Immunize.org supports evidence-based vaccination recommendations and schedules. Read more at About Us.
IZ Express

Our weekly email newsletter, IZ Express, has been in production since 1997 and currently has more than 50,000 subscribers. Each week, it provides up-to-date information about:

  • New 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 (1896)

Issue 1636: June 8, 2022

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Top Stories
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CDC releases new VIS for smallpox/monkeypox vaccine and updated VIS for rabies vaccine
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Immunize.org updates “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools”
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Immunize.org releases updated print-ready recommendation summaries for adults and for children and adolescents
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Vaccinate Your Family releases new animated video explaining how vaccines work
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Who needs another tie? Show your dad how much you care; be sure he’s protected from vaccine-preventable diseases!
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Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 559 institutions, including one new honoree. Seven previously honored institutions qualify for sustained honors.
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Influenza activity continues to increase in some areas
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Spotlight! Immunize.org’s “Clinic Tools: Administering Vaccines” main page provides tools from authoritative sources.
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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Immunize.org posts seven translations of its parent handout “Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens”
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Immunize.org posts seven translations of its parent handout “When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?”
Vaccine Information Statements
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Immunize.org posts Ukrainian translations of six Vaccine Information Statements
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Immunize.org updates "You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It’s Federal Law!" and "Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)”
Featured Resources
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Immunization coalitions collaborate to launch “We the People Vax” website; use their social media messages and resources to promote vaccination in your community
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Reminder: CDC updates clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccines, including guidance on second booster doses and vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection
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Reminder: Immunize.org releases Ask the Experts Special Edition on adult hepatitis B vaccination and COVID-19 vaccines
Notable Publications
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CDC publishes “Monkeypox Outbreak—Nine States, May 2022” as an MMWR Early Release
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CDC publishes “Influenza A(H3N2) Outbreak following a School Event—Los Angeles, California, March 2022” in MMWR
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Upcoming FDA Advisory Committee meetings will discuss COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for young children on June 14–15
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Virtual: Watch June 17–18 ACIP meeting
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Virtual: GSK hosts free global event, “Masterclass in Vaccinology 2.0,” on June 23
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Issue 1635: June 2, 2022

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Ask the Experts: Immunize.org Answers Questions about Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination and COVID-19 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 9 Q&As about hepatitis B vaccination based on the new ACIP recommendations for vaccination of all adults through age 59 years, published April 1, 2022.
 
In addition, we have included 6 questions from Immunize.org’s Ask the Experts COVID-19 vaccination Q&As, last updated on May 24, 2022. Because COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and clinical guidance are updated frequently, Immunize.org reminds our readers to visit CDC’s web page “Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States Interim Clinical Considerations” regularly.
 
You can find all of these Q&As and more than a thousand other Q&As 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.
Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Questions
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Q: Which adults should receive hepatitis B vaccine (HepB)?
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Q: Where can I locate CDC's recommendations for HepB vaccination?
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Q: Which HepB products can be given to adult patients?
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Q: Please provide information about the newest product option for adult HepB vaccination, PreHevbrio.
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Q: Please explain the HepB vaccination schedule options available for the different HepB products.
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Q: Can Heplisav-B or PreHevbrio be used to complete a vaccination series started with Engerix-B or Recombivax HB?
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Q: Is it safe for a person at risk of hepatitis B to be vaccinated during pregnancy?
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Q: I'm a nurse who received the HepB series more than 10 years ago and had a positive follow-up titer (at least 10 mIU/mL). At present, my titer is negative (less than 10 mIU/ mL). What should I do now?
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Q: Who should not receive HepB?
COVID-19 Vaccination Questions
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Q: How does CDC define being “up to date” on COVID-19 vaccination?
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Q: What are the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of children younger than 12 years?
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Q: What is the recommended interval between dose 1 and dose 2 of mRNA vaccines for people age 5 years and older and why did it change?
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Q: What is the recommended first and second booster dose schedule for recipients of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine primary series?
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Q: What is the recommended booster dose schedule for recipients of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)?
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Q: Should people who have had COVID-19 illness be vaccinated?
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Issue 1634: June 1, 2022

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Top Stories
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Immunize.org’s “Ask the Experts: COVID-19” web page updated on May 24
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CDC revises COVID-19 vaccination status definition of “up to date” to include second booster for everyone age 50 or older and immunocompromised people age 12 or older
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CDC offers new resources to help encourage COVID-19 vaccination for children and teens
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CDC releases latest issue of "COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report" on May 12
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Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, disasters: it’s the season to exercise your emergency plan
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Influenza viruses continue to circulate, with increasing activity in some parts of the country
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Invite your colleagues to subscribe to IZ Express so they don’t miss out on immunization news!
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Spotlight: Review of Immunize.org resources focused on vaccination during pregnancy
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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Recap: These updated Immunize.org educational materials and web pages for clinicians were released during April and May
Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: These new VIS translations were released during April and May
Featured Resources
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Vaccinate Your Family posts video from its virtual summit held May 11 on the worrisome decline in routine vaccination rates during the pandemic
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Voices for Vaccines releases podcast on helping the hesitant to become more confident in vaccinations
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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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“Use of Jynneos (Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Nonreplicating) for Preexposure Vaccination of Persons at Risk for Occupational Exposure to Orthopoxviruses: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2022” published in MMWR Early Release 
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“Post-COVID-19 Conditions among Adult COVID-19 Survivors Aged 18–64 and ≥65 Years—United States, March 2020–November 2021” published in MMWR 
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Several upcoming FDA Advisory Committee meetings will discuss Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA vaccines for additional childhood cohorts, and strain composition: June 7, 14–15, and 28
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Virtual: Watch June 15–16 National Vaccine Advisory Committee

Issue 1633: May 25, 2022

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Immunize.org summarizes ACIP’s May 19 meeting recommending COVID-19 booster dose for children age 5 through 11 years
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CDC issues statement expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots and strengthening second booster dose recommendations
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CDC issues national monkeypox health advisory. Contact health department or CDC if you suspect a patient may have monkeypox.
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Immunize.org’s "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" web page updated on May 15
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Influenza activity continues to increase in parts of the country. Influenza vaccination still recommended.
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Spotlight! “Ask the Experts” answers more than 1,100 questions on vaccines and vaccinations.
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Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
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Recognize colleagues and students with Immunize.org's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins
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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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"Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Impact and Effectiveness through 12 Years after Vaccine Introduction in the United States, 2003 to 2018" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
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"Risk for Shoulder Conditions after Vaccination: A Population-Based Study Using Real-World Data" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
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"Public Health Impact of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (BNT162b2) in the First Year of Rollout in the United States" published in Journal of Medical Economics
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"Trajectory of Long COVID Symptoms after COVID-19 Vaccination: Community Based Cohort Study" published in BMJ
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Issue 1632: May 18, 2022

