Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. ([link removed])
[link removed]

Issue 1,605: December 8, 2021

Top Stories
* CDC warns against Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, strengthens booster dose recommendation for all adults age 18 and older
* IAC’s influenza resources and December 9 Influenza Vaccination Webinar for National Influenza Vaccination Week are more valuable than ever as vaccination rates lag
* Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require states to cover COVID-19 vaccine counseling for eligible children and youth
* Influenza vaccination coverage trending far lower than last year across all ages; vaccinate now
* "Influenza A(H3N2) Outbreak on a University Campus––Michigan, October–November 2021" published in MMWR Early Release
* Please help! In just 3 minutes, your feedback can shape the future of the Immunize.org website.
* IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,159 organizations, including one new facility
* IAC Spotlight: Review of resources at Immunize.org focused on enhancing clinic and practice operations
* Journalists interview IAC experts
* Vaccines in the news

Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
* Recap: These updated IAC educational materials for clinicians were released during October and November

Vaccine Information Statements
* Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during October and November

Featured Resources
* Updated! IAC’s “Ask the Experts: COVID-19” web page offers answers to questions about latest CDC recommendations for booster doses and vaccination of young children
* Voices for Vaccines releases podcast on social media and misinformation
* Get them while you can! IAC offers FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers in English and Spanish.
* IAC's website "Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org" can help you excel; use resources for vaccinating children age 5 through 11 years against COVID-19
* Order IAC’s child, adult, and lifetime immunization record cards—wallet-sized, designed to last!

Notable Publications
* "COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Persons Experiencing Homelessness—Six U.S. Jurisdictions, December 2020–August 2021" published in MMWR
* Commentary on quality measures to drive improvements in immunization rates published in Population Health Management

Upcoming Events
* Tomorrow! IAC webinar December 9 at 1:00 p.m. (ET): “Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too: Influenza Vaccination in December and beyond and Practical Approaches to Coadministration of Vaccines in Adults”
* Tomorrow! NFID offers webinar “Closing the Gap: Protecting Adults with Chronic Health Conditions” on December 9
* Virtual: Pfizer-BioNTech offers COVID-19 vaccination provider webinars to explain new recommendations and products


------------------------------------------------------------
Top Stories
------------------------------------------------------------
CDC warns against Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, strengthens booster dose recommendation for all adults age 18 and older

On November 29, CDC strengthened its recommendation on COVID-19 booster doses ([link removed]) to include all individuals age 18 and older. Individuals should get a booster dose at least 6 months after their second mRNA vaccination or at least 2 months after their initial Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine.

The emergence of the Omicron variant ([link removed]) , which has been identified in several states and appears more likely than Delta to cause reinfection, underscores the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts to protect against COVID-19. CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 and older should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible and all fully vaccinated adults should receive a booster dose at the appropriate interval.

Part of the CDC news release ([link removed]) from CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, appears below:

Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant. I strongly encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness. I also want to encourage people to get a COVID-19 test if they are sick. Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.
Related Links
* CDC news release: CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations ([link removed]) (11/29/21)
* CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States: Booster Dose ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: COVID-19 Booster Shots ([link removed]) main page
* CDC Health Alert Network: New SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Identified: Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant ([link removed]) (12/1/21).

------------------------------------------------------------
IAC’s influenza resources and December 9 Influenza Vaccination Webinar for National Influenza Vaccination Week are more valuable than ever as vaccination rates lag

As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), Immunize.org ([link removed]) (IAC) will hold an interactive webinar addressing flu vaccination in December and beyond ([link removed]) tomorrow, Thursday, December 9, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (ET).

