Issue
Number 580
February 6, 2006
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- The staff of IAC honor the memory of Mark Wexler
- Involved with immunizing children and/or teens? Be sure
to sign up for this practical teleconference
- Federal government launches official pandemic influenza
website
- CDC posts hepatitis conference presentations online
- CDC adds to and updates its Influenza web section
- CDC reports on U.S. childhood influenza vaccination
coverage during the 2003-04 season
- Free: Free bulk copies of the latest issue of Needle
Tips (October 2005) are just a click away
- CDC reports on U.S. influenza activity during January
15–21
- Updated: IAC revises a vaccine-storage-and-handling
piece for health professionals
- National Conference on Immunization Coalitions extends
abstract submission deadline to February 28
- CDC releases report on a case of imported
vaccine-associated paralytic polio
- Sign up for February continuing education conference
calls
- New: February 3 issue of IAC'S Hep Express electronic
newsletter now available online
- CDC issues guidelines for surveillance of adverse
reactions to smallpox vaccine
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ABBREVIATIONS: AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American
Academy of Pediatrics; ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices;
CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug
Administration; IAC, Immunization Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report; NIP, National Immunization Program; VIS, Vaccine
Information Statement; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health
Organization.
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February 6, 2006
THE STAFF OF IAC HONOR THE MEMORY OF MARK WEXLER
Mark Wexler, father of IAC Executive Director Deborah Wexler, MD, passed
away February 2. Mark's encouragement, business sense, and editorial
judgment have been invaluable to IAC. In addition, Mark and his wife,
Muriel, have supported IAC generously through the Mark and Muriel Wexler
Foundation.
In 1960, Mark began Medical Arts Press, a publisher and distributor of
practice management resources for health professionals. Through the years,
he and Muriel have contributed their time and resources to numerous
philanthropic causes.
Mark touched many lives and will be missed. We extend our condolences to the
Wexler family.
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February 6, 2006
INVOLVED WITH IMMUNIZING CHILDREN AND/OR TEENS? BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS
PRACTICAL TELECONFERENCE
Childhood Immunization: Today's Successes, Tomorrow's Challenges is a
one-hour web-enhanced teleconference sponsored by Boston University School
of Medicine. The program, which will include a 15-minute live Q&A session,
will be offered at various times on six dates in February:
February 7 at 1PM ET
February 9 at 2PM ET
February 14 at 3PM ET
February 16 at 8PM ET
February 21 at 12 noon ET
February 23 at 1PM ET
Intended for office-based pediatricians, family physicians, and pediatric
nurse practitioners, the teleconference will help clinicians develop
practical and effective strategies for improving immunization rates and
decreasing vaccine-preventable disease. Specifically, the program will
address the optimal timing of immunizations, appropriate management of
injection pain, current status of vaccine safety, strategies for responding
to parental concerns, and emerging issues in adolescent immunization.
For a comprehensive overview of the program, including information on
faculty, registering, accessing the webcast, downloading slides, and earning
CME credit, go to:
http://128.121.249.49/immunization/index.html
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February 6, 2006
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES OFFICIAL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA WEBSITE
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a website to
provide comprehensive government-wide information on pandemic influenza and
avian influenza. In the event of a pandemic, this will be the authoritative
site for U.S. government information on the pandemic.
The website is intended for the general public, health and emergency
preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders,
school systems, and local communities. It includes information on planning
and response, monitoring outbreaks, vaccines and medications, travel,
research activities, national and state activities, and much more.
To access this new resource, go to:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov
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February 6, 2006
CDC POSTS HEPATITIS CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS ONLINE
[The following is cross posted from IAC's Hep Express electronic newsletter,
2/3/06.]
CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) has posted presentations from
December's National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference on their website.
Go to
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/partners/nvhpc_monday.htm
to access Monday's presentations. Links to the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday presentations are available at the top of the page. Each day's
web page includes descriptions of the plenary and workshop sessions and
links to related PowerPoint presentations.
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February 6, 2006
CDC ADDS TO AND UPDATES ITS INFLUENZA WEB SECTION
CDC recently added a new report to its Influenza web section. In addition,
CDC posted to the web section two revised pieces regarding avian influenza.
NEW
1. "Avian Influenza: Update Iraq" (posted 2/3/06)
To access this resource, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm#new and click on the pertinent link.
UPDATED:
2. "Key Facts About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1)
Virus" (posted 2/2/06)
3. "Avian Influenza: Current Situation" (posted 2/2/06)
To access these resources, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whatsnew.htm#updated and click on the pertinent
link(s).
