Issue 1893: September 16, 2026

Immunize.org updated its RSV standing orders templates to align with the 2026–27 season recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) published on September 2, 2026. Due to the clinical evaluation required by the guidance produced by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for RSV vaccination of people younger than age 50 years with immunocompromising conditions, relevant standing orders templates recommend referral of these individuals for clinical assessment.  

The following resources were updated:

• Standing Orders for Administering Pfizer Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine (Abrysvo) During Pregnancy: References updated ACOG guidance, including ACOG’s option to continue using Abrysvo through March 1, while CDC recommends discontinuing its use as an option (and instead using monoclonal antibodies) after January 31 each season.
• Standing Orders for Administering Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine (RSV) to Adults Age 50 Years and Older: References AAFP guidance, including routine one-time use age 75 years or older and one-time use among high-risk individuals age 50 through 74. Data remains inadequate to establish revaccination recommendations.
• Standing Orders for Administering Nirsevimab RSV Preventive Antibody (Beyfortus, by Sanofi) to Infants and High-Risk Young Children: Added referral for clinical consideration of special cases where RSV immunization may be indicated outside the public health-recommended months. Referral for consideration of a repeat dose following antibody-depleting medical procedures (e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass) was added. The substantial update includes the new AAP recommendations for expanded categories of high-risk children age 8 through 19 months recommended to receive nirsevimab before or during their second RSV season. Existing CDC criteria for this age group are also included as a reference for facilities that follow CDC guidance.
• Standing Orders for Administering Clesrovimab RSV Preventive Antibody (Enflonsia, by Merck) to Infants: Updated to be consistent with new AAP recommendations. In this age group, the primary change is to recommend referral for clinical consideration of special cases where RSV immunization may be indicated outside the public health-recommended months. Referral for consideration of a repeat dose following antibody-depleting medical procedures (e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass) was added.

      

Related Links

• Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) web page
• Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Standing Orders Templates web page
• Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria

On September 4, CDC updated its mpox vaccine clinical considerations, addressing traveler risk, booster doses, and duration of immunity. CDC advises that travelers to countries with ongoing clade I transmission be offered the 2-dose Jynneos (Bavarian Nordic) series if they anticipate sex with a new partner, sex at a commercial sex venue, transactional sex, or sex at a large public event.

CDC also continues to recommend the 2-dose Jynneos series for adults with specific sexual risk factors, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and transgender or nonbinary people who had specific sexual risk factors in the past 6 months, and their sex partners. Vaccination is also recommended for people at risk of occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses. Routine vaccination is not recommended for most people nor for healthcare workers who have no sexual risk factors.

Based on available evidence, booster doses of Jynneos continue not to be recommended for most people previously vaccinated, including people vaccinated during the 2022 clade II outbreak. A CDC study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo found that a booster dose given 5 years after the primary series produced a rapid and robust antibody response, with similar results at 7 years, suggesting some immunity persists at least 5 to 7 years. Certain research and diagnostic laboratorians who work with orthopoxviruses and are at risk exposure to virus at much higher concentrations than natural exposure, should continue to receive a booster dose every 2 to 3 years.

Jynneos can be offered to pregnant and breastfeeding patients who are otherwise eligible, using shared clinical decision-making. An additional dose is not recommended for immunocompromised people.

The mpox vaccine can be given as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to people with known or presumed exposure to the mpox virus, preferably within 4 days of exposure. Vaccination 4–14 days after exposure may provide some protection. It can also be given to people with certain risk factors and recent experiences that may increase their likelihood of exposure.

CDC reports Jynneos effectiveness against mpox infection as 35%–86% after one dose and 66%–90% after two doses.

Related Links

• CDC: Vaccine for Monkeypox Prevention in the United States web page
• Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Mpox main page
• Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Mpox web page

On September 10, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Nationwide Increase in Reported Human Rabies Exposures: Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Administration. The report highlights that from July through August 2026, CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025, including events involving more than one person. During this time frame, CDC also received reports from at least eight state health departments of increased rabies post-exposure prophylactic (PEP) use, PEP administration errors, or both.

Related Links

• CDC: Rabies main page
• Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Rabies main page
• Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Rabies main page

The U.S. Measles Tracker, operated by Johns Hopkins University (JHU), reported, as of September 11, 2026, 3,387 measles cases for 2026. Two infant deaths associated with measles have been reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. CDC reported 3,294 confirmed cases by September 10, 2026, which is 1,000 more cases than in all of 2025.

