Issue 1496: May 20, 2020
TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS
WORLD NEWS
FEATURED RESOURCES
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
TOP STORIES
IAC launches Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during COVID-19 Pandemic
On May 19, IAC launched a repository of guidance documents and other materials to assist in maintaining routine immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located on the National Network of Immunization Coalitions website, a project of IAC, this repository includes links to both national and state-level policies and guidance; advocacy materials, including talking points, webinars, press releases, articles, social media posts; and telehealth resources. These resources are intended for healthcare settings, state and local health departments, professional societies, immunization coalitions, advocacy groups, and the community to use in their efforts to sustain immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At launch, more than 50 resources appear in the COVID-19 repository and more will be added as they become available. Resources and guidance documents come from the federal government, nationally recognized healthcare organizations, state health departments, state immunization coalitions, and other organizations devoted to accurate immunization information and advocacy.
These resources can be sorted and searched by date, title, geographic area, source, type, category, or setting.
If you have a resource that you would like to see in the repository, please send a message to [email protected].
Access the repository to view and to search through the range of valuable resources available to support the patients, families, and communities you serve.
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CDC publishes "Decline in Child Immunization Coverage during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Michigan Care Improvement Registry, May 2016–May 2020" in MMWR Early Release
CDC published Decline in Child Vaccination Coverage during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Michigan Care Improvement Registry, May 2016–May 2020 in the May 18 early release of MMWR. Selections from the article are reprinted below.
To evaluate whether vaccination coverage has changed during the pandemic, data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (the state’s immunization information system) (MCIR) were analyzed. ...
Vaccination coverage declined in all milestone age cohorts, except for birth-dose hepatitis B coverage, which is typically administered in the hospital setting. Among children aged 5 months, up-to-date status for all recommended vaccines declined from approximately two thirds of children during 2016–2019 (66.6%, 67.4%, 67.3%, 67.9%, respectively) to fewer than half (49.7%) in May 2020. For the 16-month age cohort, coverage with all recommended vaccines declined, with measles-containing vaccination coverage decreasing from 76.1% in May 2019 to 70.9% in May 2020. ...
Although some components of a well-child visit can be completed through telemedicine video conferences, immunization services require an in-person visit. Strategies to maintain immunization services include dedicating specific clinics, rooms, or buildings for sick visits and well visits; reducing the number of patients on-site at any one time; closing waiting rooms or registration areas, and having patients check in by phone and receive vaccinations from their vehicles in the parking lot ...
Concerted efforts are needed to ensure rapid catch-up for children who are not up-to-date with measles-containing vaccines as well as other ACIP-recommended vaccinations.
Access the MMWR article in HTML format or in PDF format.
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CDC publishes “Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020"
CDC published Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration—United States, 2020 in the May 15 issue of MMWR. On May 8, CDC published this same article as an MMWR Early Release. IAC Express covered these findings in issues 1494 and 1495. Excerpts from our coverage are reprinted below.
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. ...
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 or in PDF format.
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Kudos! Dozens of colleges and universities are recognized on IAC’s MenB Vaccination Honor Roll for requiring the vaccine to protect their students
On May 8, 2020, IAC launched the MenB Vaccination Honor Roll to recognize exemplary institutions that have taken the lead in establishing policies requiring or recommending meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccination to protect their students.
Kudos to the many dozens of colleges and universities requiring MenB vaccine to protect their students! This week we will honor half of the institutions, and the remaining institutions will be honored in an upcoming IAC Express. Clicking on the links in the institutions' names below brings you to the place on the school's website where you can find information about the institution's vaccine requirements and recommendations.
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
- Delaware State University, Dover, DE
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
- Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
- The College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID
- Ball State University, Muncie, IN
- Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
- Earlham College, Richmond, IN
- Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
- Marian University, Indianapolis, IN
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, IN
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN
- University of Evansville, Evansville, IN
- Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
- Morningside College, Sioux City, IA
- Saint Ambrose University, Davenport, IA
Please help us to grow the honor roll by notifying us if you know of a college or university that requires or recommends MenB vaccination for its students. Colleges and universities may apply for the honor roll or you can alert us at [email protected].
