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IZ Express #1,838: Immunize.org resource updates, World Polio Day, measles update, and more
| From | Immunize.org <[email protected]> |
| Subject | IZ Express #1,838: Immunize.org resource updates, World Polio Day, measles update, and more |
| Date | October 22, 2025 10:00 AM |
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Issue 1,838: October 22, 2025
Top Stories
* Immunize.org updates eight adult patient handouts with current recommendations for RSV, meningococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines (#IZX1)
* Immunize.org updates “Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents?” and “Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers!” (#IZX2)
* Immunize.org updates “Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations” (#IZX3)
* Immunize.org updates two handouts related to meningococcal vaccination: “Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor" and “You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You!” (#IZX4)
* Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) issues recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination of residents and staff (#IZX5)
* World Polio Day is October 24; the work continues to end polio for good (#IZX6)
* Measles 2025: 1,596 confirmed cases across 41 states; outbreaks growing in South Carolina and along Utah/Arizona border (#IZX7)
* Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during federal government shutdown; continue vaccinating (#IZX8)
* Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services corrects claim denials for Medicare Part B COVID-19 vaccines when coadministered with other Part B vaccines; claims will automatically be reprocessed (#IZX9)
* “Polio Vaccination of Adults.” Watch the 2-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube. (#IZX10)
* Vaccines in the news (#IZX11)
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: resources available by age group (#IZX12)
Featured Resources
* Recap: VaccineInformation.org, Immunize.org’s website for the public, launches travel vaccine web pages and new content to help travelers prepare (#IZX13)
Notable Publications
* “First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies” published in JAMA Network Open: vaccination did not increase risk (#IZX14)
* “CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Office Performed Well During COVID-19 Pandemic; Steps Needed to Safeguard Office’s Independence, Improve Communications” published by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (#IZX15)
* "Beyond the Comment Section: Rebuilding Trust in Vaccines Through Conversation" published as commentary in Applied Clinical Trials (#IZX16)
Upcoming Events
* Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our new travel vaccines online content on November 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or November 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived. (#IZX17)
Editorial Information (#Editorial)
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Top Stories
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Immunize.org updates eight adult patient handouts with current recommendations for RSV, meningococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines
Immunize.org recently updated its 8-handout suite of 1-page vaccination guides for adults. The suite includes a general adult vaccination handout, in addition to one tailored for men who have sex with men, and six for people with common chronic health conditions. All guides now include current recommendations for all adult vaccines. Changes include:
* The adult RSV vaccination recommendation for people at increased risk for serious RSV infection now begins at age 50 years. Routine vaccination of all adults still begins at age 75.
* Adults are advised to “talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider” about COVID-19 vaccination.
* The meningococcal section now states “a combination MenABCWY is an option when both MenB and MenACWY vaccines are needed.”
The revised handouts for adults are listed below.
* Vaccinations for Adults: You're Never Too Old to Get Vaccinated ([link removed]) (useful for all adults)
* Vaccinations for Men Who Have Sex with Men ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with HIV Infection ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Chronic Liver Disease or Infection ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Diabetes ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Heart Disease ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Lung Disease ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults Without a Spleen ([link removed])
[link removed]
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Adult Vaccination ([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
Back to top (#Top)
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Immunize.org updates “Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents?” and “Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers!”
Immunize.org recently updated two resources healthcare professionals can use to direct their patients to reputable information. Resources include:
* Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents? ([link removed] ) Updates include a focus on nongovernmental resources. New resources include the LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website, Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) short- and long-form videos, and resources in the vaccines-and-autism box. Web links were updated as needed.
* Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers! ([link removed]) Updates include a focus on nongovernmental websites, adding the new LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website and VEC at CHOP short- and long-form videos. Phone and email contact information for CDC is provided, including a note that CDC callers may have questions addressed in English or Spanish and that guidance from CDC and pediatricians may vary.
[link removed] [link removed]
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Confidence ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Parent Handouts ([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
Back to top (#Top)
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Immunize.org updates “Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations”
Immunize.org updated Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations ([link removed] ) . This now indicates that there are no specific CDC occupational recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare personnel.
[link removed]
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Recommendations ([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
Back to top (#Top)
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Immunize.org updates two handouts related to meningococcal vaccination: “Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor" and “You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You!”
Immunize.org recently updated its 1-page healthcare provider guide to meningococcal ACWY vaccination and its patient handout for 16-year-olds that is codeveloped and co-branded with our partners at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM).
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor ([link removed] ) now includes the pentavalent MenABCWY. A new table displays currently licensed and recommended MenACWY vaccine options (MenQuadfi, Sanofi; Menveo, GSK), including important clinical notes about each. The schedule table for meningococcal vaccination of children and adults more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease as a result of medical risk or exposure risk was simplified. A note was added indicating that combination MenABCWY vaccines (Penbraya, Pfizer; Penmenvy, GSK) may be an option in recipients age 10 years or older when the recipient needs protection against serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y.
The Immunize.org and SAHM handout You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You! ([link removed] ) was updated with the latest recommendations for meningococcal and COVID-19 vaccination. A statement was added that MenABCWY may be used when MenACWY and MenB are needed at the same visit. The section on COVID-19 was revised to state “COVID-19 vaccination may be recommended for you. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.”
[link removed] [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
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Recommendations ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Confidence ([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
Back to top (#Top)
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Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) issues recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination of residents and staff
On October 14, the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association ([link removed]) (PALTmed) released a prepublication version ([link removed]) of its recommendations for 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccination of residents and staff in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) facilities. Most residents in PALTC settings are older adults and often have multiple underlying health conditions, increasing their risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Staff members, both clinical and nonclinical, also face a heightened risk of exposure within these environments. Vaccination helps lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 among staff, residents, and visitors.
[link removed] COVID recommendations_FINAL.pdf
PALTmed's COVID-19 vaccination recommendations are summarized below:
* Residents age 18 and older should receive one dose of 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine
* Residents with moderate to severe immunocompromise should receive two doses of 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine, with a preferred interval of 6 months between doses
* Clinical and nonclinical staff should receive one dose of 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine
* Any age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine may be used
View their guidance ([link removed]) for details. This guidance will be published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. ([link removed])
Back to top (#Top)
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World Polio Day is October 24; the work continues to end polio for good
World Polio Day ([link removed]) , organized by End Polio Now and Rotary International, is observed on October 24. It is a day for everyone who wants a world free from polio to come together, recognize progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about actions needed to end polio for good.
Poliomyelitis ([link removed]) is a highly infectious disease. The virus is spread through the feces of infected people who usually have no symptoms. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine—one which Rotary and its partners have used to immunize more than 2.5 billion children worldwide.
[link removed]
To encourage sharing information, the World Polio Day Resources ([link removed]) web page links to videos, social media tools, educational materials, posters, and more. Use hashtag #EndPolio when sharing sample posts.
Related Links
* End Polio Now and Rotary International: World Polio Day ([link removed]) web page
* End Polio Now and Rotary International: World Polio Day Resources ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Polio Vaccination ([link removed]) web page
* American Academy of Pediatrics: Polio & Vaccines to Prevent Paralytic Polio ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Polio ([link removed]) main page
Back to top (#Top)
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Measles 2025: 1,596 confirmed cases across 41 states; outbreaks growing in South Carolina and along Utah/Arizona border
As of October 15, CDC reported 1,596 confirmed measles cases ([link removed]) in 2025 in 41 states. Of reported confirmed cases, 86% were outbreak-associated. Notable state outbreaks include:
* As of October 16, Utah reported 57 confirmed cases ([link removed]) this year, including 42 in the southwest part of the state where an outbreak is ongoing ([link removed]) . Nearly all documented cases are among the unvaccinated.
* On October 16, Arizona reported 77 confirmed cases ([link removed]) this year.
* On October 17, South Carolina reported 19 confirmed cases with 15 linked to an ongoing outbreak ([link removed]) in Spartanburg County. More than 150 unvaccinated children from two schools were quarantined after being exposed to the virus.
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, higher than confirmed case counts.
A map of 2025 measles cases ([link removed]) in the contiguous United States, as of October 17, from the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center ([link removed]) , appears below. The U.S. Measles Tracker ([link removed]) website includes state and county-level data.
[link removed]
Canada has experienced 5,060 measles cases ([link removed]) in 2025, with 36 cases reported in 4 provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario) in the most recent surveillance week ending October 4.
Immunize.org offers measles-related resources for the public on several of our affiliated websites:
* VaccineInformation.org: Measles ([link removed]) web page
* LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org: Measles ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Measles ([link removed]) main page
Another credible source is the American Academy of Pediatrics web page: Fact Checked: The Measles Vaccine Is Safe and Effective ([link removed]) .
Related Links
* CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Be Ready for Measles Toolkit ([link removed])
* Health Canada: Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report ([link removed])
* Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Outbreak Response Innovation: Measles Outbreak Response ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Measles ([link removed]) main page
Back to top (#Top)
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Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during federal government shutdown; continue vaccinating
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 updated.
Meanwhile, keep vaccinating! October is a great time of year to vaccinate against influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
Back to top (#Top)
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services corrects claim denials for Medicare Part B COVID-19 vaccines when coadministered with other Part B vaccines; claims will automatically be reprocessed
Some vaccinators have experienced claim denials by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for vaccine administration when both COVID-19 and another Medicare Part B vaccine were administered at the same visit. CMS issued a newsletter dated October 15 ([link removed]) stating that this was an error and all of these claims will be reprocessed. Providers are not required to take action. A portion of the newsletter appears below.
Some providers may have 90480 claims denied when billed in conjunction with G0008, G0009, or G0010 as a result of a Procedure to Procedure edit released in the 2025 Quarter 4 National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) files. On October 14, 2025, CMS issued replacement NCCI files to remove this edit. Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) will reprocess claims with dates of service between July 1, 2025, and October 15, 2025, within approximately 30 business days, and Medicare providers don’t need to take any action. Alternatively, a provider may also choose to use the MAC appeals process if they don’t wish to wait for the automatic adjustment to occur, or they can wait to submit impacted claims until after CMS implements the change.
Back to top (#Top)
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“Polio Vaccination of Adults.” Watch the 2-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 Polio Vaccination of Adults ([link removed]) . The video describes the June 2023 ACIP guidance to recommend that all adults in the United States who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated against polio complete a 3-dose IPV series, regardless of exposure risk.
The 2-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.
[link removed]
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])
Back to top (#Top)
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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: U.S. Measles Cases Continue to Climb, with Outbreaks Across the Country ([link removed]) (10/15/25)
* U.S. News: How States Are Getting Around Vaccine Mandates ([link removed]) (10/14/25)
* Medpage Today: When It Comes to the Shingles Vaccine, More Is Better ([link removed]) (10/13/25)
Back to top (#Top)
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Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
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Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: resources available by age group
VaccineInformation.org ([link removed]) 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 four age groups listed in the dropdown menus at the top of each web page.
Each age group is featured on a main page:
* Infants & Children ([link removed])
* Preteens ([link removed])
* Teens ([link removed])
* Adults ([link removed])
Each of those four tabs links to four subsections:
* Vaccines You Need: schedules and other information about the vaccines recommended for that age group, schedule tools, and links to find places to get vaccinated
* Resources: handouts from Immunize.org (and available translations), links to content from reputable organizations such as the Vaccine Education Center, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Vaccinate Your Family
* Personal Testimonies: real stories from people who experienced vaccine-preventable illness
* Videos: videos filtered by age or disease
Share these pages to help families looking for credible information about vaccines.
Back to top (#Top)
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Featured Resources
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Recap: VaccineInformation.org, Immunize.org’s 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 on the CDC Travelers’ Health ([link removed]) website and CDC Travel Health Notices ([link removed]) make it easy for people to find trustworthy advice.
[link removed]
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])
[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.
Back to top (#Top)
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Notable Publications
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“First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies” published in JAMA Network Open: vaccination did not increase risk
In its October 15 issue, JAMA Network Open published First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies ([link removed]) . This large study found no evidence of any relationship between first-trimester mRNA vaccination for COVID-19 and any of 75 different birth defects. The findings section is below.
In this nationwide cohort study of 527564 live-born infants, 130338 (24.7%) were exposed to an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine during the first trimester of pregnancy. There was no association with an increased risk for 75 different major congenital malformations, whether examined overall, grouped by organ systems, or individually.
Back to top (#Top)
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“CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Office Performed Well During COVID-19 Pandemic; Steps Needed to Safeguard Office’s Independence, Improve Communications” published by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
On October 7, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Office Performed Well During COVID-19 Pandemic; Steps Needed to Safeguard Office’s Independence, Improve Communications ([link removed]) . A portion of the news release about the report ([link removed]) appears below.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Immunization Safety Office (ISO) carried out scientifically robust, timely, and effective monitoring and evaluation of vaccine risks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The office’s proactive identification of emerging vaccine risk concerns informed critical public health decisions.
The report identifies ongoing challenges related to public trust, transparency, and the perception of ISO’s independence, however. The perceived overlap between ISO’s risk monitoring activities and CDC’s broader efforts to encourage vaccine use continues to raise public concerns about the objectivity of risk assessments.
ISO should clearly distinguish its role from CDC’s efforts to encourage vaccination, the report says. CDC should protect ISO’s independence, keeping the office operationally and administratively insulated from units in CDC that carry out promotion or policymaking activities, such as promoting vaccination.
Related Links
* National Academies: Review of CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research and Communications ([link removed]) web page
* National Academies: Vaccine Risk Monitoring and Evaluation at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ([link removed]) (PDF)
Back to top (#Top)
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"Beyond the Comment Section: Rebuilding Trust in Vaccines Through Conversation" published as commentary in Applied Clinical Trials
In the October 13 issue, Applied Clinical Trials published a commentary, Beyond the Comment Section: Rebuilding Trust in Vaccines Through Conversation ([link removed]) . Portions of the article appear below.
This is where science communication becomes critical. Not to correct people, but to meet them.
Quinn [PhD and vaccine researcher] reflected on lessons from the pandemic: “When I was excited about something, I communicated that excitement. When I was concerned, I communicated concern without fear. . . . There are a lot of lessons about how we can bring more authenticity. Perhaps a little emotion. Not fear, but honesty.”
Catherine Hughes [Immunization Foundation of Australia] agreed: “I don’t think it makes someone an anti-vaxxer to question what we do with our children and our bodies. I think it’s actually very responsible to have questions. . . . What matters is where you go for the answers.”
Back to top (#Top)
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Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our new travel vaccines online content on November 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or November 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) or Thursday, November 13, at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) . The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our Travel Vaccines website sections on Immunize.org and VaccineInformation.org. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.
[link removed]
Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
* Wednesday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed])
* Thursday, November 13, 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.
Mark your calendar ([link removed]) for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.
Back to top (#Top)
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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. Gr
äbenstein, 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 1,838: October 22, 2025
Top Stories
* Immunize.org updates eight adult patient handouts with current recommendations for RSV, meningococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines (#IZX1)
* Immunize.org updates “Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents?” and “Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers!” (#IZX2)
* Immunize.org updates “Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations” (#IZX3)
* Immunize.org updates two handouts related to meningococcal vaccination: “Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor" and “You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You!” (#IZX4)
* Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) issues recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination of residents and staff (#IZX5)
* World Polio Day is October 24; the work continues to end polio for good (#IZX6)
* Measles 2025: 1,596 confirmed cases across 41 states; outbreaks growing in South Carolina and along Utah/Arizona border (#IZX7)
* Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during federal government shutdown; continue vaccinating (#IZX8)
* Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services corrects claim denials for Medicare Part B COVID-19 vaccines when coadministered with other Part B vaccines; claims will automatically be reprocessed (#IZX9)
* “Polio Vaccination of Adults.” Watch the 2-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube. (#IZX10)
* Vaccines in the news (#IZX11)
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
* Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: resources available by age group (#IZX12)
Featured Resources
* Recap: VaccineInformation.org, Immunize.org’s website for the public, launches travel vaccine web pages and new content to help travelers prepare (#IZX13)
Notable Publications
* “First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies” published in JAMA Network Open: vaccination did not increase risk (#IZX14)
* “CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Office Performed Well During COVID-19 Pandemic; Steps Needed to Safeguard Office’s Independence, Improve Communications” published by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (#IZX15)
* "Beyond the Comment Section: Rebuilding Trust in Vaccines Through Conversation" published as commentary in Applied Clinical Trials (#IZX16)
Upcoming Events
* Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our new travel vaccines online content on November 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or November 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived. (#IZX17)
Editorial Information (#Editorial)
------------------------------------------------------------
Top Stories
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Immunize.org updates eight adult patient handouts with current recommendations for RSV, meningococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines
Immunize.org recently updated its 8-handout suite of 1-page vaccination guides for adults. The suite includes a general adult vaccination handout, in addition to one tailored for men who have sex with men, and six for people with common chronic health conditions. All guides now include current recommendations for all adult vaccines. Changes include:
* The adult RSV vaccination recommendation for people at increased risk for serious RSV infection now begins at age 50 years. Routine vaccination of all adults still begins at age 75.
* Adults are advised to “talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider” about COVID-19 vaccination.
* The meningococcal section now states “a combination MenABCWY is an option when both MenB and MenACWY vaccines are needed.”
The revised handouts for adults are listed below.
* Vaccinations for Adults: You're Never Too Old to Get Vaccinated ([link removed]) (useful for all adults)
* Vaccinations for Men Who Have Sex with Men ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with HIV Infection ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Chronic Liver Disease or Infection ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Diabetes ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Heart Disease ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults with Lung Disease ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Adults Without a Spleen ([link removed])
[link removed]
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Adult Vaccination ([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
Back to top (#Top)
------------------------------------------------------------
Immunize.org updates “Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents?” and “Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers!”
Immunize.org recently updated two resources healthcare professionals can use to direct their patients to reputable information. Resources include:
* Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents? ([link removed] ) Updates include a focus on nongovernmental resources. New resources include the LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website, Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) short- and long-form videos, and resources in the vaccines-and-autism box. Web links were updated as needed.
* Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers! ([link removed]) Updates include a focus on nongovernmental websites, adding the new LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website and VEC at CHOP short- and long-form videos. Phone and email contact information for CDC is provided, including a note that CDC callers may have questions addressed in English or Spanish and that guidance from CDC and pediatricians may vary.
[link removed] [link removed]
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Confidence ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Parent Handouts ([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
Back to top (#Top)
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Immunize.org updates “Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations”
Immunize.org updated Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations ([link removed] ) . This now indicates that there are no specific CDC occupational recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare personnel.
[link removed]
Related Links
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Recommendations ([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
Back to top (#Top)
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Immunize.org updates two handouts related to meningococcal vaccination: “Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor" and “You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You!”
Immunize.org recently updated its 1-page healthcare provider guide to meningococcal ACWY vaccination and its patient handout for 16-year-olds that is codeveloped and co-branded with our partners at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM).
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor ([link removed] ) now includes the pentavalent MenABCWY. A new table displays currently licensed and recommended MenACWY vaccine options (MenQuadfi, Sanofi; Menveo, GSK), including important clinical notes about each. The schedule table for meningococcal vaccination of children and adults more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease as a result of medical risk or exposure risk was simplified. A note was added indicating that combination MenABCWY vaccines (Penbraya, Pfizer; Penmenvy, GSK) may be an option in recipients age 10 years or older when the recipient needs protection against serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y.
The Immunize.org and SAHM handout You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You! ([link removed] ) was updated with the latest recommendations for meningococcal and COVID-19 vaccination. A statement was added that MenABCWY may be used when MenACWY and MenB are needed at the same visit. The section on COVID-19 was revised to state “COVID-19 vaccination may be recommended for you. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.”
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Related Links
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Meningococcal ACWY ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Meningococcal B ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Recommendations ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Vaccine Confidence ([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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Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) issues recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination of residents and staff
On October 14, the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association ([link removed]) (PALTmed) released a prepublication version ([link removed]) of its recommendations for 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccination of residents and staff in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) facilities. Most residents in PALTC settings are older adults and often have multiple underlying health conditions, increasing their risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Staff members, both clinical and nonclinical, also face a heightened risk of exposure within these environments. Vaccination helps lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 among staff, residents, and visitors.
[link removed] COVID recommendations_FINAL.pdf
PALTmed's COVID-19 vaccination recommendations are summarized below:
* Residents age 18 and older should receive one dose of 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine
* Residents with moderate to severe immunocompromise should receive two doses of 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine, with a preferred interval of 6 months between doses
* Clinical and nonclinical staff should receive one dose of 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine
* Any age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine may be used
View their guidance ([link removed]) for details. This guidance will be published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. ([link removed])
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World Polio Day is October 24; the work continues to end polio for good
World Polio Day ([link removed]) , organized by End Polio Now and Rotary International, is observed on October 24. It is a day for everyone who wants a world free from polio to come together, recognize progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about actions needed to end polio for good.
Poliomyelitis ([link removed]) is a highly infectious disease. The virus is spread through the feces of infected people who usually have no symptoms. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine—one which Rotary and its partners have used to immunize more than 2.5 billion children worldwide.
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To encourage sharing information, the World Polio Day Resources ([link removed]) web page links to videos, social media tools, educational materials, posters, and more. Use hashtag #EndPolio when sharing sample posts.
Related Links
* End Polio Now and Rotary International: World Polio Day ([link removed]) web page
* End Polio Now and Rotary International: World Polio Day Resources ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Polio Vaccination ([link removed]) web page
* American Academy of Pediatrics: Polio & Vaccines to Prevent Paralytic Polio ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Polio ([link removed]) main page
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Measles 2025: 1,596 confirmed cases across 41 states; outbreaks growing in South Carolina and along Utah/Arizona border
As of October 15, CDC reported 1,596 confirmed measles cases ([link removed]) in 2025 in 41 states. Of reported confirmed cases, 86% were outbreak-associated. Notable state outbreaks include:
* As of October 16, Utah reported 57 confirmed cases ([link removed]) this year, including 42 in the southwest part of the state where an outbreak is ongoing ([link removed]) . Nearly all documented cases are among the unvaccinated.
* On October 16, Arizona reported 77 confirmed cases ([link removed]) this year.
* On October 17, South Carolina reported 19 confirmed cases with 15 linked to an ongoing outbreak ([link removed]) in Spartanburg County. More than 150 unvaccinated children from two schools were quarantined after being exposed to the virus.
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, higher than confirmed case counts.
A map of 2025 measles cases ([link removed]) in the contiguous United States, as of October 17, from the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center ([link removed]) , appears below. The U.S. Measles Tracker ([link removed]) website includes state and county-level data.
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Canada has experienced 5,060 measles cases ([link removed]) in 2025, with 36 cases reported in 4 provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario) in the most recent surveillance week ending October 4.
Immunize.org offers measles-related resources for the public on several of our affiliated websites:
* VaccineInformation.org: Measles ([link removed]) web page
* LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org: Measles ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Measles ([link removed]) main page
Another credible source is the American Academy of Pediatrics web page: Fact Checked: The Measles Vaccine Is Safe and Effective ([link removed]) .
Related Links
* CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Be Ready for Measles Toolkit ([link removed])
* Health Canada: Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report ([link removed])
* Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Outbreak Response Innovation: Measles Outbreak Response ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Measles ([link removed]) main page
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Surveillance for respiratory virus activity suspended during federal government shutdown; continue vaccinating
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 updated.
Meanwhile, keep vaccinating! October is a great time of year to vaccinate against influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services corrects claim denials for Medicare Part B COVID-19 vaccines when coadministered with other Part B vaccines; claims will automatically be reprocessed
Some vaccinators have experienced claim denials by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for vaccine administration when both COVID-19 and another Medicare Part B vaccine were administered at the same visit. CMS issued a newsletter dated October 15 ([link removed]) stating that this was an error and all of these claims will be reprocessed. Providers are not required to take action. A portion of the newsletter appears below.
Some providers may have 90480 claims denied when billed in conjunction with G0008, G0009, or G0010 as a result of a Procedure to Procedure edit released in the 2025 Quarter 4 National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) files. On October 14, 2025, CMS issued replacement NCCI files to remove this edit. Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) will reprocess claims with dates of service between July 1, 2025, and October 15, 2025, within approximately 30 business days, and Medicare providers don’t need to take any action. Alternatively, a provider may also choose to use the MAC appeals process if they don’t wish to wait for the automatic adjustment to occur, or they can wait to submit impacted claims until after CMS implements the change.
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“Polio Vaccination of Adults.” Watch the 2-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 Polio Vaccination of Adults ([link removed]) . The video describes the June 2023 ACIP guidance to recommend that all adults in the United States who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated against polio complete a 3-dose IPV series, regardless of exposure risk.
The 2-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.
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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: U.S. Measles Cases Continue to Climb, with Outbreaks Across the Country ([link removed]) (10/15/25)
* U.S. News: How States Are Getting Around Vaccine Mandates ([link removed]) (10/14/25)
* Medpage Today: When It Comes to the Shingles Vaccine, More Is Better ([link removed]) (10/13/25)
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Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
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Spotlight on the website: VaccineInformation.org: resources available by age group
VaccineInformation.org ([link removed]) 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 four age groups listed in the dropdown menus at the top of each web page.
Each age group is featured on a main page:
* Infants & Children ([link removed])
* Preteens ([link removed])
* Teens ([link removed])
* Adults ([link removed])
Each of those four tabs links to four subsections:
* Vaccines You Need: schedules and other information about the vaccines recommended for that age group, schedule tools, and links to find places to get vaccinated
* Resources: handouts from Immunize.org (and available translations), links to content from reputable organizations such as the Vaccine Education Center, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Vaccinate Your Family
* Personal Testimonies: real stories from people who experienced vaccine-preventable illness
* Videos: videos filtered by age or disease
Share these pages to help families looking for credible information about vaccines.
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Featured Resources
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Recap: VaccineInformation.org, Immunize.org’s 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 on the CDC Travelers’ Health ([link removed]) website and CDC Travel Health Notices ([link removed]) make it easy for people to find trustworthy advice.
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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])
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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.
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Notable Publications
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“First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies” published in JAMA Network Open: vaccination did not increase risk
In its October 15 issue, JAMA Network Open published First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies ([link removed]) . This large study found no evidence of any relationship between first-trimester mRNA vaccination for COVID-19 and any of 75 different birth defects. The findings section is below.
In this nationwide cohort study of 527564 live-born infants, 130338 (24.7%) were exposed to an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine during the first trimester of pregnancy. There was no association with an increased risk for 75 different major congenital malformations, whether examined overall, grouped by organ systems, or individually.
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“CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Office Performed Well During COVID-19 Pandemic; Steps Needed to Safeguard Office’s Independence, Improve Communications” published by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
On October 7, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Office Performed Well During COVID-19 Pandemic; Steps Needed to Safeguard Office’s Independence, Improve Communications ([link removed]) . A portion of the news release about the report ([link removed]) appears below.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Immunization Safety Office (ISO) carried out scientifically robust, timely, and effective monitoring and evaluation of vaccine risks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The office’s proactive identification of emerging vaccine risk concerns informed critical public health decisions.
The report identifies ongoing challenges related to public trust, transparency, and the perception of ISO’s independence, however. The perceived overlap between ISO’s risk monitoring activities and CDC’s broader efforts to encourage vaccine use continues to raise public concerns about the objectivity of risk assessments.
ISO should clearly distinguish its role from CDC’s efforts to encourage vaccination, the report says. CDC should protect ISO’s independence, keeping the office operationally and administratively insulated from units in CDC that carry out promotion or policymaking activities, such as promoting vaccination.
Related Links
* National Academies: Review of CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research and Communications ([link removed]) web page
* National Academies: Vaccine Risk Monitoring and Evaluation at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ([link removed]) (PDF)
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"Beyond the Comment Section: Rebuilding Trust in Vaccines Through Conversation" published as commentary in Applied Clinical Trials
In the October 13 issue, Applied Clinical Trials published a commentary, Beyond the Comment Section: Rebuilding Trust in Vaccines Through Conversation ([link removed]) . Portions of the article appear below.
This is where science communication becomes critical. Not to correct people, but to meet them.
Quinn [PhD and vaccine researcher] reflected on lessons from the pandemic: “When I was excited about something, I communicated that excitement. When I was concerned, I communicated concern without fear. . . . There are a lot of lessons about how we can bring more authenticity. Perhaps a little emotion. Not fear, but honesty.”
Catherine Hughes [Immunization Foundation of Australia] agreed: “I don’t think it makes someone an anti-vaxxer to question what we do with our children and our bodies. I think it’s actually very responsible to have questions. . . . What matters is where you go for the answers.”
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Upcoming Events
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Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about our new travel vaccines online content on November 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or November 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Recorded sessions archived.
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) or Thursday, November 13, at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) . The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our Travel Vaccines website sections on Immunize.org and VaccineInformation.org. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.
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Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
* Wednesday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed])
* Thursday, November 13, 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.
Mark your calendar ([link removed]) for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.
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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. Gr
äbenstein, 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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