IAC Express 2011

Issue number 957: October 10, 2011
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Contents of this Issue
Select a title to jump to the article.
  1. CDC releases updated vaccine storage and handling guide
  2. IAC updates "After the Shots" to include new medication information
  3. Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit
  4. Spotlight on immunize.org: find links to blogs about vaccines and immunization topics
  5. Use our flyers to promote IAC resources!
  6. IAC's Video of the Week encourages teens to get vaccinated against influenza
  7. New: CDC announces addition of 2011 influenza module to its "You Call the Shots" training course--free CE credit is available
  8. Google's Flu Vaccine Finder can help the public find locations for influenza vaccination
  9. MMWR celebrates 50 years of publishing!
  10. CDC publishes three updated chapters of its vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance manual
  11. Order or download immunization resources for parents, patients, and providers from CDC
  12. National Influenza Vaccination Week scheduled for December 4-10
  13. IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are still available. Order a supply for your workplace today!
  14. Award-winning DVD! "Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults"--from the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
  15. September issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available
  16. 2011-12 influenza vaccine VISs now available in Haitian Creole and Portuguese
  17. Minnesota immunization conference to take place October 20-21; CE credit available
  18. Meeting on rebuilding trust in vaccines is planned for November 21-23 in Annecy, France
 
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 957: October 10, 2011
1.  CDC releases updated vaccine storage and handling guide

CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases has released the updated "Vaccine Storage and Handling Guide" (formerly titled "Vaccine Management"). It is a comprehensive and authoritative document on storage and handling guidelines for specific vaccines. The guide includes information on vaccine-specific shipping requirements; arrival conditions; storage requirements; shelf life and preparation; and special instructions.

To access a ready-to-print version of the guide, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/storage/guide/vaccine-storage-handling.pdf

For information about vaccine storage and handling, check out the following online resources.

(1) IAC's handouts about vaccine storage and handling
Go to: http://www.immunize.org/handouts/vaccine-storage-handling.asp

(2) CDC's web section about vaccine storage and handling
Go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/storage

(3) California's Vaccines for Children website
Go to: http://www.eziz.org
 
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2.  IAC updates "After the Shots" to include new medication information

IAC recently revised the information about pediatric medications to reduce pain and fever in "After the Shots. . . What to do if your child has discomfort." The pharmaceutical industry made changes to minimize the potential for medication errors that could arise because of infants' and children's products having different concentrations. As a result, acetaminophen infants' concentrated drops and ibuprofen children's chewables were discontinued. Go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4015.pdf

IAC's Handouts for Patients and Staff web section offers healthcare professionals and the public approximately 250 FREE English-language handouts (many also available in translation), which we encourage website users to print out, copy, and distribute widely. To access all of IAC's free handouts, go to: http://www.immunize.org/handouts
 
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3.  Bulk quantities of the 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Guides and PPSV Pocket Guides available--FREE!--from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit

To aid in efforts to vaccinate against influenza and pneumococcal disease, readers are invited to place orders now for bulk quantities of the National Influenza Vaccine Summit's 2011-12 Influenza Vaccine Pocket Information Guide and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination (PPSV) Pocket Guide. Both are free--you can order them in the hundreds or thousands!

These laminated, 3.75 x 6.75-inch, 2-color cards serve as a convenient reference for front-line healthcare professionals who vaccinate patients. Place a bulk order now, and your organization will be ready to educate healthcare professionals at upcoming immunization training sessions and conferences. Each staff person who administers influenza or PPSV vaccine needs these handy resources.

THE 2011-12 INFLUENZA POCKET GUIDE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
  • Important points for healthcare providers
     
  • Indications, contraindications, and precautions for the injectable, intradermal, and intranasal influenza vaccines
     
  • Clear direction regarding which children ages 6 months through 8 years need 2 doses of influenza vaccine this year
     
  • Dosage, route of administration, and indicated age group for all the various influenza vaccine products
     
  • Talking points for discussing influenza vaccination with patients

See an image of the influenza vaccine pocket guide at http://www.immunize.org/pocketguides/pocketguide_flu.pdf

The influenza pocket guide also serves as a reminder to keep giving influenza vaccine throughout influenza season (through the spring months).

