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Issue 1,816: June 4, 2025
Top Stories
* CDC revises COVID-19 vaccine recommendations on schedules
* CDC issues two updated VISs for pneumococcal vaccines
* FDA extends license for MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Sanofi) down to age 6 weeks; ACIP will consider recommendations for use at its June meeting
* Medicare Part B allows rural health centers and federally qualified health centers to bill for covered vaccines, starting July 1, 2025
* Immunize.org updates “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size”
* Confirmed measles cases increase to 1,088 across 32 states, including the first cases in Nebraska and Iowa
* “Considerations for Serotype 4 When Selecting an Adult Pneumococcal Vaccine.” Watch the 4-minute synopsis, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
* Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Spotlight on the website: Find answers you need quickly in Ask the Experts
Vaccine Information Statements
* Recap: Immunize.org posts Pohnpeian translations of 16 VISs
Featured Resources
* Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, disasters: practice your vaccine storage emergency plan now
* Vaccinate adults! Order laminated 2025 U.S. adult immunization schedule booklets.
* Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Upcoming Events
* Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Ask questions and learn about our "News & Updates" web section on June 11 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or June 12 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.
* Virtual: North Dakota State University hosts webinar titled “It Starts with Us: Why Healthcare Worker Immunization Matters” on June 16 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CME credit available
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Top Stories
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CDC revises COVID-19 vaccine recommendations on schedules
On May 30, CDC posted updated versions of its recommended immunization schedules for children and adults, reflecting an update to its recommendations for use of COVID-19 vaccines in children and during pregnancy. In its email notice to immunization programs and public health partners, CDC described its changes, made in response to a recent HHS directive:
* The Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule ([link removed]) now calls for shared clinical decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination for all children and adolescents aged 6 months through 17 years, including those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Any of these children may be vaccinated after a shared clinical decision with their healthcare provider.
* Vaccines For Children (VFC)-eligible children are allowed to obtain COVID-19 vaccine at no charge through the VFC program after a shared clinical decision with their healthcare provider.
* Pregnancy is now shaded gray (indicating “no guidance”) in both the Adult ([link removed]) and Child and Adolescent ([link removed]) Immunization Schedules by Medical Indication.
* No changes were made to recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of adults who are not pregnant and age 18 years and older.
For each schedule, check the revision date on page 1 on the bottom left of the PDF version and the upper left corner of the web version. Updates to the app version are ongoing.
Links to the updated schedules are below. Please note that the schedules’ addendum pages, where midyear updates to CDC schedules are typically itemized, are currently unavailable online. All changes listed above were made directly on the schedule tables.
Child and Adolescent Schedule
* CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age ([link removed])
* CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Medical Indication ([link removed])
* CDC: Child Immunization Schedule Notes ([link removed])
* CDC: Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger; United States 2025 ([link removed]) (PDF)
Adult Schedule
* CDC: Adult Immunization Schedule by Medical Condition and Other Indication ([link removed])
* CDC: Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for ages 19 years or older; United States 2025 ([link removed]) (PDF)
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CDC issues two updated VISs for pneumococcal vaccines
On May 29, CDC released updated VISs for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) ([link removed]) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) ([link removed]). Changes incorporate recommendations for the routine use of PCV for adults age 50 years and older (previously 65 years) and the limited use of PPSV23. The updated VISs refer to PCVs generally and no longer reference specific PCV products.
The use of the updated VISs should begin immediately. If you use Immunize.org’s QR code reference resources linking directly to the English VISs ([link removed]) on our website, you can keep using them. These QR code documents automatically link to the updated VISs and ensure you are always accessing the current official version.
Immunize.org will create and post translations of these updated VISs in coming weeks. CDC notes that translated VISs that are out of date following publication of an updated version may continue to be used. The official English VIS must also be provided when providing any translation.
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Vaccine Information Statements ([link removed]) main page for VISs in 47 languages ([link removed])
* Immunize.org: Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements ([link removed]) (PDF)
* Immunize.org: You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's Federal Law! ([link removed]) (2 pages)
* Immunize.org: QR Code Links to All Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) ([link removed]) (PDF)
* Immunize.org: VISs: Pneumococcal Vaccine ([link removed]) page
* CDC: What's New with VISs ([link removed]) web page
* CDC: Current VISs ([link removed]) web page
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FDA extends license for MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Sanofi) down to age 6 weeks; ACIP will consider recommendations for use at its June meeting
On May 23, FDA licensed MenQuadfi (Sanofi) ([link removed]) to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y in children as young as age 6 weeks. Previously, the lower age limit was 2 years. This new age indication is the same as that for the other available MenACWY product, Menveo (GSK).
