Email
IZ Express #1,729: NIVW, influenza rising, vaccination urged, and more
| From | Immunize.org <[email protected]> |
| Subject | IZ Express #1,729: NIVW, influenza rising, vaccination urged, and more |
| Date | December 6, 2023 11:15 AM |
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Issue 1,729: December 6, 2023
Top Stories
* It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week. Lagging vaccination rate means millions more are unprotected so far this season. Encourage vaccination using CDC’s digital media toolkit.
* “Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Received an Influenza Vaccination during the Past 12 Months, by Sex and Race and Ethnicity—National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022” published in MMWR
* Influenza-like-illness activity is high in states across the country and rising nationwide. NIVW is the time to reach the unvaccinated.
* Be alert to potential for error: CDC receives reports of RSV vaccines for adults being mistakenly administered to infants
* “SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness among Infants and Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years—New Vaccine Surveillance Network, United States, July 2022–September 2023” published in MMWR
* “The National Wastewater Surveillance System’s Centers of Excellence Contributions to Public Health Action during the Respiratory Virus Season—Four U.S. Jurisdictions, 2022–23” published in MMWR
* Immunize.org updates two Questions and Answers handouts
* “How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults during One Visit”: watch the 3-minute video, part of the Improving the Vaccination Experience Video Series on YouTube
* Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll features three renewing honorees
* Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Recap: Immunize.org updated these clinical resources in October and November
Vaccine Information Statements
* Recap: VISs and translations released in October and November
Featured Resources
* Vaccine Track shows Medicare vaccination rates increasing, a potential effect of the Inflation Reduction Act that eliminated patient co-pays under Medicare Part D
* Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the meningococcal ACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Notable Publications
* "Communicating the Value of Influenza Vaccines to Patients: Translating Vaccine Effectiveness to Acceptance" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
* "Vaccination, Immunity, and the Changing Impact of COVID-19 on Infant Health" published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Top Stories
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It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week. Lagging vaccination rate means millions more are unprotected so far this season. Encourage vaccination using CDC’s digital media toolkit.
National Influenza Vaccination Week ([link removed]) (NIVW), observed December 4–8 this year, was established by CDC in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination activities through the holiday season and beyond. NIVW is a critical time to post and share reminder messages and vaccinate all those who are not yet protected. As influenza vaccination rates to date have fallen behind last season, millions more unvaccinated people risk preventable illness and hospitalization. Get the word out using CDC's 2023 NIVW Digital Media Toolkit, which includes the following assets. ([link removed])
1. Template Matte Release ([link removed]): use CDC’s article to encourage flu vaccination on your website, blog, or other channels
2. Sample Newsletter Blurb ([link removed]): include CDC’s sample text copy in your email newsletter or other communications
3. Patient Reminder Messages ([link removed]): remind patients by sharing key messages through your patient portal or other reminders
4. Social Media Messages ([link removed]): use CDC’s suggested Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram graphics and copy to spread the word; schedule content to remind your networks about the importance of flu vaccination throughout the week
In addition to CDC resources, Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County Immunization Coalition (MCIC) posted a social media toolkit with resources available in several languages. Links to each translated image are below.
English 1 ([link removed]) English 2 ([link removed]) Chinese ([link removed])
Hindi ([link removed]) Korean ([link removed]) Spanish ([link removed])
[link removed]
Use #FightFlu to join the conversation all week and tag @CDCFlu on X (Twitter).
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“Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Received an Influenza Vaccination during the Past 12 Months, by Sex and Race and Ethnicity—National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022” published in MMWR
CDC published Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Received an Influenza Vaccination during the Past 12 Months, by Sex and Race and Ethnicity—National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022 ([link removed]) on December 1 in MMWR ([link removed]). The summary appears below.
In 2022, among persons aged ≥18 years, women were more likely than were men (49.2% versus 41.1%) to have received an influenza vaccination during the past 12 months. Women were more likely than were men to have received an influenza vaccination among Asian (61.0% versus 50.7%), Black (40.6% versus 30.1%), Hispanic (43.5% versus 35.9%), and White (51.5% versus 43.4%) adults. Among men, Black adults were the least likely to have received an influenza vaccination during the past 12 months compared with Asian, Hispanic, and White adults. Among women, Black and Hispanic adults were less likely to have received an influenza vaccination during the past 12 months than were Asian and White adults.
Access the MMWR article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]).
Related Link
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to the MMWR family of publications
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Influenza-like-illness activity is high in states across the country and rising nationwide. NIVW is the time to reach the unvaccinated.
CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]), provides a valuable picture of laboratory-confirmed influenza and influenza-like-illness activity state by state.
Influenza Surveillance
For week 47, ending November 25, CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]) shows that seasonal influenza activity continues to increase in most parts of the country, notably in southern, mountain, and west coast regions of the United States. Nationwide, 3.9% of patient visits reported through the Outpatient Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet) were due to respiratory illness that included fever plus a cough or sore throat (i.e., influenza-like illness [ILI]). The national baseline is 2.5%. Five pediatric deaths were reported this week, bringing the total to 8 influenza-associated pediatric deaths thus far during the 2023–24 season. Given the influenza vaccination rates to date, millions more people remain unprotected, compared to last season, as the 2023–2024 annual influenza epidemic begins.
RESP-NET
Visit the CDC Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET) ([link removed]) for weekly reports of hospitalizations across the United States due to three vaccine-preventable seasonal respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Activity levels of each of these diseases are rising but are currently lower than during week 47 of 2022, when respiratory virus activity peaked remarkably early.
Influenza Vaccination Dashboard
CDC's Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) shows that as of November 11, an estimated 29 million doses of flu vaccine were administered in pharmacies and more than 17 million doses in medical offices. Vaccine uptake appears to be lagging behind this time in 2022. Of particular note, influenza vaccination among pregnant people has declined sharply since 2019. Only 29% of pregnant people were vaccinated against influenza by October 2023, compared to 45.5% in October 2019, despite the growing body of evidence of safety and benefit for both mother and infant. It is critical to protect people now, as influenza activity is becoming widespread.
CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get annual influenza vaccination. Influenza and other vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine, RSV vaccine) may be given at the same visit, if needed. Infants 6 months of age and older may receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit when they receive the RSV preventive antibody, nirsevimab. Locate influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in your area by entering your zip code in the VaccineFinder on Vaccines.gov ([link removed]) or Vacunas.gov ([link removed]) . To be listed as a provider by VaccineFinder, see the information on this website ([link removed]).
