Immunization Works August 2016
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This website is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
September 6, 2016: Content on this page kept for historical reasons.
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National Immunization Awareness Month: August was National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance sponsored by the National Public Health Information Coalition to highlight the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. This year, CDC conducted a number of activities to promote immunization during NIAM, including digital ads, social media messages, and a Thunderclap. The theme for CDC’s digital and social media campaign was #VaxWithMe, and was designed to bring a personal, positive aspect to vaccine messages. The digital media buy targeted women ages 25–50 years to encourage them to make sure their family members are up to date on vaccines. NIAM was broken up into four weeks, with each week dedicated to a different stage of the life span.
The final week of NIAM focused on the important role vaccines play in protecting preteens and teens against serious diseases. Learn more about why you should put vaccination on your back-to-school checklist by visiting the NIAM web site for more information.
Updated Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): CDC has released an updated final (not interim) version of the Serogroup B Meningococcal (MenB) VIS. Ideally, providers should begin using this updated VIS immediately; however, existing stocks may be used until depleted. Please visit the VIS site for additional information and other VISs.
New Webinar Series for Pink Book: This online series of 15 webinars provides an overview of vaccination principles, general recommendations, immunization strategies, and specific information about vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them. Each webinar explores a chapter of the 13th edition of Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (the Pink Book). The webinars continue to air live most Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. EDT through September 21, 2016. Check the schedule for live webcasts, and view recordings at your convenience online at the Pink Book webinar web page.
You must register in advance for the live webinars. After registering, you will receive event access information via e-mail. Each webinar is limited to 1,500 participants, so please log in early to secure a virtual “seat.” If a webinar is full or if you miss a live event, you can watch it at the Pink Book webinar web page. Webcasts will be posted within a few days after the live event.
Continuing Education (CE) credit will be available for each event.
Webinars will be aired via the Adobe Connect Webinar System. We recommend that you do a connection test in advance to verify that your computer meets all system requirements for the webinars. If you pass the three steps of the test, you are ready to participate. Audio will only be available through your computer speakers, so there will be no call-in phone number. Questions during the event can be submitted to our subject matter experts via a Question and Answer Pod, which will display when you join the event. Troubleshooting information to assist with meeting access and other issues will also be available.
47th National Immunization Conference (NIC)—It Takes a Community: CDC and NCIRD will host the 47th NIC September 13–15, 2016, at the Hilton Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The NIC brings together a wide variety of local, state, federal, and private-sector immunization partners to explore science, policy, education, and planning issues related to immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.
The conference will have three plenary sessions, the Hilleman Lecture, 12 breakout sessions, exhibits, and posters, and will include the following topics:
- Health and Risk Communication
- Epidemiology and Surveillance
- Immunization Information Systems (IIS)
- Programmatic Issues
- Adult Immunization
- Child and Adolescent Immunization
Please visit the NIC web page for the agenda, registration, and additional information. Please contact the conference planning team if you have questions.
MMWR
National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years in the United States, 2015: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that adolescents aged 11–12 years routinely receive vaccines to prevent diseases, including human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers, pertussis, and meningococcal disease. To assess vaccination coverage among adolescents in the U.S., CDC analyzed data collected for 21,875 adolescents through the 2015 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen). During 2014–15, coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years increased for each HPV vaccine dose among males, including more than 1 HPV vaccine dose (from 41.7% to 49.8%), and increased modestly for more than 1 HPV vaccine dose among females (from 60.0% to 62.8%) and more than 1 quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) dose (from 79.3% to 81.3%). Coverage with more than 1 HPV vaccine dose was higher among adolescents living in households below the poverty level, compared with adolescents in households at or above the poverty level. HPV vaccination coverage (more than 1, 2, or 3 doses) increased in 28 states/local areas among males and in seven states among females. Despite limited progress, HPV vaccination coverage remained lower than MenACWY and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine coverage, indicating continued missed opportunities for HPV-associated cancer prevention. Please read the August 26 MMWR for the full report.