At its June 25–27 meeting, ACIP is expected to consider whether to recommend MenQuadfi as an option for MenACWY vaccination of infants and toddlers younger than age 2 years at high risk for meningococcal disease.
FDA posted the MenQuadfi package insert ([link removed]) and approval letter ([link removed]) .
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Meningococcal ACWY ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Meningococcal B ([link removed]) main page
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Medicare Part B allows rural health centers and federally qualified health centers to bill for covered vaccines, starting July 1, 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will allow rural health centers and federally qualified health centers to bill and be paid by Medicare Part B for covered vaccines (i.e., pneumococcal, influenza, hepatitis B and COVID-19) and corresponding administration fees.
For additional details, including billing codes and conditions, visit this CMS web page ([link removed]).
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Immunize.org updates “Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size”
Immunize.org recently updated its clinical resource titled Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size ([link removed]) to add Penmenvy, the new MenABCWY vaccine from GSK.
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Administering Vaccines ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z ([link removed]) main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
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Confirmed measles cases increase to 1,088 across 32 states, including the first cases in Nebraska and Iowa
As of May 29, CDC reported 1,088 confirmed measles cases ([link removed]) in 2025 in 32 states, including the first cases reported this year in Nebraska ([link removed]) and Iowa ([link removed]). Nebraska’s case, an age-appropriately vaccinated child, had no history of out-of-state travel. Iowa’s case, an unvaccinated adult, was the first case in the state since 2019. Most (738 of 1,088, 67.8%) were reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services ([link removed]). Among confirmed cases, 12% were hospitalized and two out of three were younger than age 20 years.
CDC only requires reporting of laboratory-confirmed measles cases. Cases without laboratory testing for confirmation are not included in these numbers. Actual numbers of cases are, therefore, expected to be higher than confirmed case counts.
A map of 2025 measles cases ([link removed]) in the contiguous United States, as of May 23, from the Johns Hopkins Center for Outbreak Response Innovation ([link removed]) (CORI) appears below. The CORI Measles Outbreak Response ([link removed]) website offers various ways to visualize the outbreak.
CDC offers a suite of resources for public health, healthcare professionals, and families in communities experiencing a measles outbreak. Resources include infographics for families, images to help clinic personnel identify cases, and a Be Ready for Measles communication toolkit ([link removed]) . A quick reference for healthcare professionals provides guidance for caring for patients with measles ([link removed]) . Find all these resources on the CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks ([link removed]) page.
Related Links
* CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Be Ready for Measles Toolkit ([link removed])
* Center for Outbreak Response Innovation: Measles Outbreak Response ([link removed]) main page
* CIDRAP: Iowa, Nebraska Announce First Measles Cases ([link removed]) (5/27/25)
* Nebraska DHHS: First Confirmed Measles Case Reported in Nebraska ([link removed]) (5/27/25)
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Measles ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Standing Orders for Administering Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine to Children and Teens ([link removed]) (PDF)
* Immunize.org: Standing Orders for Administering Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine to Adults ([link removed]) (PDF)
* Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) ([link removed]) web page
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“Considerations for Serotype 4 When Selecting an Adult Pneumococcal Vaccine.” Watch the 4-minute synopsis, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
This week, our featured episode from the Ask the Experts Video Series is titled Considerations for Serotype 4 When Selecting an Adult Pneumococcal Vaccine ([link removed]). The video describes pneumococcal serotype 4 and when it might be considered while selecting a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine product for adults.
The 4-minute video is available on our YouTube channel ([link removed]), along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts ([link removed]) questions.
Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise.
* Facebook at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* Instagram at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* LinkedIn at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* YouTube at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
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Vaccines in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* NPR: Here’s the Science Behind the COVID Vaccine in Pregnancy ([link removed]) (5/30/25)
* NPR: CDC Recommends Parents Talk to a Doctor About Getting COVID-19 Shots for Kids ([link removed]) (5/30/25)
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Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
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Spotlight on the website: Find answers you need quickly in Ask the Experts
Ask the Experts ([link removed]) is one of the most visited sections of the Immunize.org website. Quickly find practical answers healthcare professionals need among the 1,300+ questions and answers in our database by:
* Searching for specific keywords
* Applying filters
* Selecting a subset of questions about a specific vaccine or immunization-related topic
The keyword search feature in Ask the Experts ([link removed]) is robust and quickly returns results. In the illustration below, the keyword search for “hep b titer” provided four results. “Show All Answers/Hide All Answers” is a toggle button to display or hide answers and keywords found in questions or answers are highlighted in yellow to aid content scanning.
