Issue 1,585: August 25, 2021
Top Stories
Vaccine Information Statements
Featured Resources
Notable Publications
Upcoming Events
Immunization PSAs from the Archive
Top Stories
IAC and other National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit members issue Call to Action to improve routine vaccination of adults
Given the tremendous health benefits yet low rates of adult vaccination, lowered further by the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) members call on providers across the healthcare spectrum to take actions to improve routine vaccination of adults. NAIIS calls on all frontline clinicians, other healthcare providers, and clinical subspecialists to follow the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) Standards for Adult Immunization Practice including:
- Assess the vaccination status of patients at each clinical encounter, including assessment by clinicians and other providers who do not stock vaccines
- Use the jurisdiction’s immunization information system (IIS) to view patients’ prior vaccinations to support vaccine needs assessment
- Identify the vaccines each patient needs, then clearly recommend those needed vaccines
- Offer needed vaccines or refer patients to another provider for vaccination
- Document vaccinations given, including in the jurisdiction’s IIS
- Many electronic health record (EHR) systems already link to the jurisdiction’s IIS; providers should check with their EHR administrators if uncertain
- Providers not already utilizing an IIS should contact their local or state immunization programs to inquire about enrolling in their jurisdiction’s IIS
- Measure vaccination rates of each provider’s patient panels; make changes to clinic patient flow and take other steps to address barriers to patient vaccination
Taking these actions will help protect adults across the U.S. against preventable illness, disability, and death.
Join the movement: add your organization's support to the Call to Action.
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Register now to prepare for flu season! IAC will hold "The Continued Threat of Influenza and How to Sustain Influenza Vaccination Efforts” webinar on September 9
Even as COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue, seasonal influenza vaccination remains essential to protect health and ease the burden on healthcare systems. IAC will host a webinar titled The Continued Threat of Influenza and How to Sustain Influenza Vaccination Efforts on September 9 at 1:00 p.m. (ET). Topics will include:
- Influenza surveillance in U.S. and worldwide
- Changes in circulation of other common respiratory pathogens, e.g., RSV
- Changes in influenza vaccine strains and changes in influenza ACIP recommendations
- Communication issues providers may face regarding perceptions of the need for influenza vaccination
- A public perspective on the importance of influenza vaccination and advocacy for vulnerable populations (chronic issues)
These topics will be addressed by speakers:
- Alicia Budd, MPH, Influenza Division of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)
- Robert H. Hopkins Jr., MD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Gary Stein, MBA, Families Fighting Flu
Register now to be sure you don’t miss this informative session.
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FDA licenses Comirnaty, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, for individuals 16 years of age or older; FDA issues new consolidated Fact Sheets
On August 23, FDA licensed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals 16 years of age or older with the trade name Comirnaty. Vaccination for 12- to 15-year-olds continues to be authorized via Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), as does use of third doses in certain immunocompromised individuals. The storage, handling, and ordering process for the vaccine remain unchanged.
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CMS and CDC are developing emergency regulation to require staff COVID-19 vaccination in Medicare- and Medicaid-participating nursing homes
On August 18, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in collaboration with CDC, announced the development of an emergency regulation to require staff of Medicare- and Medicaid-participating nursing homes to be vaccinated against COVID-19. A portion of the media statement appears below.
This new requirement is a key component of protecting the health and safety of nursing home residents and staff by ensuring that all nursing home staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations....
Today’s action is in keeping with CMS’s authority to establish requirements to ensure the health and safety of individuals receiving care from all providers and suppliers participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. About 62% of nursing home staff are currently vaccinated as of August 8 nationally, and vaccination among staff at the state level ranges from a high of 88% to a low of 44%. The emergence of the Delta variant in the United States has driven a rise in cases among nursing home residents from a low of 319 cases on June 27, to 2,696 cases on August 8, with many of the recent outbreaks occurring in facilities located in areas of the United States with the lowest staff vaccination rates....
CMS strongly encourages nursing home residents and staff members to get vaccinated as the Agency undergoes the necessary steps in the rule-making process over the course of the next several weeks. CMS expects nursing home operators to act in the best interest of residents and their staff by complying with these new rules, which the Agency expects to issue in September. CMS also expects nursing home operators to use all available resources to support employees in getting vaccinated, including employee education and vaccination clinics, as they work to meet this staff vaccination requirement.
