Issue 1,523: October 21, 2020
Top Stories
IAC Handouts
Featured Resources
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Education and Training
On the Lighter Side
Top Stories
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America issues policy statement that only medical contraindications should be accepted as a reason for not receiving vaccinations—11 medical organizations now make this recommendation
In the October 16 issue, Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology published the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) policy statement: Only Medical Contraindications Should Be Accepted as a Reason for Not Receiving All Routine Immunizations as Recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The summary is reprinted below.
SHEA endorses adhering to the recommendations by the CDC and ACIP for immunizations of all children and adults. All persons providing clinical care should be familiar with these recommendations and should routinely assess immunization compliance of their patients and strongly recommend all routine immunizations to patients. All healthcare personnel (HCP) should be immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases as recommended by the CDC/ACIP (unless immunity is demonstrated by another recommended method). SHEA endorses the policy that immunization should be a condition of employment or functioning (students, contract workers, volunteers, etc.) at a healthcare facility. Only recognized medical contraindications should be accepted for not receiving recommended immunizations.
This makes SHEA the eleventh medical organization to publish a statement endorsing strong school and childcare vaccination requirements and elimination of non-medical exemptions.
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October 24 is World Polio Day!
World Polio Day takes place every year on October 24, bringing the world together to raise awareness of the global burden of polio and to influence real change. Since 1988, polio cases have fallen 99.9% around the globe. For the last 3 years, wild polio has been reported in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Until polio has been eliminated from these countries, all countries are still at risk of importation of polio.
Join people around the world who support the fight to end polio, and show your creativity and passion for Rotary International’s work to achieve a polio-free world by sharing your best End Polio Now photo on endpolio.org and on social media with the hashtag #MyEndPolio. Your photo may even appear on Rotary’s official social media channels.
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CDC adds vaccine-specific content for providers and the public on its extensive COVID-19 website
On October 14, CDC added vaccine-specific content to its extensive Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Vaccines gateway page. CDC’s new resources include information on vaccination planning, how vaccine safety will be monitored, and frequently asked questions. These resources are intended to clarify how COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be made and how the vaccines will be monitored for safety, in order to build trust and confidence in future COVID-19 vaccines.
There may be frequent updates to this website, as well as to CDC’s Vaccines and Immunizations gateway page, as more information becomes available and as vaccines become authorized or approved and recommended for use in the United States. The CDC is committed to ensuring jurisdictions and federal entities that will be receiving vaccines have the needed information and guidance to implement an effective COVID-19 vaccination program.
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IAC updates its Ask the Experts web pages on administering vaccines, storage and handling, MMR, and HepB vaccine
IAC’s Ask the Experts includes more than 1,000 questions and answers to common and challenging situations immunization providers face every day. All Ask the Experts questions and answers are periodically reviewed and refreshed as needed, even in the absence of changes in CDC recommendations. The IAC Ask the Experts team recently completed reviews of several frequently visited sections. Edits include minor updates, clarifications, and updated links to outside resources. Visit these pages to find the answers you are looking for!
Vaccine-specific reviewed sections:
Topic-specific reviewed sections:
IAC’s team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.
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Don’t miss "Answering Key Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines" published in JAMA
JAMA published Answering Key Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines on October 16. The article provides answers to seven important questions about COVID-19 vaccines. One of the authors is IAC’s Dr. John Grabenstein. The first paragraph is reprinted below.
The US government is investing in rapid development of vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several relying on new technologies. In the US, 4 vaccine candidates are in phase 3 studies with initial results expected soon. If studies succeed, 1 or more vaccines may become available within a few months. Clinicians are likely among the first to be offered COVID-19 vaccines and have a key role in helping patients make decisions about vaccination. Providing evidence-based information will be particularly important in an environment of polarization and mistrust. This Viewpoint focuses on common questions patients are likely to ask about COVID-19 vaccines.
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Two additional colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—the list is growing!
Many colleges and universities across the nation are mandating flu vaccine for staff and students. IAC has recently become aware of two additional schools that will require influenza vaccine this year: University of Dayton and University of Kentucky.
In addition, the following schools require influenza vaccine this year: Indiana University—nine campuses, University of California system—ten campuses, University of Tennessee system—four campuses, Albion College, Butler University, Cornell University, Creighton University, Dordt University, Duke University, Elon University, Marist College, Purdue University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rosalind Franklin University, Syracuse University, University of Miami, University of North Carolina Charlotte, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Wabash College, Wake Forest University, and Wayne State University.
Under a new statewide regulation in Massachusetts, approximately 115 colleges and universities will be implementing requirements for influenza vaccination this year.
If you know of additional colleges or universities that require influenza vaccination, please send the name of the institution, as well as a link to the relevant policy (if available) to [email protected].