• Pennsylvania Department of Health remains the current measles hot spot and added 52 cases in just two days, bringing the state’s total to 676, including two deaths, in 2026
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed 163 cases in 2026 as case counts increase
• Ohio Department of Health reported 133 cases for the year, with 11 cases added this week

The graphic below from the U.S. Disease Tracker web page (a separate interactive tracking website operated by JHU in collaboration with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists) shows the waves of U.S. measles cases since early 2025. The sharp drop in the gray zone at the right end of the graph is a result of incomplete data due to the lag in reporting logs.

Congenital Measles: On September 8, the American Academy of Pediatrics released Congenital Measles: Frequently Asked Questions (Red Book Online). This discusses preventing, diagnosing, and treating congenital measles, defined as a neonate with clinical or laboratory evidence of measles infection within the first 10 days of life in the setting of intrauterine measles exposure. Around 25%–30% of babies born to mothers with measles at delivery are also infected. Illness ranges from no symptoms to rash, multi-organ involvement, or death. Affected infants face a higher risk of encephalitis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare and almost always fatal brain disease that can appear within the first few years of life. Infants born within 14 days of the mother's rash onset should be considered for treatment with immune globulin (IG). MMR vaccine should not be given during pregnancy, so vaccination before pregnancy is the best protection for both mother and child. Nonimmune pregnant patients exposed to measles can receive IG.

• 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
• CDC: Be Ready for Measles Toolkit 

¡Viva México! September 16 is the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s independence. We celebrate our neighbors by sharing select Mexican resources for vaccination information and advocacy.

Expert committees:

• Consejo Nacional de Vacunación (CONAVA), National Advisory Committee for Vaccination, counterpart to ACIP

• Asociación Mexicana de Vacunología
• Alianza por la Vacunación

• Boletín Epidemiológico: Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica Sistema Único de Información (Epidemiological Bulletin: National Epidemiological Surveillance System Unique Information System), counterpart to MMWR
• Lineamientos Generales del Programa de Vacunación Universal y Jornadas de Salud Pública 2020 (General Guidelines of the Universal Vaccination Program and Public Health Conference 2020)
• Calendario de Vacunación: Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) brochure listing the vaccination schedule of Mexico (April 2026)

• Programa Nacional de Vacunación (National Vaccination Program)
• Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS) (Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks), counterpart to FDA

Best wishes to all our friends delivering vaccinations to the people of Mexico!

National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain or Spanish-settled areas in the Americas.



Immunize.org offers a variety of resources in Spanish, including translated resources for patients and healthcare personnel and Spanish-language VISs. Use the filter-by-language feature or go to our Clinical Resources Translations page and simply select the Spanish language clinical resources or VIS link to see everything offered in Spanish.



Immunize.org's affiliated website, LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org offers a Spanish language version of the entire site (Hablemos En Serio) and all its resources.



Related Links

• National Hispanic Heritage Month website
• Immunize.org: VIS Translations: Spanish main page
• Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Spanish Translations main page
• LetsGetRealAboutVaccines​.org: Hablemos En Serio main page

This week, our featured episode from the Ask the Experts Video Series is titled What Is the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program and Who Is Eligible? The video explains the VFC program, a federal entitlement that provides all recommended immunizations at no cost to participating providers for children through age 18. About half of U.S. children are eligible for VFC, including those receiving Medicaid, uninsured children, children whose health insurance lacks coverage of vaccination, and American Indian or Alaska Native children.

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

These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.

• Washington Post: Fall Vaccines Are Now Available. Here Are Your Questions, Answered. (9/10/26)
• CIDRAP: People Who Say They’ll Get Vaccinated Against COVID and Flu Often Don’t. Why Not? (9/9/26)
• Medscape: Eradication of Measles and Polio: Why Has Progress Stalled? (9/9/26)
• CIDRAP: Lingering Respiratory Virus Symptoms Aren’t Limited to COVID, New Review Shows (9/8/26)

Getting Started: For the New Vaccinator is an accessible starting point for healthcare professionals across clinical backgrounds. For educators and supervisors, explore content with new staff by selecting resources that align with their responsibilities and support your organization’s protocols. New vaccinators can bookmark frequently used materials as they become more experienced.

For a quick overview of the web section, watch this short video, Introducing Immunize.org's Getting Started: For New Vaccinators Web Pages (2:28).  

To access Getting Started on Immunize.org, open the Clinical Resources menu, choose Getting Started for the New Vaccinator to view the subsections, and select your topic. 



Over the next few weeks, each of the section’s six sub-topics will be explored.  

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Recap: Immunize.org posts 17 updated translations of its routine screening checklists for contraindications to vaccines for children and teens and for adults 

Immunize.org posted 17 updated translations of its popular screening checklists for vaccine contraindications, one for children and adolescents and another for adults. The screening questionnaire to be completed by the patient is translated; the explanatory pages intended for the healthcare provider are in English. Each handout lists screening questions on the first page with explanatory notes on pages two and three. 

