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Issue 1484: March 18, 2020

-TOP STORIES-

* Hot off the press! IAC’s laminated 2020 U.S. child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules—order copies for your exam rooms today!
* CDC reports flu activity remains high, with pediatric flu deaths accumulating; please continue vaccinating
* IAC enrolls three new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; 24 previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
* Reminder: “Dear Colleague” call-to-action letter from AAFP, AAP, ACHA, ACOG, APhA, SAHM, and IAC stresses implementation of immunization visit at 16 years of age
* Nurses Who Vaccinate founder discusses how their global network of nurses connects with vaccine-hesitant parents
* Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
* Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information from CDC and WHO


-IAC HANDOUTS-

* IAC updates three key resources for healthcare professionals to protect newborns from hepatitis B infection
* IAC revises its resource for patients titled "Pneumococcus: Questions and Answers"


-FEATURED RESOURCES-
* IAC's hand-held immunization record cards available for all ages!
* IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)

-JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS-
* “Pediatricians’ Experiences with and Perceptions of the Vaccines For Children Program” published in Pediatrics


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-TOP STORIES-
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HOT OFF THE PRESS! IAC’S LAMINATED 2020 U.S. CHILD/ADOLESCENT AND ADULT IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES—ORDER COPIES FOR YOUR EXAM ROOMS TODAY!

IAC's laminated versions of the 2020 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule ([link removed]) and the 2020 U.S. adult immunization schedule ([link removed]) are available now.

These schedules are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccinations are given. Their tough coating can be wiped down, and they’re durable enough to stand up to a year's worth of use.

The child/adolescent schedule is eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages) and the adult schedule is six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages), but both schedules fold down to a convenient 8.5" x 11" size.


With color coding for easy reading, our laminated schedules replicate the original CDC formatting, including the essential tables and notes.

PRICING
1–4 copies: $7.50 each
5–19 copies: $5.50 each
20–99 copies: $4.50 each
100–499 copies: $4.00 each
500–999 copies: $3.50 each

For quotes on customizing or placing orders of 1,000 copies or more, call 651-647-9009 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Visit the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules ([link removed]) web page for more information on the schedules, to view images of all the pages, to download the PDF order form ([link removed]) , or to order online.

Related Links
* IAC’s Laminated Child/Adolescent Immunization Schedule ([link removed]) (0–18 years) web page
* IAC’s Laminated Adult Immunization Schedule ([link removed]) (19 and older) web page
* IAC’s Shop IAC ([link removed]) section on immunize.org
* IAC’s Laminated Schedules order form ([link removed]) (PDF)


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CDC REPORTS FLU ACTIVITY REMAINS HIGH, WITH PEDIATRIC FLU DEATHS ACCUMULATING; PLEASE CONTINUE VACCINATING

Seasonal influenza activity reported by clinical labs in the United States remains high, according to CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]) . Forty-eight states and Puerto Rico reported widespread activity, one state reported regional activity, while the District of Columbia and one state reported local activity for the week ending March 7.


The overall cumulative hospitalization rate, 61.6 per 100,000 population, is higher than in all recent seasons at this time of year except for the 2017–18 season. An additional eight influenza-associated pediatric deaths between weeks 6 and 10 (the weeks ending February 8, 2020 and March 7, 2020) were reported to CDC. A total of 144 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2019–20 season. CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 36 million flu illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths from flu.

Visit the CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]), for details.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 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 ([link removed]) to locate influenza vaccination services near them.

