Issue 1,594: October 13, 2021
Top Stories
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
Vaccine Information Statements
Featured Resources
Notable Publications
Global News
Upcoming Events
Top Stories
CDC launches “Let’s Play Catch Up” resources to encourage routine childhood vaccinations
CDC launched the "Let's Play Catch Up" campaign to help vaccination partners and healthcare providers communicate to parents the importance of staying on track with routine childhood vaccinations. As children catch up on school routines and playdates with friends, it’s more important than ever that they catch up on their routine vaccinations. Campaign materials include:
- Social media content with messages and images to reach parents
- Downloadable infographic titled Catch Up on Checkups and Routine Vaccines
- Newsletter template with suggested language to use in emails or digital communications with parents
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IAC updates "COVID-19 Vaccines" main page with educational materials and information on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster doses
IAC’s Vaccines: COVID-19 main page has been updated to include the latest CDC materials on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster doses, additional doses for immunocompromised people, patient education, and vaccine confidence. This page provides links to key COVID-19 vaccine resource pages from IAC, CDC, and other partners.
To locate this main page on Immunize.org, go to the light blue band of tabs across the top, and choose "Vaccines" and then "COVID-19." You also can use the Guide to Immunize.org at the bottom of each web page.
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Institute for Safe Medication Practices highlights mix-ups between influenza vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, offers safety strategies to avoid future errors
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has published a report titled Mix-Ups Between the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccines in the October 7 issue of Medication Safety Alert.
ISMP recommends implementing these safety strategies to avoid errors:
- Provide staffing support
- Separate vaccination areas
- Label the syringes
- Separate the vaccines
- Identify the patient and requested vaccine
- Involve the patient/parent in the checking process
- Document lot number/expiration date
- Scan the barcode
- Provide the intended vaccine
- Report vaccine errors
Access the full article and use their safe-practice recommendations for staff training: Mix-Ups Between the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccines.
Related Links
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Keep up with influenza this season: CDC’s FluView surveillance reports now being posted weekly
Influenza season has officially begun. CDC expects influenza activity, which is currently low, to increase in the coming weeks or months. CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, provides a valuable snapshot of influenza activity state-by-state. Visit it regularly to stay informed about influenza in your community this season.
If you don’t provide influenza vaccine at your site, please strongly recommend vaccination and refer people to sites that do vaccinate. Boston Children’s Hospital, in partnership with CDC, has developed VaccineFinder, a user-friendly website to help people of all ages find influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccines. Participating providers can now update their vaccine inventory estimates on VaccineFinder for a more accurate reporting. For questions or more information, contact [email protected].
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American Lung Association and Anthem Foundation launch "Fend Off Flu" campaign to increase flu knowledge and vaccination rates
The American Lung Association, in partnership with the Anthem Foundation, has launched the "Fend Off Flu" educational campaign. The campaign aims to increase influenza knowledge and encourage individuals to get their flu shot by:
- Providing flu educational materials to workplace leaders looking to educate their workforce about influenza and the importance of vaccination
- Supporting efforts to educate patients through healthcare providers (some of the most trusted messengers of flu information)
- Protecting older adults at high-risk for influenza complications by encouraging flu vaccination of caregivers and close contacts
Campaign materials include:
- Workplace toolkit
- Recorded webinar
- Educational posters to download, print, and share
- "5 Easy Actions" video
IAC Spotlight! Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on the history of vaccines
In this week's IAC Spotlight, we summarize resources at Immunize.org that focus on the history of vaccines.
Our Vaccine Timeline main page lists historic dates and events related to vaccines and immunization. From Edward Jenner's first smallpox vaccination in 1796 to COVID-19 vaccines, this chart highlights scientific discoveries and technologies that led to rapid advances in virology, molecular biology, and vaccinology.
Our YouTube channel containing public service announcements (PSAs) encouraging vaccination, compiled by vaccine expert Capt. William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH, USPHS (retired), is a collection that spans more than 50 years.
Our Publications Archive links to past issues of various IAC publications: Needle Tips, Vaccinate Adults, Vaccinate Women, and IAC Express.
