Issue 1,578: July 14, 2021
Top Stories
IAC Handouts
Featured Resources
Journal Articles and Newsletters
Education and Training
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
Top Stories
FDA revises fact sheets for Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), adding Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) warning and revising thrombocytopenia warning
The FDA has posted a revised Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers and a revised Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers, for the adenovirus-vectored Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). Both fact sheets are dated July 8.
Regarding Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), the revised text for recipients says: "Guillain Barré syndrome (a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis) has occurred in some people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. In most of these people, symptoms began within 42 days following receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. The chance of having this occur is very low. You should seek medical attention right away…" if symptoms develop such as weakness or tingling sensations that spread to other parts of the body, difficulty walking, difficulty with facial movements, double vision or inability to move eyes, or difficulty with bladder control or bowel function.
Regarding thrombocytopenia-with-thrombosis syndrome, description of the risk has been changed to read: “Reporting of these blood clots and low levels of platelets has been highest in females ages 18 through 49 years.”
FDA, CDC, and other scientists are conducting further investigations; recommendations for the use of this vaccine have not changed.
Action steps: Update all COVID-19 EUA Fact Sheets used in your clinic to current versions. Current revision dates listed on the documents: Janssen: 7/8/21, Moderna: 6/24/21, Pfizer-BioNTech: 6/25/21. Report adverse events after vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
Related Link
CDC announces additional ACIP meeting on July 22
CDC will convene its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on July 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET). The meeting will address COVID-19 topics. At press time, the agenda has not yet been announced.
No registration is required to watch webcasts of live ACIP meetings or listen via telephone. Opportunities for public comment are described at the website.
Watch the virtual ACIP meeting.
Related Link
- ACIP gateway page for recordings and content from previous meetings, as well as information about future meetings
Watch today (July 14): CDC's "Current Issues in Immunization Webinar" on catching up on immunizations during the pandemic; recording will be available afterward
Tune in today! CDC's Current Issues in Immunization Webinar will discuss the importance of catching up individuals on routine immunizations, today, July 14, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET).
Attendance for the live webinar is limited to 1,500 registrants, so log in early to secure a "seat." If you miss the live event, you can watch the archived version once it is posted on CDC’s website.
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Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, disasters: 'Tis the season to exercise your emergency plan
Severe weather, natural disasters, or power outages can create emergency conditions that can damage your valuable vaccine inventory. For this reason, every clinic that stocks vaccines needs an emergency plan for inventory protection. Every clinic in the CDC’s Vaccines For Children program (VFC) is required to have one. Follow section 7 of CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit to create an emergency plan for your clinic and then practice your plan this month. Build redundancy, flexibility, and communication into your plan.
CDC’s guide helps you consider equipment backup options, alternate storage options, and vaccine transport plans, in case of emergency. Your plan should include at least one facility that willing to receive and properly store your vaccine inventory in case it must be relocated. CDC’s guide provides detailed instructions on monitoring temperatures during a power outage and what to do once proper storage is restored. Prevent avoidable vaccine waste by training your staff on emergency procedures, including after-hours roles and responsibilities. Then run an exercise to check understanding.
Related Links
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CDC and FDA issue joint statement on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses: no need yet, science will determine policy
On July 8, CDC and FDA issued a joint statement on COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The statement appears in its entirety below.
The United States is fortunate to have highly effective vaccines that are widely available for those aged 12 and up. People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta. People who are not vaccinated remain at risk. Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated. We encourage Americans who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their community.
Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time. FDA, CDC, and NIH are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary. This process takes into account laboratory data, clinical trial data, and cohort data – which can include data from specific pharmaceutical companies, but does not rely on those data exclusively. We continue to review any new data as it becomes available and will keep the public informed. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.
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The 2021 edition of The Vaccine Handbook App has just been launched and is available in free iOS and Android formats, courtesy of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
The new 2021 The Vaccine Handbook App contains the 10th edition of The Vaccine Handbook by Gary Marshall, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Louisville. The app is a comprehensive source of practical information for vaccine providers, educators, and advocates. A resource section contains numerous educational resources.
The 10th edition is full of useful information about COVID-19 vaccines, as well as updates on other new vaccines. The new ACIP vaccination schedules for 2021 are included.
The free app is formatted for iOS devices (including Apple iPhones and iPads) and, for the first time, Android devices, and is sponsored by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS). The Vaccine Handbook App is fully fully searchable; allows for bookmarking, highlighting, and annotation; and contains hyperlinks to valuable online content.
The free app may be found by searching the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for The Vaccine Handbook App or by using the following QR code.
