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 (68)

Issue 1610: December 22, 2021

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Top Stories
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Happy holidays! IAC will begin 2022 with a new name and new logo. On January 12, IAC Express returns as IZ Express.
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IAC summarizes December 16 ACIP meeting recommending preference for mRNA vaccines over Janssen vaccine to prevent COVID-19
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“Dengue Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021” published in MMWR
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CDC issues first Dengue Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) and IAC updates two handouts with current dengue vaccine information
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Flu activity in the United States continues to increase; get vaccinated as a safeguard this holiday season
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Martin Myers, MD, pediatrician and longtime authority on immunization and infectious diseases, publishes book for the public titled Immunization Information: The Benefits and the Risks 
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IAC Spotlight! IAC’s Immunize.org website offers many useful navigation features
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC introduces new print-ready, one-page educational document for frontline vaccinators: “How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults during One Visit”
Featured Resources
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CDC’s Partnering for Vaccine Equity program announces new "Vaccine Resource Hub" with COVID-19 and influenza vaccination educational materials
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Women in Government offers archived webinar “Protecting Moms and Babies: Removing State Level Barriers to Maternal Immunization”
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CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center presents new video series featuring pediatricians discussing common vaccine questions for parents
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AAP offers archived webinar "Increasing Influenza Vaccination Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic"
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AAP posts immunization reminder and recall strategies to identify and notify families whose children are behind on vaccinations 
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Voices for Vaccines releases podcast on Omicron variant with Your Local Epidemiologist
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FREE! Order IAC's popular red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
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FREE! IAC offers “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
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IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions
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Boost yourself, then encourage your friends to follow your lead by adding IAC’s “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame
Notable Publications
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Becker's Hospital Review publishes "Protect against the Omicron Variant of COVID-19 AND Influenza This Winter" by IAC authors
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“The U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program at One Year: How Many Deaths and Hospitalizations Were Averted?” published by the Commonwealth Fund
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“Report of Health Care Provider Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccination among Adults, by Recipient COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Attitudes—United States, April–September 2021” published in MMWR
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“Association of Maternal Cervical Disease with Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Offspring” published in JAMA
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MMWR recap: “Booster and Additional Primary Dose COVID-19 Vaccinations among Adults Aged ≥65 Years—United States, August 13, 2021–November 19, 2021”
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Pfizer-BioNTech offers COVID-19 vaccination provider webinars to explain new recommendations and products

Issue 1609: December 16, 2021

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Donate to IAC – Our Year-End Appeal
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Please Support the Immunization Action Coalition!

Issue 1608: December 15, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC expands Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster recommendations to 16- and 17-year-olds
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IAC’s “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page fully updated with educational materials and information on booster doses and childhood vaccination
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IAC’s newest handout on coadministration announced during our December 9 webinar now posted along with on-demand video of “Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too”
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December 12 marked 1 year since ACIP voted to recommend the first COVID-19 vaccine in the United States; IAC thanks vaccinators for their hard work and dedication
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Influenza vaccination coverage trending far lower than last year across all ages; vaccinate now
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American College of Physicians launches new video series to combat vaccine misinformation
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"Booster and Additional Primary Dose COVID-19 Vaccinations among Adults Aged ≥65 Years—United States, August 13, 2021–November 19, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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“Comparative Effectiveness and Antibody Responses to Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines among Hospitalized Veterans—Five Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, United States, February 1–September 30, 2021” published in MMWR
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on adult vaccination
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We have a quick question for you. In just 3 minutes, your feedback can shape the future of our Immunize.org website.
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
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New VIS translations to download now: IAC posts 4 Turkish translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements
Featured Resources
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CDC launches “Interactive COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations Module for Healthcare Professionals”
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Get them while you can! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers in English and Spanish.
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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC’s Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety.
Notable Publications
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“Vaccination in Pregnancy against Pertussis and Seasonal Influenza: Key Learnings and Components from High-Performing Vaccine Programmes in Three Countries: The United Kingdom, the United States and Spain” published in BMC Public Health
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“COVID-19 Vaccines for Adolescents: Leveraging the ABCs of Communication” published in the Journal of Adolescent Health
Global News
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“Update on Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Outbreaks—Worldwide, January 2020–June 2021” published in MMWR
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“Optimizing the Supply of Vaccines for COVID-19” published in Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Pfizer-BioNTech offers daily COVID-19 vaccination provider webinars to explain new booster recommendations and products

Issue 1607: December 14, 2021

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IAC Express Special Edition - Ask the Experts: Issue 1,607
December 14, 2021
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 13 Q&As about COVID-19 vaccination based on recently updated ACIP recommendations.
To find the full set of IAC's Ask the Experts COVID-19 vaccination Q&As, visit www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_cov.asp
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 B. Bridges, MD, FACP, and Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH.
COVID-19 Vaccination Questions
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Q: Who is eligible to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine? clinic?
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Q: What is the difference between an “additional primary dose” of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for an immunocompromised person and a “booster dose”?
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Q: My patient, age 30, has moderate immunocompromise and received an additional primary dose as recommended. Is a booster dose also recommended?
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Q: My patient takes high dose steroids and received a single dose of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) in late March 2021. He fits the definition for moderate or severe immunocompromise. Should I give him an additional primary dose of Janssen vaccine?
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Q: My patient, age 45, is immunocompromised and is recommended to receive an additional primary dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, but it has already been over 6 months since his second mRNA dose. What do I do now?
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Q: What are the differences in the orange cap and purple cap formulations of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine?
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Q: What are the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of children younger than 12 years?
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Q: Our clinic does not stock the orange cap formulation of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children age 5 through 11 years. Could we draw up a 10 microgram (mcg) dose out of the purple cap adolescent/adult formulation to vaccinate these children?
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Q: My patient turns 12 years old later this month. Should they get the orange cap Pfizer-BioNTech formulation for children now or wait to get the purple cap Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine formulation for adolescents and adults?
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Q: What do we know about the orange cap Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine effectiveness and side effects in children age 5 through 11 years?
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Q: We have a patient who was partially vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized for use in the United States. What should we do?
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Q: We have a patient who was fully vaccinated outside the United States with a vaccine not authorized by FDA and not on the WHO emergency use list (WHO-EUL). What do we do?
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Q: What are CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use Instructions (EUI) and to whom do they apply?
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Issue 1606: December 9, 2021

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Donate to IAC – Our Year-End Appeal
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Please Support the Immunization Action Coalition!

Issue 1605: December 8, 2021

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IAC Express Issue 1,605
December 8, 2021
Top Stories
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CDC warns against Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, strengthens booster dose recommendation for all adults age 18 and older
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IAC's influenza resources and December 9 Influenza Vaccination Webinar for National Influenza Vaccination Week are more valuable than ever as vaccination rates lag
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require states to cover COVID-19 vaccine counseling for eligible children and youth
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Influenza vaccination coverage trending far lower than last year across all ages; vaccinate now
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"Influenza A(H3N2) Outbreak on a University Campus—Michigan, October–November 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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Please help! In just 3 minutes, your feedback can shape the future of the Immunize.org website.
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IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,159 organizations, including one new facility
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IAC Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on enhancing clinic and practice operations
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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Recap: These updated IAC educational materials for clinicians were released during October and November
Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during October and November
Featured Resources
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Updated! IAC's "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" web page offers answers to questions about latest CDC recommendations for booster doses and vaccination of young children
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Voices for Vaccines releases podcast on social media and misinformation 
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Get them while you can! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers in English and Spanish.
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IAC's website "Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org" can help you excel; use resources for vaccinating children age 5 through 11 years against COVID-19
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Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
Notable Publications
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"COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Persons Experiencing Homelessness—Six U.S. Jurisdictions, December 2020–August 2021" published in MMWR 
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Commentary on quality measures to drive improvements in immunization rates published in Population Health Management  
Upcoming Events
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Tomorrow! IAC webinar December 9 at 1:00 p.m. (ET): "Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too: Influenza Vaccination in December and beyond and Practical Approaches to Coadministration of Vaccines in Adults"
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Tomorrow! NFID offers webinar "Closing the Gap: Protecting Adults with Chronic Health Conditions" on December 9
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Virtual: Pfizer-BioNTech offers COVID-19 vaccination provider webinars to explain new recommendations and products
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Issue 1604: December 2, 2021

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"VACCINES SAVE LIVES" PINS, IMMUNIZATION RECORD CARDS, TRAINING DVD, AND FREE COVID-19 AND FLU STICKERS AND BUTTONS!
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IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions
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Order IAC’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
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Every practice needs this award-winning vaccination techniques training video!
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FREE! Order IAC's popular red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
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FREE! IAC offers “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.

Issue 1603: December 1, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC’s popular “Ask the Experts: COVID-19” web page fully updated with answers to questions about latest CDC recommendations for booster doses and vaccination of young children
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National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 5–11. Register now for IAC’s December 9 Influenza Vaccination Webinar and promote flu vaccination with influenza resources from CDC and IAC.
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Influenza activity is increasing; CDC urges vaccination now
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Five minutes? We need you! Help us improve your Immunize.org experience.
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IAC Spotlight: Review of Immunize.org resources focused on childhood vaccination
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: IAC posts new translations in Burmese, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese of Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) released by CDC on October 15, 2021
Featured Resources
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Going fast! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers in English and Spanish.
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Explore the updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Notable Publications
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“Association of Discrimination and Health Care Experiences with Incomplete Infant Vaccination during COVID-19” published in JAMA Pediatrics
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes November issue of Vaccine Update for Providers newsletter
Upcoming Events
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IAC webinar December 9 at 1:00 p.m. (ET): “Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too: Influenza Vaccination in December and beyond and Practical Approaches to Coadministration of Vaccines in Adults”

Issue 1602: November 30, 2021

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Donate to IAC – Our Year-End Appeal
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Honor Giving Tuesday with a gift to support immunization

Issue 1601: November 24, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC summarizes November 19 ACIP meeting expanding recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine boosters to include all adults age 18 years and older
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Influenza is returning! CDC urges vaccination now, investigates large outbreak on University of Michigan campus.
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Help us improve your Immunize.org website experience. Please take 5 minutes to complete our website user-feedback survey.
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IAC posts new translations in Burmese, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese of Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) released by CDC on October 15, 2021
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CDC issues emergency use instructions and guidance for the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine among recipients of COVID-19 vaccines not authorized in the United States
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November 22 designated Public Health Thank You Day. IAC adds our thanks as the nation recognizes our dedicated public health workforce!
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on vaccine products
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC updates “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size” print-ready handouts
Featured Resources
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Resolve to Save Lives creates “Voices of Long COVID” campaign to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake
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Going fast! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers in English and Spanish.
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More COVID-19 vaccine doses in your family? Encourage your friends to follow your lead by adding IAC’s “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame.
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IAC’s shop offers great gift ideas for your colleagues and coworkers this holiday season!
Notable Publications
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"Mycobacterium porcinum Skin and Soft Tissue Infections after Vaccinations—Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, September 2018–February 2019" published in MMWR
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"Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Emergency Department Visits, and Hospitalizations because of COVID-19 among Persons Aged ≥12 Years, by COVID-19 Vaccination Status—Oregon and Washington, July 4–September 25, 2021" published in MMWR
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"State Laws Permitting Adolescent Consent to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Rates of Immunization" published in JAMA Pediatrics
Upcoming Events
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Register now! IAC webinar December 9 at 1:00 p.m. (ET): “Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too: Influenza Vaccination in December and beyond and Practical Approaches to Coadministration of Vaccines in Adults”
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Virtual: National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine offers webinar “Communication Strategies for Building Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines: Addressing Variants and Childhood Vaccinations” on November 30
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Virtual: Project VCTR offers webinar "How to Combat and Respond to Anti-vaccine Attacks on Social Media" on November 30 
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Issue 1600: November 17, 2021

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Top Stories
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Register now for upcoming IAC webinar! December 9 at 1:00 p.m. (ET): “Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too: Influenza Vaccination in December and beyond and Practical Approaches to Coadministration of Vaccines in Adults”
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New VIS translations to print now: IAC posts translations in five languages of Vaccine Information Statements released by CDC on October 15, 2021
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14th edition of the "Pink Book," CDC’s Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, now available to pre-order or download
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Institute for Safe Medication Practices highlights potential mix-ups between adult and pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, offers strategies to avoid errors
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Use IAC's refreshed "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" to help you catch up children on all recommended vaccines
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IAC Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on vaccine-preventable diseases, one disease at a time
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U.S. Surgeon General issues new toolkit for addressing health misinformation as COVID-19 vaccines roll out to school-age children
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Public Health Communications Collaborative updates toolkit with information on COVID-19 vaccination for children
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Bird is the word! Sesame Street offers interactive web page with videos, ready-to-print handouts, and other engaging, kid-focused content on vaccines.
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Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
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IAC’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 544 institutions, including four new honorees. Four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
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Get them while they last! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers. Buttons available in English, buttons and stickers available in Spanish.
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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety.
Notable Publications
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CDC publishes “Influenza Vaccinations during the COVID-19 Pandemic—11 U.S. Jurisdictions, September–December 2020” in MMWR
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MMWR Recap: “The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Children Aged 5–11 Years—United States, November 2021”
Global News
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CDC publishes “Progress toward Regional Measles Elimination—Worldwide, 2000–2020” in MMWR
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Today! Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy hosts webinar titled "Children and COVID-19: Strategies and Partnerships for Vaccination"
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Virtual: Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange offers webinar titled “The Basics of mRNA Vaccines and Effectiveness” on November 18

