Issue 1480: February 26, 2020
TOP STORIES
WORLD NEWS
FEATURED RESOURCES
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
TOP STORIES
CDC publishes “Interim Estimates of 2019–20 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—United States, February 2020” in this week’s MMWR
CDC published Interim Estimates of 2019–20 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness—United States, February 2020 in the February 21 issue of MMWR (pages 177–182). A summary for the press is reprinted below.
CDC’s interim flu vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates show that the flu vaccine has reduced doctor visits associated with flu illness by almost half (VE = 45%) so far this season. This is consistent with estimates of flu vaccine effectiveness from previous seasons that ranged from 40%–60% when flu vaccine viruses were similar to circulating flu viruses. Vaccination is providing substantial protection (VE = 55%) for children, who have been particularly hard hit by flu this season.
Access the complete report:
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CDC reports influenza activity remains high, with 105 pediatric deaths reported this season; please continue vaccinating this season to prevent flu from spreading further
Seasonal influenza activity in the United States remains high but decreased slightly since the previous week, according to CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView. Forty-seven states and Puerto Rico reported widespread activity, three states reported regional activity, the District of Columbia reported local activity, and the U.S. Virgin Islands reported sporadic activity for the week ending February 15.
Thirteen influenza-associated pediatric deaths that occurred during the 2019–20 flu season were reported between weeks 2 and 7 (the weeks ending January 11 and February 15, 2020). A total of 105 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2019–20 season.
Visit the CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, for details.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, so please continue to vaccinate all your patients in this age range. If you don't provide influenza vaccination in your clinic, please recommend vaccination to your patients and refer them to a clinic or pharmacy that provides vaccines or to the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to locate influenza vaccination services near them.
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Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information from CDC and WHO
CDC and WHO are closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19), first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Be sure to check the resources below for updates.
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IAC's "Ask the Experts: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)" web page recently updated
IAC recently updated its Ask the Experts: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Q&As on immunize.org. Revisions to the HPV Ask the Experts set included adding new ACIP guidance published on August 16, 2019. This guidance states that HPV vaccine can be given starting at age 9 years, that catch-up vaccination for males is now recommended through age 26 years (previously routine catch-up for males was through age 21), and that for adults ages 27 through 45, HPV vaccine may be administered using shared clinical decision-making (a discussion between the provider and the patient).
IAC’s Ask the Experts web section is a compilation of common as well as challenging Q&As about vaccines and their administration. IAC wishes to recognize its team of experts: Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (team lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.
Some of the most frequently visited sections of Ask the Experts Q&As include the following:
IAC Express publishes five special editions each year of Ask the Experts Q&As. The most recent special edition was published February 24 on the topic of HPV vaccination. You can access the four most recent special editions of IAC Express: Ask the Experts from the main web page of Ask the Experts, in the right-hand column.
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IAC Spotlight! With more than 300 free, ready-to-use print materials, IAC's “Handouts” web section is the most popular place on immunize.org
IAC's Handouts for Patients & Staff web section offers healthcare professionals and members of the public free access to more than 300 ready-to-print patient and staff educational materials. Choose one or more of the following tabs at the top of the section to explore the offerings:
Some of the most frequently visited topics include:
Selecting the View All Materials tab displays several options for searching among all the handouts to find what you need:
View IAC's Handouts for Patients & Staff web section to access more than 300 ready-to-print IAC resources.
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There are now 1,127 healthcare organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
There are now 1,127 organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes hospitals, long-term care facilities (LTCFs), medical practices, pharmacies, professional organizations, health departments, and other government entities that have taken a stand for patient safety by implementing mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare personnel.
Since January 29, when IAC Express last reported on the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll, two additional healthcare organizations have been enrolled.
IAC urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply by visiting the Application page.
