IAC Express 2011

Issue number 933: May 31, 2011

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Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. CDC reports 118 measles cases across the U.S. in 2011, the highest number of cases reported for any January-May period since 1996
  2. CDC publishes recommendations for use of a booster dose of inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine
  3. CDC updates information on options for obtaining Japanese encephalitis vaccine for children
  4. American Pharmacists Association adopts a policy mandating influenza vaccination for pharmacy personnel; four more organizations join IAC's Honor Roll for Patient Safety
  5. Spotlight on immunize.org: state immunization laws
  6. IAC's Video of the Week drives home the importance of being adequately vaccinated against measles
  7. IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are now available. Order a supply for your workplace today!
  8. Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
  9. New: CDC launches Preteen and Teen Vaccines website
  10. NFID offers two online training activities on pneumococcal disease--free CE credits available
 
Abbreviations
AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; AMA, American Medical Association; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; IAC, Immunization Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; NCIRD, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; NIVS, National Influenza Vaccine Summit; VIS, Vaccine Information Statement; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health Organization.
  
Issue 933: May 31, 2011
1.  CDC reports 118 measles cases across the U.S. in 2011, the highest number of cases reported for any January-May period since 1996

CDC published "Measles--United States, January-May 20, 2011" in the May 27 issue of MMWR. CDC published the same article as an MMWR Early Release on May 24, and IAC Express published an Extra Edition based on the Early Release on May 25.

To access the complete ready-to-print (PDF) version of this article in the May 27 MMWR, go to pages 666-668 of this document: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm6020.pdf

To access the web-text (HTML) version of this article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6020a7.htm
 
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2 CDC publishes recommendations for use of a booster dose of inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine

CDC published "Recommendations for Use of a Booster Dose of Inactivated Vero Cell Culture-Derived Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine--Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2011" in the May 27 issue of MMWR. A portion of a press summary of the recommendations is reprinted below.


Data on the need for and timing of booster doses of inactivated Vero cell culture-derived Japanese encephalitis vaccine (Ixiaro) were not available when the vaccine was licensed. In February 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviewed Ixiaro clinical trial data and concluded that the decreased percentage of subjects with neutralizing antibody levels at >=12 months following the first dose of a 2-dose primary vaccination series indicated the need for a booster dose, and there was an acceptable safety profile and immune response following a booster dose administered at >=12 months.


To access the complete ready-to-print (PDF) version of these recommendations, go to pages 661-663 of this document: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm6020.pdf

To access the web-text (HTML) version, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6020a5.htm
 
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3 CDC updates information on options for obtaining Japanese encephalitis vaccine for children

CDC published "Update on Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for Children--United States, May 2011" in the May 27 issue of MMWR. A press summary of the article is reprinted below.


Inactivated mouse brain-derived Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine (manufactured as JE-Vax), the only JE vaccine that is licensed in the United States for use in children, is no longer available. In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an inactivated Vero cell culture-derived JE vaccine (manufactured as Ixiaro) for use in adults aged >=17 years. Although pediatric studies are ongoing, it will likely be several years before Ixiaro is licensed in the United States for use in children. Current options for obtaining JE vaccine for U.S. children include (1) enroll children in the ongoing clinical trial, (2) administer Ixiaro off-label, or (3) receive JE vaccine at an international travelers' health clinic in Asia.


To access the complete ready-to-print (PDF) version of the article, go to pages 664-665 of this document: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm6020.pdf

To access the web-text (HTML) version of the article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6020a6.htm
 
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4 American Pharmacists Association adopts a policy mandating influenza vaccination for pharmacy personnel; four more organizations join IAC's Honor Roll for Patient Safety

IAC encourages qualifying healthcare organizations to apply for its Honor Roll for Patient Safety. The honor roll recognizes hospitals, medical practices, professional organizations, and government entities that have taken a stand for patient safety by implementing mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare workers.

More than 100 organizations are now enrolled.

Since April 18, when IAC Express last reported on the Honor Roll for Patient Safety, some new entries have been made:

(1) The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recently adopted a policy supporting mandatory annual influenza vaccination of pharmacy personnel. APhA joins the following nine professional associations included on IAC's Honor Roll for Patient Safety for developing position statements that endorse influenza vaccination mandates for healthcare workers:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); American College of Physicians (ACP); American Public Health Association (APHA); American Medical Directors Association (AMDA); Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC); Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA); National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID); National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF); and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

To read the APhA policy statement, go to:
http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=House_of_Delegates&TEMPLATE=/
CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=25910

To access all position or policy statements, go to: http://www.immunize.org/honor-roll

(2) The following three institutions and one medical practice have also been enrolled.
  • Institutions: Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI; Baptist
    Health System, San Antonio, TX; Cottage Grove Community
    Hospital (PeaceHealth), Cottage Grove, OR
     
  • Medical practice: Core Physicians, LLC, Exeter, NH

To be included in the honor roll, an organization's mandate must require influenza vaccination for employees and must include serious measures to prevent transmission of influenza from unvaccinated workers to patients. Such measures might include a mask requirement, reassignment to non-patient-care duties, or dismissal of the employee.