Issue 1599: November 10, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC summarizes November 2 ACIP meeting recommending Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children age 5 through 11 years
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CDC publishes ACIP recommendations for use of COVID-19 Vaccine in children age 5–11 years and updates its interim clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines website
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IAC summarizes November 3 ACIP meeting on hepatitis B, orthopoxvirus, and Ebola vaccines, and 2022 schedules
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“Effectiveness of 2-Dose Vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines against COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations among Immunocompromised Adults—Nine States, January–September 2021” published in MMWR
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CMS issues emergency regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare personnel
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AIM and Duke-Margolis Center offer school-located vaccination resources to increase child and adolescent vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic
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AMGA launches a national campaign, "Rise to Immunize," to increase routine adult vaccination rates
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IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,158 organizations, including two new facilities
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IAC Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on adolescent vaccination
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC updates its 2021–2022 season standing orders for administering influenza vaccine to children age 6 months through 18 years with Flucelvax age indication change
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IAC updates its print-ready fact sheet "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2021–2022 Influenza Season" with Flucelvax age indication change
Featured Resources
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Give thanks for COVID-19 vaccines this season! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers. Available in English and Spanish.
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Keep up with influenza this season: CDC’s FluView surveillance reports posted weekly
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Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
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IAC's website "Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org" can help you excel; use resources for vaccinating children age 5 through 11 years against COVID-19
Notable Publications
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"Hepatitis B Vaccination among Adults with Diabetes Mellitus, U.S., 2018" published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine
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MMWR Recap: Lab-confirmed COVID-19 among adults with infection or mRNA vaccine-induced immunity and ACIP recommendations for primary and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines
Global News
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November 12 is World Pneumonia Day
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"The Effects of the National HPV Vaccination Programme in England, UK, on Cervical Cancer and Grade 3 Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Incidence: A Register-Based Observational Study" published in Lancet
Upcoming Events
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COVID-19 vaccination provider webinars to explain new recommendations and products
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Virtual: NAM hosts "Report Release Webinar: Advancing Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Preparedness and Response" on November 18  

Issue 1598: November 3, 2021

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Top Stories
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Watch today (November 3 at 10:00 a.m. ET): ACIP meeting on hepatitis B, orthopoxvirus, Ebola vaccines, and immunization schedules; no registration required
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"The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendations for Additional Primary and Booster Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines—United States, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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CDC updates interim clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses of Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines
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COVID-19 vaccination provider webinars to explain new recommendations and products
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CDC updates orders regarding COVID-19 testing and vaccination of international travelers flying to the United States, effective November 8
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GlaxoSmithKline recalls one lot of pediatric hepatitis B vaccine pre-filled syringes for missing label on some syringes
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Keep up with influenza this season: CDC’s FluView surveillance reports now being posted weekly
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IAC Spotlight! IAC’s “Standing Orders Templates for Administering Vaccines” main page offers templates to facilitate vaccine delivery
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
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Correction: IAC Express # 1,597 (October 27)
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC updates four influenza-related, print-ready materials for patients and healthcare personnel
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Recap: These updated IAC materials for clinicians were released during September and October
Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during September and October
Featured Resources
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Give thanks for COVID-19 vaccines this season! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers. Available in English and Spanish.
•
Explore the updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Notable Publications
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"Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 among Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19-Like Illness with Infection-Induced or mRNA Vaccine-Induced SARS-CoV-2 Immunity—Nine States, January–September 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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MMWR Recap: "COVID-19 Vaccination and Non-COVID-19 Mortality Risk––Seven Integrated Health Care Organizations, United States, December 14, 2020–July 31, 2021” 
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes October issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
Global News
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"Routine Vaccination Coverage—Worldwide, 2020” published in MMWR 
Upcoming Events
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Today! Virtual: CDC offers "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on recommendations for the 2021–22 influenza season on November 3
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Virtual: Vaccine Education Center’s Current Issues in Vaccines for Providers webinar on December 8 features Dr. Paul Offit discussing COVID-19 vaccine booster doses; CE available

Issue 1597: October 27, 2021

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Top Stories
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November 2–3: Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for children age 5–11 years
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IAC summarizes ACIP meeting on COVID-19 booster doses, October 21
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IAC summarizes ACIP meeting on pneumococcal, zoster, and influenza vaccines, October 20
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CDC posts web page "COVID-19 Vaccination for Children 5–11 Years Old” to help public health clinics, pharmacists, and community partners plan for COVID-19 vaccination of this age group in near future 
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Hosting happy holidays: CDC guidance emphasizes vaccination for safe gatherings
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Voices for Vaccines releases podcast with IAC"s L.J Tan, MS, PhD, on the upcoming influenza season co-occurring with the pandemic
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IAC Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on communications
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National Academy of Medicine elects 100 new members, including IAC's John Grabenstein, RPh, PhD 
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
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CDC releases four updated Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) for immediate use; translations in progress
Featured Resources
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Scare off COVID-19 this Halloween! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers. Available in English and Spanish.
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Got your COVID-19 booster recently? Encourage friends to follow your lead by adding IAC"s "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame.
Notable Publications
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"Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccination against COVID-19 Hospitalization among Persons Aged 12–18 Years—United States, June–September 2021” published in MMWR
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"COVID-19 Vaccination and Non-COVID-19 Mortality Risk—Seven Integrated Health Care Organizations, United States, December 14, 2020–July 31, 2021” published in MMWR Early Release 
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"COVID-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy and First-Trimester Miscarriage” published in NEJM 
Upcoming Events
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Tomorrow! Virtual: ACOG hosts webinar titled "COVID-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy: What You Need to Know" on October 28.
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Virtual: CDC offers webinar titled "Influenza Update—2021–2022” on November 3; seats are limited, recording will be posted
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Issue 1596: October 21, 2021

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Shop IAC for free
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FREE! Special one-time offer: order IAC's popular red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
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FREE! IAC offers "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
•
NOT FREE––but our readers love them! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions.
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Issue 1595: October 20, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC releases four updated Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) for immediate use; translations in progress
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CDC publishes new national immunization survey results for early childhood in MMWR: “Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months among Children Born in 2017 and 2018—National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2018–2020” 
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FDA licenses Flucelvax Quadrivalent (Seqirus) for children age 6 months and older
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Vaccinate Your Family launches influenza toolkit with a library of shareable resources for the 2021–22 flu season
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IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Clinic Tools” main page is a one-stop source of practical information for vaccination providers
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC updates "You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's the Law!" to reflect new VIS version dates
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IAC revises "Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)" checklist to reflect new VIS version dates
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IAC updates “Protective Measures for Vaccinating during the Pandemic”
Featured Resources
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YouTube announces a new vaccine education video series for healthcare professionals and the public provided by AAP, CHOP, and ACP
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Reminder: IAC recently updated its “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page with educational materials and information on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster doses
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Let all the kids know you say “boo” to COVID-19 this Halloween! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to everyone promoting vaccination in hesitant communities. Available in English and Spanish.
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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety.
Notable Publications
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“Vaccine Coverage across the Life Course in Michigan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: January–September 2020” published in American Journal of Public Health
Global News
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“Supporting National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups in the WHO European Region in Developing National COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations through Online Communication Platform” published in Vaccine
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Watch ACIP today and tomorrow (October 20–21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET); no registration is required    
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Virtual: CDC offers "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on recommendations for the 2021–22 influenza season on November 3 

Issue 1594: October 13, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC launches "Let’s Play Catch Up" resources to encourage routine childhood vaccinations
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IAC updates "COVID-19 Vaccines" main page with educational materials and information on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster doses
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Institute for Safe Medication Practices highlights mix-ups between influenza vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, offers safety strategies to avoid future errors
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Keep up with influenza this season: CDC’s FluView surveillance reports now being posted weekly
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American Lung Association and Anthem Foundation launch "Fend Off Flu" campaign to increase flu knowledge and vaccination rates
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on the history of vaccines
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC updates "Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations" with information on COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements
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New VIS translations to download now: IAC posts 6 Turkish translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements 
Featured Resources
•
Spread the word, not the virus! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities. Available in English and Spanish.
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IAC's red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers are a bright idea. Order today!
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Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
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IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org can help you excel at mass vaccination activities
Notable Publications
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Journal of Infectious Diseases: Triumphs of Vaccination supplement publishes 16 articles on vaccine achievements
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HHS publishes report titled "Associations between County-Level Vaccination Rates and COVID-19 Outcomes among Medicare Beneficiaries," showing cases and deaths prevented
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White House releases report describing rationale for COVID-19 vaccination requirements
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AAP publishes October issue of Immunization Initiatives newsletter
Global News
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WHO recommends groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Watch the ACIP meetings on October 20 and 21 and on November 2 and 3; no registration is required
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Virtual: FDA advisors will meet on October 14, 15, and 26 to discuss COVID-19 booster doses and vaccination of children age 5–11 years
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Virtual: Shot of Prevention offers on-demand video titled "Vaccines for Teens and Preteens: A Live Q&A with Dr. Nneka Holder"

Issue 1593: October 6, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC issues urgent health advisory to increase COVID-19 vaccination for people before, after, or during pregnancy
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IAC summarizes September 29 ACIP meeting on zoster, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccination and other diseases
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New VIS translations to download now: IAC posts Arabic, Burmese, French, and Somali translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements for multiple vaccines
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"Safety Monitoring of an Additional Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine—United States, August 12–September 19, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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IAC Spotlight: Check out the Immunize.org resources to help with your vaccine advocacy
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IAC’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 540 institutions, including one new honoree. Five previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
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Your colleagues don’t want to be the last to know. Urge them to subscribe to IAC Express for free.
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC and AIM update print-ready training tool: "Communicating the Benefits of Influenza Vaccine during COVID-19"
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Echo: These updated IAC educational materials for clinicians were released during August and September
Vaccine Information Statements
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Echo: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during August and September
Featured Resources
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CDC provides field guide with 12 evidence-based strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination confidence and uptake
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Public Health Communications Collaborative releases resources to help answer questions about COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and support vaccination outreach
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Spread the word, not the virus! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities. Available in English and Spanish
•
Explore the updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
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IAC's red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers are a bright idea. Order today!
•
IAC's Calendar of Events provides information about federal, state, and national partners' vaccination conferences, as well as professional societies' annual meetings
Notable Publications
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes September issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
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"Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Status, Intent, and Perceived Access for Noninstitutionalized Adults, by Disability Status—National Immunization Survey Adult COVID Module, United States, May 30–June 26, 2021" published in MMWR
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"Protection of BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster against COVID-19 in Israel" published in NEJM
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"Effectiveness of mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine among U.S. Health Care Personnel" published in NEJM
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership hosts 26th annual "MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference" on October 28; CE available
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Virtual: University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers webinar titled COVID-19 Vaccines, Masks, and Mandates: Exploring the Legal Boundaries of Public Health Protections on November 4

Issue 1592: September 29, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC recommends a booster dose for recipients of a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine primary series who are age 65 years or older, who reside in long-term care facilities, who are age 18 through 64 with underlying health conditions, or who are at high risk of occupational or institutional exposure to COVID-19
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"Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Persons Aged >16 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, September 2021" published in MMWR
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Use lessons from COVID-19 vaccination efforts to protect more patients from influenza! Two IAC influenza webinars for vaccine providers are now available for online viewing.
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CDC launches "I Get It" flu vaccination campaign
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CMS launches new Medicare.gov feature to compare nursing homes by COVID-19 vaccination rate
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IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,156 organizations, including two new facilities
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IAC Spotlight: IAC's Handouts web page provides free access to hundreds of vaccination-related handouts and fact sheets
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
•
Spread the word, not the virus! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities. Available in English and Spanish.
Notable Publications
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MMWR Recap: "Comparative Effectiveness of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 Hospitalizations among Adults without Immunocompromising Conditions—United States, March–August 2021"
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"Association between Human Papillomavirus Infection among Pregnant Women and Preterm Birth" published in JAMA Network Open
Upcoming Events
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Watch today (September 29 at 10 a.m. ET): ACIP meeting on zoster, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccination and other topics; no registration required
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Virtual: CDC offers archived webinar for clinicians titled "What Clinicians Need to Know about the Latest CDC Recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster Vaccination"
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Virtual: CDC and AAP will host webinar for clinicians titled "2021–22 Recommendations for Influenza Prevention and Treatment in Children: An Update for Pediatric Practitioners" on October 7
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Virtual: NFID to hold influenza/pneumococcal news conference on October 7
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Virtual: Register now for online NFID Clinical Vaccinology Course, November 15–17; CME/CNE available