The objectives of the webinar are to:
* Discuss CDC’s new influenza surveillance tool, the Weekly National Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) and review this season’s vaccination coverage to date
* Describe the science of the safety and effectiveness of co-administering vaccines, featuring basic immunology you should understand to answer recipients’ questions confidently
* Detail practical techniques for administering multiple shots to an adult, including how to deliver two vaccines in one deltoid, which vaccines should be given in separate limbs if possible, and use of the anterolateral thigh as an injection site

Webinar speakers will include:
* JoEllen Wolicki, BSN, RN, nurse educator, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), CDC
* Suchita Patel, DO, MPH, medical officer, NCIRD, CDC
* Jason Goldman, MD, FACP, regent, American College of Physicians (ACP); ACP liaison to Advisory Community on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Registration is open ([link removed]) ! This webinar is hosted by IAC with support from Sanofi Pasteur.
National Influenza Vaccination Week ([link removed]) (NIVW), observed December 5–11 this year, was established by CDC in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination activities throughout the holiday season and beyond. It's a great time to send reminder messages and vaccinate all those not yet protected for the coming viral season. Vaccination efforts should continue into the spring because influenza activity often does not peak until February.

[link removed]

Visit the NIVW website ([link removed]) to access the 2021 NIVW Digital Media Toolkit ([link removed]) and other resources to promote flu vaccination.

IAC is offering a limited supply of our popular “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers ([link removed]) , in both English and Spanish, available at no charge for product or shipping, thanks to funding from Seqirus. Click here now ([link removed]) to go directly to the order form.

Related Links
* IAC: Ask the Experts: Influenza ([link removed]) main page
* IAC: free educational materials and patient handouts related to influenza ([link removed])
* IAC: Influenza: Vaccines ([link removed]) main page
* IAC: Free "FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers order form ([link removed])
* 65+ Flu Defense website at www.influenza-defense.org ([link removed])
* National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit ([link removed]) (NAIIS) website
* Influenza vaccination resources ([link removed]) created by the NAIIS Influenza Workgroup
* The Summit Buzz: ([link removed]) Newsletter of the NAIIS

------------------------------------------------------------
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require states to cover COVID-19 vaccine counseling for eligible children and youth

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will require states to cover COVID-19 vaccine counseling ([link removed]) visits in which healthcare providers talk to families about the importance of child vaccination. These visits can be federally matched at 100% for at least 1 year after the end of the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS will match COVID-19 vaccine counseling-only visits at the 100% federal match rate only when the counseling is provided to people younger than age 21 as part of the Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.

CMS also issued a news alert ([link removed]) encouraging those insured by Medicare who are fully vaccinated to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is free of charge.

Related Links
* CMS news release: Biden-Harris Administration Makes 100% Federal Medicaid Matching Funds Available for State Expenditures on Certain COVID-19 Vaccine Counseling Visits for Children and Youth ([link removed]) (12/2/21)
* CMS news release: CMS Encourages People with Medicare to Get COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot ([link removed]) (12/2/21)
* White House: President Biden Announces New Actions to Protect Americans against the Delta and Omicron Variants as We Battle COVID-⁠19 This Winter ([link removed]) (12/2/21)

------------------------------------------------------------
Influenza vaccination coverage trending far lower than last year across all ages; vaccinate now

Influenza Surveillance

For week 47, ending on November 27, CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]) summary: Seasonal influenza activity in the United States remains low, but in recent weeks, the number of influenza virus detections reported by laboratories has increased, and the percent of outpatient visits for respiratory illness has trended upward.

[link removed]

Influenza Vaccination Dashboard

CDC's new Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) shares preliminary vaccination data, including key facts, such as:
* Vaccination rate during pregnancy is 17 percentage points lower this season through October compared with last season (40.7% compared to 58.2%)
* Among adults 18 and older ([link removed]) surveyed November 4–8, 2021: 40.9% were vaccinated, 17.6% planned to be vaccinated, 15.1% were not sure, and 26.4% did not plan to be vaccinated

CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same visit, if needed. COVID-19 vaccination alone provides no protection from influenza or any other respiratory virus.

