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Issue 1,672: January 11, 2023
Top Stories
* Medicare Part D eliminates recipients’ out-of-pocket costs for all ACIP-recommended vaccines starting January 1, 2023
* Immunize​.org updates its “Ask the Experts: COVID-19” content and other COVID-19-related resources
* Newly updated “65+ Flu Defense” website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults
* Influenza activity on downward slope but remains high; keep encouraging vaccination
* January is Cervical Health Awareness Month; promote the importance of HPV vaccination
* Spotlight: Check out Immunize​.org's companion websites
* Journalists interview Immunize​.org experts
* Vaccines in the news


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


Vaccine Information Statements
* Immunize​.org continues to expand its translations of new and updated Vaccine Information Statements for DTaP, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, and smallpox/mpox vaccines. Be sure you are up to date!
* Recap: A record number of Vaccine Information Statement translations were released during November and December


Featured Resources
* Reminder: Immunize.org’s new webinar, “Improving the Vaccination Experience: Accessible Vaccination for Neurodiverse People at Any Age,” available for on-demand viewing
* Help Immunize​.org reach more vaccinators through your social media networks. Follow us and share our posts featuring Ask the Experts questions and our clinical resources on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!


Notable Publications
* “Racial and Ethnic Differences in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Children and Adolescents Aged 5–17 Years and Parental Intent to Vaccinate Their Children—National Immunization Survey–Child COVID Module, United States, December 2020–September 2022” published in MMWR
* “Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department or Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations among Immunocompetent Adults—VISION Network, Nine States, September–November 2022” published in MMWR
* “Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization among Immunocompetent Adults Aged ≥65 Years—IVY Network, 18 States, September 8–November 30, 2022” published in MMWR
* “Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Mpox in Persons Who Had Previously Received 1 Dose of JYNNEOS Vaccine and in Unvaccinated Persons—29 U.S. Jurisdictions, May 22–September 3, 2022” published in MMWR

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Top Stories
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Medicare Part D eliminates recipients’ out-of-pocket costs for all ACIP-recommended vaccines starting January 1, 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act ([link removed]) (IRA) eliminated out-of-pocket costs as of January 1, 2023, for Medicare Part D ([link removed]) beneficiaries who receive vaccines recommended for adults by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). For the first time, people with Medicare’s prescription drug coverage will pay no deductible and will not be responsible for any cost-sharing for ACIP-recommended vaccines, including shingles vaccine, Tdap, and travel vaccines.

Similar benefits take effect on October 1, 2023, for adults insured by Medicaid (those eligible for both traditional and expansion Medicaid coverage) and a small number of young adults covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Between now and October 1, state Medicaid programs not already in compliance will revise their Medicaid vaccine policies to implement the new law.

CMS guidance ([link removed]) notes that a Part D enrollee may still be required to pay some or all of the costs of a vaccine given to them if it is not recommended by ACIP for use in adults or is administered to a child younger than age 19 years. If ACIP recommends a new vaccine for adults during the plan year, Part D plan sponsors must require no cost-sharing for any applicable vaccine claims with dates of service after the recommendation is issued. Out-of-network claims also are required to be $0 for an ACIP-recommended adult vaccine.

CMS guidance states that CMS interprets ([link removed]) “adult vaccine” and “vaccine . . . for use by adult populations” to refer to vaccines licensed by the FDA and recommended by ACIP for use in adults (age 19 years or older), whether on the CDC/ACIP Adult Immunization Schedule or ACIP recommendations published in MMWR. CMS also interprets the term “recommended” to mean all categories of ACIP recommendations: routinely recommended, recommended only based on shared clinical decision-making, recommended for use only for people with specific risks (such as those with certain medical conditions), and recommended for circumstances that are not mentioned on the Adult Immunization Schedule for routine immunization (e.g., travel).

Medicare Part D plans ([link removed]) cover all vaccines that are commercially available, reasonable and necessary to prevent illness, and not covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B vaccines (including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines) have been given to adult beneficiaries without cost-sharing for many years.

This important new Medicare Part D benefit removes financial barriers to vaccination for millions of people age 65 years and older: share the news with your patients, colleagues, and friends. Encourage those with Medicare Part D to get the vaccines they need today.

