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 (71)

Issue 1541: December 23, 2020

Top Stories
Happy holidays from all of us at IAC! We'll be back on January 6, 2021
FDA issues EUA for Moderna mRNA vaccine after advisory committee vote; fact sheets published
ACIP recommends second COVID-19 vaccine for use in U.S.; IAC summarizes December 19 meeting and highlights clinical considerations for use of mRNA vaccines
ACIP provides interim recommendation for people who will be in Phases 1b and 1c of COVID-19 vaccination priority groups in the United States
CDC updates web pages featuring practical materials for administration, storage, and handling of each authorized COVID-19 vaccine
MMWR Recap: CDC publishes recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines and phased allocation: Moderna's vaccine in December 20 Early Release and Pfizer-BioTech's vaccine on December 18
CDC adds many more ready-to-use materials to its COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit for Medical Centers, Clinics, and Clinicians
Becker's Hospital Review publishes "Influenza Vaccination Remains a Priority Even as We Begin Rolling Out a COVID-19 Vaccination Program" by IAC authors—find it on IAC's mass-vaccination-resources.org website
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast, "Dr. Offit Talks COVID-19 Vaccines," with answers to common COVID-19 questions
HRSA announces competition, with up to 70 cash prizes totaling $1 million, to address declining vaccination coverage and well-child visits
IAC experts called on by news media
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
In IAC's "Video of the Week," the Alliance for Aging Research acknowledges pandemic stress and the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes December issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
On the Lighter Side
Watch this vintage PSA about IAC Express from 2006, created by CDC and aired many times on CDC's "Immunization Update" satellite broadcasts

Issue 1540: December 21, 2020

Please Support the Immunization Action Coalition!
Please donate to IAC—our year-end appeal

Issue 1539: December 16, 2020

IAC Express Issue 1,539
December 16, 2020
Top Stories
FDA issues EUA for Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine after its advisory committee vote; fact sheets published
ACIP recommends first COVID-19 vaccine for use in U.S.; IAC summarizes guidance from December 11–12 meeting
CDC launches V-Safe website with information to encourage vaccinee enrollment in new post-vaccination health-monitoring program
CDC adds many more ready-to-use materials to its COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit for Medical Centers, Clinics, and Clinicians
CDC publishes "ACIP's Interim Recommendation for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine—U.S., 2020" in December 11 MMWR, previously issued as an MMWR Early Release on December 5
FDA and CDC's advisory committees prepare to review Moderna's mRNA vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization
CDC invites you to attend its weekly partner calls with updates on the COVID-19 response; Dr. Messonnier to be featured on December 21 call
Reminder: NCIRD leaders Drs. Messonnier and Cohn presented a webinar on COVID-19 vaccination implementation and 3,000 attended; now you can watch the archived presentations
First influenza-related pediatric death for 2020–21 season reported; make sure all your patients are getting vaccinated
IAC Spotlight! On IAC's "View All Materials" web page, you can find links to more than 300 IAC patient handouts, staff education materials, and slide sets
One additional university requires flu vaccine to protect staff and students—the list continues to grow!
IAC enrolls one new birthing institution into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; two previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
IAC experts called on by news media
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Round Up: CDC, FDA, and other organizations offer COVID-19 vaccination resources for healthcare personnel and the public
Featured Resources
In IAC's "Video of the Week," JAMA Network describes the types of vaccines being developed for COVID-19 and how they might induce immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection
IAC's "Vaccination and COVID-19" gateway page offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
Reminder: Newly updated 65+ Flu Defense website features tools and resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Number of Childhood and Adolescent Vaccinations Administered before and after the COVID-19 Outbreak in Colorado" published in JAMA Pediatrics
On the Lighter Side
In this sweet 2004 PSA from the New Mexico Department of Health, the former first lady of New Mexico promotes timely childhood vaccination

Issue 1537: December 14, 2020

IAC Express Special Edition - MMWR Early Release: Issue 1,537
December 14, 2020
FDA issues EUA for Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine; ACIP votes to recommend the vaccine for persons 16 years of age and older
FDA issues EUA for Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine after its advisory committee vote; fact sheets published
ACIP recommends first COVID-19 vaccine for use in U.S.; IAC summarizes guidance from December 11–12 meeting

Issue 1536: December 9, 2020

Top Stories
FDA's advisory committee will discuss and vote on Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer/BioNTech's mRNA vaccine on December 10 and Moderna's mRNA vaccine on December 17
Watch the virtual ACIP meetings on December 11 and 13; no registration is required
"The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine—United States, 2020" published in MMWR
NCIRD leaders Drs. Messonnier and Cohn presented a webinar on COVID-19 vaccination implementation and 3,000 attended; now you can watch it too
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week. Keep promoting flu vaccination with resources from CDC's and IAC's websites.
IAC experts called on by news media
Round Up: CDC, FDA, and other organizations offer COVID-19 vaccination resources for healthcare personnel and the public
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Laws and Mandates by Vaccine" gateway page compiles information about state mandates for vaccinations in daycare, K-12, and post-secondary education settings
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Standing Orders for Administering Zoster Vaccine to Adults" template
IAC updates "Shingles (Zoster): Questions and Answers" and "Zoster Vaccine: IAC Answers Your Questions" handouts for patients
Featured Resources
In IAC's "Video of the Week," staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center show off their dance skills to a parody of "Shake It Off," reminding us to shake off the flu by getting vaccinated
Reminder! Webinar on mass vaccination strategies archived on IAC's newest website, Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, which also features abundant resources for clinics
Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!
Newly updated 65+ Flu Defense website features tools and resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Cooling to Reduce the Pain Associated with Vaccination: A Systemic Review" published in Vaccine
Conferences and Meetings
National Academy of Medicine offers webinar on "COVID-19 Vaccines: The Realities of the Next Steps" on afternoon/evening of December 9
On the Lighter Side
In this vintage PSA from U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, R&B singer Bill Withers explains childhood diseases aren't from the past

Issue 1535: December 8, 2020

Please Support the Immunization Action Coalition!
Please donate to IAC—our year-end appeal
Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!

Issue 1534: December 5, 2020

ACIP’s Interim Recommendation on Allocating COVID-19 Vaccine
CDC publishes "ACIP Interim Recommendation for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine U.S., 2020"
NCIRD leaders Drs. Messonnier and Cohn's webinar presentation on COVID-19 vaccination implementation is now available online

Issue 1533: December 2, 2020

Top Stories
ACIP recommends healthcare personnel and LTCF residents for phase 1a of COVID-19 vaccination program; IAC summarizes two ACIP meetings held on November 23 and December 1
"The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Ethical Principles for Allocating Initial Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine—United States, 2020" in MMWR
CDC releases COVID-19 vaccine training titled "General Overview of Immunization Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals"
CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit has been expanded with a COVID-19 addendum
Reminder! CDC leaders Drs. Nancy Messonnier and Amanda Cohn to present "COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation and the 'Vaccinate with
Confidence' Strategy" during IAC webinar on December 3
NVAC to discuss COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and overall safety surveillance on December 4
National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 6–12; promote flu vaccination with resources from CDC's and IAC's gateway pages
Newly updated 65+ Flu Defense website features tools and resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
"Prevent Shoulder Injuries Caused by Missing the Deltoid Muscle When Injecting Vaccines," Dr. Wexler's Technically Speaking monthly column, available on immunize.org
All institutions of higher learning in Los Angeles County plus four other colleges now require flu vaccine for staff and students. Do you know of more?
Three healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC staff and patient educational materials were released during October and November
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
Many updated translations available for IAC's screening checklists for contraindications to vaccines for children/teens and for adults
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts new and updated translations of VISs in Albanian, Karen, and Hebrew
Featured Resources
In IAC's "Video of the Week," lead physicians from HHS assure us that any FDA-licensed vaccine will be safe and effective
Reminder: CDC releases provider resources to aid in patient conversations about COVID-19 vaccines
Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Public television documentary Protecting Health: Saving Lives features 30-year history of IAC. Please share.
Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes November issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization information
"Action Needed Now to Prevent Further Increases in Measles and Measles Deaths in the Coming Years" published by Lancet
Education and Training
AAP offers free, online course titled "HPV Vaccine: When, Why, and How"
AAP and CDC offer webinar titled "Now Is the Time! Flu Vaccination for People with Special Healthcare Needs and Disabilities" on December 9
On the Lighter Side
In this humorous 20-year-old PSA from the Nevada Health Division, a child in a boxing ring knocks out childhood diseases with his secret weapon

Issue 1531: November 25, 2020

Top Stories
Developer of third vaccine candidate against COVID-19 (first adenovirus vector) reports positive data at interim analysis of phase 3 trial
CDC leaders Drs. Nancy Messonnier and Amanda Cohn to present "COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation and the 'Vaccinate with Confidence' Strategy" during IAC webinar on December 3
CDC releases provider resources to aid in patient conversations about COVID-19 vaccines
UNICEF and WHO issue call for emergency action to avert major measles and polio epidemics due to pandemic disruptions of routine vaccinations
WHO launches global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer
IAC experts called on by news media
AMA amends ethical guidance on physicians who are not immunized
IAC Spotlight! IAC’s Screening Checklists gateway page offers a variety of forms for patients to fill out to expedite vaccination
IAC's MenB Vaccination Honor Roll adds a new college. Do you know of others?
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast, "Tracking the Anti-Vaccine Movement," featuring Erica DeWald from Vaccinate Your Family
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
Reminder! Webinar on mass vaccination strategies now archived on IAC’s newest website: Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org
IAC’s "Video of the Week" features staff and diverse phase-3 volunteers as they participate in Covid-19 vaccine trials at Cincinnati Children’s
Use IAC’s expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" to catch up patients who fell behind
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make great gifts for the holidays or staff recognition!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Three analytic papers review key policy questions on delivery, equitable access, and pricing and treatments of COVID-19 vaccines
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes November issue of Vaccine Update Newsletter
"Prevalence of Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage and Serologic Evidence of Immunity among US-Born Children and Adolescents from 1999 to 2016" published in JAMA
"Learning from Influenza Vaccine Errors to Prepare for COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns" published in ISMP Medication Safety Alert
Conferences and Meetings
FDA posts documents ahead of its December 10 advisory committee meeting on SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine
Education and Training
CDC posts video recording of October 28–30 ACIP live, virtual meeting
AAP announces new open access PediaLink six-part course titled "Preventing and Treating Influenza during the COVID-19 Pandemic"
On the Lighter Side
In this vintage PSA from the AAP, parents are reminded that every child needs polio vaccination

Issue 1530: November 23, 2020

"Vaccines Save Lives" Pins, Flu Buttons, Stickers, and More from IAC
Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!
Hundreds of thousands shipped. Low prices. Order bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers today!
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last
This holiday season, help spread reliable immunization information: "Like" or "Follow" IAC on social media
Please donate to IAC—our year-end appeal

Issue 1529: November 18, 2020

Top Stories
Developer of second mRNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19 reports positive data at interim analysis of phase 3 trial
CDC leaders Drs. Nancy Messonnier and Amanda Cohn to present "COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation and the 'Vaccinate with Confidence’ Strategy" during IAC webinar on December 3
AMA announces vaccine-specific CPT codes for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
IAC staff featured in CNN article about complexities of distributing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
IAC Spotlight! IAC’s "Standing Orders Templates for Administering Vaccines" gateway page contains templates and related resources to help healthcare settings improve vaccination rates for patients of all ages
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast "Vaccinate the Heartland!," featuring testimonials from senators, a state representative, and a former White House occupant
Reminder: IAC updates 24 Ask the Experts web pages on immunize.org
With more than 170 million doses of flu vaccine shipped across America, it’s now up to you. Make sure all your patients are vaccinated!
Three additional universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—good news for more campuses!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
World News
CDC and WHO report on stalled progress toward measles elimination worldwide in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Record
CDC and WHO report on difficulties with routine vaccination coverage worldwide in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
In IAC’s "Video of the Week," Stanford Medicine dreams of a safe COVID-19 vaccine
IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers will help you keep vaccinating against flu. Order today!
IAC's "Vaccination and COVID-19" gateway page offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Public television documentary Protecting Health: Saving Lives features 30-year history of IAC. Please share.
Education and Training
National Academy of Medicine and American Public Health Association host "COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Development, Approval, Allocation and Distribution in the U.S." on November 18
Conferences and Meetings
Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on November 23; no registration is required
On the Lighter Side
In this 1976 PSA from the New York State Department of Health, "Piano Man" promotes getting your flu shot!