Within Ask the Experts, filtered results will display up to 65 questions per page. When “Show All Answers” is expanded, using the keyboard find command (“Ctrl” plus “F”) will allow a search of the entire page’s contents. Using this method, if more than one page of results is returned, you must search additional result pages separately.
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Vaccine Information Statements
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Recap: Immunize.org posts Pohnpeian translations of 16 VISs
Immunize.org continues to expand its repository of VIS translations ([link removed]), all available in print-ready PDF format. Cerro Gordo County Health Department, based in Mason City, Iowa, generously donated 16 Pohnpeian ([link removed]) VIS translations, shown below. Pohnpeian is primarily spoken in the Federated States of Micronesia in the South Pacific.
*COVID-19 ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*Hepatitis B ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
Haemophilus influenza type b ([link removed]) (Hib)
View in English ([link removed])
*Influenza (inactivated or recombinant) ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*MMRV ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*Meningococcal B ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
Multi-vaccine pediatric ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*Polio ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*Pneumococcal conjugate ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
Rotavirus ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
Smallpox/Monkeypox ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
Td ([link removed]) (Tetanus, Diphtheria)
View in English ([link removed])
*Varicella (Chickenpox) ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
Zoster (Shingles) ([link removed])
View in English ([link removed])
*Indicates that translations are out of date. Other than PCV (see story above), they are out of date because they do not reflect the pronoun changes made in the January 31, 2025, versions of VISs that were altered to comply with a presidential executive order. As always, a copy of the current official VIS, in English, should be provided along with the translated VIS.
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Featured Resources
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Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, disasters: practice your vaccine storage emergency plan now
Power outages can create emergency conditions that damage your valuable vaccine inventory. For this reason, every site that stocks vaccines needs an emergency plan. Every VFC site is required to have one.
If your office does not have an up-to-date plan, follow CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit ([link removed]) to create one. Plans only work when staff are trained. This month is a good time to do that. Build redundancy, flexibility, and communication into your plan. Consider:
* Equipment backup options
* Alternate storage options
* Vaccine transport plans
Your plan should specify at least one facility where current staff are willing to receive and properly store your vaccine inventory if it must be relocated. CDC’s guide provides detailed instructions on monitoring temperatures during a power outage and what to do once proper storage conditions are restored. Keep a printed copy of your plan on or near your storage unit before the power goes out!
Prevent avoidable vaccine waste by training your staff on emergency procedures, including after-hours roles and responsibilities. Then run an exercise to check understanding.
Related Links
* CDC: Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit ([link removed]) (31 pages, March 2024)
* CDC: Packing Vaccines for Transport During Emergencies ([link removed]) (Aug 2015)
* Immunize.org: Clinic Tools: Storage and Handling ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Vaccine Storage Emergency Response Worksheet ([link removed]) (PDF)
* HHS: Technical Resources: Utility Failures ([link removed]) web page
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Vaccinate adults! Order laminated 2025 U.S. adult immunization schedule booklets.
Laminated booklets of the 2025 U.S. adult immunization schedule ([link removed]) are still available in the Immunize.org shop. The 2025 child and adolescent schedule booklets sold out.
The schedules are available online as PDFs from CDC ([link removed]) at no cost. Immunize.org’s laminated booklets are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccines are given.
Adult Booklets
1 copy: $10.00
2–4 copies: $9.50 each
5–19 copies: $8.50 each
20–99 copies: $7.50 each
100–499 copies: $6.00 each
500–999 copies: $5.00 each
1,000–1,999 copies: $4.00 each
2,000+ copies: $3.25 each
Visit the Shop Immunize.org: Laminated Schedules ([link removed]) web page to view images and order today!
For additional information, call 651-647-9009 or email
[email protected].
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Laminated Adult Immunization Schedules (19 and older) ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize.org: Shop Immunize.org ([link removed]) main page
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Explore the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to increase coverage for the MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
Immunize.org's www.Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) website promotes the importance of adolescent vaccination, including the recommended MenACWY vaccine booster dose at age 16. Many teens are behind on vaccines because of the pandemic, so vaccine outreach is more important than ever.
Materials on this colorful website for healthcare professionals incorporate the 2020 ACIP meningococcal vaccine recommendations ([link removed]) and coverage statistics from CDC’s National Immunization Survey–Teen (NIS–Teen). One particularly popular resource on the site is the Algorithm for MenACWY Immunization in Adolescents 11 Through 18 Years of Age ([link removed]).
The website is divided into five easy-to-access sections:
* Vaccinate Teens ([link removed]): teen vaccination schedules and tips for improving vaccination rates
* Give 2 Doses ([link removed]): tools to help improve second dose coverage of MenACWY vaccine
* 16-Year-Old Visit ([link removed]): resources to help providers and patients remember the important vaccines recommended for 16-year-olds
* Tools for Providers ([link removed]): tools to explain meningococcal ACWY vaccine recommendations and improve coverage for all adolescent vaccines
* Resources ([link removed]): links to print materials ([link removed]), organizations ([link removed]) involved in adolescent vaccination, personal stories ([link removed]) about the importance of vaccination, and otherresources ([link removed]) of interest
The site also categorizes materials ([link removed]) according to whether they are primarily of interest to providers, to adolescents, or to parents.
Visit Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) and enjoy browsing (and deploying) its bountiful resources.
Related Links
* Give2MenACWY.org ([link removed]) website
* Algorithm for MenACWY Immunization in Adolescents 11–18 Years of Age ([link removed])
* MenACWY: You're Not Done If You Give Just One: Give 2 Doses to Strengthen Protection ([link removed])
* Recommending MenACWY: What to Say and How to Say It ([link removed])
* Top 10 Ways to Improve Adolescent Immunization Rates ([link removed])
* Developing an Immunization Culture in Your Office ([link removed])
* Know Your Rates: Measuring Immunization Success in Your Practice ([link removed])
* You're 16: We Recommend These Vaccines for You ([link removed])
* Dear Colleague Letter: 16-Year-Old Patients: Make Sure They Receive Their Annual Well Visit and Vaccinations ([link removed]) , signed by six medical societies
* Ask the Experts: Meningococcal ACWY ([link removed])
* CDC: ACIP Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations ([link removed])
* CDC: Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years—National Immunization Survey–Teen, United States, 2023 ([link removed])
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Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Ask questions and learn about our "News & Updates" web section on June 11 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or June 12 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our website efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, June 11 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) or Thursday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]). The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 45-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating ourNews & Updates ([link removed]).
Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
* Wednesday, June 11 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed])
* Thursday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed])
The archive of previous Website Office Hours content ([link removed]) is posted at Immunize.org’s "Webinars & Videos" page. These archived programs include Ask the Experts; Clinical Resources; Vaccine Information Statements (VISs); Affiliated Websites; Images, Webinars, Videos, & Social Media; Official Guidance; Publication Archives, Vaccine Timeline, & About Us; Travel Vaccines, Vaccine Confidence, & Addressing Concerns; and Vaccines A–Z.
See our Calendar of Events ([link removed]) for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.
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Virtual: North Dakota State University hosts webinar titled “It Starts with Us: Why Healthcare Worker Immunization Matters” on June 16 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CME credit available
North Dakota State University's Center for Immunization Research and Education (CIRE) will host a webinar titled It Starts with Us: Why Healthcare Worker Immunization Matters ([link removed]), 1:00–2:00 p.m. (ET) on June 16. Paul Carson, MD, FACP, will describe the current CDC-recommended immunizations for healthcare workers (HCWs); explain the importance of HCW vaccination in reducing disease transmission, protecting vulnerable patients, and maintaining workforce health; and identify the potential benefits and challenges of implementing vaccine mandates for HCWs.
Register for the webinar ([link removed]).
CIRE offers free access to recordings of its monthly webinars on its website. Participants who watch the full recording and complete the pre- and post-training quizzes may earn free CME and maintenance of certification for each webinar. Learn more about CE opportunities ([link removed]).
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For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events ([link removed]).
Editorial Information
Editor-in-Chief
Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
Managing Editor
John D. Gräbenstein, RPh, PhD
Associate Editor
Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
Writer/Publication Coordinator
Taryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA
Style and Copy Editor
Marian Deegan, JD
Web Edition Managers
Arkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes
Contributing Writer
Laurel H. Wood, MPA
Technical Reviewer
Kayla Ohlde
About IZ Express
Immunize.org welcomes redistribution of this issue of IZ Express or selected articles.
When you do so, please add a note that Immunize.org is the source of the material and provide a link to this issue ([link removed]).
IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. NH23IP922654 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
IZ Express Disclaimer (http:// [link removed])
ISSN: 2771-8085
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