Issue 1,525: October 28, 2020
Top Stories
IAC Handouts
Featured Resources
Education and Training
Conferences and Meetings
On the Lighter Side
Top Stories
VOTE!
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CDC publishes “Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months among Children Born in 2016 and 2017—National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2017–2019” in MMWR
CDC published Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months among Children Born in 2016 and 2017—National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2017–2019 in the October 23 issue of MMWR. Portions of the media summary appear below. New CDC data show most parents in the U.S. protect their children by following CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule. However, there are disparities in that coverage based on health insurance status, as well as race/ethnicity, poverty level, and geography....Vaccination coverage remained stable and high, with over 90% of children getting the recommended vaccines that prevent measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); polio; hepatitis B; and varicella. However, less than 60% of these children had received the recommended doses of flu vaccine.
CDC’s analysis also highlighted access-related hurdles—such as health insurance status and poverty level—that keep some parents from getting their children vaccinated. For example, vaccination coverage was lower among children enrolled in Medicaid or with no health insurance than among children who were privately insured. Considering the disruptions to healthcare provider operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, extra effort will be required to achieve and maintain high levels of coverage with routine childhood vaccinations. For parents who recently lost their insurance or whose insurance no longer covers vaccines, CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. Access the MMWR article in PDF format o r in HTML format. Related Link
- MMWR's gateway page provides access to MMWR Weekly, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, MMWR Surveillance Summaries, and MMWR Supplements
Dr. Melinda Wharton issues “Call to Action: Childhood Vaccination Coverage,” urging immunization partners to recall children and adolescents for missed vaccinations
CDC's Immunization Services Division director, Dr. Melinda Wharton, urged immunization partners to focus on increasing childhood vaccination coverage levels. Her emailed message appears below.
The COVID-19 pandemic that has so disrupted our lives this year also severely impacted delivery of ambulatory medical services, especially in the spring. We saw dramatic drops in provider ordering of public sector childhood vaccines beginning in mid-March. Since then, as well child visits have resumed, ordering has increased, but there still remains a substantial deficit compared to last year. That shortfall represents about 9M doses, including almost a million doses of measles-containing vaccine (either MMR or MMRV) and more than a million doses of HPV vaccine. Claims data suggest that recovery has been faster on the private sector side, highlighting the need for additional focus on the Vaccines for Children program-eligible population.
We know that if kids don’t get caught up on vaccine doses that they missed earlier this year, they will be left vulnerable to diseases that otherwise could have been prevented. There is an urgent need for all of us to work together to get children back into their health care providers’ office for well child visits and to receive any vaccine doses that were missed earlier this year. Today CDC published vaccination coverage data from our 2019 National Immunization Survey; if we don’t take action now, we can expect childhood vaccine coverage in 2021 to be much lower than we are reporting for last year.
Healthcare systems and healthcare providers can:
- Identify families whose children have missed doses and contact them to schedule appointments
- Prompt clinicians when these children are seen to deliver vaccines that are due or overdue
- Let families know what precautions are in place for safe delivery of in-person services
Healthcare provider organizations can:
- Encourage members to identify and follow up with families whose children have missed doses to get appointments scheduled
State government agencies can:
- Send reminders to families about school immunization requirements
- Implement follow-up for children who are not in compliance with requirements to encourage compliance
- Use the state’s immunization information system’s reminder-recall capacity to notify families whose children have fallen behind on vaccines
We all can:
- Communicate directly to families the importance of well-child visits and getting caught up on any recommended vaccines that were missed
- Help us protect children by doing what you can to get kids caught up.
Thank you for all you do for public health.
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IAC updates its Ask the Experts web pages on meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B vaccines based on new ACIP recommendations
Two sections of IAC’s Ask the Experts have been updated to reflect the revised CDC guidance, “Meningococcal Vaccination: Recommendations of the ACIP,” published on September 25. Both Ask the Experts sections, Meningococcal ACWY and Meningococcal B, have been completely reviewed and updated to align with CDC’s new guidance. The most important addition describes the ACIP-recommended meningococcal B vaccine booster dosing schedule for people at high risk of meningococcal B disease.