The translations reflect changes made to the English versions dated June 24, 2026. The most substantial change was in formatting, shifting from a single page of explanatory notes in small font, to two pages of explanatory notes that are easier to read. Minor changes were made to align with the recently updated English checklists. References and links to guidance documents were also updated.

Here are links to the updated translations and the source documents:
 

Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens	Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults
Arabic	Arabic
Bosnian	Bosnian
Chinese-Simplified	Chinese-Simplified
Dari	Dari
French	French
Haitian Creole	Haitian Creole
Kinyarwanda	Kinyarwanda
Korean	Korean
Nepali	Nepali
Pashto	Pashto
Punjabi	Punjabi
Russian	Russian
Somali	Somali
Spanish	Spanish
Swahili	Swahili
Ukrainian	Ukrainian
Vietnamese	Vietnamese

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Recap: VaccineInformation​.org's Where to Get Vaccinated web page links to locations offering respiratory virus vaccines, other routine vaccines, and travel vaccines

VaccineInformation.org, Immunize.org's website designed for patients and parents, offers a very useful Where to Get Vaccinated web page. The page lists directories and vaccine finder tools published by different organizations, including manufacturers, to help people locate a convenient spot to access vaccinations they need. Among the links are:

• Directory of federally funded health centers, which serve people regardless of insurance status.
• General vaccine locators, such as VaccineFinder​.org and EasyVax​.com, useful for routine vaccines across all age groups and manufacturers. Some allow direct appointment scheduling.
• Disease- and manufacturer-specific finders, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
• CDC directories for travel vaccines and authorized yellow-fever vaccination clinics.
• A map and alphabetical list of immunization program contact details for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Some linked resources are available in Spanish.

Please share Where to Get Vaccinated with patients, colleagues, and your social media networks.

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Featured Resources

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American Pharmacists Association and partners offer “Vaccine Communication Playbook for Pharmacies” to support vaccine conversations 

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and partners released the Vaccine Communication Playbook for Pharmacies, a digital, point-of-care resource informed by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The playbook helps pharmacy personnel respond to real-world patient questions about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and recommendations.

Although written with pharmacies in mind, its messaging can be easily adapted to other clinical settings as well. It offers: 

• Responses as brief talking points, not scripts, to adapt each conversation to the patient
• Responses that are short and scannable with no login or registration required
• A structured announce-inquire-mirror-secure (AIMS) approach to vaccine conversations 
• Direct links to clinical guidance and supporting resources 

This resource was created by the Trusted Messenger Program in partnership with APhA, the National Community Pharmacists Association, and Public Good Projects. 

View the Vaccine Communication Playbook for Pharmacies.  

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Vaccinate Your Family launches minicourse titled “Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Protecting the Most Vulnerable”

Vaccinate Your Family (VYF) launched a free minicourse titled Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Protecting the Most Vulnerable. In this course, you will hear from Katie, who lost her daughter to pertussis, as she shares her story and explains the importance of vaccination. The course features an overview of pertussis, who is at greatest risk, how to address common myths, and tips for having supportive, fact-based, and caring conversations about pertussis prevention.

Visit VYF University to see the minicourses, each of which is free and self-paced.

Enroll in the course.

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American Academy of Pediatrics’ interactive map lets users compare immunization rates state by state

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers Immunizations Across America, an interactive mapping tool that allows users to examine immunization rates and exemption policies in individual states and compare them with national rates. The map draws on CDC's National Immunization Survey data and is updated annually. The current version was posted on August 26.

The tool offers five main sections:

• Rates Across America
• Current Outbreaks
• Outbreaks and Immunity
• Rates by Demographics
• Reason to Keep Vaccinating

A short video guide walks users through the map's features. AAP notes the tool is best viewed on a desktop browser.

Related Link

• AAP: Immunizations main page

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Medscape offers educational activity on viral hepatitis; CE credit offered

Medscape Education released a curriculum, Targeting Viral Hepatitis: A Road Map for Providers, with several activities featuring expert perspectives on preventing and managing viral hepatitis. 

The activities include:

• Closing the Loop: Smarter Workflows for Hepatitis Screening and Prevention: How can clinicians engage patients in discussions about viral hepatitis? (30 min)
• Are Your Workflows Working? Embedding Hepatitis Screening and Vaccination into Routine Care: Integrate evidence-based screening and vaccination strategies. (15 min)
• How Do You Stack Up? Case Challenges in Guideline-Based Management of Viral Hepatitis: Assess your ability to screen for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. (60 min)

The curriculum titled "Are Your Workflows Working? Embedding Hepatitis Screening and Vaccination into Routine Care" was codeveloped and moderated by Immunize.org’s L.J Tan, PhD. A description of the curriculum appears below.