Issue 1528: November 17, 2020

Please support the Immunization Action Coalition!
Please donate to IAC—our year-end appeal
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make great gifts for holidays or workplace recognition!

Issue 1527: November 11, 2020

Top Stories
Developers of mRNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19 report positive data at interim analysis of phase 3 trial
CDC releases executive summaries of COVID-19 vaccination plans for all states and jurisdictions
IAC updates 24 Ask the Experts web pages on immunize.org
HHS issues letter to health-professions schools calling for compliance with federal civil rights laws protecting people living with hepatitis B
IAC Spotlight! Looking for the most frequently visited web pages on immunize.org? IAC's "Favorites" tab at the top of every web page brings you to 18 of the most popular gateway pages on IAC's website
Reminder! Webinar on mass vaccination strategies now archived and available for viewing on IAC's newest website: Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org.
CDC expects influenza activity to increase in coming weeks. Make sure all your patients are vaccinated!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its screening checklists for contraindications to vaccines, one for children/teens and one for adults
IAC updates "Strategies to Improve Adult Vaccination Coverage"
Revised! IAC expands "Vaccine Injury Compensation Programs" information sheet to include new federal program for COVID-19 vaccines
IAC updates hepatitis A and polio Q&A handouts for in-depth understanding of these vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts German translation of the Influenza, Inactivated or Recombinant, Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
Featured Resources
CDC's new web page features "No One Has Time for the Flu" campaign to reach African American and Hispanic adults
In IAC's "Video of the Week," CDC answers common questions about the importance of flu vaccination this season
Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" to catch up patients who fell behind
IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers will help you keep vaccinating against flu. Order today!
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make great gifts for the holidays!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes October issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization resources and information
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes October issue of Vaccine Update Newsletter
"Strategies to Reduce Errors Associated with 2-Component Vaccines" published in Pharmaceutical Medicine
"Incidence of Influenza during Pregnancy and Association with Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcomes in Three Middle-Income Countries: A Multisite Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study" published in Lancet
Education and Training
In Vaccine Education Center's Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on December 9, Dr. Paul Offit will give update on SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
On the Lighter Side
Vaccines create a wall of protection around baby in this 1995 PSA featuring the Birmingham Bulls hockey team

Issue 1526: November 4, 2020

Top Stories
IAC summarizes October 2020 ACIP Virtual Meeting
CDC updates "Interim Guidance for Routine and Influenza Immunization Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic"
CDC posts web-on-demand video, "Influenza Update: 2020–21," discussing flu vaccination during COVID-19, vaccine storage and handling, and best practices
Webinar on mass vaccination strategies now archived and available for viewing on IAC's newest website: Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org
"ACIP Updates Recommendations on the Use of MenACWY and MenB Vaccines," Dr. Wexler's Technically Speaking monthly column, is available on immunize.org
IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC patient and staff educational materials were released during October
Influenza activity will increase soon. Keep vaccinating!
Six additional colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—good news for more campuses!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC posts updated Spanish translations of six handouts for adults with high-risk conditions: HIV, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and asplenia (those without a spleen)
IAC posts updated Spanish translations of "Vaccinations for Men Who Have Sex with Men" and "Protect Yourself from Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B: A Guide for Gay and Bisexual Men"
Featured Resources
AIM releases white paper titled "Flu Vaccination in a Pandemic: Leadership Lessons from Public Health Immunization Programs"
NACCHO releases new resources for the 2020–21 flu season, including the "School-Located Influenza Vaccination Toolkit"
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Voices for Vaccines executive director discusses combating vaccine hesitancy by explaining how vaccine clinical trials work
IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers will help you keep vaccinating against flu. Order today!
Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Public television documentary, Protecting Health: Saving Lives, features 30-year history of IAC. Please share.
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Implementation of a Mandatory Influenza Vaccine Program: A 10-Year Experience" published in Clinical Infectious Diseases
"How Health Care Providers Should Address Vaccine Hesitancy in the Clinical Setting: Evidence for Presumptive Language in Making a Strong Recommendation" published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
On the Lighter Side
In this 1998 PSA, "Cakewalk Saturday," former first lady of Oklahoma Cathy Keating promotes timely childhood vaccination

Issue 1525: October 28, 2020

IAC Express Issue 1,525
October 28, 2020
Top Stories
VOTE!
CDC publishes "Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months among Children Born in 2016 and 2017—National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2017–2019" in MMWR
Dr. Melinda Wharton issues "Call to Action: Childhood Vaccination Coverage," urging immunization partners to recall children and adolescents for missed vaccinations
IAC updates its Ask the Experts web pages on meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B vaccines based on new ACIP recommendations
CDC Foundation seeks applications for grants supporting community organizations to strengthen vaccine confidence
AMA, CDC, CDC Foundation, and Ad Council partner to launch "No One Has Time for the Flu" campaign to reach African American and Hispanic adults
Last season was the deadliest influenza season for U.S. children on record; be sure all your patients are getting vaccinated!
Two additional colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—the list continues to grow!
IAC Spotlight! Talking about Vaccines: Alternative Schedules
IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
NFID launches new campaign titled "Hepatitis B: Are You at Risk?"
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Influenza: Questions and Answers" handout for patients and parents
Featured Resources
CDC launches new video on timeliness of vaccination in its animated video series for parents, "How Vaccines Work"
In IAC's "Video of the Week," a physician and ACOG fellow describes how he recommends flu vaccine to pregnant women
Keep vaccinating against the flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today!
Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" to catch up patients who fell behind
IAC's "Vaccination and COVID-19" gateway page offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
Education and Training
Sabin Vaccine Institute and UNICEF host "Misinformation: A Strategic Approach" webinar on October 29
Conferences and Meetings
Watch the 3-day, virtual ACIP meeting October 28–30; no registration is required
On the Lighter Side
In this 2006 PSA from Every Child By Two, former first lady Rosalynn Carter promotes timely childhood vaccination

Issue 1524: October 27, 2020

"VACCINES SAVE LIVES" BLACK ENAMEL PINS, FLU VACCINE BUTTONS AND STICKERS, AND MORE FROM IAC!
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make great holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!
Flu season is here. Order your bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons for staff and stickers for patients today!
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last
Every organization that administers vaccines needs the DVD Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults. Use for training and as a refresher for experienced staff!
Help IAC make vaccination go viral on social media!
Increase vaccine awareness by sharing the "History through Film" webpage, featuring the public television documentary about IAC titled Protecting Health: Saving Lives

Issue 1523: October 21, 2020

Top Stories
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America issues policy statement that only medical contraindications should be accepted as a reason for not receiving vaccinations—11 medical organizations now make this recommendation
October 24 is World Polio Day!
CDC adds vaccine-specific content for providers and the public on its extensive COVID-19 website
IAC updates its Ask the Experts web pages on administering vaccines, storage and handling, MMR, and HepB vaccine
Don't miss "Answering Key Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines" published in JAMA
Two additional colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—the list is growing!
Influenza season is approaching. Keep vaccinating. Remind patients to come in for their flu vaccination!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its Spanish-language screening checklists for contraindications to injectable and intranasal influenza vaccines
IAC updates "Hepatitis B: Questions and Answers" informational handout for patients and parents
Featured Resources
Reminder: IAC's website, Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, offers high-quality resources to help jumpstart your mass vaccination efforts
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. Bram Palache, co-founder of the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza, explains what's so frustrating about the influenza problem
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make great gifts for the holidays!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage among Men Who Have Sex with Men—National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, United States, 2017" published in Vaccine
"Is It Lawful and Ethical to Prioritize Racial Minorities for COVID-19 Vaccines?" published in JAMA
Education and Training
Watch Johns Hopkins University and University of Washington's 6-part, archived symposium titled "Preserving the Scientific Integrity of Getting to COVID-19 Vaccines: From Clinical Trials to Public Allocation"
Vaccine Confidence Project's "COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Confidence" webinar to be held October 29
NFID, ACHA, and NASN offer webinar on importance of routine vaccinations for school children
Indiana Immunization Coalition offers "Empowering Providers to Become Influenza Vaccine Champions" webinar on October 27
Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange offers "Influenza Vaccination: Opportunities for Pharmacists as Patient Advocates, Educators, and Administrators" on October 27
On the Lighter Side
Just spray on Rubella-B-Gone and life-threatening rubella disappears in this 2003 video parody

Issue 1522: October 20, 2020

Ask the Experts: IAC Answers Questions about Meningococcal Disease and the Vaccines That Prevent It

As an additional service to IAC Express readers, we periodically publish special editions such as this one, providing you with new and updated Ask the Experts questions and answers from IAC experts. This issue includes Q&As about meningococcal disease and the use of MenB and MenACWY vaccines based on updated ACIP recommendations published by CDC in September 2020.

You can find all of these questions and answers, plus more than a thousand others about vaccines and vaccine administration, on our Ask the Experts gateway page at www.immunize.org/askexperts.

IAC's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.

 
Meningococcal Disease and Vaccination
Q: How common is meningococcal disease?
Q: What groups are at increased risk for meningococcal disease?
Q: Where can I find the most current meningococcal vaccine recommendations?
Q: What meningococcal vaccines are available in the United States?
Q: Can MenACWY and MenB vaccines be given at the same visit?
Q: I have a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria who is being treated with Soliris (eculizumab). Should he receive meningococcal vaccine?
Meningococcal B Vaccination
Q: Can you provide a comprehensive overview of the MenB recommendations?
Q: Who is recommended to be vaccinated against meningococcal B disease?
Q: What kind of information about MenB vaccine should be considered with a patient when conducting shared clinical decision-making?
Q: Which groups should receive a booster dose of MenB?
Q: I know the primary series of MenB vaccine should use the same brand for all doses. Does that also apply to booster doses?
Q: Public health authorities have declared a meningococcal serogroup B disease outbreak at my university and we are now vaccinating all students on campus. Some students report having had a primary series of MenB vaccine, but do not have documentation of which brand was used. What should we do?
Meningococcal A, C, W, and Y Vaccination
Q: Can you provide a comprehensive overview of the MenACWY recommendations, including those for vaccinating younger children and older adults who have risk factors?
Q: Who is recommended to be vaccinated against meningococcal ACWY disease?
Q: Which people with risk factors should receive booster doses beyond the routinely recommended adolescent doses of MenACWY?
Q: Are the three MenACWY vaccines interchangeable?
Q: Adults who are asplenic need PCV13 and MenACWY. Does the recommendation to separate PCV13 and Menactra (MenACWY-D) apply to adults as well as children?
Q: Does the recommendation for separation of DTaP and Menactra (MenACWY-D) also apply to children with functional or anatomic asplenia?
Q: If a child with a high-risk condition receives 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?