To access a broad range of continually updated information on seasonal
influenza, avian influenza, and pandemic influenza, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
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February 6, 2006
CDC REPORTS ON U.S. CHILDHOOD INFLUENZA VACCINE COVERAGE DURING THE 2003–04
SEASON
CDC published "Childhood Influenza Vaccination Coverage--United States,
2003-04 Influenza Season" in the February 3 MMWR. Portions of a summary made
available to the press are reprinted below.
*****************
The second CDC report of national estimates of influenza vaccination
coverage among children aged 6-23 months showed that coverage remained low
during the second year of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
encouragement to vaccinate 6-23 month olds against influenza. . . . Results
from CDC's National Immunization Survey, a nationally representative
random-digit-dialing telephone survey with provider verified vaccination
data, revealed that for the 2003-04 influenza season, 17.5 percent of
children 6-23 months had received at least one influenza vaccination and
only 8.4 percent were fully vaccinated against influenza (i.e., 1 dose if
vaccinated the previous season or 2 doses if not previously vaccinated).
There was large variability between states and urban areas for influenza
vaccination coverage among children aged 6-23 months, ranging from 5.7
percent to 47.6 percent for receipt of at least one dose of influenza
vaccination. Although coverage may have increased in subsequent seasons with
the ACIP encouragement replaced with a recommendation, these findings
underscore the need to increase coverage with the required number of
influenza vaccine doses to reduce the number of influenza-related
hospitalizations among young children.
*****************
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete MMWR article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5504a3.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5504.pdf
To receive a FREE electronic subscription to MMWR (which includes new ACIP
statements), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwrsubscribe.html
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February 6, 2006
FREE: BULK COPIES OF THE LATEST ISSUE OF NEEDLE TIPS (OCTOBER 2005) ARE JUST
A CLICK AWAY
IAC is giving away bulk copies (up to 100 per request) of the October 2005
issue of Needle Tips.
If you have an immunization conference or an educational program coming up
for physicians, residents, or nurses who specialize in pediatrics or family
practice, this 24-page publication is an excellent item to distribute. The
October 2005 issue includes a patient-education sheet that helps adults
determine which vaccinations they need, IAC's Summary of Recommendations for
Adult Immunization, IAC's Summary of Recommendations for Childhood and
Adolescent Immunization, standing orders protocols for administering
influenza vaccine to adults and children, screening questionnaires for
intranasal influenza vaccination and injectable influenza vaccination, two
pieces related to viral hepatitis, and a summary of healthcare worker
vaccination recommendations.
Because supplies of the October 2005 issue are limited, it's best to make
your request right away. Free copies go quickly. Sorry, we can mail orders
only to addresses within the United States.
To request copies, fill out the online form on IAC's website:
http://www.immunize.org/freeoffer
You will be asked to supply the following information:
-
The number of copies you want (maximum 100)
-
A description of how you plan to use the copies
-
Your name and complete contact information, including mailing address,
telephone number, and email address
For further information, email
admin@immunize.org
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February 6, 2006
CDC REPORTS ON U.S. INFLUENZA ACTIVITY DURING JANUARY 15–21
CDC published "Update: Influenza Activity--United States, January 15-21,
2006" in the February 3 MMWR. A portion of the article is reprinted below.
*****************
During January 15-21, 2006, the number of states reporting widespread
influenza activity decreased to five. Twenty-three states reported
regional activity, nine reported local activity, and 13 reported sporadic
activity.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete MMWR article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5504a4.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5504.pdf
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February 6, 2006
UPDATED: IAC REVISES A VACCINE-STORAGE-AND-HANDLING PIECE FOR HEALTH
PROFESSIONALS
IAC recently updated its print piece "Vaccine Handling Tips" to include
the storage specifications for these vaccines: MMRV
(measles-mumps-rubella-varicella), MPSV4 (meningococcal polysaccharide),
and MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate).
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3048.pdf
No web-text (HTML) version is available.
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February 6, 2006
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON IMMUNIZATION COALITIONS EXTENDS ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
DEADLINE TO FEBRUARY 28
The National Conference on Immunization Coalitions has extended the
deadline for abstract submissions to February 28. The previous deadline
was January 27.