Related Links
* CDC: Weekly National Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: FluView ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: RESP-NET ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: free clinical resources and patient handouts related to influenza ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Vaccines: Influenza ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Influenza ([link removed]) main page
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Be alert to potential for error: CDC receives reports of RSV vaccines for adults being mistakenly administered to infants
On November 30, CDC informed public health immunization programs that they have received reports of infants being mistakenly administered RSV vaccines intended for adults. Infants should only receive the RSV preventive antibody, nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi).
RSV vaccines (Arexvy by GSK and Abrysvo by Pfizer) are recommended only for adults and have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness in infants or children. Practices that carry both RSV vaccine and RSV preventive antibody products should review their immunization administration safety procedures to ensure only the correct product is administered to recipients.
CDC encourages vaccinators to promptly report all vaccine administration errors like these to VAERS ([link removed]). In the event that a vaccine administration error involving RSV vaccine occurs and further clinical guidance is needed, contact your state or local immunization program or CDC experts who may be reached by email at [email protected].
Related Links
* CDC: Vaccine Administration Protocols ([link removed])
* CDC: Vaccine Administration: Preventing Vaccine Administration Errors ([link removed])
* CDC: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Immunizations ([link removed])
* CDC: Healthcare Providers: RSV Immunization for Children 19 Months and Younger ([link removed])
* CDC: Frequently Asked Questions about RSV Immunization with Monoclonal Antibody for Children 19 Months and Younger ([link removed])
* CDC: RSV Vaccination: What Parents Should Know ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Vaccines: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Clinical Resources ([link removed])
* AAP Red Book Online: ACIP and AAP Recommendations for Nirsevimab ([link removed])
* CDC: Health Alert Network: Limited Availability of Nirsevimab in the United States – Interim CDC Recommendations to Protect Infants from RSV during the 2023–2024 Respiratory Virus Season ([link removed])
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“SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness among Infants and Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years—New Vaccine Surveillance Network, United States, July 2022–September 2023” published in MMWR
CDC published SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness among Infants and Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years—New Vaccine Surveillance Network, United States, July 2022–September 2023 ([link removed]) on December 1 in MMWR ([link removed]) . The national network assessed vaccination status and SARS-CoV-2 test results among vaccine-eligible children younger than age 5 years who were hospitalized or sought care in emergency departments (ED) for acute respiratory illness during July 2022–September 2023. Part of the abstract appears below.
Among 7,434 children included, 5% received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, and 95% received a negative test result; 86% were unvaccinated, 4% had received 1 dose of any vaccine product, and 10% had received ≥2 doses. When compared with receipt of no vaccines among children, receipt of ≥2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses was 40% effective (95% CI = 8%–60%) in preventing ED visits and hospitalization. [The effectiveness of a single mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose for preventing COVID-19–associated ED visits and hospitalization was not statistically significant.] These findings support existing recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of young children to reduce COVID-19–associated ED visits and hospitalization.
Access the MMWR article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]).
Related Link
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to the MMWR family of publications
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“The National Wastewater Surveillance System’s Centers of Excellence Contributions to Public Health Action during the Respiratory Virus Season—Four U.S. Jurisdictions, 2022–23” published in MMWR
CDC published The National Wastewater Surveillance System’s Centers of Excellence Contributions to Public Health Action during the Respiratory Virus Season—Four U.S. Jurisdictions, 2022–23 ([link removed]) on December 1 in MMWR ([link removed]). The preliminary conclusions and actions section appears below.
NWSS Centers of Excellence have reported correlation between WWS data and clinical surveillance with WWS allowing localized, timely coverage, and in some situations, valuable lead time notification. In Wisconsin, WWS detected increases in influenza and RSV weeks before increases in related emergency department visits were observed. NWSS data, together with clinical surveillance data, have guided jurisdictional partner decisions regarding allocation of resources, deployment of vaccination clinics, updating clinical guidance, and sending respiratory disease notifications and alerts when trends exceed baseline thresholds. NWSS Centers of Excellence have developed public-facing and internal pathogen data dashboards that provide metrics for public health partners and the communities they serve. During the 2022–23 respiratory disease season, NWSS Centers of Excellence translated WWS data into real-time public health action for multiple respiratory pathogens, highlighting the contribution of WWS in monitoring disease circulation and helping guide public health response.
Access the MMWR article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]) .
Related Link
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to the MMWR family of publications
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Immunize.org updates two Questions and Answers handouts
Immunize.org recently updated two of its resources, Polio: Questions and Answers ([link removed]) and Rotavirus: Questions and Answers ([link removed]). Changes are described below.
* Polio: Questions and Answers ([link removed]): This was updated with the new recommendation for all U.S. adults who are known or suspected to be unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated to complete a 3-dose primary series. Information was added relating to the 2022 paralytic polio case in New York. A QR code linking to the online version of the document was added.
* Rotavirus: Questions and Answers ([link removed]): This was reviewed for accuracy; minor updates were made. A QR code linking to the online version of the document was added.
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Polio: Questions and Answers ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Rotavirus: Questions and Answers ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A-Z ([link removed]) main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
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“How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults during One Visit”: watch the 3-minute video, part of the Improving the Vaccination Experience Video Series on YouTube
As more vaccines are available to prevent serious illness in adults, patients often need more than one vaccination at a time. This 3-minute video, How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults during One Visit ([link removed]), demonstrates clinical resources for vaccination providers to support their practice and increase their confidence. This video is part of Immunize.org’s new Improving the Vaccination Experience Video Series. It is available on our YouTube channel ([link removed]), along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts ([link removed]) questions.
This video features the printable Immunize.org clinical resource of the same name, How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults During One Visit ([link removed]).
Immunize.org’s series of short videos introduces you to a variety of ways to improve the vaccination experience for infants, children, teens, and adults. Three are for a general audience, and three are intended for healthcare professionals. As with all Immunize.org resources, these videos are free to download, link, copy, and share. You can also find this video and all of our resources related to vaccination anxiety on our Improving the Vaccination Experience ([link removed]) main page.
Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise:
* Facebook at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* Instagram at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* LinkedIn at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* X (Twitter) at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* YouTube at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
Related Links
* Immunize.org: YouTube channel ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Administering Vaccines ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Improving the Vaccination Experience ([link removed]) main page
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Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll features three renewing honorees
Immunize.org is pleased to renew three institutions’ Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll status. Each of these birthing institutions, listed below with their reported hepatitis B birth dose coverage rates, has maintained a standard of excellence in protecting newborns from hepatitis B for at least three years.
* Newman Regional Health, Emporia, KS (95%) (3 years)
* Riverview Health, Noblesville, IN (91%) (3 years)
* Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY (93%) (7 years)
The Honor Roll is a key part of Immunize.org’s initiative urging the nation’s hospitals to Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]). Hospitals and birthing centers are recognized for attaining high coverage for hepatitis B vaccine at birth and meeting additional criteria. To learn whether your organization qualifies and to access the application form, please see Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll online ([link removed]).
Honorees receive an 8.5" x 11" color certificate suitable for printing and framing. And their acceptance is announced through Immunize.org’s social media channels and to IZ Express’s 55,000+ readers.
Please visit the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll web page that lists these institutions and celebrates their vigorous efforts to protect infants from perinatal hepatitis B transmission.
Related Immunize.org Resources
* Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed]) information page
* Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]) main page
* Hepatitis B ([link removed]) main page
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Vaccines in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* The Hill: White House Plans Next Year’s RSV Immunization Campaign Following Shortages ([link removed]) (11/28/23)
* CIDRAP: U.S. Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Keep Climbing ([link removed]) (11/27/23)
* The Guardian: 'No No No. Avoid Them All': Anti-vaccine Conspiracies Spread as U.K. Cases of Measles Increase ([link removed]) (11/25/23)
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Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
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Recap: Immunize.org updated these clinical resources in October and November
IZ Express regularly summarizes Immunize.org’s new and updated educational materials and web pages. All Immunize.org materials are free to distribute. In recent weeks, Immunize.org updated or created new helpful materials:
Immunize.org Printable Materials for Clinicians
* New Resources
+ Standing Orders for Administering Nirsevimab RSV Preventive Antibody to Infants (2023–24 Season Only) ([link removed])
+ Standing Orders for Administering Pfizer Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine (Abrysvo) During Pregnancy ([link removed])
* Screening Checklists
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults ([link removed])
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens ([link removed])
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccine: English ([link removed]) and Spanish ([link removed])
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccine: English ([link removed]) and Spanish ([link removed])
* Other Vaccine Administration Resources
+ Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools ([link removed])
+ Standing Orders for Administering Hepatitis B Vaccine to Adults ([link removed])
+ Do Not Unplug Refrigerator or Freezer! sign ([link removed])
+ Warning! Expensive Vaccine in Storage! sign ([link removed])
Immunize.org Printable Materials for Patients
* Vaccinations Needed during Pregnancy ([link removed])
* Q&A Diseases and Vaccines: Influenza ([link removed]) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) ([link removed])
* Tips for Locating Old Immunization Records: English ([link removed]) and Spanish ([link removed])
Immunize.org Web Pages
* CDC Recommended Schedules ([link removed])
* Vaccines: COVID-19 ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: HPV ([link removed])
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A-Z ([link removed]) main page to see educational materials sorted by category
* Immunize.org: Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page to access more than 1,200 questions answered by Immunize.org experts
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Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: VISs and translations released in October and November
IZ Express regularly provides readers with information about new and updated VISs and their translations.
On October 19, CDC released a new VIS for COVID-19 Vaccine ([link removed]) and an updated VIS for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine ([link removed]) for adults.
As a result of these VIS releases, two handouts related to VISs were updated:
* Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) ([link removed])
* You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's Federal Law! ([link removed])
On September 25, CDC released the Immunization Information Statement (IIS) – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody ([link removed]).
Immunize.org provided 13 translations of the following:
COVID-19 Vaccine VIS ([link removed]) RSV Vaccine VIS for Adults ([link removed]) RSV Preventive Antibody IIS ([link removed])
Armenian ([link removed]) Armenian ([link removed]) Armenian ([link removed])
Chinese–Simplified ([link removed]) Chinese–Simplified ([link removed]) Chinese–Simplified ([link removed])
Chinese-Traditional ([link removed]) Chinese-Traditional ([link removed]) Chinese-Traditional ([link removed])
German ([link removed]) German ([link removed]) German ([link removed])
Italian ([link removed]) Italian ([link removed]) Italian ([link removed])
Japanese ([link removed]) Japanese ([link removed]) Japanese ([link removed])
Korean ([link removed]) Korean ([link removed]) Korean ([link removed])
Pashto ([link removed]) Pashto ([link removed]) Pashto ([link removed])
Polish ([link removed]) Polish ([link removed]) Polish ([link removed])
Russian ([link removed]) Russian ([link removed]) Russian ([link removed])
Somali ([link removed]) Somali ([link removed]) Somali ([link removed])
Spanish PDF ([link removed]) and RTF ([link removed])
Spanish PDF ([link removed]) and RTF ([link removed])
Spanish PDF ([link removed]) and RTF ([link removed])
Vietnamese ([link removed]) Vietnamese ([link removed]) Vietnamese ([link removed])
The following five VIS translations were generously donated by St. Peter’s Health Partners of Albany, NY:
Hepatitis B VIS (view in English ([link removed]))
* Burmese ([link removed])
* Karen ([link removed])
Multi-vaccine VIS (view in English ([link removed]))
* Karen ([link removed])
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) Vaccine VIS (view in English ([link removed]))
* Burmese ([link removed])
* Karen ([link removed])
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Vaccine Information Statement ([link removed]) main page for VISs in 47 languages ([link removed])
* CDC: What's New with VISs ([link removed]) web page
* CDC: Current VISs ([link removed]) web page
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Featured Resources
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Vaccine Track shows Medicare vaccination rates increasing, a potential effect of the Inflation Reduction Act that eliminated patient co-pays under Medicare Part D
Vaccine Track ([link removed]) is a website that displays state and national trend data on use of vaccines recommended for U.S. adults. Vaccine Track is produced through a partnership between GSK and IQVIA, a data analytics company. The following is a summary of recent data trends.