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Wrapping up National Immunization Awareness Month: promote vaccination with helpful resources for all ages
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of healthcare professionals to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination.
It is critical to maintain routine vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect both individuals and communities. Routine vaccination prevents illnesses that lead to additional medical visits, hospitalizations, and further strain on the healthcare system. This year, CDC calls on its partners to amplify these important messages when communicating with parents, pregnant individuals, healthcare professionals, and other adults.
CDC’s NIAM web page includes two toolkits, one for reaching healthcare professionals and the other for reaching parents and patients. Each includes key messages, sample social media content, and educational resources. CDC encourages its partners to share these messages and resources throughout August using the hashtag #ivax2protect. Stay tuned for more resources to be released throughout the coming weeks.
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“New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations among Adults, by Vaccination Status—New York, May 3–July 25, 2021” published in MMWR Early Release
CDC published New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations among Adults, by Vaccination Status—New York, May 3–July 25, 2021 in the August 18 MMWR Early Release. A portion of the summary appears below.
Real-world studies of population-level vaccine effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalizations are limited in the United States....
During May 3–July 25, 2021, the overall age-adjusted vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization in New York was relatively stable (91.9%–95.3%). The overall age-adjusted vaccine effectiveness against infection for all New York adults declined from 91.7% to 79.8%....
These findings support the implementation of multicomponent approach to controlling the pandemic, centered on vaccination, as well as other prevention strategies such as masking and physical distancing.
Access the MMWR article in PDF format or in HTML format.
Related Link
- MMWR gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly and its companion publications
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Watch the virtual ACIP meeting on COVID-19 vaccination on August 30–31; no registration is required
CDC will convene its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on August 30–31, starting at 10:00 a.m. (ET). The committee will discuss COVID-19 vaccination.
No registration is required to watch webcasts of live ACIP meetings or listen via telephone. Opportunities for public comment are described at the website.
Related Link
- ACIP gateway page for content from previous meetings, as well as information about future meetings
FDA licenses Ticovac to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in individuals 1 year of age and older
On August 13, the FDA licensed Pfizer's Ticovac tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine for active immunization to prevent TBE in individuals 1 year of age and older at risk of exposure to ticks that carry the virus. Ticovac is the only FDA-approved vaccine to protect adults and children in the United States from the TBE virus in TBE-endemic areas (e.g., parts of central Europe). TBE does not occur in the United States or elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere.
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will consider recommendations for the use of Ticovac by U.S.-based travelers in its upcoming meetings.
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IAC’s Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll recognizes 539 institutions, including two new honorees. Four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors.
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is pleased to announce that two new institutions have been accepted into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, for a total of 539 honorees. The birthing institutions are listed below with their reported hepatitis B birth dose coverage rates in parentheses.
- Carthage Area Hospital, Carthage, NY (91%)
- Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Saipan, MP (99%)
One institution is being recognized for a second year:
- Sharon Hospital, Sharon, CT (96%)
One institution is being recognized for a fourth year:
- Phoenixville Hospital, Phoenixville, PA (96%)
One institution is being recognized for a fifth year:
- UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA (100%)
Finally, one institution is being recognized for a sixth year:
- Bristol Hospital, Bristol, CT (92%)
The Honor Roll now includes 539 birthing institutions from 44 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, and an overseas U.S. military base. One hundred twenty-three institutions have qualified for 2 years, 72 institutions have qualified three times, 42 institutions have qualified four times, 24 institutions have qualified five times, 23 institutions have qualified six times, eight institutions have qualified seven times, two institutions have qualified eight times and one institution has qualified nine times.
The Honor Roll is a key part of IAC’s major initiative urging the nation’s hospitals to Give Birth to the End of Hep B. Hospitals and birthing centers are recognized for attaining high coverage rates for administering hepatitis B vaccine at birth and meeting specific additional criteria. The initiative urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply for the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll online.
To be included in the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, a birthing institution must have: (1) reported a coverage rate of 90% or greater, over a 12-month period, for administering hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge to all newborns, including those whose parents refuse vaccination, and (2) implemented specific written policies, procedures, and protocols to protect all newborns from hepatitis B virus infection before hospital discharge.