Our Video of the Week series ran from January 2009 through May 2021. The collection of more than 600 videos selected by IAC staff began when it was difficult to find quality video on the Internet. The archived collection offers a glimpse into important topics of those days.
Our Image Library main page offers a gallery of digital images including pictures of healthcare professionals vaccinating children, teens, and adults; images of people affected by vaccine-preventable diseases; and micrographs of viruses, bacteria, and pathology specimens. Use these photos to educate staff and patients about the importance of vaccination.
Our History through Film main page overviews the Protecting Health: Saving Lives documentary, which covers the history of the Immunization Action Coalition from 1990 to 2020. Hosted by Sam Waterston, the 30-minute film was produced by Visionaries, Inc. for broadcast during its 24th season on more than 100 local PBS stations nationwide.
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 is a selection of our 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.
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
IAC updates "Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations" with information on COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccine Information Statements
New VIS translations to download now: IAC posts 6 Turkish translations of August 6 Vaccine Information Statements
IAC has posted Turkish translations of Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) issued by CDC on August 6. These 6 translations were generously donated by Betül Polatdemir, MD, Ankara, Turkey, and Sibel Bostancıoğlu, MD, Ankara Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital.
All translations are available in print-ready PDF format.
VIS translations in Turkish:
These join the other languages previously announced in IACX: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dari, French, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
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.
Related Links
Featured Resources
Spread the word, not the virus! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers to those promoting vaccination in hesitant communities. Available in English and Spanish.
Any group or person promoting COVID-19 vaccination 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 look great 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 while supplies last.
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IAC's red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers are a bright idea. Order today!
Remember to order your IAC “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers. They are ready to ship! Their bright red color highlights your important message about the need for influenza vaccination. And the cost is reasonable.
“FLU VACCINE” BUTTONS
The button measures 1.25" across and carries a bold message! Pin on lab coats, uniforms, other clothing, tote bags, or backpacks to show support for flu vaccine.
Buttons are delivered in bags of 10 buttons per bag.
Click here for pricing and ordering information for "FLU VACCINE" buttons.
“FLU VACCINE” STICKERS
Measuring 1.5" across, these stickers adhere well to clothing and have an easy-peel-off backing.
Stickers are delivered to you cut individually (not on rolls)—available in bundles of 100.
Click here for pricing and ordering information for “FLU VACCINE” stickers.
Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.
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Order IAC’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!
IAC's personal immunization record cards, printed on rip-proof, smudge-proof, water-proof paper are designed to last a lifetime. They’re sized to fit in a wallet when folded. The record cards are for you to give to your patients as a permanent and personal vaccination record and are sold in boxes of 250.
Make bulk purchases and receive quantity discounts. For quotes on larger quantities or customizing, or to request sample cards, call 651-647-9009 or email [email protected].
Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins, flu vaccine buttons and stickers, and a vaccine administration training video.
IAC's website Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org can help you excel at mass vaccination activities
The Immunization Action Coalition’s website www.Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org assists you in finding ideas for developing your own high-volume clinics. Mass vaccination efforts are useful for influenza and COVID-19 vaccination.
Many of the documents were written in the pre-pandemic era and need modification to ensure that additional protections (e.g., social distancing, personal protective equipment) help safeguard against COVID-19 transmission.
More resources have been added, including:
In addition, IAC's on-demand full-length webinar (1 h. 46 min.) highlighting best practices and offering practical information, Mass Vaccination Clinics: Challenges and Best Practices, can be viewed on www.Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org.
The www.Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org website includes a Related Resources web page linking to three articles by IAC authors that appeared in Becker’s Hospital Review.
If you have a resource to suggest for the website, please send a message to [email protected].
The webinar and the new website are supported by a medical education grant from Seqirus.
Related Links
Notable Publications
Journal of Infectious Diseases: Triumphs of Vaccination supplement publishes 16 articles on vaccine achievements
In a September 30 supplement, the Journal of Infectious Diseases published 16 articles on the theme of triumphs of vaccination. Disease-specific articles address pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, rotavirus, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, rubella, human papillomavirus, smallpox, varicella, poliomyelitis, influenza, measles, and zoster.
The first paragraph of the introductory article by John Modlin and colleagues appears below.
