism Science Foundation
Final reminder: Nominations open for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards through February 24
World News
WHO reports on human rabies transmitted by dogs
Featured Resources
PKIDs offers shareable entertaining immunization-related videos on its Facebook page
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study indicates that autism starts months before symptoms appear
Education and Training
CDC updates its "You Call the Shots" modules on HPV, vaccine storage and handling, and VFC; free CE credit available
ACOG to sponsor March 6 webinar on the need for a maternal immunization strategy for respiratory syncytial virus

Issue 1290: February 15, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A patient recently exposed to a bat received the rabies vaccine series.…read more
Top Stories
Following the release of the 2017 immunization schedules, CDC issues easy-to-read versions of the child, teen, and adult immunization schedules in English and Spanish
New survey from Pew Research Center shows that the majority of Americans believe benefits of vaccines outweigh risks, but concerns remain
More than 350 organizations write to President Trump to endorse vaccine safety
IAC Spotlight! Dr. Wexler's Technically Speaking columns on practical vaccination topics now featured on the home page of Immunize.org
A Call to Action for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HBV in the U.S.
Reminder: Nominations being accepted for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards until February 24
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO publishes new position paper on tetanus vaccines
Featured Resources
Two new AAP clinical reports about adolescent immunization published online
AAP's social media toolkit can assist in developing social media accounts and crafting immunization messages
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine Education Center's Parents PACK newsletter includes answers to four common vaccine safety questions
Education and Training
AAP to offer webinar on HPV vaccination on March 6
Conferences and Meetings
ACIP meeting to be held on February 22–23; watch the webcast online or dial in

Issue 1289: February 8, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1289
February 8, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a patient who is 62 years old and is immigrating to the U.S.…read more
Top Stories
2017 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for 0 through 18 years and "catch up" now available
2017 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for adults now available
February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month! Make sure your pregnant patients receive influenza and Tdap vaccines
Eight healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC enrolls two new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; seven previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Reminder: Nominations are still open for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards
IAC Handouts
IAC posts updated handout for the public titled "Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Questions and Answers"
Featured Resources
Hepatitis B Foundation releases next video in its storytelling project: #justB
Flu activity continues to increase; 40 states are reporting widespread activity
Journal Articles and Newsletters
January issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
CDC reports on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding yellow fever vaccination among men during an outbreak in Angola
Education and Training
Prevent Cancer Foundation to sponsor webinar about the link between viruses and cancer on February 22

Issue 1288: February 1, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a patient who was diagnosed with HPV types 16 and 18…read more
Top Stories
IAC's Ask the Experts Q&As on meningococcal vaccination updated and divided into MenACWY and MenB sections
Call to Action: Sign on! Every Child By Two asks individuals to urge Congress to protect crucial funding for immunization programs; sign-on deadline is Thursday, February 2, 3:00 p.m. (ET)
Dr. Paul Offit addresses parental concerns about vaccination in a new column for The Daily Beast
CDC offers Medscape Expert Commentary about recognizing mumps
Final reminder: CDC requests nominations for its Childhood Immunization Champion Awards
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A Parent's Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination" and "HPV Vaccine: A Guide for Young Adults"
IAC updates two easy-to-read Q&A handouts about human papillomavirus vaccination
IAC updates its standing orders template for administering pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV13) to adults
IAC updates its standing orders template for administering Td/Tdap to adults
Featured Resources
Vaccine Education Center updates two booklets in English and Spanish: "Vaccines and Teens" and "Vaccines and Adults"
CDC mails printed copies of many resources, including posters and fact sheets—order now!
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Study shows that almost half of U.S. men have a genital HPV infection, but only 11% have received HPV vaccine
Risk of dying from cervical cancer in the U.S. is higher than previously estimated, according to new study
Education and Training
CDC and SHEA to offer webinar on February 6 about communicating during a medical crisis
National Influenza Vaccination Disparities Partnership to sponsor webinar on February 9 about how to expand influenza vaccination
Conferences and Meeetings
World Vaccine Congress to be held April 10–12 in Washington, D.C.