Honorees are also awarded an 8.5" x 11" color certificate suitable for framing and their acceptance is announced to IAC Express’s 52,000+ readers.
Please visit the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll web page that lists these institutions and their exceptional efforts to protect infants from perinatal hepatitis B transmission.
Related IAC Resources
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IAC Spotlight! “Ask the Experts” gateway page offers more than a thousand questions on vaccines and vaccination answered by IAC experts
In this week's IAC Spotlight, we highlight the Ask the Experts gateway page at Immunize.org.
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).
The gateway page is one of the most highly visited destinations on Immunize.org. Whether you're looking for vaccine delivery guidance (e.g., administration, billing, documenting) or information on a specific vaccine, you'll likely find what you're looking for on one of the gateway page's 29 topic links.
New and updated Ask the Experts Q&As are published in special editions of IAC Express five times per year. If you have a question that you think may be of interest to our readers, please send it to us using our online form. We will consider it for inclusion in an update of the Ask the Experts feature.
Journalists interview IAC experts
Journalists seek out IAC experts to help explain vaccines to the public and policy makers. We help the media understand and communicate the complex work vaccinators do. Here are two recent citations.
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Vaccines in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
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Vaccine Information Statements
Update Your VISs! CDC releases 14 updated Vaccine Information Statements; translations in progress
On August 9, CDC posted 14 updated Vaccine Information Statements (VISs). Access these VISs on their respective IAC web pages by clicking on the links below.
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Influenza, inactivated or recombinant
- Influenza, live intranasal
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Meningococcal B
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13)
- Polio
- Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
CDC encourages providers to begin using these VISs immediately; however, existing supplies of the previous editions may be used until exhausted.
IAC will produce translations of these new VISs and post them on Immunize.org as they become available over the next several weeks. Translations of previous VIS versions may be used until new translations become available. CDC states that the corresponding up-to-date English-language VIS must also be supplied when providing an out-of-date translation.
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Featured Resources
National Nurse-Led Care Consortium releases COVID-19 toolkit for nurses to decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates in the community
The National Nurse-Led Care Consortium created a toolkit to help nurses do their part in the national vaccination effort. The toolkit is designed to help nurses decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates in their communities.
The toolkit includes facts to raise awareness on social media, infographics to combat misconceptions, shared COVID-19 stories, ways to help get people vaccinated, where to find COVID-19 vaccines, and various other resources. This toolkit is also useful for all individuals looking to combat COVID-19 misinformation and promote getting the vaccine.
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AMA releases AMA STEPS Forward toolkit containing resources facilitating team-based adult vaccination
The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed a collection of engaging and interactive educational toolkits that are practical, actionable “how-to” guides to transform and improve your practice. The AMA STEPS Forward adult vaccination toolkit covers vaccine basics, prioritization and delivery, vaccine delivery equity, ethical implications, and public health safeguards. These resources are customizable and can be used to support the successful implementation of adult vaccine programs and efforts.
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Immunize Kansas Coalition posts “Truth about Vaccines” handout designed for refugee audiences in ten languages
Immunize Kansas Coalition has developed an easy-to-read 1-page sheet called Truth about Vaccines. This new handout contains helpful, easy-to-read information regarding the truth about vaccines, originally designed for refugee audiences.
The handout is offered in 10 languages:
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Great gift idea! IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins make wonderful holiday gifts or workplace recognitions!
IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pins are meaningful gifts for people who care about vaccination. 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 the pin securely. A gold metal spring-lock clasp is also provided.
Wear these pins on clothing, uniforms, and white coats to show that you value vaccines!
 
Click here for "Vaccines Save Lives" pin pricing and ordering information.
Encourage others to get vaccinated by ordering IAC's “Me Vacuné…” and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers, now FREE to all organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination!
All organizations promoting or offering COVID-19 vaccination may order IAC’s FREE “Me Vacuné…” and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers, provided with support from CDC. Access this order form to request the FREE buttons and stickers for your outreach efforts while supplies last.