The global coronavirus pandemic we now confront has led to unprecedented mortality, strained our medical systems, disrupted our daily lives, and created economic stress unlike any other event in our lifetime. The origin is a novel virus that has swept across the globe with surprising speed, aided by air travel and a complete absence of population immunity. There can be no clearer reminder of the importance of immunization to modern civilization.
HHS publishes report titled "Associations between County-Level Vaccination Rates and COVID-19 Outcomes among Medicare Beneficiaries," showing cases and deaths prevented
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Health Policy published a report titled Associations between County-Level Vaccination Rates and COVID-19 Outcomes among Medicare Beneficiaries. An excerpt from the primary conclusion appears below.
COVID-19 vaccinations from January until May 2021 were associated with estimated reductions of approximately 265,000 COVID-19 infections and 39,000 deaths among Medicare beneficiaries.
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White House releases report describing rationale for COVID-19 vaccination requirements
On October 7, the White House released a 27-page report describing its rationale for the use of COVID-19 vaccine requirements as a means of stemming the pandemic. The report notes that access programs, education campaigns, and financial incentives have been helpful, but not sufficient. The unprecedented pace of the vaccination campaign has, so far, saved an estimated 100,000 lives and prevented 450,000 hospitalizations. Even so, tens of millions of people remain unvaccinated, straining health systems, the economy, and school systems. The report makes the case that vaccination requirements will result in millions more people getting vaccinated, accelerating progress out of the pandemic.
According to a White House analysis:
- Vaccination requirements have increased vaccination rates by 20+ percentage points to over 90% in many organizations
- Vaccination requirements have already helped cut the rate of unvaccinated Americans by one-third
- Increasing vaccination rates could return up to 5 million workers to the labor force
- Higher vaccination rates lead to lower COVID-19 disease rates and a stronger economy
- More than 3,500 organizations already require vaccinations, and thousands more will require vaccinations in weeks ahead
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AAP publishes October issue of Immunization Initiatives newsletter
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publishes a monthly immunization-focused newsletter titled Immunization Initiatives. The October issue includes the following articles:
- Updates and Alerts
- Events and Resources
- Red Book Online Influenza Resource Page
- Featured Research Findings: HPV Vaccination Rates Continue to Improve
- Pediatrics in Practice: New Immunization Pages
- Special Section: COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Resources
- Additional Resources: Influenza Vaccine for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
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Global News
WHO recommends groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk
To reinvigorate the fight against malaria, WHO has recommended the world’s first malaria vaccine for partial protection of young children at risk of life-threatening infection. The vaccine is known scientifically as “RTS,S” (Mosquirix, GSK). Portions of the press release appear below.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission. The recommendation is based on results from an ongoing pilot programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that has reached more than 800,000 children since 2019.
“This is a historic moment. The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Using this vaccine on top of existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year."
Related Links
Upcoming Events
Virtual: Watch the ACIP meetings on October 20 and 21 and on November 2 and 3; no registration is required
CDC will convene its regularly scheduled Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on October 20–21, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET). Additional emergency meeting dates have been added for November 2 and 3. The October meetings will address routine vaccines in addition to COVID-19. At press time, agendas have not yet been released.
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 main page for content from previous meetings, as well as information about future meetings
Virtual: FDA advisors will meet on October 14, 15, and 26 to discuss COVID-19 booster doses and vaccination of children age 5–11 years
FDA will convene its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) on October 14–15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET). The panel will discuss the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of COVID-19 vaccines for the administration of a booster dose, following completion of the primary series, to individuals age 18 years and older. Day 1 will focus on Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and day 2 will focus on Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine.
On October 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET), VRBPAC will discuss amending Pfizer's EUA to allow for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in children age 5 through 11 years.
Briefing materials for this meeting are typically posted 1 to 2 days before the meeting at VRBPAC web pages.
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Virtual: Shot of Prevention offers on-demand video titled "Vaccines for Teens and Preteens: A Live Q&A with Dr. Nneka Holder"
On September 17, Shot of Prevention offered a live Q&A titled Vaccines for Teens and Preteens: Live Q&A with Dr. Nneka Holder. Dr. Holder is an attending physician in the Department of Pediatrics at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. The on-demand video and transcript are now available.
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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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