Newly added healthcare organizations, hospitals, government agencies, medical practices, long-term care facilities, and pharmacies
- Sanpete Valley Hospital, Mount Pleasant, UT
- Uintah Basin Rehabilitation and Senior Villa, Roosevelt, UT
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Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast episode featuring two HPV Vaccine Champions discussing their strategies for increasing vaccination rates in their practices
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) has posted a new entry in its Vax Talk podcast series titled HPV Vaccine Champion Border Battle. This podcast features two 2019 HPV Vaccine Champions, Minnesota pediatrician Dr. Andrea Singh and Iowa pediatrician Dr. Nathan Boonstra, discussing conversational strategies and resources they use when talking to parents about HPV vaccination for their children.
If you or your organization would like information about how to become a sponsor of a VFV "Vax Talk" podcast, please contact VFV's executive director Karen Ernst, at [email protected].
Voices for Vaccines is a national organization of parents and others who are dedicated to raising the level of the voices of immunization supporters. VFV invites everyone who values vaccines to become a member. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues to join VFV!
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Three articles that appeared in the media recently are particularly compelling in conveying the importance of vaccination and effective vaccine policy.
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WORLD NEWS
WHO reports on progress towards measles elimination in China in this week's Weekly Epidemiological Record
WHO published Progress towards Measles Elimination—China, January 2013–June 2019 in the February 21 issue of its Weekly Epidemiological Record. The opening paragraph is reprinted below.
In 2005, countries in WHO Western Pacific Region, including China, resolved to eliminate measles by 2012 or as soon as feasible thereafter. As of 2018, 9 of the 37 countries or areas in the Region had eliminated measles. China’s Measles Elimination Action Plan 2006–2012 included strengthening routine immunization, assessing the risk of measles, followed by supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) with measles-containing vaccine (MCV) nationally and subnationally; strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity; and investigating and responding to measles outbreaks. Measles elimination in China during 2008–2012 and a resurgence in 2013 were described in 2014. The present report describes progress towards measles elimination in China between January 2013 and June 2019. The incidence per million population decreased from 20.4 in 2013 to 2.8 in 2018, the number of reported measles-related deaths decreased from 32 in 2015 to 1 in 2018, and there had been no deaths by June 2019. Measles can be eliminated in China by strengthening the current strategy of the immunization programme by ensuring a sufficient supply of vaccine; continuing to improve laboratory surveillance, outbreak investigation and response; strengthening checking of vaccination records at school entry; vaccinating students who do not have documentation of receipt of 2 doses of measles-rubella vaccine; and vaccinating health care professionals and other adults at risk for measles.
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FEATURED RESOURCES
CDC offers free CE video module for nurses and medical assistants on how they can foster a culture of immunization in their healthcare settings
CDC will offer a web-on-demand video titled How Nurses and Medical Assistants Can Foster a Culture of Immunization in the Practice. Nurses and medical assistants have a key role to play in improving vaccine acceptance and fostering a culture of immunization in the practice as they are in contact with parents throughout the office visit.
This CE activity features practical strategies to improve vaccination rates in the practice, including how to deliver clear and concise vaccine recommendations and address parents’ frequently asked questions. By highlighting key points before, during, and after a patient’s visit to support vaccine conversations, this presentation will reinforce best practices for improving vaccination rates. The speakers will be Virginia Chambers, CMA, BS, MHA, of Portland Community College and Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN-BC, of Sanford Health.
Continuing education will be available until December 4, 2021.
Access additional information and a link to download the video module.
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Vaccine Education Center features new video in its Science Made Easy series titled "How Does Natural Infection with Measles Suppress the Immune System?” narrated by Dr. Paul Offit
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has released a new video, narrated by Dr. Paul A. Offit, in its Science Made Easy series: How Does Natural Infection with Measles Suppress the Immune System?
The video is featured in VEC's February issue of Parents PACK (Possessing, Accessing, and Communicating Knowledge about vaccines) newsletter. The February issue also includes additional resources about measles and the MMR vaccine. Healthcare providers should check out the issue and encourage parents to subscribe to the free Parents PACK newsletter.