Issue 1287: January 25, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1287
January 25, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: I have a patient who received inactivated influenza vaccine in Brazil…read more
Top Stories
IAC updates its “Diseases and Vaccines” web section on Immunize.org
CDC reports on coverage with Tdap and influenza vaccine among pregnant women in Minnesota
CDC publishes article on use of social media for communication during a mumps outbreak in New York City
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast about the importance of HPV vaccination
Reminder: CDC requests nominations for its Childhood Immunization Champion Awards
Reminder: Nominations are now open for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards
IAC Handouts
IAC updates and redesigns "Reliable Sources of Immunization Information"
World News
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations launched to assist in vaccine development to prevent epidemics throughout the world
WHO reports on maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination validation in Punjab Province, Pakistan
Featured Resources
Hepatitis B Foundation launches storytelling project: #justB
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Education and Training
NFID schedules two webinars: an interview with Dr. Stanley Plotkin and a summary of the February ACIP meeting
Conferences and Meeetings
Save the date: Immunize Georgia Conference scheduled for September 15

Issue 1286: January 18, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: A dose of Kinrix (DTaP-IPV; GSK) should have been administered…read more
Top Stories
Reminder: December issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
IAC's Ask the Experts Q&As on MMR and zoster vaccines newly updated
CDC requests nominations for its Childhood Immunization Champion Awards
Nominations are now open for the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Excellence Awards
CDC publishes guidance for assessment of poliovirus vaccination status and vaccination of children who have received polio vaccine outside the U.S.
Professional organizations respond to President-elect Trump's meeting with Robert Kennedy Jr., regarding vaccine safety
American Academy of Pediatrics helps to change billing coding for vaccine administration
IAC enrolls four new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; five previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
NVPO seeks information about business models that enable healthcare providers to offer vaccines to their privately insured/private-pay patients
IAC Handouts
IAC adds more information to its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine standing orders templates
Vaccine Information Statements
MMR VIS now available in Ilokano and Chuukese languages
Rotavirus, Tdap, and Td VISs now available in Japanese
World News
Weekly Epidemiological Report publishes summary of Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety meeting
Featured Resources
2017 supplement to the 13th edition of the Pink Book is now available online
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
New study shows childhood vaccination to be a highly cost-effective medical intervention
January's Parents PACK newsletter from VEC includes HPV information for parents
Education and Training
CDC offers Medscape Expert Commentary about 2016–2017 influenza antiviral recommendations
HepB United to sponsor webinar on January 25 about using health information technology to identify and manage disparities in high-risk populations
NFID Spring Clinical Vaccinology Course scheduled for March 10–12 in Chicago

Issue 1285: January 11, 2017

IAC Express Issue 1285
January 11, 2017
Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: When I was 5 years old, I had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) unrelated to…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! December issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
IAC's Ask the Experts Human Papillomavirus (HPV) web section newly updated
CDC reports on a case of human rabies in Puerto Rico
Documentary film on Dr. Maurice Hilleman, inventor of many vaccines, including MMR, now available
IAC Handouts
IAC posts screening questionnaire for IIV in Spanish
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Punjabi translation of the influenza VIS
World News
CDC and WHO report on detection of Sabin-like type 2 poliovirus from sewage in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, India
WHO reports on status of new vaccine introduction worldwide
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients
Journal Articles and Newsletters
December issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
Education and Training
CDC to host #PreteenVaxScene webinar titled “HPV Vaccination Partner Toolkit” on January 12

