News and Media Resources:

Immunization Works January 2013 Issue

News and Summaries

2013 Immunization Schedules are Available—Learn How to Display Them on Your Website and Keep Them Current: The 2013 recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents (birth through 18 years) and adults (19 years old and older) are now available online in the January 28, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Supplement [1 MB, 21 pages].

NEW this year, schedules are also available in an online format that allows for easy display on partner websites. If your organization provides access to the schedules by linking to CDC’s website or posting PDFs, you can now display and print the schedules right on your web pages and get automatic updates. By adopting this strategy you will:

• Replicate CDC’s schedules within an existing page on your website
• Get automatic updates whenever changes and updates are made to the schedules
• Maintain all of your branding, design, layout, and website navigation
• Keep visitors on your website
• Offer interactive features within the chart and footnotes
• Provide an always-current PDF version of the schedule for users to print

This “syndication” method is a one-time task. Ask your web developer to follow these easy steps:

1. Visit the Display Schedules on Your Website web page.
2. Copy the code for the schedules you want.
3. Place the code on the pages on which you want to display the schedule.

Once you save the code, you’re done; no additional maintenance is needed. Updates are automatic.

Need technical assistance? Simply complete the Contact the Web Team Form and a CDC web team member will contact you.

In addition, various versions of the child and adolescent schedule and adult schedules are available on the immunization schedules web page.

Global Control and Regional Elimination of Measles From 2000-2011: Widespread use of measles vaccine since 1980 has led to a substantial decline in global measles morbidity and mortality; measles elimination has been achieved and sustained in the World Health Organization (WHO) Region of the Americas (AMR) since 2002. In 2010, the World Health Assembly established three milestones for measles eradication to be reached by 2015: 1) increase routine coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) for children aged one year to more than 90% nationally and more than 80% in every district or equivalent administrative unit; 2) reduce and maintain annual measles incidence to less than five cases per million; and 3) reduce measles mortality by 95% from the 2000 estimate. The Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) includes monitoring progress toward achievement of goals to reduce or eliminate measles in four WHO regions by 2015 and five WHO regions by 2020. The January 18, 2013, MMWR updates the previous report and describes progress in global control and regional elimination of measles during 2000–2011. Estimated global MCV1 coverage increased from 72% in 2000 to 84% in 2011, and the number of countries providing a second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) through routine services increased from 97 (50%) in 2000 to 141 (73%) in 2011. During 2000–2011, annual reported measles incidence decreased 65%, from 146 to 52 cases per 1 million population, and estimated measles deaths decreased 71%, from 542,000 to 158,000. However, during 2010–2011, measles incidence increased, and large outbreaks of measles were reported in multiple countries. To resume progress toward achieving regional measles elimination targets, national governments and partners are urged to ensure that measles elimination efforts receive high priority and adequate resources.

Influenza Information

Flu Update: The 2012–2013 flu season began early and is shaping up to be a worse than average season. As with previous H3N2-predominant seasons, influenza is taking the biggest toll on the elderly population. Mid-January data has shown a sharp increase in hospitalization and death rates among people 65 years of age and older. CDC estimates that the 65 and older population accounts for 90% of flu-related deaths and as many as 60% of flu-related hospitalizations so far this season. Although many parts of the country are reporting high activity, and in some areas even increasing influenza-like illness, the overall activity is beginning to decline. As the flu season continues, CDC anticipates a phased response. After an increase in cases, increased hospitalization rates tend to follow, unfortunately resulting in higher rates of death.

Vaccination is the first line of defense against the flu. CDC continues to recommend vaccination for everyone six months of age and older, especially for those at high risk for flu complications. Since we are halfway through the season, flu vaccines may be difficult to find in some places. Those who have not yet been vaccinated may need to contact more than one provider (i.e., doctor, pharmacy, health department) to find available flu vaccine. The Flu Vaccine Finder may also be helpful for locating vaccine within the community, however, be sure to call ahead and confirm that vaccine is still available in that location.

In addition to getting vaccinated, remember to take every day preventative actions, such as avoiding close contact with sick people, staying home when sick, and washing hands, to help slow the spread of germs that may cause the flu. If you do get the flu, antivirals can make flu illness milder and shorten the time of illness. Antiviral treatment is strongly recommended for high-risk populations such as seniors, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic conditions. They should also be considered for previously healthy, non-high-risk patients, pending a doctor’s decision. Antivirals are most effective when started within two days of getting sick, though starting them later can still be helpful, especially for those with high-risk conditions.

For the latest information about flu activity occurring within the United States, refer to CDC’s FluView situation updates or the press briefing transcript on Flu Season and Vaccine Effectiveness on the CDC’s Newsroom web page. To receive weekly influenza-related updates, send an e-mail request to fluinbox@cdc.gov.

Early Estimates of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in the United States: Annual vaccination against seasonal influenza is recommended for all persons aged six months and older. Each season since 2004–05, CDC has estimated the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine to prevent influenza-associated, medically attended acute respiratory infection (ARI). This season, early data from 1,155 children and adults with ARI enrolled during December 3, 2012–January 2, 2013 were used to estimate the overall effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection associated with medically attended ARI. After adjustment for study site, but not for other factors, the estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 62% (95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 51%–71%). This estimate indicates moderate effectiveness, and is similar to a summary VE estimate from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trial data; final estimates likely will differ slightly. As of January 11, 2013, 24 states and New York City were reporting high levels of influenza-like illness, 16 states were reporting moderate levels, five states were reporting low levels, and one state was reporting minimal levels. CDC and the ACIP routinely recommend that annual influenza vaccination efforts continue as long as influenza viruses are circulating. Persons aged six months and older who have not yet been vaccinated this season should be vaccinated. However, these early VE estimates underscore that some vaccinated persons will become infected with influenza; therefore, antiviral medications should be used as recommended for treatment in patients, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, these results highlight the importance of continued efforts to develop more effective vaccines. Please visit the January 18, 2013 MMWR for the full report.