Issue 1521: October 14, 2020

Top Stories
Tune in Thursday: IAC will host "Mass Vaccination Clinics: Challenges and Best Practices" webinar on October 15
FDA posts briefing document for its advisory committee, VRBPAC titled "Development, Authorization and Licensure of Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19"
CDC analysis of flu hospitalization data shows that people from racial and ethnic minority groups are at higher risk
Sawbones releases "Our 2020 Flu Shot Extravaganza" podcast, an annual celebration of influenza vaccination with answers to listeners' questions
FluView reporting has begun; be sure all your patients are getting vaccinated!
AAP announces Virtual Visiting Immunization Expert Initiative
IAC Spotlight! PowerPoint Slide Sets gateway page contains 13 presentations on immunization topics; available by request for your use
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast "I Fought the (Anti-Vaccine) Law," featuring law professor Dorit Reiss
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC revises its meningococcal B standing orders template for adolescents and adults
IAC updates "Meningococcal B Vaccine: IAC Answers Your Questions" and "Meningococcal B Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor"
IAC updates "Meningococcal: Questions and Answers, Information about the Disease and Vaccines"
IAC updates "Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations for Children and Adults by Age and/or Risk Factor"
Featured Resources
Explore a wealth of resources on innovative approaches for enhancing influenza and general vaccination services
Check out the FLU+FORCE website, a centralized collection of trusted information to help plan a mobile flu vaccination clinic
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez reassures parents that children cannot get the flu from the flu shot
Baylor University launches a series of lessons and activities to help teach children and adolescents about the importance of vaccines
Keep vaccinating against the flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes graph showing "Death Rates from Influenza and Pneumonia among Persons Aged >65 Years, by Sex and Age Group—National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2018" in MMWR
"Ensuring Uptake of Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2" published in New England Journal of Medicine
"Evaluating and Deploying Covid-19 Vaccines—the Importance of Transparency, Scientific Integrity, and Public Trust" published in New England Journal of Medicine
"Facebook Pages, the 'Disneyland' Measles Outbreak, and Promotion of Vaccine Refusal as a Civil Right, 2009–2019" published in American Journal of Public Health
Education and Training
CDC's "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on influenza vaccination to be held October 21
25th Annual MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference to be held on October 22
On the Lighter Side
In this 30-second PSA from 2000, lonely toys promote the importance of varicella vaccine for children

Issue 1520: October 7, 2020

Top Stories
CDC publishes "Influenza and Tdap Vaccination Coverage among Pregnant Women—United States, April 2020" in MMWR
CDC publishes "Flu Vaccination Coverage, United States, 2019–20 Influenza Season" via FluVaxView
CDC publishes "Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Health Care Personnel—United States, 2019–20 Influenza Season" via FluVaxView
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine releases final consensus report: Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine
Reminder: IAC will host "Mass Vaccination Clinics: Challenges and Best Practices" webinar on October 15
"Is It 0.25 mL or 0.5 mL? What Is the Correct Dose of Injectable Flu Vaccine for Children Younger than 3?" Dr. Wexler's Technically Speaking monthly column is available on immunize.org
Six additional colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—good news on campus!
IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC patient and staff educational materials were released during August and September
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates 2-page reference table, "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines," plus its cousin focused on adult vaccines
Featured Resources
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. Melvin Sanicas explains why you need to get the flu shot every year and how the body responds to vaccination
Reminder: IAC's new website, Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, offers high-quality resources to help jumpstart your mass vaccination efforts
Keep vaccinating against the flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"HPV Vaccination and the Risk of Invasive Cervical Cancer" published in New England Journal of Medicine
CDC publishes September issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization information
"A Cross-Sectional Survey to Evaluate Potential for Partnering with School Nurses to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccination" published in Preventing Chronic Disease
"A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Immunization Curriculum" published in Vaccine
Education and Training
The Ad Council offers webinar on the upcoming flu vaccination PSA campaign on October 8
Trust for America's Health offers webinar titled "Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccine Access, Safety, and Utilization: Building Vaccination Confidence in Communities of Color" on October 21
Conferences and Meetings
Watch the 3-day, virtual ACIP meeting October 28–30; sign up for public comment; no registration is required
On the Lighter Side
In this 30-second PSA from 1976, Larry Csonka from the New York Giants warns flu can hit you harder than even the meanest middle linebacker

Issue 1519: September 30, 2020

Top Stories
CDC publishes "Meningococcal Vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, U.S., 2020" in MMWR
IAC summarizes ACIP's third special meeting on COVID-19 vaccination strategies
IAC updates 11 Ask the Experts web pages
Organizing a mass vaccination clinic? Plan to attend IAC's how-to webinar on October 15, 2020
Six additional colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—the list grows!
October 1: NFID will hold its annual influenza and pneumococcal news conference
CDC publishes "Travel-Associated Measles in a Person Born Before 1957—Pinellas County, Florida, 2019" in MMWR
CDC releases "Digital Media Toolkit" for 2020–21 flu season
IAC Spotlight! "IAC in the News" gateway page is a collection of media articles and appearances featuring IAC experts; we've been busy!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its popular resource titled "Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization (Age 19 Years and Older)"
IAC revises its meningococcal ACWY standing orders templates for both children/teens and adults
IAC updates "Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor"
Official Releases and Announcements
September 28: World Rabies Day
World News
World Health Assembly endorses resolution titled "Strengthening Global Immunization Efforts to Leave No One Behind" to extend benefits of vaccines to everyone, everywhere
Featured Resources
In IAC's "Video of the Week," CDC reminds individuals to roll up their sleeves for their annual flu vaccine
IAC's "History through Film" web page features PBS documentary about 30 years of IAC titled Protecting Health: Saving Lives. Please share.
It's time to start vaccinating against flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today!
Use IAC's expanded Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic to catch up patients who fell behind
IAC's new website, Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, offers high quality resources to help jumpstart your mass vaccination efforts
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes September issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
Education and Training
Families Fighting Flu and Boost Oregon co-host webinar about flu vaccine messaging on October 2
AAP and CDC collaborate to offer webinar "Recommendations for Influenza Prevention and Treatment in Children: An Update for Pediatric Providers" on October 8
CDC's recorded webinar on pneumococcal vaccines, as well as 13 other segments in "The Pink Book" weekly series, available now
Conferences and Meetings
NPHIC and CDC virtually co-host 2020 Health Communication, Marketing and Media Forum, October 6–8
Register now for online NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course, November 15–17
On the Lighter Side
In this 30-second 2002 PSA from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, babies promote importance of childhood immunizations

Issue 1518: September 29, 2020

Ask the Experts: IAC Answers Questions about Influenza Vaccination for the 2020–21 Season

As an additional service to IAC Express readers, we periodically publish special editions such as this one, providing you with new and updated Ask the Experts questions and answers from IAC experts. This issue includes 23 Q&As about influenza vaccination based on recently updated ACIP recommendations.

To find the full set of IAC's Ask the Experts influenza vaccination Q&As, visit www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_inf.asp.

Looking for all of IAC's Ask the Experts Q&As on all other vaccines and their administration? More than a thousand Q&As are accessible from our Ask the Experts gateway page at www.immunize.org/askexperts.

IAC's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP; William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah L. Wexler, MD.

Influenza Vaccination Questions for the 2020–21 Season
Q: What's new in the 2020–21 influenza vaccine recommendations?
Q: Who is recommended to be vaccinated against influenza?
Q: Which influenza vaccines will be available during the 2020–21 influenza season?
Q: What are the changes to vaccine viruses for the 2020–21 influenza season?
Q: What are the new influenza vaccines available for the 2020–21 influenza season?
Q: Which formulations of influenza vaccines are licensed for various age groups?
Q: Does ACIP prefer that healthcare professionals administer high-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccine to people age 65 years and older, or is standard-dose influenza vaccine acceptable?
Q: When does CDC recommend starting influenza vaccination?
Q: Should our practice consider revaccinating our high risk and older patients a second time during the year due to concerns with waning immunity?
Q: Should Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Fluad (trivalent), or Fluad Quadrivalent be administered to patients younger than age 65 years?
Q: Does ACIP recommend one influenza product over another for pregnant women?
Q: Which influenza vaccines can we give to children?
Q: Please provide details about the use of inactivated 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 clinic vaccinate children younger than age 3 years with influenza vaccine taken from a multi-dose vial of influenza vaccine? The multi-dose vials contain thimerosal as a preservative.
Q: For whom is FluMist Quadrivalent approved?
Q: Is administering FluMist an aerosol-generating procedure requiring airborne precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Q: What types of personal protective equipment do healthcare personnel need for administering vaccines?
Q: What are contraindications and precautions for inactivated influenza vaccines?
Q: What are contraindications and precautions for the recombinant influenza vaccine (Flublok)?
Q: What are the contraindications and precautions for FluMist?
Q: What is the latest ACIP guidance on influenza vaccination and egg allergy?
Q: We are considering co-locating our COVID-19 drive-through testing site and influenza vaccination sites. Can we vaccinate someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection?
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 1517: September 23, 2020

Top Stories
HHS and DOD release CDC's COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook and Operation Warp Speed's "Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine"
IAC is seeking guidance documents on mass vaccination strategies. Do you have any to share?
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "History through Film" web page features PBS documentary about 30 years of IAC titled Protecting Health: Saving Lives. Please share.
IAC enrolls three new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; seven previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Reminder: IAC's gateway page "Vaccination and COVID-19" offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
In IAC's "Video of the Week": On August 25, 2020, WHO African Region was officially declared free of wild poliovirus
Use our website www.Give2MenACWY.org to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
It's time to vaccinate against flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes "Decreased Influenza Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic—United States, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, 2020" in MMWR
"Postmarketing Safety of Vaccines Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
"Trends in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Commercially Insured Children in the United States" published in Pediatrics
Education and Training
CANVax and Immunize Canada offer webinar "Influenza in the Time of COVID: Hoping for the Best, Planning for the Worst" on September 24
Immunize Nevada offers webinar "Challenges of Influenza Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Racial and Ethnic Disparities" on September 24
Immunize Nevada offers webinar "The Critical Importance of Flu Prevention: Insights from a Mother Whose Daughter Almost Didn't Survive" on September 25
On the Lighter Side
Dr. John Clarke's creative rap video during the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic puts a fresh spin on flu prevention education from HHS