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Top Stories
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Prepare for next influenza season with Immunize.org’s new handout, “Talking with Your Patient about Contraindications and Precautions to Influenza Vaccination”
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Tomorrow! Watch May 19 ACIP meeting on COVID-19 vaccines.
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CDC launches interactive tool for the public to assess need for first or second booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine
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Influenza activity continues to increase in parts of the country. Due to late-season activity, influenza surveillance efforts have been extended.
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Spotlight! Use Immunize.org’s navigation features to quickly find the resources you need.
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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Immunize.org updates its vaccine storage and handling "Emergency Response Worksheet" for addressing power failures and temperature excursions
Featured Resources
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Visit Immunize.org's “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines
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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.
Notable Publications
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“Evaluation of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccine in Children 6 to 11 Years of Age” published in NEJM
Global News
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“Progress toward Polio Eradication—Worldwide, January 2020–April 2022” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
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Reminder: Virtual: HHS hosts webinar, “Federal Implementation of Updated Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations,” on May 23
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Issue 1631: May 11, 2022

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Top Stories
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FDA limits authorized use of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine to certain individuals
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Immunize.org updates “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools”
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“Use of a Modified Preexposure Prophylaxis Vaccination Schedule to Prevent Human Rabies: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2022” published in MMWR
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May is Hepatitis Awareness Month; raise awareness of the new recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination of all adults through age 59 years with these resources
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Immunize.org updates "Quick Chart of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Terms in Multiple Languages"
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National Nurses Week celebrations continue until May 12; today we honor School Nurse Day
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Encourage students in grades 6 through 12 to enter now! 2022 Dr. Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest, sponsored by the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP, open for submissions.
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Influenza activity continues to increase in parts of the country. CDC provides Spanish translation of resources for the public about avian influenza; risk to public remains low. 
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Spotlight: Review of Immunize.org resources focused on adult vaccination
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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Recap: These updated Immunize.org educational materials and web pages for clinicians were released during March and April
Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: These new VIS translations were released during March and April
Featured Resources
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CDC updates its webinar titled “You Are the Key to HPV Cancer Prevention”; CE available 
•
Order Immunize.org’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
Notable Publications
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“Effectiveness of a COVID-19 Additional Primary or Booster Vaccine Dose in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Nursing Home Residents during Widespread Circulation of the Omicron Variant—United States, February 14–March 27, 2022” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
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Today! Virtual: Vaccinate Your Family hosts webinar “Addressing the Decline in Routine Immunizations” on May 11.
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Virtual: May 19 ACIP meeting announced
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Virtual: HHS hosts webinar “Federal Implementation of Updated Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations” on May 23
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Issue 1630: May 4, 2022

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CDC updates clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccines, including guidance on second booster doses and vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection
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Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 558 institutions, including 12 new honorees. Five previously honored institutions qualify for sustained honors.
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Influenza activity continues to increase in some areas and CDC reports a human case of avian influenza A(H5) in Colorado
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Spotlight: Review of Immunize.org resources focused on enhancing clinic and practice operations
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Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
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Immunize.org updates “Should You Be Vaccinated against Hepatitis B?” 
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Immunize.org updates “When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations?”
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Reminder: “Ask the Experts: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis” web page updated with recent pertussis trends and evidence on effectiveness of Tdap during pregnancy  
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Immunize.org updates its "Vaccine Timeline" main page 
Featured Resources
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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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"Impact of Population Mixing between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Subpopulations on Infectious Disease Dynamics: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Transmission" published in Canadian Medical Association Journal
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MMWR Recap: Articles regarding mortality data and COVID-19 age-adjusted death rates by race and ethnicity
Global News
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“Public Health Actions to Control Measles among Afghan Evacuees during Operation Allies Welcome—United States, September–November 2021” published in MMWR
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“Response to Measles among Persons Evacuated from Afghanistan—Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, August–October 2021” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: NFID hosts "COVID-19 Updates: Booster Doses" webinar on May 5
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Virtual: Hep Free Hawaii and other partners host "Hep Free Talk Story #2: Hepatitis B Vaccine Updates" webinar on May 18
April 2022 Back to top

Issue 1629: April 27, 2022

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Immunize.org summarizes April 20 ACIP meeting on use of second COVID-19 vaccine booster doses
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"Vaccination Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates among Children in Kindergarten—United States, 2020–21 School Year" published in MMWR
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Visit Immunize.org's “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page to locate the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines
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National Infant Immunization Week is here! Before the week is over, use CDC's 2022 digital media toolkit to spread the word.
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CDC reports COVID-19 as third leading cause of death in United States again in 2021
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As masks come off, influenza activity continues its gradual climb nationally; keep offering vaccine if influenza is in your area
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Spotlight: Review of Immunize.org resources grouped by age cohorts
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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 revises "Notification of Vaccination Letter Template"
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Reminder: “Ask the Experts: Hepatitis B” web page updated with new recommendation for universal vaccination of adults through age 59 and added information about PreHevbrio
Vaccine Information Statements
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Immunize.org posts Turkish translations of six Vaccine Information Statements updated in August and October 2021
Featured Resources
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Recognize colleagues and students with Immunize.org's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins
•
Order Immunize.org's redesigned child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
Global News
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"Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Vaccine-Preventable Disease Campaigns" published in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: National Minority Quality Forum hosts “Champions for Total Health: Black Maternal Health and Vaccines” webinar on April 29
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Issue 1628: April 20, 2022

