Issue 1472: January 8, 2020
TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS
VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS
FEATURED RESOURCES
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS
TOP STORIES
FDA approves first U.S.-licensed vaccine for prevention of Ebola virus disease, a critical public health milestone
On December 19, the FDA issued a news release on Ervebo, the first FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of the Ebola virus. The approval was granted to Merck & Co. The first paragraph of the press announcement is reprinted below.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today the approval of Ervebo, the first FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD), caused by Zaire ebolavirus in individuals 18 years of age and older. Cases of EVD are very rare in the U.S., and those that have occurred have been the result of infections acquired by individuals in other countries who then traveled to the U.S., or health care workers who became ill after treating patients with EVD.
Access the full article: First FDA-Approved Vaccine for the Prevention of Ebola Virus Disease, Marking a Critical Milestone in Public Health Preparedness and Response
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CDC publishes “Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak—Democratic Republic of the Congo, August 2018–November 2019” in December 20 MMWR
CDC published Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak—Democratic Republic of the Congo, August 2018–November 2019 in the December 20 issue of MMWR (pages 1162–1165). A summary made available to the press is reprinted below.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ministry of Health (MoH), along with international partners, have improved the MoH’s ability to respond to the DRC’s current Ebola epidemic and to identify targeted intervention strategies for affected health zones. However, because this outbreak is happening in the context of more violence than seen in earlier outbreaks, there is a need for innovative approaches beyond the conventional Ebola response. On August 1, 2018, the DRC MoH declared the tenth outbreak of Ebola virus disease (Ebola) in DRC, in the North Kivu Province in eastern DRC on the border with Uganda. From the beginning of the outbreak to November 17, 2019, a total of 3,296 Ebola cases and 2,196 (67%) deaths were reported, making this the second largest documented outbreak after the 2014–2016 epidemic in West Africa. Since August 2018, the DRC MoH has been collaborating with international partners to control the outbreak. Although the DRC has successfully contained Ebola outbreaks in the past, challenges specific to North Kivu and Ituri provinces have complicated outbreak control. Limited infrastructure and resources, armed conflict, and community distrust of local authorities and international partners are major challenges faced by the Ebola response.
Access the complete report:
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CDC releases "Recommendations for Providing Quality Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinical Services, 2020" in MMWR Recommendations and Reports
CDC released Recommendations for Providing Quality Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinical Services, 2020 in the January 3 issue of MMWR Recommendations and Reports. A summary made available to the press is reprinted below.
Health care settings can use CDC’s recommendations to assess and identify opportunities to build, maintain, or enhance their delivery of STD care. Approximately 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur every year in the United States, and the rates for most STDs have increased in recent years. Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to reduce STD transmission. A new CDC report, Recommendations for Providing Quality Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinical Services (STD QCS), highlights the services healthcare settings can offer to provide the highest-quality STD clinical care for patients, including on-site testing and treatment and other services that should be available on the same day of the patient visit. Healthcare settings can use the recommendations to assess which STD care services they should offer and identify opportunities to build, maintain or enhance their delivery of STD care. STD QCS complements CDC’s 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, which provides guidance on the clinical management of patients with or at risk for STDs in the United States.
Access the complete report:
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IAC Spotlight! Just in case you missed them, these IAC materials and web pages were updated during November and December
In almost every issue of IAC Express, we provide readers with information about new and updated educational materials for healthcare professionals and handouts for patients that have been posted during the past week on IAC’s website for healthcare professionals, immunize.org. All these materials are available free for you to download, print, copy, and distribute in your healthcare settings. We also announce major updates to the content on various web sections and pages on immunize.org.
Below you’ll find a listing of the new and updated items and web pages we’ve announced in IAC Express during the months of November and December, in case you’ve missed any of them.
Educational Materials for Healthcare Professionals
Handouts for Patients
Updated Web Sections and Pages
Updated VISs and Web Pages
Related Links
- Visit IAC’s View All Materials web page to obtain a list of more than 300 staff educational materials and patient handouts on immunize.org
- Visit IAC’s Handouts main page to see the materials sorted by category
- Visit IAC's Ask the Experts web section to access more than 1,000 questions answered by IAC experts
- Visit IAC's Clinic Tools main page to access this web section and its seven specific topics
- Visit the What's New at IAC: Handouts web page to view all new and updated handouts and other educational materials and the dates they were posted on immunize.org
- Visit the What's New at IAC: Web Sections to view all new and updated web pages and dates they were posted on immunize.org
- Visit the What’s New at IAC: Vaccine Information Statements web page to view all new and updated Vaccine Information Statements and the dates they were posted on immunize.org
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There are now 1,121 organizations enrolled in IAC's Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll for mandatory healthcare worker vaccination
There are now 1,121 organizations enrolled in 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 December 4, when IAC Express last reported on the Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll, eight additional healthcare organizations have been enrolled.