Issue 1516: September 16, 2020

Top Stories
¡Viva México! An introduction to immunization information and advocacy in México
Reminder: IAC launches Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, its new website offering high quality resources to help jumpstart your mass vaccination efforts
Reminder: IAC's gateway page "Vaccination and COVID-19" offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
Paul Offit video interview about COVID-19 vaccination published by Medscape
IAC's Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic has grown to nearly 200 resources to help patients catch up on missed vaccines
IAC Spotlight! Check out the many adolescent vaccination resources on www.immunize.org
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
More colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—the list grows!
Healthy People 2030 goals released by HHS, a set of 10-year national objectives
Meningitis B Action Project released the results of their healthcare personnel survey on MenB patient discussions
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
New! IAC creates 1-page "Protective Measures for Vaccinating during the Pandemic"
IAC updates its contraindication screening checklists for both inactivated and live influenza vaccines
IAC updates two of its popular standing order templates for administering influenza vaccines, for children/teens and for adults
IAC updates "Influenza Vaccination of People with a History of Egg Allergy"
IAC updates its parent handout "Vaccines Work! CDC Statistics Demonstrate Dramatic Declines in Vaccine-Preventable Diseases When Compared with the Pre-vaccine Era"
Featured Resources
Share Protecting Health: Saving Lives, PBS documentary about IAC, with colleagues and friends on social media to help widen the understanding of the importance of vaccines
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. John Lynch explains why flu vaccine is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic
Education and Training
CDC's recorded webinar on hepatitis B, as well as 11 other segments in "The Pink Book" weekly series, available now
Immunize Colorado hosts provider webinar "Maternal Immunizations and Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention" on September 22
On the Lighter Side
Timeless 2003 PSA from HHS and the Ad Council reminds you to ask your doctor at every visit if your child is being vaccinated on schedule

Issue 1515: September 9, 2020

Top Stories
IAC launches Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, its new website offering high quality tools and resources to help jumpstart your mass vaccination efforts
Reminder: IAC's gateway page "Vaccination and COVID-19" offers a collection of tools to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
Today, September 9! NFID presents webinar on shared clinical decision-making for HPV immunization of adults
IAC Spotlight: IAC's Handouts gateway page provides free access to hundreds of vaccination-related handouts and fact sheets for healthcare professionals and the public
Three healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates two of its popular vaccine administration handouts on dose, route, site, and needle size
IAC updates "Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations" with information on MenB and Tdap/Td vaccines
IAC updates its parent handout "What If You Don't Vaccinate Your Child?
Featured Resources
PBS documentary about IAC, Protecting Health: Saving Lives, makes a powerful case for vaccination. Please share with your colleagues and friends on social media!
In IAC's "Video of the Week," the U.S. Surgeon General reminds parents to get their children vaccinated to prevent serious diseases
It's time to vaccinate against flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes August issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization information
CDC publishes graph showing "Prevalence of Past or Present Infection with Hepatitis B Virus among Adults Aged >18 Years, by Race and Hispanic Origin—National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2018"
Education and Training
CDC's recorded webinar on varicella and zoster vaccines, as well as ten other segments in the "Pink Book" weekly series, available now
California Immunization Coalition hosts webinar titled "Families Fighting Flu: More Important than Ever" on September 22
On the Lighter Side
In this 1972 PSA from the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the ghost of "Teen Angel" promotes polio vaccine

Issue 1514: September 2, 2020

Top Stories
IAC summarizes ACIP's 2nd special session on COVID-19 vaccine candidates and vaccination strategies
Reminder: ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccination for 2020–21 season published on August 21
IAC's new gateway page, "Vaccination and COVID-19," offers a concise collection of tools to support providing vaccination services during the time of COVID-19
Africa has "kicked out" wild polio, WHO announces
Use IAC's expanded Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic to catch up patients who fell behind
IAC Spotlight! These new or updated IAC patient and staff educational materials were announced during July and August
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates parent handout titled "Top Ten Reasons to Protect Your Child by Vaccinating"
World News
WHO reports on influenza surveillance data during the COVID-19 pandemic in Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
PBS documentary about IAC, Protecting Health: Saving Lives, makes a powerful case for vaccination. Please share with your colleagues and friends on social media!
It's time to start vaccinating against flu. IAC is shipping tens of thousands of our bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers. Order yours now!
Read Shot of Prevention blog post titled "Do Kids Need Vaccines If They're Doing Virtual Learning or Home School This Fall?"
AIM offers reminder/recall postcard and social media templates for providers and health departments
In IAC's "Video of the Week," "The Vaccine Mom" explains the difference between natural and vaccine immunity and why vaccine immunity is better
ACOG's updated "Immunization for Women" gateway page features downloadable infographics for maternal Tdap and influenza immunization
The Vaccine Education Center's classroom-based Vaccine Makers Project releases new trivia questions in celebration of Dr. Hilleman's 101st birthday
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Acute Cardiovascular Events Associated with Influenza in Hospitalized Adults" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
"Maternal and Infant Outcomes following Exposure to Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine during Pregnancy" published in Vaccine
Education and Training
In Vaccine Education Center's webinar on September 23, Dr. Paul Offit discusses COVID-19 vaccine development
CDC's recorded webinar on polio and Hib vaccines, as well as nine other segments in "The Pink Book" weekly series, available now
Conferences and Meetings
Today (Wednesday)! National Academy of Medicine holds public listening session on equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccine; submit written comment through September 4
On the Lighter Side
In this 1999 PSA from the Texas Department of Health, precocious babies show us with their fingers and toes when to vaccinate them during infancy

Issue 1513: August 26, 2020

Top Stories
CDC releases ACIP recommendations on use of influenza vaccines for 2020–21 influenza season
Massachusetts mandates flu vaccine for all children and adults attending childcare, pre-school, K-12, colleges, and universities. Seven more colleges and universities require flu vaccine for students and staff.
HHS amends emergency rules, authorizing pharmacists to vaccinate children under specific conditions
NIS-Teen: "National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years—United States, 2019" published in MMWR
"Choosing Proper Needle Length for Vaccination of Children and Adults: What Should You Consider?" column by Dr. Deborah Wexler—available on immunize.org
IAC Spotlight! Newly updated "Guide to immunize.org" is at the bottom of each IAC web page to help you find useful content quickly. Scroll on down.
Advisory Commission for Childhood Vaccines (ACCV) seeks nominations to fill vacant positions
IAC enrolls four new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; seven previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2020–2021 Influenza Season" handout for healthcare staff
IAC posts seven updated translations for "When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?"
"Screening Checklists for Contraindications to Vaccines" for children/teens and for adults now updated in seven languages
"Screening Checklist for Contraindications to HPV, MenACWY, MenB, and Tdap Vaccines for Teens" now updated in Spanish
Featured Resources
It's time to start vaccinating against flu. IAC is shipping tens of thousands of our bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers! Order yours now!
In our "Video of the Week," a neonatologist explains how he recommends vaccines to parents of premature babies
New vaccine-related resources from AAP, WHO, ACOG, CPHCE, and NY State Department of Health to enhance your practice
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
JAMA and JN Learning discuss measles vaccine refusal and consequent measles outbreaks in the U.S.
Education and Training
AIRA 2020 National Meeting Presentations offers eight-part webinar series; second half of the series begins on September 1
CDC's recorded webinar on meningococcal vaccines, as well as eight other segments in the "Pink Book" weekly series, available now
On the Lighter Side
2004 PSA from CDC and the Ad Council shows you don't need to go to extremes to prevent the flu

Issue 1512: August 25, 2020

IAC Express Special Edition - Shop IAC: Issue 1,512
August 25, 2020
FLU VACCINE BUTTONS AND STICKERS, VACCINES SAVE LIVES PINS, AND MORE FROM IAC!
Tens of thousands shipped. Low prices. Order your bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers today!
IAC's popular "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins make great gifts!
IAC's wallet-sized immunization record cards available for all ages!
Please "Like" or "Follow" IAC on social media

Issue 1511: August 19, 2020

Top Stories
Have you watched the PBS documentary about IAC, Protecting Health: Saving Lives?
For National Immunization Awareness Month, HHS releases "Catch-Up to Get Ahead Toolkit" with resources to promote vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic
University of California system mandates flu vaccine for all students and faculty at 10 campuses—other colleges doing the same
IAC Spotlight: Does your healthcare setting require influenza vaccination? If yes, ask to join the 1,000+ already included on IAC's Honor Roll
Use IAC's expanded Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic to invigorate your activities
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC posts seven updated translations for "Vaccinations for Adults" and "Vaccinations for Pregnant Women"
IAC posts seven updated translations for "Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years" and "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years"
Featured Resources
In our "Video of the Week," a mother becomes a strong vaccine advocate after her infant son's terrible case of chickenpox
Get ready for flu vaccination! IAC is shipping tens of thousands of our bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers! Order yours now!
CDC updates one of the pertussis appendices in its Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC "Quick Stats:" the percentage of adults 65 years or older who had ever received pneumococcal vaccine
Education and Training
CDC's recorded webinar on meningococcal vaccines, as well as seven other segments in the "Pink Book" weekly series, available now
Conferences and Meetings
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine forms Committee on Equitable Allocation of Vaccine for the Novel Coronavirus; sign up to receive updates and watch events online
Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on August 26; no registration is required
On the Lighter Side
Flash back to 1998 in Maricopa County, AZ's PSA, featuring basketball player Jason Kidd promoting childhood vaccination

Issue 1510: August 12, 2020

Top Stories
Watch Protecting Health: Saving Lives on immunize.org; this 30-minute PBS documentary portrays the rich history and contributions of IAC
Ask the Experts: Hepatitis A web page has been updated to include the newest ACIP guidance
August is National Immunization Awareness Month; promote vaccination with resources from CDC's website
IAC Spotlight! Our IAC Image Library gateway page leads you to a gallery of photos to educate staff and patients about the importance of vaccination
IAC's MenB Vaccination Honor Roll has added two new colleges that protect their students
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast "The Big Conspiracy" discussing anti-vaccine conspiratorial thinking and how we can nudge people toward rational thought
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Skills Checklist for Vaccine Administration" self-assessment tool for healthcare staff
Featured Resources
Families Fighting Flu offers social media, print, and digital resources to raise awareness and educate others about the flu
Vaccinate Your Family and Young Minds Inspired offer a vaccine lesson plan for educators at daycares and preschools to use with parents, grandparents, and other caregivers
In our "Video of the Week," a mother reflects on her son's life cut short by complications from measles disease
Check out the website www.Give2MenACWY.org to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Prepare for flu season by ordering IAC's "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Why Should I Have My Child Vaccinated?" is a one-page handout for parents, published in JAMA Pediatrics
"COVID-19 and Missed Routine Immunizations: Designing for Effective Catch-Up in Canada" published in Canadian Journal of Public Health
Education and Training
"Influenza's Impact on Our Youth—Overcoming Barriers to Reduce the Burden of Disease: Solutions for Awardees and Providers" webcast will be held Aug 18 and 26
Indiana Immunization Coalition offers August 19 webinar on preparing for flu during the pandemic
Oregon HPV Virtual Summit offers presentations with the goal of reducing HPV-associated cancers on August 19–20
Hep B Coalition of Washington offers "Hepatitis B Health Disparities in Refugee and Immigrant Communities"; free CE available
On the Lighter Side
Wearing a hazmat suit may not be the easiest way to prevent disease, suggests this 2009 parody video

Issue 1509: August 10, 2020

Ask the Experts: IAC Answers Questions about Hepatitis A Vaccination and a Few Other Topics

As an additional service to IAC Express readers, we periodically publish special editions such as this one, providing you with new and updated Ask the Experts questions and answers from IAC experts. This issue includes Q&As about hepatitis A vaccination based on recently updated ACIP recommendations, as well as a few additional questions on other topics.

You can find all of these questions and answers, plus more than a thousand others about vaccines and vaccine administration, on our Ask the Experts gateway page at www.immunize.org/askexperts.