Influenza Vaccinations For All Healthcare Workers: The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) recently passed a new statement of policy addressing Influenza Vaccinations for Healthcare Personnel [348 KB, 3 pages]. NACCHO urges healthcare employers and local health departments (LHDs) to require influenza vaccination for all staff as a condition of employment and stresses the importance of implementing prevention strategies that will reduce the spread of influenza infection among healthcare personnel and their patients to decrease the burden on the overall healthcare system.

Flu Season Resources: Will you continue to promote flu vaccination this season? CDC provides a variety of free materials for all audiences, including print, audio/video, social media tools, and web tools. This season, the website features expanded materials for American Indians and Alaska Natives. You can order these free resources and more at the resources web page; it’s one-stop shopping for up-to-date flu information!

And check out our new partner website, where partners are already entering activities into the calendar of events for the 2012–2013 flu season. Submit your flu prevention activities/events and see what others are planning now.

You can also visit our flu main website to read relevant questions and answers, get the latest information on the H3N2v virus, learn more about the most recent ACIP recommendations, keep up with national and international flu activity, surveillance, and vaccine coverage data, or view information tailored specifically for healthcare professionals.

Meetings, Conferences, and Resources

ACIP Meeting: The most recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting was held on October 24–25, 2012, in Atlanta, Georgia. Please visit the ACIP meeting web page for presentation slides, meeting minutes, and additional information. The next ACIP meeting will be held on February 20–21, 2013.

Adult Patient Education Resources Web Page: NCIRD has released a new web page which has free materials for providers to educate and encourage adult patients to get vaccinated. New outreach materials for patients with special health conditions include tear-sheets that list recommended vaccines based on the patient’s health condition and posters reminding patients to ask their healthcare providers about vaccines. The materials target people with diabetes, asthma, and heart conditions. Also included in the outreach materials are prescription pads that healthcare providers who do not provide vaccines can use to send their patients to get vaccinated at an alternate location. Lastly, a new fact sheet has been developed which summarizes the vaccines recommended for adults.

NCIRD would like to know your feedback about the new adult immunization materials mentioned above. Do you like them? Are you using them? How are you using them? If you would like to send your comments and/or participate in a survey about the new adult materials, contact Alex Shevach at iyx2@cdc.gov. We would especially welcome feedback on how healthcare providers are using the Rx form to counsel their adult patients about the vaccines they need.

Save the Date: The Spring Clinical Vaccinology Course will be held March 8–10, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois.

This course will focus on new developments and issues related to the use of vaccines. Expert faculty will provide the latest information on both current and prospective vaccines, updated recommendations for vaccinations across the life span, and innovative and practical strategies for ensuring timely and appropriate vaccination. The target audience includes physicians (family, internists, pediatricians, and infectious disease specialists); nurses; nurse practitioners; physician assistants; pharmacists; vaccine program administrators; federal, state, and local public health professionals; and other healthcare professionals interested in clinical aspects of vaccine delivery.

New Tetanus Website: A new website has been launched for tetanus. This user friendly tetanus website provides a comprehensive experience for those seeking information about tetanus.

New Podcast: A new strep podcast is available discussing the investigation of a Streptococcus pneumoniae outbreak in a pediatric psychiatric unit.

New Podcast: A newly available DTaP Podcast from the HHS HealthBeat series explains how protection from pertussis vaccine (DTaP) wanes over time, according to a recent JAMA publication authored by CDC.

Pertussis Educational Posters: With rising rates of pertussis in many states across the country, efforts are underway to raise awareness about vaccine recommendations. See new downloadable posters at the pertussis print material web page.

Resources from the Vaccines for Preteens and Teens Campaign: In this 30-second Spanish language television PSA, a busy Hispanic mother receives a call from her doctor reminding her to get her adolescent son and daughter caught up on their shots. Please visit the Preteen and Teen Campaign web page to view this PSA and the accompanying English PSA.

New plain-language fact sheets provide detailed information about each of the vaccines routinely recommended for adolescents, including Tdap, meningococcal vaccine, the HPV vaccine, and the seasonal influenza vaccine. There is also a new fact sheet summarizing all of the vaccine recommendations for adolescents. Spanish versions will be coming soon, so please check back with the website.

Healthcare providers will find this new teens fact sheet [374 KB, 4 pages] full of useful information about adolescent vaccine recommendations, side effects, and contraindications. The fact sheet also includes tips for ensuring that their adolescent patients are fully vaccinated. CDC has also created a new reminder/recall e-card that providers can send to parents of adolescents.

An updated HPV matte article explains the latest HPV vaccine recommendations for girls and boys. It is approximately 450 words, and can be placed directly into your newsletter or posted on your website.

CDC and Medscape Videos: This special series of commentaries is part of a collaboration between CDC and Medscape and is designed to deliver CDC's authoritative guidance directly to Medscape's physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. In this series, experts from CDC offer video commentaries on the current topics important to practicing clinicians. NCIRD has contributed to a variety of commentaries.

A “Senior Moment” for Vaccinations: The Gerontological Society of America has published several articles about older adult immunization, including one that examines strategies for increasing vaccination rates among this group. Please visit the National Adult Vaccination Program web page for the article and sign-up information.

Immunization Publications: Please visit the NCIRD publications ordering form for the latest immunization publications. Copies of the 2012 Immunization Works DVD, Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases DVD, the Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations, and various campaign materials areavailable for ordering. The 2013 immunization schedules will be available in early March.

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.

The Immunization Works editor can be contacted at nipimmzwrks@cdc.gov.

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