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Top Stories
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“Ask the Experts: Hepatitis B” web page updated with new recommendation for universal vaccination of adults through age 59 and added information about PreHevbrio vaccine
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Today! Watch April 20 ACIP meeting. 
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National Infant Immunization Week starts April 24! Prepare using CDC’s 2022 digital media toolkit.
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Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,282 organizations, including six new hospitals, one long-term care facility, and a large outpatient clinic network
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Influenza activity increases yet again nationally; continue to vaccinate
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Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org that focus on vaccine products and manufacturers
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Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
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Reminder! Haitian Creole and Portuguese translations of 18 Vaccine Information Statements posted by Immunize.org. 
Featured Resources
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CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center releases “Communicating about Vaccines – COVID-19 and More,” a free, web-based interactive module; CE available
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Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules available while supplies last.
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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.
Notable Publications
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“Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization among Adults with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection—United States, June 2021–February 2022” published in MMWR 
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“Supporting Immunization Programs to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Recommendations for National and Community-Based Stakeholders” published in Vaccine 
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“Become a Vaccine Champion” published by American Federation of Teachers
Global News
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“Surveillance to Track Progress toward Polio Eradication—Worldwide, 2020–2021” published in MMWR
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“One-Dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Offers Solid Protection against Cervical Cancer” published by WHO 
Upcoming Events
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Tomorrow! Virtual: Immunize Colorado hosts webinar “For Mothers, by Mothers: A Community Health Meetup That Supports Vaccine Confidence” on April 21.
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Virtual: International Vaccine Access Center hosts webinars on April 26, 28, and May 3 for World Immunization Week
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In person: Register today! National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships to be held September 13–15, 2022, in Minneapolis, MN. 
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Issue 1627: April 13, 2022

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Top Stories
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“Ask the Experts: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Vaccines” web page updated with recent pertussis trends and evidence on effectiveness of Tdap during pregnancy
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Haitian Creole and Portuguese translations of 18 Vaccine Information Statements posted by Immunize.org
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Meningococcal disease outbreak: Florida Department of Health recommends vaccination for men who have sex with men and people with HIV living in Florida
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National Infant Immunization Week is April 24–30; prepare using CDC’s 2022 digital media toolkit
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Spotlight: Immunize.org's resources focused on vaccine-preventable diseases, one disease at a time
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Influenza activity remains elevated in central and south-central United States; vaccination warranted if your unvaccinated patients are at risk
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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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“Hepatitis B Facts: Testing and Vaccination” handout updated to reflect ACIP recommendations
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“Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines: Be Sure Your Patients Get the Correct Dose” handout updated to reflect ACIP recommendations
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“Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences” handout updated to reflect ACIP recommendations
Featured Resources
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Use new “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools” and updated COVID-19 main page to keep up to date
•
Order Immunize.org's redesigned child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
•
Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules available while supplies last.
Notable Publications
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"Increased Risk of Herpes Zoster in Adults ≥50 Years Old Diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States" published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases
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"Protection by a Fourth Dose of BNT162b2 against Omicron in Israel" published in New England Journal of Medicine
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MMWR Recap: Articles regarding COVID-19 complications after infection and vaccination,
Hep B vaccine recommendations
Global News
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“COVID-19 Mortality and Vaccine Coverage—Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, January 6, 2022–March 21, 2022” published in MMWR Early Release
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“Monkeypox in a Traveler Returning from Nigeria—Dallas, Texas, July 2021” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: April 20 ACIP meeting announced
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Virtual: AIRA hosts its 2022 National Meeting on April 26 and 27; registration closes on April 22
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Issue 1626: April 6, 2022

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Top Stories
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FDA authorizes and CDC recommends certain adults consider second booster doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines; Immunize.org updates its COVID-19 document checklist
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"Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination in Adults Aged 19–59 Years: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2022" published in MMWR
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Immunize.org issues updated adult hepatitis B vaccination standing orders template for clinicians
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U.S. government launches COVID.gov as one-stop shop for resources on vaccines, tests, treatments, masks, and information
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National Public Health Week is April 4–10; remind people “Public Health Is Where You Are” with resources and social media toolkit
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April is National Oral Cancer Month; HPV vaccination helps prevent oropharyngeal cancers
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Influenza activity is highest in central and south-central regions; vaccination is still encouraged
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Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on adolescent vaccination
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IZ Express keeps readers up to date on what’s new in vaccines each week; invite your colleagues to subscribe!
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Recap: These updated Immunize.org educational materials and web pages for clinicians were released during February and March
Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during February and March
Featured Resources
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Reminder! Immunize.org updates its “Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal Vaccines” web page with important new 2022 recommendations for adults.  
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Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules are available to ship.
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AAP releases new videos in education series addressing parents’ questions about childhood vaccines
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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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“Effectiveness of Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Doses following 1 Ad.26.COV2.S (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) Vaccine Dose against COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations among Adults—VISION Network, 10 States, December 2021–March 2022” published in MMWR
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“Cardiac Complications after SARS-CoV-2 Infection and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination—PCORnet, United States, January 2021–January 2022” published as an MMWR Early Release
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“Safety of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine in Children with Asthma” published in Pediatrics
Upcoming Events
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Virtual, today: FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meets to discuss COVID-19 booster doses and process for COVID-19 vaccine strain selection
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Virtual: NFID and AIM host “Communications during a Pandemic—from 1918 to Present Times” webinar on April 26
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Virtual: Montgomery County Immunization Coalition hosts “COVID-19 Vaccines Virtual Conversation” webinar on April 28 to observe National Minority Health Month

Issue 1625: March 30, 2022

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Top Stories
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Immunize.org updates its “Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal Vaccines” web page with important new 2022 recommendations for adults  
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National Infant Immunization Week is April 24–30; prepare using CDC’s 2022 digital media toolkit
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Immunize.org updates its parental handouts summarizing vaccinations for infants and children (age 0–10) and for preteens and teens  
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Influenza activity and hospitalizations rise further; vaccinate during community outbreaks
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Spotlight! Immunize.org's Handouts for Patients and Staff web page provides free access to hundreds of vaccination-related handouts and fact sheets.
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Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
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Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
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CDC’s 14th edition of the "Pink Book," Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, now available in hard copy
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Montgomery County Immunization Coalition develops social media toolkit in support of National Minority Health Month
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CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center releases new HPV-related infographic for the public
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CHOP Vaccine Education Center archives March 16 webinar titled “Approving COVID-19 Vaccines for Children: When Do We Know Enough?” featuring Paul Offit, MD; CE available
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Too many teens are behind on vaccines! Adolescent Immunization Action Week is April 4–8; use Unity Consortium’s partner toolkit in your outreach.
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Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules are available to ship.
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65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
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Recognize colleagues and students with Immunize.org's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins
Notable Publications
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MMWR Recap: Articles regarding COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization and death
Global News
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CDC identifies international destinations at high risk for poliomyelitis
Upcoming Events
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Virtual: FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) will meet on April 6 to discuss COVID-19 booster doses and process for COVID-19 vaccine strain selection
Back to top

Issue 1624: March 29, 2022

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Ask the Experts: Immunize.org Answers Questions about Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination
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 15 Q&As about pneumococcal vaccination of adults based on the new ACIP recommendations published January 28, 2022.

 To find the full set of Immunize.org’s Ask the Experts pneumococcal vaccination Q&As, visit www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_pneumococcal_vaccines.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.
 
 Immunize.org's team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead), Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, FACP, and Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH.
Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination Questions
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Q. What are the major changes in the ACIP recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination of adults published by CDC on January 28, 2022?
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Q. What are the categories of medical conditions and other risk factors among adults for which pneumococcal vaccination is recommended? And what is the recommendation?
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Q. My patient just turned 65 and has never had a pneumococcal vaccine. What are my options now?
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Q. My patient just turned 65 and had a dose of PPSV23 at age 50 due to alcoholism. What is due now?
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Q. My patient is 35 and is scheduled for a splenectomy. He has never had a pneumococcal vaccine. What do I do?
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Q. My patient is currently age 57 and has a history of splenectomy 8 years ago. He has received PCV13 and one dose of PPSV23 in the past. What does he need now?
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Q. My patient received PCV13 a year ago and is now due for PPSV23, but my clinic only has PCV20; we do not have PPSV23 in stock. What do I do?
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Q. My patient is now 70 years old and had PCV13 followed by PPSV23 after he turned 65. What is due now?
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Q. My patient is 80 and had a dose of PPSV23 at age 65. What is due now?
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Q. Is there any role for PCV13 in adults?
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Q. Is PPSV23 alone currently routinely recommended for any adults?
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Q. How often should diabetic patients receive PPSV23?
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Q. Now that we have PCV20 and PCV15, is any adult still recommended to receive multiple doses of PPSV23?
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Q. Can we administer PCV15 and PPSV23 vaccines to a person 65 years of age or older at the same visit? If not, what is the recommended interval between doses?
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Q. My patient has had laboratory-confirmed pneumococcal pneumonia. Does this patient still need to be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease?
Back to top

Issue 1623: March 24, 2022

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Shop Immunize.org
•
Order Immunize.org’s redesigned child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
•
Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules are ready to ship! 
•
Great for workplace recognitions! Immunize.org’s elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins show how much you value vaccination
Back to top

Issue 1622: March 23, 2022

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Top Stories
•
“The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommendation for Use of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in Persons Aged ≥18 Years and Considerations for Extended Intervals for Administration of Primary Series Doses of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines—United States, February 2022” published in MMWR
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“Effectiveness of mRNA Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Death—United States, March 2021–January 2022” published as an MMWR Early Release
•
CDC revises two tables in its General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization
•
Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules are available to ship.
•
Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on communications
•
AAP posts analysis of COVID-19 vaccination trends in U.S. children and adolescents
•
Influenza activity is low overall, but continues to increase in some parts of the country. Keep offering to vaccinate.
•
Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 546 institutions, including one new honoree. Six previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Reminder: Immunize.org updates two of its popular standing order templates with new CDC recommendations: pneumococcal vaccination of adults and zoster (shingles) vaccination
•
Reminder: "Ask the Experts: Zoster" web page updated with new clinical considerations for vaccination of immunocompromised adults age 19 and older
Vaccine Information Statements
•
Reminder: Immunize.org posts new Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) in nine languages for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and recombinant zoster (shingles) vaccine
Featured Resources
•
65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
Notable Publications
•
"Trends in Human Papillomavirus–Associated Cancers, Demographic Characteristics, and Vaccinations in the U.S., 2001–2017" published in JAMA Network
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange offers webinar, “Overview for Parents and Caregivers: The COVID-19 Vaccine for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs including Children Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” on March 29
Back to top

Issue 1621: March 16, 2022

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Top Stories
•
Immunize.org updates two of its popular standing order templates with new CDC recommendations: pneumococcal vaccination of adults and zoster (shingles) vaccination
•
"Ask the Experts: Zoster" web page updated with new clinical considerations for vaccination of immunocompromised adults age 19 and older
•
Immunize.org posts new Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) in eight languages for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and recombinant zoster vaccine
•
Order today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules will begin to ship this week.
•
“Effectiveness of 2-Dose BNT162b2 (Pfizer BioNTech) mRNA Vaccine in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Children Aged 5–11 Years and Adolescents Aged 12–15 Years—PROTECT Cohort, July 2021–February 2022” published in MMWR
•
CDC updates PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor mobile app for vaccine providers
•
Unity Consortium launches Adolescent Immunization Action Week, April 4–8, with release of partner toolkit
•
Influenza season is not done yet; activity low but increased slightly in most of the country. Keep offering to vaccinate.
•
HHS seeks stakeholder comments on its draft Vaccines Federal Implementation Plan 2021–2025; deadline March 29
•
Spotlight! Immunize.org's "Clinic Tools” main page is a one-stop source of practical information for vaccination providers
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
New! Keep up to date using Immunize.org’s new “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools” and updated COVID-19 main page.
•
"Ask the Experts: COVID-19" web page updated with newest CDC clinical considerations, including expanded dose intervals for mRNA vaccines
•
Visit Immunize.org's “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page to locate the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines
Featured Resources
•
65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
Use Immunize.org's Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide—free to download by chapter or in its entirety.
Notable Publications
•
“Interim Estimates of 2021–22 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—United States, February 2022” published in MMWR
•
“COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Access and Vaccination Coverage among Children Aged 5–11 Years—United States, November 2021–January 2022” published in MMWR
•
MMWR Recap: Articles regarding COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety monitoring
Global News
•
WHO confirms circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in Israel
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: NFID hosts "Updates from Recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Meetings" webinar on March 17
•
Virtual and In Person: Registration open for "North Dakota Immunization Conference" on
June 21–22; CE available
Back to top

Issue 1620: March 9, 2022

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Top Stories
•
New! Keep up to date using Immunize.org’s new “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools” and updated COVID-19 main page.
•
Immunize.org "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" web page updated with newest CDC clinical considerations, including expanded dose intervals for mRNA vaccines
•
Preorder today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules ship in mid-March.
•
March is Women’s History Month; Immunize.org celebrates the many contributions of women in vaccinology
•
Influenza activity remains sporadic, even increasing in some areas; keep vaccinating if it is in your community
•
Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on the history of vaccines
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Recap: These updated Immunize.org educational materials and web pages for clinicians were released during January and February
Vaccine Information Statements
•
Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during January and February
Featured Resources
•
65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
Notable Publications
•
“Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses among Persons Aged 12–17 Years—United States, December 9, 2021–February 20, 2022” published as an MMWR Early Release
•
“Effectiveness of COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations among Nonimmunocompromised Children and Adolescents Aged 5–17 Years—VISION Network, 10 States, April 2021–January 2022” published as an MMWR Early Release
•
“Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage between Urban and Rural Counties—United States, December 14, 2020–January 31, 2022” published in MMWR
Global News
•
“Readiness for Use of Type 2 Novel Oral Poliovirus Vaccine in Response to a Type 2 Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Outbreak—Tajikistan, 2020–2021” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: Hepatitis Appropriations Partnership hosts first session of "2022 Viral Hepatitis Policy and Advocacy Summit" on March 17
•
Virtual: GSK hosts “Vaccine Virtual Days 2022” event on March 30 and 31
•
Virtual: Registration open for “27th Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference” on April 5; CE available
•
Virtual: NFID hosts "2022 Online Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research" on April 11–12; fee to attend, CME available
Back to top

Issue 1619: March 3, 2022

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•
Preorder today! Laminated versions of CDC’s 2022 immunization schedules will ship in mid-March!
•
Great for workplace recognitions! Immunize.org’s elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins show how much you value vaccination
Back to top

Issue 1618: March 2, 2022

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Top Stories
•
Immunize.org summarizes ACIP’s February 23­–24 meeting on tick-borne encephalitis, cholera, and other vaccines
•
CDC updates COVID-19 vaccine schedule, adding considerations for 8-week interval between first and second doses of a primary mRNA vaccination series
•
March 4 is International HPV Awareness Day; spread the word that HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of certain cancers
•
“Use of Ebola Vaccine: Expansion of Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to Include Two Additional Populations—United States, 2021” published in MMWR
•
CDC updates its “General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization” for zoster vaccine and altered immunocompetence
•
2022 U.S. recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and for adults released along with MMWR articles detailing changes
•
In some areas influenza remains active; keep vaccinating if it is in your area
•
IZ Express keeps readers up to date on what’s new in vaccines each week; invite your colleagues to subscribe!
•
Spotlight: Check out the Immunize.org resources to help with your vaccine advocacy
•
Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
•
AAP releases pediatric COVID-19 vaccine campaign toolkit
•
Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United create new patient fact sheet on co-administration of COVID-19 and hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or influenza vaccines
•
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast with Tara Smith, PhD, titled “Your Vaccine Refusing Family”
•
CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center adds new videos in its series featuring Paul Offit, MD, answering key questions
•
65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
Explore the updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Notable Publications
•
CDC publishes “COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, Behaviors, and Intentions among Adults with Previous Diagnosis, United States” in Emerging Infectious Diseases 
Upcoming Events
•
Today! Virtual: CDC hosts live, 1-hour webinar followed by live chat, “Updates on the 2022 Child/Adolescent and Adult Immunization Schedules,” on March 2
•
Virtual: CHOP Vaccine Education Center’s 1-hour webinar titled “Approving COVID-19 Vaccines for Children: When Do We Know Enough?” on March 16 features Paul Offit, MD; CE available

Issue 1617: February 23, 2022

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Top Stories
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2022 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for children and teens released along with MMWR article detailing changes
•
2022 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for adults released along with MMWR article detailing changes
•
Immunize.org launches new “Ask the Experts: Dengue” section
•
“Effectiveness of Maternal Vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine during Pregnancy against COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization in Infants Aged <6 Months—17 States, July 2021–January 2022” published in MMWR
•
ACOG releases two videos encouraging COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy
•
Sporadic flu activity continues across the country; vaccinate as long as influenza is a threat in your community
•
Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 545 institutions. Five previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
•
Spotlight: Immunize.org’s "Handouts" main page provides free access to hundreds of vaccination-related handouts and fact sheets
•
Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
•
65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
FREE! Immunize.org offers COVID-19 and flu buttons and stickers. Place your order now!
•
Immunize.org’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” black enamel pins make wonderful gifts or workplace recognitions
Notable Publications
•
“Outbreak of COVID-19 among a Highly Vaccinated Population aboard a U.S. Navy Ship after a Port Visit—Reykjavik, Iceland, July 2021” published in MMWR
•
"mRNA Vaccine-Induced Antibodies More Effective than Natural Immunity in Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and Its High Affinity Variants" published in Scientific Reports
•
MMWR Recap: Articles regarding COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety monitoring
Upcoming Events
•
Today! Wednesday–Thursday, February 23–24: ACIP meeting on tick-borne encephalitis, cholera, influenza, MMR, and pneumococcal vaccines

Issue 1616: February 16, 2022

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Top Stories
•
CDC updates clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccines, including guidance on booster-dose intervals for immunocompromised people
•
Sporadic flu activity continues across the country; vaccinate as long as influenza is a threat in your community
•
Spotlight: Check out Immunize.org’s companion websites
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Immunize.org's “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page fully updated with educational materials and information on booster doses and childhood vaccination 
Vaccine Information Statements
•
CDC issues new pneumococcal conjugate Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) that covers PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20, and issues new recombinant zoster VIS that includes immunocompromised adults
Featured Resources
•
Johns Hopkins launches free virtual course to train “ambassadors” to talk with parents about COVID-19 vaccines for children
•
University of Washington releases toolkit One Vax, Two Lives with multi-language communication materials and FAQs about COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy
•
Meningitis B Action Project launches Meningitis B Student Hub, an online curriculum for college peer health educators and students
•
65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
FREE! Immunize.org offers COVID-19 and flu buttons and stickers. Place your order now!
Notable Publications
•
“Waning 2-Dose and 3-Dose Effectiveness of mRNA Vaccines against COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations among Adults during Periods of Delta and Omicron Variant Predominance—VISION Network, 10 States, August 2021–January 2022” published as an MMWR Early Release
•
“Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses among Adults—United States, September 22, 2021–February 6, 2022” published as an MMWR Early Release
•
“Durability of Anti-spike Antibodies in Infants after Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination or Natural Infection” published in JAMA
•
“Axillary Adenopathy after COVID-19 Vaccine: No Reason to Delay Screening Mammogram” published in Radiology
Global News
•
“Progress toward Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Control and Elimination—Worldwide, 2012–2020” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: Families Fighting Flu hosts webinar “The Important Fight against Flu: Prevention, Rapid Testing, and Timely Antiviral Use” on February 17
•
Watch February 23–24 ACIP meeting on tick-borne encephalitis, cholera, influenza, MMR, and pneumococcal vaccines

Issue 1615: February 9, 2022

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Top Stories
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Immunize.org summarizes ACIP’s February 4 meeting on full licensure of primary series of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (Spikevax)
•
CDC issues new pneumococcal conjugate Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) that covers PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20, and issues revised recombinant zoster VIS that covers immunocompromised patients
•
Immunize.org updates "You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It’s Federal Law!" and "Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)" to reflect new VIS version dates
•
CDC issues updates to its "General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization" for dengue vaccine, influenza vaccine allergies, and storage temperature of MMR vaccine
•
February is Black History Month; Immunize.org celebrates the contribution of Black Americans in vaccinology
•
Influenza activity has declined, but continues; encourage vaccination as long as influenza is a threat in your community
•
Spotlight: Expedite vaccination by using Immunize.org's screening checklists  
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Reminder! Immunize.org introduces new, print-ready patient handout "Not Sure If You Can Get an Influenza Vaccine?"
Featured Resources
•
Immunize Kansas Coalition offers new interactive online education for vaccination during pregnancy
•
Newly updated “65+ Flu Defense” website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
FREE! Immunize.org offers COVID-19 and flu buttons and stickers. Free shipping! Place your order now!
•
“Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org” can help you excel at mass vaccination activities
•
Order Immunize.org’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last! 
Notable Publications
•
“SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Hospitalization among Adults Aged ≥18 Years, by Vaccination Status, before and during SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant Predominance—Los Angeles County, California, November 7, 2021–January 8, 2022” published in MMWR
•
“COVID-19 Vaccination among Persons Living with Diagnosed HIV Infection—New York, October 2021” published in MMWR
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“COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Vaccine Confidence by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity—United States, August 29–October 30, 2021” published in MMWR
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“Indirect Protection of Children from SARS-CoV-2 Infection through Parental Vaccination” published in Science
•
“Vaccination with BNT162b2 Reduces Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to Household Contacts in Israel” published in Science
Upcoming Events
•
Watch February 23–24 ACIP meeting on tick-borne encephalitis, cholera, influenza, MMR, and pneumococcal vaccines
•
Virtual: PA-AAP Medical Home Program hosts 3-part webinar series on provider communications with adolescents
Back to top

Issue 1614: February 2, 2022

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Top Stories
•
“Use of 15-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 20-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine among U.S. Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2022” published in MMWR
•
Immunize.org introduces new, print-ready patient handout "Not Sure If You Can Get an Influenza Vaccine?"
•
Are you using the most current COVID-19 vaccination schedules? Check these tables to be sure.
•
“Effectiveness of a Third Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 Hospitalization among Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Adults—United States, August–December 2021” published in MMWR
•
Influenza activity expected to continue for several more weeks; keep vaccinating
•
February is National Cancer Prevention Month; arm your patients with HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations in the fight to prevent cancer
•
IZ Express keeps readers up to date on what’s new in vaccines each week; invite your colleagues to subscribe!
•
Spotlight: Check out staff training and in-service resources provided by Immunize.org
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Recap: These updated Immunize.org educational materials and web pages for clinicians were released during December and January
Vaccine Information Statements
•
Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during December and January
Featured Resources
•
Asian Liver Center launches new “Hep B Moms” website with resources to prevent mother-to-child hepatitis B transmission
•
National Association of School Nurses journal publishes supplement with five articles on school-located vaccination clinics
•
CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center presents new video series featuring Paul Offit, MD, answering common questions related to vaccines
•
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center revises its COVID-19 Vaccines Q&A handout for the public
•
Voices for Vaccines releases podcast with Patsy Stinchfield, NP, answering parents' questions on kids and COVID-19 vaccines 
•
Newly updated “65+ Flu Defense” website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
FREE! Immunize.org offers "Me Vacuné Contra el COVID-19” and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Free shipping! Available in English and Spanish.
•
FREE! Order Immunize.org’s popular red "Vacuna Contra LA GRIPE" buttons and stickers. Free shipping! Available in Spanish.
•
Explore the updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Notable Publications
•
“A Prospective Cohort Study of COVID-19 Vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 Infection, and Fertility” published in American Journal of Epidemiology
•
"Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations" published in NEJM
•
MMWR Recap: Articles regarding COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against death and hospitalization
Upcoming Events
•
February 10–11: National Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting; watch virtually

Issue 1613: January 26, 2022

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Top Stories
•
“Use of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Immunocompromised Adults Aged ≥19 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2022” published in MMWR
•
Immunize.org updates its popular “Ask the Experts” web page on COVID-19 vaccines with CDC guidelines through January 17; “Ask the Experts” HPV page also updated
•
“Use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine: Updated Interim Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, December 2021” published in MMWR
•
“COVID-19 Incidence and Death Rates among Unvaccinated and Fully Vaccinated Adults with and without Booster Doses during Periods of Delta and Omicron Variant Emergence—25 U.S. Jurisdictions, April 4–December 25, 2021” published as an MMWR Early Release 
•
“Effectiveness of a Third Dose of mRNA Vaccines against COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations among Adults during Periods of Delta and Omicron Variant Predominance—VISION Network, 10 States, August 2021–January 2022” published as an MMWR Early Release
•
“COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations by COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Previous COVID-19 Diagnosis—California and New York, May–November 2021” published as an MMWR Early Release
•
Influenza activity expected to continue for several weeks; keep vaccinating!
•
Spotlight! Immunize.org’s “Clinic Tools: Administering Vaccines” main page provides tools from authoritative sources
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Immunize.org updates “Using Standing Orders for Administering Vaccines: What You Should Know”
Featured Resources
•
Newly updated "65+ Flu Defense" website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
FREE! Immunize.org offers “Me Vacuné Contra el COVID-19” and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Free shipping!
•
FREE! Order Immunize.org’s popular red "Vacuna Contra LA GRIPE" buttons and stickers. Free shipping! Available in Spanish only.
•
Boost yourself, then encourage your friends by adding Immunize.org’s “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame 
•
Immunize.org’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” black enamel pins make wonderful gifts or workplace recognitions
Notable Publications
•
“Frequency of Adverse Events in the Placebo Arms of COVID-19 Vaccine Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” published in JAMA Network
•
“Influenza Vaccine Uptake and Missed Opportunities among the Medicare-Covered Population with High-Risk Conditions during the 2018 to 2019 Influenza Season” published in Annals of Internal Medicine
Global News
•
“Progress toward Poliomyelitis Eradication—Afghanistan, January 2020–November 2021” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: Today! APHA offers webinar “The Third Year of COVID-19: Is This the New Normal?” CE available.

Issue 1612: January 19, 2022

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Top Stories
•
Immunize.org summarizes ACIP’s January 12 meeting on influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus, cholera, and tick-borne encephalitis vaccines
•
Newly updated “65+ Flu Defense” website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
•
CDC study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, shows influenza vaccination prevents severe flu illness in U.S. children; use CDC's resources designed for parents
•
Influenza activity and hospitalizations continue to increase; keep vaccinating
•
Ice, floods, tornadoes, disasters: 'Tis the season to exercise your emergency plan
•
Immunize.org’s “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page fully updated with educational materials and information on booster doses and childhood vaccination
•
Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on vaccination during pregnancy
•
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is now Immunize.org
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Featured Resources
•
NFID posts new resources for social media, including Flu is Not a Game and humorous infectious-disease images to engage your audience
•
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.
•
FREE! Immunize.org offers "Me Vacuné Contra el COVID-19” and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Free shipping!
•
FREE! Order Immunize.org’s popular red "Vacuna Contra LA GRIPE " buttons and stickers. Free shipping! Available in Spanish only.
Notable Publications
•
“High-Grade Vulvar, Vaginal, and Anal Precancers among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults after Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction” published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine
•
“Estimating the Early Impact of the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Programme on COVID-19 Cases, Emergency Department Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Deaths among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older: An Ecological Analysis of National Surveillance Data” published in Lancet
•
"Association between Menstrual Cycle Length and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination" published in Obstetrics & Gynecology
•
MMWR Recap: “Effectiveness of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA Vaccination against Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children among Persons Aged 12–18 Years—United States, July–December 2021”
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: Today! NFID offers webinar “COVID-19: Myths and Facts”; CME available
•
Virtual: CDC Foundation's Community COVID Coalition and Vaccine Equity Cooperative offer webinar “COVID-19 and Social Media: Best Practices to Reach Your Communities” on January 20

Issue 1611: January 12, 2022

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IZ Express Issue 1,611
January 12, 2022
Top Stories
•
IZ Express welcomes 2022 with a new name and look; invite your colleagues to subscribe!
•
Immunize.org summarizes the January 5 ACIP meeting, including updated CDC recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine affecting children age 5 through 17 years; ACIP meets again today to discuss other vaccines
•
Influenza activity and hospitalizations continue to increase; it's not too late to vaccinate
•
Immunize.org updates its "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" and "Ask the Experts: Hepatitis A" web pages 
•
Immunize.org posts two Spanish translations of screening checklists for influenza vaccine 
•
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month; promote the importance of early detection and HPV vaccination
•
Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 545 institutions, including one new honoree. Two previously honored institutions qualify for an additional year of honors.
•
Spotlight! “Ask the Experts” answers more than a thousand questions on vaccines and vaccinations
•
Journalists interview Immunize.org experts
•
Vaccines in the news
•
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is now Immunize.org
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
Immunize.org updates its "Vaccine Timeline" main page 
•
Recap: These updated Immunize.org educational materials for clinicians were released during November and December
Vaccine Information Statements
•
New VIS translation: Immunize.org posts Spanish translation of Dengue Vaccine Information Statement
•
New VIS translations: Immunize.org posts 6 Karen translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements 
•
Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during November and December
Featured Resources
•
CDC launches new interactive COVID-19 vaccine training module to give healthcare personnel effective communication tools
•
CDC Train offers free vaccine training designed for entry-level medical assistants
•
FREE! Immunize.org offers "Me Vacuné Contra el COVID-19” and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Free shipping! Available in English and Spanish.
•
FREE! Order Immunize.org’s popular red "Vacuna Contra LA GRIPE " buttons and stickers. Free shipping! Available in Spanish only.
•
Explore the updated www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
•
“Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org” can help you excel at mass vaccination activities
Notable Publications
•
“Characteristics and Outcomes of Hospitalized Pregnant Women with Influenza, 2010 to 2019” published in Annals of Internal Medicine
•
“COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children Aged 5–11 Years—United States, November 3–December 19, 2021” published in MMWR
•
“Interim Estimate of Vaccine Effectiveness of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) Vaccine in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years—Arizona, July–December 2021” published in MMWR
•
“Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 Outcomes among Persons Aged ≥18 Years Who Completed a Primary COVID-19 Vaccination Series—465 Health Care Facilities, United States, December 2020–October 2021” published in MMWR
Upcoming Events
•
Watch today (January 12 at 10:00 a.m. [ET]): ACIP meeting on cholera, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumococcal, respiratory syncytial virus, and tick-borne encephalitis vaccines
•
Virtual: Today! Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange offers webinar “An Overview for Parents and Caregivers Considering the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5–11”