Issue 1591: September 22, 2021

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Top Stories
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September 22–23: Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on COVID-19 vaccine booster policy; no registration required
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CDC updates “Vaccines & Immunizations: COVID-19 Vaccines” web page, including two new sections
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IAC updates its "Ask the Experts: Influenza" web page to answer questions about what's new from ACIP for the 2021–22 influenza season 
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"Comparative Effectiveness of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 Hospitalizations among Adults without Immunocompromising Conditions—United States, March–August 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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IAC posts Russian translations of 14 new Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) issued by CDC on August 6
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IAC Spotlight: Check out IAC’s companion websites
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC posts new translations of current VISs in Chinese, Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese
Featured Resources
•
Spread the word, not the virus! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities. Available in English and Spanish.
•
IAC's red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers are a bright idea. Order today!
•
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage friends to follow your lead by adding IAC’s “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame.
•
Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions.
Notable Publications
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“New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations among Adults, by Vaccination Status—New York, May 3–July 25, 2021” published in MMWR
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“Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine through 6 Months” published in NEJM
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MMWR Recap: COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness studies
Global News
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September 28 is World Rabies Day
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Watch the ACIP meeting on tick-borne encephalitis, zoster, and pneumococcal vaccination on September 29; no registration required
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Virtual: View the panel discussions “Partners in Vaccination: A Collaboration between the AAP, AIM, and NACCHO” on September 29 and October 13
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Virtual: Unity Consortium offers webinar “Working Together to Protect Our Adolescents in School Environments from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases” moderated by Chelsea Clinton on September 30
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Virtual: Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange offers webinar titled “COVID-19 Vaccine and Delta Variant: Facts vs. Misinformation” on September 30

Issue 1590: September 21, 2021

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IAC Express Special Edition - Ask the Experts: Issue 1,590
September 21, 2021
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 16 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.
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) and Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP.
Influenza Vaccination Questions for the 2021–22 Season
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Q: Please summarize what's new in the 2021–22 influenza vaccine recommendations.
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Q: Which influenza vaccines will be available during the 2021–22 influenza season?
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Q: What are the vaccine viruses for the 2021–22 influenza season?
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Q: When does CDC recommend starting influenza vaccination?
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Q: Since influenza virus circulation was very limited during the 2020–21 influenza season, what might be expected for the 2021–22 influenza season?
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Q: May influenza vaccines be given at the same time as other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines?
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Q: What influenza vaccines are available for children for the 2021–22 influenza season?
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Q: What influenza vaccines are available for adults?
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Q: Which children younger than age 9 years will need 2 doses of influenza vaccine in this influenza season?
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Q: What is the ACIP guidance on influenza vaccination and egg allergy?
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Q: What are the contraindications and precautions for people with a history of a severe allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccination?
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Q: What types of personal protective equipment do healthcare personnel need for administering vaccines in light of COVID-19?
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Q: Where can I find resources to help me plan mass vaccination clinics for influenza or COVID-19 vaccines?
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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?
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Q: What are CDC recommendations for influenza vaccination of people who have already become ill with influenza during the season?
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Q: Can people who are currently infected with COVID-19 be vaccinated against influenza?

Issue 1589: September 15, 2021

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Top Stories
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The White House announces strategy to combat COVID-19 and reduce the number of unvaccinated Americans
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Happy Mexican Independence Day! Here's an introduction to vaccination information and advocacy in Mexico.
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IAC hosts influenza webinars: Register for September 20 webinar and view archived video from September 9, now available online
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New VIS translations to download now: IAC posts Chinese, Dari, Pashto, Turkish, and Vietnamese translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements for multiple vaccines
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CDC launches Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership to help recruit, train, and develop a new generation of leaders to respond to the nation's public health needs; applications now being accepted
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National medical boards endorse policy recommending penalties for physicians who spread COVID-19 misinformation
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"Monitoring Incidence of COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths, by Vaccination Status—13 U.S. Jurisdictions, April 4–July 17, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"Interim Estimates of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness against COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department or Urgent Care Clinic Encounters and Hospitalizations among Adults during SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant Predominance—Nine States, June–August 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines against COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization—Five Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, United States, February 1–August 6, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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IAC Spotlight: Expedite vaccination by using IAC's screening checklists
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC posts updated 2021–2022 versions of its popular standing orders for administering influenza vaccine to children age 6 months through 18 years and to adults
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IAC posts updated 2021–2022 screening checklists for contraindications to intranasal and injectable influenza
Featured Resources
•
Show your strong support! Order IAC's "Me Vacuné…" and "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers, now FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination!
•
Flu vaccine season is underway. Order IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients today!
•
Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety.
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IAC's gateway page "Vaccination and COVID-19" offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
Notable Publications
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"Surveillance for Adverse Events after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination" published in JAMA
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"Effect of Personalized Messages Sent by a Health System's Patient Portal on Influenza Vaccination Rates: A Randomized Clinical Trial" published in Journal of General Internal Medicine
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Register now! IAC's second influenza vaccination webinar on September 20. Our expert panel will offer ways to use the lessons of effective COVID-19 vaccination to inform flu vaccination efforts.
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Virtual: Register for Duke's Margolis Center for Health Policy webinar "School-Located Vaccination Strategies to Increase Child and Adolescent Immunization Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic" on September 17
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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To conclude this PSA series, we review the celebrities who promoted the good works of the March of Dimes in the 1950s

Issue 1588: September 8, 2021

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Top Stories
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Register now for IAC's second September influenza webinar, coming September 20! Our expert panel will offer ideas on translating COVID-19 vaccination strategies to inform flu vaccination efforts.
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IAC posts Spanish translations of 14 updated Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) released by CDC in August
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NIS-Teen 2020 results published in MMWR: "National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years—United States, 2020"
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CDC launches toolkit with COVID-19 resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers
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National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants posts "COVID-19 Resources for Afghan New Arrivals" in Dari, Pashto, and Farsi languages
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AAP launches COVID-19 vaccine confidence campaign with television PSAs in English and Spanish
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HHS Office on Women's Health releases provider toolkit titled HPV VAX NOW in Your Clinic: A Guide to Improving HPV Vaccination Rates among Patients Ages 18–26
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Meningitis B Action Project launches back-to-school resources to encourage vaccination; new social media series titled "Be a Team Player"
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CDC recognizes the contributions of Capt. Amanda Cohn, ACIP executive secretary, who will next direct CDC's Division on Birth Defects and Infant Disorders
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IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,154 organizations, including two new facilities
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IAC Spotlight: Check out the variety of staff training and in-service resources available at Immunize.org
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Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC updates its print-ready fact sheet "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2021–2022 Influenza Season"
Featured Resources
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Flu vaccine season is underway. Order IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients today!
•
Show your strong support! Order IAC's "Me Vacuné…" and "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers, now FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination!.
•
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
•
IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org can help you excel at community vaccination events
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Attend IAC's first influenza webinar on September 9. Our expert panel answers your questions on preventing influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Virtual: Immunize Colorado hosts "Vaccine Town Hall: Answering Your Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines, Variants, Boosters and the Status of Routine Vaccination" on September 15
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Virtual: FDA holds Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meeting on September 17 to discuss additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this PSA from Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center (Georgia), a narrator discusses the importance of hepatitis B vaccination at birth

Issue 1587: September 1, 2021

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Top Stories
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Following full FDA licensure, ACIP recommends use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty) for individuals age 16 years and older
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Register now for IAC's September 9 webinar! Our expert panel answers your questions on preventing influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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"Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021–22 Influenza Season" published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports
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"COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years—United States, December 14, 2020–July 31, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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IAC updates its "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" web page to answer questions about FDA licensure, vaccination during pregnancy, additional doses of mRNA vaccines for immunocompromised people, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myocarditis
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IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Clinic Tools: Administering Vaccines" gateway page provides resources from authoritative sources
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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IAC updates its popular temperature logs for refrigerators and freezers; available in Celsius and Fahrenheit
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IAC updates its Vaccine Storage Troubleshooting Record to document occurrence and resolution of questionable or unacceptable vaccine storage events
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IAC updates its handout for healthcare professionals titled "Checklist for Safe Vaccine Storage and Handling"
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IAC updates its handout for healthcare professionals titled "Don't Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Administration!"
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IAC updates its handout for healthcare professionals titled "Supplies You May Need at an Immunization Clinic"
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Echo: These updated IAC patient and staff educational materials were released during July and August
Vaccine Information Statements
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Be sure to update your VISs! CDC releases 14 updated Vaccine Information Statements; translations in progress.
Featured Resources
•
Show your strong support! Order IAC's "Me Vacuné…" and "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers, now FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination!
•
It's time to kick off flu vaccine season. Don't delay; order IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients today!
•
Teens are back in school, but many are still missing vaccinations! Check out updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations.
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American Hospital Association launches new PSA campaign to encourage hesitant hospital workers to get vaccinated
Notable Publications
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"Safety of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Nationwide Setting" published in New England Journal of Medicine
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"Vaccinations against COVID-19 May Have Averted up to 140,000 Deaths in the United States" published in Health Affairs
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"A Megastudy of Text-Based Nudges Encouraging Patients to Get Vaccinated at an Upcoming Doctor's Appointment" published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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MMWR recap: COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations by vaccination status and vaccine effectiveness estimates
Global News
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CDC and WHO report on progress toward polio eradication, worldwide, in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Record, respectively
Upcoming Events
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Watch today (September 1 at 5 p.m. ET): National Academy of Medicine's webinar "COVID-19 Conversations #21 the Fourth Wave: Vaccines, Variants, and the Future"; CME available
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Also today (September 1 at 3 p.m. ET): Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange's webinar "The State of the Pandemic: Where Do We Stand and Where Do We Go from Here?"; CEU available
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IAC's Calendar of Events provides information about federal, state, and national partners' vaccination conferences, as well as professional societies' annual meetings
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this compelling PSA from Pennsylvania Department of Health, we hear Tim Baker, an infant diagnosed with pertussis, struggle to breathe during coughing fits

Issue 1586: August 26, 2021

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IAC Express Special Edition - Ask the Experts: Issue 1,586
August 26, 2021
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 selected Q&As about the latest updates to CDC recommendations for the use of COVID-19 vaccines. In this issue, you will find updates on FDA licensure, vaccination during pregnancy, additional doses of mRNA vaccines for immunocompromised people, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myocarditis.
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) and Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP.
Latest Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines
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Q: What does FDA’s approval of the biologics licensure application (BLA) for Comirnaty, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, mean for my clinic?
•
Q: Are COVID-19 vaccines recommended during pregnancy?
•
Q: Are COVID-19 vaccines recommended if the recipient is breastfeeding?
•
Q: Are COVID-19 vaccines safe during pregnancy?
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Q: Can COVID-19 vaccination lead to fertility problems?
•
Q: What is the difference between an "additional dose" of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for an immunocompromised person and a "booster dose"?
•
Q: Why is an additional dose of mRNA vaccine recommended for some immunocompromised people?
•
Q: Exactly which immunocompromised groups are recommended to receive an additional dose of mRNA vaccine?
•
Q: Should I conduct serologic testing or cellular immune testing before or after offering an additional dose of mRNA vaccine to an immunocompromised patient?
•
Q: Does it matter which brand of mRNA vaccine I give to an immunocompromised person who is recommended to receive an additional dose?
•
Q: My patient takes high dose steroids and received a single dose of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) in late March 2021. He meets the definition of moderate or severe immunocompromise. Should I give him an additional dose of Janssen or mRNA vaccine?
•
Q: My patient has had a kidney transplant and wants to know if he is considered fully vaccinated for public health purposes (e.g., allowed to enter a restaurant where proof of immunization is required) if he has received the 2-dose mRNA primary series but has not yet had an additional dose?
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Q: We have a patient who was fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized in the U.S. Do we need to revaccinate?
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Q: Have any COVID-19 vaccines been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
•
Q: Tell me about mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis.
•
Q: My patient had an episode of myocarditis 5 years ago. Is a history of myocarditis a contraindication or precaution to vaccination with an mRNA vaccine?

