Editorial Information
 

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For many years, Immunize​.org has offered translations of VISs and other popular handouts for vaccine recipients. Now, we are pleased to introduce a new Translations web page that provides quick access to every translated resource on the Immunize​.org website. Translations of one or more documents are available in 48 languages.

Languages are listed alphabetically in a simple table format. Next to the desired language, click on either “VISs” or “Clinical Resources” to view all documents in that category available in that language.

The "Translations" page is accessible from two menus at the top of each page: either the “Vaccines & VISs” or “Clinical Resources” menu. The direct link is www.immunize.org/translations. 

From the "Vaccines & VISs" menu:



From the "Clinical Resources" menu:



Patients benefit from having vaccine information in their preferred language. We hope this new page makes it easier for you to meet their needs.

On March 22, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for pemivibart (Pemgarda, Inivyd, Inc.) as pre-exposure protection, in addition to vaccination, for people unlikely to mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. CDC has provided guidance and links to resources on its Interim Clinical Considerations for the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines web page. Administration of Pemgarda should be deferred at least 2 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination. Of note, 0.6% of recipients in the clinical trial (4 of 623 recipients) experienced an anaphylactic reaction to Pemgarda, and administration should only take place in settings where personnel are trained and equipped to respond to signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.

This long-acting COVID-19 monoclonal antibody is authorized for certain immune-compromised people age 12 years or older, weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg) who:

• Are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2
• Are not known to have recent exposure to someone infected with SARS-CoV-2, and
• Have moderate-to-severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or immune-suppressing medications or treatments

• FDA: Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents, and Caregivers: Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of PEMGARDA (pemivibart) for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF)
• CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations section on pemivibart 
• CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States main page

In a new report, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reviewed evidence on potential adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination. The report concludes that the evidence indicates:

• The two mRNA vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, do not cause infertility, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Bell’s palsy, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• The Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine does not cause ischemic stroke
• The two mRNA vaccines can cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
• The Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) [no longer available or manufactured] may cause thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome

These findings are part of a larger report also reviewing evidence related to injury after improper placement of intramuscular vaccination. That portion of the report was summarized in last week's issue of IZ Express.

Related Links

• National Academies: New Comprehensive Review Examines Potential Harms of COVID-19 Vaccination and Intramuscular Vaccination (4/16/24)
• National Academies: Evidence Review of the Adverse Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination main page
• National Academies: Evidence Review of the Adverse Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination and Intramuscular Vaccine Administration (free report PDF)

This Mother's Day, Immunize​.org celebrates mothers and mothers-to-be, grateful for all they do to give children a healthy start in life. Protecting babies through vaccination begins during pregnancy. Receiving influenza, Tdap, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy delivers protective antibodies through the placenta from mom to baby, protecting baby through the first months of life.

CDC, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and other experts strongly recommend vaccination during pregnancy.



Tdap is recommended during each pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. Tdap helps protect infants against whooping cough (pertussis), which can be life-threatening for newborns, as well as neonatal tetanus and diphtheria.

People who get influenza or COVID-19 infections while pregnant face an increased risk of hospitalization and complications, compared to their nonpregnant peers. Getting an influenza vaccine during influenza season helps protect the mother and baby from influenza. COVID-19 vaccination should be given during pregnancy, whenever it is due. Both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are well-studied, safe, and recommended during any stage of pregnancy to help protect mother and baby from serious complications.

Babies also need protection from RSV in their first months of life. One way to do this is to get the Abrysvo (Pfizer), an RSV vaccine. Receiving this vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy from September to January helps to protect the baby from getting very sick with RSV during the first months of life. Babies whose mothers do not get Abrysvo should get nirsevimab (Beyfortus) to prevent RSV after birth.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. Thank you for the hard work you do to safeguard the health of your children.

Related Links

• CDC: Pregnancy and Vaccination main page
• CDC: Immunization Schedules main page
• CHOP VEC: Vaccine Considerations for New and Expectant Parents main page
• Immunize​.org: Clinical Resources: Pregnancy and Vaccines main page 

• Interim Clinical Considerations: new guidance included on use of COVID-19 vaccine with pemivibart (Pemgarda, Imvivyd, Inc.), a monoclonal antibody recently authorized for COVID-19 pre-exposure prophylaxis in people age 12 years or older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and meet the FDA-authorized conditions for use
• ACIP COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations: updated recommendations on the Use of an Additional Updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Adults Aged 65 Years, published in the MMWR
• Interim 2023–2024 COVID-19 Immunization Schedule for Persons 6 Months of Age and Older: the schedule now incorporates the updated vaccine recommendations for adults age 65 years and older

All COVID-19 vaccine providers should review this checklist regularly. Download the latest documents and discard any outdated versions. The checklist is posted on Immunize.org's Vaccines A–Z: COVID-19 main page to help practices stay up to date.

Related Links

• Immunize​.org: Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools (PDF)
• Immunize​.org: Clinical Resources: Screening Checklists main page
• Immunize​.org: Vaccines A–Z: COVID-19 main page
• Immunize​.org: Ask the Experts: COVID-19 main page
• CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations main page for use of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States

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

• New York Times: Covid Vaccine Side Effects: 4 Takeaways from Our Investigation (5/3/24)
• Medscape: Flu vs COVID: Stark Disparity in Vaccination and Deaths (5/2/24)
• Pharmacy Times: Women Lead Vaccine Development across the Industry (4/30/24)
• US News: Vaccines Have Saved 154 Million Lives, Mostly Babies, Over Past 50 Years (4/29/24)

Immunize​.org's personal immunization record cards, printed on rip-proof, smudge-proof, water-proof paper, are designed to last a lifetime. They fit in a wallet when folded. The record cards are for you to give to your patients as a permanent personal vaccination record and are sold in boxes of 250.

• Adult immunization record cards
• Lifetime immunization record cards

The child/teen immunization record cards have been discontinued due to low demand as immunization information systems are now widely used for young children.



Make bulk purchases and receive quantity discounts. For quotes on larger quantities or customizing, or to request sample cards, call 651-647-9009 or email [email protected].

The World Health Organization (WHO) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). WHO initiated EPI to provide worldwide access to life-saving vaccines for children. Today, every country conducts a national immunization program and vaccines are recognized as among the most successful public health interventions to prevent deaths and increase quality of life. In the past 50 years, 154 million lives worldwide have been saved by vaccinations, including 146 million children younger than age 5 years. EPI is central to this success.



EPI's 50th anniversary is an opportunity to honor both its achievements and to set new goals. Thank you to every health worker around the world who has contributed to the success of EPI over the past 50 years.