Issue 1474: January 22, 2020
TOP STORIES
IAC HANDOUTS
FEATURED RESOURCES
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND NEWSLETTERS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
TOP STORIES
CDC releases 2020 version of Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit
CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit has just been updated for 2020. This 48-page guide reflects the best practices for vaccine storage and handling compiled from ACIP recommendations, product information from vaccine manufacturers, and scientific studies.
Changes in the 2020 Toolkit provide clarifying language and new definitions only, i.e., no new recommendations have been implemented. Updated language may be found on the following topics:
- Frequency of checking temperatures in vaccine storage units – Language has been added to clarify a recommendation first included in the 2018 Toolkit, when CDC recommended that storage units being monitored by a temperature monitoring device (TMD) that records min/max* temperatures needed to have the temperature checked only once each day. The 2020 update clarifies that TMDs that do not read min/max temperatures should be checked 2 times each day, at the start and end of the workday.
*A “min/max” TMD provides readings for the coolest (minimum) and warmest (maximum) temperature readings in a storage unit over a set period of time. After the readings are reviewed, the TMD is reset and the process is repeated until the next reading.
- Defrosting manual-defrost freezers – The Toolkit provides guidance that defrosting of manual-defrost freezers should take place “when the frost exceeds either 1 cm or the manufacturer’s suggested limit.”
- Adjustment of storage unit temperatures – CDC inserted language noting that storage unit temperatures should be stabilized “between 2oC and 8oC (36oF and 46oF) for a refrigerator…” Previous language also provided a suggested midpoint target of “around 5oC (40oF).” IAC has confirmed with CDC that, although the vaccine may be correctly stored anywhere within the stated temperature range, it is still appropriate to aim for the midpoint, i.e., “aim for 5oC.” Therefore, this wording will be retained on IAC’s temperature monitoring logs.
- Beyond Use Date – The 2020 Toolkit clarifies that, if a vaccine has no Beyond Use Date (BUD), the expiration date provided by the manufacturer should be used.
- New/updated definitions – A new definition is now included for “portable vaccine storage unit,” and the definition for “qualified container and packout” has been clarified.
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CDC publishes article titled "Early Season Pediatric Influenza B/Victoria Virus Infections Associated with a Recently Emerged Virus Subclade—Louisiana, 2019"
CDC published Early Season Pediatric Influenza B/Victoria Virus Infections Associated with a Recently Emerged Virus Subclade—Louisiana, 2019 in the January 17 issue of MMWR (pages 40–43). On January 10, CDC published this same article as an MMWR Early Release. The first paragraph is reprinted below.
Multiple genetically distinct influenza B/Victoria lineage viruses have cocirculated in the United States recently, circulating sporadically during the 2018–19 season and more frequently early during the 2019–20 season. The beginning of the 2019–20 influenza season in Louisiana was unusually early and intense, with infections primarily caused by influenza B/Victoria lineage viruses. One large pediatric health care facility in New Orleans (facility A) reported 1,268 laboratory-confirmed influenza B virus infections, including 23 hospitalizations from July 31 to November 21, 2019, a time when influenza activity is typically low. During this period, Louisiana also reported one pediatric death associated with influenza B virus infection....
Access the complete MMWR article:
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CDC reports influenza activity declined slightly but remains high; please continue vaccinating through the winter months and access CDC and IAC flu resources
Seasonal influenza activity in the United States remains high, according to CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView. Forty-eight states and Puerto Rico reported widespread activity, one state reported regional activity, while the District of Columbia and Hawaii reported local activity for the week ending January 11.
Seven new influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC during the week ending January 11. A total of 39 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2019–20 season.
CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 13 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 6,600 deaths from flu.
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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IAC enrolls three new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; three previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is pleased to announce that three new institutions have been accepted into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, for a total of 498 honorees. The birthing institutions are listed below with their reported hepatitis B birth dose coverage rates in parentheses.
- St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital, Kokomo, IN (95%)
- Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring, MD (99%)
- AMITA Health GlenOaks Hospital, Glendale Heights, IL (99%)
The following two institutions are being recognized for a fourth year:
- Franciscan Health Michigan City, Michigan City, IN (94%)
- Community Hospital Anderson, Anderson, IN (99%)
The following institution is being recognized for a fifth year:
- Georgetown Community Hospital, Georgetown, KY (98%)
- Holy Family Hospital, Methuen, MA (94%)
- Mercy Health Hackley Campus, Muskegon, MI (93%)
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH (94%)
The following institution is being recognized for a fifth year:
- Terre Haute Regional Hospital, Terre Haute, IN (98%)
Note: Two of these institutions qualified for two 12-month periods at one time.
The Honor Roll now includes 498 birthing institutions from 44 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and an overseas U.S. military base. One hundred thirteen institutions have qualified for two years, 59 institutions have qualified three times, 29 institutions have qualified four times, 22 institutions have qualified five times, seven institutions have qualified six times, four institutions have qualified seven times, and one institution has qualified eight times.
The Honor Roll is a key part of IAC’s major initiative urging the nation’s hospitals to Give Birth to the End of Hep B. Hospitals and birthing centers are recognized for attaining high coverage rates for administering hepatitis B vaccine at birth and meeting specific additional criteria. The initiative urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply for the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll online.
To be included in the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, a birthing institution must have: (1) reported a coverage rate of 90 percent or greater, over a 12-month period, for administering hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge to all newborns, including those whose parents refuse vaccination, and (2) implemented specific written policies, procedures, and protocols to protect all newborns from hepatitis B virus infection prior to hospital discharge.