Issue 1585: August 25, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC and other National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit members issue Call to Action to improve routine vaccination of adults
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Register now to prepare for flu season! IAC will hold "The Continued Threat of Influenza and How to Sustain Influenza Vaccination Efforts" webinar on September 9
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FDA licenses Comirnaty, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, for individuals 16 years of age or older; FDA issues new consolidated Fact Sheets
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CMS and CDC are developing emergency regulation to require staff COVID-19 vaccination in Medicare- and Medicaid-participating nursing homes
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Wrapping up National Immunization Awareness Month: promote vaccination with helpful resources for all ages
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"New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations among Adults, by Vaccination Status—New York, May 3–July 25, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on COVID-19 vaccination on August 30–31; no registration is required
•
FDA licenses Ticovac to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in individuals 1 year of age and older
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IAC's Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 539 institutions, including two new honorees. Four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
•
IAC Spotlight! "Ask the Experts" gateway page offers more than a thousand questions on vaccines and vaccination answered by IAC experts
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
•
Update Your VISs! CDC releases 14 updated Vaccine Information Statements; translations in progress
Featured Resources
•
National Nurse-Led Care Consortium releases COVID-19 toolkit for nurses to decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates in the community
•
AMA releases AMA STEPS Forward toolkit containing resources facilitating team-based adult vaccination
•
Immunize Kansas Coalition posts "Truth about Vaccines" handout designed for refugee audiences in ten languages
•
Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!
•
Encourage others to get vaccinated by ordering IAC's "Me Vacuné…" and "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers, now FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination!
•
Fall is around the corner; so is flu season! Stock up on IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients.
•
Vaccinated? Encourage friends by adding IAC's "Me Vacuné…" or "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame.
Notable Publications
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"Sustained Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines against COVID-19 Associated Hospitalizations among Adults—United States, March–July 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Nursing Home Residents before and during Widespread Circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant—National Healthcare Safety Network, March 1–August 1, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"Confronting the Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2, Summer 2021" published in JAMA
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"COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Cases: Data from the States" published by Kaiser Family Foundation
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes August issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
Upcoming Events
•
"CHOP Vaccine Education Center's Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on September 22 features Dr. Paul Offit discussing myths and misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines; CE available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this entertaining PSA from Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center (Georgia), children lip synch a Gladys Knight song to remind us that they are able to use their imaginations when they are protected

Issue 1584: August 18, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC summarizes August 13 ACIP meeting on new recommendation for additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for people with moderate to severe immunocompromise
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CDC releases 14 updated Vaccine Information Statements; translations in progress
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CDC strengthens recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination for people who are or may become pregnant, in light of reassuring safety data for vaccination in all stages of pregnancy
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"Use of COVID-19 Vaccines after Reports of Adverse Events among Adult Recipients of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna): Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, July 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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For National Immunization Awareness Month, use the new "We Can Do This" social media posts and graphics to promote back-to-school vaccinations
•
Multiple vaccine advocacy groups publish white paper describing challenges that prevent maternal immunization in the United States
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC’s Immunize.org website offers many useful navigation features
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
IAC updates "Vaccine with Diluents: How to Use Them" handout for healthcare professionals
Vaccine Information Statements
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IAC updates "You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's the Law!" to reflect new VIS version dates
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IAC revises "Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)" checklist to reflect new VIS version dates
Featured Resources
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National Governors Association Center for Best Practices releases new publication, "State Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Rural Communities"
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IAC’s gateway page "Vaccination and COVID-19" offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety
•
Encourage others to get vaccinated by ordering IAC's "Me Vacuné…" and "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers, now FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination!
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Fall is right around the corner; so is flu season! Stock up on IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients.
Notable Publications
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"Randomized Trial of a Third Dose of mRNA-1273 Vaccine in Transplant Recipients" published in NEJM
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MMWR recap: Reduced risk of reinfection of COVID-19 after vaccination
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"Pediatric Immunization Schedule: Best Available Evidence for 2021" published in Clinical Advisor
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"Evaluation of mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Adolescents" published in NEJM
Global News
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"The CAPACITI Decision-Support Tool for National Immunization Programs" published in Value in Health
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this upbeat 2003 PSA from Texas Department of Health, a doctor and mother explains why she recommends vaccinations for her own children and patients

Issue 1583: August 17, 2021

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Shop IAC for COVID-19 Vaccine Buttons and Stickers, Flu Buttons and Stickers, Record Cards, Pins, and More
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IAC's "Me Vacuné…" and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers available FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination! Available in English and Spanish.
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Fall is right around the corner—so is flu season! Stock up on IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients.
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Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
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Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions.
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Please "Like" and "Follow" IAC on social media

Issue 1582: August 11, 2021

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Top Stories
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Step up your back-to-school vaccination efforts with a Week of Action during National Immunization Awareness Month!
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Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on August 13; no registration is required
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ACOG issues updated advisory unequivocally recommending all pregnant and lactating individuals receive COVID-19 vaccination
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"Reduced Risk of Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 after COVID-19 Vaccination—Kentucky, May–June 2021," published in MMWR
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"Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing Hospitalization among Adults Aged >65 Years–13 States, COVID-NET, February–April 2021" published in MMWR
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American College Health Association organizes joint statement urging end of dangerous restrictions in some states that limit use of COVID-19 control measures
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HHS launches second phase of the "HPV VAX NOW" campaign for young adults
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IAC urges qualifying healthcare organizations to join 1,153 others on IAC's Influenza Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination. Apply now!
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on enhancing clinic and practice operations
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Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
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Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
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Check out IAC's "Me Vacuné…" and "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers in the "Something Great" (the vaccine song) video! Available FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination.
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Fall is right around the corner; so is flu season! Stock up on IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients.
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Vaccinated? Encourage friends by adding IAC's "Me Vacuné…" or "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame.
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IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org can help you excel at mass vaccination activities
Notable Publications
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"Children and COVID-19 Vaccines" published in JAMA Pediatrics
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MMWR recap: COVID-19 vaccine safety in adolescents and COVID-19 outbreak associated with large public gatherings
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: NFID hosts webinar "#VaxxedForClass: The Importance of Routine Immunizations" on August 17
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Virtual: Indiana Immunization Coalition hosts webinar "How Political Partisanship Impacts Vaccination" on September 1; CE available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this poignant PSA from New Mexico Department of Health, the Costales family asks you to vaccinate your child

Issue 1581: August 4, 2021

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Top Stories
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month; promote vaccination with helpful resources for all ages
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CDC Health Alert Network sends notice of the urgent need to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage
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Fifty-six healthcare societies issue a joint statement in support of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for all workers in health and long-term care
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"Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Infections, including COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Infections, Associated with Large Public Gatherings—Barnstable County, Massachusetts, July 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years—United States, December 14, 2020–July 16, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Health Care Personnel Working in Long-Term Care Facilities, by Job Category—National Healthcare Safety Network, United States, March 2021" published in MMWR
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FDA expands Shingrix indication to include immunocompromised people; ACIP recommendations under discussion
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Teaching young people about vaccines: reliable resources for instructing children and teens on how vaccines work
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New "Vaccination from the Misinformation Virus" documentary airs on PBS stations, featuring IAC expert. Check your local listings to watch.
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on adult vaccination
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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These updated IAC educational materials and web pages were released during June and July
Featured Resources
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center debuts a new animation that shows how mRNA vaccines work
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Ad Council offers Rural Resource Toolkit to help meet need for access to COVID-19 information
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Johns Hopkins University introduces Vira, a vaccine education chatbot, to answer common COVID-19 vaccine questions
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It's immunization awareness month; show your status by ordering IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers now available FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination! Available in English and Spanish.
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Time to prepare for flu season! Stock up on IAC's flu vaccine buttons and stickers for staff and patients.
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Back to school! Check out updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Notable Publications
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes July issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
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"COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections in Vaccinated Health Care Workers" published in NEJM
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MMWR recap: SARS-CoV-2 infection in Philadelphia County public school employees following a district-wide vaccination program
Global News
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Johns Hopkins University's International Vaccine Access Center introduces "VIEW-hub," an online, interactive, map-based platform for visualizing data on vaccine use and impact
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"Progress toward Hepatitis B Control—World Health Organization European Region, 2016–2019" published in MMWR
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this uplifting 1998 PSA from Rotary International, former president Clinton appreciates worldwide collaboration of organizations, governments, and volunteers working to end polio

Issue 1580: July 28, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC summarizes July 22 ACIP meeting on COVID-19 vaccine: recommendations re-affirmed after Guillain-Barré syndrome safety review, additional doses for the immunocompromised discussed
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July 28: Today is World Hepatitis Day!
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month; promote vaccination with helpful resources
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Many children are behind on their vaccinations due to the pandemic; communicate the importance of getting back on track with these toolkits and resources
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American Hospital Association releases policy statement supporting mandatory COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare personnel
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Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Foundation updates its "Vaccine Education from Training to Practice" program
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at immunize.org grouped by age cohorts
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Journalists interview IAC experts
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Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
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FDA offers COVID-19 informational web page in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese
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AIM and NPHIC develop "Immunization Communication Resource Portal" featuring talking points, messages, and materials to support your communication efforts
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AAP offers free web course, "HPV Vaccine: When, Why, and How," to motivate healthcare personnel to protect patients against HPV diseases; CME available
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IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins show how much you value vaccinations
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Spread the word! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities! Available in English and Spanish.
•
Encourage friends to get vaccinated by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame! Available in English and Spanish.
Notable Publications
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"SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Public School District Employees following a District-Wide Vaccination Program—Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, March 21, 2021–April 23, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"Harnessing Electronic Clinical Data to Report Adult and Prenatal Immunization Quality Measures" published in JAMIA
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"Carrying Equity in COVID-19 Vaccination Forward: Guidance Informed by Communities of Color" published by JHU Center for Health Security
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"Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines against the B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant" published in NEJM
Upcoming Events
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Hybrid: AIRA 2021 National Meeting to be held in person and virtually on August 3–5 in Portland
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Virtual: Immunize Oregon hosts "Northwest Immunization Conference" on August 16–20
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Virtual: AAP hosts "2021 AAP Pediatric Infectious Diseases Virtual Course: A Comprehensive Review for Primary and Subspecialty Practitioners," September 11–12; CME available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this boisterous 1999 PSA from Arkansas Department of Health, we are reminded young kids need routine vaccinations at regular intervals

Issue 1579: July 21, 2021

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Top Stories
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It's back to school season! Check out updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
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U.S. Surgeon General warns American public about threat of health misinformation
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month; promote vaccination with CDC resources
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on vaccine products
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FDA licenses pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine, Vaxneuvance, for adults age 18 years and older
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Immunization articles in the news
World News
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WHO updates position paper on rotavirus vaccines
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July 28 is World Hepatitis Day
Featured Resources
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Spread the word! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities! Available in English and Spanish.
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It's not too early to prepare for flu season! Stock up on IAC's "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers for staff and patients.
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MMWR COVID-19 Recap: Vaccination coverage at eight health care organizations, vaccine administration estimates in North Carolina, vaccine acceptability among adolescents and parents of adolescents, and Delta variant outbreak at gymnastics facility
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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety.
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Use IAC's "Vaccines: COVID-19" web page to locate the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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"Assessing the Association between Social Gatherings and COVID-19 Risk Using Birthdays" published in JAMA Internal Medicine
Upcoming Meetings
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CDC announces additional ACIP meeting on July 22
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this animated 1996 PSA from the Ohio Department of Health, a narrator reminds us how vaccines help children to grow

Issue 1578: July 14, 2021

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Top Stories
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FDA revises fact sheets for Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), adding Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) warning and revising thrombocytopenia warning
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CDC announces additional ACIP meeting on July 22
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Watch today (July 14): CDC's "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on catching up on immunizations during the pandemic; recording will be available afterward
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Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, disasters: 'Tis the season to exercise your emergency plan
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CDC and FDA issue joint statement on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses: no need yet, science will determine policy
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The 2021 edition of The Vaccine Handbook App has just been launched and is available in free iOS and Android formats, courtesy of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on vaccine-preventable diseases, one disease at a time
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Also today (July 14): NFID's "Updates from June 2021 ACIP Meeting" webinar; recording will be available afterward
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IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,153 organizations, including two new facilities
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates its vaccine storage and handling "Emergency Response Worksheet" for addressing power failures and temperature excursions
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IAC updates its handout for parents titled "Vaccinations Are Safe: Explaining Why," outlining the science underpinning public confidence in today's vaccines
Featured Resources
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Reminder: Use CDC's resources to help get the word out about catching children up on routine vaccinations
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Spread the word! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities! Available in English and Spanish.
•
"Shop IAC" on Immunize.org offers many resources: wallet-sized record cards, "Vaccines Save Lives" pins, and flu and COVID-19 buttons and stickers. Order today!
•
Encourage friends by adding IAC's "Me Vacuné…" or "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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"Acceptability of Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination among Adolescents and Parents of Adolescents—United States, April 15–23, 2021" published in MMWR
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"SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with a Gymnastics Facility—Oklahoma, April–May 2021" published in MMWR
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MMWR Recap: ACIP provides update on use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines after reports of myocarditis among vaccine recipients
Education and Training
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"CDC announces two webinar recordings for healthcare providers who will administer COVID-19 vaccines
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this 2004 PSA from the Nevada Department of Health, immunizations are deemed "priceless"

