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Issue 1486: March 25, 2020

-TOP STORIES-
* In this time of coronavirus, the Immunization Action Coalition wants you to keep vaccinating when you are able
* CDC releases guidance on maintaining childhood immunizations during COVID-19 pandemic
* 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 Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) web page updated to align with recent ACIP recommendations
* National Immunization Conference, National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit, and other events canceled amid COVID-19 concerns
* Updated! 65+ Flu Defense website features tools and resources for healthcare professionals serving adults age 65 and older
* CDC reports lab-confirmed flu activity is decreasing, but flu-like illness activity is increasing; continue vaccinating
* There are now 1,135 healthcare organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
* IAC Spotlight! Looking for the most frequently visited web pages on immunize.org? Check out IAC’s "Favorites" gateway page, directing you to our most popular web pages and materials
* Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
* Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information

WORLD NEWS
* WHO publishes "Recommended Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2020–2021 Northern Hemisphere Influenza Season" in Weekly Epidemiological Record

-FEATURED RESOURCES-
* IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunization!

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-TOP STORIES-
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IN THIS TIME OF CORONAVIRUS, THE IMMUNIZATION ACTION COALITION WANTS YOU TO KEEP VACCINATING WHEN YOU ARE ABLE

With so many changes in just the last few weeks, immunization clinics are facing unprecedented challenges. You must, of course, do what your community needs most. But it also is critical to maintain immunization levels to prevent a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the future. A few thoughts to consider:

* In response to critical needs, perhaps your immunization clinic has reassigned staff to other clinics. Make sure any new staff or volunteers in your clinic are aware of and use all the training materials and clinic tools at immunize.org ([link removed]). Vaccinate with quality!

* Sign up newcomers at immunize.org/subscribe ([link removed]), so they gain access to IAC's relevant and timely educational materials. Don't forget to use materials for the public ([link removed]).

* Maybe your patient flow is disrupted. Maybe you shouldn't ask people to make a special trip in to get vaccinated. But for any patients you are already seeing, assess and give them all the vaccines they need. Give priority to vaccinating against pneumonias that vaccines can prevent: pneumococcal, influenza, pertussis, measles, etc.

* Optimize professional time and use standing orders ([link removed]). Don't reinvent the wheel.

* We at IAC can support your efforts. Check out the wealth of materials available from IAC at www.immunize.org today!

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CDC RELEASES GUIDANCE ON MAINTAINING CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The following CDC information was posted to CDC’s Resources for Clinics and Healthcare Facilities ([link removed]) web page:

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly and continues to affect communities across the United States differently. Some of the strategies used to slow the spread of disease in communities include postponing or canceling non-urgent elective procedures and using telemedicine instead of face-to-face encounters for routine medical visits.

Ensuring the delivery of newborn and well-child care, including childhood immunization, requires different strategies. Healthcare providers in communities affected by COVID-19 are using strategies [such as these from AAP] to separate well visits from sick visits ([link removed]). Examples include:

* Scheduling well visits in the morning and sick visits in the afternoon

* Separating patients spatially, such as by placing patients with sick visits in different areas of the clinic or another location from patients with well visits

* Collaborating with providers in the community to identify separate locations for holding well visits for children

Because of personal, practice, or community circumstances related to COVID-19, some providers may not be able to provide well-child visits, including provision of immunizations, for all patients in their practice. If a practice can provide only limited well-child visits, healthcare providers are encouraged to prioritize newborn care and vaccination of infants and young children (through 24 months of age) when possible. CDC is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide guidance.

Related Links
* CDC’s Guidance on Maintaining Childhood Immunizations During COVID-19 Pandemic is available on its Resources for Clinics and Healthcare Facilities ([link removed]) web page
* AAP's COVID-19 Clinical Guidance Q&A ([link removed]) web page

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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.

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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]

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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IAC'S ASK THE EXPERTS: PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINES (PCV13 AND PPSV23) WEB PAGE UPDATED TO ALIGN WITH RECENT ACIP RECOMMENDATIONS

IAC recently updated its Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) ([link removed]) Q&As on immunize.org. Revisions to the Pneumococcal Ask the Experts set included adding new ACIP guidance ([link removed]) published on November 22, 2019.

IAC’s Ask the Experts web section ([link removed]) is a compilation of common as well as challenging Q&As about vaccines and their administration. IAC wishes to recognize its team of experts: Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.