Colleges and universities added to the MenB Vaccination Honor Roll will be announced in IAC’s weekly immunization e-newsletter, IAC Express, emailed to more than 50,000 subscribers every Wednesday.
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Teaching young people about vaccines: IAC compiles reliable resources for instructing middle school–aged children on vaccines and how they work
Recognizing that many people are now at home teaching their children, IAC has compiled a list of resources to educate children and adolescents on vaccines and the immune system. Last week's IAC Express shared resources for elementary school students.
Below you will find resources for middle school students. Please use these resources to teach your own children how vaccines work and help spread the word about these credible resources for students in many classroom settings.
- CHOP's The Vaccine Makers Project: Includes middle school lesson plans (revised 2018), videos, and 3-D animations. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS), this content describes how the immune system works and how vaccines work to prevent disease. The middle school lessons also show how scientific understanding evolves over time as scientists make new discoveries. Lessons include a teacher's plan, student worksheets, glossaries, games, and additional resources. Activities and resources introduce the scientific method and equip students to critically evaluate science-based topics central to our lives.
For shorter activities, here are several videos that share important lessons about vaccines, how they work, and important vaccine champions.
Look for resources for high school students in an upcoming issue of IAC Express.
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The Vaccine Makers Project of the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP now inviting essays from students in grades 6–12 for 2020 Dr. Maurice Hilleman essay contest
The Vaccine Makers Project, the classroom-based program of the Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, is currently inviting essays for the 2020 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest. Students in grades 6 to 12 are encouraged to learn about Dr. Hilleman’s life and accomplishments and submit a 500- to 600-word essay that answers the question, “How was Dr. Hilleman’s integrity important to his success, and how is integrity important to you?” Entries are being accepted through June 12, 2020.
Details and entry form are available at HillemanFilm.com/contest. Three winners will each receive $1,000 and a trip to Philadelphia this fall. Please feel free to share this information with eligible students or with teachers who might be interested in sharing with their students.
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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.
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IAC HANDOUTS
IAC revises "Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years" and "Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years"
IAC recently revised Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0-10 Years to make minor edits in several vaccine abbreviations (PCV13), PPSV23); no technical edits were made.
IAC also revised Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens, Age 11–19 Years. Changes reflect recent recommendations to vaccinate all teens against HepA and to incorporate booster doses for both MenACWY and MenB in teens who have ongoing risk. In addition, minor edits were made in several vaccine abbreviations (PCV13, PPSV23).
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IAC and ACOG revise "Vaccinations for Pregnant Women"
IAC and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) updated their patient handout Vaccinations for Pregnant Women to incorporate updated ACIP recommendations for MenB and Tdap. IAC is grateful for the continued collaboration of ACOG on this handout.
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WORLD NEWS
WHO commemorates 1980 smallpox eradication as legacy of hope for eradicating other diseases through global collaboration
On May 8, WHO issued a press release commemorating the 40th anniversary of the global eradication of smallpox. According to WHO, smallpox killed 300 million people in the 20th century alone. At the online gathering, WHO's Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated:
As the world confronts the COVID-10 pandemic, humanity's victory over smallpox is a reminder of what is possible when nations come together to fight a common health threat.
It was also in May, on May 14, 1769, that Dr. Edward Jenner, a country doctor in Gloucestershire, England, administered the world's first vaccination by transferring fluid from a cowpox blister on Sarah Nelmes to 8-year-old James Phipps, protecting him from smallpox.
Access the complete press release.
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FEATURED RESOURCES
This week's "Video of the Week" explains how measles vaccine protects against other diseases
Stefan Chin from SciShow (produced by Brilliant.org) explains how measles infection can wipe out immune memory, making people susceptible to secondary infections.
Visit the VOTW archive.
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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
Download the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide (Guide).
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 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 vaccination rates. Be sure to get a copy today!
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“Shop IAC” on immunize.org offers many resources for your practice. Order laminated 2020 U.S. immunization schedules for your exam rooms today!
On the Shop IAC web page you will find many resources such as laminated vaccination schedules, personal immunization record cards, pins for your lapel, and more! Your purchases will help IAC keep delivering free, educational materials to healthcare professionals and to the public.
IAC's laminated versions of the 2020 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule and the 2020 U.S. adult immunization schedule are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccinations are given.
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The schedules' coating can be wiped down, and they’re durable enough to stand up to a year's worth of use. Visit the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules web page for more information on the schedules.
IAC’s three personal immunization record cards—child & teen, adult, and lifetime—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 to your patients. They're sold in boxes of 250.
You too can show your support for vaccination with IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin on your lapel. The pin makes a refined statement in hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.125" x 0.75”. Order yours today to show how much you value immunizations!
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society launches “Vaccine Education from Training to Practice” online learning modules to train strong vaccine advocates
The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) has launched Vaccine Education from Training to Practice, a new, free educational program to providing healthcare professionals with the training and resources to become strong vaccine advocates. The first of the four training modules is available now, and the other modules will be released over the next few months.
The curriculum includes access to the latest edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians through the Vaccine Handbook App for up-to-date vaccine information. Through the web-based CoVER curriculum, the program aims to enhance knowledge and confidence in having conversations with patients and parents. The training program was developed in collaboration with partners at Children's Mercy Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
View program information at this PIDS web page to learn about each training module, to view the training team, and to access registration instructions and link for the first module.
Read the news release for more details about the overall program.
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Immunize Kansas Coalition offers “Shutting the Door on HPV Cancers” online training module
The Immunize Kansas Coalition is offering an online, interactive training module titled Shutting the Door on HPV Cancers. Those who complete the 25- to 30-minute multimedia training will be able to do the following:
- Explain why HPV vaccine is important enough to be routinely recommended for young people (i.e., HPV cancer prevention)
- Give an HPV vaccination recommendation that is effective and succinct using the same way, same day approach
- Answer the most frequently asked questions about HPV vaccine accurately and succinctly
Access the training page to start the course and to view additional details and resources.
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
1972 video, featuring singing hand puppets, urges parents to get their children vaccinated against measles and other diseases
In this archived video, hand puppets sing revised lyrics for a popular 1950s song to urge parents to get their children vaccinated against measles and other serious diseases. Titled Hand Puppets, this video was produced by The U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1972 as part of their Childhood Vaccination Promotion. The spot is part of a PSA collection curated by vaccine expert William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH.
To appreciate what viewers in 1972 familiar with the original song might have felt when viewing this video, you can listen to a 1957 recording of The Diamond's original song, "Little Darlin'," or view their tongue-in-cheek 1959 television performance (starting at 1:14 min. mark).
Previous videos mentioned in “On the Lighter Side” are available when viewing this Vimeo video.
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Video of the Week
How Measles Vaccine Protects You from Other Diseases: Studies have indicated that children who had measles tended to have more infections of other kinds for up to 5 years afterwards, and scientists are studying why. This video discusses explanations for measles’ impact on the immune system. Getting vaccinated against measles will prevent the disease and may also help your immune system fight other infections.
Visit the VOTW archive
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Read Dr. Wexler's column for the Vaccine Education Center's monthly newsletter, Vaccine Update
Vaccinating Adults:
A Step-by-Step Guide
IAC's 142-page book available for free download.
Calendar of Events
Conferences, meetings, and training opportunities
Patient Record Cards
Record cards for patients – child & teen, adult, and lifetime – are printed on durable paper and sized to fit in a wallet when folded
DVD: Immunization Techniques
Every practice should have this award winning, "how-to" training video
Editorial Information
Editor
Deborah L. Wexler, MD
Associate Editors
Carolyn Bridges, MD, MPH
John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH
Consulting Editors
Taryn Chapman, MS
Marian Deegan, JD
Courtnay Londo, MA
Jane Myers, MA, EdM
Technical Editor
Liv Augusta Anderson, MPP
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