IZ Express Issues Archive

"Use of Updated COVID-19 Vaccines 2023–2024 Formula for Persons Aged ≥6 Months: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, September 2023" published in MMWR Early Release

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"Use of the Pfizer Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine during Pregnancy for the Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Lower Respiratory Disease in Infants: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2023" published in MMWR

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CDC releases new Immunization Information Statement (a VIS-like document) for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody (nirsevimab)

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Immunize.org posts five new and updated translations of Vaccine Information Statements

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Immunize.org retires four of its resources summarizing recommendations and contraindications

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“Vaccination after COVID-19 Illness”: watch the 2-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram

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Spotlight: Immunize.org resources focused on each vaccine-preventable disease, in photo, narrative, and Q&A formats

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Keep up with influenza this season: use CDC’s FluView and RESP-NET surveillance reports and Influenza Vaccination Dashboard, updated weekly

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Immunize.org's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for healthcare worker vaccination requirements now features 1,335 organizations, including one new facility

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Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts

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Immunize.org updates its “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page to reflect recommended use of the 2023–2024 formula vaccines

Notable Publications

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"High Influenza Incidence and Disease Severity among Children and Adolescents Aged <18 Years—United States, 2022–23 Season" published in MMWR

Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Watch October 25–26 ACIP meeting. Topics include immunization schedules and seven vaccine-preventable diseases.

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Virtual: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases hosts "Clinical Vaccinology Course" on November 15–17; CME and CNE available

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Issue 1718: October 11, 2023

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Top Stories

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FDA authorizes Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2023–2024 Formula) for people age 12 and older; CDC recommends use as authorized

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CDC issues updated standing order templates for 2023–2024 formula COVID-19 mRNA vaccines; standing orders for updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to follow

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“Use of the Pfizer Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine during Pregnancy for the Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Disease in Infants: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2023” published in MMWR Early Release

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Two studies from CDC's MMWR show RSV causes serious illness in older adults

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Many changes for fall 2023: review your COVID-19 resources with the latest version of Immunize.org’s “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools”

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“Drawing up Vaccine Doses in Advance”: watch the 1-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram

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Every American household can once again order four free COVID-19 tests, delivered to their residence

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Spotlight: Immunize.org resources focused on influenza vaccination

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Vaccines in the news

Featured Resources

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Moderna offers Bench2Practice, a resource center for healthcare providers to facilitate vaccination discussions with patients; registration required

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Montgomery County Immunization Coalition (Pennsylvania) releases Halloween-themed social media toolkit and other social media images and text in four languages

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NFID posts podcast episode featuring researcher Carol J. Baker, MD, on developing vaccines and antivirals and conducting clinical trials during pregnancy

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CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center shares “Aluminum & Vaccines: 3 Things to Know” infographic in English and Spanish

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Voices for Vaccines releases podcast with former CDC communications chief Glen Nowak on analyzing vaccine communication

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Order Immunize.org’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!

Notable Publications

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COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations among U.S. Adults Aged ≥65 Years—COVID-NET, 13 States, January–August 2023” published in MMWR

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“Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Status among Long-Term Care Facility Residents—United States, October 31, 2022–May 7, 2023” published in MMWR

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“Updated Guidance regarding the Risk of Allergic Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines and Recommended Evaluation and Management: A GRADE Assessment and International Consensus Approach” published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

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"Unexpected Vaginal Bleeding and COVID-19 Vaccination in Nonmenstruating Women" published in Science Advances

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“Maternal Pertussis Vaccination, Infant Immunization, and Risk of Pertussis” published in Pediatrics

Global News

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WHO recommends R21/Matrix-M vaccine for prevention of malaria in children

Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Pfizer offers educational webinars “Pfizer RSV Vaccine – A New Maternal Indication” Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through October 19

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Virtual: Watch October 25–27 ACIP meeting. Topics include immunization schedules and eight vaccine-preventable diseases.

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Hybrid: Clinical Care Options hosts webinar “Ready, Set, Vaccinate! Clinical Implementation of RSV Vaccination for Older Adults” on October 26 at 7:30 p.m. (ET); CME, CNE, and CPE available

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Issue 1717: October 4, 2023

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Top Stories

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CDC issues updated 2023 child and adult recommended immunization schedules, adding addenda listing new 2023 recommendations

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CDC and CMS issue letter encouraging prevention of RSV this season with newly recommended vaccines and monoclonal antibody

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October 5 is World Meningitis Day. Vaccination prevents meningococcal meningitis.

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“Pregnancy and Flu Vaccine”: watch the 1-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram

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Institute for Safe Medication Practices highlights potential for dosing error with Fluzone high-dose vaccine

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IZ Express keeps 55,000+ readers up to date on what’s new in vaccines each week; invite your colleagues to subscribe!