 
Print copies of the new 10th edition of The Vaccine Handbook can be purchased online from the publisher, Professional Communications, Inc. (West Islip, NY). The cost is $39.95 each; bulk discounts are available.
Related Links
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IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on vaccine-preventable diseases, one disease at a time
In this week's IAC Spotlight, we summarize resources at Immunize.org that focus on specific preventable diseases.
Our ACIP gateway page links to all current ACIP vaccine recommendations as well as most documents dating back to 1991. You can access the ACIP recommendations in two ways: sorted alphabetically by diseases or chronologically by publication date.
Our VIS gateway page offers 27 VISs in English. The site also offers translations in 47 other languages—from Albanian to Yiddish! We include a handy table of current VIS dates, an easy way to check that you are using the most recent versions.
Our Standing Orders Templates for Administering Vaccines gateway page contains 36 templates and related resources for vaccines recommended for children, teens, and adults. The page links to CDC’s standing orders templates for administering COVID-19 vaccines.
Our Ask the Experts gateway page offers over a thousand timely questions on vaccines and vaccine administration answered by IAC experts. Topics include specific diseases and their vaccines as well as vaccine delivery guidance (e.g., administration, billing, documenting).
Our Handouts for Patients and Staff gateway page leads to hundreds of free patient handouts and fact sheets for healthcare professionals. All items are ready to print, copy, and distribute widely.
Our Image Library gateway page offers hundreds of photos of people affected by vaccine-preventable diseases; micrographs of viruses, bacteria, and pathology specimens; and pictures of children, teens, and adults being vaccinated. Please follow any copyright requirements noted.
Our State Laws and Mandates by Vaccine gateway page contains links to vaccine-specific requirements state-by-state for daycare, K-12, and post-secondary education settings. State-specific information about exemption policies is available as well.
Our Unprotected People Stories gateway page features 109 real-life accounts of people who have suffered or died from vaccine-preventable diseases: compelling personal testimonies, remembrances, case reports, and newspaper articles.
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Also today (July 14): NFID’s "Updates from June 2021 ACIP Meeting" webinar; recording will be available afterward
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) will host a webinar titled Updates from June 2021 ACIP Meeting from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET) on July 14.
NFID medical director and ACIP liaison William Schaffner, MD, and Jessica R. MacNeil, MPH, deputy executive secretary of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), will discuss updates including current U.S. vaccination recommendations for children, adolescents, and adults.
There is no fee to participate in this activity, but pre-registration is required. One hour of CME credit will be offered upon completion.
Register for the webinar.
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IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,153 organizations, including two new facilities
There are now 1,153 organizations highlighted by IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes hospitals, long-term care facilities (LTCFs), medical practices, pharmacies, professional organizations, health departments, and other government entities that have taken a stand for patient safety by implementing mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare personnel.
Since May 19, when IAC Express last reported on the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll, two additional healthcare organizations have been enrolled.
- Boone Health, Columbia, MO
- Wellness Pointe, Longview, TX
IAC urges qualifying healthcare organizations to complete the application page.
Related Links
IAC experts called on by news media
Journalists seek out IAC experts to help explain vaccines to the public and policy makers. Our goal is to help the media understand and communicate the complex work vaccinators do. Here is a selection of our recent citations.
Related Link
Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
IAC Handouts
IAC updates its vaccine storage and handling "Emergency Response Worksheet" for addressing power failures and temperature excursions
IAC recently updated its vaccine storage and handling resource titled Emergency Response Worksheet. The worksheet helps healthcare professionals properly deal with the aftermath of power failures and temperature excursions. Changes include a link to CDC information about COVID-19 vaccine storage issues and updated contact information for vaccine manufacturers specific to addressing temperature excursions.
Related Links
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IAC updates its handout for parents titled “Vaccinations Are Safe: Explaining Why,” outlining the science underpinning public confidence in today’s vaccines
IAC recently updated its handout for parents and guardians titled Vaccinations Are Safe: Explaining Why. This handout explains the science underpinning public confidence in today’s vaccines. Changes were made to simplify the title and to update data and references.
Related Links
Featured Resources
Reminder: Use CDC's resources to help get the word out about catching children up on routine vaccinations
Spread the word! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities! Available in English and Spanish.
Public health departments, nonprofit organizations, and clinics that provide vaccination services in communities experiencing health disparities or vaccine hesitancy can order IAC’s FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers, provided with support from CDC. Available in English and Spanish, the buttons and stickers can be placed on lab coats, uniforms, jackets, lanyards, ID badges, or backpacks to show confidence in COVID-19 vaccination. Access this order form to request the FREE buttons and stickers for your outreach efforts.