Some of the most frequently visited pages of Ask the Experts Q&As include the following:
* Ask the Experts: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: Influenza ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: Hepatitis A ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: Hepatitis B ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: Zoster (shingles) ([link removed])
* Ask the Experts: Administering Vaccines ([link removed])

Coming soon: an IAC Express Special Edition wherein our Ask the Experts panel addresses the latest pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.

Related Links
* IAC's Ask the Experts: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) ([link removed]) web page
* IAC's Ask the Experts ([link removed]) gateway page, linking to 27 topics, including more than 1,000 Q&As in all

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NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION CONFERENCE, NATIONAL ADULT AND INFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION SUMMIT, AND OTHER EVENTS CANCELED AMID COVID-19 CONCERNS

To protect the health of meeting participants and avoid conflicts with COVID-19 response activities, many conferences have been canceled. Among the canceled events are the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) ([link removed]), scheduled for May 18, and the National Immunization Conference (NIC) ([link removed]), in Atlanta, scheduled for May 19–21, both in Atlanta.

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Updated! 65+ Flu Defense website features tools and resources for healthcare professionals serving adults age 65 and older

In the 2018–19 season, only 68% of adults age 65 and older were vaccinated against the flu. As a healthcare provider, your confident recommendation for flu vaccine can be powerfully persuasive and make a significant difference in determining if your patients are vaccinated. This is true as the 2019–20 season winds down and as you anticipate the 2020–21 season in coming months.

To assist you in your efforts to maximize protection for your patients, IAC, in collaboration with Seqirus, has updated the 65+ Flu Defense website at www.influenza-defense.org. This helpful site includes information, tools, and tips for communicating with older patients about the scope and severity of flu and addresses patient hesitancy around vaccination.

Two helpful patient handouts are also available on the website:
* Influenza in Adults 65+: The Facts ([link removed])
* Influenza Vaccination: Questions Patients Age 65 and Older Frequently Ask Their HCP ([link removed])

Be sure to check out the updated 65+ Flu Defense website at www.influenza-defense.org to assist your efforts in protecting this vulnerable population.

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CDC REPORTS LAB-CONFIRMED FLU ACTIVITY IS DECREASING, BUT FLU-LIKE ILLNESS ACTIVITY IS INCREASING; CONTINUE VACCINATING

Seasonal influenza activity in the United States remains high according to CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]). Forty-nine states and Puerto Rico reported regional or widespread activity, while the District of Columbia and Hawaii reported local activity for the week ending March 14.

Five influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC between weeks ending February 22 and March 14. A total of 149 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 ([link removed]).

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 ([link removed]) gateway page
* CDC's FluView ([link removed]) gateway page
* CDC's Free Resources related to influenza ([link removed]) web page
* 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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THERE ARE NOW 1,135 HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS ENROLLED IN IAC'S INFLUENZA VACCINATION HONOR ROLL FOR MANDATORY HEALTHCARE WORKER VACCINATION

There are now 1,135 organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll ([link removed]). The honor roll recognizes hospitals, long-term care facilities (LTCFs), medical practices, pharmacies, professional organizations, health departments, and other government entities that have taken a stand for patient safety by implementing mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare personnel.

Since February 26, when IAC Express last reported on the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll, 8 additional healthcare organizations have been enrolled.

IAC urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply by visiting the Application page ([link removed]).

Newly added healthcare organizations, hospitals, government agencies, medical practices, long-term care facilities, and pharmacies
* Adventist Health and Rideout, Marysville, CA
* Canyon Vista Medical Center, Sierra Vista, AZ
* Gunnison Valley Hospital, Gunnison, UT
* Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing and Rehab, Ocean Grove, NJ
* Jefferson Health New Jersey, Stratford, NJ
* Kansas Spine and Specialty Hospital, Wichita, KS
* McLaren Caro Region, Caro, MI
* Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford, UT

Related Links
* Listing of all Influenza Vaccination honorees ([link removed]) by state
* Long-term care/assisted living Influenza Vaccination honorees ([link removed]) by state
* Position statements ([link removed]) from professional societies and leading healthcare organizations in support of mandatory influenza vaccination
* Application form for the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll ([link removed])
* Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll ([link removed]) section on immunize.org ([link removed]), which includes access to the application form (see the gold honor badge in right column, and click on the words "Apply for the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll")
* IAC'sHonor Roll for Patient Safety ([link removed]) web page
* IAC'sHepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed]) section on immunize.org ([link removed])

