Issue 1,559: April 7, 2021
Top Stories
Featured Resources
Education and Training
Conferences and Meetings
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
Top Stories
Today: Wednesday, April 7! CDC presents “A Call to Action – Childhood Immunization” to discuss approaches to catching children up on vaccinations for a safe return to in-person school; no registration required
CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) will present a webinar titled A Call to Action – Childhood Immunization from 2:00–3:00 p.m. (ET) today, April 7. This webinar will discuss efforts needed to catch children up on vaccinations so in-person learning is safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. The speakers will be:
- Melinda Wharton, MD, MPH, director, Immunization Services Division of NCIRD
- Anne Edwards, MD, FAAP, chief population health officer of American Academy of Pediatric
Registration is not necessary. Use the web link https://cdcizlearn.adobeconnect.com/partners/ to participate at the time of the event.
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CDC reports real-world data confirming the protective benefits of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in MMWR on March 29
In the March 29 issue of MMWR, CDC published a real-world study confirming the protective benefits of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. A portion of the accompanying press release appears below:
A new CDC study provides strong evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections in real-world conditions among health care personnel, first responders, and other essential workers. These groups are more likely than the general population to be exposed to the virus because of their occupations....
...Results showed that following the second dose of vaccine (the recommended number of doses), risk of infection was reduced by 90 percent two or more weeks after vaccination. Following a single dose of either vaccine, the participants’ risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 was reduced by 80 percent two or more weeks after vaccination....
...This study is the first of many planned COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness studies CDC is conducting to evaluate the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines in various populations and across different outcomes, such as preventing infections, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, or deaths. Results from these studies assist the medical and public health experts on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and CDC to make important vaccine policy decisions aimed at saving lives.
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FDA authorizes 11- and 15-dose vials of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and extends temperature stability times; CDC assessing effects of changes on national vaccination program
On April 1, the FDA announced that they have authorized a new vial presentation with a range of 13 to 15 doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. In parallel, the FDA authorized a maximum of 11 doses per vial in the current format, from the previously authorized 10 doses per vial. Moderna expects to begin shipping the 15-dose vials in the coming weeks.
FDA also has authorized Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine to be kept at room temperature once removed from the refrigerator for 24 hours, an increase from the previous 12 hours. Additionally, a punctured vial is now useable for up to 12 hours, instead of the previous 6 hours.
These new guidelines are reflected in an updated Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) label. Updates to CDC guidance will follow.
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CDC updates their recommendations on travel for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19
CDC updated its Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People on April 2 to reflect the latest evidence. People fully vaccinated against COVID-19:
- May resume domestic travel and do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel
- Do not need to get tested before leaving the United States (unless required by the destination) or self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States
CDC's existing guidance for people who are not fully vaccinated remains:
- Unvaccinated travelers should still get tested 1–3 days before domestic travel and again 3–5 days after travel
- They should stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel or 10 days if they don’t get tested at the conclusion of travel
- CDC discourages non-essential domestic travel by those who are not fully vaccinated
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NFID issues strategies and messaging to promote vaccine acceptance and encourage the public to follow evidence-based COVID-19 advice
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) issued COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Prevention Measures and Vaccine Confidence, a report summarizing key information based on discussions at a virtual NFID roundtable with 50+ partner organizations in January. The report offers a scalable approach with strategies and messaging for COVID-19 outreach efforts to help promote vaccine acceptance and encourage the public to follow evidence-based COVID-19 prevention guidance.
Controlling the COVID-19 pandemic requires sticking to and normalizing recommended preventive measures as well as increasing vaccine confidence. Organizations and healthcare personnel need to take steps to build trust and support preventative measures. This report offers simple communications approaches that provide clear information, address concerns, and motivate action.
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AIM, AIRA, and STChealth announce immunization registries are not immune to COVID-19 challenges but are working as designed to support public health and patient care
The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM), American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA), and STChealth announced in a March 31 press release that immunization registries are not immune to COVID-19 challenges but are succeeding nonetheless. A portion of the press release appears below.