Issue 1577: July 7, 2021

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Top Stories
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"Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine after Reports of Myocarditis among Vaccine Recipients: Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, June 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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Introducing the next chapter in IAC's leadership: Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
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CDC offers resources to help get the word out about catching children up on routine vaccinations
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CDC and WhatsApp, a multiplatform messaging app, launch "Mi Chat Sobre Vacunas COVID" to help Spanish-speaking communities find information about vaccine locations and get answers to frequently asked questions
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Order IAC's free, CDC-supported "Me Vacuné Contra el COVID-19" buttons and stickers to encourage vaccination in Latinx communities. Also available in English.
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HHS's COVID-19 Community Corps adds COVID-19 toolkits for LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and faith-based leaders (also available in Spanish) to its library of resources
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American Pharmacists Association offers "Vaccine Confident" program to foster communication and understanding about COVID-19 vaccines
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Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast on vaccines and health equity with health equity expert Nate Chomilo, MD, FAAP
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Johns Hopkins' campaign, "Get the Facts about the Vax," helps people make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccine
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IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC educational materials and web pages were released during May and June
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Don't let your colleagues be the last to know. Urge them to subscribe to IAC Express for free.
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates "Notification of Vaccination Letter Template"
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IAC updates both the child and adult versions of 2-page reference table, "Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines"
Featured Resources
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United States Pharmacopeia releases updated version of its "COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit" with operational considerations for healthcare personnel
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NFID's "Keep Up the Rates" campaign is expanding to address coadministration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines, as well as health equity
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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"Safety of Vaccines Used for Routine Immunization in the United States: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in Vaccine
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Journal retracts article over "distorted conclusions" about COVID-19 vaccine safety
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this engaging 2009 PSA from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, families of all shapes and sizes can become unraveled from the flu

Issue 1576: July 1, 2021

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•
Introducing the Next Chapter in IAC's Immunization Leadership

Issue 1575: June 30, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC summarizes the June 23–25 ACIP meeting: myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, dengue vaccine for children in endemic areas, influenza vaccines for the 2021–22 season, rabies vaccine recommendation updates for children, and more
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Spread the word! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities! Available in English and Spanish.
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Happy Canada Day! A summary of immunization information and advocacy in Canada
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MMWR Recap: COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Adults and COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Intent among Adults Age 18–39 Years
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IAC Spotlight! Check out the many adolescent vaccination resources on immunize.org during back-to-school preparation
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In all, 537 institutions have achieved a place on IAC's Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, including two new honorees. Three previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates its handout for healthcare professionals titled "Don't Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Administration!"
Featured Resources
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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety
•
Encourage friends to get vaccinated by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame! Available in English and Spanish.
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Going fast! Order IAC's laminated version of CDC's 2021 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule today! Adult schedules sold out.
Conferences and Meetings
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AAP 2021 National Conference and Exhibition scheduled on October 8–12 in Philadelphia and online; registration open
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this 1996 PSA from the Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center in Georgia, a young "John Smoltz" throws vaccine-preventable diseases out of the park

Issue 1574: June 23, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers to nonprofit and public health organizations! Available in English and Spanish.
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IAC updates "Vaccines: COVID-19" web page with important new resources
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IAC's L.J Tan and other leaders testify before U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce about legislation to improve immunization access for adults
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"Saying Goodbye—and Leaving You with My ‘Top 10' List of Places to Bookmark on Immunize.org"; Dr. Wexler concludes 12 years writing the Technically Speaking column
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"COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Intent among Adults Aged 18–39 Years—United States, March–May 2021" and "COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Adults—United States, December 14, 2020–May 22, 2021" published in MMWR
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"COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Pregnant Women during Pregnancy—Eight Integrated Health Care Organizations, United States, December 14, 2020–May 8, 2021" published in MMWR
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CDC releases handout titled "Increasing Access to Vaccination Opportunities: COVID-19 Vaccination upon Discharge from Hospitals, Emergency Departments, and Urgent Care Facilities"
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IAC Spotlight! IAC's ACIP gateway page on immunize.org provides links to both current and past ACIP recommendations
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates its popular standing orders for administering zoster vaccine to adults
Featured Resources
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Encourage friends to get vaccinated by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame! Available in English and Spanish.
•
"Shop IAC" on immunize.org offers many resources: wallet-sized record cards, "Vaccines Save Lives" pins, flu and COVID-19 buttons and stickers, and laminated child/adolescent schedules. Order today!
Conferences and Meetings
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Watch the virtual ACIP meeting June 23–25; no registration is required
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes June issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this adorable 1996 PSA from the Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center in Georgia, a young "Evander Holyfield" knocks out vaccine-preventable diseases

Issue 1573: June 16, 2021

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Top Stories
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Fourteen states have surpassed 70%! Will yours? COVID-19 Vaccine National Month of Action heats up!
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Vaxelis hexavalent pediatric vaccine is now available for order
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FDA licenses pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, Prevnar 20, for adults age 18 years and older
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CDC announces emergency virtual meeting of ACIP on June 18 to discuss myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccines; you can watch live
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"Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Administration of Selected Routine Childhood and Adolescent Vaccinations—10 U.S. Jurisdictions, March–September 2020" published in MMWR
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CDC COVID-19 study shows mRNA vaccines reduce the risk of infection by 91% for fully vaccinated people
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Want to let IAC's retiring founder, Dr. Deborah L. Wexler, know how useful IAC's resources have been to you? Drop us a line!
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IAC Spotlight! "Package Inserts and FDA Product Approvals" gateway page on immunize.org offers valuable resources for clinics that administer vaccines
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
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IAC updates 1-page reference table "Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size"
World News
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"Progress toward Rubella Elimination—World Health Organization European Region, 2005–2019" published in MMWR
Featured Resources
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United Methodists Health Ministry Fund, based in Kansas, releases "Faith in Vaccines" sermon guide and toolkit
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Resolve to Save Lives initiative describes 15 practices to improve vaccination rates in hard-to-reach U.S. communities
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Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers, available in English and Spanish!
•
Encourage friends to get vaccinated by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame! Available in English and Spanish.
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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"Decreases in COVID-19 Cases, Emergency Department Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Deaths among Older Adults following the Introduction of COVID-19 Vaccine—United States, September 6, 2020–May 1, 2021" published in MMWR
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MMWR recap: CDC publishes hospitalization rates of adolescents age 12–17 years with COVID-19; previously issued as an MMWR Early Release
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"Vaccine Breakthrough Infections with SARS-CoV-2 Variants" published in NEJM
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this cute 2007 PSA from HHS, parents drop everything to get their children vaccinated against flu

Issue 1572: June 9, 2021

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Top Stories
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June is National Month of Action: a sprint to vaccinate Americans against COVID-19 by the 4th of July
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"Hospitalization of Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19—COVID-NET, 14 States, March 1, 2020–April 24, 2021" published in MMWR
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Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality publishes "Safety of Vaccines Used for Routine Immunization in the United States: An Update"
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IAC Spotlight! IAC's Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) gateway page has VISs in 49 languages
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A tribute to IAC founder Deborah L. Wexler, MD, with our thanks!
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Unity Consortium launches "Don't Wait. Vaccinate." campaign to help healthcare providers catch up adolescents and young adults on missed immunizations
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MMWR recap: CDC publishes COVID-19 vaccination coverage trends by social vulnerability and urbanicity on June 4; previously issued as an MMWR Early Release
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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Going fast! Order IAC's laminated version of CDC's 2021 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule today! Adult schedules sold out.
•
Father's Day is June 20. Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and "Vaccines Save Lives" pins for fathers who value prevention
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Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage friends to follow your lead by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame! Available in English and Spanish.
Education and Training
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NILE offers webinar titled "Working with the Successes of HPV Vaccine in a Time of Rising Vaccine Hesitancy" on June 16
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NFID offers webinar "COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Adolescent Vaccination" on June 30, CME available
Conferences and Meetings
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North Dakota State University's Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts "Transcending COVID-19 Vaccine Barriers: Strategies to Increase Confidence and Acceptance" virtual conference on June 16–17
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Watch the virtual ACIP meeting June 23–25; no registration is required
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this hilarious 2009 PSA from the Government of South Australia, sneezes and accompanying secretions are set to classical music

Issue 1571: June 8, 2021

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IAC Express Special Edition - Ask the Experts: Issue 1,571
June 8, 2021
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 selected Q&As about recent updates to CDC recommendations for the use of COVID-19 vaccines.
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 B. Bridges, MD, FACP; William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah L. Wexler, MD.
More Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines
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Q: Where can I find current COVID-19 vaccine recommendations?
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Q: What do we know about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine effectiveness and side effects in children and young teens in the 12- to 15-year-old age group?
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Q: Can COVID-19 vaccination lead to fertility problems?
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Q: Has CDC provided clinical guidance on what to do if an error occurs while administering COVID-19 vaccinations?
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Q: We have a patient who was fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized in the U.S. Do we need to revaccinate?
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Q: We have a patient who was partially vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized for use in the U.S. What should we do?
•
Q: Can COVID-19 vaccine recipients be given other vaccines at the same visit?
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Q: A vaccine recipient reported experiencing a red, itchy, swollen patch of skin that developed several days after vaccination around the injection site of her first COVID-19 vaccine dose. It resolved after a few days. Is this a contraindication? Should this alter our plans for dose two?
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Q: Patients concerned about the risk of allergic reaction or side effects following COVID-19 vaccination are asking if they should take acetaminophen, aspirin, and/or antihistamines before receiving COVID-19 vaccination. What does CDC advise?
•
Q: What is the thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, called TTS, associated with the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)?
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Q: What are the symptoms of TTS and where can I learn more about treatment?
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Q: My patient has a history of deep venous thrombosis (DVTs). Is that a precaution or contraindication to vaccination with the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine?
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Q: I have both mRNA and Janssen vaccines available. Should I avoid offering the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to my younger female patients?
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Q: Where can I find details about the storage and handling of COVID-19 vaccines?
•
Q: I heard the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine storage requirements changed in May 2021. Where can I get more information?

Issue 1570: June 2, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC posts clinical considerations on myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination
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"COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Infections Reported to CDC—U.S., January 1–April 20, 2021" published in MMWR
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"Patterns in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity—United States, December 14, 2020–May 1, 2021" published in MMWR
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IAC updates Ask the Experts: COVID-19 web page to answer questions about latest ACIP recommendations and revised CDC clinical considerations
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"Be Sure You Know the Anatomical Landmarks for Administering Intramuscular Injections in the Arm," Dr. Wexler's Technically Speaking monthly column, available on immunize.org
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Stay current! With all the changes in COVID-19 vaccination in the last few months, make sure you are using the most recent CDC and FDA document versions
•
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast, "Kids and COVID-19 Vaccines," with ACIP liaison Patsy Stinchfield, MS, CPNP
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IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
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Celebrating the legacy of Deborah L. Wexler, MD
Featured Resources
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Hepatitis B Foundation launches first global registry of discrimination against people living with hepatitis B
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Families Against COVID-19 Initiative posts a pro-vaccine video showing perspective of families who lost a loved one to a vaccine-preventable disease
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Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
•
Father's Day is June 20. Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers for fathers who value prevention
•
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage friends to follow your lead by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame!
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes May issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
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"Factors Associated with Racial/Ethnic Group-Based Medical Mistrust and Perspectives on COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Participation and Vaccine Uptake in the U.S." published in JAMA
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"Effect of Training Pediatric Clinicians in Human Papillomavirus Communication Strategies on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rates" published in JAMA Pediatrics
Education and Training
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NFID offers webinar "Strategies for Increasing Routine Adult Vaccination Rates" on June 9, CME available
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New Jersey Immunization Network will conduct virtual 2021 Adult Immunization Conference June 14–15, CME available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this informative 2004 PSA from Utah Department of Health, mom lets dad know that if insurance doesn't cover vaccines, then the Vaccines For Children program can help

Issue 1569: June 1, 2021

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Never a Dull Moment: A Celebration of the Legacy of Deborah L. Wexler, MD

Issue 1568: May 26, 2021

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Top Stories
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FDA authorizes up to 31 days refrigerator storage of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine before dilution
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CDC calls for VAERS reporting of cases of myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination
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CDC releases Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit
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CDC publishes "Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage between Urban and Rural Counties—United States, December 14, 2020–April 10, 2021" in MMWR
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Center for Strategic and International Studies and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine publish "Why Vaccine Confidence Matters to National Security"
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Vaccinate Your Family launches "Don't Skip" campaign featuring Gabrielle Union-Wade
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CDC updates "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People"
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Expanding your COVID-19 vaccination efforts to 12–15-year-olds? Purchase IAC's brightly colored COVID-19 vaccine stickers and buttons to give out in offices, schools, and vaccination sites
•
IAC Spotlight! Looking for the most frequently visited web pages on immunize.org? IAC's "Favorites" tab atop each web page brings you to 18 of the most popular gateway pages on IAC's website
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MMWR Recap: CDC publishes ACIP recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in 12–15-year-olds and estimates on vaccineeffectiveness on May 19; previously issued as MMWR Early Releases
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IAC's Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll now includes 535 hospitals, including three new birthing institutions; three previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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After 12 years, IAC's "Video of the Week" series is wrapping up. Watch IAC's final pick, "Protect Tomorrow," from AAP. Hear elders' poignant remembrances about how vaccine-preventable diseases affected their lives
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CDC offers COVID-19 Science Update weekly report series to help staff stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 research
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Going fast! Order IAC's laminated version of CDC's 2021 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule today! Adult schedules sold out.
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IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame is available in English and Spanish
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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Article in JAMA Internal Medicine reports no association detected for facial paralysis and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
Education and Training
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CDC posts on-demand webinar recording for clinicians titled "What Clinicians Need to Know About Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination of Adolescents"
Conferences and Meetings
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National HPV Vaccination Roundtable hosts virtual 2021 National Meeting on June 9–10; register today!
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this 2001 PSA from the Chicago Department of Public Health, parents are urged to "Check the Facts" to address misconceptions about vaccination