IAC urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply by visiting the Application page.
Newly added healthcare organizations, hospitals, government agencies, medical practices, long-term care facilities, and pharmacies
- Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, IN
- Excelsior Springs Medical Center, Excelsior Springs, MO
- Tulia Rural Health Clinic, Tulia, TX
- Moab Regional Hospital, Moab, UT
- The Auberge at Aspen Park, Salt Lake City, UT
- Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Health, Baraboo, WI
- Casper Children’s Center, Casper, WY
- U.S. Naval Hospital, Naples, Italy
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Reminder: National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit soliciting nominations for its 2020 Immunization Excellence Awards
The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) is soliciting nominations for the 2020 NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards. The 2020 awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions towards improving vaccination rates within their communities during 2019. Awardees exemplify the meaning of the "immunization neighborhood" (collaboration, coordination, and communication among immunization stakeholders dedicated to meeting the immunization needs of the patient and protecting the community from vaccine-preventable diseases).
A National Winner will be selected for each award category, and where appropriate, an Honorable Mention recipient. The winners will be presented with their awards at the NAIIS meeting to be held on May 18 in Atlanta, GA, in conjunction with CDC’s National Immunization Conference. The National Winners in each category will be invited to present their programs at the NAIIS meeting.
Nominations deadline is February 1, 2020.
Access information on the award categories and the nomination form.
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Voices for Vaccines releases new Vax Talk podcast episode titled “Madi's Influenza Story”
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) has posted a new entry in its Vax Talk podcast series: Madi's Influenza Story. Karen Ernst, executive director, VFV, and Shelle Allen, President of Families Fighting Flu and Madi's mother, engage in a lively, in-depth discussion of Madi's months-long battle with influenza.
If you or your organization would like information about how to become a sponsor of a VFV Vax Talk podcast, please contact VFV's executive director Karen Ernst, at [email protected].
Voices for Vaccines is a national organization of parents and others who are dedicated to raising the level of the voices of immunization supporters. VFV invites everyone who values vaccines to become a member. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues to join VFV!
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IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunizations!
IAC’s new elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin on hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges makes the statement that you care about immunization.
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. The pin makes a refined statement, measuring 1.125" x 0.75".
Wear these pins on clothing, uniforms, lab coats, tote bags, and backpacks to show that you value vaccines!
 
Click here for "Vaccines Save Lives" pins pricing and ordering information.
Visit Shop IAC for additional items, including "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers, patient record cards, and a vaccine administration training video.
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Flu season is ongoing, so make sure you have IAC's new "FLU VACCINE" buttons for staff and patient stickers on hand!
IAC's “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers are ready to ship! Their bright red color helps broadcast your important message about the need for flu vaccination. And the cost is nominal.
“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 and printed on Avery labels, these stickers adhere well to clothing and have an easy-peel-off back.
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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IAC HANDOUTS
IAC posts new Spanish translation of “Which Vaccines Do I Need Today?”
IAC recently posted a new Spanish-language version of its “Which Vaccines Do I Need Today?” This version now matches the English-language version which was revised in January 2019.
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VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENTS
IAC posts updated translations of both zoster recombinant and zoster live VISs in Portuguese and Haitian Creole, as well as the cholera VIS in Turkish
IAC has posted updated Portuguese-language and Haitian Creole-language versions of the zoster recombinant and zoster live VISs as well as an updated cholera Turkish-language VIS. IAC thanks the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Immunization Program for the updated zoster recombinant and zoster live VIS translations. A special thank you to Betül Polatdemir, MD, and Sibel Bostancıoğlu, MD, both from Ankara, Turkey for the updated cholera VIS translation.
Access these updated translations below.
Zoster recombinant VIS
Zoster live VIS
Cholera VIS
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New translations of the PPSV23 VIS are now available in Italian, Polish, Urdu, and Yiddish, and updated translations are available in Bengali, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Portuguese
IAC has posted new translations of the PPSV23 VIS in Italian, Polish, Urdu, and Yiddish, as well as updated translations in Bengali, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Portuguese. The first seven languages above were donated by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Portuguese translation was donated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Immunization Program.
Access these new and updated PPSV23 VIS translations below.
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FEATURED RESOURCES
Influenza season is here; please continue vaccinating through the winter months to prevent flu from spreading further
According to CDC, seasonal influenza activity in the United States is high and continues to increase. Activity has been elevated for eight weeks according to CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView. The number of jurisdictions reporting regional or widespread activity increased to 50 for the week ending December 28 compared to 48 last week.
