Immunization Works September 2016
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This website is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
October 13, 2016: Content on this page kept for historical reasons.
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47th National Immunization Conference (NIC)—It Takes a Community: NCIRD hosted the 47th NIC September 13–15, 2016, at the Hilton Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The NIC brought 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 successful conference had 1,511 attendees, including several international participants, as well as 199 speakers, 73 individual sessions, 42 exhibitors, and 68 poster presentations. Congratulations to Dr. Achal Bhatt, who received the Carol Friedman Award for her work in partnership development and enhancement and Dr. Joe Bresee, who received the Philip R. Horne Award, NCIRDs highest honor, in recognition of his significant contributions to advance the Centers mission and accomplished work on the national and international level.
Webinar Series for Pink Book: The 2016 webinar series finished on September 21. There were 4,571 total registrants for the overall series and 1,181 registrants for the most popular webinar, Principles of Vaccination on June 1. Continuing Education (CE) is still available for some of the webinars. Please visit the webinar series web page for the recasts and CE information.
MMWR
Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Health Care Personnel in the U.S. during the 2015–2016 Influenza Season: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all health care personnel (HCP) to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality among both HCP and their patients. To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among U.S. HCP for the 2015–16 influenza season, CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 2,258 HCP during March 28 through April 14, 2016. Overall, 79.0% of HCP survey participants reported receiving an influenza vaccination during the 2015–16 season, similar to the 77.3% coverage among HCP reported for the 2014–15 season. Coverage in long-term care (LTC) settings increased by 5.3 percentage points compared with the previous season. Vaccination coverage continues to be higher among HCP working in hospitals (91.2%) and lower among HCP working in ambulatory (79.8%) and LTC settings (69.2%). Coverage continues to be highest among physicians (95.6%) and lowest among assistants and aides (64.1%), and highest among HCP who were required by their employer to be vaccinated (96.5%). Among HCP working in settings where vaccination was neither required, promoted, nor offered on site, vaccination coverage continues to be low (44.9%). An increased percentage of HCP reporting a requirement for on-site availability of vaccination compared with earlier influenza seasons might have contributed to the overall increase in vaccination coverage during the past six influenza seasons. Please read the September 29 MMWR for the full report.
Influenza Activity in the U.S. and Worldwide, May 22–September 10, 2016: During May 22 through September 10, 2016, the U.S. experienced typical low levels of seasonal influenza activity overall; beginning in late August, clinical laboratories reported a slight increase in influenza positive test results and CDC received reports of a small number of localized influenza outbreaks caused by influenza A (H3N2) viruses. Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B viruses were detected during May through September in the U.S. and worldwide. The majority of the influenza viruses collected from the U.S. and other countries during that time have been characterized antigenically or genetically or both as being similar to the reference viruses representing vaccine components recommended for the 2016–17 Northern Hemisphere vaccine. During May 22 through September 10, 2016, 20 influenza variant virus infections were reported; two were influenza A (H1N2) variant (H1N2v) viruses (Minnesota and Wisconsin), and 18 were influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) viruses (12 from Michigan and six from Ohio). Please read the September 23 MMWR for the full report.
Measles Outbreak of Unknown Source in Shelby County, Tennessee, April–May 2016: On April 15, 2016, local public health officials in Shelby County, Tennessee, were notified of a positive measles immunoglobulin M (IgM) test for a male aged 17 months (patient A). On April 18, 2016, a second positive measles IgM test was reported for a man aged 50 years (patient B). Both patients had rash onset April 9, 2016. An investigation was initiated, and confirmatory testing for measles virus on oropharyngeal swabs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at CDC was positive for both patients. On April 21, 2016, public health officials were notified of a third suspected measles case in a female aged 7 months (patient C) who had developed rash on April 14; PCR testing was positive. Genotyping conducted at CDC identified genotype B3 measles virus in all three cases. Genotype B3 is known to be circulating globally and has previously been associated with imported cases in the U.S. Please read the September 29 MMWR for the full report.