Issue 1567: May 19, 2021

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Top Stories
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"The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents Aged 12–15 Years—United States, May 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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CDC updates its clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the United States
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IAC summarizes May 12 ACIP emergency meeting on COVID-19 vaccine: recommendations expanded to age 12 and older and safety data reviewed
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CDC releases new and updated resources to support COVID-19 vaccination
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CDC recognizes the contributions of Dr. Nancy Messonnier during her 25-year career at CDC; Dr. Sam Posner now acting director, NCIRD
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New CDC COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study in health workers shows mRNA vaccines are 94% effective
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Expanding your COVID-19 vaccination efforts to 12–15-year-olds? Purchase IAC's brightly colored COVID-19 vaccine stickers and buttons to give out in offices, schools, and mass vaccination sites
•
"Demographic and Social Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Initiation among Adults Aged >65 Years—United States, December 14, 2020–April 10, 2021" published in MMWR
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"Surveillance of Vaccination Coverage among Adult Populations—United States, 2018" published in MMWR Surveillance Summaries
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American College Health Association recommends COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all on-campus college students this fall
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IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Standing Orders Templates for Administering Vaccines" gateway page also provides links to CDC's standing orders for use of  COVID-19 vaccines
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IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,151 organizations, including three new healthcare organizations
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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In this week's "Video of the Week" titled "Worship," viewers are reminded that getting back to the moments we miss starts with getting good information
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Still available! Order IAC's laminated version of CDC's 2021 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule today! Adult schedules sold out.
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IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame is available in English and Spanish
•
IAC's "History through Film" web page features public television documentary about 30 years of IAC titled Protecting Health: Saving Lives. Please share.
Education and Training
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Medscape Education Family Medicine offers "Expert Perspective Series: Tips for Addressing Patients FAQs about COVID-19 Vaccines" activity series; CE available
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CommuniVax hosts webinar "Working with Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations for a More Equitable COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign" on May 20
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North Carolina Family Medicine Today releases podcast about the importance of catching patients up on vaccinations missed during the coronavirus pandemic
Conferences and Meetings
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FDA holds Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) virtual meeting June 10 to discuss pediatric use of COVID-19 vaccines
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this vintage 1974 PSA from U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, singer Dionne Warwick explains the importance of having your child vaccinated against "both kinds of measles," especially when you have a baby on the way

Issue 1566: May 12, 2021

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Top Stories
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FDA expands EUA for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for ages 12–15 years; ACIP convenes today, May 12, to discuss
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ACIP discussed rabies vaccine and dengue vaccine on May 5; IAC summarizes meeting
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CDC updates "FAQs for Private and Public Healthcare Providers about Implementing the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program in Provider Practices"
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Association of Immunization Managers releases "COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Resources"
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Vaccines.gov helps individuals find nearby COVID-19 vaccination sites using web and text options; available in English and Spanish
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MMWR Recap: CDC publishes COVID-19 vaccine updates on safety monitoring, anxiety-related adverse events, and effectiveness studies on May 7; previously issued as MMWR Early Releases
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Sabin-Aspen Vaccine Science and Policy Group releases its newest meeting report, "Powering Vaccine R&D: Opportunities for Transformation"
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CDC publishes "Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Botulism, 2021" in MMWR, describing use of botulinum antitoxin
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CDC's Dr. Anne Schuchat named 2021 Service to America Medal Finalist; you can vote daily for your favorite finalist
•
Celebrate vaccination progress with patients and staff! Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons—stickers available, too.
•
Ready to ship! Order IAC's laminated version of CDC's 2021 immunization schedule today!
•
IAC Spotlight! Our IAC Image Library leads you to hundreds of disease photos to educate staff and patients about the importance of vaccination
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
World News
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CDC and WHO report on progress toward worldwide polio eradication in MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Record, respectively
Featured Resources
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In IAC's "Video of the Week," CDC uses American Sign Language to share what to expect when someone gets vaccinated against COVID-19
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CHOP's VEC expands its My COVID-19 Vaccine Experience video series to include racially and ethnically diverse colleagues, and young adults
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Now available in Spanish! IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame
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Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" for catch-up initiatives
Education and Training
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National Academy of Medicine will offer "International Workshop on COVID-19 Lessons to Inform Pandemic Influenza Response" on May 18, 21, and 25
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this jaunty PSA from 2001 by the Phoenix Fire Department, Diamondback left fielder Luis Gonzalez hits a home run promoting childhood vaccinations, sharing why he and his wife vaccinated their triplets

Issue 1565: May 11, 2021

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"I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE" BUTTONS, STICKERS, AND A SPANISH-LANGUAGE FACEBOOK PROFILE PHOTO FRAME!
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NEW! Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers
•
Now available in Spanish! IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame

Issue 1564: May 5, 2021

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Top Stories
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ACIP meets today, May 5, to discuss rabies and dengue vaccines; watch live or listen via telephone
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"Updated Recommendations from the ACIP for Use of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine after Reports of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome among Vaccine Recipients—United States, April 2021" published in MMWR
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CDC updates "Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States" on April 27
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"Safety Monitoring of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine—United States, March–April 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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CDC updates public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people
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"Anxiety-Related Adverse Event Clusters after Janssen COVID-19 Vaccination—Five U.S. Mass Vaccination Sites, April 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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"Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines against COVID-19 among Hospitalized Adults Aged >65 Years—United States, January–March 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
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IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC educational materials and web pages were released during March and April
•
Wonderful gift for Mother's and Father's Days! Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons—stickers available, too
•
Now available in Spanish! IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame
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CHOP's VEC expands its "My COVID-19 Vaccine Experience" video series to include eight new Spanish-language videos
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Use these Canadian and Mexican resources when you need COVID-19 vaccine information from neighboring countries
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IAC experts called on by news media
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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CDC's "Choosing Safer Activities" infographic for vaccinated and unvaccinated people is now available in five languages
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In IAC's "Video of the Week," former presidents and first ladies get their COVID-19 vaccines and discuss how being vaccinated will get us back to loved ones
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AAP posts new, free vaccination infographics for social media
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AAP offers a Childhood Immunization Flipchart to aid healthcare providers when talking with parents. Request copies today!
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Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
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IAC's "History through Film" web page features public television documentary about 30 years of IAC titled Protecting Health: Saving Lives. Please share.
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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"BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Nationwide Mass Vaccination Setting" published in JAMA
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"Health Outcomes in Young Children following Pertussis Vaccination during Pregnancy" published in Pediatrics
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this hope-filled PSA from 2006 by Every Child By Two, Dr. Walter Orenstein, former assistant surgeon general, explains that immunizations save lives

Issue 1563: April 28, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC and FDA adopt ACIP recommendation to lift pause on Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson); CDC updates clinical guidance
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"Postvaccination SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Skilled Nursing Facility Residents and Staff Members—Chicago, Illinois, December 2020–March 2021" published in MMWR
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"COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with a SARS-CoV-2 R.1 Lineage Variant in a Skilled Nursing Facility after Vaccination Program—Kentucky, March 2021" published in MMWR
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Institute for Safe Medication Practices publishes Medication Safety Alert outlining frequently reported COVID-19 vaccination errors
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New! Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers
•
60 U.S. hospitals team up to promote COVID-19 vaccination in "Get the Vaccine to Save Lives" campaign
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It's National Infant Immunization Week! Use CDC's 2021 digital media toolkit to spread the word.
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The Vaccine Makers Project of the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP invites essays from students in grades 6 through 12 for 2021 Dr. Maurice Hilleman essay contest
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Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast with Chelsea Clinton to talk about her work on global health and immunization issues
•
Ready to ship! Order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules today!
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Mandates and Exemptions" gateway page compiles information about state mandates on immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases
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IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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In IAC's "Video of the Week," a wise grandmother convinces her family to get vaccinated against COVID-19
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Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage friends to follow your lead by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame!
•
IAC's MenB Vaccination Honor Roll adds three new colleges that protect their students
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IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org can help you excel at mass vaccination clinics
•
Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" for catch-up initiatives
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes April issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
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"Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination in Preventing Hospitalisation Due to Influenza in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in Clinical Infectious Diseases
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"Preliminary Findings of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnant Persons" published in New England Journal of Medicine
Education and Training
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CDC offers webinar archive for clinicians titled "Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS): Update for Clinicians"
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine host "COVID-19 Vaccines: Building Confidence & Explaining Efficacy" webinar on May 4 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)
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Indiana Immunization Coalition hosts "COVID-19 Vaccines: Considerations in Practice" webinar featuring Dr. Samina Bhumbra on May 20 at 3:00 p.m. (ET); CE available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this somber PSA from 1999 by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, vaccine-preventable diseases are contrasted with extinct animals

Issue 1562: April 22, 2021

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"I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE" BUTTONS, STICKERS, AND FACEBOOK PROFILE PHOTO FRAME FROM IAC!
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NEW! Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers
•
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage your friends to follow your lead by adding IAC’s "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame!

Issue 1561: April 21, 2021

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Top Stories
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ACIP discusses safety of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson); recommendations for clinicians issued by CDC
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New! Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers
•
Reminder: National Infant Immunization Week is April 24–May 1; prepare using CDC's 2021 digital media toolkit
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World Immunization Week is the last week of April; this year's theme is "Vaccines Bring Us Closer"
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AAP launches new PSA urging parents to get their children caught up on all vaccinations
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AAP announces that 2021–22 influenza vaccination guidance remains unchanged from last season
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Licensed yellow fever vaccine is again available for purchase in the U.S.; CDC updates Health Information for International Travel ("The Yellow Book") accordingly
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National Immigration Law Center posts "Answers to Common Questions about Immigrants' Access to the COVID-19 Vaccines"
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Fifteen colleges and universities announce they will require COVID-19 vaccination for staff and students this fall. Do you know of others?
•
Ready to ship! Order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules today!
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC's recently updated Vaccine Timeline web page features historic dates and events related to vaccines and immunization
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IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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In IAC's "Video of the Week," California's VFC Program shares helpful information on intramuscular injections for adults
•
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage friends to follow your lead by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame!
•
Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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"Differences in Administration of Influenza Vaccine to Elderly Adults by Physician Sex, 2006–2016" published in JAMA Internal Medicine
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"SARS-CoV-2–Specific Antibodies in Breast Milk after COVID-19 Vaccination of Breastfeeding Women" published in JAMA
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"Progress in Immunization Safety Monitoring—Worldwide, 2010–2019" published in MMWR
Education and Training
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Immunize Colorado hosts "The Impact of Climate Change on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases" webinar on May 5 at 12:00 p.m. (ET)
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Unity Consortium to offer "The Imperative to Vaccinate Adolescents and Young Adults Now" discussion, moderated by Chelsea Clinton, on May 6 at 12:00 p.m. (ET); IAC's L.J Tan to serve as a panelist
Conferences and Meetings
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AIRA 2021 National Meeting scheduled on August 3–5 in Portland and online; registration open; content submissions due by May 16
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this fun, animated PSA from the California Department of Health Services in 1999, "California Kids" are urged to get their adolescent vaccines

Issue 1560: April 14, 2021

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Top Stories
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ACIP will meet today, April 14, following FDA and CDC's joint call to pause use of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) to assess relationship with a rare and serious type of blood clot
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National Infant Immunization Week is April 24–May 1; prepare using CDC's 2021 digital media toolkit
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CDC reports nearly 80% of teachers, school staff, and childcare workers received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by March 31, 2021
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Spring cleaning! With all the changes in COVID-19 vaccination over the last 4 months, make sure you are using the most recent document versions
•
Join the national education and grassroots campaign, "Made to Save," working to save lives by increasing access and trust in the COVID-19 vaccines
•
NEW! Order IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers
•
IAC Spotlight! Navigate quickly using the guide at the bottom or the Google search bar at the top of every immunize.org web page
•
Hot off the press and ready to ship! Order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules today!
•
IAC enrolls four new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; 11 previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. Swift of the Mayo Clinic highlights key facts about the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)
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IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org can help you excel at mass vaccination clinics
•
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Encourage your friends to follow your lead by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame!
Education and Training
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Indiana Immunization Coalition hosts webinar, "Working Together to Eliminate Cervical Cancer," on April 28; CE available
Conferences and Meetings
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Watch virtual ACIP meeting on May 5; submit request to make an oral comment
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Register for Vaccine Virtual Days 2021 global conversation on April 27–28
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ImmunizeAR hosts 2021 HPV Summit on May 14; CE available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this heart-breaking PSA from 2000 by Alabama Department of Public Health, a baby with pertussis reminds us to be wary of the disease and not the vaccine