Related Links:
* CDC's Seasonal Flu web section ([link removed])
* CDC's FluView web section ([link removed])
* CDC's Free Resources related to influenza ([link removed])
* IAC's Influenza Educational Materials ([link removed]) , ([link removed]) free and ready to print
* IAC’s Ask the Experts: Influenza ([link removed]) web page
* IAC’s Vaccines: Influenza ([link removed]) web page
* National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit ([link removed]) website
* The Summit Buzz: ([link removed]) Newsletter of the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS)
* Influenza Vaccine Availability Tracking System—IVATS: ([link removed]) a resource for healthcare settings looking to purchase influenza vaccine (made available from NAIIS)


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IAC ENROLLS THREE NEW BIRTHING INSTITUTIONS INTO ITS HEPATITIS B BIRTH DOSE HONOR ROLL; 24 PREVIOUSLY HONORED INSTITUTIONS QUALIFY FOR ADDITIONAL YEARS' HONORS

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is pleased to announce that three new institutions have been accepted into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed]) , for a total of 502 honorees. The birthing institutions are listed below with their reported hepatitis B birth dose coverage rates in parentheses.

* St. Joseph’s Hospital–South, Riverview, FL (92%)
* Ascension Genesys Hospital, Grand Blanc, MI (90%)
* CHI St. Luke’s Health–Memorial Livingston, Livingston, TX (98%)

The following four institutions are being recognized for a second year:
* Cape Coral Hospital, Cape Coral, FL (97%)
* McLaren Northern Michigan, Petoskey, MI (91%)
* HealthPark Medical Center, Fort Myers, FL (98%)
* Dickinson County Healthcare System, Iron Mountain, MI (91%)

The following three institutions are being recognized for a third year:
* McLaren Greater Lansing, Lansing, MI (92%)
* MidMichigan Medical Center–Alpena, Alpena, MI (92%)
* Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, Battle Creek, MI (91%)

The following five institutions are being recognized for a fourth year:
* Harrison County Hospital, Corydon, IN (95%)
* McLaren Central Michigan, Mt. Pleasant, MI (92%)
* Oaklawn Hospital, Marshall, MI (90%)
* St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, MI (91%)
* Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital–St. Joseph, St. Joseph, MI (95%)

The following three institutions are being recognized for a fifth year:
* Memorial Healthcare, Owosso, MI (92%)
* Spectrum Health Big Rapids, Big Rapids, MI (94%)
* North Ottawa Community Health System, Grand Haven, MI (91%)

The following seven institutions are being recognized for a sixth year:
* Sagua Managua, Tamuning, GU (99%)
* ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, Coldwater, MI (95%)
* Mercy Health Hackley Campus, Muskegon, MI (93%)
* MidMichigan Medical Center–Gratiot, Alma, MI (95%)
* Spectrum Health United Hospital, Greenville, MI (95%)
* Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital–Niles, Niles, MI (94%)
* ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, Monroe, MI (92%)

The following institution is being recognized for an eighth year:
* Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, Ludington, MI (95%)

Finally, the following institution is being recognized for a ninth year:
* Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, Tamuning, GU (99%)

The Honor Roll now includes 502 birthing institutions from 44 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and an overseas U.S. military base. One hundred twelve institutions have qualified for two years, 56 institutions have qualified three times, 33 institutions have qualified four times, 22 institutions have qualified five times, 15 institutions have qualified six times, four institutions have qualified seven times, one institution has qualified eight times, and one institution has qualified nine times.

The Honor Roll is a key part of IAC’s major 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 rates for administering hepatitis B vaccine at birth and meeting specific additional criteria. The initiative urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply for the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll online ([link removed]) .

To be included in the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, a birthing institution must have: (1) reported a coverage rate of 90% or greater, over a 12-month period, for administering hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge to all newborns, including those whose parents refuse vaccination, and (2) implemented specific written policies, procedures, and protocols to protect all newborns from hepatitis B virus infection prior to hospital discharge.

Honorees are also awarded an 8.5" x 11" color certificate suitable for framing and their acceptance is announced to IAC Express’s approximately 52,000 readers.

Please visit the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll web page ([link removed]) that lists these institutions and their exceptional efforts to protect infants from perinatal hepatitis B transmission.