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged public health systems nationwide, including local and state immunization registry programs…While IIS programs have not been immune to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve certainly risen to the occasion, especially given the record amount of data flowing through each IIS daily and from many different immunization partners, such as pharmacies....
...IIS programs are also sharing redacted data with the federal government, which has provided a new, nationwide view into immunization coverage. In addition, IIS in many jurisdictions are supporting their state COVID-19 data dashboards and using the data to target areas of their states with lower vaccine uptake. This important data is also used to determine where to send vaccine, where to set up mass vaccination clinics, where to focus additional provider enrollment, and more. In other words, it’s more than just shots and dates.
As the number of COVID-19 vaccinations rapidly increases (around 3 million shots are currently given each day), IIS programs are working to expand their capacity and processing power. They’ve seen slight delays in processing and some performance challenges, but the systems are working well and as designed.
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CDC's new web page reviews information and training on how to enroll as a COVID-19 vaccinator
CDC posted a new web page, How to Enroll as a Healthcare Provider, for providers seeking to become COVID-19 vaccinators. This web page contains the information on how to become a COVID-19 vaccinator, and the training and resources available to prepare for that role. Only healthcare professionals enrolled directly through a health practice or organization as a vaccination provider can legally store, handle, and administer COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. Healthcare personnel can play a critical role in helping to end the pandemic. Learn how you can be a part of COVID-19 vaccination efforts even without being enrolled as a COVID-19 vaccination provider.
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HHS launches the national volunteer COVID-19 Community Corps initiative as part of the "We Can Do This" campaign to increase public confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a national campaign titled We Can Do This to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccines while reinforcing basic prevention measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing. Through a nationwide network of trusted messengers and consistent, fact-based messaging, the campaign helps people make informed decisions about their health and COVID-19. The effort is driven by communication science and provides tailored information for at-risk groups.
HHS invites you to join the COVID-19 Community Corps. As a member, you’ll receive timely, accurate information to share with your family, friends, and neighbors. By encouraging them to get vaccinated, you’ll help protect them and allow all of us to safely gather again. As a Corps member, you’ll get resources to help you build vaccine confidence in your community.
Join the COVID-19 Community Corps at no cost.
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CDC adds type 1 diabetes to its COVID-19 list of high-risk medical conditions
CDC updated its COVID-19: People with Certain Medical Conditions web page to include both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus on the recommended priority list for the COVID-19 vaccine. CDC completed an evidence review process for each medical condition on the list to ensure they met the criteria for inclusion on the web page. Currently, adults of any age with the following conditions can be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 according to the CDC:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung diseases (with examples given at the web page)
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2)
- Down syndrome
- Heart conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension)
- HIV infection
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Liver disease
- Overweight and obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
- Substance use disorders
Visit CDC's COVID-19: People with Certain Medical Conditions web page for more information on diseases that can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
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New initiative: Families Against COVID-19 offers resources and materials to encourage your community to get vaccinated against COVID-19
A new initiative, Families Against COVID-19, supported by the Kimberly Coffey Foundation and the Emily Stillman Foundation, aims to help educate communities across the United States on the importance of vaccination against COVID-19. The initiative was started by two mothers who lost daughters to meningitis B. Their goal is to make sure no other family has to bear the kind of loss they went through due to a vaccine-preventable disease.
The campaign’s website, FamiliesAgainstCOVID19.org, offers simple, easy-to-understand information on COVID-19 prevention, including the vaccine. You can download materials so you can advocate in your own community.
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IAC Spotlight! These updated IAC educational materials and web pages were released during February and March
IAC Express regularly provides readers with information about IAC’s new and updated educational materials for healthcare professionals and handouts for patients. All IAC materials are free to download, print, and distribute.