THE PPSV POCKET GUIDE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

  • Indications for vaccination with PPSV, contraindications, and precautions
     
  • Indications for vaccination with 2 doses of PPSV and intervals between doses
     
  • Dosage and routes of administration

See an image of the PPSV pocket guide at http://www.immunize.org/pocketguides/pocketguide_ppsv.pdf

The 2011-12 influenza pocket guide and PPSV pocket guide are designed to be used by healthcare professionals only; THEY ARE NOT PATIENT HANDOUTS.

HOW TO ORDER
Place your order at http://www.preventinfluenza.org/pocketguides There is no cost for the pocket guides, shipping, or handling within the U.S. They're going fast, so to avoid disappointment, place your order ASAP!

If you have questions, email admininfo@immunize.org

BACKGROUND
For background information on the pocket guides, see http://www.immunize.org/express/issue949.asp#n3

Thanks for your dedication to immunization, and don't forget to keep vaccinating against influenza through the spring months!

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4.  Spotlight on immunize.org: find links to blogs about vaccines and immunization topics

Do you want to know about the discussions on vaccines in the blogosphere? Look no further. The Blogs section on immunize.org is the newest addition to IAC's online compendium of immunization resources. IAC has selected blogs that feature discussions about vaccine-related topics from trusted sources and experts in the world of immunization, as well as parent bloggers who support vaccination. For each blog listed, you'll find a link and a brief description.

To access the Blogs about Vaccines section, go to: http://www.immunize.org/resources/blogs.asp

If you know of a noteworthy vaccine-related blog that isn't already listed on blog section, please let us know about it! Email maryq@immunize.org
 
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5.  Use our flyers to promote IAC resources!

We recently updated IAC's promotional flyers and placed them on a special web page. Many readers have told us that they pass out these flyers at conferences, meetings, and in-services, or include them in mailings, to promote IAC's many free resources for healthcare and public health professionals.

Some of the most popular flyers include

"Handy resources" (promotes www.immunize.org, www.vaccineinformation.org, and IAC Express)

"IAC's Online Directory of Immunization Resources" (promotes IAC's comprehensive online Directory of Immunization Resources)

"Honor Roll for Patient Safety" (describes how IAC recognizes healthcare institutions with stellar influenza vaccination policies)

"What a wonderful web we've woven!" (promotes www.immunize.org)

"IAC Quick-Links Reference Card" (provides quick-links to popular IAC web sections)

Other flyers promote IAC's www.izcoalitions.org website, IAC Express, order form, and becoming a partner of IAC. Finally, there's an IAC superheroes poster to color!

To access all these promotional handouts, go to: http://www.immunize.org/handouts/promotional-flyers.asp We appreciate your support in spreading the word about the many ways IAC can help immunization providers.
 
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6.  IAC's Video of the Week encourages teens to get vaccinated against influenza

IAC encourages IAC Express readers to watch and share a 4.30-minute video designed to motivate teens to get vaccinated against influenza. "The Flu Bug" was developed by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine's Group on Immunization Education.

The video will be available on the home page of IAC's website through October 16. 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.  New: CDC announces addition of 2011 influenza module to its "You Call the Shots" training course--free CE credit is available

CDC recently announced the addition of a 2011 influenza module to NCIRD's web-based training course "You Call the Shots." This module discusses influenza disease, the groups at highest risk, basic vaccination recommendations, the characteristics of influenza vaccine, and more.

Continuing Education (CE) credit is available for viewing the module and completing an evaluation.

To access the influenza module, and to see the other modules available, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/youcalltheshots.htm and click on the pertinent link.
 
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8.  Google's Flu Vaccine Finder can help the public find locations for influenza vaccination

Flu.gov recently posted Google's Flu Vaccine Finder on its home page to help the public find locations for influenza vaccination. The vaccine finder is based on the popular Google Maps feature. Patients looking for a provider with a supply of influenza vaccine can search for sites close to the zip code (or city and state) they enter into the Flu Vaccine Finder.

To try out the Flu Vaccine Finder, go to: http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/locator.html

Google worked with the American Lung Association, CDC, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop this valuable resource.