Related IAC Resources
* Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]) web page on immunize.org ([link removed])
* Fact sheet about the birth dose honor roll: Do You Qualify for the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll? If So, Apply Today. ([link removed])
* Fact sheet about the importance of the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose: Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed])
* Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed]) web page
* IAC's 84-page guidebook, Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns ([link removed]) , which contains a wide range of resources to help birthing institutions establish, implement, and optimize their hepatitis B vaccine birth dose policies
* Give Birth to the End of Hep B slide set ([link removed]) , PDF format (35 slides); request the PowerPoint Slide set
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=Request%20Birth%20Dose%20PPT&body=Thank%20you%20for%20contacting%20the%20Immunization%20Action%20Coalition%20with%20your%20request%20for%20the%20PowerPoint%20version%20of%20the%20presentation%20%22Give%20Birth%20to%20the%20End%20of%20Hep%20B%3A%20What%20Hospitals%20Need%20to%20Do%20to%20Protect%20Newborns.%22%0A%0AKnowing%20a%20little%20about%20how%20the%20PowerPoint%20presentation%20might%20be%20used%20helps%20us%20understand%20the%20needs%20of%20the%20immunization%20community%20and%20allows%20us%20to%20report%20on%20the%20impact%20of%20our%20work.%0A%0AMy%20name%20and%20title%20are%3A%0A%0A%0AMy%20organization%20name%20is%3A%0A%0A%0AI%20will%20use%20the%20PowerPoint%20presentation%20in%20this%20way%3A%0A%0A%0AIf%20you%20are%20planning%20to%20give%20a%20presentation%2C%20what%20is%20your%20anticipated%20audience%20size%2C%20approximately%3F%0A%0A%0AMy%20full%20contact%20information%20is%3A%0A%0A) (includes presenter’s notes)
* Strategies to Increase Enrollment in IAC's Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed]) (83 slides)


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REMINDER: “DEAR COLLEAGUE” CALL-TO-ACTION LETTER FROM AAFP, AAP, ACHA, ACOG, APHA, SAHM, AND IAC STRESSES IMPLEMENTATION OF IMMUNIZATION VISIT AT 16 YEARS OF AGE

On August 1, IAC and six professional societies published a "Dear Colleague" letter titled 16-Year-Old Patients: Make Sure They Receive Their Annual Well Visit and Vaccinations ([link removed]).


Related Links

* IAC press release on PR Newswire website: Leading Medical and Public Health Organizations Highlight Critical Importance of the 16-Year-Old Immunization Visit ([link removed])
* AAFP press release: AAFP, Other Groups Encourage Well Visits for 16-Year-Olds ([link removed])
* ACOG press release: Leading Medical and Public Health Organizations Highlight Critical Importance of the 16-Year-Old Immunization Visit ([link removed])
* AAP Daily Briefing: Medical and Public Health Organizations Emphasize Importance of the 16-Year-Old Immunization Visit ([link removed]) (8/14/19)


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NURSES WHO VACCINATE FOUNDER DISCUSSES HOW THEIR GLOBAL NETWORK OF NURSES CONNECTS WITH VACCINE-HESITANT PARENTS

Nurses Who Vax ([link removed]) , a podcast released March 9, features Melody Butler, BSN, RN, CIC, the founder of Nurses Who Vaccinate ([link removed]) , an association with over 1,000 nurse members worldwide. With podcast host Shawna Butler, RN, MBA, Melody Butler discusses why she built a global advocacy network of nurses to advocate for vaccines and how the network is connecting with the public through social media and face-to-face in communities. These conversations include those with people who are vaccine-hesitant to help them make prudent decisions about vaccination.


This podcast is part of the See You Now podcast series, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and the American Nurses Association.

Listen to the 51-minute podcast:
* On Apple Podcasts ([link removed])
* On Google Podcasts ([link removed])

Related Link

* Nurses Who Vaccinate ([link removed]) website


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NOT-TO-MISS IMMUNIZATION ARTICLES IN THE NEWS

* BBC's Witness History: The Vaccine That Saved Millions ([link removed]) , a 4-minute video on polio vaccine, narrated by Dr. Peter Salk, son of Dr. Jonas Salk (3/11/20)

* New York Times: A Call to Arms: Under Attack, Pro-Vaccine Doctors Fight Back ([link removed]) (3/10/20)
See also the website of Shots Heard Round the World ([link removed]) that offers access to their 76-page Anti-Anti-Vaxx Toolkit ([link removed]) (PDF)

* Skeptical Raptor: ICAN FOIA Lawsuit—Misrepresenting Another Non-win from Anti-vaccine Group ([link removed]) (3/8/20)


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STAY UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION FROM CDC AND WHO

CDC and WHO are closely monitoring outbreaks of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) ([link removed]) . Be sure to check the resources below for the latest information. Stay in touch with your local and state health departments.