Vaccine Finder

If you don’t provide influenza vaccine at your site, please strongly recommend vaccination and refer people to sites that do vaccinate. Use VaccineFinder, a user-friendly website to help people of all ages find influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccines ([link removed]) . Participating providers can update their vaccine inventory estimates on VaccineFinder. For questions or more information, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Related Links
* CDC: Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: FluView ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Influenza (Flu) ([link removed]) main page
* IAC: free educational materials and patient handouts related to influenza ([link removed])
* IAC: Influenza: Vaccines ([link removed]) main page
* IAC: Ask the Experts: Influenza ([link removed]) main page
* VaccineFinder ([link removed]) website
* Families Fighting Flu: Flu Resources for Healthcare Professionals ([link removed]) main page

------------------------------------------------------------
"Influenza A(H3N2) Outbreak on a University Campus—Michigan, October–November 2021" published in MMWR Early Release

CDC published Influenza A(H3N2) Outbreak on a University Campus—Michigan, October–November 2021 ([link removed]) in a December 3 MMWR Early Release. A portion of the article appears below.

On November 10, 2021, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was notified of a rapid increase in influenza A(H3N2) cases by the University Health Service (UHS) at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Because this outbreak represented some of the first substantial influenza activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC, in collaboration with the university, MDHHS, and local partners conducted an investigation to characterize and help control the outbreak. Beginning August 1, 2021, persons with COVID-19–like or influenza-like illness evaluated at UHS received testing for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial viruses by rapid multiplex molecular assay. During October 6–November 19, a total of 745 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were identified....

The findings of this investigation highlight the importance of increasing vigilance for influenza disease this winter, as indicated in CDC’s Health Alert Network Health Advisory issued on November 24, 2021 ([link removed]) . Given the substantial impact of COVID-19 on health care systems, with a weekly rate of approximately 500 or more COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in Michigan during the week ending November 19, 2021, additional strategies to reduce influenza illness are important.

[link removed]

Access the MMWR Early Release article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]) .

Related Links
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to MMWR Weekly and its companion publications
* CDC Health Alert Network: Increasing Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) Activity, Especially among Young Adults and in College and University Settings, during SARS-CoV-2 Co-Circulation ([link removed]) (11/24/21)

------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE HELP! IN JUST 3 MINUTES, YOUR FEEDBACK CAN SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE IMMUNIZE.ORG WEBSITE.
We have just a few questions for you to help us improve your experience on the Immunize.org ([link removed]) website. Please take 3 minutes to complete this Immunize.org website user experience survey ([link removed]) .

[link removed]

------------------------------------------------------------
IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination now features 1,159 organizations, including one new facility
There are now 1,159 organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll ([link removed]) . The honor roll recognizes hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical practices, pharmacies, professional organizations, health departments, and other government entities that take a stand for patient safety by implementing mandatory influenza vaccination policies for healthcare personnel.

Since our progress report on November 10, one additional healthcare organization has been enrolled.
* Sierra View Care Center, Baldwin Park, CA

To be included in the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll, the institutional mandate you report must require influenza vaccination for all staff. Additionally, the application must describe measures to prevent transmission of influenza from unvaccinated personnel to patients (e.g., masking for the entire work shift, reassignment to non-patient-care duties, dismissal).

IAC urges qualifying healthcare organizations to complete the Application page ([link removed]) .
Related Links
* IAC: List of Influenza Vaccination Honorees, all healthcare settings ([link removed]) , by state
* IAC: Long-Term Care/Assisted Living Influenza Vaccination Honorees ([link removed]) by state
* IAC: Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll program ([link removed]) , including:
+ Position statements ([link removed]) from professional societies and leading healthcare organizations in support of mandatory influenza vaccination
+ Application form for Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll ([link removed])
* IAC: Honor Roll for Patient Safety ([link removed]) web page

------------------------------------------------------------
IAC SPOTLIGHT: REVIEW OF RESOURCES AT IMMUNIZE.ORG FOCUSED ON ENHANCING CLINIC AND PRACTICE OPERATIONS

In this week's IAC Spotlight, we summarize resources at Immunize.org ([link removed]) that focus on enhancing clinic and practice operations.

Our Topic Index to our Clinic Tools ([link removed]) main page is a one-stop source of practical information for vaccine providers. You will find "how-to" information about vaccinating in any setting.

Our Handouts for Patients and Staff ([link removed]) main 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 Temperature Logs ([link removed]) main page offers printable temperature logs to monitor freezers and refrigerators. This site also includes a troubleshooting record to document the occurrence and resolution of questionable or unacceptable vaccine storage events.