IAC's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.
Hepatitis A vaccination questions
Q: How common is HAV infection in the United States?
Q: Do people die from hepatitis A?
Q: Who is most at risk for acquiring HAV infection?
Q: Who is recommended to receive HepA vaccine?
Q: I thought people with clotting factor disorders were at risk for hepatitis A due to their regular use of blood products. Why did ACIP decide to stop recommending routine vaccination of people with clotting factor disorders?
Q: What are the recommendations for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for hepatitis A?
Q: ACIP now recommends routine hepatitis A vaccination for people experiencing homelessness. Can you provide a definition of "experiencing homelessness"?
Q: Some people on my team are worried about initiating the HepA vaccine series in people who are homeless because we may not be able to complete the series or keep up with their records over time. How much of a concern is this?
Q: Why is hepatitis A vaccination recommended (and IG not recommended) for infant travelers age 6 through 11 months at risk of exposure to HAV?
Q: A child in my practice was given hepatitis A IG (GamaSTAN, Grifols) when she was 10 months old after her mother tested positive for hepatitis A. She's scheduled for her 12-month-old well-child visit. Will this affect her vaccination schedule?
Q: Which people should get GamaSTAN (IG) for prevention of hepatitis A?
Q: Can pregnant women receive hepatitis A vaccine?
Q: Can HepA vaccine be given to immunocompromised people?
Q: I have a child who was given her second dose of hepatitis A vaccine 4 months after the first dose. Does it need to be repeated, and if so, when?
Additional questions
Q: Can I give a recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix, GSK) at the same time as a tuberculin skin test?
Q: Can the Shingrix vaccine cause shingles?
Q: Since the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax, Merck) is recommended for all adults who smoke, should adults who vape nicotine, but do not smoke cigarettes, be vaccinated too?

Issue 1508: August 5, 2020

Top Stories
ACIP meets in virtual session to review COVID-19 vaccination options
CDC publishes "Rebound in Routine Childhood Vaccine Administration following Decline during the COVID-19 Pandemic—New York City, March 1–June 27, 2020" in MMWR
The Maternal Immunization Task Force issues call to action highlighting Tdap and flu vaccination during pregnancy and critical role of prenatal caregivers in promoting vaccination
Fall semester brings mandatory influenza vaccination for attendance at some colleges and universities
HepFree Hawai'i launches comprehensive strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030
ImmYounity, an eLearning platform for healthcare providers about communicating effective, efficient, and confident vaccine recommendations for patients, now available
August is National Immunization Awareness Month; promote vaccination with resources from CDC and the Public Health Foundation
Use IAC's expanded Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic to organize staff training
IAC Spotlight! These IAC patient and staff educational materials and web pages were updated in June and July
Prepare for flu season by ordering IAC's new "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC and AIM update important staff resource for upcoming flu season, "Communicating the Benefits of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine during COVID-19"
IAC updates its staff education materials: "Current Dates of Vaccine Information Statements" and "You Must Give Your Patients Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)—It's Federal Law!"
Featured Resources
CDC podcasts provide recommendations from CDC experts on preventing flu
In our "Video of the Week" on avoiding shoulder bursitis with vaccine administration, Sandra Fryhofer, MD, shows preferred anatomic sites for vaccine injection
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes July issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization resources and information
Vaccine-focused scientific content
Education and Training
CDC's recorded webinar on DTaP/Tdap, as well as five other segments in the "Pink Book" weekly series, available now
HepB United sponsors virtual training titled "Advocating for Hepatitis B at the State Level" on August 25
On the Lighter Side
In this vaccine-promotion video from 1998, a baby responds with a smile to news that vaccines will provide protection from dangerous diseases

Issue 1507: July 29, 2020

Top Stories
CDC issues revised Guidance for Planning Vaccination Clinics Held at Satellite, Temporary, or Off-Site Locations
National HPV Vaccination Roundtable announces new resources to get adolescent vaccination back on track this summer
August is National Immunization Awareness Month; promote vaccination with CDC resources
IAC Spotlight! Our Adolescent Vaccination gateway page features a useful collection of staff and parent educational materials
Spread the word about well-child visits! Social media campaigns to support vaccination during pandemic launched by Michigan and California
Understanding lack of public trust in future coronavirus vaccines: New York Times podcast
IAC Catalog: Stock up on IAC's "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers for staff and patients. Last call to order IAC's laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms; don't miss out—order today!
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates adolescent and adult versions of its summary of immunization recommendations
Vaccine Information Statements
CDC releases updated hepatitis A VIS
Featured Resources
In our "Video of the Week," Maggie's story reminds us that herd immunity helps protect immunocompromised children
The latest edition of The Vaccine Handbook ("The Purple Book") App is now available from the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Check out Vaxopedia's new vaccine education page on how to handle vaccine storage problems
AIM announces new Immunization Program Policy Resource Library to engage, inform, and educate policy makers
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes July issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
"Incidence of Meningococcal Disease before and after Implementation of Quadrivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine in the United States," published in JAMA
"Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Initiation and Completion among Adult Males in the United States," published in Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
Education and Training
AIRA 2020 National Meeting Presentations offers eight-part webinar series to begin on August 4
CDC and NAO offer webinar on school-entry requirements for HPV vaccination on August 6
CDC and NAO offer HPV and anal cancer webinar on August 12
AIM offers "Increasing Flu Vaccine Confidence within African American Communities" webinar on August 18
Gerontological Society of America offers "Understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza, and COVID-19: Preparing for the Fall" webinar on August 31
On the Lighter Side
In this vaccine promotion video from 2011, a nurse considers her family and finds three people who need to be protected

Issue 1506: July 22, 2020

Top Stories
August is National Immunization Awareness Month; promote vaccination with CDC resources
The Public Good Projects launches "Stronger," a national campaign to fight vaccine misinformation
IAC Spotlight! Explore IAC's new Key Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals, a 5-page annotated list of key training, education, and reference materials
Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on July 29; no registration is required
Use IAC's expanded Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic to organize staff training
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC posts revised Spanish translation of "Which Vaccines Do I Need Today?"
Official Releases and Announcements
July 28 is World Hepatitis Day
Featured Resources
In our "Video of the Week," Juliana Evans, Malaysian celebrity and new mom, urges all parents to get their babies vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth
ASTHO releases podcast titled "Preparing for Fall: Back to School and Influenza Season," featuring CDC's Dr. Nancy Messonnier
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Vaccine-focused scientific content
Education and Training
CDC's "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on maintaining routine vaccination and preparing for influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic to be held August 4
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs Wednesdays through October 14; this week's topic is immunization strategies
The Vaccine Confidence Project offers webinar titled "Vaccine Confidence in the Context of Trials" on July 30
On the Lighter Side
Parents urged to make childhood vaccines a top priority in 2001 video

Issue 1505: July 15, 2020

Top Stories
CDC finds adequate capacity among VFC providers to deliver pediatric immunization services during pandemic
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Talking about Vaccines: Too Many Vaccines?" gateway page features many resources to respond to this question
ImmYounity, an eLearning platform for healthcare providers about communicating effective, efficient, and confident vaccine recommendations for patients, now available
IAC enrolls six new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; 18 previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
World News
WHO's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety reports on planning for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
CHOP's VEC launches new COVID-19 vaccine Q&A page
In our "Video of the Week," Katie Van Tornhout, whose infant died of whooping cough, urges all parents to get Tdap booster
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Patterns of influenza vaccination and vaccine effectiveness among young U.S. children who receive outpatient care for acute respiratory tract illness" published in JAMA Pediatrics
"Building Immunization Decision-Making Capacity within the World Health Organization European Region" published in Vaccine
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics continues on Wednesdays, July 15 through October 14; recordings will be posted online
"Oregon Pacific AHEC offers webinar titled "You Are the Key to HPV Cancer Prevention" on July 22
NFID posts recording of July 9 webinar on updates from June 2020 ACIP meeting
On the Lighter Side
Not all monsters are make-believe in this 1998 vaccine promotion video from Aetna Insurance Company
On this day in history

Issue 1504: July 8, 2020

Top Stories
CDC publishes "Prevention of Hepatitis A Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2020" in MMWR
BBC interviews Dr. L.J Tan on influenza vaccination during pandemic
Colorado revises its school exemption rules to boost vaccination rates
Ten new colleges and universities added to IAC's MenB Vaccination Honor Roll for recommending vaccination of students
IAC Spotlight! These IAC patient and staff educational materials and web pages were updated in May and June
Apply IAC's expanded Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic to increase your reach
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts Hebrew translations of hepatitis B; influenza, inactivated or recombinant; MMRV; and polio VISs
IAC posts corrected Arabic translation of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine VIS
World News
WHO issues updated position paper on rubella vaccines
Featured Resources
In our "Video of the Week," a young girl explains to her teddy bear why the coronavirus pandemic should not stop you from getting your vaccines
Vaccinate Your Family releases videos featuring people sharing their first-hand experiences with vaccine-preventable diseases
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes June issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization resources and information
"Logistical Challenges for Potential SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine and a Call to Research Institutions, Developers, and Manufacturers" published in Vaccine
"Emergence of Spatial Clustering in Medical Vaccine Exemptions Following California Senate Bill 277, 2015–2018" published in American Journal of Public Health
"Association between Human Papillomavirus Vaccination School-Entry Requirements and Vaccination Initiation" published in JAMA Pediatrics
"Improving HPV Vaccination Rates: A Stepped-Wedge Randomized Trial" published in Pediatrics
"Missed opportunities for human papillomavirus vaccination at office visits during which influenza vaccine was administered" published in Vaccine
Education and Training
Weekly CDC webinar series on "The Pink Book" chapter topics runs July 1 through October 14; recordings will be posted online
On the Lighter Side
Children promote influenza vaccination of their grandparents in 2005 video

Issue 1503: July 1, 2020

IAC Express Issue 1,503
July 1, 2020
Top Stories
Happy Canada Day! An introduction to immunization information and advocacy in Canada
IAC summarizes the June 2020 ACIP Virtual Meeting
Vaccinate Your Family releases supplemental report on our nation's "ImmUnion" in regard to vaccination during the pandemic
CDC issues "Dear Colleague" letter asking for your help in maintaining vaccination coverage levels, preparing for flu season, and protecting at-risk and vulnerable populations
Vaccines For Children (VFC) program offers updated handout and article with information for parents and guardians who may not realize that free vaccines are available for their children
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center revises its pertussis and tetanus Q&A handouts for the public
IAC Spotlight! "IAC in the News" gateway page is a collection of media articles and appearances featuring IAC experts
AAP virtual learning collaborative will focus on improving coverage with HPV and influenza vaccination in rural and underserved pediatric populations
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast "Can We Get Back to Routine Vaccines?" discussing the importance of routine childhood vaccines amid COVID-19 pandemic
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC revises three of its age-specific screening checklists for contraindications to vaccination
Featured Resources
In our "Video of the Week," teens from British Columbia are amazed when they learn that the HPV vaccine can prevent certain types of cancers
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes June issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
"Parental Hesitancy About Routine Childhood Influenza Vaccinations: A National Survey" published in Pediatrics
CDC publishes "Measles Outbreak Associated with International Air Travel—California, March–April 2017" in MMWR
On the Lighter Side
Two-year-old wishes for the gift of health along with his birthday cake
Click here for January – June 2020 Issues.