Epidemiology of Varicella during the 2-Dose Varicella Vaccination Program in the U.S., 2005–2014: Before availability of varicella vaccine in the U.S., an estimated 4 million varicella cases, 11,000–13,500 varicella-related hospitalizations, and 100–150 varicella-related deaths occurred annually. The varicella vaccination program was implemented in the U.S. in 1996 as a 1-dose routine childhood program. Based on data from two varicella active surveillance sites, the varicella vaccination program led to a 90% decline in incidence over the next decade. However, because of continued varicella outbreaks, a routine 2-dose schedule (at ages 12–15 months and 4–6 years) was recommended and has been in place since 2006. The declines in incidence made it feasible for states to implement varicella-case-based surveillance and to report varicella data to CDC through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). State data have become the primary source for monitoring trends in varicella incidence nationally. Using NNDSS data, CDC previously reported nationwide declines in varicella incidence of 72% from the end of the 1-dose to the early years of the 2-dose varicella vaccination program (2006–10). The September 2 MMWR updates varicella incidence trends to include the most recent years in the 2-dose varicella vaccination program. Between the period 2005–06 (before the 2-dose recommendation) and 2013–14, overall varicella incidence declined 84.6%, with the largest declines reported in children aged 5–9 years (89.3%) and 10–14 years (84.8%). The availability of varicella-specific data varied over time. During the last 2 years examined (2013 and 2014), completeness of reporting of two critical variables monitored by CDC, vaccination status (receipt of at least 1 dose of varicella vaccine) of cases and severity of disease based on number of lesions, were 54.2% and 39.1%, respectively. State and local health departments, in collaboration with CDC, should continue working to improve reporting of cases and completeness of critical varicella-specific variables to better monitor impact of the varicella vaccination program.
Influenza Information
Whats New for the 2016–2017 Flu Season: CDC recommends use of the flu shot (inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV] or the recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV]). The nasal spray flu vaccine (live, attenuated influenza vaccine [LAIV]) should not be used during 2016–17. More information on this recommendation is available in the August 26 MMWR.
Two new flu vaccine options will be available during the 2016–17 flu season. One new vaccine, Fluad, which contains MF59, a type of adjuvant (ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response in the patients body), is licensed for use in people 65 years and older. A quadrivalent flu shot made with virus grown in cell culture also will be available for the first time this season and is licensed for use in people 4 years and older.
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 where they are supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. People with egg allergies no longer have to be observed for 30 minutes after receiving their 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. For answers to questions commonly asked by the general public, please see Frequently Asked Questions 2016–17 Influenza Season.
2016–2017 National Flu Season Vaccination Campaign: On September 29, CDC partnered with National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) for a flu season kick off. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden joined leading medical and public health experts to discuss preparing for the upcoming flu season and recommendations for flu vaccination at a news conference in Washington, D.C.
As we kick off the flu season, CDC will be encouraging everyone 6 months and older to fight the flu by getting a flu vaccine. You can support and follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #FightFlu. Learn more about how you can fight the flu this season and stay up to date on the latest flu information from CDC by following @CDCFlu on Twitter and signing up for CDCs weekly Influenza Newsletter.
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 answersession. 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. The varicella module has just been updated and is now available. 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 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.
National Health Information Award (NHIA): The Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations booklet recently received the 2016 Bronze award for the Booklet/Brochure/Pamphlet category under the Health Promotion/Disease and Injury Prevention Information class. Congratulations to Skip Wolfe and the Immunization Services Division Communication and Education Branch. The NHIA issues these awards annually to honor the nations best consumer health programs and materials. Please read this announcement [33 pages] for a complete list of the winners.
Expanded Clinical Decision Support for Immunizations (CDSi) Resources: Version 3.0 of the CDSi resources [4MB, 139 pages] has been published on the CDSi web page. The 3.0 version of the Logic Specification and Supporting Data expand upon the previously published recommendations for birth to death to include risk factors that indicate or contraindicate vaccinations. Version 3.0 Test Cases will be updated and published in this fall, and new interactive training materials will be added to the CDSi webpage to support users of the resources.
These CDSi resources are the final outputs of the second phase of the CDSi project, which commenced in 2013. The project incorporated both adult vaccines and special immunization considerations into the resources. An expert panel consisting of a mix of professionals from IIS programs and vendors, EHR-focused organizations, the Indian Health Service, the Veterans Administration, the American College of Physicians, and the American Academy of Family Practitioners was instrumental in the production of these valuable resources. Like previous versions of CDSi, Version 3.0 captures ACIP recommendations in an unambiguous manner with uniform representation of vaccine decision guidelines, providing a single, authoritative, implementation-neutral foundation for development and maintenance of CDS engines.
CDSi continues to evolve and provide valuable resources to the immunization community. During a two-year evaluation of the CDSi resources, approximately 80% or more of respondents reported they were very or somewhat satisfied with the resources, and approximately 80% reported the resources as having a very or somewhat positive impact on their work. The expanded resources in Version 3.0 should provide similar benefit to the community. For further information, please contact Stuart Myerburg.
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 CDCs authoritative guidance directly to Medscapes 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 CDCs employment web page.
Calendar of Events
Pink Book Training, Indiana Immunization Coalition, October 12–13, Carmel, IN
Pink Book Training, Department of State Health Services, October 25–26, Austin, TX
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: October 13, 2016 (archived document)
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