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IZ Express #1,837 - Travel vaccine web pages for public, COVID-19 and MMR recommendations, and more
| From | Immunize.org <[email protected]> |
| Subject | IZ Express #1,837 - Travel vaccine web pages for public, COVID-19 and MMR recommendations, and more |
| Date | October 15, 2025 10:45 AM |
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Issue 1,837: October 15, 2025
Top Stories
* VaccineInformation.org, our website for the public, launches travel vaccine web pages and new content to help travelers prepare
* ACIP recommendations from September meeting now official: MMRV and 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccination
* Specific codes may be needed when billing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for COVID-19 and other Medicare Part B vaccinations given at the same visit
* Common Health Coalition publishes Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guide on Respiratory Vaccines for Clinicians
* Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during government shutdown; continue vaccinating
* “Use Same Brand of MenB for All Doses.” Watch the 1-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
* Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: Vaccine Basics
* Recap: Immunize.org updates four patient handouts summarizing immunization schedules for babies, children, and teens
Featured Resources
* Medscape offers educational activity on viral hepatitis; CE credit offered
* American Hospital Association offers United Against the Flu Toolkit, focused on availability of influenza vaccine for at-risk and vulnerable populations
* Vaccine Integrity Project publishes a table of medical society vaccination guidelines, along with interactive tables leading to hundreds of studies of vaccine safety and effectiveness published in the past year
* Improve your outreach efforts with printable and downloadable resources from Immunize.org’s LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website
Notable Publications
* “Healthcare Worker Perspectives on System-Level Barriers to Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination: An Analysis in Five Urban U.S. Hospitals” published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
* “Association of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine with COVID-19 Outcomes in U.S. Veterans” published in New England Journal of Medicine
Upcoming Events
* Virtual: North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts webinar titled “Vaccine Communication in an Age of Polarization” on October 23 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit offered (
* Virtual: NFID offers 2025 Clinical Vaccinology Course, November 17–19; fee to register; CE credit offered
------------------------------------------------------------
Top Stories
------------------------------------------------------------
VaccineInformation.org, our website for the public, launches travel vaccine web pages and new content to help travelers prepare
The VaccineInformation.org website makes it easy for anyone to access current travel vaccination guidance from authoritative sources. The new Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) main page, located under the Vaccine Basics tab, curates links to useful travel vaccination resources from CDC and nongovernmental experts, such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Direct links to popular resources in the CDC Travelers’ Health ([link removed]) website and CDC Travel Health Notices ([link removed]) make it easy for people to find trustworthy advice.
Below the Key Resources section, a Disease Directory lists vaccine-preventable diseases with travel vaccination considerations. Each of the disease pages listed on the Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) main page contains disease-specific travel information. Two new disease pages were added: Chikungunya ([link removed]) and Japanese Encephalitis ([link removed]).
Within the Where To Get Vaccinated ([link removed]) tab of the Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) section, we added a section with links to assist travelers looking for a travel vaccine clinic. ([link removed])
Share our new Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) page at VaccineInformation.org and let your patients know they can find trustworthy travel vaccination information at this site. As always, we welcome your feedback.
------------------------------------------------------------
ACIP recommendations from September meeting now official: MMRV and 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccination
On October 6, the acting CDC director accepted the September 18–19 ACIP recommendations to not recommend use of MMRV vaccine (ProQuad, Merck) for children younger than age 4 years. He also accepted all of ACIP’s COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, including the individual-based decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision-making ([link removed]) [SCDM]) recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination of all people age 6 months and older following discussion with a healthcare professional. His acceptance makes the ACIP’s recommendations official CDC recommendations.
On October 7, CDC updated the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule ([link removed]) and the Adult Immunization Schedule ([link removed]) to reflect these changes. The CDC schedule now reflects the new ACIP recommendation that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is recommended based on shared clinical decision-making. Beginning May 2025, the CDC schedule was silent on COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, while the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continued to recommend routine use of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. Immunize.org is updating its materials as needed to reflect these new CDC recommendations.