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Spotlight: Immunize.org resources focused on adolescent vaccination

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Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts

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Recap: Immunize.org updated these clinical resources in August and September

Vaccine Information Statements

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Reminder! Immunize.org posts 28 new translations of Vaccine Information Statement for RSV vaccine for older adults.

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Recap: Vaccine Information Statements and translations released in August and September

Featured Resources

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National Network of Immunization Coalitions’ webinar, “What You Need to Know about New RSV Immunizations for Children and Adults,” available for on-demand viewing

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Public Health Foundation and CDC create three videos to help clinicians differentiate “expiration date” and “beyond use date” for vaccines

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Public Health Communications Collaborative offers social media graphics and messages to communicate key details about respiratory illness prevention

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Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations

Notable Publications

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“COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations and Practices for Women of Reproductive Age, by Health Care Providers—Fall DocStyles Survey, United States, 2022” published in MMWR

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“Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Pregnant Persons, by Disaggregated Race and Ethnicity—Massachusetts, May 2021–October 2022” published in MMWR

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“Effectiveness of Maternal mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy against COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations in Infants Aged <6 Months during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Predominance—20 States, March 9, 2022–May 31, 2023” published in MMWR

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“Influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Hesitancy among Pregnant Women—United States, April 2023” published in MMWR

Upcoming Events

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Today! Virtual: CDC briefing on fall and winter virus season with CDC Director Mandy K. Cohen on October 4 at 12:00 p.m. (ET).

Issue 1716: September 27, 2023

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Top Stories

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Immunize.org summarizes ACIP meeting recommending RSV vaccine during pregnancy to prevent illness in infants

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Immunize.org posts 28 new translations of Vaccine Information Statement for RSV vaccine for older adults

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Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia releases vaccine education modules about dispelling misinformation and communicating with autistic and neurodiverse people

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“Answer Parent Concerns about HPV Vaccination”: watch the 1-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram

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Spotlight: Immunize.org’s “Standing Orders Templates for Administering Vaccines” main page helps you simplify your vaccination practice

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Immunize.org's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for healthcare worker vaccination requirements now features 1,334 organizations, including two new facilities

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Journalists interview Immunize.org experts

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Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts

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Immunize.org updates “Before You Vaccinate Adults, Consider Their ‘H-A-L-O’!”

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Immunize.org updates “Vaccine Administration Record for Adults”

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Immunize.org updates “Vaccine Administration Record for Children and Teens”

Vaccine Information Statements

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Recap: Immunize.org posts 12 new translations of CDC’s recently updated multi-vaccine Vaccine Information Statement for infants

Featured Resources

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American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) publishes articles on universal hepatitis B vaccination recommendations, CME available

Global News

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“Progress toward Poliomyelitis Eradication—Afghanistan, January 2022–June 2023” published in MMWR

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“Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 Emergences Linked to Novel Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Type 2 Use—Six African Countries, 2021–2023” published in MMWR

Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia webinar honors student winners of the 2023 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest on September 29 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)

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Virtual: National Network of Immunization Coalitions’ webinar “What You Need to Know about New RSV Immunizations for Children and Adults” now available for on-demand viewing

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Issue 1715: September 20, 2023

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Top Stories

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Immunize.org summarizes ACIP meeting on 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

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CDC updates clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccines, including 2023–2024 recommendations

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HHS launches Bridge Access Program to provide COVID-19 vaccines at no cost for uninsured and underinsured adults

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Immunize.org updates its “Ask the Experts” web page on influenza for the 2023–24 season

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“MenACWY Given at Age 10. Revaccinate at 11, or Not?”: watch the 1-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram

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Spotlight: Immunize.org's resources focused on communication between healthcare personnel and patients or caregivers

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Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts

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Immunize.org updates the 2023–24 influenza vaccination standing orders templates—one for adults and one for children and teens

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Immunize.org revises its clinical resource “Communicating the Benefits of Influenza Vaccination” for the 2023–24 season

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Immunize.org updates three handouts, “Notification of Immunization Letter Template,” “Hepatitis A is a Serious Liver Disease: Vaccination Can Protect You!,” and “Hepatitis A: Questions and Answers”

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Immunize.org updates its “Vaccine Timeline” web page to include recent vaccine-related events

Vaccine Information Statements

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Immunize.org posts new 12 translations of CDC’s recently updated multi-vaccine Vaccine Information Statement for infants

Featured Resources

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Vaccinate Your Family launches its 2023–24 “Not ‘Just’ the Flu” campaign to raise awareness about the seriousness of influenza

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Voices for Vaccines releases video “What is Community Immunity?” to share with patients and the public

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Organizing a new vaccination program? Use Immunize.org’s Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety.