Related Links
* CMS: Inflation Reduction Act CMS Implementation Timeline ([link removed])
* CMS Medicare Learning Network: Medicare Part D Vaccines ([link removed]) (Jan 2022)
* CMS: Reduced Drug Prices, Enhanced Medicare Benefits under Inflation Reduction Act: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ([link removed]) (10/5/22)
* CMS: The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Costs for Millions of Americans ([link removed]) (10/5/22)
* Avalere Health: Adult Vaccine Coverage in Medicaid: Assessing Existing Gaps and Looking Ahead to Implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act ([link removed]) (Dec 2022)

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Immunize​.org updates its “Ask the Experts: COVID-19” content and other COVID-19-related resources

Immunize​.org published a comprehensive update of the clinical answers in its popular Ask the Experts: COVID-19 ([link removed]) web page on December 23. This extensive set of clinical questions and answers addresses CDC COVID-19 recommendations and clinical considerations and connects readers with CDC resources. Updates incorporate policy changes made since September 8, such as booster dose recommendations for children who begin the series as early as age 6 months and the limited use of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine as a first booster dose for some adults.

[link removed]

Immunize​.org also revised its four-page job aid, Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools ([link removed]) on January 5. The updated checklist provides new dates for the "Ask the Experts COVID-19" web page and CDC’s MMWR index on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety. Immunize​.org updates this checklist at least monthly, prominently indicating when it was last updated at the top of the page. Now is a good time to verify that you are using the most current resources in your practice.

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In addition to updating its "Ask the Experts: COVID-19" content, Immunize​.org has also retired educational content related to CDC’s special recommendations for infection control during vaccination that were first made in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those recommendations are no longer in effect; CDC has resumed its routine recommendations for infection control and vaccine administration. Use of masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses in vaccination clinics should be based upon professional judgment in the specific circumstances or institutional policy. In response, Immunize​.org updated its “Ask the Experts: Administering Vaccines” web page and retired the educational resource “Protective Measures for Vaccinating During the Pandemic,” as well as the web page entitled “COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination.”

Related Links
* Immunize​.org: Ask the Experts: COVID-19 ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize​.org: Ask the Experts: Administering Vaccines ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize​.org: Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page to access more than 1,200 questions and answers
* Immunize​.org: Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools ([link removed]) (PDF)
* Immunize​.org: Vaccines: COVID-19 ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations ([link removed]) main page summarizing use of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States

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Newly updated “65+ Flu Defense” website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults

Confident recommendations for influenza vaccine from healthcare providers are powerfully persuasive. To assist you in maximizing protection for your patients, Immunize​.org, in collaboration with CSL Seqirus, updated the 65+ Flu Defense ([link removed]) website.

Older adults are at increased risk of severe influenza and COVID-19 illness, including hospitalization and death, especially if they are not up to date on these vaccinations. An updated fact sheet on the website, The Importance of Preventing Influenza and COVID-19, ([link removed]) ([link removed]) offers responses to help guide discussions with patients on the importance of preventing influenza and COVID-19.

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This helpful site includes information, tools, and tips for communicating with adults age 65 and older about the scope and severity of influenza. Resources include:
* Influenza in Adults 65+: The Facts ([link removed])
* Influenza Vaccination: Questions Patients Aged 65 and Older Frequently Ask Their HCP ([link removed])
* The Importance of Preventing Influenza and COVID-19 ([link removed])

Check out the updated 65+ Flu Defense website at www.influenza-defense.org ([link removed]) to assist your ongoing efforts in protecting this vulnerable population.

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Influenza activity on downward slope but remains high; keep encouraging vaccination

Now is the best time to vaccinate anyone not yet protected from influenza this season. CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]) , provides a valuable snapshot of influenza activity state-by-state.

Influenza Surveillance
For week 52, ending December 31, CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView ([link removed]) , reports that nationwide, 5.4% of outpatient visits were due to respiratory illness that included fever plus a cough or sore throat (i.e., influenza-like illness [ILI]). This exceeds the national baseline of 2.5%. Multiple respiratory viruses are co-circulating; the relative contribution of influenza virus infection to ILI varies by location. So far this season, 74 children have died from influenza-associated causes.

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Influenza Vaccination Dashboard
CDC's Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard ([link removed]) shows that vaccination coverage for all children age 6 months to age 17 years is similar to coverage in December 2021, but 4.2 percentage points lower than in December 2020. Current pediatric vaccination rates among states and DC varies widely, from 24.6% to 70.4%; national coverage is 47.5%. Most children are still enduring this influenza season without the benefit of vaccination.

CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get annual influenza vaccination. “Vaccines.gov” offers VaccineFinder ([link removed]) , a service of Boston Children’s Hospital, to help people find influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for any age group. To be listed as a provider by VaccineFinder, see the information at this website ([link removed]) .