Five new influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC during the week ending December 28. A total of 27 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2019–20 season.
Visit the CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, for details.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, so please continue to vaccinate all your patients in this age range. If you don't provide influenza vaccination in your clinic, please recommend vaccination to your patients and refer them to a clinic or pharmacy that provides vaccines or to the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to locate influenza vaccination services near them.
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CDC updates the meningococcal disease chapter of its Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
CDC recently updated the meningococcal disease chapter of its Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.
- Chapter 8: Meningococcal Disease has been updated to reflect authorship conservation and elimination of duplication for the Vaccination section, which now refers the reader to the Pink Book and updated epidemiologic information, surveillance data, and corresponding literature reference
The Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases provides current guidelines for those directly involved in surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially personnel at the local health departments.
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IAC's comprehensive Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide is available for free download either by chapter or in its entirety (142 pages)
In late 2017, the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) announced the publication of its new book, Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide (Guide).
This completely updated "how to" guide on adult immunization provides easy-to-use, practical information covering essential adult immunization activities. It helps vaccine providers enhance their existing adult immunization services or introduce them into any clinical setting. Topics include:
- setting up for vaccination services,
- storing and handling vaccines,
- deciding which people should receive which vaccines,
- administering vaccines,
- documenting vaccinations (including legal issues), and
- understanding financial considerations and billing information.
In addition, the Guide is filled with hundreds of web addresses and references to help providers stay up to date on the latest immunization information, both now and in the future.
The Guide is available to download/print either by chapter or in its entirety free of charge at www.immunize.org/guide. The downloaded version is suitable for double-sided printing. The National Vaccine Program Office and CDC both supported the development of the Guide and provided early technical review.
The Guide is a uniquely valuable resource to assist providers in increasing adult immunization rates. Be sure to get a copy today!
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JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS
Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia publishes December issue of its newsletter Vaccine Update
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia publishes a monthly immunization-focused newsletter titled Vaccine Update. The December issue includes several articles, including the following:
Access the sign-up form to subscribe to Vaccine Update.
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December issue of CDC’s Immunization Works newsletter now available; subscribe for monthly immunization resources and information
CDC publishes “Estimating the Incidence of Influenza at the State Level—Utah, 2016–17 and 2017–18 Influenza Seasons” in MMWR
CDC published Estimating the Incidence of Influenza at the State Level—Utah, 2016–17 and 2017–18 Influenza Seasons in the December 20 issue of MMWR (pages 1158–1161). A summary made available to the press is reprinted below.
Timely state- or local-level estimates of the number of people who are ill and seek medical care due to influenza (flu) contribute to preparedness and communication messages needed during flu season and in the event of a flu pandemic. As flu season approaches, pilot work done at the Utah Department of Health and Salt Lake County Health Department to estimate seasonal flu burden and severity may help inspire other health departments to adopt similar measures. Methods used by CDC to estimate the numbers of people who are ill, seek medical care, or who are hospitalized due to flu nationally were applied for the first time at state and local levels. Results showed that in Utah during the 2017–18 flu season, approximately 11% of Utah residents were sick due to flu, and 3,900 of these people had severe flu illness requiring hospitalization. These findings complement a previous report on real-time flu season severity estimation in Utah that is now actively used in the state. State or county health departments may consider adapting these reproducible methods in their jurisdictions to estimate local flu disease burden and severity to help public health officials, policymakers, and clinicians tailor flu messaging, planning, and responses for seasonal flu epidemics and pandemics.
Access the complete report:
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Video of the Week
Ballad of Regret–Help Protect against the Flu: In this humorous song and dance performance from the Holderness Family Vlogs, Penn is the only one in the family who didn't get the flu vaccine. He thought that since he was a "bro" and healthy, he didn't need it. Penn is very sick, quarantined, tries many meds, and really regrets it. Next year he will get vaccinated.
Visit the VOTW archive
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Technically Speaking
Read Dr. Wexler's column for the Vaccine Education Center's monthly newsletter, Vaccine Update
Vaccinating Adults:
A Step-by-Step Guide
IAC's 142-page book available for free download.
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
Editorial Information
Editor
Deborah L. Wexler, MD
Associate Editors
Carolyn Bridges, MD, MPH
Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH
Consulting Editors
Taryn Chapman, MS
Marian Deegan, JD
Courtnay Londo, MA
Jane Myers, MA, EdM
Assistant Managing Editor
Liv Augusta Anderson, MPP
Abbreviations
AAFP: American Academy of Family Physicians
AAP: American Academy of Pediatrics
ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
FDA: Food and Drug Administration
IAC: Immunization Action Coalition
MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
NCIRD: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
VIS: Vaccine Information Statement
WHO: World Health Organization
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