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IAC SPOTLIGHT! LOOKING FOR THE MOST FREQUENTLY VISITED WEB PAGES ON IMMUNIZE.ORG? CHECK OUT IAC’S "FAVORITES" GATEWAY PAGE, DIRECTING YOU TO OUR MOST POPULAR WEB PAGES AND MATERIALS

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, your immunization clinic may have new staff or volunteers as more seasoned staff are deployed elsewhere. Be sure new individuals know about all the training materials and clinic tools available at immunize.org. A great place to start is IAC's Favorites web page ([link removed]), where you will find links to 18 of the most highly visited web sections on IAC's content-rich website. The page is easy to find from anywhere on immunize.org—it’s the first of the 6 blue tabs that run across the top of every web page. When you hover over this blue tab with your mouse or click on it, the Favorites web page ([link removed]) content will appear.

The following web sections are offered as choices on the Favorites web page ([link removed]):
* ACIP Recommendations
* Additional Immunization Resources
* Adult Vaccination
* Ask the Experts
* CDC Schedules
* Clinic Tools
* Handouts for Patients/Staff
* Honor Rolls for Patient Safety
* IAC Express
* Package Inserts & FDA Product Approvals
* IAC Image Library
* Screening Checklists
* Shop IAC
* Standing Orders Templates for Administering Vaccines
* State Mandates on Immunization and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
* Technically Speaking (monthly column)
* Unprotected People Reports
* Vaccine Information Statements

Let IAC help you during these challenging times. Tap into the wealth of materials available from IAC to help you develop new staff today! Just click on the Favorites tab to visit the Favorites web page ([link removed]) to find the most utilized content on immunize.org.

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NOT-TO-MISS IMMUNIZATION ARTICLES IN THE NEWS

These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* The Guardian: When Will a Coronavirus Vaccine Be Ready? ([link removed]) (3/20/20)
* U.S. News and World Report: Vaccine Myths Widespread on the Web, Especially Facebook: Study ([link removed]) (3/19/20)
* How Stuff Works: Why Is It So Hard to Make a Universal Flu Vaccine? ([link removed]) (3/16/20)
* CNN: Maine Voters Uphold Law Barring Religious Opt-Outs on Immunizations ([link removed]) (3/4/20)
* Shot of Prevention: Mom Talks About Her Son’s Chickenpox and How Others Can Protect Their Children ([link removed]) (3/3/20)

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STAY UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

CDC, NIH, WHO, and Johns Hopkins are closely monitoring outbreaks of respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 ([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, coronavirus.gov ([link removed]), links to CDC’s Situation Summary ([link removed]) web page and Latest News ([link removed]) web page
* NIH's Coronavirus (COVID-19) ([link removed]) gateway page, which links to news releases on vaccine trials
* WHO's Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak ([link removed]) gateway page, which links to WHO’s Situation Reports ([link removed]) web page
* Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center ([link removed]) gateway page, which links to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases CSSE ([link removed]) web page

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WORLD NEWS
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WHO publishes "Recommended Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2020–2021 Northern Hemisphere Influenza Season" in Weekly Epidemiological Record

WHO published Recommended Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2020–2021 Northern Hemisphere Influenza Season ([link removed]) (pages 105–116) in the March 20 issue of its Weekly Epidemiological Record.

Related Link
* WHO's Weekly Epidemiological Record (current issue and archives: [link removed])

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-FEATURED RESOURCES-
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IAC'S ELEGANTLY DESIGNED "VACCINES SAVE LIVES" BLACK ENAMEL PINS ARE A GREAT WAY TO SHOW YOU VALUE IMMUNIZATION!

IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin ([link removed]) on hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges makes a meaningful gift for people who care about immunization.

The pin is a stick-through-post variety with the back end covered by a round rubber cap that holds the pin securely. A gold metal spring-lock clasp is also provided. The pin makes a refined statement, measuring 1.125" x 0.75".

Wear these pins on clothing, ([link removed]) uniforms, lab coats, tote bags, and backpacks to show that you value vaccines!

Click here for "Vaccines Save Lives" pins pricing and ordering information. ([link removed])

Visit Shop IAC for additional items ([link removed]), including "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.

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Video of the Week
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History of Vaccine Preventable Diseases in the USA, 1912 to 2017: Through silent, graphic animation, this video illustrates the impact of vaccines over time in the U.S. The video shows that vaccines have eliminated or greatly reduced the occurrence of 19 diseases on CDC's notifiable disease list for which the U.S. currently has a licensed vaccine available. (Source: Robert Rohde)

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 & 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 ([email protected])

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

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

Technical Editor
Liv Augusta Anderson, MPP ([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

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