------------------------------------------------------------
Specific codes may be needed when billing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for COVID-19 and other Medicare Part B vaccinations given at the same visit
Some vaccine providers report recent claim denials by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for vaccine administration when both COVID-19 and another Medicare Part B vaccine are administered at the same visit. The National Community Pharmacists Association ([link removed]) sent the message below to its members to address this issue. Similar advice may be warranted in other settings.
CMS and its Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) require modifier 59 “Distinct Procedural Service” be added to the second (or any additional) vaccine administration codes when the COVID-19 vaccine is administered on the same date of service as other Part B vaccines. For example, in addition to the CPT or HCPCS codes for the COVID-19 and flu vaccine products, the claim should include 90480 and G0008-59, respectively, to claim reimbursement for administering the vaccine products. Pharmacies that use a billing intermediary to format prescription claims for the MAC should ask for updated instructions (e.g. a DUR Reason for Service code) on preparing the Rx claim when COVID-19 is one of two or more Part B vaccines administered to a patient on the same date of service.
------------------------------------------------------------
Common Health Coalition publishes Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guide on Respiratory Vaccines for Clinicians
In collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, multiple pharmacy associations, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the Common Health Coalition released a new resource, Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guide on Respiratory Vaccines for Clinicians ([link removed]). The simple 2-page document addresses common questions among vaccinators about how to implement ACIP recommendations calling for shared clinical decision-making, including for COVID-19 vaccines. The guide is print-ready and offers practical tips for discussion points and documentation in any clinical setting.
------------------------------------------------------------
Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during government shutdown; continue vaccinating
October marks the unofficial start of respiratory disease season. Now is a great time of year to vaccinate against influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. CDC reports on respiratory virus activity are not being updated during the federal government shutdown. We will resume our weekly updates when the surveillance reports are next updated. Meanwhile, keep vaccinating!
------------------------------------------------------------
“Use Same Brand of MenB for All Doses.” Watch the 1-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
This week, our featured episode from the Ask the Experts Video Series is titled Use Same Brand of MenB for All Doses ([link removed]). The video describes how the same brand should be used for all doses (primary and booster) of a meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero or Penmenvy [MenABCWY] by GSK; Trumenba or Penbraya [MenABCWY] by Pfizer).
The 1-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])
------------------------------------------------------------
Vaccines in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* Fox17: President Trump Gets Updated COVID, Flu Vaccines During Physical ([link removed]) (10/11/25)
* KFF: KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Tylenol-Autism Link and Vaccine Policies ([link removed]) (10/9/25)
* MedPage Today: Experts Pan Call to Break Up the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine—“I Cannot Think of a Single Reason to Implement Such a Concept” ([link removed]) (10/7/25)
* New York Times: Seeking COVID Shots for Their Children, Some Parents Hit a Wall ([link removed]) (10/7/25)
------------------------------------------------------------
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
------------------------------------------------------------
Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: Vaccine Basics
VaccineInformation.org is our educational website for the public, offering straightforward information for people of all ages about vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines to prevent them.
Today we spotlight the Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) section of the website which covers foundational topics about vaccines, immunization, and vaccine-related resources. The Vaccines Basics pages are located under the first tab of the main menu.