Our Documenting Vaccination ([link removed]) main page offers forms to document vaccination or declination of vaccination, as well as various forms and checklists useful to healthcare personnel.

Our free downloadable book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide ([link removed]) , is a "how to" guide that provides easy-to-use, practical information covering essential adult immunization activities.

Our Key Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals ([link removed]) offers a 5-page annotated list of resources for people who vaccinate or oversee vaccination clinics. The document lists foundational content with which every vaccinator should be familiar, supplemental content useful after completing foundational training, and additional tools to help providers grow in vaccination expertise.

------------------------------------------------------------
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 one of our recent citations.
* Salon: Does the Omicron Variant Mean Vaccines Will Have to Be Updated? Here’s What Scientists Say ([link removed]) (12/2/21)

Related Link
* IAC in the News ([link removed]) main page

Back to top (#Top)

------------------------------------------------------------
Vaccines in the news

These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* CNN: Get Booster Shots as Soon as You Can, Health Experts Say, as Omicron’s Spread Collides with the Relentless Delta Variant ([link removed]) (12/1/21)
* MSNBC: Osterholm: Get Vaccine and Booster to Prevent Severe Infection amid Omicron Variant ([link removed]) (11/30/21)
* Healthline: Influenza A Strain Is Leading to Rising Flu Cases: What That Means ([link removed]) (11/30/21)
* USA Today: Fact Check: New Ingredient in Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Mischaracterized in Online Posts ([link removed]) (11/29/21)
* CNN: Americans Face at Least 2 Weeks of Uncertainty as Scientists Work to Answer 3 Key Questions about the New Omicron Variant ([link removed]) (11/29/21)
* NPR: How Vaccine Makers Plan to Address the New COVID-19 Omicron Variant ([link removed]) (11/28/21)

------------------------------------------------------------
Immunize.org Pages and Handouts
------------------------------------------------------------
RECAP: THESE UPDATED IAC EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR CLINICIANS WERE RELEASED DURING OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

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 distribute.

In case you missed them during recent weeks, updates were made to these helpful materials:

IAC’s Updated Materials for Clinicians
* Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size ([link removed])
* Administering Vaccines to Adults: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size ([link removed])
* Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations ([link removed])
* Protective Measures for Vaccinating During the Pandemic ([link removed])

IAC’s Updated Influenza Materials for Clinicians
* Communicating the Benefits of Influenza Vaccine during COVID-19 ([link removed])
* Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2021–2022 Influenza Season ([link removed])
* Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Children and Teens ([link removed])
* Influenza: Questions and Answers ([link removed])
* Influenza Vaccination of People with a History of Egg Allergy ([link removed])
* Guide for Determining the Number of Doses of Influenza Vaccine to Give to Children Age 6 Months through 8 Years ([link removed])
* Don't Take Chances with Your Family's Health – Make Sure You All Get Vaccinated against Influenza Every Year! ([link removed])

Related Links
* IAC:Handouts ([link removed]) main page to see educational materials sorted by category
* IAC: Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page to access more than 1,000 questions answered by IAC experts
* IAC: Clinic Tools ([link removed]) main page and its nine subtopics
* IAC: Educational Materials for Patients and Staff ([link removed]) —an alphabetical list of more than 300 ready-to-print staff educational materials and patient handouts

------------------------------------------------------------
Vaccine Information Statements
------------------------------------------------------------
Recap: These new VISs and VIS translations were released during October and November

IAC Express regularly provides readers with information about Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) and translations of VISs.