Issue 1559: April 7, 2021

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Top Stories
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Today: Wednesday, April 7! CDC presents "A Call to Action – Childhood Immunization" to discuss approaches to catching children up on vaccinations for a safe return to in-person school; no registration required
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CDC reports real-world data confirming the protective benefits of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in MMWR on March 29
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FDA authorizes 11- and 15-dose vials of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and extends temperature stability times; CDC assessing effects of changes on national vaccination program
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CDC updates their recommendations on travel for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19
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NFID issues strategies and messaging to promote vaccine acceptance and encourage the public to follow evidence-based COVID-19 advice
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AIM, AIRA, and STChealth announce immunization registries are not immune to COVID-19 challenges but are working as designed to support public health and patient care
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CDC's new web page reviews information and training on how to enroll as a COVID-19 vaccinator
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HHS launches the national volunteer COVID-19 Community Corps initiative as part of the "We Can Do This" campaign to increase public confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines
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CDC adds type 1 diabetes to its COVID-19 list of high-risk medical conditions
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New initiative: Families Against COVID-19 offers resources and materials to encourage your community to get vaccinated against COVID-19
•
IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC educational materials and web pages were released during February and March
•
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast, "Switching Sides on Vaccines," with former anti-vaccine influencer Heather Simpson
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," physicians adapt a Hamilton song to enlighten people about COVID-19 vaccines and encourage trust in healthcare professionals
•
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Let your friends know by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame!
•
NFID's "Keep Up the Rates" campaign resources now include both English and Spanish infographics
•
Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
•
Now shipping! Order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules today!
Education and Training
•
AUCD, ASTHO, and NACCHO host new webinars in COVID-19 Vaccination and Reaching People with Disabilities series; watch on April 7 and 8
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Indiana Immunization Coalition hosts webinar, "The Imperative for Adolescent Vaccination in the Context of COVID-19," on April 13; CE available
•
NFID, National Medical Association, and other partners host "Covid-19 Communications: Real-World Insights to Promote Vaccine Acceptance" webinar on April 29
Conferences and Meetings
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26th annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference to be held virtually on April 13; CE available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this sweet PSA from Children's Action Network in 1998, we are reminded that young children are not fully protected unless they are vaccinated from birth

Issue 1558: March 31, 2021

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Top Stories
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IAC Express keeps readers up to date on what's new with vaccines each week; urge your colleagues to subscribe!
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CDC posts new COVID-19 vaccine quick comparison chart for healthcare professionals
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CDC's "Interim Clinical Considerations Summary" and "Vaccine Administration Errors and Deviations Table" are now available as fact sheets or posters
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CDC's "Prevaccination Checklist for COVID-19 Vaccines" is available in both English and Spanish
•
CDC calls for children to get caught up on recommended vaccines for a safe return to school
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Reminder: IAC posts video archive and slides from March 4 webinar by CDC scientists on safety monitoring and communications for COVID-19 vaccines
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"County-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Social Vulnerability—United States, December 14, 2020–March 1, 2021" published in MMWR
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Vaccinated against COVID-19? Let your friends know by adding IAC's "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook profile photo frame!
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Top 6" training materials will help you with proper technique and guidance for correctly administering COVID-19 vaccines and all others. Check them out!
•
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky announces partnership with dialysis centers to administer COVID-19 vaccinations
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Two healthcare organizations join IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
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Order today! IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules are ready to ship!
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
•
IAC updates 1-page reference table "Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size"
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," VYF's Amy Pisani poses COVID-19 vaccine questions to Dr. Paul Offit in a Facebook Live conversation
•
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center releases "Talking about Vaccines with Dr. Hank Bernstein," a series of short videos on COVID-19 vaccines
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center updates their Human Papillomavirus Q&As in English and Spanish
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Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" for catch-up initiatives
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes March issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
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"Declines in Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine-Type Infection Among Females After Introduction of Vaccine—United States, 2003–2018" published in MMWR
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"Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Variants after Infection and Vaccination" published in JAMA
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"Pregnancy, Postpartum Care, and COVID-19 Vaccination in 2021" published in JAMA
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"On the Shoulders of Giants—From Jenner's Cowpox to mRNA Covid Vaccines" published in NEJM with an accompanying interview with Dr. Paul Offit
Education and Training
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Indiana Immunization Coalition hosts webinar "Back to the Vax" on April 8
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CHOP Vaccine Education Center's Current Issues in Vaccines event from March 24 featuring Dr. Paul Offit discussing SARS-CoV-2 vaccines now posted; CE available
•
Save the date! HHS hosts discussion on Vaccines National Strategic Plan 2021–2025 in a webinar on April 6
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AIM hosts "Engaging Faith Leaders to Improve Vaccine Confidence" webinar on April 7
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CDC releases new series of brief webinars for addressing topics related to COVID-19 vaccination; CE available
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
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In this compelling 1995 PSA from the Nevada Health Division, boxer Oscar de la Hoya wants you to get your baby immunized for a fighting chance at life

Issue 1557: March 24, 2021

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Top Stories
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"COVID-19 Vaccine Second-Dose Completion and Interval Between First and Second Doses Among Vaccinated Persons—United States, December 14, 2020–February 14, 2021" in March 19 MMWR
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"Effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine among Residents of Two Skilled Nursing Facilities Experiencing COVID-19 Outbreaks—Connecticut, December 2020–February 2021" in March 19 MMWR
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"County-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Social Vulnerability—United States, December 14, 2020–March 1, 2021" published in MMWR
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CDC releases Rapid Community Assessment Guide with tools to help improve COVID-19 vaccination rollout in your community
•
IAC revises Ask the Experts: COVID-19 web page, adding information about Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) and updating mRNA vaccine content
•
IAC updates "Vaccines: COVID-19" web page with important new resources, including information on Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)
•
FDA offers dozens of translations of the COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheets for recipients and caregivers
•
Order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 child/teen and adult immunization schedules for your exam rooms today—discounts for quantity purchases!
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
•
IAC updates its popular temperature logs for refrigerators and freezers; available in Celsius and Fahrenheit
•
IAC updates its Vaccine Storage Troubleshooting Record to document occurrence and resolution of questionable or unacceptable vaccine storage events
•
IAC updates Vaccine Handling Tips, a clinic tool to help assure that vaccines are stored properly
World News
•
WHO publishes "Recommended Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2021–2022 Northern Hemisphere Influenza Season" in Weekly Epidemiological Record
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," an Emory University infectious disease specialist answers questions about the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
•
IAC adds valuable resources to Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org website to help set up high-throughput clinics
•
IAC's MenB Vaccination Honor Roll adds two new colleges that protect their students
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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"From Science to Action to Impact: Eliminating Cervical Cancer" theme issue published by Preventive Medicine
Education and Training
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IAC's Dr. L.J Tan to participate in a panel conversation with immunization experts on frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination on March 30
From the Archives
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In this adorable 2006 PSA, the Texas Department of State Health Services encourages parents to build their child's health with vaccines

Issue 1556: March 17, 2021

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Top Stories
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President Biden calls on states, tribes, and territories to have all adults be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination by May 1
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The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative announce new PSAs featuring former U.S. Presidents and First Ladies as part of their COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative's "It's Up to You" campaign
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Order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 child/teen and adult immunization schedules for your exam rooms today—discounts for quantity purchases!
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CDC's v-safe smartphone-based tool to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety is now available in Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese
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HHS will invest $250 million to explain COVID-19 vaccine safety among underserved urban and rural communities
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center posts videos featuring CHOP personnel speaking on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for the Black community
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC's Calendar of Events provides information about federal, state, and national partners' immunization conferences, as well as professional societies' annual meetings
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
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Round up: IAC offers a collection of its new COVID-19 vaccine resources for healthcare personnel
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In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. Paul Offit discusses the important role of the second dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
•
Public Health Communications Collaborative offers downloadable graphics and social media messages to promote factual information about COVID-19 vaccines in English and Spanish
•
IAC's "History through Film" web page features public television documentary about 30 years of IAC titled Protecting Health: Saving Lives. Please share.
•
U.S. Pharmacopeia updates COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit; now includes third vaccine and offers documents to optimize COVID-19 vaccine handling
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
"National Decision-Making for the Introduction of New Vaccines: A Systematic Review, 2010–2020" published by Vaccine
Education and Training
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CDC offers on-demand, self-paced training module for healthcare providers administering Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson); CE available
•
Public Health Communications Collaborative hosts a conversation with CDC director Dr. Walensky about COVID-19 communications and CDC's public health partnerships on March 30
•
CommuniVax Coalition offers webinar titled "Equity in Vaccination: A Plan to Work with Communities of Color toward COVID-19 Recovery and Beyond" on March 18
•
Watch the AMA COVID-19 Update "Logistical Pluses of Janssen Vaccine and a Look at Vaccine for Kids" featuring IAC's Dr. L.J Tan
Conferences and Meetings
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NFID 2021 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research to be held virtually on April 26–27, with Women Leaders in Vaccination session on April 26; registration open and schedule available
From the Archives
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In this somber 1997 PSA from Hawaii Department of Health, we are reminded that teens don't have to engage in risky behaviors to die from hepatitis B

Issue 1555: March 10, 2021

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Top Stories
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CDC updates its clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines to include Janssen (J&J) vaccine
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CDC issues interim public health recommendations for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19
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"The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine—United States, February 2021" published in MMWR
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IAC posts video archive and slides from March 4 webinar by CDC scientists on safety monitoring and communications for COVID-19 vaccines
•
Society for Breast Imaging addresses mammography timing and COVID-19 vaccination: swollen lymph nodes temporarily caused by vaccination may be detectable on imaging
•
AMA, ANA, and APhA publish open letter encouraging America's healthcare personnel to collect and report race and ethnicity information when administering COVID-19 vaccines
•
American Cancer Society calls for families to get essential vaccines, including HPV, as soon as they can
•
IAC honors five institutions extending their tenure on the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll
•
CDC offers PDF with live links summarizing COVID-19 vaccination training programs and reference materials for healthcare personnel
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Ask the Experts" gateway page offers more than a thousand questions on vaccines and vaccine administration answered by IAC experts
•
Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast interviewing "The Other Dr. Sears on Vaccines"
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Jeremy Farrar, director of Wellcome Trust, explains why we need fair global vaccine allocation to end the COVID-19 pandemic
•
Order today! IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules are shipping soon!
•
Valuable resources added to IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org to help set up mass vaccination clinics
•
Updated 65+ Flu Defense website features tools and resources for healthcare personnel serving older adults
Journal Articles and Newsletters
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes February issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
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"A Global Initiative for Advancing Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Preparedness and Response" published by National Academy of Medicine
Education and Training
•
NFID hosts discussion on updates from the February 24–25 ACIP meeting, CE available
•
National HPV Roundtable, Vaccinate Your Family, and Hager Sharp host "HPV Roundtable Forum: Combating Vaccine Misinformation Online" on March 11
•
ASTHO offers weekly webinar series Prioritizing Equity in Public Health Leadership Summit each Friday in March, culminating in a virtual meeting on April 21
•
MCIC and Asian American Coalition host "Asian American Coalition COVID-19 Vaccination Virtual Town Hall" on March 16
From the Archives
•
In this 2004 PSA from the Nevada State Health Division, a student proudly tells her class about her recent vaccination

Issue 1554: March 9, 2021

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IAC Express Special Edition - Shop IAC: Issue 1,554
March 9, 2021
LAMINATED SCHEDULES, RECORD CARDS, AND MORE FROM IAC!
•
Order today! Laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules will ship in mid-March!
•
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last
•
Great for workplace recognitions! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins show how much you value vaccination

Issue 1553: March 3, 2021

Read full issue
Top Stories
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FDA issues EUA for Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine after advisory committee review
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ACIP recommends third COVID-19 vaccine for use in U.S.; IAC summarizes February 28 – March 1 meeting and highlights clinical considerations for use of Janssen vaccine
•
IAC summarizes February 2021 routine ACIP virtual meeting
•
Attend today (March 3): CDC's "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on the 2021 child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules
•
Last chance to register for IAC's March 4 webinar! CDC's Dr. Shimabukuro and Janine Cory will present "Updates on CDC's Safety Monitoring and Communications for COVID-19 Vaccines"
•
FDA announces more flexible storage and transportation conditions for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
•
The Ad Council launches COVID-19 vaccine campaign to help people make an informed choice to get vaccinated
•
Pre-order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules today!
•
IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC educational materials and web pages were released during January and February
•
Vaccinate Your Family issues special report on the state of our nation's "ImmUnion," highlighting 2021 vaccine priorities
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
IAC Handouts
•
IAC updates its popular document for healthcare personnel titled "Skills Checklist for Vaccine Administration"
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IAC updates "Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor"
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IAC updates helpful office documents: "Tips for Locating Old Immunization Records" and "Record of Vaccine Declination in the Medical Office"
World News
•
"BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine in a Nationwide Mass Vaccination Setting" published in New England Journal of Medicine
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Alice Benjamin describes the "The Fauci Effect" and recent increases in nursing school applications
•
Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
"Vaccines for Older Adults" (State of the Art Review) published in the British Medical Journal
•
"Estimated Medicaid Costs Associated with Hepatitis A During an Outbreak—West Virginia, 2018–2019" published in MMWR
Education and Training
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Immunization partners offer Zoom event on COVID-19 questions and answers featuring FDA and CDC leaders on March 5
•
In Vaccine Education Center's Current Issues in Vaccines webinar on March 24, Dr. Paul Offit will discuss SARS-CoV-2 vaccines; CE available
From the Archives
•
In this catchy 1975 PSA, Dr. John Witte encourages parents to immunize "at Romper Room size"