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Vaccinate Your Family’s Shot of Prevention blog posts entry titled "Coronavirus Is Bad, but Let’s Not Forget about Flu"
On February 14, Vaccinate Your Family's Shot of Prevention blog posted an entry titled Coronavirus Is Bad, But Let’s Not Forget about Flu. Stating that " ... in just four months, the flu has killed the equivalent of a small town," this blog entry discusses why people are more afraid of coronavirus than flu, even though influenza poses more of an immediate danger to them, and it urges people to get vaccinated against the flu.
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IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunization!
IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin on hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges makes a meaningful gift for people who care about immunization.
The pin is a stick-through-post variety with the back end covered by a round rubber cap that holds the pin securely. A gold metal spring-lock clasp is also provided. The pin makes a refined statement, measuring 1.125" x 0.75".
Wear these pins on clothing, uniforms, lab coats, tote bags, and backpacks to show that you value vaccines!
 
Click here for "Vaccines Save Lives" pins pricing and ordering information.
Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.
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Flu season is ongoing, so make sure you have IAC's "FLU VACCINE" buttons for staff and patient stickers on hand!
IAC's “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers are ready to ship! Their bright red color helps broadcast your important message about the need for flu vaccination. And the cost is nominal.
“FLU VACCINE” BUTTONS
The button measures 1.25" across and carries a bold message! Pin on lab coats, uniforms, other clothing, tote bags, or backpacks to show support for flu vaccine.
Buttons are delivered in bags of 10 buttons per bag.
Click here for pricing and ordering information for "FLU VACCINE" buttons.
“FLU VACCINE” STICKERS
Measuring 1.5" across and printed on Avery labels, theses stickers adhere well to clothing and have an easy-peel-off back.
Stickers are delivered to you cut individually (not on rolls)—available in bundles of 100.
Click here for pricing and ordering information for “FLU VACCINE” stickers.
Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
This Friday (February 28!), National HPV Vaccination Roundtable to hold webinar titled "Using Data to Drive Systems Change"
On Friday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. (ET), the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable will sponsor a webinar in its We're In! 2020 series titled Using Data to Drive Systems Change. Speakers will be the American Cancer Society’s HPV interventions team lead, Marcie-Fisher-Borne, PhD, MSW, MPH, as well as Andrea Singh, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Park Nicollet, a HealthPartners system in Minnesota that has prioritized HPV vaccination.
The We’re In! 2020 Initiative for HPV Cancer Prevention, a national movement of health systems, aims to catalyze and support U.S. health systems in protecting adolescents from future cancers.
Register for the webinar.
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CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
25th Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference will be held on April 14 in Framingham
The 25th Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference will be held on April 14 at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center in Framingham, MA. With the goal of supporting statewide efforts to increase adult immunization rates, the conference will feature the latest recommendations for adult immunization and evidence-based strategies to improve adult immunization implementation. Topics will also include historical vaccine perspectives, future vaccines, and the recent epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Access additional details as well as the registration link on the conference web page.
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Video of the Week
The Parents Going to War with Anti-Vaxxers on Facebook: Vice News reports anti-vaxx activists have used Facebook and other social platforms for years to spread misinformation about the so-called “dangers” of life-saving vaccines. But a new brand of pro-vaccination parents aren’t taking this lying down. Vice News reports on these pro-vaccine parents, who are sharing scientific facts on Facebook and are working to stop the spread of false information.
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Editorial Information
Editor
Deborah L. Wexler, MD
Associate Editors
Carolyn Bridges, MD, MPH
Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH
Consulting Editors
Taryn Chapman, MS
Marian Deegan, JD
Courtnay Londo, MA
Jane Myers, MA, EdM
Technical Editor
Liv Augusta Anderson, MPP
Abbreviations
AAFP: American Academy of Family Physicians
AAP: American Academy of Pediatrics
ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
FDA: Food and Drug Administration
IAC: Immunization Action Coalition
MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
NCIRD: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
VIS: Vaccine Information Statement
WHO: World Health Organization
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