Average national vaccination claims (excluding influenza) for adults aged 19 and older showed improvements in the first half of 2023 compared to the same interval in 2022 and 2019. Claims increased by 12% compared to 2022 and by 9% from 2019 levels. The boost in rates can be largely attributed to an uptick in Medicare claims, as commercial claims remained stable.
As of January 1, 2023, Medicare Part D beneficiaries no longer have any out-of-pocket costs when given any CDC-recommended vaccinations. Medicare experienced a notable 14% increase in the first half (H1) of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, while commercial vaccination claims increased 3%. Medicare claims increased 36% in H1 2023 while commercial claims increased 1%. Compared to H1 2019, Medicare Part D claims increased 36% in H1 2023, while Part B claims were down 40%.
In H1 2023, 11 states continued to experience adult vaccination claims rates below 2019 levels. The map below shows the vaccination percent change for all vaccines except influenza among adults based on Quarter 2 2023 claims data.
Vaccine Track ([link removed]) data are refreshed quarterly, while CDC data are typically updated annually. Vaccine Track is the first tool to make comprehensive vaccination claims data across different payer types available publicly.
Related Links
* GSK: Vaccine Track ([link removed]) web page
* CDC: VaxView ([link removed]) main page
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Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the meningococcal ACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Immunize.org's www.Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) website promotes the importance of adolescent vaccination, including the recommended MenACWY vaccine booster dose at age 16. Many teens are behind on vaccines because of the pandemic, so vaccine outreach is more important than ever.
Materials on this colorful website for healthcare professionals incorporate the 2020 ACIP meningococcal vaccine recommendations ([link removed]) and coverage statistics from CDC’s National Immunization Survey–Teen (NIS–Teen). One particularly popular resource on the site is the update Algorithm for MenACWY Immunization in Adolescents 11 through 18 Years of Age ([link removed]).
The website is divided into five easy-to-access sections:
* Vaccinate Teens ([link removed]) – Teen vaccination schedules and tips for improving vaccination rates
* Give 2 Doses ([link removed]) – Tools to help improve second dose coverage of MenACWY vaccine
* 16-Year-Old Visit ([link removed]) – Resources to help providers and patients remember the important vaccines recommended for 16-year-olds
* Tools for Providers ([link removed]) – Tools to explain meningococcal ACWY vaccine recommendations and improve coverage for all adolescent vaccines
* Resources ([link removed]) – Links to print materials ([link removed]), organizations ([link removed]) involved in adolescent vaccination, personal stories ([link removed]) about the importance of vaccination, and other resources ([link removed]) of interest
The site also categorizes materials ([link removed]) according to whether they are primarily of interest to providers, to adolescents, or to parents.
Visit Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) and enjoy browsing (and deploying) its bountiful resources.
Related Links
* Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) website
* Algorithm for MenACWY Immunization in Adolescents 11–18 Years of Age ([link removed])
* MenACWY: You're Not Done If You Give Just One: Give 2 Doses to Strengthen Protection ([link removed])
* Recommending MenACWY: What to Say and How to Say It ([link removed])
* Top 10 Ways to Improve Adolescent Immunization Rates ([link removed])
* Developing an Immunization Culture in Your Office ([link removed])
* Know Your Rates: Measuring Immunization Success in Your Practice ([link removed])
* You're 16: We Recommend These Vaccines for You ([link removed])
* Dear Colleague Letter: 16-Year-Old Patients: Make Sure They Receive Their Annual Well Visit and Vaccinations ([link removed]) – signed by six medical societies
* Ask the Experts: Meningococcal ACWY ([link removed])
* CDC: ACIP Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations ([link removed])
* CDC: Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years—National Immunization Survey–Teen, United States, 2022 ([link removed])
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Notable Publications
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"Communicating the Value of Influenza Vaccines to Patients: Translating Vaccine Effectiveness to Acceptance" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
In the November 28 issue, Annals of Internal Medicine published Communicating the Value of Influenza Vaccines to Patients: Translating Vaccine Effectiveness to Acceptance ([link removed]). This commentary highlights the SHARE method:
* Share why an influenza vaccine is right for the patient
* Highlight positive experiences with influenza vaccines
* Address patient questions and any concerns
* Remind patients that vaccines help protect them and their loved ones
* Explain the potential costs of getting influenza
This tool was developed by the CDC to help healthcare professionals make a strong recommendation for vaccination. More information and a healthcare provider toolkit ([link removed]) are available online.
The authors emphasize, “Conversations about influenza vaccination are likely to be most effective if health care professionals can individualize discussions of influenza risk and benefit.” Specifically:
* For older persons or those with certain medical conditions: Emphasize that vaccination substantially reduces the risk for influenza-associated hospitalization or death
* For young, healthy people: While at comparatively low risk for severe influenza, these people have greater exposure to influenza through school, work, or other activities. Emphasize that vaccination reduces (1) the risk for missing school or work, (2) the inconvenience and costs associated with medical visits, and (3) the risk of spreading infection to loved ones, such as older relatives or young children in the household.
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"Vaccination, Immunity, and the Changing Impact of COVID-19 on Infant Health" published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
In the November 27 issue, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published Vaccination, Immunity, and the Changing Impact of COVID-19 on Infant Health ([link removed]). The significance section appears below.
The effects of COVID-19 on infant health may be among the most enduring legacies of the pandemic. Using linked population-level data on siblings born between 2014 and 2023 in birthing facilities with confirmed universal testing, we establish that maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy causally, and substantially, increased the risk of preterm birth—an infant outcome with lifelong consequences for health and socioeconomic well-being. We show that this effect disappeared by 2022 and demonstrate that the disappearance of this effect happened almost a year earlier in places that were early adopters of COVID-19 vaccination. The availability of vaccines and the decision to use them may have reduced a serious health burden for the next generation of U.S. children.
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For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events ([link removed]).
Editorial Information
Editor-in-Chief
Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
Managing Editor
John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
Associate Editor
Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
Writer/Publication Coordinator
Taryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA
Style and Copy Editor
Marian Deegan, JD
Web Edition Managers
Arkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes
Contributing Writer
Laurel H. Wood, MPA
Technical Reviewer
Kayla Ohlde
About IZ Express
Immunize.org welcomes redistribution of this issue of IZ Express or selected articles.
When you do so, please add a note that Immunize.org is the source of the material and provide a link to this issue ([link removed]).
IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. 1NH23IP922654 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
IZ Express Disclaimer ([link removed])
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Issue 1,729: December 6, 2023
Top Stories
* It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week. Lagging vaccination rate means millions more are unprotected so far this season. Encourage vaccination using CDC’s digital media toolkit.
* “Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Received an Influenza Vaccination during the Past 12 Months, by Sex and Race and Ethnicity—National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022” published in MMWR
* Influenza-like-illness activity is high in states across the country and rising nationwide. NIVW is the time to reach the unvaccinated.
* Be alert to potential for error: CDC receives reports of RSV vaccines for adults being mistakenly administered to infants
* “SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness among Infants and Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years—New Vaccine Surveillance Network, United States, July 2022–September 2023” published in MMWR
* “The National Wastewater Surveillance System’s Centers of Excellence Contributions to Public Health Action during the Respiratory Virus Season—Four U.S. Jurisdictions, 2022–23” published in MMWR
* Immunize.org updates two Questions and Answers handouts
* “How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults during One Visit”: watch the 3-minute video, part of the Improving the Vaccination Experience Video Series on YouTube
* Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll features three renewing honorees
* Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Recap: Immunize.org updated these clinical resources in October and November
Vaccine Information Statements
* Recap: VISs and translations released in October and November
Featured Resources
* Vaccine Track shows Medicare vaccination rates increasing, a potential effect of the Inflation Reduction Act that eliminated patient co-pays under Medicare Part D
* Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the meningococcal ACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Notable Publications
* "Communicating the Value of Influenza Vaccines to Patients: Translating Vaccine Effectiveness to Acceptance" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
* "Vaccination, Immunity, and the Changing Impact of COVID-19 on Infant Health" published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Top Stories
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It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week. Lagging vaccination rate means millions more are unprotected so far this season. Encourage vaccination using CDC’s digital media toolkit.
National Influenza Vaccination Week ([link removed]) (NIVW), observed December 4–8 this year, was established by CDC in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination activities through the holiday season and beyond. NIVW is a critical time to post and share reminder messages and vaccinate all those who are not yet protected. As influenza vaccination rates to date have fallen behind last season, millions more unvaccinated people risk preventable illness and hospitalization. Get the word out using CDC's 2023 NIVW Digital Media Toolkit, which includes the following assets. ([link removed])
1. Template Matte Release ([link removed]): use CDC’s article to encourage flu vaccination on your website, blog, or other channels
2. Sample Newsletter Blurb ([link removed]): include CDC’s sample text copy in your email newsletter or other communications
3. Patient Reminder Messages ([link removed]): remind patients by sharing key messages through your patient portal or other reminders
4. Social Media Messages ([link removed]): use CDC’s suggested Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram graphics and copy to spread the word; schedule content to remind your networks about the importance of flu vaccination throughout the week
In addition to CDC resources, Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County Immunization Coalition (MCIC) posted a social media toolkit with resources available in several languages. Links to each translated image are below.
English 1 ([link removed]) English 2 ([link removed]) Chinese ([link removed])
Hindi ([link removed]) Korean ([link removed]) Spanish ([link removed])
[link removed]
Use #FightFlu to join the conversation all week and tag @CDCFlu on X (Twitter).
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“Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Received an Influenza Vaccination during the Past 12 Months, by Sex and Race and Ethnicity—National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022” published in MMWR
CDC published Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Received an Influenza Vaccination during the Past 12 Months, by Sex and Race and Ethnicity—National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022 ([link removed]) on December 1 in MMWR ([link removed]). The summary appears below.
In 2022, among persons aged ≥18 years, women were more likely than were men (49.2% versus 41.1%) to have received an influenza vaccination during the past 12 months. Women were more likely than were men to have received an influenza vaccination among Asian (61.0% versus 50.7%), Black (40.6% versus 30.1%), Hispanic (43.5% versus 35.9%), and White (51.5% versus 43.4%) adults. Among men, Black adults were the least likely to have received an influenza vaccination during the past 12 months compared with Asian, Hispanic, and White adults. Among women, Black and Hispanic adults were less likely to have received an influenza vaccination during the past 12 months than were Asian and White adults.
Access the MMWR article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]).
Related Link
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to the MMWR family of publications
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Influenza-like-illness activity is high in states across the country and rising nationwide. NIVW is the time to reach the unvaccinated.
CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]), provides a valuable picture of laboratory-confirmed influenza and influenza-like-illness activity state by state.
Influenza Surveillance
For week 47, ending November 25, CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]) shows that seasonal influenza activity continues to increase in most parts of the country, notably in southern, mountain, and west coast regions of the United States. Nationwide, 3.9% of patient visits reported through the Outpatient Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet) were due to respiratory illness that included fever plus a cough or sore throat (i.e., influenza-like illness [ILI]). The national baseline is 2.5%. Five pediatric deaths were reported this week, bringing the total to 8 influenza-associated pediatric deaths thus far during the 2023–24 season. Given the influenza vaccination rates to date, millions more people remain unprotected, compared to last season, as the 2023–2024 annual influenza epidemic begins.
RESP-NET
Visit the CDC Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET) ([link removed]) for weekly reports of hospitalizations across the United States due to three vaccine-preventable seasonal respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Activity levels of each of these diseases are rising but are currently lower than during week 47 of 2022, when respiratory virus activity peaked remarkably early.
Influenza Vaccination Dashboard
CDC's Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) shows that as of November 11, an estimated 29 million doses of flu vaccine were administered in pharmacies and more than 17 million doses in medical offices. Vaccine uptake appears to be lagging behind this time in 2022. Of particular note, influenza vaccination among pregnant people has declined sharply since 2019. Only 29% of pregnant people were vaccinated against influenza by October 2023, compared to 45.5% in October 2019, despite the growing body of evidence of safety and benefit for both mother and infant. It is critical to protect people now, as influenza activity is becoming widespread.
CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get annual influenza vaccination. Influenza and other vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine, RSV vaccine) may be given at the same visit, if needed. Infants 6 months of age and older may receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit when they receive the RSV preventive antibody, nirsevimab. Locate influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in your area by entering your zip code in the VaccineFinder on Vaccines.gov ([link removed]) or Vacunas.gov ([link removed]) . To be listed as a provider by VaccineFinder, see the information on this website ([link removed]).
