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Issue 1494: May 11, 2020

-Special Edition: Routine Vaccine Orders Plummet-
* CDC publishes “Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020" in MMWR Early Release
* CDC shares social media content for communicating with parents to encourage childhood and teen vaccination during pandemic

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-Special Edition: Routine Vaccine Orders Plummet-
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CDC publishes “Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020" in MMWR Early Release

CDC published Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020 ([link removed]) in a May 8 early release of MMWR. The report describes drastic reductions in vaccine ordering from the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program and also in vaccine administration to children and teens in recent weeks.

Various shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders have helped slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. However, recent findings show these restrictions have resulted in a troubling decrease in the number of children getting their recommended vaccinations. On March 24, CDC posted guidance stressing the importance of routine well-child visits and immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. But recent data show a notable decrease in the ordering and administering of childhood vaccines.

A decline in measles-containing vaccine administration began the week after the declaration of the national emergency on March 13. Similar decreases were also noted for multiple vaccines that are essential to keep other serious diseases from reappearing during this public health emergency. The data indicate that many children are now vulnerable to several serious, vaccine-preventable diseases. The shortfalls are especially significant for children 2 through 18 years of age.

Going forward, healthcare organizations will need to promote childhood and adolescent vaccinations, including reaching out to parents of patients who are overdue for their recommended vaccinations.

Parental fears about potentially exposing children to COVID-19 may contribute to the recent decline in vaccine delivery. Medical practices need to implement safety protocols to protect families and reassure parents that safety protocols are in place. Clinicians and health departments need to continue coordinated efforts to achieve the rapid vaccination catch-up necessary to avoid outbreaks of deadly diseases.

Vaccinating children and teens is of the utmost importance. Parents need to schedule and attend well-child checkups, seek vaccination on schedule, and communicate with their healthcare provider to make sure children are up to date on all their vaccinations.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of the importance of vaccination and prevention of disease. Postponing vaccinations puts millions of children at risk for preventable infection.
Access the MMWR article in HTML format ([link removed]) or in PDF format ([link removed]).

Related Links
* Vaccinate Your Family's Call, Don’t Cancel: Talking to People about Vaccinations during the COVID-19 Pandemic ([link removed])
* Vaccinate Your Family's Raising Vaccination Rates During a Pandemic ([link removed])
* CDC’s Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers: Maintaining Childhood Immunizations during COVID-19 Pandemic ([link removed]) web page
* CDC's Preparedness Tools for Healthcare Professionals and Facilities Responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) ([link removed]) gateway page, featuring “Delivery of Adult Clinical Preventive Services, Including Immunizations”
* AAFP's COVID-19: Guidance for Family Physicians on Preventive and Non-urgent Care ([link removed])
* AAP's Guidance on Providing Pediatric Well-Care During COVID-19 ([link removed]) web page
* MMWR ([link removed]) gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, MMWR Surveillance Summaries, and MMWR Supplements

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=CDC SHARES SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT FOR COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS TO ENCOURAGE CHILDHOOD AND TEEN VACCINATION DURING PANDEMIC=

CDC has made available sample social media messages highlighting CDC’s parent-friendly immunization schedules for children 0-6 years old in English ([link removed]) and Spanish ([link removed]). We encourage you to forward them to parents in your network.

Clinicians, remember to use CDC’s catch-up immunization schedule. ([link removed])

Sample social media messages for parents:
* Missed your child’s well visit recently? Call your child’s doctor to help your child stay on track with their vaccines. [link removed]
* It’s important to stay on track with your child’s vaccines during this time. Call your child’s doctor today. [link removed]
* Doctors have protocols in place for safe well-child visits. Call your child’s doctor today to stay on track with vaccines. [link removed]

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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 (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])
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])
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