Global News

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“Interim Effectiveness Estimates of 2023 Southern Hemisphere Influenza Vaccines in Preventing Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations—REVELAC-I Network, March–July 2023” published in MMWR

Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Watch the ACIP discuss RSV vaccination during pregnancy on September 22 at 10:00 a.m. (ET)

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Virtual: NCIRD offers webinar “Clinical Guidance for Use of Products to Prevent RSV Disease in Infants” on September 27 at 12:00 p.m. (ET); CE available

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Virtual: Moderna offers multiple informational briefings for clinical staff on the updated 2023–2024 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine formulation in September

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Issue 1714: September 19, 2023

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Ask the Experts: Immunize.org Answers Questions about Influenza Vaccination for the 2023–24 Season

As an additional service to IZ Express readers, we periodically publish special editions such as this one, providing you with new and updated Ask the Experts questions and answers from Immunize.org experts. This issue includes 14 Q&As about influenza vaccination based on recently updated ACIP recommendations.

To find the full set of Immunize.org'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 1,200 others about vaccines and vaccine administration, on our "Ask the Experts" main page at www.immunize.org/askexperts.

Immunize.org's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead), Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP, and Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH.

Influenza Vaccination for the 2023–24 Season

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Q: Please summarize what's new in the 2023–24 influenza vaccine recommendations.

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Q: How serious a problem is influenza in the United States?

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Q: What kind of influenza activity might be expected for 2023–24 influenza season?

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Q: Who is recommended to be vaccinated against influenza?

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Q: Which influenza vaccines will be available during the 2023–24 influenza season?

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Q: Are any of the available flu vaccines recommended over others?

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Q: When does CDC recommend starting influenza vaccination?

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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: May influenza vaccines be given at the same time as RSV vaccine?

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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 latest ACIP guidance on influenza vaccination and egg allergy?

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Q: What are contraindications and precautions for inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccines?

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Q: What are the contraindications and precautions for FluMist Quadrivalent (LAIV4)?

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Q: What is the most up-to-date Influenza Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for the 2023–24 influenza season?

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Issue 1713: September 13, 2023

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Top Stories

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“Pneumococcal Vaccine for Adults Aged ≥19 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2023” published in MMWR

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CDC releases job aid for shared clinical decision-making for RSV vaccination of adults age 60 and older

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“Health Care Provider Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Adult Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Recommendations—United States, September 28–October 10, 2022” published in MMWR

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National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15; encourage your Hispanic patients to be vaccinated with culturally appropriate resources

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Happy Mexican Independence Day, September 16! Here’s an orientation to vaccination information and advocacy in Mexico.

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“Ask the Experts: Alternative Schedules”: watch the 2-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram

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Spotlight: Immunize.org’s “Clinic Tools” main page is a one-stop source of practical information about vaccines

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Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts

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Immunize.org updates its patient handout titled "Not Sure If You Can Get an Influenza Vaccine?"

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Review your COVID-19 resources with the latest version of Immunize.org’s “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools”

Vaccine Information Statements

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Spanish versions of new Vaccine Information Statement for RSV vaccine for older adults and updated multi-vaccine Vaccine Information Statement for infants now available

Featured Resources

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Boost Oregon's award-winning animated videos are now available in Spanish

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AAP offers new podcast episode from Pediatrics on Call discussing RSV, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and influenza vaccines

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Order Immunize.org’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!

Notable Publications

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"Ten-Year Follow-Up of 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Immunogenicity, Effectiveness, and Safety" published in Pediatrics

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"Deciphering Knowledge and Opinions of Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Facilitation of Point-of-Care Vaccination in Adults" published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery

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“Reduced Odds of Mpox-Associated Hospitalization among Persons Who Received JYNNEOS Vaccine—California, May 2022–May 2023” published in MMWR

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"Religious Exemptions, Public Health, and School Vaccination Requirements" published in JAMA Pediatrics

Global News

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“Progress toward Measles Elimination—African Region, 2017–2021” published in MMWR

Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Participate in the "Pregnant & Protected" from COVID-19 campaign launch,
September 14, 3:30 p.m. (ET)

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Virtual: Watch September 21–22 National Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting

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Virtual: Watch the ACIP meeting to discuss maternal RSV vaccination, September 22

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Issue 1712: September 6, 2023

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Top Stories

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Spanish versions of new Vaccine Information Statement for RSV vaccine for older adults and updated multi-vaccine VIS for infants now available

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Immunization advocates: registration is open for the 16th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships to be held April 9–11, 2024, in Philadelphia

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“Safety of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Children”: watch the 3-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram

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Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 580 institutions, including four renewing honorees

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Spotlight: Immunize.org resources focused on the history of vaccines

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Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts

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Immunize.org posts five updated 2023–2024 influenza season clinical resources

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Immunize.org updates its resource for the public: “Varicella (Chickenpox): Questions and Answers”