Honorees are also awarded an 8.5" x 11" color certificate suitable for framing and their acceptance is announced to IAC Express’s approximately 52,000 readers.
Please visit the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll web page that lists these institutions and their exceptional efforts to protect infants from perinatal hepatitis B transmission.
Related IAC Resources
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AAP News article encourages providers to educate parents about the importance of responding to census in order to help fund children’s health programs
On January 7, AAP News published an article titled Chapters Making Sure All Kids Count in 2020 Census. This article, from the AAP Department of Community and Chapter Affairs and Quality Improvement, describes AAP's multipronged efforts to encourage pediatricians nationwide to educate parents about the importance of responding to the U.S. census this spring. Stating that 1 million children under age 5 were not counted in the 2010 census, the article stresses that a full count is necessary because census data are used to apportion funding for many programs, including Medicaid and SNAP, that provide critical benefits to children.
Read the complete article: Chapters Making Sure All Kids Count in 2020 Census.
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IAC Spotlight! IAC’s "Package Inserts & FDA Product Approvals" web page is a top destination for finding FDA information
Immunization providers around the country have given IAC feedback that the Package Inserts & FDA Product Approvals web page on immunize.org is one of the most valuable resources for busy clinics that administer vaccines. This IAC web page provides direct links to the package inserts for each vaccine.
Check this page out and see how easy it is to access the current information for any vaccine! The direct link is www.immunize.org/fda.
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
Two articles that appeared in the media recently are particularly compelling in conveying the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
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IAC HANDOUTS
IAC posts updated Russian translation of “Clear Answers and Smart Advice about Your Baby's Shots,” by Ari Brown, MD
IAC recently posted an updated Russian translation of its handout for parents titled Clear Answers and Smart Advice about Your Baby's Shots, by Ari Brown, MD. This version now matches the English-language version that was revised in August 2019. IAC thanks Health Net of California for their generous donation of this translation.
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FEATURED RESOURCES
Vaccine Education Center releases new video series, Talking about Vaccines with Dr. Stanley Plotkin, answering questions about vaccines
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has released a new video series titled Talking about Vaccines with Dr. Stanley Plotkin. Dr. Plotkin, who pioneered the use of fetal cells to develop the rubella vaccine, is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania.
Available on YouTube, this series consists of six 1- to 2-minute videos. Each of the videos features Dr. Plotkin responding to one of the following questions:
Access the entire series on its YouTube playlist page.
Please share these videos by Dr. Plotkin widely via websites, social media, and other communication channels.
In 2009, Dr. Plotkin was chosen to receive NFID's Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement. To read about some of Dr. Plotkin's accomplishments, view the NFID summary for this award.
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IAC's elegantly designed "Vaccines Save Lives" black enamel pins are a great way to show you value immunization!
IAC’s elegantly designed “Vaccines Save Lives” pin on hard black enamel with gold lettering and edges makes a meaningful gift for people who 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 "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, theses 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'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 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
Pediatrics publishes “Mandatory Vaccination Policies in Europe” in its January issue
In its January issue, Pediatrics (the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics) published a study titled Mandatory Vaccination Policies in Europe, by O.M. Vaz et al . The abstract's "Conclusions" section is reprinted below.
Conclusions: Mandatory vaccination and the magnitude of fines were associated with higher vaccination coverage. Moreover, mandatory vaccination was associated with lower measles incidence for countries with mandatory vaccination without nonmedical exemptions. These findings can inform legislative policies aimed at increasing vaccination coverage.
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
CDC to offer January 28 webinar for clinicians on updates and recommendations for the current influenza season
CDC will offer a Clinical Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) webinar on January 28 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. (ET) titled 2019–2020 Influenza Season Update and Recommendations for Clinicians. The presenters, both from the Influenza Division of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, will be Angela J.P. Campbell, MD, MPH, and Alicia P. Budd, MPH. During this COCA Call, clinicians will learn about current 2019–2020 influenza activity and CDC’s recommendations for healthcare providers, including influenza vaccination and the appropriate use of antiviral medications.
Access more information about this webinar regarding registration, CE credits, and learning objectives: 2019–2020 Influenza Season Update and Recommendations for Clinicians.
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CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
NFID’s 2020 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research scheduled for March 23–25 in Washington, DC; early registration rates available until January 29
The 2020 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research will take place on March 23–25 in Washington, DC. The conference, sponsored by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, will bring together more than 300 researchers from around the world. The detailed schedule is now online.
Access information about registration and the registration link. An early registration rate is available until January 29.
View the 2020 conference website for additional information about the conference.
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Draft agenda for February ACIP meeting now available
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will hold its next meeting on February 26–27 in Atlanta. The draft agenda is now available online.
The registration deadline for in-person attendance is January 29 for non-U.S. citizens and February 3 for U.S. citizens. Registration and meeting location information is available on CDC's ACIP Meeting Information web page. Registration is not required to watch the meeting via webcast or listen to the proceedings via phone. Instructions for tuning in to the February meeting via live webcast will be posted when they become available.
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Video of the Week
The Measles Outbreak: Why Vaccines Matter: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health presents a 1-hour program on measles in which four panel members present their perspectives on measles outbreaks in this country and others. They discuss factors, especially vaccine hesitancy and mistrust, that drove the recent U.S. measles outbreak and policies that can help prevent future outbreaks.
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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