Issue 1552: February 24, 2021

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Top Stories
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Register now! CDC's Dr. Shimabukuro and Janine Cory to present overviews of CDC's safety monitoring and communications for the COVID-19 vaccines during IAC webinar on March 4
•
Pre-order IAC's laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules today!
•
CommuniVax Coalition releases report on COVID-19 vaccination equity to help vaccination campaign organizers work with communities of color
•
NPHIC releases toolkit from Ad Council and COVID Collaborative to help healthcare personnel respond to questions about COVID-19 vaccination
•
AAFP, ACOG, ACP, and IAC update "Dear Colleague" letter, urging healthcare professionals to recommend timely HPV vaccination
•
The Influenzer Initiative offers online puzzle and trivia game, VaxHunt, that sends players on a quest to prevent the next pandemic
•
IAC Spotlight! "Package Inserts and FDA Product Approvals" gateway page on immunize.org offers valuable resources for clinics that administer vaccines
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," BBC News segment reviews the differences between three COVID-19 vaccines
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Summary and slide deck now available from February 4 Summit call featuring ACOG's Sarah Carroll discussing COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy
•
Check out Vaxopedia's new page discussing remote vaccine temperature monitoring devices, with 19 product descriptions
•
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
•
Updated 65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare personnel serving older adults
•
Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" for catch-up initiatives
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
"Decline in Receipt of Vaccines by Medicare Beneficiaries during the COVID-19 Pandemic—United States, 2020" published in MMWR
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"First Month of COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Monitoring—United States, December 14, 2020–January 13, 2021" published in MMWR
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"Reports of Anaphylaxis After Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in the U.S.—December 14, 2020–January 18, 2021" published in JAMA
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"What Factors Contribute to Influenza Vaccine Errors?" published in Pharmacy Times
Education and Training
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NEJM offers free, on-demand COVID-19 vaccine training for clinicians available through June 30; CME available
Conferences and Meetings
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ACIP will meet February 24 and 25 as planned and has announced emergency meetings February 28 and March 1 to consider Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine; no registration required
•
MAIC to hold 26th Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference on April 13; CE available
From the Archives
•
In this unsettling 1998 PSA from the Sioux Falls Health Department, parents are warned not to derail their baby's health by getting off track with childhood immunization

Issue 1551: February 23, 2021

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IAC Express Special Edition - Ask the Experts: Issue 1,551
February 23, 2021
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 selected Q&As about mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
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 B. Bridges, MD, FACP; William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah L. Wexler, MD.
Questions about mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
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Q: Should people who have had COVID-19 illness be vaccinated?
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Q: Can COVID-19 vaccine recipients be given other vaccines at the same visit?
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Q: My patient is due for a second dose of recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix, GSK). However, the patient is eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine and wants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. What should we advise our patient about scheduling the second Shingrix dose?
•
Q: If the second dose of vaccine may be given before the recommended interval because of the 4-day grace period, should we offer that option routinely?
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Q: A patient had a routine tuberculin skin test (TST) placed the day before the patient’s appointment for a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Should we proceed with vaccination or do we need to reschedule?
•
Q: How does the use of monoclonal antibodies to treat symptomatic COVID-19 affect the scheduling of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination?
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Q: Patients concerned about the risk of allergic reaction or side effects following COVID-19 vaccination are asking if they should take acetaminophen and/or antihistamines before receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. What does CDC advise?
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Q: Please describe the contraindications for COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.
•
Q: What are the precautions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination?
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Q: Are there any common types of allergies that are neither contraindications nor precautions to vaccination?
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Q: A vaccine recipient reported experiencing a red, itchy, swollen patch of skin that developed several days after vaccination around the injection site of the patient’s first Moderna vaccine dose. It resolved after a few days. Is this a contraindication? Should this alter our plans for dose two?
•
Q: Under what conditions may we transport mRNA COVID-19 vaccines? Is transport of a partial vial or predrawn syringe ever permissible?
•
Q: What is v-safe?
•
Q: Has CDC provided clinical guidance on what to do if an error occurs while administering mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations?

Issue 1550: February 18, 2021

Read full issue
LAMINATED SCHEDULES, RECORD CARDS, AND MORE FROM IAC!
•
Pre-order today! Laminated versions of CDC's 2021 immunization schedules will ship in mid-March!
•
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last
•
Great for workplace recognitions! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins show how much you value vaccination

Issue 1549: February 17, 2021

Read full issue
Top Stories
•
2021 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for children and teens released along with MMWR article detailing changes
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2021 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for adults released along with MMWR article detailing changes
•
CDC's Dr. Shimabukuro and Janine Cory to present overviews of CDC's safety monitoring and communications for the COVID-19 vaccines during IAC webinar on March 4; register today
•
CDC updates guidance on transport of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in its Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit and applies these principles to COVID-19 vaccination of homebound persons
•
CDC updates clinical considerations for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
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IAC updates "Talking about Vaccines" gateway pages on alternative medicine and thimerosal
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Becker's Hospital Review publishes "Lessons Learned from Influenza Mass Immunization Clinics Will Serve Us Well as COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts Ramp Up" by IAC authors—read it on IAC's mass-vaccination-resources.org website
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ACOG adds resources on COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant or lactating individuals
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"COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Perceptions, and Reasons for Not Vaccinating Among Groups Prioritized for Early Vaccination—United States, September and December 2020" published in MMWR
•
Sawbones releases "How to Talk About Vaccine Hesitancy" podcast, a guide for using a kind, empathetic approach
•
Vaccinate Your Family and the National Council of Negro Women have teamed up to launch Good Health WINs (Women's Immunization Networks)
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
World News
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WHO offers "Vaccine Explainers" in seven languages: how they are developed, how they work, quality control
•
WHO issues news release on extraordinary meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE)
Featured Resources
•
Pre-order available soon! Laminated versions of CDC's immunization schedules—great for exam rooms, with discounts for bulk purchases
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Gregory Brown and Mitchell Moffit use illustrations and lively explanations to discuss COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
•
IAC's "Vaccination and COVID-19" gateway page offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
•
Organizing a new vaccination program? Use IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
"Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection in Children during the First 6 Years of Life, Finland" published in Emerging Infectious Diseases
Education and Training
•
NILE offers webinar titled "How Politicization and Disinformation Impacted the Mitigation of COVID-19" on February 23; CE available
Conferences and Meetings
•
Watch virtual ACIP meetings on February 24–25; no registration required
•
Immunize Nevada hosts 2021 Virtual Annual Nevada Health Conference on March 8–9; register today

Issue 1548: February 10, 2021

Read full issue
Top Stories
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2021 U.S. recommended immunization schedules for children, adolescents, and adults to be posted by Friday, February 12
•
"Demographic Characteristics of Persons Vaccinated during the First Month of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program—United States, December 14, 2020–January 14, 2021" published in MMWR
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"Early COVID-19 First-Dose Vaccination Coverage among Residents and Staff Members of Skilled Nursing Facilities Participating in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program—United States, December 2020–January 2021" published in MMWR
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine publish 22-page "Strategies for Building Confidence in the COVID-19 Vaccines"
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CDC launches Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination this week
•
U.S. Pharmacopeia publishes COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit: Operational Considerations for Healthcare Practitioners with information on syringe storage and transport
•
Maternal Immunization Task Force statement urges access to COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant individuals; ACOG offers eight key recommendations to vaccination clinics
•
Avalere publishes report titled "How COVID-19 Has Impacted U.S. Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Utilization"
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IAC Spotlight! IAC's National Network for Immunization Coalitions website, immunizationcoalitions.org, is the "go-to" place for information about 138 immunization coalitions
•
Flu activity remains lower than usual. It is still important to keep vaccinating against influenza.
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Ann, a polio survivor, discusses what it was like to have polio as a child and her experience with post-polio syndrome
•
Updated 65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" for catch-up initiatives
•
Great for workplace recognitions! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins show how much you value vaccination
•
Valuable resources added to IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org to help set up mass vaccination clinics
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
CDC publishes January issue of Immunization Works newsletter; subscribe for monthly immunization information
•
"Vaccine Innovations—Past and Future" published in New England Journal of Medicine
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"Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination: A Call to Action for Clinicians on Immunization Information Systems" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
Education and Training
•
Moderna scientists host "Important Information for Healthcare Providers about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar" on February 10 and 17
On the Lighter Side
•
In this poignant 1975 PSA from the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a father shares his regret for not having his son Charlie vaccinated against measles and encourages parents to get their children vaccinated

Issue 1547: February 3, 2021

Read full issue
Top Stories
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IAC summarizes ACIP meeting of January 27, including COVID-19 vaccine safety update
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CDC provides ready-made toolkits for medical centers, pharmacies, and clinicians to help build confidence in COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare teams
•
CDC's VaxText, a free text messaging resource, conveniently reminds people to get their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine; encourage vaccinees to enroll!
•
Vaccinate Your Family offers links to every state and territorial health department's COVID-19 web page
•
"Don't Make the Mistake of Scheduling Dose #2 of COVID-19 Vaccine Too Early," Dr. Wexler's Technically Speaking monthly column, available on immunize.org
•
IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC staff and patient educational materials, webpages, and VIS translations were released during December and January
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," Dr. Paul Offit explains how COVID-19 vaccines based on messenger RNA technology work
•
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center adds new resources to its "Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Vaccines" web page
•
State of Hawaii releases COVID-19 resources in up to 17 languages, including FAQs, fact sheets, public health flyers, and social media toolkits
•
Round Up: IAC offers a collection of its new COVID-19 vaccine resources for healthcare personnel
•
Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
CDC published "Addressing COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media Preemptively and Responsively" in Emerging Infectious Diseases
•
"Estimating the Health Impact of Vaccination against Ten Pathogens in 98 Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries from 2000 to 2030: A Modelling Study" published in Lancet
Education and Training
•
Smithsonian museum posts webinar tracing U.S. vaccine history from smallpox in colonial Boston to COVID-19
•
Johns Hopkins' IVAC hosts "Social Media Interventions and Vaccine Hesitancy" webinar on February 9
Conferences and Meetings
•
NFID hosts 2021 Virtual Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research on April 26–27; abstracts accepted through February 16
On the Lighter Side
•
In this revealing 2001 PSA from Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, only the dog, not the playing children, is fully immunized

Issue 1546: January 27, 2021

Read full issue
Top Stories
•
Watch virtual ACIP meetings on January 27 and February 24–25; no registration is required
•
MMWR report on Moderna COVID-19 vaccine addressing allergic reactions after first doses published December 21, 2020–January 10, 2021
•
CDC updates clinical considerations for use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
•
CDC publishes media statement from its new director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky
•
CDC launches two COVID-19 vaccination communication toolkits for community-based organizations and essential workers
•
HHS releases a 5-year Vaccines National Strategic Plan, focused on protection across the lifespan
•
Vaccinate Your Family launches state legislation tracker
•
Learn about the work of this new organization, Science and Families Engaging (SAFE) Communities Coalition and Action Fund
•
"Vaccination Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates among Children in Kindergarten—United States, 2019–20 School Year" published in MMWR
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC offers a collection of its new COVID-19 vaccine resources for healthcare personnel
•
Flu activity remains unusually low, but don't let your guard down; make sure all of your patients get vaccinated against influenza
•
IAC enrolls three new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four institutions qualify for additional years' honors
•
IAC experts called on by news media
•
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Featured Resources
•
Help CDC test its new interactive Q&A web tool, the Flu ChatBot
•
In IAC's "Video of the Week," America's teens recruit Elvis in the fight against polio
•
Use IAC's expanded "Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic" to catch up on routine immunization
•
Great for workplace recognitions! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins show how much you value vaccination.
•
Valuable resources added to IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org to help set up mass vaccination clinics
Journal Articles and Newsletters
•
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes January issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
•
"Fake News and Science Denier Attacks on Vaccines. What Can You Do?" published in Canada Communicable Disease Report
On the Lighter Side
•
In 1999 PSA La Vacuna Es Protección from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a narrator describes how vaccines protect young children

This page was updated on .

Our Affiliated Sites

For the Public: VaccineInformation.org
For Coalitions: ImmunizationCoalitions.org
65+ Flu Defense
Protect vulnerable, older adult patients from influenza.
Give2MenACWY.org
Improve protection from meningococcal serogroups ACWY.
Mass Vaccination Resources
Access guidance documents, toolkits, and helpful resources.
NAIIS
Home of the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit.