- “Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Pediatric Death in the United States: 2016–2025” published in Pediatrics
- New screening checklists for contraindications and precautions that encompass travel vaccines undergoing additional review
- Immunize.org updates “Don’t Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Administration!” to clarify interchangeability of selected Merck diluents
- "Norovirus, COVID-19, and Influenza Outbreaks Among Residents and Staff Members at the Eaton Wildfire Evacuation Shelter—Pasadena, California, January–February 2025" published in MMWR
- Measles 2026: 2,231 confirmed measles cases in 40 states and DC; case count approaching 2025 total
- “When to Start Influenza Vaccination Each Fall?” See this 3-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
- Vaccines in the news
In its July 6 issue, Pediatrics published Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Pediatric Death in the United States: 2016–2025. This large study demonstrated a meaningful reduction in the risk of death associated with influenza in children across eight influenza seasons. A portion of the abstract appears below.
From August 2016 through July 2025, 1234 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported among children aged 6 months to 17 years. Of 1086 reported deaths with influenza vaccination information, 124 (23%) of 530 children with underlying medical conditions and 70 (13%) of 556 children without known conditions were fully vaccinated against influenza. Average influenza vaccination coverage in survey cohorts was 49%. VE [vaccine effectiveness] was 80% . . . overall, 77% . . . among children with underlying medical conditions and 87% . . . among children without known conditions. . . .
Influenza vaccination reduced risk of fatal influenza among children with or without known underlying medical conditions.
New screening checklists for contraindications and precautions that encompass travel vaccines undergoing additional review
Immunize.org temporarily removed its new screening checklists for contraindications and precautions for settings that offer travel vaccination. These resources, developed in collaboration with CDC travel vaccination experts, were correct but lack a specific reference to thymus disorders that are a contraindication to yellow fever vaccination.
These resources will undergo further review before being restored to Immunize.org. When available, readers will be notified in IZ Express. We regret the omission and will resolve it promptly.
Our other screening checklists for use with routine vaccines are unaffected and remain available for use.
Immunize.org updates “Don’t Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Administration!” to clarify interchangeability of selected Merck diluents
Immunize.org made a subtle change to its clinical handout Don’t Be Guilty of These Preventable Errors in Vaccine Administration! to clarify the interchangeability of Merck diluents for its measles- and varicella-containing vaccines. The new language states:
If the wrong diluent is used, the vaccine needs to be repeated (except in a case of mixing up the diluent for Merck’s MMR [MMR II], MMRV [ProQuad], and varicella [Varivax] vaccines, because all 3 use the same sterile water diluent).
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Administering Vaccines main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
"Norovirus, COVID-19, and Influenza Outbreaks Among Residents and Staff Members at the Eaton Wildfire Evacuation Shelter—Pasadena, California, January–February 2025" published in MMWR
CDC published Norovirus, COVID-19, and Influenza Outbreaks Among Residents and Staff Members at the Eaton Wildfire Evacuation Shelter—Pasadena, California, January–February 2025 on July 9 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Since 2015, multiple evacuation shelters have opened in response to California wildfires. High-density living conditions increase the risk for transmission of infectious diseases, increasing the risk for outbreaks in these shelters. . . .
The Eaton wildfire evacuation shelter operated during January 7–February 16, 2025. Enhanced surveillance identified 104 cases of norovirus, 56 of COVID-19, 29 of influenza, and 30 of nonspecified respiratory illness. Implementation of isolation and infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols by multiple agencies were temporally associated with declines in reported cases. . . .
Sustained and coordinated adherence to IPC measures in disaster evacuation shelters, particularly when multiple agencies are involved in relief operations, can protect residents and staff members from infectious diseases and mitigate outbreaks.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
Halfway through 2026, the confirmed measles count in the United States, now 2,231, continues to climb. This year's case count is on pace to soon surpass the total 2025 count of 2,289 confirmed cases.
CDC reported that as of July 9, 2026:
- 61 new measles cases were reported in the previous week, reaching 2,231 confirmed measles cases for 2026
- 40 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia reported measles cases in 2026
- 32 new outbreaks were reported in 2026
Specific numbers from CDC and individual state websites differ slightly because the frequency and timing of federal and state updates vary.
Related Links- AAP: Fact Checked: The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine Is Safe and Effective web page
- CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks main page
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Measles main page
- LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org: Measles web page
- VaccineInformation.org: Measles web page
“When to Start Influenza Vaccination Each Fall?” See this 3-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
The 2-minute video is available on our YouTube channel, along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts questions.
Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise.
- Facebook at ImmunizeOrg
- Instagram at ImmunizeOrg
- LinkedIn at ImmunizeOrg
- YouTube at ImmunizeOrg
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: all influenza-related video questions (12 videos)
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
- CIDRAP: Still No ACIP Quorum, Collapsing Lawsuits, and Vaccine Questions Answered: The State of US Vaccine Policy (7/9/26)
- Independent: Adult Dies of Measles as Cases Surge Across England (7/9/26)
- Des Moines Register: Iowa’s First Measles Case of 2026 Confirmed by HHS (7/9/26)
- South Dakota Searchlight: South Dakota Confirms 11th Measles Case of 2026 in Edmunds County Child (7/8/26)
- Washington Post: Why U.S. Measles Outbreaks Have Grown Harder to Extinguish (7/6/26)
- CBS: Former CDC Official Describes “Pure Chaos” as RFK Jr. Sought to Transform Health Agency and Take Over Vaccine Panel (7/5/25)
VaccineInformation.org is one of Immunize.org’s educational websites for the public. VaccineInformation.org offers plain-language information for people of all ages about vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines to prevent them.
Today, we spotlight the diseases menu of the VaccineInformation.org website. This section provides a list of infectious diseases for which vaccines are available. The main landing page gives a short description of each disease and its vaccine. Selecting a disease name leads to a page focused on the disease and available vaccines.
Each disease page includes:
- A description of the disease, what causes it, how it spreads, and who is most at risk
- The basics of recommendations for who should be vaccinated and when
- Additional information, including disease complications, considerations for special groups (e.g., immunocompromised people), and questions to ask your provider about vaccination
- Useful printable handouts from Immunize.org (and available translations), including parent guides and FAQ sheets
- Videos and personal testimonies from people who experienced how serious the disease can be
- Links to general and travel resources from Immunize.org and other trustworthy sources
Share these pages with patients and families looking for credible information about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Related Link
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Orientation Video Series: Introducing VaccineInformation.org (mobile view) (4:21)
Immunize.org is pleased to announce a new section of the website designed for healthcare professionals new to our website or new to vaccination practice, called Getting Started: For the New Vaccinator. Link to the section through the Clinical Resources menu located atop each page. The wide range of resources available at Immunize.org can feel overwhelming to someone new to vaccination practice. This section connects new vaccinators of any clinical background to the basic resources that support each step of successful vaccine delivery.
The Getting Started section is organized into six topic areas:
- Vaccines and the Diseases They Prevent: basic vaccine information, including federal government documents like package inserts
- Vaccinating People Who, When, and How: immunization schedules, vaccine administration job aids, Vaccine Information Statements, and vaccination records
- Responding to Adverse Events: websites and resources needed to address and report a health issue after vaccination, such as an allergic reaction
- Patient Education and Communication: basic sources for patient education and communication resources for healthcare professionals
- Vaccine Storage and Handling: connects to resources essential for proper vaccine storage and handling and responding to vaccine storage problems
- Learn More: immunization information and free resources beyond the basics to get started
In coming issues of IZ Express, Immunize.org will spotlight aspects of the Getting Started section. Visit Getting Started: For the New Vaccinator today and share with anyone new to immunizations or involved in training new staff.
VISs explain both risks and benefits of vaccination. Federal law requires you to document provision of CDC’s current VIS before administering any vaccine covered by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. CDC recommends VISs accompany other vaccines, too. An easy, paperless way to comply with the law is for patients to scan a QR code and access the VIS from a smartphone or tablet.
CDC produces official VISs only in English. CDC does not produce or certify available translations, so the official CDC VIS should accompany any translation.
These tables belong in any room where vaccinations are given. Key features include:
- Never out-of-date: Any time a VIS or translation is updated, the QR code links to the new VIS.
- Use as booklet or poster: The laminated table arrives folded like a newspaper. It is suitable for desk use as an 8.5" x 11" booklet or wall mounted as an 11" x 17" poster.
- One version for official CDC VISs and one for Spanish translations: The table of VISs in English is sold individually. The table of Spanish translations is sold as a bundle with the table of official VISs so it is easy to make both available.
- Spanish version usable by non-Spanish speakers: The Spanish QR code table has side-by-side text in English to support its use by non-Spanish speakers.
- Easy access to all available translations: Both versions include a QR code link to the Immunize.org index of all VIS translations available in dozens of languages.
- Bonus content: The reverse side of the QR code poster includes links to Immunize.org's “Addressing Vaccination Anxiety” resources and additional VIS content.
Pricing (includes all shipping and handling costs)
| Laminated CDC VIS QR Code Table (English) | Bundle: Laminated CDC (English) + Spanish Translation VIS QR Code Tables (includes 1 CDC VIS table and 1 table of translations) |
| 1 copy: $14.00 | 1 bundle: $20.00 |
| 2 copies: $9.00 each | 2 bundles: $16.00 each |
| 3–4 copies: $6.50 each | 3–4 bundles: $12.00 each |
| 5–9 copies: $5.00 each | 5–9 bundles: $8.50 each |
| 10–19 copies: $4.00 each | 10–19 bundles: $7.00 each |
| 20–59 copies: $3.00 each | 20–59 bundles: $6.00 each |
| 60+ copies: $2.50 each | 60+ bundles: $5.00 each |
Visit the Shop Immunize.org: Laminated VIS QR Code Tables web page to view images and order today! For additional information, call 651-647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org.
Immunize.org's www.Give2MenACWY.org website promotes the importance of adolescent vaccination, including the recommended MenACWY vaccine booster dose at age 16. Many teens are behind on vaccines, so vaccine outreach is more important than ever.
If you are looking for tools to explain meningococcal vaccine recommendations and assist in improving adolescent coverage for all recommended vaccines, view this site. Check out the many helpful tools from Immunize.org, CDC, and other organizations.
The website is divided into five easy-to-access sections:
- Vaccinate Teens: teen vaccination schedules and tips for improving vaccination rates
- Give 2 Doses: tools to help improve second dose coverage of MenACWY vaccine
- 16-Year-Old Visit: resources to help providers and patients remember the important vaccines recommended for 16-year-olds
- Tools for Providers: tools to explain meningococcal ACWY vaccine recommendations and improve coverage for all adolescent vaccines
- Resources: links to print materials, organizations involved in adolescent vaccination, personal stories about the importance of vaccination, and other resources of interest
The site also categorizes materials according to whether they are primarily of interest to providers, to adolescents, or to parents.
Visit Give2MenACWY.org and enjoy browsing (and deploying) its bountiful resources.
Related Links
- MenACWY: You're Not Done If You Give Just One: Give 2 Doses to Strengthen Protection
- Recommending MenACWY: What to Say and How to Say It
- Top 10 Ways to Improve Adolescent Immunization Rates
- Developing an Immunization Culture in Your Office
- Know Your Rates: Measuring Immunization Success in Your Practice
- Immunize.org: You're 16: We Recommend These Vaccines for You
- Dear Colleague Letter: 16-Year-Old Patients: Make Sure They Receive Their Annual Well Visit and Vaccinations, signed by six medical societies
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Meningococcal ACWY
- CDC: ACIP Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations
- CDC: Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years—National Immunization Survey–Teen, United States, 2024
In its July issue, CDC's Vital Statistics Rapid Release published Mortality in the United States: Provisional Data, 2025. This report shares initial 2025 mortality numbers in the United States. It describes death rates by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin. The report notes that influenza and pneumonia, the eleventh leading cause in 2024 (48,139 deaths), was the eighth leading cause of death in 2025 (56,511 deaths). A portion of the abstract appears below.
In 2025, 3,094,593 deaths occurred in the United States. The age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 population was 811.1 for males and 582.9 for females. The overall rate, 689.2 per 100,000 population, was 4.6% lower than in 2024. The rate decreased for all age groups. Overall, age-adjusted death rates in 2025 were lowest for the multiracial non-Hispanic population (187.3 per 100,000 population) and highest for the Black non-Hispanic population (869.0). The leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.
Related Link
- Reuters: US Provisional Mortality Rate Falls 4.6% in 2025, Flu Deaths Rise (7/2/26)
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, August 12, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, August 13, at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our Official Guidance: States web section, which includes maps and tables for each state’s vaccination requirements and exemptions. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session
Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
The archive of previous Website Office Hours content is posted at Immunize.org’s "Webinars & Videos" page.
Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.
For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events.
About IZ Express
IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. NH23IP922654 from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
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ISSN 2771-8085
Editorial Information
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Editor-in-ChiefKelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
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Managing EditorJohn D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
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Associate EditorSharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
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Writer/Publication CoordinatorTaryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA -
Style and Copy EditorMarian Deegan, JD
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Web Edition ManagersArkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes -
Technical ReviewerKayla Ohlde