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Influenza season is approaching. Keep vaccinating. Remind patients to come in for their flu vaccination!
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, so please continue to vaccinate all your patients in this age range. If you don’t provide influenza vaccine at your site, please recommend vaccination and refer to a site that does vaccinate.
Boston Children’s Hospital, in partnership with CDC, has developed VaccineFinder, a user-friendly website to help adult and pediatric patients find flu and other vaccines. Participating providers can now update supply estimates on VaccineFinder for a more accurate reporting. For questions or more information, contact [email protected].
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
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Stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information
CDC, NIH, WHO, and Johns Hopkins are closely monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Check the resources below for the latest information. Stay in touch with your local and state health departments.
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IAC Handouts
IAC updates its Spanish-language screening checklists for contraindications to injectable and intranasal influenza vaccines
IAC revised the Spanish-language versions of its contraindication screening checklists for both inactivated and live influenza vaccines.
The Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination now includes the updated recommendations for vaccination of people who may have egg allergy.
View the handout in Spanish.
On the Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination, the information for healthcare professionals was changed to include:
- That having a cochlear implant, spinal fluid leak, or anatomic or functional asplenia is a contraindication, not just a precaution, to receipt of LAIV
- The specific time intervals between administration of LAIV and several newer influenza antiviral agents
- The updated recommendations for vaccination of people who may have egg allergy
View the handout in Spanish.
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IAC updates “Hepatitis B: Questions and Answers” informational handout for patients and parents
IAC recently revised its 4-page handout for the public titled Hepatitis B: Questions and Answers. Changes were made to update URLs and epidemiologic data.
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Featured Resources
Reminder: IAC's website, Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, offers high-quality resources to help jumpstart your mass vaccination efforts
The Immunization Action Coalition’s newest website, www.Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org, assists you in finding a wide range of ideas for developing your own mass vaccination clinics. Mass vaccination efforts will be useful for expediting flu vaccination this fall and may be needed after COVID-19 vaccines are licensed for use in large groups of people.
The website features a searchable list of resources for a variety of venues, including curbside, drive-through, and walk-through clinics; mobile medical vans; pharmacies; and schools. The database contains guidance documents, toolkits, publications, and other helpful resources that can be adapted to your community or individual healthcare setting.
Many of the documents were written in the pre-pandemic era and will need modification to ensure that additional protections, such as social distancing and personal protective equipment, help safeguard against COVID-19 transmission.
If you have a resource to suggest for the website, please send a message to [email protected].
This new website is supported by a medical education grant from Seqirus, Inc.
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In IAC’s “Video of the Week,” Dr. Bram Palache, co-founder of the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza, explains what’s so frustrating about the influenza problem
In this June 2019 video produced by the International Federation on Ageing, Dr. Bram Palache, a prominent influenza scientist, is frustrated. He says that we know flu comes every year, that it’s preventable, and that vaccines are safe and effective. Yet every year, millions of people globally are hospitalized with flu complications. He emphasizes what a huge difference it would make if people set a date each year to get the flu shot.
Visit the VOTW archive.
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IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make great gifts for the holidays!
IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pins make meaningful gifts for people who care about immunization. The pin makes a refined statement in hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.125" x 0.75".
The pin is a stick-through-post variety with the back end covered by a round rubber cap that holds pin securely. A gold metal spring-lock clasp is also provided.
Wear these pins on clothing, uniforms, lab coats, tote bags, and backpacks to show that you value vaccines!
 
Click here for "Vaccines Save Lives" pins pricing and ordering information.
Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.
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Journal Articles and Newsletters
“Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage among Men Who Have Sex with Men—National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, United States, 2017” published in Vaccine
In the October 10 issue, Vaccine published Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage among Men Who Have Sex with Men—National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, United States, 2017. A portion of the abstract is reprinted below.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for infections and diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), many of which are vaccine-preventable. In the United States, routine HPV vaccination has been recommended for adolescent males since 2011. This analysis evaluated self-reported receipt of ≥ 1 HPV vaccine dose by age group and HIV status among adult MSM using 2017 data from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) and compared the proportion vaccinated to prior years....Since 2011, the proportion of MSM aged 18–26 years reporting HPV vaccination has increased over six-fold. As vaccinated adolescents age into young adults, coverage will continue to increase overall, including among MSM.