On October 15th, CDC released updated final versions of the Hepatitis A, ([link removed]) Hepatitis B, ([link removed]) Multi-vaccine Pediatric ([link removed]) , and Rotavirus ([link removed]) VISs. During October and November, IAC posted 47 translations of these VISs in the following languages and you can access up-to-date VIS translations on these pages:
* Arabic ([link removed])
* Burmese ([link removed])
* Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) ([link removed])
* French ([link removed])
* Pashto ([link removed])
* Russian ([link removed])
* Somali ([link removed])
* Spanish ([link removed])
* Turkish ([link removed])
* Vietnamese ([link removed])

Plus, two IAC handouts related to VISs were updated:
* Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) ([link removed])
* You Must Provide Patients with Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) – It's Federal Law! ([link removed])

Related Links
* IAC: Vaccine Information Statement ([link removed]) main page for VISs in 46 languages
* IAC: Dates of Current Vaccine Information Statements ([link removed]) (PDF)
* CDC: What's New with VISs ([link removed]) web page
* CDC: Current VISs ([link removed]) web page

------------------------------------------------------------
Featured Resources
------------------------------------------------------------
Updated! IAC’s “Ask the Experts: COVID-19” web page offers answers to questions about latest CDC recommendations for booster doses and vaccination of young children

On December 4, IAC again fully updated its Ask the Experts: COVID-19 ([link removed]) web page to reflect the latest decisions of the ACIP ([link removed]) and changes to CDC’s clinical considerations for the use of COVID-19 vaccines ([link removed]) . “Ask the Experts” now includes these topics:
* Who is eligible to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
* COVID-19 vaccination of children age 5 through 11 years
* CDC Emergency Use Instructions (EUI) for certain recipients of vaccines not authorized by FDA

The Ask the Experts: COVID-19 ([link removed]) web page is updated regularly as guidance changes and new vaccines are authorized.

[link removed]

IAC's Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page leads you to 29 distinct web pages on a variety of topics comprising a total of more than 1,000 common or challenging questions and answers (Q&As) about vaccines and their administration. IAC wishes to recognize its team of experts: Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH and Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP.

Related Links
* IAC: Ask the Experts: COVID-19 ([link removed]) web page
* IAC: Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page to access more than 1,000 questions answered by IAC experts
* IAC: Vaccines: COVID-19 ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: COVID-19 ACIP Vaccine Recommendations ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States ([link removed]) web page

------------------------------------------------------------
VOICES FOR VACCINES RELEASES PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND MISINFORMATION

Voices for Vaccines (VFV) has posted a new entry in its Vax Talk podcast series: Social Media and Misinformation ([link removed]) featuring Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights’ Devin Burghart. A description from the VFV web page appears below.

It’s not shocking that social media spreads misinformation, but a new report from the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights just published a chilling report detailing how fertile social media platforms are for breeding vaccine misinformation. The problem is larger and more deeply entrenched than you might think, and the consequences are more alarming than many realize.

[link removed]

Voices for Vaccines is a national organization of parents and others 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 get involved with VFV ([link removed]) .

Related Links
* Voices for Vaccines Tools ([link removed]) main page
* Voices for Vaccines podcast page ([link removed])

------------------------------------------------------------
GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN! IAC OFFERS FREE “I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE” BUTTONS AND STICKERS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH.

Anyone promoting COVID-19 vaccination can order IAC’s FREE “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” buttons and stickers ([link removed]) , provided with support from CDC. Stickers and buttons in both Spanish and English remain available. Share them with patients, colleagues, and friends to show confidence in COVID-19 vaccination.

Click the picture below to go directly to the order form.

[link removed]

Related Links
* IAC: FREE "I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine" buttons and stickers order form ([link removed])
* Shop IAC ([link removed]) main page: All the buttons, stickers, laminated schedules, record cards, and other products offered by IAC

------------------------------------------------------------
IAC'S WEBSITE \"MASS-VACCINATION-RESOURCES.ORG\" CAN HELP YOU EXCEL; USE RESOURCES FOR VACCINATING CHILDREN AGE 5 THROUGH 11 YEARS AGAINST COVID-19

The Immunization Action Coalition’s website www.Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org ([link removed]) 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:
* CDC: COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Requirements and Support ([link removed])
* CDC: COVID-19 Vaccination Resources for Providers ([link removed])
* CMS: Enrollment for Administering COVID-19 Vaccine Shots (billing process) ([link removed])
* Illinois: COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Planning Guide ([link removed])

[link removed]

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 ([link removed]) , can be viewed on www.Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org ([link removed]) .