Related Links
* CDC: Weekly National Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: FluView ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: RESP-NET ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: free clinical resources and patient handouts related to influenza ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Vaccines: Influenza ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Influenza ([link removed]) main page
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Be alert to potential for error: CDC receives reports of RSV vaccines for adults being mistakenly administered to infants
On November 30, CDC informed public health immunization programs that they have received reports of infants being mistakenly administered RSV vaccines intended for adults. Infants should only receive the RSV preventive antibody, nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi).
RSV vaccines (Arexvy by GSK and Abrysvo by Pfizer) are recommended only for adults and have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness in infants or children. Practices that carry both RSV vaccine and RSV preventive antibody products should review their immunization administration safety procedures to ensure only the correct product is administered to recipients.
CDC encourages vaccinators to promptly report all vaccine administration errors like these to VAERS ([link removed]). In the event that a vaccine administration error involving RSV vaccine occurs and further clinical guidance is needed, contact your state or local immunization program or CDC experts who may be reached by email at [email protected].
Related Links
* CDC: Vaccine Administration Protocols ([link removed])
* CDC: Vaccine Administration: Preventing Vaccine Administration Errors ([link removed])
* CDC: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Immunizations ([link removed])
* CDC: Healthcare Providers: RSV Immunization for Children 19 Months and Younger ([link removed])
* CDC: Frequently Asked Questions about RSV Immunization with Monoclonal Antibody for Children 19 Months and Younger ([link removed])
* CDC: RSV Vaccination: What Parents Should Know ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Vaccines: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Clinical Resources ([link removed])
* AAP Red Book Online: ACIP and AAP Recommendations for Nirsevimab ([link removed])
* CDC: Health Alert Network: Limited Availability of Nirsevimab in the United States – Interim CDC Recommendations to Protect Infants from RSV during the 2023–2024 Respiratory Virus Season ([link removed])
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“SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness among Infants and Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years—New Vaccine Surveillance Network, United States, July 2022–September 2023” published in MMWR
CDC published SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness among Infants and Children Aged 6 Months–4 Years—New Vaccine Surveillance Network, United States, July 2022–September 2023 ([link removed]) on December 1 in MMWR ([link removed]) . The national network assessed vaccination status and SARS-CoV-2 test results among vaccine-eligible children younger than age 5 years who were hospitalized or sought care in emergency departments (ED) for acute respiratory illness during July 2022–September 2023. Part of the abstract appears below.
Among 7,434 children included, 5% received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, and 95% received a negative test result; 86% were unvaccinated, 4% had received 1 dose of any vaccine product, and 10% had received ≥2 doses. When compared with receipt of no vaccines among children, receipt of ≥2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses was 40% effective (95% CI = 8%–60%) in preventing ED visits and hospitalization. [The effectiveness of a single mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose for preventing COVID-19–associated ED visits and hospitalization was not statistically significant.] These findings support existing recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of young children to reduce COVID-19–associated ED visits and hospitalization.
Access the MMWR article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]).
Related Link
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to the MMWR family of publications
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“The National Wastewater Surveillance System’s Centers of Excellence Contributions to Public Health Action during the Respiratory Virus Season—Four U.S. Jurisdictions, 2022–23” published in MMWR
CDC published The National Wastewater Surveillance System’s Centers of Excellence Contributions to Public Health Action during the Respiratory Virus Season—Four U.S. Jurisdictions, 2022–23 ([link removed]) on December 1 in MMWR ([link removed]). The preliminary conclusions and actions section appears below.
NWSS Centers of Excellence have reported correlation between WWS data and clinical surveillance with WWS allowing localized, timely coverage, and in some situations, valuable lead time notification. In Wisconsin, WWS detected increases in influenza and RSV weeks before increases in related emergency department visits were observed. NWSS data, together with clinical surveillance data, have guided jurisdictional partner decisions regarding allocation of resources, deployment of vaccination clinics, updating clinical guidance, and sending respiratory disease notifications and alerts when trends exceed baseline thresholds. NWSS Centers of Excellence have developed public-facing and internal pathogen data dashboards that provide metrics for public health partners and the communities they serve. During the 2022–23 respiratory disease season, NWSS Centers of Excellence translated WWS data into real-time public health action for multiple respiratory pathogens, highlighting the contribution of WWS in monitoring disease circulation and helping guide public health response.
Access the MMWR article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]) .
Related Link
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to the MMWR family of publications
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Immunize.org updates two Questions and Answers handouts
Immunize.org recently updated two of its resources, Polio: Questions and Answers ([link removed]) and Rotavirus: Questions and Answers ([link removed]). Changes are described below.
* Polio: Questions and Answers ([link removed]): This was updated with the new recommendation for all U.S. adults who are known or suspected to be unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated to complete a 3-dose primary series. Information was added relating to the 2022 paralytic polio case in New York. A QR code linking to the online version of the document was added.
* Rotavirus: Questions and Answers ([link removed]): This was reviewed for accuracy; minor updates were made. A QR code linking to the online version of the document was added.
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Polio: Questions and Answers ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Rotavirus: Questions and Answers ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A-Z ([link removed]) main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
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“How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults during One Visit”: watch the 3-minute video, part of the Improving the Vaccination Experience Video Series on YouTube
As more vaccines are available to prevent serious illness in adults, patients often need more than one vaccination at a time. This 3-minute video, How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults during One Visit ([link removed]), demonstrates clinical resources for vaccination providers to support their practice and increase their confidence. This video is part of Immunize.org’s new Improving the Vaccination Experience Video Series. It is available on our YouTube channel ([link removed]), along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts ([link removed]) questions.
This video features the printable Immunize.org clinical resource of the same name, How to Administer Multiple Intramuscular Vaccines to Adults During One Visit ([link removed]).
Immunize.org’s series of short videos introduces you to a variety of ways to improve the vaccination experience for infants, children, teens, and adults. Three are for a general audience, and three are intended for healthcare professionals. As with all Immunize.org resources, these videos are free to download, link, copy, and share. You can also find this video and all of our resources related to vaccination anxiety on our Improving the Vaccination Experience ([link removed]) main page.
Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise:
* Facebook at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* Instagram at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* LinkedIn at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* X (Twitter) at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* YouTube at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
Related Links
* Immunize.org: YouTube channel ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Administering Vaccines ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Improving the Vaccination Experience ([link removed]) main page
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Immunize.org’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll features three renewing honorees
Immunize.org is pleased to renew three institutions’ Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll status. Each of these birthing institutions, listed below with their reported hepatitis B birth dose coverage rates, has maintained a standard of excellence in protecting newborns from hepatitis B for at least three years.
* Newman Regional Health, Emporia, KS (95%) (3 years)
* Riverview Health, Noblesville, IN (91%) (3 years)
* Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY (93%) (7 years)
The Honor Roll is a key part of Immunize.org’s initiative urging the nation’s hospitals to Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]). Hospitals and birthing centers are recognized for attaining high coverage for hepatitis B vaccine at birth and meeting additional criteria. To learn whether your organization qualifies and to access the application form, please see Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll online ([link removed]).
Honorees receive an 8.5" x 11" color certificate suitable for printing and framing. And their acceptance is announced through Immunize.org’s social media channels and to IZ Express’s 55,000+ readers.
Please visit the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll web page that lists these institutions and celebrates their vigorous efforts to protect infants from perinatal hepatitis B transmission.
Related Immunize.org Resources
* Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed]) information page
* Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]) main page
* Hepatitis B ([link removed]) main page
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Vaccines in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* The Hill: White House Plans Next Year’s RSV Immunization Campaign Following Shortages ([link removed]) (11/28/23)
* CIDRAP: U.S. Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Keep Climbing ([link removed]) (11/27/23)
* The Guardian: 'No No No. Avoid Them All': Anti-vaccine Conspiracies Spread as U.K. Cases of Measles Increase ([link removed]) (11/25/23)
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Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
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Recap: Immunize.org updated these clinical resources in October and November
IZ Express regularly summarizes Immunize.org’s new and updated educational materials and web pages. All Immunize.org materials are free to distribute. In recent weeks, Immunize.org updated or created new helpful materials:
Immunize.org Printable Materials for Clinicians
* New Resources
+ Standing Orders for Administering Nirsevimab RSV Preventive Antibody to Infants (2023–24 Season Only) ([link removed])
+ Standing Orders for Administering Pfizer Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine (Abrysvo) During Pregnancy ([link removed])
* Screening Checklists
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults ([link removed])
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Children and Teens ([link removed])
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccine: English ([link removed]) and Spanish ([link removed])
+ Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccine: English ([link removed]) and Spanish ([link removed])
* Other Vaccine Administration Resources
+ Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools ([link removed])
+ Standing Orders for Administering Hepatitis B Vaccine to Adults ([link removed])
+ Do Not Unplug Refrigerator or Freezer! sign ([link removed])
+ Warning! Expensive Vaccine in Storage! sign ([link removed])
Immunize.org Printable Materials for Patients
* Vaccinations Needed during Pregnancy ([link removed])
* Q&A Diseases and Vaccines: Influenza ([link removed]) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) ([link removed])
* Tips for Locating Old Immunization Records: English ([link removed]) and Spanish ([link removed])
Immunize.org Web Pages
* CDC Recommended Schedules ([link removed])
* Vaccines: COVID-19 ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: HPV ([link removed])
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A-Z ([link removed]) main page to see educational materials sorted by category
* Immunize.org: Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page to access more than 1,200 questions answered by Immunize.org experts
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Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: VISs and translations released in October and November
IZ Express regularly provides readers with information about new and updated VISs and their translations.
On October 19, CDC released a new VIS for COVID-19 Vaccine ([link removed]) and an updated VIS for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine ([link removed]) for adults.
As a result of these VIS releases, two handouts related to VISs were updated:
* Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) ([link removed])
* You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's Federal Law! ([link removed])
On September 25, CDC released the Immunization Information Statement (IIS) – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody ([link removed]).
Immunize.org provided 13 translations of the following:
COVID-19 Vaccine VIS ([link removed]) RSV Vaccine VIS for Adults ([link removed]) RSV Preventive Antibody IIS ([link removed])
Armenian ([link removed]) Armenian ([link removed]) Armenian ([link removed])
Chinese–Simplified ([link removed]) Chinese–Simplified ([link removed]) Chinese–Simplified ([link removed])
Chinese-Traditional ([link removed]) Chinese-Traditional ([link removed]) Chinese-Traditional ([link removed])
German ([link removed]) German ([link removed]) German ([link removed])
Italian ([link removed]) Italian ([link removed]) Italian ([link removed])
Japanese ([link removed]) Japanese ([link removed]) Japanese ([link removed])
Korean ([link removed]) Korean ([link removed]) Korean ([link removed])
Pashto ([link removed]) Pashto ([link removed]) Pashto ([link removed])
Polish ([link removed]) Polish ([link removed]) Polish ([link removed])
Russian ([link removed]) Russian ([link removed]) Russian ([link removed])
Somali ([link removed]) Somali ([link removed]) Somali ([link removed])
Spanish PDF ([link removed]) and RTF ([link removed])
Spanish PDF ([link removed]) and RTF ([link removed])
Spanish PDF ([link removed]) and RTF ([link removed])
Vietnamese ([link removed]) Vietnamese ([link removed]) Vietnamese ([link removed])
The following five VIS translations were generously donated by St. Peter’s Health Partners of Albany, NY:
Hepatitis B VIS (view in English ([link removed]))
* Burmese ([link removed])
* Karen ([link removed])
Multi-vaccine VIS (view in English ([link removed]))
* Karen ([link removed])
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) Vaccine VIS (view in English ([link removed]))
* Burmese ([link removed])
* Karen ([link removed])
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Vaccine Information Statement ([link removed]) main page for VISs in 47 languages ([link removed])
* CDC: What's New with VISs ([link removed]) web page
* CDC: Current VISs ([link removed]) web page
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Featured Resources
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Vaccine Track shows Medicare vaccination rates increasing, a potential effect of the Inflation Reduction Act that eliminated patient co-pays under Medicare Part D
Vaccine Track ([link removed]) is a website that displays state and national trend data on use of vaccines recommended for U.S. adults. Vaccine Track is produced through a partnership between GSK and IQVIA, a data analytics company. The following is a summary of recent data trends.
Average national vaccination claims (excluding influenza) for adults aged 19 and older showed improvements in the first half of 2023 compared to the same interval in 2022 and 2019. Claims increased by 12% compared to 2022 and by 9% from 2019 levels. The boost in rates can be largely attributed to an uptick in Medicare claims, as commercial claims remained stable.