In case you missed them during recent weeks, these helpful materials were announced:
IAC’s Updated Materials for Clinicians
Updated COVID-19 Web Pages
Other Updated Web Pages
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Voices for Vaccines releases new podcast, "Switching Sides on Vaccines," with former anti-vaccine influencer Heather Simpson
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) posted a new Vax Talk podcast: Switching Sides on Vaccines. A description from their web page appears below.
Don’t worry! We aren’t switching sides. Heather Simpson, a former anti-vaccine influencer, already switched sides. She took a look at the science and decided she needed to vaccinate herself and her daughter.
Voices for Vaccines is a national organization of parents and others who are dedicated to raising the level of the voices of immunization supporters. VFV invites everyone who values vaccines to become a member, use VFV tools in their own community, and sign up for VFV’s free newsletter. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues to join VFV!
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IAC experts called on by news media
With vaccines in the news so much lately, journalists have sought out IAC experts to communicate the intricacies of running a quality vaccination program. Our insights have helped explain vaccines to the public and policy makers. We want to help them understand the complex work vaccinators do. We've reached mass markets and local stations, across the U.S. and overseas, via print, radio, television, blogs, and more. Here is a selection of our recent citations:
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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.
Featured Resources
In IAC’s “Video of the Week,” physicians adapt a Hamilton song to enlighten people about COVID-19 vaccines and encourage trust in healthcare professionals
In this fun "Video of the Week," Vax'n 8, physicians from various specialties in Northern California, adapted a Hamilton song to enlighten people about COVID-19 vaccines and to convey how they've been eyewitnesses to the tragic impact of the deadly virus. They encourage viewers to trust doctors—not misleading social media posts—so people will get vaccinated and help end this pandemic.
Visit the whole collection at the VOTW archive.
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Vaccinated against COVID-19? Let your friends know by adding IAC’s “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame!
Share your excitement about COVID-19 vaccination and inspire your friends! When you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, add IAC's new "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook photo frame to liven up your profile picture!
You can obtain the frame in two ways:
Together we can end the COVID-19 pandemic!
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NFID’s “Keep Up the Rates” campaign resources now include both English and Spanish infographics
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) launched a national campaign, Keep Up the Rates, to encourage all individuals to receive recommended vaccines that may have been delayed during the pandemic. The multi-media campaign engages national experts and leading public health organizations to reach populations most at risk of delaying vaccinations or experiencing complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. The campaign now offers infographics in both English and Spanish.
View all infographics in English and in Spanish.
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Check out the www.Give2MenACWY.org website to enhance your efforts at increasing rates of MenACWY booster and other adolescent vaccinations
The website www.Give2MenACWY.org promotes the importance of adolescent vaccination and administering a booster dose of MenACWY vaccine at age 16.
Designed for healthcare professionals, the site incorporates materials and highlights the importance of all recommended vaccines for 16-year-olds. A simplified navigation structure makes locating information a breeze.
The colorful Give2MenACWY.org website is divided into five easy-to-access sections:
The site’s design categorizes materials according to whether they are primarily of interest to providers or to teens or their parents.
Visit Give2MenACWY.org and enjoy browsing (and deploying) its bountiful resources, brought to you by IAC's collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur.
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Now shipping! Order IAC’s laminated versions of CDC’s 2021 immunization schedules today!
IAC's laminated versions of the 2021 U.S. child/adolescent immunization schedule and the 2021 U.S. adult immunization schedule are available for order.
These schedules are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccinations are given. Their tough coating can be wiped down, and they’re durable enough to stand up to a year's worth of use.
The child/adolescent schedule is eight pages (i.e., four double-sided pages) and the adult schedule is six pages (i.e., three double-sided pages), but both schedules fold down to a convenient 8.5" x 11" size.
 
With color coding for easy reading, our laminated schedules replicate the original CDC formatting, including the essential tables and notes.