The www.Mass-Vaccination-Resources.org ([link removed]) website includes a Related Resources ([link removed]) 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] (mailto:[email protected]) .

The webinar and the website are supported by a medical education grant from Seqirus.

Related Links
* IAC: Mass Vaccination Resources ([link removed]) website
* IAC: Mass Vaccination Clinics: Challenges and Best Practices ([link removed]) archived webinar
* CDC: Guidance for Planning Vaccination Clinics Held at Satellite, Temporary, or Off-Site Locations ([link removed])

------------------------------------------------------------
ORDER IAC’S CHILD, ADULT, AND LIFETIME IMMUNIZATION RECORD CARDS—WALLET-SIZED, DESIGNED TO LAST!

IAC's personal immunization record cards ([link removed]) , 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 personal vaccination record and are sold in boxes of 250.
* Child & Teen Immunization Record Cards ([link removed])
* Adult Immunization Record Cards ([link removed])
* Lifetime Immunization Record Cards ([link removed])

[link removed]

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] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Visit Shop IAC for additional items ([link removed]) , including "Vaccines Save Lives" enamel pins, flu vaccine buttons, and a vaccine administration training video.

------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Publications
------------------------------------------------------------
"COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Persons Experiencing Homelessness—Six U.S. Jurisdictions, December 2020–August 2021" published in MMWR

On December 3, CDC published COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Persons Experiencing Homelessness—Six U.S. Jurisdictions, December 2020–August 2021 ([link removed]) in MMWR. Part of the article appears below.

Through conversations with public health and housing assistance partners, CDC identified six urban public health jurisdictions with data on [COVID-19] vaccination coverage among persons … experiencing intermittent homelessness during December 13, 2020–August 31, 2021. ... Full COVID-19 vaccination coverage among persons experiencing homelessness ranged from 18.6% to 44.5% in the six jurisdictions compared with 43.6% to 59.8% in the general population in each jurisdiction or corresponding area. In each jurisdiction, full vaccination coverage among persons experiencing homelessness was substantially lower (11.2–37.2 percentage points) than that among the general population of the respective jurisdiction.…Vaccine access for persons experiencing homelessness can be enhanced by using multiple strategies, including pop-up vaccination clinics in convenient locations, mobile clinics in partnership with trusted providers, and street outreach teams.

Access the MMWR Early Release article in HTML ([link removed]) or PDF ([link removed]) .

Related Link
* MMWR's main page ([link removed]) provides access to MMWR Weekly and its companion publications

------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on quality measures to drive improvements in immunization rates published in Population Health Management

On November 29, Population Health Management published Commentary on “Using Quality Measures to Drive Improvements in Immunization Rates: Findings from a Real-World Evaluation from 3 U.S. Health Care Organizations.” ([link removed]) The author was IAC's Angela K. Shen, ScD, MPH. Her commentary highlights two key findings: (1) implementation of adult measures is feasible and (2) measurement can lead to increased coverage rates, providing further evidence that these quality measures can be useful tools.

------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events
------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow! IAC webinar December 9 at 1:00 p.m. (ET): “Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too: Influenza Vaccination in December and beyond and Practical Approaches to Coadministration of Vaccines in Adults”

In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), Immunize.org ([link removed]) (IAC) will hold an interactive webinar titled Fight the Flu and COVID-19 Too: Influenza Vaccination in December and beyond and Practical Approaches to Coadministration of Vaccines in Adults ([link removed]) tomorrow, Thursday, December 9, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (ET). Speakers include JoEllen Wolicki, BSN, RN, and Suchita Patel, DO, MPH, from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; and Dr. Jason Goldman, ACIP liaison representative of the American College of Physicians.