Issue 1610: December 22, 2021

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Top Stories
•
Happy holidays! IAC will begin 2022 with a new name and new logo. On January 12, IAC Express returns as IZ Express.
•
IAC summarizes December 16 ACIP meeting recommending preference for mRNA vaccines over Janssen vaccine to prevent COVID-19
•
“Dengue Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021” published in MMWR
•
CDC issues first Dengue Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) and IAC updates two handouts with current dengue vaccine information
•
Flu activity in the United States continues to increase; get vaccinated as a safeguard this holiday season
•
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 
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC’s Immunize.org website offers many useful navigation features
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
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
•
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.
•
FREE! IAC offers “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
•
IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions
•
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
•
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.
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
•
New VIS translations to download now: IAC posts 4 Turkish translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements
Featured Resources
•
CDC launches “Interactive COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations Module for Healthcare Professionals”
•
Get them while you can! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers in English and Spanish.
•
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
•
“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
•
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.
•
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
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
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.
•
IAC's website "Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org" can help you excel; use resources for vaccinating children age 5 through 11 years against COVID-19
•
Order IAC's child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
Notable Publications
•
"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
•
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
•
Order IAC’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
•
Every practice needs this award-winning vaccination techniques training video!
•
FREE! Order IAC's popular red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
•
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
•
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
•
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.
•
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
•
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
•
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
•
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.
•
Keep up with influenza this season: CDC’s FluView surveillance reports posted weekly
•
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; 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
•
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
•
"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
•
Scare off COVID-19 this Halloween! IAC offers FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers. Available in English and Spanish.
•
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
•
"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
•
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
•
FREE! Special one-time offer: order IAC's popular red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers. Shipping included! Available in English and Spanish.
•
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
•
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
•
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
•
YouTube announces a new vaccine education video series for healthcare professionals and the public provided by AAP, CHOP, and ACP
•
Reminder: IAC recently updated its “Vaccines: COVID-19” main page with educational materials and information on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster doses
•
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.
•
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
•
“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
•
“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
•
Virtual: Watch ACIP today and tomorrow (October 20–21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET); no registration is required    
•
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
•
Institute for Safe Medication Practices highlights mix-ups between influenza vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, offers safety strategies to avoid future errors
•
Keep up with influenza this season: CDC’s FluView surveillance reports now being posted weekly
•
American Lung Association and Anthem Foundation launch "Fend Off Flu" campaign to increase flu knowledge and vaccination rates
•
IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on the history of vaccines
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
IAC updates "Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations" with information on COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements
•
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.
•
IAC's red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers are a bright idea. Order today!
•
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 mass vaccination activities
Notable Publications
•
Journal of Infectious Diseases: Triumphs of Vaccination supplement publishes 16 articles on vaccine achievements
•
HHS publishes report titled "Associations between County-Level Vaccination Rates and COVID-19 Outcomes among Medicare Beneficiaries," showing cases and deaths prevented
•
White House releases report describing rationale for COVID-19 vaccination requirements
•
AAP publishes October issue of Immunization Initiatives newsletter
Global News
•
WHO recommends groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: Watch the ACIP meetings on October 20 and 21 and on November 2 and 3; no registration is required
•
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
•
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
•
New VIS translations to download now: IAC posts Arabic, Burmese, French, and Somali translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements for multiple vaccines
•
"Safety Monitoring of an Additional Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine—United States, August 12–September 19, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
•
IAC Spotlight: Check out the Immunize.org resources to help with your vaccine advocacy
•
IAC’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 540 institutions, including one new honoree. Five previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
•
Your colleagues don’t want to be the last to know. Urge them to subscribe to IAC Express for free.
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
IAC and AIM update print-ready training tool: "Communicating the Benefits of Influenza Vaccine during COVID-19"
•
Echo: These updated IAC educational materials for clinicians were released during August and September
Vaccine Information Statements
•
Echo: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during August and September
Featured Resources
•
CDC provides field guide with 12 evidence-based strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination confidence and uptake
•
Public Health Communications Collaborative releases resources to help answer questions about COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and support vaccination outreach
•
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
•
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
•
CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes September issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
•
"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
•
Virtual: Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership hosts 26th annual "MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference" on October 28; CE available
•
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
•
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
•
IAC Spotlight: IAC's Handouts web page provides free access to hundreds of vaccination-related handouts and fact sheets
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
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
•
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
•
Watch today (September 29 at 10 a.m. ET): ACIP meeting on zoster, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccination and other topics; no registration required
•
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
•
IAC Spotlight: Check out IAC’s companion websites
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Vaccine Information Statements
•
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
•
“New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations among Adults, by Vaccination Status—New York, May 3–July 25, 2021” published in MMWR
•
“Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine through 6 Months” published in NEJM
•
MMWR Recap: COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness studies
Global News
•
September 28 is World Rabies Day
Upcoming Events
•
Virtual: Watch the ACIP meeting on tick-borne encephalitis, zoster, and pneumococcal vaccination on September 29; no registration required
•
Virtual: View the panel discussions “Partners in Vaccination: A Collaboration between the AAP, AIM, and NACCHO” on September 29 and October 13
•
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?
•
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?
•
Q: Which children younger than age 9 years will need 2 doses of influenza vaccine in this influenza season?
•
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?
•
Q: What types of personal protective equipment do healthcare personnel need for administering vaccines in light of COVID-19?
•
Q: Where can I find resources to help me plan mass vaccination clinics for influenza or COVID-19 vaccines?
•
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?
•
Q: What are CDC recommendations for influenza vaccination of people who have already become ill with influenza during the season?
•
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
•
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.
•
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
•
"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
•
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.
•
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
•
IAC Spotlight: Check out the variety of staff training and in-service resources available at Immunize.org
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
•
IAC updates its print-ready fact sheet "Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2021–2022 Influenza Season"
Featured Resources
•
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
•
Virtual: Attend IAC's first influenza webinar on September 9. Our expert panel answers your questions on preventing influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic.
•
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
•
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.
•
"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
•
IAC Spotlight! IAC's "Clinic Tools: Administering Vaccines" gateway page provides resources from authoritative sources
•
Journalists interview IAC experts
•
Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Pages and 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 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
•
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.
•
American Hospital Association launches new PSA campaign to encourage hesitant hospital workers to get vaccinated
Notable Publications
•
"Safety of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Nationwide Setting" published in New England Journal of Medicine
•
"Vaccinations against COVID-19 May Have Averted up to 140,000 Deaths in the United States" published in Health Affairs
•
"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
•
CDC and WHO report on progress toward polio eradication, worldwide, in this week's MMWR and Weekly Epidemiological Record, respectively
Upcoming Events
•
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
•
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
•
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
•
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
•
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?
•
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?
•
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?
•
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
•
IAC and other National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit members issue Call to Action to improve routine vaccination of adults
•
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
•
FDA licenses Comirnaty, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, for individuals 16 years of age or older; FDA issues new consolidated Fact Sheets
•
CMS and CDC are developing emergency regulation to require staff COVID-19 vaccination in Medicare- and Medicaid-participating nursing homes
•
Wrapping up National Immunization Awareness Month: promote vaccination with helpful resources for all ages
•
"New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations among Adults, by Vaccination Status—New York, May 3–July 25, 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
•
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
•
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
•
"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
•
"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
•
"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
•
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
•
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
•
CDC releases 14 updated Vaccine Information Statements; translations in progress
•
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
•
"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
•
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
•
IAC updates "You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's the Law!" to reflect new VIS version dates
•
IAC revises "Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)" checklist to reflect new VIS version dates
Featured Resources
•
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices releases new publication, "State Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Rural Communities"
•
IAC’s gateway page "Vaccination and COVID-19" offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic
•
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!
•
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
•
"Randomized Trial of a Third Dose of mRNA-1273 Vaccine in Transplant Recipients" published in NEJM
•
MMWR recap: Reduced risk of reinfection of COVID-19 after vaccination
•
"Pediatric Immunization Schedule: Best Available Evidence for 2021" published in Clinical Advisor
•
"Evaluation of mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Adolescents" published in NEJM
Global News
•
"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.
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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.
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.
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"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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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"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!
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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.
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.
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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

This page was updated on .

Our Affiliated Sites

For the Public: VaccineInformation.org
For Coalitions: ImmunizationCoalitions.org
Let's Get Real
Information about pediatric vaccines for parents and providers.
65+ Flu Defense
Protect vulnerable, older adult patients from influenza.
Give2MenACWY.org
Improve protection from meningococcal serogroups ACWY.
NAIIS
Home of the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit.