Top Stories
NEW! Immunize.org posts printable resource "QR Code Links to Spanish Translations of Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)."
Immunize.org posted QR Code Links to Spanish Translations of Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), a 3-page PDF table of QR codes that can be scanned with the camera of a smartphone or tablet for instant access to each Spanish language VIS and the Immunization Information Statement for RSV preventive antibody products. Travel and other nonroutine vaccines are included. A QR code for the main translations page at Immunize.org also simplifies access to all available VIS translations. Post this resource where staff or Spanish-speaking patients can use it. This new tool is great for any facility that provides vaccination services to anyone whose preferred language is Spanish.

These QR codes do not go out of date when VISs are updated. When Immunize.org posts an updated VIS, the QR code will automatically link to the new version.
Related Links
“Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Intensive Care Unit Admission for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants—24 States, December 2024–April 2025” published in MMWR
CDC published Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Intensive Care Unit Admission for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants—24 States, December 2024–April 2025 on November 20 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the United States. Effectiveness of nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, has been established against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection and hospitalization among infants; nirsevimab is currently recommended by CDC to prevent severe RSV-related disease. Data are more limited regarding its effectiveness against RSV infection resulting in ICU admission and respiratory failure. . . .
In this multicenter case-control investigation, nirsevimab was 80% effective at preventing RSV-associated ICU admission and 83% effective at preventing acute respiratory failure among infants admitted to an ICU with respiratory symptoms during their first RSV season. . . .
These data support recommendations to use nirsevimab as a prevention strategy to protect infants from severe outcomes from RSV infection.

Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
Back to top
Immunize.org updates its timely patient handout, “Vaccinations Are Safe: Explaining Why”
Immunize.org updated its handout for patients, Vaccinations Are Safe: Explaining Why. This 8-page document explains the science underpinning today's vaccines. It is an excellent tool for people who seek detailed information about vaccine safety.
Changes include updated references, hyperlinks, and disease statistics.

Related Links
Back to top
Do your patients have questions about vaccines and autism? Use these trustworthy resources.
Numerous large, high-quality studies from around the world have repeatedly and consistently shown no evidence of any connection between vaccination and autism. Questions about vaccines and autism are, once again, in the news. Trustworthy resources can support your communication efforts with clear information. The following collection of evidence-based materials can help you confidently address patient questions:
- Autism Science Foundation, Autism and Vaccines web page: summarizes decades of research on the genetic and prenatal factors behind autism and reinforces the importance of vaccination as a safe and essential public health measure
- Autism Science Foundation and Vaccinate Your Family, The Truth About Autism and Vaccines: a guide to educate your communities and policymakers about autism spectrum disorder
- Autism Society, Vaccine Education Initiative: this national program addresses systemic barriers while promoting vaccine education, confidence, and access
- Autism Society, Immunize.org, and Vaccinate Your Family, The Facts About Autism and Vaccines: this 1-page PDF infographic provides simple facts about common myths and misconceptions, emphasizing the scientific research showing no link between vaccines and autism
- CHOP's Vaccine Education Center, Q&A Vaccines and Autism: What You Should Know: explains how we can be confident that childhood vaccines, including MMR, thimerosal-preserved vaccines, or simultaneous vaccinations, do not cause autism
- CHOP's Vaccine Education Center, Vaccines and Autism web page: offers a collection of evidence-based resources designed for healthcare professionals and advocates addressing concerns around autism and vaccination
- Immunize.org, Autism: Resources and Information main page: provides practical tools for providers and advocates to help promote vaccine confidence and reduce anxiety around claims that vaccines cause autism
- NFID, Autism and Vaccines: What the Science Really Says: offers a clear evidence-based summary of the science showing vaccines don't cause autism
- Public Good Projects, Factsheet: How We Know There's No Link Between Vaccines and Autism (English, Spanish): a factsheet that explains that vaccines do not cause autism
-
Use Immunize.org ’s updated “Key Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals” to train new and seasoned staff
Immunize.org updated its annotated list of key training and reference materials for people who vaccinate or oversee vaccination clinics. Key Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals provides a strong foundation for building and sustaining vaccination skills.
Recent changes include:
- Updated resources and links
- Added links to Immunize.org's new LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org website
- Added links to vaccine recommendations from professional societies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Related Links
Back to top
Immunize.org updates Spanish version of “Screening Checklist for Contraindications to HPV, MenACWY, MenB, and Tdap Vaccines for Teens" handout for caregivers
NEW! Immunize.org's elegant "Vaccination Saves Lives" blue enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions.
Immunize.org is pleased to introduce our newest collectible lapel pin. Our 2025 “Vaccination Saves Lives” pins are meaningful gifts for people who understand that lives are not saved by vaccines on a shelf, but by the act of vaccination. The pin makes a refined statement in rich blue enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.65" x 0.75".
Select the design that best suits how you plan to use your pin:
- Double stick-through posts: Two posts slide through fabric and are held securely by either rubber or locking-metal backings. Both types of backing are provided in the package.
- New! Magnetic clasp: Hold the pin firmly in place without piercing clothing.
Respiratory virus activity is increasing. Don’t wait on influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The United States is now in respiratory virus season, with activity gradually increasing. Holiday gatherings provide plenty of opportunities for virus transmission.
Nationally, for the week ending November 21, seasonal influenza activity and RSV activity are low to moderate, but beginning to increase. Wastewater monitoring indicates that COVID-19 activity is very low nationally, although it is elevated in a few locations.
Level of Respiratory Illness Activity
CDC monitors respiratory illness activity using an acute respiratory illness (ARI) metric. The ARI metric measures emergency department visits for a wide range of causes of acute respiratory illness, with or without fever, including the common cold, as well as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. It offers a more complete picture than the influenza-like illness (ILI) metric used in past seasons.

Emergency Department Visits for Viral Respiratory Illness
The illustration below shows the proportion of emergency department visits (ranging from 0 to 10 percent) associated with influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. The horizontal axis shows trends from October 2024 into November 2025 for the three diseases.
Respiratory Illness Data Channel
CDC's Respiratory Illness Data Channel shows a snapshot of the amount of ARI causing people to seek health care in the United States. Local data are available by state or territory and by county. This site summarizes the activity on a 5-point scale from very low to very high.
Season Outlook
You can now view CDC’s 2025–2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook, which is based on historical trends, expert opinion, and scenario modeling results. At present, CDC expects the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season in the United States to be similar to last season. CDC will update the published outlook every 2 months throughout the season and as warranted by changes in the trajectories of any of the three viruses.
Related Links
Correction: National Influenza Vaccination Week 2025 is next week, December 1–6. We regret the error in dates reported in last week’s IZ Express.
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) for 2025 will take place the week after Thanksgiving: December 1–6. We regret the error in the dates reported in last week’s IZ Express.
Please see our list of materials to assist you with your communications as you work to keep vaccinating the millions of people who are not yet protected against influenza this season.
“HepB for Healthcare Workers”: watch the 1-minute video, part of the Ask the Experts Video Series on YouTube.
This week, our featured question from the Ask the Experts Video Series is HepB for Healthcare Workers. The video briefly describes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's requirement to offer HepB vaccine to healthcare personnel who have a reasonable expectation of being exposed to blood and body fluids on the job.
The 1-minute video is available on our YouTube channel, along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts questions.

Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise.
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
Immunize.org Website and Clinical Resources
Spotlight on the website: "Image Library"

Immunize.org's “Image Library” provides images of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). These will be useful in training staff to recognize VPDs or educating families. Most images included are in the public domain and can be reproduced without permission. If an image is copyrighted, information is provided so you can obtain permission from the copyright holder.
To view images, click the Clinical Resources tab atop each Immunize.org web page. Then click “Image Library” on the left. Choose one of the 22 galleries shown on the right menu to view available images.

Each disease’s “Vaccines A–Z” page offers convenient access to these images from the “Image Library.” This example shows how to access the measles photos. The right menu (under “On This Page”) features a quick link to “Photos & Videos.”