To find specific information on the mandates of the enrolled organizations or to submit your organization's application for the honor roll, go to: http://www.immunize.org/honor-roll

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5 Spotlight on immunize.org: state immunization laws

Looking for up-to-date information about state immunization mandates? Look no further. IAC's State Information web section is the "go-to" spot for up-to-date information about state immunization mandates. IAC tracks vaccination mandates for vaccine-preventable diseases in child-care facilities, schools, colleges, and long-term care facilities. The immunization mandate data are compiled for the 50 states and presented in table and/or map formats.

To access State Information, visit http://www.immunize.org/laws

If you have any updates from your state that you think should be made to IAC's web section on State Information, please notify us at admin@immunize.org We appreciate receiving the latest information from IAC Express readers.
 
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6 IAC's Video of the Week drives home the importance of being adequately vaccinated against measles

IAC encourages IAC Express readers to watch "Measles: What to Know," a 2-minute video about a mother and son who both contracted measles, the importance of children receiving two doses of measles vaccine, and the necessity of international travelers to be adequately vaccinated for their destination. Made available by WebMD, the video features commentary by Louis Cooper, MD, past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The video will be available on the home page of IAC's website through June 5. To access it, go to: http://www.immunize.org and click on the image under the words Video of the Week.

Remember to bookmark IAC's home page to view a new video every Monday.

To access the archives of IAC's Videos of the Week, go to: http://www.immunize.org/votw
 
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7 IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are now available. Order a supply for your workplace today!

IAC's laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. child/teen and adult immunization schedules are covered with a tough, washable coating that lets them stand up to a year's worth of use in every area of your workplace where immunizations are given. Each has six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages) and is folded to measure 8.5" by 11".

Laminated schedules are printed in color for easy reading, come complete with essential tables and footnotes, and include contraindications and precautions--a feature that will help you make an on-the-spot determination about the safety of vaccinating patients of any age.

PRICING
1-4 copies: $7.50 each
5-19 copies: $5.50 each
20-99 copies: $4.50 each

To view images of the laminated schedules, or to order online or download an order form, go to: http://www.immunize.org/shop/laminated-schedules.asp

For quotes on customizing or placing orders in excess of 999 schedules, call (651) 647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org

To learn about other essential immunization resources available for purchase from IAC, go to: http://www.immunize.org/shop
 
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8 Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Immunization Branch, has updated its award-winning training video, "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults." The 25-minute program can be used to train new employees and to refresh the skills of experienced staff. The video demonstrates the skills and techniques needed to administer vaccines to patients of all ages.

Prices start at $17 each for 1-9 copies and are greatly reduced for large orders, dropping to $3 each for 1,000-1,499 copies.

To learn more about the DVD, and find out how to order it, go to: http://www.immunize.org/shop/toolkit_iztechdvd.asp

For quotes on larger quantities, call (651) 647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org

The Immunization Action Coalition is the only nationwide vendor of this new DVD.

Note for healthcare settings located in California: Contact your local health department immunization program for a free copy.
 
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9 New: CDC launches Preteen and Teen Vaccines website

CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases recently launched its Preteen and Teen Vaccines website. It includes information for parents, preteens and teens, healthcare professionals, and public health professionals. Resources include online and print materials, videos, audios, web tools, and more.

To access the home page of the Preteen and Teen Vaccines website, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens
 
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10.  NFID offers two online training activities on pneumococcal disease--free CE credits available

To help promote adult pneumococcal vaccination, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) recently posted two training activities on its website. Free CE credits are available for participating in either.

(1) "Pneumococcal Disease Webcast On-Demand" addresses the crisis, burden, and management of pneumococcal disease, and the key role healthcare providers can play in pneumococcal disease prevention through vaccination. To access it, go to: http://www.vemcomeded.com/webinar-6-ondemand.asp

(2) Designed as a user-friendly reference guide, the "20 FAQs e-Monograph" provides clear, concise, evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. It also features a new interactive way of viewing an online program. To access it, go to: http://www.vemcomeded.com/e-monograph-01.asp

For information on NFID and its resources, go to: http://www.nfid.org
 
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About IZ Express

IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. 1NH23IP922654 from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

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Editorial Information

  • Editor-in-Chief
    Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
  • Managing Editor
    John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
  • Associate Editor
    Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
  • Writer/Publication Coordinator
    Taryn Chapman, MS
    Courtnay Londo, MA
  • Style and Copy Editor
    Marian Deegan, JD
  • Web Edition Managers
    Arkady Shakhnovich
    Jermaine Royes
  • Contributing Writer
    Laurel H. Wood, MPA
  • Technical Reviewer
    Kayla Ohlde

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