Buttons and stickers remain available for sale to those not eligible for the CDC-funded supplies.
HHS’s We Can Do This campaign, supported by the Made to Save Coalition, encourages us to protect all eligible people. Multiple initiatives make it easier to get vaccinated against COVID-19, advancing equity, doing more vaccine education, and encouraging vaccination of everyone in your community.
 
Related Links
"Shop IAC" on Immunize.org offers many resources: wallet-sized record cards, "Vaccines Save Lives" pins, and flu and COVID-19 buttons and stickers. Order today!
On the Shop IAC web page, you will find many resources such as personal immunization record cards, pins for your lapel, and more! Your purchases will help IAC keep delivering free educational materials to healthcare professionals and to the public.
IAC’s three personal immunization record cards—child & teen, adult, and lifetime—are printed on durable rip-, smudge-, and water-proof paper. Sized to fit in a wallet when folded, the cards are brightly colored to stand out. Give these nearly indestructible personal record cards to your patients. They're sold in boxes of 250.
You too can show your support for vaccination with IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin on your lapel. The pin makes a refined statement in hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.125" x 0.75”. Order yours today to show how much you value immunizations!
Proudly wearing IAC’s "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons demonstrates your support for COVID-19 vaccination and reminds those around you to protect themselves from COVID-19. (Remember, those promoting COVID-19 vaccination in hesitant communities can order for free. See above.)
Flu season is right around the corner and IAC's “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers are ready to ship! Their bright red color helps broadcast your important message about the value of flu vaccination. And the cost is nominal.
Related Links
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Encourage friends by adding IAC’s “Me Vacuné…” or “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” Facebook profile photo frame
Share your excitement about COVID-19 vaccination and inspire your friends! Add IAC's “Me Vacuné Contra el COVID-19” or "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" Facebook photo frame to liven up your profile picture!
You can obtain the frame in three ways:
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Journal Articles and Newsletters
“Acceptability of Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination among Adolescents and Parents of Adolescents—United States, April 15–23, 2021” published in MMWR
CDC published Acceptability of Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination among Adolescents and Parents of Adolescents—United States, April 15–23, 2021 in the July 9 issue of MMWR Early Release. A portion of the summary appears below.
...In April 2021, 52% of unvaccinated adolescents aged 13–17 years and 56% of parents of unvaccinated adolescents aged 12–17 years reported intent for adolescent COVID-19 vaccination. The most common factors that would increase vaccination intent were receiving more information about adolescent COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy.
...Efforts focusing on effectively communicating the benefits and safety of COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents to the public could help increase adolescent COVID-19 vaccine confidence and vaccination coverage.
Access the MMWR Early Release article in HTML format or in PDF format.
Related Link
- MMWR gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, MMWR Surveillance Summaries, and MMWR Supplement
“SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with a Gymnastics Facility—Oklahoma, April–May 2021” published in MMWR
CDC published SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with a Gymnastics Facility—Oklahoma, April–May 2021 in the July 9 issue of MMWR Early Release. A portion of the summary appears below.
...The B.1.617.2 variant is highly transmissible in indoor sports settings and households, which might lead to increased attack rates. Multicomponent prevention strategies including vaccination remain important to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among persons participating in indoor sports and their contacts.
Access the MMWR Early Release article in HTML format or in PDF format.
Related Link
- MMWR gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, MMWR Surveillance Summaries, and MMWR Supplement
MMWR Recap: ACIP provides update on use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines after reports of myocarditis among vaccine recipients
CDC recently published:
- Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine after Reports of Myocarditis among Vaccine Recipients: Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, June 2021 (MMWR, July 9, HTML format or PDF format)
Related Link
- MMWR gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, MMWR Surveillance Summaries, and MMWR Supplement
CDC announces two webinar recordings for healthcare providers who will administer COVID-19 vaccines
CDC recently announced availability of recordings for two webinars targeted toward healthcare providers administering COVID-19 vaccines. A description of each webinar is provided below.
Related Link
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Immunization PSAs from the Archive
In this 2004 PSA from the Nevada Department of Health, immunizations are deemed “priceless”
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Archived articles by Dr. Deborah Wexler, Executive Director Emerita
Vaccinating Adults:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Calendar of Events
Conferences, meetings, and training opportunities
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
Protect Newborns Guidebook
Editorial Information
Editor-in-Chief
Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
Managing Editor
John Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
Associate Editor
Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH
Writer/Publication Coordinator
Taryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA
Style and Copy Editor
Marian Deegan, JD
Web Edition Manager
Sheila M. Franey, MA
Contributing Writer
Laurel H. Wood, MPA
Technical Reviewer
Robin VanOss
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