Register today ([link removed]) !
------------------------------------------------------------
TOMORROW! NFID OFFERS WEBINAR “CLOSING THE GAP: PROTECTING ADULTS WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS” ON DECEMBER 9

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) will offer a webinar titled Closing the Gap: Protecting Adults with Chronic Health Conditions ([link removed]) from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET) tomorrow, Thursday, December 9. During this webinar, speakers will present results of the new national surveys conducted to better understand knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward flu vaccination as well as communication gaps between healthcare professionals and patients with chronic health conditions. NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD, will moderate the webinar with a panel discussion on strategies to improve flu vaccination rates among adults with chronic health conditions and tactics to narrow the existing communication gaps. Learning objectives include:
* Understanding the existing gap in communications between patients and healthcare professionals
* Implementing strategies to improve communications and increase flu vaccination rates among adults with chronic health conditions

Pre-registration is required.
Register for the webinar. ([link removed])

------------------------------------------------------------
Virtual: Pfizer-BioNTech offers COVID-19 vaccination provider webinars to explain new recommendations and products

Pfizer-BioNTech will offer educational webinars, "Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Training and Education," for COVID-19 vaccination providers. The webinars will focus on new recommendations and products, including the “orange cap” formulation for children age 5 to 11 years and important differences between the current “purple cap” and forthcoming “gray cap” formulations for people age 12 and older. The dates and times are as follows:
* December 9 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: xmBqyuSr252
* December 10 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: ZnuC32Puqy5
* December 13 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: D9ufVHMSM99
* December 14 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: H3WuiDZtd22
* December 15 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: gpPQjEdZ494
* December 16 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: cVST3X9Rff2
* December 17 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: ybW7Pnf6nN2
* December 20 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: TupjKrQv427
* December 21 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: BTt8MrXwR58
* December 28 at 5:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: 7DiG6JXsgA
* December 29 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) ([link removed]) – Password: dwQkMZmJ258

To access current and future training sessions, please visit [link removed].

Related Links
* CDC: Clinical guidance and vaccine information for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine ([link removed])
* Pfizer-BioNTech: EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for 12 Years of Age and Older ([link removed]) (purple cap)
* Pfizer-BioNTech: EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for 12 Years of Age and Older ([link removed]) (gray cap)
* Pfizer-BioNTech: EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for 5–11 Years of Age ([link removed]) (orange cap)

------------------------------------------------------------
For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events ([link removed]).

Back to top (#Top)
[link removed]


IAC Express

IAC Express Home ([link removed])

2021 Issues: July–Dec ([link removed])

2021 Issues: Jan–June ([link removed])

2020 Issues ([link removed])

2019 Issues ([link removed])


2018 ([link removed]) – 1997 Issues ([link removed])

------------------------------------------------------------

[link removed]

[link removed]

[link removed]

[link removed]

------------------------------------------------------------

[link removed]
[link removed]
------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Us

[link removed]
[link removed]

------------------------------------------------------------

Vaccinating Adults:
A Step-by-Step Guide

[link removed]

New! IAC's 142-page book available for free download ([link removed]) .

------------------------------------------------------------

Calendar of Events

[link removed]
Conferences, meetings, and training opportunities

------------------------------------------------------------

Patient Record Cards

[link removed]
Record cards for patients --child & teen ([link removed]) , adult ([link removed]) , and lifetime ([link removed]) -- are printed on durable paper and sized to fit in a wallet when folded

------------------------------------------------------------

DVD: Immunization Techniques

[link removed]
Every practice should have this award winning, "how-to" training video

------------------------------------------------------------

Protect Newborns Guidebook
[link removed]

Comprehensive guide Hepatitis B: What Hospitals Need to Do to Protect Newborns ([link removed])

------------------------------------------------------------

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 Managers
Arkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes
Contributing Writer
Laurel H. Wood, MPA
Technical Reviewer
Robin VanOss
About IAC Express
The Immunization Action Coalition welcomes redistribution of this issue of IAC Express or selected articles. When you do so, please add a note that the Immunization Action Coalition is the source of the material and provide a link to this issue ([link removed]) .

IAC Express is supported in part by Grant No. 1NH23IP922654 from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of IAC and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

IAC Express Disclaimer ([link removed])
ISSN: 1526-1786

Our mailing address:
2550 University Avenue West, Suite 415 North
Saint Paul, MN 55114
To unsubscribe to this publication, go to: [link removed]
==============================================

Unsubscribe [email protected] from this list:
[link removed]