As of January 1, 2023, Medicare Part D beneficiaries no longer have any out-of-pocket costs when given any CDC-recommended vaccinations. Medicare experienced a notable 14% increase in the first half (H1) of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, while commercial vaccination claims increased 3%. Medicare claims increased 36% in H1 2023 while commercial claims increased 1%. Compared to H1 2019, Medicare Part D claims increased 36% in H1 2023, while Part B claims were down 40%.
In H1 2023, 11 states continued to experience adult vaccination claims rates below 2019 levels. The map below shows the vaccination percent change for all vaccines except influenza among adults based on Quarter 2 2023 claims data.
Vaccine Track ([link removed]) data are refreshed quarterly, while CDC data are typically updated annually. Vaccine Track is the first tool to make comprehensive vaccination claims data across different payer types available publicly.
Related Links
* GSK: Vaccine Track ([link removed]) web page
* CDC: VaxView ([link removed]) main page
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Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the meningococcal ACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Immunize.org's www.Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) website promotes the importance of adolescent vaccination, including the recommended MenACWY vaccine booster dose at age 16. Many teens are behind on vaccines because of the pandemic, so vaccine outreach is more important than ever.
Materials on this colorful website for healthcare professionals incorporate the 2020 ACIP meningococcal vaccine recommendations ([link removed]) and coverage statistics from CDC’s National Immunization Survey–Teen (NIS–Teen). One particularly popular resource on the site is the update Algorithm for MenACWY Immunization in Adolescents 11 through 18 Years of Age ([link removed]).
The website is divided into five easy-to-access sections:
* Vaccinate Teens ([link removed]) – Teen vaccination schedules and tips for improving vaccination rates
* Give 2 Doses ([link removed]) – Tools to help improve second dose coverage of MenACWY vaccine
* 16-Year-Old Visit ([link removed]) – Resources to help providers and patients remember the important vaccines recommended for 16-year-olds
* Tools for Providers ([link removed]) – Tools to explain meningococcal ACWY vaccine recommendations and improve coverage for all adolescent vaccines
* Resources ([link removed]) – Links to print materials ([link removed]), organizations ([link removed]) involved in adolescent vaccination, personal stories ([link removed]) about the importance of vaccination, and other resources ([link removed]) of interest
The site also categorizes materials ([link removed]) according to whether they are primarily of interest to providers, to adolescents, or to parents.
Visit Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) and enjoy browsing (and deploying) its bountiful resources.
Related Links
* Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) website
* Algorithm for MenACWY Immunization in Adolescents 11–18 Years of Age ([link removed])
* MenACWY: You're Not Done If You Give Just One: Give 2 Doses to Strengthen Protection ([link removed])
* Recommending MenACWY: What to Say and How to Say It ([link removed])
* Top 10 Ways to Improve Adolescent Immunization Rates ([link removed])
* Developing an Immunization Culture in Your Office ([link removed])
* Know Your Rates: Measuring Immunization Success in Your Practice ([link removed])
* You're 16: We Recommend These Vaccines for You ([link removed])
* Dear Colleague Letter: 16-Year-Old Patients: Make Sure They Receive Their Annual Well Visit and Vaccinations ([link removed]) – signed by six medical societies
* Ask the Experts: Meningococcal ACWY ([link removed])
* CDC: ACIP Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations ([link removed])
* CDC: Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years—National Immunization Survey–Teen, United States, 2022 ([link removed])
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Notable Publications
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"Communicating the Value of Influenza Vaccines to Patients: Translating Vaccine Effectiveness to Acceptance" published in Annals of Internal Medicine
In the November 28 issue, Annals of Internal Medicine published Communicating the Value of Influenza Vaccines to Patients: Translating Vaccine Effectiveness to Acceptance ([link removed]). This commentary highlights the SHARE method:
* Share why an influenza vaccine is right for the patient
* Highlight positive experiences with influenza vaccines
* Address patient questions and any concerns
* Remind patients that vaccines help protect them and their loved ones
* Explain the potential costs of getting influenza
This tool was developed by the CDC to help healthcare professionals make a strong recommendation for vaccination. More information and a healthcare provider toolkit ([link removed]) are available online.
The authors emphasize, “Conversations about influenza vaccination are likely to be most effective if health care professionals can individualize discussions of influenza risk and benefit.” Specifically:
* For older persons or those with certain medical conditions: Emphasize that vaccination substantially reduces the risk for influenza-associated hospitalization or death
* For young, healthy people: While at comparatively low risk for severe influenza, these people have greater exposure to influenza through school, work, or other activities. Emphasize that vaccination reduces (1) the risk for missing school or work, (2) the inconvenience and costs associated with medical visits, and (3) the risk of spreading infection to loved ones, such as older relatives or young children in the household.
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"Vaccination, Immunity, and the Changing Impact of COVID-19 on Infant Health" published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
In the November 27 issue, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published Vaccination, Immunity, and the Changing Impact of COVID-19 on Infant Health ([link removed]). The significance section appears below.
The effects of COVID-19 on infant health may be among the most enduring legacies of the pandemic. Using linked population-level data on siblings born between 2014 and 2023 in birthing facilities with confirmed universal testing, we establish that maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy causally, and substantially, increased the risk of preterm birth—an infant outcome with lifelong consequences for health and socioeconomic well-being. We show that this effect disappeared by 2022 and demonstrate that the disappearance of this effect happened almost a year earlier in places that were early adopters of COVID-19 vaccination. The availability of vaccines and the decision to use them may have reduced a serious health burden for the next generation of U.S. children.
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For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events ([link removed]).
Editorial Information
Editor-in-Chief
Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
Managing Editor
John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
Associate Editor
Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
Writer/Publication Coordinator
Taryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA
Style and Copy Editor
Marian Deegan, JD
Web Edition Managers
Arkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes
Contributing Writer
Laurel H. Wood, MPA
Technical Reviewer
Kayla Ohlde
About IZ Express
Immunize.org welcomes redistribution of this issue of IZ Express or selected articles.
When you do so, please add a note that Immunize.org is the source of the material and provide a link to this issue ([link removed]).
IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. 1NH23IP922654 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
IZ Express Disclaimer ([link removed])
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