PRICING
1–4 copies: $7.50 each
5–19 copies: $5.50 each
20–99 copies: $4.50 each
100–499 copies: $4.00 each
500–999 copies: $3.50 each
For quotes on customizing or placing orders of 1,000 copies or more, call 651-647-9009 or email [email protected].
Visit the Shop IAC: Laminated Schedules web page for more information on the schedules, to view images of all the pages, and to download the order form today!
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Education and Training
AUCD, ASTHO, and NACCHO host new webinars in COVID-19 Vaccination and Reaching People with Disabilities series; watch on April 7 and 8
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), and National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) will host two new webinars in their COVID-19 Vaccination and Reaching People with Disabilities (PWD) series. The two webinars include:
Indiana Immunization Coalition hosts webinar, “The Imperative for Adolescent Vaccination in the Context of COVID-19,” on April 13; CE available
The Indiana Immunization Coalition will host a webinar titled The Imperative for Adolescent Vaccination in the Context of COVID-19 from 3:00–4:00 p.m. (ET) on April 13. With the approval of COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents on the horizon, this creates some important considerations for keeping teens up to date on their other recommended vaccines. Presenters will discuss the issues surrounding catching up teens on missed vaccines, administering the COVID-19 vaccine, and factors regarding the timing of these vaccines. Presenters include Judy Klein, founder of Unity Consortium, and Gregory Zimet, PhD, HSPP, professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine. CME, CNE, and CPE will be offered.
Register for the webinar.
NFID, National Medical Association, and other partners host “Covid-19 Communications: Real-World Insights to Promote Vaccine Acceptance” webinar on April 29
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), National Medical Association, American College Health Association, and Business Group on Health will hold a webinar titled Covid-19 Communications: Real-World Insights to Promote Vaccine Acceptance at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on April 29. Experts will share practical strategies and real-world insights to reach key audiences, including communities of color, employees, and college students. The discussion will focus on strategies for implementing the communications framework outlined in the NFID report, COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Prevention Measures and Vaccine Acceptance. The moderator will be William Schaffner, MD, medical director, NFID. Speakers include:
- Patricia A. Stinchfield, MS, CPNP, president-elect, NFID
- Oliver T. Brooks, MD, immediate past president, National Medical Association
- Michael J. Huey, MD, interim chief executive officer, American College Health Association
- Brenna Shebel, vice president, Business Group on Health
Register for the webinar.
Conferences and Meetings
26th annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference to be held virtually on April 13; CE available
The 26th annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference will be held virtually from 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m. (ET) on April 13. Organized by the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition (MAIC), this event aims to increase vaccination rates for the ACIP-recommended immunizations for adults. This conference will provide an opportunity to receive the most updated information on routine adult immunization, including the COVID-19 vaccine, hear from leading experts in the field, and offer networking and discussion opportunities with leading immunization experts and colleagues.
There is a registration fee to attend. CE is available.
Registration for this conference is now open.
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
In this sweet PSA from Children’s Action Network in 1998, we are reminded that young children are not fully protected unless they are vaccinated from birth
In this sweet 1998 public service announcement (PSA) from the Children's Action Network, babies dressed for photos remind parents that they do everything they can to protect their babies, but unless they're vaccinated from birth they aren't fully protected. This PSA is part of a collection curated by vaccine expert William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH.
Previous PSAs featured in “Immunization PSAs from the Archives” are available when viewing this Vimeo video.
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Video of the Week
"My Shot"—A COVID Vaccine Adaptation: Vax'n 8, a group of physicians from various specialties in Northern California, adapted a Hamilton song to enlighten people about COVID-19 vaccines and to convey how they've been eyewitnesses to the tragic impact of the deadly virus. They encourage viewers to trust doctors—not misleading social media posts—so people will get vaccinated and help end this pandemic.
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Technically Speaking
Read Dr. Wexler's column for the Vaccine Education Center's monthly newsletter, Vaccine Update
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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
DVD: Immunization Techniques
Every practice should have this award winning, "how-to" training video
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