Related Links
* CDC’s COVID-19 gateway page has an easier-to-remember name: coronavirus.gov, which links to CDC’s Situation Summary ([link removed]) web page and Latest News ([link removed]) web page
* WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak ([link removed]) main page, which links to WHO’s Situation Reports ([link removed]) web page
* Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE ([link removed]) web page


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-IAC HANDOUTS-
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IAC UPDATES THREE KEY RESOURCES FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO PROTECT NEWBORNS FROM HEPATITIS B INFECTION

IAC recently updated three resources for hospitals to help protect newborns against hepatitis B virus infection:
* Labor and Delivery HBsAg Admission Checklist for Birthing Mothers ([link removed]) : This handout was reviewed, and no edits were needed other than a new date

* Sample Text for Developing Admission Orders in Newborn Units for the Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose ([link removed]) : An example was added in the guidance for follow-up with an infant whose mother’s HBsAg status is unknown and the newborn was surrendered confidentially shortly after birth

* Guidance for Developing Admission Orders in Labor and Delivery and Newborn Units to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Transmission ([link removed]) : An additional footnote was included concerning follow-up with an infant whose mother’s HBsAg status is unknown and when the newborn was surrendered confidentially shortly after birth

Related Links
* IAC's Handouts: Hepatitis B Vaccine ([link removed]) web page
* IAC's Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]) web page


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IAC REVISES ITS RESOURCE FOR PATIENTS TITLED "PNEUMOCOCCUS: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS"

IAC recently revised Pneumococcus: Questions and Answers ([link removed]) . Changes were made to update the morbidity data for pneumococcal disease, to incorporate the revised recommendation to no longer provide PCV13 (Prevnar) routinely to all adults at age 65, and to describe the risk factors that determine which adults should receive PCV13.

Related Links
* IAC's Handouts: Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) ([link removed]) web page
* IAC's Handouts: Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV) ([link removed]) web page
* View more than 300 ready-to-print IAC Educational Materials for Patients and Staff ([link removed])
* IAC's Handouts for Patients and Staff ([link removed]) sorted by topic


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-FEATURED RESOURCES-
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IAC'S HAND-HELD IMMUNIZATION RECORD CARDS AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES!

IAC’s three personal immunization record cards—child and teen, adult, and lifetime ([link removed]) —are printed on durable rip-, smudge-, and water-proof paper. Sized to fit in a wallet when folded, the cards are brightly colored to stand out. Give these nearly indestructible personal record cards routinely to your patients. They're sold in boxes of 250.

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For pricing and ordering information, click on a link below:
* Child and Teen Immunization Record Cards ([link removed])
* Adult Immunization Record Cards ([link removed])
* Lifetime Immunization Record Cards ([link removed])

For quotes on larger quantities or customizing, or to request sample cards, call 651-647-9009 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


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IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)

In late 2017, the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) published its book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide (Guide) ([link removed]) .


This completely updated "how to" guide on adult immunization provides easy-to-use, practical information covering essential adult immunization activities. It helps vaccine providers enhance their existing adult immunization services or introduce them into any clinical setting. Topics include:
* setting up for vaccination services,
* storing and handling vaccines,
* deciding which people should receive which vaccines,
* administering vaccines,
* documenting vaccinations (including legal issues), and
* understanding financial considerations and billing information.

In addition, the Guide is filled with hundreds of web addresses and references to help providers stay up to date on the latest immunization information, both now and in the future.

The Guide is available to download/print either by chapter or in its entirety free of charge at www.immunize.org/guide. The downloaded version is suitable for double-sided printing. The National Vaccine Program Office and CDC both supported the development of the Guide and provided early technical review.