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

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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month; promote the importance of HPV vaccination

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month ([link removed]) , a great time to share the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk HPV strains, an extremely common virus transmitted through intimate contact.

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CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination for all children at age 11 or 12 years and the series may be started at age 9 if preferred. Vaccination is also recommended for all people age 13 through 26 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the vaccination series. Children with normal immune systems who receive their first dose before turning age 15 require only two doses; anyone vaccinated at age 15 and older requires three. Adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their clinician.

Protect your patients from cervical cancer, and many other HPV-related cancers, by recommending, promoting, and offering the HPV vaccine.

Related Links
* WHO: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2023 ([link removed]) main page
* CDC: Cervical Cancer Awareness ([link removed]) web page
* CDC: HPV for Healthcare Professionals ([link removed]) main page
* NCCC: Cervical Health Awareness Month ([link removed]) web page
* ASHA: Ten Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider about Sexual Health ([link removed]) web page
* Immunize​.org: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) ([link removed]) main page
* Immunize​.org: Ask the Experts: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) ([link removed]) web page

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Spotlight: Check out Immunize​.org's companion websites

In this week's Spotlight, we summarize Immunize​.org companion websites.

The website of the National Network of Immunization Coalitions ([link removed]) , a project of Immunize​.org, posts information on more than 100 immunization coalitions and their topics of shared interest.

The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit ([link removed]) (NAIIS) website addresses adult and influenza immunization issues to improve coverage. NAIIS has more than 900 members, representing more than 130 public and private organizations. It is led by members of the Summit Organizing Committee, including Immunize​.org, CDC, HHS, and other organizations.

Vaccine Information You Need ([link removed]) , at www.vaccineinformation.org ([link removed]) , was launched by Immunize​.org in partnership with CDC. This website provides the public with hundreds of valuable resources, including personal testimonies of suffering due to vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine-related videos and public-service announcements, and educational materials from trusted organizations.

MenACWY: You’re Not Done If You Give Just One, ([link removed]) at www.give2menacwy.org ([link removed]) , supports a national campaign produced by Immunize​.org and Sanofi Pasteur to improve protection from disease caused by meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. It offers information for families and resources for providers to boost on-time delivery of both doses of the MenACWY vaccine.

65+ Flu Defense ([link removed]) , at www.influenza-defense.org, ([link removed]) produced by Immunize​.org and CSL Seqirus, is a website with tools to help protect patients 65 and older, all of whom are at greater risk of influenza complications.

Related Link
* Immunize​.org: Immunization Partners ([link removed]) main page

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Journalists interview Immunize​.org experts

Journalists seek out Immunize​.org 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.
* Philadelphia Inquirer: ‘Sick Troops Can’t Fight’: Bring Back COVID Vaccine Mandate for Our Military ([link removed]) (1/5/23)
* NPR: It’s Not Too Late to Get a COVID Booster—Especially for Older Adults ([link removed]) (12/28/22)

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Vaccines in the news

These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
* Washington Post: COVID Misinformation Spikes in Wake of Damar Hamlin’s On-Field Collapse ([link removed]) (1/3/22)
* New York Times: After Half a Century, Fauci Prepares for Life after Government ([link removed]) (12/29/22)
* The Hill: Ohio Measles Outbreak May Be Fueled by Vaccine Misinformation, Health Official Says: ‘We’re All Going to Pay Dearly’ ([link removed]) (12/29/22)
* NBC: Local Health Departments Working to Restore Trust as They Fight Vaccine Misinformation ([link removed]) (12/27/22)
* The Atlantic: Why the Age of American Progress Ended ([link removed]) (12/12/22)

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Immunize​.org Pages and Handouts
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Recap: These updated Immunize​.org educational materials for clinicians were released during November and December

IZ Express regularly provides readers with information about Immunize​.org’s new and updated educational materials for healthcare professionals and handouts for patients. All Immunize​.org materials are free to distribute.