Recap: NEW! Immunize.org posts standing orders templates for administering 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccines and updates “Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools.”
CDC posted Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States on November 4, incorporating updates to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted at the September ACIP meeting, in addition to dosing schedule updates. Until this season, CDC issued standing orders templates for COVID-19 vaccination that Immunize.org shared on its website. This season, CDC will not issue updated standing orders templates. Therefore, Immunize.org released standing orders templates for COVID-19 vaccination based on the 2025–26 CDC clinical considerations.
ACIP now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people age 6 months or older following shared clinical decision-making. Links are also provided to the recommendations of professional medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), that have issued their own recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination, including routine vaccination for certain groups.
The standing orders also provide background information on high-risk conditions, including immunocompromising conditions and treatments that warrant use of the dosing schedule for people with moderate or severe immunocompromise. Those who use these templates should adapt them as needed.
In addition, Immunize.org published the November 15 version of its Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools.
The resource checklist is updated when significant new COVID-19 vaccine resources are released. The version date of this and every Immunize.org document appears within the footer. All who offer COVID-19 vaccination should review reference materials and replace them as needed with current versions.
Back to top
Featured Resources
The Trusted Messenger Program from the Public Good Projects offers "Maximizing Trust and Reducing Resistance,” the first module in its Trusted Messenger Program Training Series; CME credit offered
The Trusted Messenger Program created by Public Good Projects released its first module, "Maximizing Trust and Reducing Resistance." The 1-hour module explores an evidence-based approach to address patient resistance and navigate difficult conversations. It also reviews common missteps healthcare providers may make when giving recommendations and provides tools to increase trust through good communication.
Stop and start the module at your own pace. CME credit is offered.

Sign up for the module to get started. More modules will follow.
Yale School of Public Health shares PopHIVE website for users to track health trends, including certain vaccinations, in their state
Yale School of Public Health created PopHIVE, a website that brings sources of infectious disease and immunization data together in one place to help users work more efficiently. The website uses sources such as the National Wastewater Surveillance Program, multiple CDC datasets, Google Trends API, and other sources.
Users can explore state-level childhood vaccination rates, respiratory disease activity, chronic disease indicators like diabetes prevalence, and more.

Explore the PopHIVE website.
Back to top
Voices for Vaccines shares social media toolkit for respiratory season
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) created a social media toolkit for the respiratory season, featuring graphics on influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines formatted for Instagram and Facebook.
View the graphics.
Notable Publications
“Expanding Birthing Hospital Enrollment in the Vaccines for Children Program to Increase Infant Immunization Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus—United States, October 2023–March 2025” published in MMWR
CDC published Expanding Birthing Hospital Enrollment in the Vaccines for Children Program to Increase Infant Immunization Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus—United States, October 2023–March 2025 on November 20 in MMWR. The Preliminary Conclusions and Actions section appears below.
Efforts to enroll birthing hospitals in VFC depend on jurisdiction staff members who administer the VFC program and understand its requirements. Starting July 1, 2025, as a condition of funding support for VFC, CDC requires that each jurisdiction enroll ≥30% of its birthing hospitals in VFC; as of March 31, 2025, 39 of 61 (63.9%) jurisdictions have met this target. Clesrovimab, a new RSV monoclonal antibody, was recommended by ACIP in June 2025 and will be available as an alternative to nirsevimab through the VFC program. CDC continues to partner with jurisdictions and professional organizations to address barriers to VFC enrollment for birthing hospitals and share best practices. Birthing hospital VFC enrollment can support expanded access to RSV immunization among infants at highest risk for severe disease.

Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Link
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
Global News
"WHO position paper on varicella vaccines—November 2025" published in Weekly Epidemiological Record
On November 21, WHO's Weekly Epidemiological Record published WHO position paper on varicella vaccines—November 2025. These position papers are directed at low- and middle-income countries that are considering routine varicella vaccination programs. A portion of the article appears below.
WHO recommends the use of varicella vaccines for the prevention of varicella in children in populations where varicella is considered an important public health problem in view of heterogenous epidemiology between and within countries. . . . In general, countries introducing the varicella vaccine should aim to achieve high coverage levels with varicella vaccination both nationally and subnationally. Countries should define their own minimal coverage targets, guided by criteria that include national and subnational disease burden, affordability, cost-effectiveness, seroprevalence rates and the age of acquiring infection.
Related Links
Upcoming Events
Virtual: December 4–5 ACIP meeting will discuss vaccine safety, childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, and hepatitis B vaccines
CDC will convene the ACIP on December 4–5, starting at 9:00 a.m. (ET). The announcement, posted on November 12, indicates the meeting will discuss vaccine safety, the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, and hepatitis B vaccines. Recommendation votes may be scheduled for the hepatitis B vaccine and its consideration for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. A draft agenda is available now; agenda items are subject to change.

No registration is required to watch webcasts of live ACIP meetings or listen via telephone.
Related Links
Back to top
Virtual: Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours. Join a 30-minute discussion about image library, webinars, videos, and social media content on December 10 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or December 11 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, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, December 11, at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our image library, webinars, videos, social media (YouTube) website sections. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.

Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
The archive of previous Website Office Hours content is posted at Immunize.org’s "Webinars & Videos" page.
Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.
|