The conference will be held August 9–11 in Denver, Colorado. For more
information on it, go to:
http://www.seeuthere.com/event/m2c666-455170415278
To submit an abstract online, go to:
http://www.seeuthere.com/survey/m2c666-163085121572
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February 6, 2006
CDC RELEASES REPORT ON A CASE OF IMPORTED VACCINE-ASSOCIATED PARALYTIC
POLIO
CDC published "Imported Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Poliomyelitis--United
States, 2005" in the February 3 issue of MMWR. An edited version of a
summary made available to the press is reprinted below.
***********************
This report describes the first known occurrence of vaccine-associated
paralytic polio (VAPP) in an unvaccinated U.S. adult who traveled abroad.
An Arizona woman, aged 22 years, contracted paralytic polio during a
study-abroad program in Central America, where she likely was exposed to
the infant grandson of her host family; he was vaccinated with live,
attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV) shortly after her arrival. This case
highlights the previously unrecognized risk of paralytic polio for
unvaccinated persons exposed to OPV during travel abroad . . . .
Polio among travelers is preventable. Travelers to countries where polio
is endemic or where outbreaks are occurring should be made aware of the
risk for acquiring paralytic polio in those countries and be vaccinated in
accordance with current recommendations. Healthcare providers should be
aware of the risk that OPV might pose to unvaccinated travelers and should
consider offering them polio vaccination. Paralytic poliomyelitis is rare
in the United States because of the success of universal childhood
immunization and the global program eradication initiative. The primary
risk for paralytic polio for U.S. residents is through travel to countries
where polio remains endemic or where polio outbreaks are occurring.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5504a2.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5504.pdf
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February 6, 2006
SIGN UP FOR FEBRUARY CONTINUING EDUCATION CONFERENCE CALLS
[The following is cross posted from IAC's Hep Express electronic
newsletter, 2/3/06.]
The New York University Post-Graduate Medical School and Lenox Hill
Hospital are jointly sponsoring a continuing education program for
physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of HBV-infected
patients. The program consists of five one-hour conference calls, led by
Danny Chu, MD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Son Do, MD, past
chairman, National Task Force on Hepatitis B, Focus on APIA; and Steven
Han, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Participants can sign up for one or more calls. Dates include February 7,
8, 13, and 15. For more information, call Jessica at (646) 674-4885.
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February 6, 2006
NEW: FEBRUARY 3 ISSUE OF IAC'S HEP EXPRESS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER NOW
AVAILABLE ONLINE
The February 3 issue of Hep Express, an electronic newsletter published by
IAC, is now available online. It is intended for health and social service
professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis.
IAC Express has already covered some of the information presented in the
February 3 Hep Express; titles of articles we have not yet covered follow.
-
APAMSA's National Hepatitis B Week scheduled for March 20–26
-
Hepatitis B vaccination to be included in India's national immunization
program
To access the February 3 issue, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/issue40.asp
To sign up for a free subscription to Hep Express, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/signup.asp
To access previous issues of Hep Express, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress
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February 6, 2006
CDC ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR SURVEILLANCE OF ADVERSE REACTIONS TO SMALLPOX
VACCINE
On February 3, CDC published "Surveillance Guidelines for Smallpox
Vaccine (vaccinia) Adverse Reactions " in the MMWR Recommendations and
Reports. A portion of the document's introduction is reprinted below.
*****************
Adverse reactions caused by smallpox vaccination range from mild and
self-limited to severe and life-threatening. During the recent smallpox
vaccination programs, CDC, DoD [Department of Defense], and the joint
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-Armed Forces
Epidemiological Board (AFEB) Smallpox Vaccine Safety Working Group (SVS
WG) relied on surveillance data from the smallpox pre-eradication era to
estimate frequencies of adverse reactions expected during these
vaccination programs. These estimates might be limited because the
targeted population during the 1960s was mostly children who had never
been previously vaccinated; the recent program targeted healthy adults,
some of whom had received smallpox vaccines. Furthermore, adverse
reactions during the 1960s were classified and reported by providers on
the basis of subjective clinical diagnosis, and standard collection or
analytical tools were not applied to the clinical data. Without explicit
criteria for identifying cases for public health surveillance, state
health departments and individual practitioners often apply different
criteria for reporting similar cases. Surveillance data for adverse
reactions after smallpox vaccination must be aggressively pursued and
standardized to assess accurately the frequency of adverse events after
smallpox vaccination.
This report describes the case definitions used to classify reported
adverse events during the DHHS [Department of Health and Human Services]
smallpox vaccination program.
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the guidelines, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5501a1.htm
To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of them, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5501.pdf |