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

Immunize​.org Materials for Clinicians
* Administering Vaccines to Adults: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size ([link removed])
* Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size ([link removed])
* Checklist of Current Versions of U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance and Clinic Support Tools ([link removed]) (1/05/23)
* How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections ([link removed])
* How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections to Adults ([link removed])
* Key Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals ([link removed])
* Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults ([link removed])
* Standing Orders for Administering Hepatitis A Vaccine to Adults ([link removed])
* Standing Orders for Administering Hepatitis A Vaccine to Children and Teens ([link removed])
* Standing Orders for Administering Hepatitis B Vaccine to Children and Teens ([link removed])
* Strategies to Improve Adult Vaccination Coverage ([link removed])
* Vaccinations Are Safe: Explaining Why ([link removed])
* Vaccine Injury Compensation Programs an Effective Balance of Public Health and Personal Remedy ([link removed])
* Vaccines with Diluents: How to Use Them ([link removed])

Immunize​.org Web Pages
* Vaccines: COVID-19 ([link removed])
* Vaccines: Mpox ([link removed])

Immunize​.org Printable Materials for Patients
* After the Shots . . . What to Do if Your Child Has Discomfort ([link removed])
* Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A Parent’s Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination ([link removed]) , also updated in Spanish ([link removed])
* Immunizations for Babies – A Guide for Parents ([link removed]) , also updated in these languages: Spanish ([link removed]) , Arabic ([link removed]) , Simplified Chinese ([link removed]) , French ([link removed]) , Korean ([link removed]) , Russian ([link removed]) , and Vietnamese ([link removed])
* Protect Yourself from Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B: A Guide for Gay and Bisexual Men ([link removed])
* Reliable Sources of Immunization Information: Where Parents Can Go to Find Answers! ([link removed])
* Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years ([link removed])
* When Do Children and Teens Need Vaccinations? ([link removed]) , also updated in these languages: Spanish ([link removed]) , Arabic ([link removed]) , Simplified Chinese ([link removed]) , French ([link removed]) , Korean ([link removed]) , Russian ([link removed]) , and Vietnamese ([link removed])
* You’re 16 . . . We Recommend These Vaccines for You ([link removed]) , also updated in Spanish ([link removed])

Related Links
* Immunize​.org: Handouts ([link removed]) main page to see educational materials sorted by category
* Immunize​.org: Ask the Experts ([link removed]) main page to access more than 1,200 questions answered by Immunize​.org experts
* Immunize​.org: Clinic Tools ([link removed]) main page and its nine subtopics
* Immunize​.org: Educational Materials for Patients and Staff ([link removed]) —an alphabetical list of more than 230 ready-to-print staff educational materials and patient handouts

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Vaccine Information Statements
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Immunize​.org continues to expand its translations of new and updated Vaccine Information Statements for DTaP, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, and smallpox/mpox vaccines. Be sure you are up to date!

Thanks to CDC support Immunize​.org substantially expanded its repository of Vaccination Information Statement (VIS) ([link removed]) translations. In November and December, Immunize​.org posted new and updated VIS translations for DTaP, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and smallpox/mpox vaccines.

All translations are available in print-ready PDF format.

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) VIS (view in English ([link removed]) ):
* New! Armenian ([link removed])
* New! Farsi ([link removed])
* New! German ([link removed])
* Updated: Hindi ([link removed])
* Updated: Italian ([link removed])
* Updated: Japanese ([link removed])
* New! Khmer (Cambodian) ([link removed])
* New! Korean ([link removed])
* Updated: Polish ([link removed])
* New! Swahili (Kiswahili) ([link removed])
* New! Tagalog ([link removed])
* Updated: Urdu ([link removed])

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) VIS (view in English ([link removed]) )
* Updated: Armenian ([link removed])
* Updated: Farsi ([link removed])
* Updated: German ([link removed])
* Updated: Hindi ([link removed])
* New! Italian ([link removed])
* Updated: Japanese ([link removed])
* Updated: Khmer (Cambodian) ([link removed])
* Updated: Korean ([link removed])
* New! Polish ([link removed])
* Updated: Swahili (Kiswahili) ([link removed])
* Updated: Tagalog ([link removed])
* New! Urdu ([link removed])

Hepatitis A VIS (view in English ([link removed]) )
* Updated: Armenian ([link removed])
* Updated: Farsi ([link removed])
* New! German ([link removed])
* New! Hindi ([link removed])
* New! Italian ([link removed])
* Updated: Japanese ([link removed])
* Updated: Khmer (Cambodian) ([link removed])
* Updated: Korean ([link removed])
* New! Polish ([link removed])
* Updated: Swahili (Kiswahili) ([link removed])
* Updated: Tagalog ([link removed])
* New! Urdu ([link removed])