If you would like to promote Google's Flu Vaccine Finder via a widget on your website, go to: http://www.flu.gov/news/socialmedia/index.html#flulocator

If you wish to get your clinic added to the Flu Vaccine Finder, go to: http://www.google.com/support/fluvaccinefinder and click on "Information about Partners and Providers."
 
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9.  MMWR celebrates 50 years of publishing!

On October 7, MMWR published a special supplement to celebrate 50 years of publishing. To download the entire publication, titled "Public Health Then and Now: Celebrating 50 Years of MMWR at CDC," go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/other/su6004.pdf Please note, this is a big file (124 pages).

To access the supplement in text format, with choice of chapters, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/ind2011_su.html

IAC Express readers might be most interested in the section on immunization. To access "Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Immunizations, and MMWR--1961-2011," written by former CDC immunization directors Alan R. Hinman, MD, and Walter A. Orenstein, MD, and current director Anne Schuchat, MD, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6004a9.htm
 
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10.  CDC publishes three updated chapters of its vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance manual

CDC has published three updated chapters for the 5th edition of its "Manual for Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases."

The new chapters just posted are

Chapter 16--Tetanus
Chapter 21--Surveillance for Adverse Events Following Vaccination
Chapter 24--State-Specific Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

All the updated chapters can be accessed from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/index.html
 
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11.  Order or download immunization resources for parents, patients, and providers from CDC

CDC offers numerous immunization resources for parents, patients, and providers, including brochures, flyers, posters, ACIP recommendations, videos, podcasts, and more.

Some of these resources can be ordered in print form, including the popular "Parents' Guide to Childhood Immunizations" (pub number 21-1013; maximum 4 copies). Go to the Publications Order Form at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/pubs/ncird.aspx

Many additional resources are available for downloading from the Web at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs
 
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12.  National Influenza Vaccination Week scheduled for December 4-10

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as to foster greater use of influenza vaccine into January and beyond. NIVW 2011-2012 is scheduled for December 4-10, 2011.

For access to NIVW activities and resources, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw You can also submit information about your organization's planned NIVW event on this web page.
 
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13.  IAC's popular laminated versions of the 2011 U.S. immunization schedules are still 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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14.  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/dvd

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

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

Note for healthcare settings located in California: Contact your local health department immunization program for a free copy.
 
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15.  September issue of CDC's Immunization Works newsletter now available

CDC recently released the September issue of its monthly newsletter Immunization Works and posted it on the website of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). The newsletter offers the immunization community information about current topics. The information is in the public domain and can be reproduced and circulated widely.

Most articles in the September Immunization Works newsletter have been covered in this or previous issues of IAC Express.

To access the September issue, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/news/newsltrs/imwrks/2011/201109.htm
 
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16.  2011-12 influenza vaccine VISs now available in Haitian Creole and Portuguese

The 2011-12 VIS for inactivated influenza (TIV) vaccine and the 2011-12 VIS for live, intranasal influenza (LAIV) vaccine are now available in Haitian Creole and Portuguese. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the translations.

To access the new translations of the VIS for TIV, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_flu_inactive.asp

To access the new translations of the VIS for LAIV, as well as the English version, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_flu_live.asp

For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in more than 35 languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at http://www.immunize.org/vis
 
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17.  Minnesota immunization conference to take place October 20-21; CE credit available

The Minnesota Department of Health's "Got Your Shots?" immunization conference will be held in Brooklyn Park, MN, on October 20-21. The conference will focus on helping parents make informed decisions about immunization.

The conference has been approved for 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.

For comprehensive conference information, go to: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/conference
 
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18.  Meeting on rebuilding trust in vaccines is planned for November 21-23 in Annecy, France

A meeting titled "Re-invigoration Immunization Policy Implementation and Success: from parent to partner and from broadcast to engagement" is planned for November 21-23 at Les Pensieres Conference Center, Annecy, France.

The goal of the meeting is to better understand how to rebuild trust in immunization, thereby reinvigorating immunization policy implementation and success.

To download the meeting program and the registration form, go to: http://www.fondation-merieux.org/upcoming-courses-and-conferences Scroll down to the pertinent conference.

For additional information, email Catherine Dutel at catherine.dutel@fondation-merieux.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.

IZ Express Disclaimer
ISSN 2771-8085

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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