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“Is It Lawful and Ethical to Prioritize Racial Minorities for COVID-19 Vaccines?” published in JAMA
In the October 14 issue, JAMA published Is It Lawful and Ethical to Prioritize Racial Minorities for COVID-19 Vaccines? The first two paragraphs are reprinted below.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected racial minorities in the United States resulting in higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death. With a limited supply after the initial approval of a safe and effective vaccine, difficult legal and ethical choices will have to be made on priority access for individuals.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has recommended prioritization of racial minorities who are “worse off” socioeconomically and epidemiologically. The World Health Organization (WHO) similarly cautioned that “colorblind” allocation frameworks could perpetuate or exacerbate existing injustices. Both NASEM and WHO urge policy makers to allocate vaccines in ways that reduce unjust health disparities. The ethics and legality of race-based policies in the United States have been fraught with controversy. This Viewpoint considers how COVID-19 vaccine priority allocations could be implemented ethically and legally.
Education and Training
Watch Johns Hopkins University and University of Washington’s 6-part, archived symposium titled “Preserving the Scientific Integrity of Getting to COVID-19 Vaccines: From Clinical Trials to Public Allocation”
Johns Hopkins University and University of Washington offer a six-part, archived symposium, Preserving the Scientific Integrity of Getting to COVID-19 Vaccines: From Clinical Trials to Public Allocation, featuring leading experts including International Vaccine Access Center's executive director Dr. William Moss.
The symposium can be viewed in full; any of the six parts can also be viewed individually:
Vaccine Confidence Project’s “COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Confidence” webinar to be held October 29
The Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP) will offer a webinar titled COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Confidence on October 29 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. (ET) as part of its "Vaccine Confidence in a Time of COVID-19” series. This webinar will provide an overview of the challenges posed by co-epidemics such as seasonal influenza and COVID-19, reflecting on lessons learned from the previous H1N1 pandemic. Panelists will discuss positive trends in confidence as well as rumors and misinformation around influenza vaccination. Initiatives to strengthen influenza vaccination confidence and uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic will also be considered.
Register for the free webinar.
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NFID, ACHA, and NASN offer webinar on importance of routine vaccinations for school children
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), along with partner organizations American College Health Association (ACHA) and National Association of School Nurses (NASN) will present a webinar titled Learning at School or at Home: Why Routine Vaccinations Are as Important as Ever on October 27 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET). The webinar will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on immunizations for all students—learning in-person or remotely––with suggestions for safely administering routine vaccines during this challenging time. NFID’s president Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, will moderate the webinar and will also present along with ACHA representative Craig Roberts, PA-C, MS, and NASN’s president Laurie Combe, MN, RN, NCSN.
Registration information
Indiana Immunization Coalition offers “Empowering Providers to Become Influenza Vaccine Champions” webinar on October 27
The Indiana Immunization Coalition will present Empowering Providers to Become Influenza Vaccine Champions panel discussion on October 27 from 12:00–1:30 p.m. (ET). Panelists will talk about the impact of influenza on children and adults, the impact of COVID 19, and novel approaches to boost influenza vaccine confidence and acceptance. The panelists include Ruth M. Carrico, PhD, DNP, APRN, University of Louisville School of Medicine; Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN, Sanford Health; Susan Strobel, DNP, MPH, University of South Dakota; and Colleen Thomas, Hoosiers Vaccinate.
Pharmacy continuing education, CME, and CNE will be offered.
Register for the panel discussion.
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Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange offers “Influenza Vaccination: Opportunities for Pharmacists as Patient Advocates, Educators, and Administrators” on October 27
The Nevada Immunization Learning Exchange will offer Influenza Vaccination: Opportunities for Pharmacists as Patient Advocates, Educators, and Administrators webinar on October 27 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (PST). This webinar provides pharmacists with insights into the status of influenza vaccination rates, as well as actionable strategies to improve vaccination outcomes among patients in future influenza seasons. The webinar will feature Rupal Mansukhani, PharmD, Rutgers University.
This program offers one free nursing or CHW II CEU credit upon completion of the post-webinar survey.
On the Lighter Side
Just spray on Rubella-B-Gone and life-threatening rubella disappears in this 2003 video parody
In this 30-second parody PSA, mom takes care of her son's potentially deadly case of rubella with a few sprays of Rubella-B-Gone. Produced by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in 2003, it is part of a PSA collection curated by vaccine expert William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH.
Previous PSAs mentioned in “On the Lighter Side” are available when viewing this Vimeo video.
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Video of the Week
The Influenza Problem: Dr. Bram Palache, an influenza scientist, is frustrated. He says that we know flu comes every year, that it's preventable, and that vaccines are safe and effective. Yet every year, millions of people globally are hospitalized with flu complications. He emphasizes what a huge difference it would make if people set a date each year to get the flu shot. (Source: International Federation on Ageing)
Visit the VOTW archive
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Patient Record Cards
Record cards for patients -- child & teen, adult, and lifetime -- are printed on durable paper and sized to fit in a wallet when folded
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Every practice should have this award winning, "how-to" training video
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