Hepatitis B VIS (view in English ([link removed]) )
* Updated: Armenian ([link removed])
* Updated: Farsi ([link removed])
* New! German ([link removed])
* Updated: Hindi ([link removed])
* New! Italian ([link removed])
* Updated: Japanese ([link removed])
* Updated: Khmer (Cambodian) ([link removed])
* Updated: Korean ([link removed])
* New! Polish ([link removed])
* Updated: Swahili (Kiswahili) ([link removed])
* Updated: Tagalog ([link removed])
* New! Urdu ([link removed])

Smallpox/Monkeypox (JYNNEOS™) VIS (view in English ([link removed]) )
* New! Arabic ([link removed])
* New! Armenian ([link removed])
* New! Burmese ([link removed])
* New! Chinese – Simplified ([link removed])
* New! Chinese – Traditional ([link removed])
* New! Dari ([link removed])
* New! Farsi ([link removed])
* New! French ([link removed])
* New! German ([link removed])
* Updated: Haitian Creole ([link removed])
* New! Hindi ([link removed])
* New! Italian ([link removed])
* New! Japanese ([link removed])
* New! Khmer (Cambodian) ([link removed])
* New! Korean ([link removed])
* New! Pashto ([link removed])
* New! Polish ([link removed])
* Updated: Portuguese ([link removed])
* New! Russian ([link removed])
* New! Somali ([link removed])
* Updated: Spanish ([link removed]) (in RTF ([link removed]) )
* New! Swahili (Kiswahili) ([link removed])
* New! Tagalog ([link removed])
* New! Ukrainian ([link removed])
* New! Urdu ([link removed])
* New! Vietnamese ([link removed])
* New! Yiddish ([link removed])

Check the version dates of your office copies of newly updated translations. Translations of previous VIS versions should be discarded now that translations of the current versions are available.
Related Links
* Immunize​.org: Vaccine Information Statement ([link removed]) main page for VISs in 47 languages ([link removed])
* Immunize​.org: 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

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Recap: A record number of Vaccine Information Statement translations were released during November and December

IZ Express regularly provides readers with information about Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) and translations of VISs. In November, with support from CDC, Immunize​.org began working with partners to significantly increase the number of VIS translations available. If your facility works with patients whose primary language is not English, please review and use these translations when needed.

In November, CDC released an update to the Smallpox/Monkeypox VIS ([link removed]) and Immunize​.org posted 28 translations. Fifty additional translations of other VISs were also added:
* Dengue VIS ([link removed]) : Turkish translation
* Ebola VIS: ([link removed]) was translated into Turkish
* HPV (Human Papillomavirus) VIS ([link removed]) : 6 translations
* Influenza (Inactivated or Recombinant) VIS ([link removed]) : 5 translations
* Influenza (Live, Intranasal) VIS ([link removed]) : 6 translations
* MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) VIS ([link removed]) : 6 translations
* Rabies VIS: ([link removed]) 13 translations
* Rotavirus VIS: ([link removed]) 6 translations
* Varicella (Chickenpox) VIS: ([link removed]) 6 translations

Related Links
* Immunize​.org: Vaccine Information Statement ([link removed]) main page for VISs in 47 languages
* Immunize​.org: 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

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Featured Resources
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Reminder: Immunize​.org’s new webinar, “Improving the Vaccination Experience: Accessible Vaccination for Neurodiverse People at Any Age,” available for on-demand viewing

On December 13, Immunize​.org and experts from the Autism Society hosted a 1-hour webinar, Improving the Vaccination Experience: Accessible Vaccination for Neurodiverse People at Any Age ([link removed]) . In this webinar, participants learned more about the Autism Society’s practical tips ([link removed]) to improve vaccine confidence by employing strategies to reduce stress when vaccinating neurodiverse patients.

People with autism and other developmental disabilities have lower childhood vaccination rates ([link removed]) than their peers without autism, leaving them vulnerable to many vaccine-preventable diseases. The vaccination visit can be especially stressful for these families. Effective strategies exist to reduce pain and anxiety during the vaccination visit.

The video of the webinar is available at our website for on-demand viewing ([link removed]) . Please share this important webinar with your colleagues.

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Help Immunize​.org reach more vaccinators through your social media networks. Follow us and share our posts featuring Ask the Experts questions and our clinical resources on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Immunize​.org launched a new social media program to highlight our educational resources for a new audience of vaccinators. Our social media channels now feature our most popular printable resources and Ask the Experts questions, as well as announcements important to frontline vaccinators. Our Instagram account is new and we need your support to build our following!