Despite advances in effective therapies, viral hepatitis rates continue to increase, especially among certain communities, identified as priority health populations. These populations include people who inject drugs (PWID), Asians and Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Black persons. Furthermore, systemic barriers, stigma, and discrimination impede access to health services for people at increased risk for viral hepatitis. These factors contribute to missed/late diagnosis, onward transmission, costly tertiary care, and reduced quality of life. This collection of CME-certified activities provides strategies to overcome barriers and deliver equitable care to further the achievement of hepatitis elimination goals in the United States and worldwide.

To earn CME, ABIM MOC, or CE credit, please click here.

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From the Immunize.org shop! Laminated VIS QR code tables deliver CDC VISs directly to your patients’ smartphones (Spanish translation available).

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. Immunize.org assembled a table with QR code links to all VISs and the Immunization Information Statement for RSV preventive antibody. The table is now available for purchase as a durable, laminated poster.

These tables belong in any room where vaccinations are given.

Learn more in our 2-minute Laminated VIS QR Code Tables video. The video is available in the Immunize.org shop and on our YouTube channel. 

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. 

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Notable Publications

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“Assessment of Infant Growth and Health Care Utilization Following Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination During Pregnancy and Lactation” published in Vaccine provides real-world evidence of Tdap safety

In its October 24, 2026, issue, Vaccine published Assessment of Infant Growth and Health Care Utilization Following Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination During Pregnancy and Lactation. A portion of the abstract appears below.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from two US healthcare systems. Prenatal care patients with a singleton live birth (2014–2022) and their linked infants were included. For pregnancy analyses, we compared outcomes in infants of those who received Tdap vaccination at ≥27 gestational weeks to those with no Tdap up to 90days after delivery. For postpartum analyses, restricted to human milk feeders, we compared Tdap vaccination within 90days after delivery versus none. . . . 

. . . Tdap vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with growth faltering . . . slow weight gain . . . or ED visits . . . but was slightly associated with the rate of outpatient visits . . . No associations were observed among the 3034 and 3191 lactating individuals eligible for infant growth and healthcare utilization analyses, respectively.

The authors noted that the slightly higher rate of outpatient visits after Tdap vaccination during pregnancy may be due to confounding. Unmeasured health-seeking behaviors, such as the propensity to engage with preventive care, including attendance at infant well visits, could influence both the likelihood of birthing parent vaccination and patterns of infant health care use, resulting in upward bias in the association. 

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Upcoming Events

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Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our affiliated websites on September 16 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or September 17 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.

To learn simple tips and tricks for using our affiliated websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, September 16, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, September 17, 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 demonstration on navigating our popular affiliated websites for healthcare personnel, including our recently launched Getting Started: For the New Vaccinator web page. 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):

• Wednesday, September 16, at 4:00 p.m. (ET)
• Thursday, September 17, at 12:00 p.m. (ET)

The archive of previous Website Office Hours content is posted at Immunize.org’s "Webinars & Videos" page. Shorter, demonstration-only recordings of previous Website Office Hours are also available in our Website Training Videos series.

Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.

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Virtual: NFID hosts webinar titled “Preparing for Respiratory Season: 2026–2027 Immunization Updates” on September 30 at 2:00 p.m. (ET); CME credit offered

NFID will host a webinar titled Preparing for Respiratory Season: 2026–2027 Immunization Updates at 2:00 p.m. (ET) on September 30. The panel includes NFID Medical Director Robert (Bob) H. Hopkins, Jr., MD; Carolyn B. Bridges, MD, director of adult immunizations, Immunize.org; Melody A. Butler, MPH, RN, founding executive director and president of Nurses Who Vaccinate and director of infection prevention and control, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital; and NFID Director Jean-Venable (Kelly) R. Goode, PharmD, professor and director of the Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program, Virginia Commonwealth University. The speakers will discuss the importance of immunization in protecting against severe illness during the upcoming respiratory season. Speakers will also discuss current U.S. immunization recommendations for vaccination to prevent COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumococcal disease, and will provide strategies to increase immunization rates.

CME credit is available. There is no fee, but preregistration is required. Register for the webinar.

NFID hosts monthly webinars to increase awareness of the importance of infectious disease prevention and treatment. CME, CNE, and CPE credits are available for select recordings. View archived NFID webinars.

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For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events.