Issue 1502: June 24, 2020

Top Stories
FDA expands license for Gardasil 9 to include preventing oropharyngeal and other head-and-neck cancers caused by relevant HPV types
ImmYounity, a new eLearning platform for healthcare providers about communicating effective, efficient, and confident vaccine recommendations for patients, now available
IAC Spotlight! IAC's Immunization Partners gateway page recognizes the many organizations working hard to promote immunization
IAC's Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic now includes ten dozen materials
CDC updates Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2020–2021 Season to include information about vaccinating during the COVID-19 pandemic and two new quadrivalent formulations
HHS releases its National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy (NIVMS) 2020–2030
CDC issues Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory titled "Detection of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant, β-Lactamase-Producing Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup Y Isolates, United States, 2019–2020" highlighting the importance of vaccination
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
Featured Resources
CDC develops new web page to alert parents that well-child visits and vaccinations should be continued during the pandemic
In this week's "Video of the Week," the SciShow video explains how to make a COVID-19 vaccine
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"The Dual Epidemics of COVID-19 and Influenza: Vaccine Acceptance, Coverage, and Mandates" published in JAMA
On The Lighter Side
"Spot Prevention" 1966 animated video describes the development of measles vaccine

Issue 1501: June 17, 2020

Top Stories
CDC issues guidance for immunization services in light of falling vaccine rates due to COVID-19 pandemic
Updated! Ask the Experts: COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination Questions and Answers
Sabin-Aspen Vaccine Science and Policy Group releases its second annual report titled "Meeting the Challenge of Vaccination Hesitancy"
IAC's Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic now exceeds 110 materials
CDC publishes "Measles Outbreak on an Army Post and a Neighboring Community—El Paso, Texas, July–September 2019" in MMWR
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC revises three of its Q&A handouts for patients and providers: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus
IAC updates popular patient handouts "Protect Yourself from Hepatitis B…Get Vaccinated!" and "Protect Yourself from Shingles…Get Vaccinated!" in both English and Spanish
Featured Resources
In this week's "Video of the Week," Dr. Sandra Fryhofer discusses the HPV vaccine for adults
Check out the website www.Give2MenACWY.org to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"The Vaccines for Children Program at 25—Access, Affordability, and Sustainability" published in New England Journal of Medicine
Theme issue with 33 articles on "Vaccine Acceptance" published by Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
Education and Training
NCSL offers webinar "COVID-19: Maintaining Child Vaccination Rates During a Pandemic" on June 22
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder! You can watch the virtual ACIP meeting on June 24
On The Lighter Side
Eye-opening 1997 video lets mom know shots aren't just for babies

Issue 1500: June 10, 2020

Top Stories
IAC Express: Our 1,500th issue, thanks to you!
CDC issues interim guidance for immunization services during pandemic
NAIIS (the Summit) announces recipients of the 2020 Immunization Excellence Awards
Reminder: IAC adds even more new materials to its Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic
CDC publishes "Multistate Mumps Outbreak Originating from Asymptomatic Transmission at a Nebraska Wedding—Six States, August–October 2019"
Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its popular piece for the public, "Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences"
IAC revises its hepatitis A standing orders templates for both children/teens and adults
IAC updates hepatitis A vaccination handouts for adults, including one for gay and bisexual men
Featured Resources
Vaccinate Your Family's Shot of Prevention blog posts entry titled "Staying Up to Date with Vaccinations during the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Critical"
Video recording of National Academies' May 28 virtual meeting on improving vaccine uptake and issues of access and hesitancy now online
This week's "Video of the Week" presents a pediatrician's approach to talking to parents of children under age 2 years about vaccines
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"A Call to Action: Strengthening Vaccine Confidence in the United States" published in Pediatrics
Education and Training
AAP's Georgia Chapter sponsors two webinars, one on strengthening vaccine confidence and acceptance in the pediatric provider office on June 11, the other on measles in COVID-19 era on June 17
NAO to sponsor HPV webinar on ACIP recommendations on June 15
Conferences and Meetings
NFID 2020 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research to be held virtually on June 18–19; registration open and schedule available
On The Lighter Side
Video from 1979, featuring Captain Kangaroo, promotes measles and mumps vaccination

Issue 1499: June 3, 2020

Top Stories
IAC Commentary: Coronavirus Vaccines—It's Not a Race. One of the shortest editorials ever.
Reminder: IAC adds many new materials to its new Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic
Updated! Two Ask the Experts sections about diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and about vaccination during the pandemic
IAC Spotlight! These IAC patient and staff educational materials and web pages were updated in April and May
IAC enrolls two new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; 39 previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
World News
WHO reports on the March–April meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization in Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
This week's "Video of the Week" discusses a proposed vaccine technology using mRNA
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center updates its Vaccines and Adults: A Lifetime of Health booklet
Check out IAC's "Favorites" gateway page, speeding you to our most popular web pages and materials
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes May issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization resources and information
CDC publishes "Evaluation of a Program to Improve Linkage to and Retention in Care among Refugees with Hepatitis B Virus Infection—Three U.S. Cities, 2006–2018" in MMWR
Education and Training
This Thursday: National Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Organization to sponsor HPV vaccination webinar, June 4
Conferences and Meetings
National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) will hold virtual meeting on June 9–10
Agenda for the virtual ACIP meeting on June 24 now available; register to provide oral public comment
On The Lighter Side
Video from 1997, featuring a young woman surfing in Hawaii, urges parents to get their teenagers vaccinated against hepatitis B

Issue 1498: May 27, 2020

Top Stories
CDC publishes "Decline in Child Immunization Coverage during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Michigan Care Improvement Registry, May 2016–May 2020" in MMWR
AAP launches campaign urging parents to call their pediatricians to schedule check-ups and vaccines in light of falling immunization rates
Dozens of new resources! IAC adds to its new Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic
Cheers! Dozens of colleges and universities are recognized on IAC's MenB Vaccination Honor Roll for requiring the vaccine to protect their students
Teaching young people about vaccines: IAC compiles reliable resources for instructing high school students on vaccines and how they work
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its popular handout titled "When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?"
IAC posts update to its handout "Hepatitis B Facts: Testing and Vaccination"
IAC releases Spanish translations of two recently updated handouts on HPV, one for parents of 11–12–year-olds, one for adults ages 18–26
IAC revises its PowerPoint slide set "Give Birth to the End of Hep B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns" for your use
Featured Resources
This week's "Video of the Week" explains how to respond to pandemic concerns in a pediatric practice
As healthcare offices become busier, be sure you have IAC's laminated schedules and all the other "Shop IAC" supplies you need
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes May issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
CDC publishes "Assessing the Role of Food Handlers in Hepatitis A Virus Transmission—Multiple States, 2016–2019" in MMWR
"Planning for a COVID-19 Vaccination Program" published in JAMA
Education and Training
Thursday! CDC and Public Health Foundation will host webinar on vaccinating adults with chronic conditions on May 28
Conferences and Meetings
Register now to provide oral public comment at the virtual ACIP meeting on June 24
Thursday! NASEM Health and Medicine will hold virtual meeting on improving vaccine uptake and issues of access and hesitancy on May 28
On The Lighter Side
2009 parody video suggests ways to mask a cough to make the world a healthier place to live

Issue 1497: May 26, 2020

As a thank-you to our loyal IAC Express readers, we periodically publish special editions such as this one, providing you with new and updated "Ask the Experts" questions that are answered by IAC experts. This issue's Q&As include several about COVID-19 and routine vaccination as well as Q&As about Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccination based on recently updated ACIP recommendations.
You can find all of these questions and answers, plus more than a thousand others about vaccines and vaccine administration, on our Ask the Experts web page: www.immunize.org/askexperts.
IAC wishes to recognize our team of experts: Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.
Routine Vaccination during the COVID-19 Era
Q: What is the status of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Q: What does CDC advise about administering routine immunizations to children and teens when COVID-19 is circulating?
Q: Should infants born to women with hepatitis B virus infection (hepatitis B surface antigen-positive [HBsAg+]) be treated differently during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Q: What does CDC advise about administering routine immunizations to adults when COVID-19 is circulating?
Q: When COVID-19 is circulating, if I have the opportunity to vaccinate a child, teen, or an adult, should I administer only high priority vaccines, or should I administer all routine vaccines that are due at that visit?
Q: Some patients develop flu-like symptoms or fever after vaccination with recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix; GSK). Should I defer Shingrix vaccination because such a reaction might be confused with COVID-19?
Q: Due to COVID-19 circulation in my community, I am delivering more patient care via telemedicine. Does that mean I can do nothing about vaccinations?
Tdap Vaccine Recommendations
Q: Is it true that pertussis in children is increasing? Are more infants dying from the disease?
Q: Where can I find the most recent recommendations for use of pediatric diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) and adolescent/adult tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine?
Q: What are the recommendations for use of Tdap in children and adults age 7 and older?
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: When should adolescents who received a dose of Tdap (Adacel, Sanofi; Boostrix, GSK) at age 11–12 years receive their next dose of Td or Tdap?
Q: We have a 63-year-old patient who states she had tetanus as a child. She does not know whether she ever had any tetanus-containing vaccines in her lifetime. Should Tdap be given to this patient, and is it safe?
Q: We would like to avoid stocking both Tdap and Td vaccines. May we stock only Tdap vaccine under the updated Tdap CDC recommendations?
Q: If a dose of DTaP or Tdap is inadvertently given to a patient for whom the product is not indicated (e.g., wrong age group), how do we rectify the situation?
Q: ACIP states that children up to date on vaccines who receive a Tdap vaccine when 7–9 years old should receive another Tdap dose at age 11 or 12 years old. What about a child who is 10 years old?
Q: Some children in my practice are not up to date on their immunizations, and pertussis is circulating in our community. Can you guide me in determining how to make the decision about which vaccine to choose?
Q: According to the ACIP recommendations, which healthcare personnel should be vaccinated against pertussis with tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine?
Q: Please review the current recommendations for the use of Tdap in adults.
Q: A pertussis outbreak is occurring in our town, with many cases happening in the schools. Is there a recommendation for boosting middle- and high-school students with an additional dose of Tdap during an outbreak if students have already had 1 dose?
Q: How effective is giving Tdap during pregnancy at preventing pertussis in early infancy?
Q: Each time there is a pregnancy in the family, should fathers and other family members receive a Tdap booster to ensure adequate protection and boost the cocoon effect to protect the newborn from pertussis?
Q: What schedule should I use to vaccinate adolescents or adults who never received the primary series of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine?
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: When a patient seen in the ER needs tetanus protection, which type of tetanus vaccine should be given?

Issue 1496: May 20, 2020

Top Stories
IAC launches Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic
CDC publishes "Decline in Child Immunization Coverage during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Michigan Care Improvement Registry, May 2016–May 2020" in MMWR Early Release
CDC publishes "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020"
Kudos! Dozens of colleges and universities are recognized on IAC's MenB Vaccination Honor Roll for requiring the vaccine to protect their students
Teaching young people about vaccines: IAC compiles reliable resources for instructing middle school-aged children on vaccines and how they work
The Vaccine Makers Project of the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP now inviting essays from students in grades 6–12 for 2020 Dr. Maurice Hilleman essay contest
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC revises "Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years" and "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years"
IAC and ACOG revise "Vaccinations for Pregnant Women"
World News
WHO commemorates 1980 smallpox eradication as legacy of hope for eradicating other diseases through global collaboration
Featured Resources
This week's "Video of the Week" explains how measles vaccine protects against other diseases
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Education and Training
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society launches "Vaccine Education from Training to Practice" online learning modules to train strong vaccine advocates
Immunize Kansas Coalition offers "Shutting the Door on HPV Cancers" online training module
On The Lighter Side
1972 video, featuring singing hand puppets, urges parents to get their children vaccinated against measles and other diseases

Issue 1495: May 13, 2020

Top Stories
CDC publishes "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020" in MMWR Early Release
CDC shares social media content for communicating with parents to encourage child and teen vaccination during pandemic
Ask the Experts: COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination web page addresses the administration of routine vaccinations during the pandemic
IAC Commentary: Society wants a COVID-19 vaccine—it's not just a matter of when, but also how much and for whom (part 2)
New! IAC launches its MenB Vaccination Honor Roll recognizing colleges and universities that require or recommend the vaccine to protect students
CDC updates its "General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization"
CDC publishes "Large Measles Outbreak in Orthodox Jewish Communities—Jerusalem District, Israel, 2018–2019" in MMWR
Dr. Deborah Wexler's VEC Technically Speaking column titled "Our Society Deserves Vaccination: Two New Educational Pieces from IAC Explain the Science Supporting Vaccines and the Value of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program" is now available on immunize.org
Teaching young people about vaccines: IAC compiles reliable resources for instructing elementary school-aged children on vaccines and how they work
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
Featured Resources
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Association Between Rotavirus Vaccination and Type 1 Diabetes in Children" published in JAMA Pediatrics
On The Lighter Side
Historical immunization spot featuring Batman and Robin urges healthcare providers to sign up for IAC Express newsletter and access IAC resources

Issue 1494: May 11, 2020

Special Edition: Routine Vaccine Orders Plummet
CDC publishes "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020" in MMWR Early Release
CDC shares social media content for communicating with parents to encourage child and teen vaccination during pandemic

Issue 1493: May 6, 2020

Top Stories
IAC Commentary: Society wants a COVID-19 vaccine—it's not just a matter of when, but also how much and for whom (part 1)
Immunize Colorado executive director discusses the urgent need for maintaining routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic
FDA licenses MenQuadfi (Sanofi Pasteur) for prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y in individuals 2 years of age and older
IAC Spotlight! These IAC patient and staff educational materials were updated in March and April
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
New! IAC handout titled "Adult Immunization: Importance of Staying Up to Date with Vaccines"
IAC updates three patient sheets on vaccines needed by adults with high-risk conditions: heart disease, lung disease, and those without a spleen
IAC posts update to popular handout "Which Vaccines Do I Need Today?"
IAC revises handout "Vaccinations for Men Who Have Sex with Men"
Featured Resources
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes April issue of Immunization Works newsletter
"State Policies on Access to Vaccination Services for Low-Income Adults" published in JAMA
"Use of Standing Orders for Vaccination among Pediatricians" published in Pediatrics
"Improving Birth Dose Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates: A Quality Improvement Intervention" published in Hospital Pediatrics
"Effect of State Immunization Information System Centralized Reminder and Recall on HPV Vaccination Rates" published in Pediatrics
"Vaccines Are Integral Part of Chronic Disease Management" published in Becker's Hospital Review
Education and Training
This week's "Video of the Week" explains the updated pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for older adults
CDC and Public Health Foundation will host webinar on vaccinating adults with chronic conditions on May 28
On The Lighter Side
Animated music video, "The Vaccine Song," promotes childhood vaccination with wit

Issue 1492: April 29, 2020

Top Stories
WHO warns that gains in immunization coverage are at risk without ongoing immunization services
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast titled "When Will Our Coronavirus Vaccine Arrive?" featuring noted researcher Dr. Stanley Plotkin
IAC Spotlight! IAC continuously updates information on 50 states' vaccination requirements for child care, school, and college entry
Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
Reminder: CDC, AAP, AAFP post guidelines for routine childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization during COVID-19 response
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its popular patient handout titled "Vaccinations for Adults: You're Never Too Old to Get Vaccinated!"
IAC updates three handouts for adults with high-risk conditions: diabetes, HIV, liver disease
Official Releases and Announcements
WHO issues statement announcing global collaboration to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines
Featured Resources
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes April issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
CDC publishes "Update on Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Outbreaks—Worldwide, July 2019–February 2020" in MMWR
Live attenuated influenza vaccine: five articles on present and future roles of LAIV featured in supplement to Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Education and Training
New Mexico Immunization Coalition will host webinar on shared clinical decision making on May 14
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will host webinar titled "The Critical Public Health Value of Vaccines—Tackling Issues of Access and Hesitancy" on May 28
On The Lighter Side
Historical immunization spot featuring C-3PO and R2-D2 urging "parents of Earth" to get their children fully vaccinated

Issue 1491: April 22, 2020

IAC Express Issue 1491
April 22, 2020
Top Stories
World Meningitis Day is Friday, April 24. Spread the word, stop the germs!
National Infant Immunization Week runs Saturday, April 25–May 2; CDC website provides tools you can use
Make the switch! CDC released updated VISs for DTaP, Td, Tdap, multi-vaccine, and yellow fever
CDC releases guidance to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B during COVID-19 pandemic
IAC Spotlight! Explore IAC's "Ask the Experts" gateway page for more than 1,000 Q&As about vaccine recommendations, administration, storage and handling, scheduling, and more
Reminder: CDC, AAP, AAFP post guidelines for routine childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization during COVID-19 response
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
Featured Resources
For World Meningitis Day, check out IAC's website, www.Give2MenACWY.org, to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccines
Think 16! "Dear Colleague" call-to-action letter from AAFP, AAP, ACHA, ACOG, APhA, SAHM, and IAC stresses implementation of immunization visit at 16 years of age
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Disparities in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Series Completion by Adolescent Males: A Retrospective Cohort Study" published in Academic Pediatrics
"Centralized Reminder/Recall to Increase Influenza Vaccination Rates: A Two-State Pragmatic Randomized Trial" published in Academic Pediatrics
"Russian Twitter Accounts and the Partisan Polarization of Vaccine Discourse, 2015–2017" published in American Journal of Public Health
Conferences and Meetings
Texas Perinatal Hepatitis B Virtual Summit to be held on June 25; CE available
Indiana Immunization Coalition will host HPV webinar on April 30; CE available
On The Lighter Side
Nostalgic look at vaccine advocacy for Immunization Action Month in 1974

Issue 1490: April 15, 2020

Top Stories
Reminder: CDC, AAP, AAFP post guidelines for routine childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization during COVID-19 response
Reminder: National Infant Immunization Week is April 25–May 2; prepare using CDC's 2020 digital media toolkit
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Clinic Tools: Administering Vaccines" gateway page provides resources from authoritative sources
IAC enrolls two new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; 17 previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC posts new handout titled "Science Supports Our Confidence in Vaccines: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence Favoring Routine Vaccination"
IAC posts new handout titled "The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program of 1986: An Effective Balance of Public Health and Personal Remedy"
IAC updates three HPV vaccine handouts for adults and parents
IAC updates English and Spanish versions of its easy-to-read handouts on hepatitis A, HPV, and pneumococcal vaccines
Official Releases and Announcements
CDC publishes "CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening Among Adults—United States, 2020"
Featured Resources
Order copies of IAC's laminated 2020 U.S. child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes "Seasonal Human Influenza A(H3N2) and Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Reassortant Infection—Idaho, 2019" in MMWR
Education and Training
Want to foster a culture of immunization in your office? Watch this excellent CDC video! CE available.
California Immunization Coalition hosts education hour on April 29 to discuss the Shot By Shot project

Issue 1489: April 8, 2020

Top Stories
CDC issues new guidance for adult immunization during pandemic
AAFP joins CDC, AAP in releasing guidance on maintaining childhood immunization during COVID-19 pandemic
CDC releases updated VISs for DTaP, Td, Tdap, multi-vaccine, and yellow fever
National Infant Immunization Week is April 25–May 2; prepare using CDC's new 2020 digital media toolkit
IAC Spotlight! IAC's Clinic Tools gateway page provides a wealth of practical educational materials from authoritative sources
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its staff education materials: "Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements" and "You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)—It's Federal Law!"
IAC updates "Before You Vaccinate Adults, Consider Their 'H-A-L-O'!"
IAC posts updated "Give Birth to the End of Hep B" promotional handout for its Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns guide
World News
WHO reports on control of epidemic meningitis in African meningitis belt in 2019 in Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
CDC's redesigned HPV vaccine gateway page for healthcare professionals, now optimized for digital devices, includes many practical resources
CDC and Medscape publish commentary titled "Rotavirus Vaccination: 5 Things to Know"
Order copies of IAC's laminated 2020 U.S. child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Education and Training
Vaccine Education Center's Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on April 15 discusses coronavirus, influenza, dengue, and polio

Issue 1488: April 1, 2020

Top Stories
Reminder: CDC released guidance on maintaining childhood immunizations during COVID-19 pandemic
Heplisav-B pregnancy registry open for enrollment
IAC Spotlight! These IAC materials and immunize.org web pages were updated in February and March
CDC reports lab-confirmed flu activity is slowing, but not gone; continue vaccinating
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
IAC Handouts
IAC revises "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines," which covers vaccines for children and adults, and "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines in Adults"
IAC updates Tdap/Td standing orders templates for children age 7 and older, for adults, and for pregnant women
IAC revises "DTaP, Tdap, and Td Catch-up Vaccination Recommendations by Prior Vaccine History and Age"
Featured Resources
Order copies of IAC's laminated 2020 U.S. child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
Not-to-miss information and videos on handwashing
Reminder: "65+ Flu Defense" website features tools and resources for healthcare professionals serving adults age 65 and older
Journal Articles and Newsletters
CDC publishes March issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization resources and information
Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia publishes March issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
Education and Training
New staff? Need a refresher? Learn more about immunization and improve your clinical skills! Check out these archived webinars and training modules from authoritative sources.

Issue 1487: March 30, 2020

As a thank-you to our loyal IAC Express readers, we periodically publish extra editions such as this one, with new and updated "Ask the Experts" Q&As answered by experts from the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC). The Q&As in this issue all relate to pneumococcal vaccination in light of the recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for adults age 65 years and older published November 22, 2019.
IAC wishes to recognize its team of experts: Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.
To access answers to many more questions on the use of pneumococcal vaccines, visit IAC's Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) web page on immunize.org.
PCV13 Vaccination of Adults
Q: What changed in November 2019 regarding ACIP pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, Prevnar, Pfizer) recommendations for adults age 65 years and older?
Q: What is CDC's guidance for shared clinical decision-making for PCV13 vaccination of adults age 65 years and older?
Q: If PCV13 is given based on shared clinical decision-making, when should PCV13 be given?
Q: Did the recommendation change for PPSV23 vaccination of adults age 65 years and older?
Q: Which high-risk adults are recommended to receive a dose of PCV13?
Q: How effective is PCV13 vaccine in adults 65 years and older?
Q: I have a patient who takes adalimumab (Humira) for rheumatoid arthritis. Does a person who takes adalimumab meet the definition of immunosuppression for the purposes of PCV13 vaccination?
PPSV23 Vaccination of Children and Adults
Q: Who is recommended to receive pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)?
Q: Could you briefly summarize the revaccination recommendations for PPSV23?
Q: How effective is PPSV23 vaccine for adults 65 years and older?
Q: I have patients who are in their 70s and 80s and remember getting a pneumococcal vaccine a few years ago. Should we assume that this was PPSV23? Should I assume that it was given before the 65th birthday?
Q: Since PPSV23 is recommended for all adults who smoke, should adults who use smokeless tobacco products (e.g., chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes) be vaccinated too?
Q: ACIP recommends vaccinating adults with asthma with PPSV23. Should I give PPSV23 to people with mild, intermittent asthma or exercise-induced asthma? Why isn't PPSV23 recommended for children with asthma?
Q: Should a healthy 75-year-old patient who was given PPSV23 at age 65 years be revaccinated?
PCV13 Vaccination of Children
Q: What are the recommendations for routine vaccination of children with PCV13?
Q: Which underlying medical conditions indicate that a child age 6 through 18 years should receive PCV13?
Vaccination Intervals for PPSV23 and PCV13
Q: What dosing intervals should be used when giving PCV13 and PPSV23 to patients (children and adults) who are recommended to receive both vaccines?
Q: A 2-month-old was mistakenly given PPSV23 instead of PCV13. What should be done?
Q: Rather than giving PCV13 first and waiting 8 weeks to give PPSV23 as recommended for an immunocompromised child (2 years or older) or adult patient, we inadvertently gave both vaccines at the same visit. We are looking for guidance.
Q: Can I give other vaccines at the same time I give either PCV13 or PPSV23 to a patient?

Issue 1486: March 25, 2020

IAC Express Issue 1486
March 25, 2020
Top Stories
In this time of coronavirus, the Immunization Action Coalition wants you to keep vaccinating when you are able
CDC releases guidance on maintaining childhood immunizations during COVID-19 pandemic
Hot off the press! IAC's laminated 2020 U.S. child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules—order copies for your exam rooms today!
IAC's Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) web page updated to align with recent ACIP recommendations
National Immunization Conference, National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit, and other events canceled amid COVID-19 concerns
Updated! 65+ Flu Defense website features tools and resources for healthcare professionals serving adults age 65 and older
CDC reports lab-confirmed flu activity is decreasing, but flu-like illness activity is increasing; continue vaccinating
There are now 1,135 healthcare organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
IAC Spotlight! Looking for the most frequently visited web pages on immunize.org? Check out IAC's "Favorites" gateway page, directing you to our most popular web pages and materials
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
World News
WHO publishes "Recommended Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2020–2021 Northern Hemisphere Influenza Season" in Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunization!

Issue 1485: March 23, 2020

LAMINATED SCHEDULES, RECORD CARDS, AND MORE FROM IAC!
New for 2020! Laminated versions of CDC's immunization schedules—great for exam rooms, with discounts for bulk purchases
IAC's hand-held immunization record cards available for all ages!
Check out our popular "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins!

Issue 1484: March 18, 2020

IAC Express Issue 1484
March 18, 2020
Top Stories
Hot off the press! IAC's laminated 2020 U.S. child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules—order copies for your exam rooms today!
CDC reports flu activity remains high, with pediatric flu deaths accumulating; please continue vaccinating
IAC enrolls three new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; 24 previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Reminder: "Dear Colleague" call-to-action letter from AAFP, AAP, ACHA, ACOG, APhA, SAHM, and IAC stresses implementation of immunization visit at 16 years of age
Nurses Who Vaccinate founder discusses how their global network of nurses connects with vaccine-hesitant parents
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information from CDC and WHO
IAC Handouts
IAC updates three key resources for healthcare professionals to protect newborns from hepatitis B infection
IAC revises its resource for patients titled "Pneumococcus: Questions and Answers"
Featured Resources
IAC's hand-held immunization record cards available for all ages!
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Pediatricians' Experiences with and Perceptions of the Vaccines For Children Program" published in Pediatrics

Issue 1483: March 11, 2020

IAC Express Issue 1483
March 11, 2020
Top Stories
Brand new! IAC's laminated 2020 U.S. child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules—order copies for your exam rooms today!
New Jersey updates its mandate for meningococcal vaccines in colleges and universities
Huge milestone! IAC enrolls 500th hospital into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll!
IAC Spotlight! IAC's PowerPoint Slide Sets web page contains 13 presentations on a wide variety of immunization topics; available by request for your use
CDC reports flu activity remains high, with elevated hospitalization rates among children and young adults; please continue vaccinating
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information from CDC and WHO
IAC Handouts
IAC updates both of its standing orders templates for administering MenACWY vaccine—one for children/teens and the other for adults
IAC updates "Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor"
IAC updates a technical piece for healthcare professionals titled "Meningococcal B Vaccine: IAC Answers Your Questions"
IAC updates its piece for the general public "Meningococcal: Questions and Answers—Information about the Disease and Vaccines"
Featured Resources
CDC updates recommendations in its "General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization"
CDC releases new patient handout "Talking to Pregnant Women About Vaccines"
Journal Articles and Newsletters
"Maximizing the Impact of, and Sustaining Standing Orders Protocols for Adult Immunization in Outpatient Clinics" published in American Journal of Infection Control
"Combating Vaccine Hesitancy and Other 21st Century Social Determinants in the Global Fight Against Measles" published in Science Direct
Education and Training
GSA's "Elevating Understanding of RSV in Older Adults" webinar to be held March 31

Issue 1482: March 10, 2020

LAMINATED SCHEDULES, RECORD CARDS, AND MORE FROM IAC!
New for 2020! Laminated versions of CDC's immunization schedules—great for exam rooms, with discounts for bulk purchases
IAC's hand-held immunization record cards available for all ages!
Check out our popular "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins!

Issue 1481: March 4, 2020

Top Stories
IAC summarizes the February 2020 ACIP meeting
CDC reports influenza activity is still high with elevated rates of hospitalization among children and young adults; please continue vaccinating this season to prevent flu from spreading further
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information from CDC and WHO
Seqirus's Fluad adjuvanted vaccine for people 65 years of age and older will be available as quadrivalent for the 2020–21 flu season
IAC Spotlight! In case you missed them, these IAC materials and web pages on immunize.org were updated during January and February
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast titled "Coronavirus and the Cerveza for Disease Control"
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Hepatitis B and Healthcare Personnel"
IAC updates "Pneumococcal Vaccines: IAC Answers Your Questions" and "Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations for Children and Adults by Age and/or Risk Factor"
IAC updates its PowerPoint slide set "A Photo Collection of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases" to use "as is" or modify to fit your needs
Featured Resources
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunization!
IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
February issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available; subscribe for monthly immunization resources and information
Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia publishes February issue of its newsletter Vaccine Update
"Improving Childhood Vaccination Coverage Rates: The Case of Fourth Dose of DTaP" published by Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
Education and Training
CDC's "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on the 2020 immunization schedules for children/adolescents and adults to be held March 18
Conferences and Meetings
Reminder: CDC's 49th National Immunization Conference will be held in Atlanta, on May 19–21

Issue 1480: February 26, 2020

Top Stories
CDC publishes "Interim Estimates of 2019–20 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—United States, February 2020" in this week's MMWR
CDC reports influenza activity remains high, with 105 pediatric deaths reported this season; please continue vaccinating this season to prevent flu from spreading further
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information from CDC and WHO
IAC's "Ask the Experts: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)" web page recently updated
IAC Spotlight! With more than 300 free, ready-to-use print materials, IAC's "Handouts" web section is the most popular place on immunize.org
There are now 1,127 healthcare organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast episode featuring two HPV Vaccine Champions discussing their strategies for increasing vaccination rates in their practices
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
World News
WHO reports on progress towards measles elimination in China in this week's Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
CDC offers free CE video module for nurses and medical assistants on how they can foster a culture of immunization in their healthcare settings
Vaccine Education Center features new video in its Science Made Easy series titled "How Does Natural Infection with Measles Suppress the Immune System?" narrated by Dr. Paul Offit
Vaccinate Your Family's Shot of Prevention blog posts entry titled "Coronavirus Is Bad, but Let's Not Forget about Flu"
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunization!
Flu season is ongoing, so make sure you have IAC's "FLU VACCINE" buttons for staff and patient stickers on hand!
Education and Training
This Friday (February 28!), National HPV Vaccination Roundtable to hold webinar titled "Using Data to Drive Systems Change"
Conferences and Meetings
25th Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference will be held on April 14 in Framingham

Issue 1479: February 24, 2020

As a thank-you to our loyal IAC Express readers, we periodically publish extra editions such as this one, with new and updated "Ask the Experts" Q&As answered by experts from the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC). The Q&As in this issue all relate to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
IAC wishes to recognize its team of experts: Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.
To access answers to many more questions on the use of HPV vaccine, visit IAC's Ask the Experts: HPV web page on immunize.org.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines
Q: Please describe the HPV vaccines available in the United States.
Q: What are the recommendations for use of HPV vaccine in people age 9 through 26 years?
Q: Are catch-up recommendations for the use of HPV vaccine different for males and females?
Q: What are the recommendations for use of HPV vaccine in people age 27 through 45 years?
Q: Why is shared clinical decision-making (a discussion between the provider and the patient) recommended to determine whether to provide HPV vaccine to an adult age 27 through 45 years?
Q: Why is HPV vaccination not routinely recommended for all adults age 27 through 45 years?
Q: Should I screen my patients age 27 through 45 years for previous HPV infection to determine whether to offer them HPV vaccine?
Q: I have a few patients who received their first or second dose of HPV vaccine at age 26 years or younger, but did not complete the series. Should I routinely complete their series after age 26 years, or do I need to use the shared clinical decision-making approach?
Q: What is the routine schedule for HPV vaccine? Did ACIP change it in 2019?
Q: Should transgender persons receive HPV vaccine?
Q: I read that HPV vaccination rates are still low. What can we do as providers to improve these rates?

Issue 1478: February 19, 2020

Top Stories
CDC publishes new FAQ web page titled "ACIP Shared Clinical Decision-Making Recommendations" to provide guidance for healthcare providers
Vaccinate Your Family releases special report on the state of our nation's "ImmUnion" and shares it with members of Congress
Happening today: February 19! NFID presents webinar on shared clinical decision-making
Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information from CDC and WHO
CDC reports influenza activity remains high and has increased over the last four weeks; please continue vaccinating this season to prevent flu from spreading further
Dr. Deborah Wexler's VEC Technically Speaking column about CDC's updated Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit is now available on immunize.org
IAC Spotlight! IAC enrolls two new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; fourteen previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
IAC updates "Standing Orders for Administering Pneumococcal Vaccines (PPSV23 and PCV13) to Adults" to match the latest ACIP recommendations
Updated "Zoster Vaccine: IAC Answers Your Questions" features commonly asked Q&As
Vaccine Information Statements
IAC posts new Karen translation of the rabies VIS
World News
WHO reports on International Task Force for Disease Eradication in this week's Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
Access "HPV Roundtable TV," a curated YouTube channel for accurate, evidence-based videos about the HPV vaccine, HPV virus, cancer prevention, and science
IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunization!
Flu season is ongoing, so make sure you have IAC's "FLU VACCINE" buttons for staff and patient stickers on hand!
Education and Training
Indiana Immunization Coalition offers access to the film "Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic"; nurses, physicians, and pharmacists can get free CE credit
Conferences and Meetings
The Arizona Department of Health Services hosts 27th Annual Statewide Immunization Conference on April 22–23

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