The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
Immunization Works Monthly Update is
provided to national health care provider
and consumer groups for distribution
to their members and constituencies.
The immunization information provided
is non-proprietary and is encouraged
to be widely disseminated and shared.
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Childhood Immunization Rates at Record High Levels |
The nation's childhood immunization rates are at record high levels, including significant increases in rates of immunization against varicella and invasive pneumococcal disease, the two most recent additions to the childhood immunization schedule.
In 2003, coverage for the 4:3:1:3:3 series, which includes four doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus toxoids and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP), three doses of polio vaccine, one dose of measles-containing vaccine, three doses of Hib vaccine, and three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, increased 79.4 percent, compared to 74.8 percent in 2002 and 73.7 percent in 2001 and 72.9 percent in 2000.
National coverage with varicella vaccine increased from 80.6 percent in 2002 to 84.8 percent in 2003. Coverage for three or more doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine increased from 40.9 percent in 2002 to 68.1 percent in 2003. Coverage for four or more doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, reported for the first time this year, was 36.7 percent. Coverage for all other childhood vaccines and series increased significantly in 2003 compared with 2002.
The National Immunization Survey (NIS) provides estimates of vaccine coverage among children ages 19-35 months for each of the 50 states and 28 selected urban areas. CDC uses a quarterly random-digit-dialing sample of telephone numbers for each of the 78 survey areas to collect provider-validated vaccination data for all age-eligible children. In 2003, vaccination data were obtained for 21,210 children.
The complete 2003 National Immunization Survey data can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5329a3.htm.
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Hepatitis
A Vaccine Information Statement Updated:
An updated
hepatitis A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is now available.
This VIS replaces the 8/25/98 version. To access the VIS visit
www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/default.htm.
| Meetings,
Conferences, and Resources |
Fifth Immunization Registry Conference:
The 5th Immunization Registry Conference will be held October 18-20, 2004, at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Please visit our web page at www.cdc.gov/nip/registry/irc for more information.
Sixth National Conference on Immunization Coalitions:
The Sixth National Conference on Immunization Coalitions is scheduled for September 20-22, 2004 at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. This year's conference theme, Chart Your Coalition's Course for Norfolk, describes the goal of the meeting. The conference provides training on how to create, lead and sustain effective local or state coalitions and partnerships that address childhood, adolescent and adult immunizations. Specifically, the conference addresses coalitions as agents of social change, the elements of a successful coalition and ethnic diversity in coalitions. For conference brochure and registration information, please visit our website at www.cme.hsc.usf.edu/coph/immcoal, or call 813-974-6695 or toll-free 888-USF-COPH (Press "2" for Continuing Education).
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Fourth Annual Vaccine Education Symposium:
The vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is pleased to present the Fourth Annual Vaccine Education Symposium, Saturday, September 18, 2004 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. This one-day symposium will focus on the vaccine infrastructure and what physicians can expect in the near and distant future. In addition, there will be discussions regarding implementation of the new influenza recommendation in the office-based setting and the conjugate meningococcal vaccine. Registration fee is $60. For more information please contact (215)590-2646 or visit www.cme.chop.edu.
Smallpox Vaccine Storage and Handling:
The CDC announces the availability of Smallpox Vaccine Storage and Handling, an interactive web-based training course. This 4-module course covers vaccine distribution, vaccine storage, handling the vaccine:clinic issues and safeguarding the vaccine. The course can be found at www2.cdc.gov/nip/isd/spoxvsh/launch1.html. Free continuing education credits are offered for various professions based on 2.75 hours of instruction.
Physician and Pharmacist Volunteers Needed:
CDC is seeking people who would like to be pilot testers for immunization training programs. These are mostly self-study programs that can be done through a CD-ROM or over the internet. We are currently seeking physicians and pharmacists. The typical pilot testing effort is to review a training program, take the evaluation and provide feedback. The process can take from 2 to 4 hours. Pilot testers can obtain continuing education credits once the training program becomes approved for CE credit. If interested, please contact Melissa Barnett at mbarnett2@cdc.gov or (404)639-6202.
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Current Issues in Immunization:
Get the latest update on late-breaking immunization topics through CDC's Quarterly Netconference Series. You can participate in these sessions through an internet hook-up and a speaker phone. The one-hour session includes a power point presentation over the internet and a live question and answer segment. The next netconference is October 14, 2004. For more information visit www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/ciinc/.
Free CMEs Available Related to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS):
Health care providers may access the "Vaccine Safety Post-Marketing Surveillance: The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System" with free CMEs through September 19, 2004. To access the CME article visit www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/VAERS/CME-post-mktg-surv.htm. Additional information related to VAERS is available at http://vaers.hhs.gov.
Kids Need Flu Vaccine, Too! Resources:
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) now has available online "Kids Need Flu Vaccine, Too!" practice resources program. This program includes helpful information and education materials for conducting pediatric influenza immunization programs. The program website can be accessed at http://64.242.251.230/index1.html. Additional information is available at the website for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases www.nfid.org.
Job Openings within the National Immunization Program:
NIP is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates for a wide range of positions. Researchers, Medical Officers and Epidemiologists as well as other specialties are often needed to fill positions within NIP. We encourage all interested parties to apply for these jobs. For a current listing of positions available at NIP, please visit www.cdc.gov/hrmo/hrmo.htm. Once at the site, conduct a search for "National Immunization Program."
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