The Guide is a uniquely valuable resource to assist providers in increasing adult immunization rates. Be sure to get a copy today!

Related Links
* See Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide ([link removed]) and all its content ([link removed])
* Free download of entire Guide (10.6 MB PDF) ([link removed])
* View the table of contents and individual chapters in PDF format:
– Table of Contents ([link removed])
– Step 1: Getting Started ([link removed])
– Step 2: Setting Up for Vaccination Services ([link removed])
– Step 3: Vaccine Storage and Handling ([link removed])
– Step 4: Deciding Whom to Vaccinate ([link removed])
– Step 5: Administering Vaccines ([link removed])
– Step 6: Documentation and Related Issues ([link removed])
– Step 7A: Financial Considerations ([link removed])
– Step 7B: How to Bill for Adult Immunizations ([link removed])
* Promotional flyer for Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide ([link removed])
* IAC’s educational materials (handouts) onadult immunization ([link removed])


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-JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS-
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“Pediatricians’ Experiences with and Perceptions of the Vaccines For Children Program” published in Pediatrics

In its March issue, Pediatrics published Pediatricians’ Experiences with and Perceptions of the Vaccines For Children Program ([link removed]) , by S.T. O'Leary, et al. Key portions of results and conclusions are reprinted below.

RESULTS: ... Participating pediatricians rated, on a scale from −5 (high burden) to +5 (high benefit), their overall perception of the VFC: 63% reported +4 or +5, 23% reported +1 to +3, 5% reported 0, and 9% reported −1 to −5. Of pediatricians, 39% reported awareness of temporary increased payment for VFC vaccine administration. Among those, 10% reported that their practice increased the proportion of Medicaid and/or VFC-eligible patients served on the basis of this change.

CONCLUSIONS: For most pediatricians, perceived benefits of VFC participation far outweigh perceived burdens. To ensure the program’s ongoing success, it will be important to monitor factors influencing provider participation.


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Video of the Week
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Start the Conversation about Vaccines with Your Child Today: In this Shot of Prevention video from Vaccinate your Family, Taryn, a vaccine researcher and “The Vaccine Mom,” tells why and how to talk to your children about vaccines. Starting when they were very young, she explained how getting the “poke” is better than getting the disease, which helped reduce fear.

Visit the VOTW archive ([link removed])
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Follow Us
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Technically Speaking
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Read Dr. Wexler's column for the Vaccine Education Center's monthly newsletter, Vaccine Update

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Vaccinating Adults:
A Step-by-Step Guide
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IAC's 142-page book available for free download ([link removed]) .

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Calendar of Events
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Conferences, meetings, and training opportunities

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Patient Record Cards
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Record cards for patients – child and teen ([link removed]) , adult ([link removed]) , and lifetime ([link removed]) – are printed on durable paper and sized to fit in a wallet when folded

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DVD: Immunization Techniques
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Every practice should have this award winning, "how-to" training video

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Protect Newborns Guidebook

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Comprehensive guide Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns ([link removed])

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Editorial Information

Editor
Deborah L. Wexler, MD (mailto:[email protected])

Associate Editors
Carolyn Bridges, MD, MPH (mailto:[email protected])
John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD (mailto:[email protected])
Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH (mailto:[email protected])

Consulting Editors
Taryn Chapman, MS (mailto:[email protected])
Marian Deegan, JD (mailto:[email protected])
Courtnay Londo, MA (mailto:[email protected])
Jane Myers, MA, EdM (mailto:[email protected])

Technical Editor
Liv Augusta Anderson, MPP (mailto:[email protected])

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About IAC Express
The Immunization Action Coalition welcomes redistribution of this issue of IAC Express or selected articles. When you do so, please add a note that the Immunization Action Coalition is the source of the material and provide a link to this issue ([link removed]) .

IAC Express is supported in part by Grant No.
6NH23IP922550 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC.

IAC Express Disclaimer ([link removed])
ISSN: 1526-1786
Our mailing address is
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