 
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Vaccinated? 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:
Notable Publications
“Sustained Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines against COVID-19 Associated Hospitalizations among Adults—United States, March–July 2021” published in MMWR Early Release
CDC published Sustained Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines against COVID-19 Associated Hospitalizations among Adults—United States, March–July 2021 in the August 18 MMWR Early Release. A portion of the summary appears below.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines provide strong protection against severe COVID-19; however, the duration of protection is uncertain....
Among 1,129 patients who received 2 doses of a mRNA vaccine, no decline in vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalization was observed over 24 weeks. Vaccine effectiveness was 86% 2–12 weeks after vaccination and 84% at 13–24 weeks. Vaccine effectiveness was sustained among groups at risk for severe COVID-19....
mRNA vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19–associated hospitalizations was sustained over 24 weeks; ongoing monitoring is needed as new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge. To reduce hospitalization, all eligible persons should be offered COVID-19 vaccination.
Access the MMWR article in PDF format or in HTML format.
Related Link
- MMWR gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly and its companion publications
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“Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Nursing Home Residents before and during Widespread Circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant—National Healthcare Safety Network, March 1–August 1, 2021” published in MMWR Early Release
CDC published Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Nursing Home Residents before and during Widespread Circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant—National Healthcare Safety Network, March 1–August 1, 2021” published in MMWR Early Release in the August 18 MMWR Early Release. A portion of the summary appears below.
Two doses of mRNA vaccines were 74.7% effective against infection among nursing home residents early in the vaccination program (March–May 2021). During June–July 2021, when B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant circulation predominated, effectiveness declined significantly to 53.1%....
Additional evaluations are needed to understand protection against severe disease in nursing home residents over time.
Access the MMWR article in PDF format or in HTML format.
Related Link
- MMWR gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly and its companion publications
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“Confronting the Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2, Summer 2021” published in JAMA
In the August 18 issue, JAMA published Confronting the Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2, Summer 2021. The conclusions section appears below.
The Delta variant presents a serious challenge to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and worldwide. Effectively responding to this formidable variant will require an evidence-based response that, unfortunately, has not been the case for many US states. Vaccines are the only way forward that will preserve the health care infrastructure and the economy, and eventually contain the pandemic. Increasing uptake among vaccine-hesitant populations will require full participation and complete commitment by everyone, including government officials, clinicians, public health practitioners, and members of the community. Elected officials and other policy makers can do their part now by lending strong support to vaccination and public health mitigation strategies.
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“COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Cases: Data from the States” published by Kaiser Family Foundation
On July 30, Kaiser Family Foundation published COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Cases: Data from the States. A portion of the article appears below.
While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 and also reduce the likelihood of mild or asymptomatic infection, a small share of fully vaccinated individuals do become infected, and some become hospitalized or have died. These rare occurrences are known as “breakthrough cases” which are to be expected, and historically known to occur with other vaccines as none is 100% effective.
Figure 1 of the report shows how rare breakthrough cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are among those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in those states reporting breakthrough data.
Figure 2 shows that almost all (more than 9 in 10) COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred among people who are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated, in those states reporting breakthrough data.
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CHOP's Vaccine Education Center publishes August issue of Vaccine Update newsletter
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) publishes a monthly immunization-focused newsletter titled Vaccine Update for Providers. The August issue includes the following articles:
Additional resources, including information booklets for patients, are available in the full newsletter.
Access the sign-up form to subscribe to Vaccine Update for Providers.
Upcoming Events
CHOP Vaccine Education Center’s Current Issues in Vaccines for Providers webinar on September 22 features Dr. Paul Offit discussing myths and misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines; CE available
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will present a 1-hour webinar on myths and misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines, beginning at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on September 22. Part of its Current Issues in Vaccines series, the webinar will feature Paul Offit, MD, director of the VEC.
Free continuing-education credits (CME, CEU, and CPE) will be available for both the live and archived events.
Register for the webinar.
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Immunization PSAs from the Archive
In this entertaining PSA from Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center (Georgia), children lip synch a Gladys Knight song to remind us that they are able to use their imaginations when they are protected
In this 1996 entertaining public service announcement (PSA) from the Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center (Georgia), children lip synch a Gladys Knight song to remind us that they are able to use their imaginations when they are protected. This PSA is part of a collection curated by vaccine expert William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH, that spans a period of more than 50 years.
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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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