[link removed]

Like, follow, and share Immunize​.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise:
* Facebook at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* Instagram at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* LinkedIn at Immunize.org ([link removed])
* Twitter at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])
* YouTube at ImmunizeOrg ([link removed])

Each additional follower extends the reach of our work to help healthcare professionals deliver quality vaccination services to people of all ages.
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Notable Publications
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“Racial and Ethnic Differences in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Children and Adolescents Aged 5–17 Years and Parental Intent to Vaccinate Their Children—National Immunization Survey–Child COVID Module, United States, December 2020–September 2022” published in MMWR

CDC published Racial and Ethnic Differences in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Children and Adolescents Aged 5–17 Years and Parental Intent to Vaccinate Their Children—National Immunization Survey–Child COVID Module, United States, December 2020–September 2022 ([link removed]) on January 6 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.

Some racial and ethnic groups are at increased risk for COVID-19–associated morbidity and mortality because of systemic and structural inequities. Vaccination is effective in preventing severe COVID-19–related outcomes. . . .

Among children and adolescents aged 5–17 years, ≥1-dose COVID-19 vaccination coverage was low overall, but highest among Asian and Hispanic or Latino children and adolescents. Parental intent to vaccinate their child varied by the child’s age, race, and ethnicity. Parents of unvaccinated children and adolescents reported low confidence in vaccine safety, and a low percentage reported receipt of a provider vaccination recommendation. . . .

To increase overall coverage and address disparities in child and adolescent COVID-19 vaccination coverage, providers and trusted messengers should provide culturally relevant information and vaccine recommendations.

Access the MMWR 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

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“Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department or Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations among Immunocompetent Adults—VISION Network, Nine States, September–November 2022” published in MMWR

CDC published Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Emergency Department or Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations among Immunocompetent Adults—VISION Network, Nine States, September–November 2022 ([link removed]) on December 30 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.

Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster doses containing an Omicron BA.4/BA.5 sublineage component were recommended on September 1, 2022. . . .

Bivalent booster doses provided additional protection against COVID-19–associated emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations in persons who previously received 2, 3, or 4 monovalent vaccine doses. Because of waning of monovalent vaccine-conferred immunity, relative effectiveness of bivalent vaccines was higher with increased time since the previous monovalent dose. . . .

All persons should stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving a bivalent booster dose if eligible.

[link removed]

Access the MMWR 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

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“Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization among Immunocompetent Adults Aged ≥65 Years—IVY Network, 18 States, September 8–November 30, 2022” published in MMWR

CDC published Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization among Immunocompetent Adults Aged ≥65 Years—IVY Network, 18 States, September 8–November 30, 2022 ([link removed]) on December 30 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.

Immunity from monovalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccination wanes over time. A bivalent COVID-19 mRNA booster dose is recommended for all eligible persons; . . .

Among immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years hospitalized in the multistate IVY Network, a bivalent booster dose provided 73% additional protection against COVID-19 hospitalization compared with past monovalent mRNA vaccination only. . . .

To maximize protection against severe COVID-19 this winter season, all eligible persons, especially adults aged ≥65 years, should receive a bivalent booster dose and consider additional prevention strategies, including masking in indoor public spaces.

Access the MMWR 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

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“Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Mpox in Persons Who Had Previously Received 1 Dose of JYNNEOS Vaccine and in Unvaccinated Persons—29 U.S. Jurisdictions, May 22–September 3, 2022” published in MMWR

CDC published Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Mpox in Persons Who Had Previously Received 1 Dose of JYNNEOS Vaccine and in Unvaccinated Persons—29 U.S. Jurisdictions, May 22–September 3, 2022 ([link removed]) on December 30 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.

Evidence suggests that 1 dose of JYNNEOS vaccine offers some protection against monkeypox (mpox). . . .

Analysis of mpox infections among unvaccinated persons and those who had received 1 JYNNEOS vaccine dose ≥14 days before illness onset found that the odds of fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, and chills were significantly lower among vaccinated patients than among unvaccinated patients. Overall, 2% of vaccinated persons with mpox and 8% of unvaccinated patients were hospitalized. . . .

One dose of JYNNEOS vaccine might attenuate the severity of illness and reduce hospitalization in persons who become infected after vaccination; however, to optimize protection, all eligible persons are recommended to complete the 2-dose vaccination series.

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Access the MMWR 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
* MMWR: Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics of Mpox Cases from the Initial Phase of the Outbreak—New York City, May 19–July 15, 2022 ([link removed]) (12/30/22)
* MMWR: Mpox Cases among Cisgender Women and Pregnant Persons—United States, May 11–November 7, 2022 ([link removed]) (1/6/23)

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