Issue 1284: January 4, 2017

Ask the Experts—Question of the Week: We have had three employees who have tested positive for influenza by nasal swab…read more
Top Stories
Reminder! December issues of Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults are available online
Five healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
CDC reports about influenza activity in the United States from October 2 to December 17, 2016
CDC reports on future of Zika virus
Voices for Vaccines launches podcasts for people interested in promoting vaccination and preventing disease
IAC Handouts
IAC posts 9 translations of "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens"
IAC posts 9 translations of "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults"
IAC posts Spanish translation of "Screening Checklist for Contraindications to HPV, MenACWY, MenB, and Tdap Vaccines for Teens"
IAC posts updated presentation for healthcare professionals: "Quick Answers to Tough Questions”
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts 8 translations of updated HPV VIS
IAC posts Marshallese translation of MMR VIS
World News
Ebola vaccine trial results confirm protection
Featured Resources
Influenza is spreading and serious; please keep vaccinating your patients

Issue 1283: January 3, 2017

HPV Vaccine
Q: What is the new HPV vaccine schedule recommendation?
Q: Has ACIP expressed a preference for the 2-dose over the 3-dose schedule for adolescents 9 through 14 years of age?
Q: Does the 2-dose HPV vaccine schedule need to be completed with the same vaccine, or can it include different vaccines (such as bivalent or quadrivalent vaccine)?
Q: If dose #1 of HPV vaccine was given before the 15th birthday and it has been more than a year since that dose was given, would the series be complete with just one additional dose?
Q: We have adolescents in our practice who have received the first 2 doses of the HPV series 1 or 2 months apart according to the 3-dose schedule. Can we consider their HPV vaccine series to be complete or do we need to give these patients a third dose?
Q: Will the 2-dose recommendation be retroactive for children and teens vaccinated prior to 2016?
MenACWY Vaccine
Q: Please review the new recommendations for use of MenACWY vaccine in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Q: I have an HIV-positive 64-year-old patient who received MenACWY vaccine last week. Was this the correct vaccine for this patient or should he have gotten meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4, Sanofi Pasteur) due to his age? Also, should this patient get another dose in 2 months?
Q: I have a 24-month-old patient with HIV infection and I want to use Menactra (Sanofi Pasteur) because this is the only vaccine we have available in our clinic. However, this child received DTaP vaccine yesterday at another clinic. Can I administer Menactra today?
Q: I have a 24-month-old patient with a complement component deficiency who received a dose of DTaP at 23 months of age and then received a dose of Menactra two weeks later. Do I need to repeat the dose of Menactra?
Q: Does the recommendation about separation of DTaP and Menactra also apply to children with functional or anatomic asplenia?
Q: The ACIP MenACWY vaccine recommendations state that a routine second dose needs to be given at 16 years of age. Children with asplenia or other high-risk conditions should receive a booster dose every 5 years. If a child with a high-risk condition receives a dose of MenACWY at age 9 years (and a second primary dose 8 weeks later), should they receive a booster dose at age 14 years (5 years after the primary series), or should they receive a dose at age 16 years as recommended in the routine schedule?
MenB Vaccine
Q: Which individuals in risk groups are recommended to be vaccinated against meningococcal serogroup B disease?
Q: Which individuals are recommended to be vaccinated against meningococcal serogroup B disease who are not in risk groups?
Q: What is the new schedule for Trumenba MenB vaccine?
Q: Should college students be vaccinated against meningococcal B disease?
Q: ACIP recommendations for MenB vaccine say the vaccine will provide “short term protection.” What does “short term protection” mean?
Q: Can the MenB series be completed with a different MenB brand from the one the series was begun with?
Q: Can meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and MenB vaccines be given at the same visit?
Q: Which groups of patients should receive a booster dose of MenB vaccine after completion of the series?
Influenza Vaccine
Q: Please provide details about the use of FluLaval influenza vaccine (GlaxoSmithKline) in children younger than 3 years.
Q: Can a child 6 through 35 months of age who needs 2 doses of influenza vaccine this season receive one each of Fluzone Pediatric and FluLaval vaccine?
Q: A 2-year-old was inadvertently given a 0.25 mL dose of FluLaval rather than the recommended 0.5 mL dose. What should we do?
Q: Can a clinic vaccinate children younger than age 3 years with influenza vaccine taken from a multidose vial of Fluzone or FluLaval? The multi-dose vials contain thimerosal as a preservative.

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