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Immunize.org updates its “Ask the Experts” web page on travel vaccines

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Recap: Immunize.org updated these clinic resources in July and August

Vaccine Information Statements

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Recap: Vaccine Information Statements and translations released in July and August

Featured Resources

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CHOP’s PolicyLab and Vaccine Education Center release report on increasing vaccination rates on college campuses

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Listen to the newest episode of Unity’s FACTSinnated podcast on the FDA’s role in increasing vaccine confidence with Dr. Peter Marks

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Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations

Notable Publications

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“‘They’ve All Endorsed It . . . but I’m Just Not There:’ A Qualitative Exploration of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Reported by Black and Latinx Individuals” published in BMJ Open

Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Watch the ACIP meeting to discuss updated COVID-19 vaccines for fall 2023, September 12, 10:00 a.m. (ET)

Issue 1711: August 30, 2023

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Top Stories

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“Use of Nirsevimab for the Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease among Infants and Young Children: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2023” published in MMWR

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“Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2023–24 Influenza Season” published in MMWR

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“Vaccination Coverage among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years—National Immunization Survey–Teen, United States, 2022” published in MMWR

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FDA licenses first vaccine for pregnant individuals to prevent RSV in their infants

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Immunize.org updates its "Ask the Experts" web page on travel vaccines against cholera and tick-borne encephalitis

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“Four Doses of Polio Vaccine before Age 4. Booster Needed?” Watch the 1-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Spotlight: Immunize.org resources on state requirements, exemptions, and the consequences of being unvaccinated

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Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts

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Immunize.org posts complete suite of materials on vaccination anxiety, designed for healthcare personnel and the public

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Immunize.org updates “Questions and Answers” handouts on measles, mumps, and rubella

Featured Resources

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“Shop Immunize.org” offers resources for your practice. Don’t miss getting laminated 2023 U.S. adult immunization schedules for your exam rooms.

Notable Publications

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"Temporally Associated Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Alaska, USA, 2020–2021" published in Emerging Infectious Diseases

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"COVID-19 Booster Vaccination during Pregnancy Enhances Maternal Binding and Neutralizing Antibody Responses and Transplacental Antibody Transfer to the Newborn” published in Vaccine

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"Differences in SARS-CoV-2 Specific Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses after Contralateral and Ipsilateral COVID-19 Vaccination" published in Lancet

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“Immunization Update: 2024 Vaccine Schedules for Infants, Children, and Adolescents” published in Clinical Advisor

Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Today! CDC hosts webinar titled "New RSV Vaccines for Adults: General Information and Clinical Guidance" on August 30 at 12:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit offered.

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Virtual: Watch September 12 ACIP meeting to discuss updated COVID-19 vaccines for fall 2023

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Virtual: CHOP hosts Current Issues in Vaccines webinar titled “RSV Vaccines Across the Lifespan” on September 13; CE credit offered

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Issue 1710: August 29, 2023

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Ask the Experts: Immunize.org Answers Questions about Vaccine Storage and Handling, Polio, and Meningococcal Vaccines

As an additional service to IZ Express readers, we periodically publish special editions such as this one, providing you with new and updated Ask the Experts questions and answers from Immunize.org’s experts. This issue includes 4 Q&As about vaccine storage and handling, 3 Q&As about polio vaccination, and 4 Q&As about meningococcal vaccination.

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.

Immunize.org's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead), Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP, and Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH.

Storage and Handling Questions

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Q: Where can I get the most up-to-date information about vaccine storage and handling?

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Q: When the expiration date of a vaccine indicates a month and year, does the vaccine expire on the first or last day of the month?

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Q: What is a temperature excursion?

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Q: What is NSF/ANSI 456 certification?

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Q: We have a small office with limited space for a vaccine storage unit. If dormitory-style refrigerators are not an option, what can we use?

Issue 1709: August 23, 2023

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Top Stories

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New! Immunize.org posts complete suite of materials on vaccination anxiety, designed for healthcare personnel and the public.

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“Effectiveness of Monovalent and Bivalent mRNA Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters among Young Children Aged 6 Months–5 Years—VISION Network, United States, July 2022–June 2023” published in MMWR

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“Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Mpox in Adults Aged >50 Years—United States, May 2022–May 2023” published in MMWR

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National Immunization Awareness Month is in full swing; promote vaccination with these helpful resources for all ages

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“COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Almost-12-Year-Old?” Watch the 2-minute answer, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram

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Unity Consortium’s 3Cs program (Confident, Concise, and Consistent) combats vaccine hesitancy

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Spotlight: Immunize.org’s “Handouts” main page provides easy access to hundreds of vaccination-related handouts and fact sheets

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Vaccines in the news

Vaccine Topics

General Topics

Patient Safety Honor Rolls