The main page ([link removed]) provides an overview and links to other resources on the website. Twelve topics are covered in separate pages:
* Evaluating Online Health Information ([link removed]): a checklist and guidance on how to critically assess vaccine or health-related content found online
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ([link removed]): answers to common questions about vaccine safety, how vaccines work, vaccine schedules, and more
* How Vaccines Work ([link removed]) : explanation of how the immune system works and how vaccines help the body build immunity
* Importance of Vaccines ([link removed]): summarizes why vaccines are essential — for individuals, communities, and disease prevention
* Improving the Vaccination Experience ([link removed]): resources and tips for reducing anxiety or discomfort around getting shots (for both children and adults)
* Paying for Vaccines ([link removed]): information on coverage by health insurance and guidance for those uninsured or needing financial assistance
* State Immunization Programs ([link removed]): contains links to each state’s immunization program
* Tips for Finding Vaccine Records ([link removed]): ideas for tracking down past immunization records, especially when records may be scattered
* Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]): combines routine and destination-specific vaccine guidance with links to traveler health and travel-specific disease information
* Trusted Sources of Vaccine Information ([link removed]): a curated list of trustworthy organizations and websites to help readers avoid misinformation
* Vaccine Safety ([link removed]): discussion of the U.S. vaccine safety system, how side effects are monitored, and assurances of vaccine safety
* Where to Get Vaccinated ([link removed]): practical guidance on places where vaccines are available—including doctors’ offices, pharmacies, health clinics, and other special vaccination clinics
We hope you find these VaccineInformation.org ([link removed]) resources helpful. Share these pages to help patients looking for credible and trustworthy information about vaccines.
------------------------------------------------------------
Recap: Immunize.org updates four patient handouts summarizing immunization schedules for babies, children, and teens
Immunize.org updated four patient handouts summarizing immunization schedules for babies, children, and teens. The updates were made to advise parents to talk with their child's healthcare provider about COVID-19 vaccination.
Updated handouts include:
* Immunizations for Babies ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens ([link removed])
* When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Featured Resources
------------------------------------------------------------
Medscape offers educational activity on viral hepatitis; CE credit offered
Medscape Education released a curriculum, Targeting Viral Hepatitis: A Road Map for Providers ([link removed]), featuring expert perspectives on preventing and managing viral hepatitis. Two sections focus on hepatitis C and the third focuses on universal hepatitis B screening and vaccination. The hepatitis B module was codeveloped and moderated by Immunize.org’s L.J Tan, PhD.
To earn CME, ABIM MOC, or CE credit please click here ([link removed]).
------------------------------------------------------------
American Hospital Association offers United Against the Flu Toolkit, focused on availability of influenza vaccine for at-risk and vulnerable populations
The American Hospital Association (AHA) launched its United Against the Flu Toolkit ([link removed]) with easy-to-share content to spread awareness about availability of influenza vaccine for at-risk and vulnerable populations. This toolkit features messages and social media assets that hospitals and health systems can use on their own channels.
------------------------------------------------------------
Vaccine Integrity Project publishes a table of medical society vaccination guidelines, along with interactive tables leading to hundreds of studies of vaccine safety and effectiveness published in the past year
The Vaccine Integrity Project ([link removed]) assembled a team of experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, and evidence review to look at recently published and publicly available data on vaccine safety and effectiveness for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.
The Vaccine Integrity Project recently published an interactive table infographic that links users to current professional medical society guidance. They will update the table when recommendations are added or revised.
Within each cell of the table is a hyperlink called "VIP Reviewed Evidence" that leads to a summation of recent studies of vaccine safety and effectiveness organized by disease and by age group. The Studies tab lists over 731 citations of study reports, sorted by virus, target population for vaccination, and journal.
Visit the Vaccine Integrity Project ([link removed]) home page to access these tools and other resources.
------------------------------------------------------------
Improve your outreach efforts with printable and downloadable resources from Immunize.org’s LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website
Our newest website, LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org ([link removed]), is a trustworthy, parent-friendly platform that delivers factual information about childhood vaccines. It equips families with trustworthy answers to questions and providers with tools to advocate for childhood immunization confidently.
At the third menu tab, the Share the Facts ([link removed]) section offers shareable fact sheets, social media graphics, videos, and infographics. New this month, each of the 19 downloadable infographics are available in printable form (PDFs with added page breaks), to post in your clinic waiting and exam rooms. The printable versions have the same content as the originals and are designated with a purple banner on the top of the image that says, "printable."
Below are just a few examples of these infographics.
* Vaccines Are Safe ([link removed]) (printable version ([link removed]) )
* Getting COVID-19 vs. Getting Vaccinated ([link removed]) (printable version ([link removed]) )
* Getting Measles vs. Getting Vaccinated ([link removed]) (printable version ([link removed]) )
Visit LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org ([link removed]) to access more than 70 resources that can be filtered by audience, topic, and format. Each item can be viewed, downloaded, or shared directly to social media.
------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Publications
------------------------------------------------------------
“Healthcare Worker Perspectives on System-Level Barriers to Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination: An Analysis in Five Urban U.S. Hospitals” published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
In its October 1 issue, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics published Healthcare Worker Perspectives on System-Level Barriers to Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination: An Analysis in Five Urban U.S. Hospitals ([link removed]). A portion of the abstract and a summary of key findings appear below.
Despite three decades of recommendations, hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage remains suboptimal at 81.5% nationally, falling short of other routine immunizations and public health targets. This study examined implementation practices across five Washington, DC birthing hospitals through semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare workers representing professional roles.
Key findings of this study include:
* Providers demonstrated strong support for vaccination, with 94% routinely recommending the birth dose for newborns
* Only 69% consistently recommended vaccination for premature infants, revealing concerning practice variability and knowledge gaps regarding weight-based guidelines
* 64% unaware or uncertain about vaccination tracking systems
* Lack of designated vaccine champions and minimal leadership engagement
* Only 19% received regular education on birth-dose importance and 86% lacked training to address vaccine hesitancy
* Only 17% used electronic reminder systems, despite proven effectiveness
Immunize.org recognizes excellence in implementation of routine HepB birth dose administration through its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll. The honor roll now includes 593 birthing institutions ([link removed](healthcare)) with policies that support their achievement of birth dose administration to at least 90% of infants delivered each year.
Related Links
* Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]) main page
* Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed](healthcare)) web page
------------------------------------------------------------
“Association of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine with COVID-19 Outcomes in U.S. Veterans” published in New England Journal of Medicine
In its October 8 issue, New England Journal of Medicine published Association of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine with COVID-19 Outcomes in U.S. Veterans. ([link removed]) Portions of the abstract appear below.
We conducted an observational study that used the electronic health records of the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine among veterans who received the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day (164,132 participants) and in an active-comparator group of veterans who received the influenza vaccine only (131,839 participants), between September 3 and December 31, 2024. . . .
At 6 months of follow-up, the estimated vaccine effectiveness was 29.3% . . . against COVID-19–associated emergency department visits . . . , 39.2% . . . against COVID-19–associated hospitalizations . . . , and 64.0% against COVID-19–associated deaths . . . Vaccine effectiveness against a composite of these outcomes was 28.3% . . . The COVID-19 vaccine was associated with decreased risks of these outcomes across prespecified subgroups defined according to age (<65 years, 65 to 75 years, and >75 years), the presence or absence of major coexisting conditions, and immunocompetence status.
------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events
------------------------------------------------------------
Virtual: North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts webinar titled “Vaccine Communication in an Age of Polarization” on October 23 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit offered
The North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education will host a webinar titled Vaccine Communication in an Age of Polarization ([link removed]), from 1:00 p.m. (ET) on October 23. This webinar will explore how false information and messaging missteps—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—contributed to hesitancy and distrust.
Participants will examine responses to vaccine hesitant individuals, learning which approaches foster productive dialogue and which may inadvertently reinforce skepticism.
Free CME and CPE will be provided to live attendees.
Register for the webinar ([link removed]).
------------------------------------------------------------
Virtual: NFID offers 2025 Clinical Vaccinology Course, November 17–19; fee to register; CE credit offered
NFID ([link removed]) will hold its Clinical Vaccinology Course ([link removed]) November 17–19. This 3-day online course focuses on new developments and issues related to the use of vaccines. Expert faculty provide the latest information on vaccines, including updated recommendations for vaccinations across the lifespan, and innovative and practical strategies for ensuring timely and appropriate vaccination.
View event details ([link removed]).
Register for the online course ([link removed]) ($700 fee).
------------------------------------------------------------
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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Issue 1,837: October 15, 2025
Top Stories
* VaccineInformation.org, our website for the public, launches travel vaccine web pages and new content to help travelers prepare
* ACIP recommendations from September meeting now official: MMRV and 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccination
* Specific codes may be needed when billing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for COVID-19 and other Medicare Part B vaccinations given at the same visit
* Common Health Coalition publishes Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guide on Respiratory Vaccines for Clinicians
* Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during government shutdown; continue vaccinating
* “Use Same Brand of MenB for All Doses.” Watch the 1-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
* Vaccines in the news
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: Vaccine Basics
* Recap: Immunize.org updates four patient handouts summarizing immunization schedules for babies, children, and teens
Featured Resources
* Medscape offers educational activity on viral hepatitis; CE credit offered
* American Hospital Association offers United Against the Flu Toolkit, focused on availability of influenza vaccine for at-risk and vulnerable populations
* Vaccine Integrity Project publishes a table of medical society vaccination guidelines, along with interactive tables leading to hundreds of studies of vaccine safety and effectiveness published in the past year
* Improve your outreach efforts with printable and downloadable resources from Immunize.org’s LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website
Notable Publications
* “Healthcare Worker Perspectives on System-Level Barriers to Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination: An Analysis in Five Urban U.S. Hospitals” published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
* “Association of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine with COVID-19 Outcomes in U.S. Veterans” published in New England Journal of Medicine
Upcoming Events
* Virtual: North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts webinar titled “Vaccine Communication in an Age of Polarization” on October 23 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit offered (
* Virtual: NFID offers 2025 Clinical Vaccinology Course, November 17–19; fee to register; CE credit offered
------------------------------------------------------------
Top Stories
------------------------------------------------------------
VaccineInformation.org, our website for the public, launches travel vaccine web pages and new content to help travelers prepare
The VaccineInformation.org website makes it easy for anyone to access current travel vaccination guidance from authoritative sources. The new Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) main page, located under the Vaccine Basics tab, curates links to useful travel vaccination resources from CDC and nongovernmental experts, such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Direct links to popular resources in the CDC Travelers’ Health ([link removed]) website and CDC Travel Health Notices ([link removed]) make it easy for people to find trustworthy advice.
Below the Key Resources section, a Disease Directory lists vaccine-preventable diseases with travel vaccination considerations. Each of the disease pages listed on the Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) main page contains disease-specific travel information. Two new disease pages were added: Chikungunya ([link removed]) and Japanese Encephalitis ([link removed]).
Within the Where To Get Vaccinated ([link removed]) tab of the Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) section, we added a section with links to assist travelers looking for a travel vaccine clinic. ([link removed])
Share our new Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) page at VaccineInformation.org and let your patients know they can find trustworthy travel vaccination information at this site. As always, we welcome your feedback.
------------------------------------------------------------
ACIP recommendations from September meeting now official: MMRV and 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccination
On October 6, the acting CDC director accepted the September 18–19 ACIP recommendations to not recommend use of MMRV vaccine (ProQuad, Merck) for children younger than age 4 years. He also accepted all of ACIP’s COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, including the individual-based decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision-making ([link removed]) [SCDM]) recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination of all people age 6 months and older following discussion with a healthcare professional. His acceptance makes the ACIP’s recommendations official CDC recommendations.
On October 7, CDC updated the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule ([link removed]) and the Adult Immunization Schedule ([link removed]) to reflect these changes. The CDC schedule now reflects the new ACIP recommendation that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is recommended based on shared clinical decision-making. Beginning May 2025, the CDC schedule was silent on COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, while the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continued to recommend routine use of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. Immunize.org is updating its materials as needed to reflect these new CDC recommendations.
------------------------------------------------------------
Specific codes may be needed when billing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for COVID-19 and other Medicare Part B vaccinations given at the same visit
Some vaccine providers report recent claim denials by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for vaccine administration when both COVID-19 and another Medicare Part B vaccine are administered at the same visit. The National Community Pharmacists Association ([link removed]) sent the message below to its members to address this issue. Similar advice may be warranted in other settings.
CMS and its Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) require modifier 59 “Distinct Procedural Service” be added to the second (or any additional) vaccine administration codes when the COVID-19 vaccine is administered on the same date of service as other Part B vaccines. For example, in addition to the CPT or HCPCS codes for the COVID-19 and flu vaccine products, the claim should include 90480 and G0008-59, respectively, to claim reimbursement for administering the vaccine products. Pharmacies that use a billing intermediary to format prescription claims for the MAC should ask for updated instructions (e.g. a DUR Reason for Service code) on preparing the Rx claim when COVID-19 is one of two or more Part B vaccines administered to a patient on the same date of service.
------------------------------------------------------------
Common Health Coalition publishes Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guide on Respiratory Vaccines for Clinicians
In collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, multiple pharmacy associations, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the Common Health Coalition released a new resource, Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guide on Respiratory Vaccines for Clinicians ([link removed]). The simple 2-page document addresses common questions among vaccinators about how to implement ACIP recommendations calling for shared clinical decision-making, including for COVID-19 vaccines. The guide is print-ready and offers practical tips for discussion points and documentation in any clinical setting.
------------------------------------------------------------
Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during government shutdown; continue vaccinating
October marks the unofficial start of respiratory disease season. Now is a great time of year to vaccinate against influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. CDC reports on respiratory virus activity are not being updated during the federal government shutdown. We will resume our weekly updates when the surveillance reports are next updated. Meanwhile, keep vaccinating!
------------------------------------------------------------
“Use Same Brand of MenB for All Doses.” Watch the 1-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
This week, our featured episode from the Ask the Experts Video Series is titled Use Same Brand of MenB for All Doses ([link removed]). The video describes how the same brand should be used for all doses (primary and booster) of a meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero or Penmenvy [MenABCWY] by GSK; Trumenba or Penbraya [MenABCWY] by Pfizer).
The 1-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])
------------------------------------------------------------
Vaccines in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* Fox17: President Trump Gets Updated COVID, Flu Vaccines During Physical ([link removed]) (10/11/25)
* KFF: KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Tylenol-Autism Link and Vaccine Policies ([link removed]) (10/9/25)
* MedPage Today: Experts Pan Call to Break Up the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine—“I Cannot Think of a Single Reason to Implement Such a Concept” ([link removed]) (10/7/25)
* New York Times: Seeking COVID Shots for Their Children, Some Parents Hit a Wall ([link removed]) (10/7/25)
------------------------------------------------------------
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
------------------------------------------------------------
Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: Vaccine Basics
VaccineInformation.org is our educational website for the public, offering straightforward information for people of all ages about vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines to prevent them.
Today we spotlight the Vaccine Basics ([link removed]) section of the website which covers foundational topics about vaccines, immunization, and vaccine-related resources. The Vaccines Basics pages are located under the first tab of the main menu.
The main page ([link removed]) provides an overview and links to other resources on the website. Twelve topics are covered in separate pages:
* Evaluating Online Health Information ([link removed]): a checklist and guidance on how to critically assess vaccine or health-related content found online
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ([link removed]): answers to common questions about vaccine safety, how vaccines work, vaccine schedules, and more
* How Vaccines Work ([link removed]) : explanation of how the immune system works and how vaccines help the body build immunity
* Importance of Vaccines ([link removed]): summarizes why vaccines are essential — for individuals, communities, and disease prevention
* Improving the Vaccination Experience ([link removed]): resources and tips for reducing anxiety or discomfort around getting shots (for both children and adults)
* Paying for Vaccines ([link removed]): information on coverage by health insurance and guidance for those uninsured or needing financial assistance
* State Immunization Programs ([link removed]): contains links to each state’s immunization program
* Tips for Finding Vaccine Records ([link removed]): ideas for tracking down past immunization records, especially when records may be scattered
* Travel Vaccine Basics ([link removed]): combines routine and destination-specific vaccine guidance with links to traveler health and travel-specific disease information
* Trusted Sources of Vaccine Information ([link removed]): a curated list of trustworthy organizations and websites to help readers avoid misinformation
* Vaccine Safety ([link removed]): discussion of the U.S. vaccine safety system, how side effects are monitored, and assurances of vaccine safety
* Where to Get Vaccinated ([link removed]): practical guidance on places where vaccines are available—including doctors’ offices, pharmacies, health clinics, and other special vaccination clinics
We hope you find these VaccineInformation.org ([link removed]) resources helpful. Share these pages to help patients looking for credible and trustworthy information about vaccines.
------------------------------------------------------------
Recap: Immunize.org updates four patient handouts summarizing immunization schedules for babies, children, and teens
Immunize.org updated four patient handouts summarizing immunization schedules for babies, children, and teens. The updates were made to advise parents to talk with their child's healthcare provider about COVID-19 vaccination.
Updated handouts include:
* Immunizations for Babies ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens ([link removed])
* When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Featured Resources
------------------------------------------------------------
Medscape offers educational activity on viral hepatitis; CE credit offered
Medscape Education released a curriculum, Targeting Viral Hepatitis: A Road Map for Providers ([link removed]), featuring expert perspectives on preventing and managing viral hepatitis. Two sections focus on hepatitis C and the third focuses on universal hepatitis B screening and vaccination. The hepatitis B module was codeveloped and moderated by Immunize.org’s L.J Tan, PhD.
To earn CME, ABIM MOC, or CE credit please click here ([link removed]).
------------------------------------------------------------
American Hospital Association offers United Against the Flu Toolkit, focused on availability of influenza vaccine for at-risk and vulnerable populations
The American Hospital Association (AHA) launched its United Against the Flu Toolkit ([link removed]) with easy-to-share content to spread awareness about availability of influenza vaccine for at-risk and vulnerable populations. This toolkit features messages and social media assets that hospitals and health systems can use on their own channels.
------------------------------------------------------------
Vaccine Integrity Project publishes a table of medical society vaccination guidelines, along with interactive tables leading to hundreds of studies of vaccine safety and effectiveness published in the past year
The Vaccine Integrity Project ([link removed]) assembled a team of experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, and evidence review to look at recently published and publicly available data on vaccine safety and effectiveness for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.
The Vaccine Integrity Project recently published an interactive table infographic that links users to current professional medical society guidance. They will update the table when recommendations are added or revised.
Within each cell of the table is a hyperlink called "VIP Reviewed Evidence" that leads to a summation of recent studies of vaccine safety and effectiveness organized by disease and by age group. The Studies tab lists over 731 citations of study reports, sorted by virus, target population for vaccination, and journal.
Visit the Vaccine Integrity Project ([link removed]) home page to access these tools and other resources.
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Improve your outreach efforts with printable and downloadable resources from Immunize.org’s LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website
Our newest website, LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org ([link removed]), is a trustworthy, parent-friendly platform that delivers factual information about childhood vaccines. It equips families with trustworthy answers to questions and providers with tools to advocate for childhood immunization confidently.
At the third menu tab, the Share the Facts ([link removed]) section offers shareable fact sheets, social media graphics, videos, and infographics. New this month, each of the 19 downloadable infographics are available in printable form (PDFs with added page breaks), to post in your clinic waiting and exam rooms. The printable versions have the same content as the originals and are designated with a purple banner on the top of the image that says, "printable."
Below are just a few examples of these infographics.
* Vaccines Are Safe ([link removed]) (printable version ([link removed]) )
* Getting COVID-19 vs. Getting Vaccinated ([link removed]) (printable version ([link removed]) )
* Getting Measles vs. Getting Vaccinated ([link removed]) (printable version ([link removed]) )
Visit LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org ([link removed]) to access more than 70 resources that can be filtered by audience, topic, and format. Each item can be viewed, downloaded, or shared directly to social media.
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Notable Publications
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“Healthcare Worker Perspectives on System-Level Barriers to Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination: An Analysis in Five Urban U.S. Hospitals” published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
In its October 1 issue, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics published Healthcare Worker Perspectives on System-Level Barriers to Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination: An Analysis in Five Urban U.S. Hospitals ([link removed]). A portion of the abstract and a summary of key findings appear below.
Despite three decades of recommendations, hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage remains suboptimal at 81.5% nationally, falling short of other routine immunizations and public health targets. This study examined implementation practices across five Washington, DC birthing hospitals through semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare workers representing professional roles.
Key findings of this study include:
* Providers demonstrated strong support for vaccination, with 94% routinely recommending the birth dose for newborns
* Only 69% consistently recommended vaccination for premature infants, revealing concerning practice variability and knowledge gaps regarding weight-based guidelines
* 64% unaware or uncertain about vaccination tracking systems
* Lack of designated vaccine champions and minimal leadership engagement
* Only 19% received regular education on birth-dose importance and 86% lacked training to address vaccine hesitancy
* Only 17% used electronic reminder systems, despite proven effectiveness
Immunize.org recognizes excellence in implementation of routine HepB birth dose administration through its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll. The honor roll now includes 593 birthing institutions ([link removed](healthcare)) with policies that support their achievement of birth dose administration to at least 90% of infants delivered each year.
Related Links
* Give Birth to the End of Hep B ([link removed]) main page
* Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll ([link removed](healthcare)) web page
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“Association of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine with COVID-19 Outcomes in U.S. Veterans” published in New England Journal of Medicine
In its October 8 issue, New England Journal of Medicine published Association of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine with COVID-19 Outcomes in U.S. Veterans. ([link removed]) Portions of the abstract appear below.
We conducted an observational study that used the electronic health records of the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine among veterans who received the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day (164,132 participants) and in an active-comparator group of veterans who received the influenza vaccine only (131,839 participants), between September 3 and December 31, 2024. . . .
At 6 months of follow-up, the estimated vaccine effectiveness was 29.3% . . . against COVID-19–associated emergency department visits . . . , 39.2% . . . against COVID-19–associated hospitalizations . . . , and 64.0% against COVID-19–associated deaths . . . Vaccine effectiveness against a composite of these outcomes was 28.3% . . . The COVID-19 vaccine was associated with decreased risks of these outcomes across prespecified subgroups defined according to age (<65 years, 65 to 75 years, and >75 years), the presence or absence of major coexisting conditions, and immunocompetence status.
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Upcoming Events
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Virtual: North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education hosts webinar titled “Vaccine Communication in an Age of Polarization” on October 23 at 1:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit offered
The North Dakota State University Center for Immunization Research and Education will host a webinar titled Vaccine Communication in an Age of Polarization ([link removed]), from 1:00 p.m. (ET) on October 23. This webinar will explore how false information and messaging missteps—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—contributed to hesitancy and distrust.
Participants will examine responses to vaccine hesitant individuals, learning which approaches foster productive dialogue and which may inadvertently reinforce skepticism.
Free CME and CPE will be provided to live attendees.
Register for the webinar ([link removed]).
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Virtual: NFID offers 2025 Clinical Vaccinology Course, November 17–19; fee to register; CE credit offered
NFID ([link removed]) will hold its Clinical Vaccinology Course ([link removed]) November 17–19. This 3-day online course focuses on new developments and issues related to the use of vaccines. Expert faculty provide the latest information on vaccines, including updated recommendations for vaccinations across the lifespan, and innovative and practical strategies for ensuring timely and appropriate vaccination.
View event details ([link removed]).
Register for the online course ([link removed]) ($700 fee).
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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.
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