Update on Vaccine-derived Polioviruses—Worldwide, January 2015–May 2016: In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis worldwide. One of the main tools used in polio eradication efforts has been the live, attenuated, oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), an inexpensive vaccine easily administered by trained volunteers. It might require several doses of OPV to induce immunity, but the vaccine provides long-term protection against paralytic disease. Through effective use of OPV, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has brought wild polioviruses to the threshold of eradication. However, OPV use, particularly in areas with low routine vaccination coverage, is associated with the emergence of genetically divergent vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs), whose genetic drift from the parental OPV strains indicates prolonged replication or circulation. VDPVs can emerge among immunologically normal vaccine recipients and their contacts, as well as among persons with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). Immunodeficiency-associated VDPVs (iVDPVs) can replicate for years in some persons with PIDs. In addition, circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) can emerge in areas with low OPV coverage and can cause outbreaks of paralytic polio. The August 5 MMWR updates previous summaries regarding VDPVs.
Influenza Information
Flu Activity in the U.S. during the 2015–16 Season and Composition of the 2016–17 Influenza Vaccine: During the 2015–16 influenza season (October 4, 2015–May 21, 2016), influenza activity was lower and peaked later compared with the previous three seasons (2014–15, 2013–14, and 2012–13). Activity remained low from October 2015 until late December 2015 and peaked in mid-March 2016. During the past 18 influenza seasons (including the most recent season), only two other seasons have peaked in March (2011–12 and 2005–06). Overall influenza activity was moderate for this season, with a lower percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI), lower hospitalization rates, and a lower percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza compared with the preceding three seasons. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated overall, but influenza A(H3N2) viruses were more commonly identified from October to early December, and influenza B viruses were more commonly identified from mid-April through mid-May. The majority of viruses characterized this season were antigenically similar to the components recommended for the season’s Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. The June 10, 2016, MMWR on influenza activity summarizes activity in the U.S. during the 2015–16 influenza season and reports the vaccine virus components recommended for the 2016–17 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
2015–16 Flu Season Update: The 2015–16 influenza season peaked in mid-March, somewhat later than usual. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated overall, but influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses also circulated. The season was less severe overall compared with the preceding three seasons, including 2013–14, the last influenza season when influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was the predominant virus. Whereas influenza A(H3N2)—predominant seasons are typically more severe overall than influenza A(H1N1)pdm09—predominant seasons, and are especially severe among the elderly and the very young, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses have been associated with severe illness in younger adults since the virus emerged during the 2009 pandemic, when mortality rates were highest in adults aged 50–64 years, and again during the 2013–14 season, when adults younger than 65 years of age were at high risk for severe influenza illness. For the 2015–16 season, and 2013–14 seasons, cumulative hospitalization rates for adults aged 50–64 years were 45.2 and 53.7 per 100,000 population, respectively, demonstrating that although some age groups are at high risk for developing influenza-related complications every year, influenza can cause severe illness in persons of any age, including adults aged 50–64 years.
What’s New for the 2016–17 Flu Season: On June 22, 2016,ACIP voted that live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the “nasal spray” flu vaccine, should not be used during the 2016–17 flu season. ACIP continues to recommend annual flu vaccination with either the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) or recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) for everyone aged 6 months and older. More information on the ACIP vote is available in the June 22 Media Statement. Two new flu vaccine options will be available during the 2016–17 flu season. One new vaccine is Fluad, which is licensed for use in people 65 years and older. Fluad contains MF59, a type of adjuvant, which is an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response in the patient’s body. A quadrivalent flu shot made with virus grown in cell culture will also be available for the first time this season and is licensed for use in people 4 years and older. In addition, the egg allergy recommendations have been updated. CDC recommends anyone with an egg allergy can receive any licensed flu vaccine; however, the vaccine should be administered in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting, and the vaccination should be supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. People with egg allergies no longer have to remain under observation for 30 minutes after receiving vaccine.
For more information about how serious flu can be and the benefits of flu vaccination, talk to your doctor or other health care professional, visit the CDC influenza website, or call 1‒800‒CDC‒INFO.
2016–17 Flu Season Kick-off Event: The flu season will officially kick off September 29, when Dr. Tom Frieden, director of CDC, joins leading medical and public health experts to discuss preparations for the 2016–17 flu season at a news conference presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). In conjunction with the news conference, CDC will release an end of 2015–16 season coverage report, including MMWR articles on influenza vaccine coverage among health care providers and pregnant women. In addition, please check CDC’s FluVaxView for updates.
Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines in the United States, 2016–2017 Influenza Season: Influenza viruses typically circulate widely in the U.S. annually from late fall through early spring. Although most persons who become infected with influenza viruses will recover without sequelae, influenza can cause serious illness and death, particularly among older adults, very young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions. During the 31 seasons from 1976–77 through 2006–07, estimated annual influenza-associated deaths ranged from approximately 3,300 to 49,000. Annual influenza vaccination is the primary means of preventing influenza and its complications, and routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months and older has been recommended by CDC and ACIP since 2010. A variety of different types of influenza vaccine are available, and abbreviations for the different types of vaccine have evolved over time. The August 26 MMWR updates the 2015–16 ACIP recommendations for the use of seasonal influenza vaccines and provides recommendations and guidance for vaccination providers for the use of influenza vaccines for the 2016–17 season.
Resources and Information
Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition (the Pink Book): CDC, NCIRD, and the Public Health Foundation (PHF) are pleased to announce that the book, Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition, is available. The Pink Book provides public health and health care professionals with the most comprehensive information available on vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases. The Pink Book is available for purchase from the PHF Learning Resource Center, and the chapters and appendices can be viewed/downloaded from the NCIRD vaccines site.
Current Issues in Immunization NetConferences: Immunization netconferences are live, one-hour events combining an online visual presentation with simultaneous audio via telephone conference call, along with a live question and answer session. Registration, Internet access, and a separate phone line are needed to participate. The next netconference will be November 9, 2016. Please visit the netconference web page for the archived webcasts, upcoming netconferences, and additional information.
You Call the Shots Modules: You Call the Shots is a web-based training course developed through the Project to Enhance Immunization Content in Nursing Education and Training. Several updated modules are now available, including Rotavirus and Hepatitis B. Please visit the You Call the Shots web page for additional information and other modules. Continuing Education (CE) is available for viewing a module and completing an evaluation.
ACIP Meeting: The most recent ACIP meeting was held June 22–23, 2016. Topics for the June meeting included cholera, meningococcal vaccine, influenza, the child/adolescent immunization schedule, hepatitis, vaccine supply, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), maternal pertussis vaccine safety, poliovirus laboratory containment, and human papillomavirus (HPV). The meeting minutes will be posted soon. The next ACIP meeting will be held October 19–20, 2016. Please visit the ACIP meeting web page for agendas, presentation slides, meeting minutes, and archived video broadcasts.
Measles Resources: CDC aims to continue increasing awareness of measles among individuals and families and to encourage MMR vaccination. To support disease prevention and vaccination educational efforts, CDC has developed a variety of measles and vaccination resources, including fact sheets, podcasts, and matte articles. There are also infographics available in English and Spanish.
CDC and Medscape: This special series of commentaries, part of a collaboration between CDC and Medscape, is designed to deliver CDC’s authoritative guidance directly to Medscape’s physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care providers. In this series, CDC experts offer video commentaries on current topics important to practicing clinicians. NCIRD has contributed to a variety of commentaries. You may need to sign up and log in as a member to view the commentaries. Registration is free.
Immunization Resources: Publications are available for ordering at CDC-INFO on Demand. You can search for immunization publications by using the “Programs” drop-down menu and selecting “Immunization and Vaccines,” or you can search by “Title.” Numerous items are available, including the 2016 immunization schedules, the Parents’ Guide to Childhood Immunizations, and various campaign materials.
CDC Job Openings: CDC is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates for a wide range of immunization and other positions. Researchers, medical officers, epidemiologists, and other specialists are often needed to fill positions within CDC. For a current listing, including international opportunities, please visit CDC’s employment web page.
Calendar of Events
Got Your Shots 2016, Minnesota Department of Health, September 8–9, Minneapolis, MN
Annual Immunize Georgia Conference, Immunize Georgia, September 9, Peachtree City, GA
47th National Immunization Conference (NIC), September 13–15, Atlanta, GA
Alaska Maternal Child Health and Immunization Conference, September 27–28, location to be announced
Pink Book Training, Indiana Immunization Coalition, October 12–13, Carmel, IN
Annual Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference, Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership (MIAP), October 27, Marlborough, MA
Pink Book Training, Idaho Immunization Program, November 2–3, Boise, ID
Fall Clinical Vaccinology Course, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), November 4–6, Philadelphia, PA
Ohio Immunization Conference, Immunize Ohio, November 16, Wadsworth, OH
Annual Louisiana Shots for Tots State Conference, December 1–2, New Orleans, LA
Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) Calendar
The Immunization Works editor can be contacted at wfh6@cdc.gov.
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Related Pages
- Page last reviewed: September 6, 2016 (archived document)
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