IAC’s Ask the Experts includes more than 1,000 questions and answers to common and challenging situations immunization providers face every day. Visit these pages to find the answers you are looking for!
Vaccine-specific web pages updated:
IAC’s team of experts includes Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH (lead); Carolyn Bridges, MD, FACP; William Atkinson, MD, MPH; and Deborah Wexler, MD.
Related Link
- IAC's Ask the Experts gateway page, linking to 28 topics with more than 1,000 Q&As
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CDC Foundation seeks applications for grants supporting community organizations to strengthen vaccine confidence
The CDC Foundation announced a new Request for Proposal (RFP) to support community-based organizations (CBOs) to develop and implement effective health communication and community engagement strategies to increase vaccine confidence and acceptance among groups at risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) related to under-immunization.
Vaccinate with Confidence is CDC’s strategic framework to strengthen vaccine confidence and prevent outbreaks of VPDs in the United States. This funding opportunity will support CBOs’ strategies to provide health education and community engagement on vaccines, in multiple formats (e.g., oral, written) delivered by local trusted sources in ways that are culturally appropriate. CBOs must be nonprofit and tax-exempt and may include faith-based organizations, vaccine advocacy organizations, public health-focused associations, civic and social organizations, and other organizations that have the capacity to educate and engage at-risk communities.
Questions about this opportunity may be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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AMA, CDC, CDC Foundation, and Ad Council partner to launch “No One Has Time for the Flu” campaign to reach African American and Hispanic adults
No One Has Time for the Flu, a national campaign, launched by the American Medical Association (AMA), CDC, CDC Foundation, and the Ad Council have launched a culturally relevant ad campaign and website to reach African American and Hispanic adults. Communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of serious influenza illness and experience disparities in flu vaccination coverage. The ads will appear in print, TV, radio, social media, out-of-home, and digital formats nationwide.
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Last season was the deadliest influenza season for U.S. children on record; be sure all your patients are getting vaccinated!
Influenza season is now beginning and CDC has launched its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView. Three additional pediatric deaths that occurred during the 2019–20 influenza season were reported during the week ending October 10, bringing the season total to 192. This makes last season the deadliest influenza season for children on record.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, so please continue to vaccinate all your patients in this age range. If you don’t provide influenza vaccine at your site, please recommend vaccination and refer to a site that does vaccinate.
Boston Children’s Hospital, in partnership with CDC, has developed VaccineFinder, a user-friendly website to help adult and pediatric patients find flu and other vaccines. Participating providers can now update supply estimates on VaccineFinder for a more accurate reporting. For questions or more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As you work hard to vaccinate your patients this fall, mark your calendars for National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), which will be observed December 6–12.
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Two additional colleges and universities require flu vaccine to protect staff and students—the list continues to grow!
Many colleges and universities across the nation are mandating flu vaccine for staff and students. IAC has recently become aware of two additional schools that will require influenza vaccine this year: Washington University in St. Louis and Colby College.
In addition, the following schools require influenza vaccine this year: Indiana University—nine campuses, University of California system—ten campuses, University of Tennessee system—four campuses, Albion College, Butler University, Cornell University, Creighton University, Dordt University, Duke University, Elon University, Marist College, Purdue University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rosalind Franklin University, Syracuse University, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, University of North Carolina Charlotte, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Wabash College, Wake Forest University, and Wayne State University.
Under a new statewide regulation in Massachusetts, approximately 115 colleges and universities will be implementing requirements for influenza vaccination this year.
If you know of additional colleges or universities that require influenza vaccination, please send the name of the institution, as well as a link to the relevant policy (if available) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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IAC Spotlight! Talking about Vaccines: Alternative Schedules
IAC's Talking about Vaccines: Alternative Schedules gateway page has been updated. This page contains many resources from IAC, CDC, and others to help healthcare professionals explain to parents and patients why following the ACIP-recommended vaccination schedule is the best approach to preserving the health of children, adolescents, and adults.
This Talking About Vaccines gateway leads to authoritative documents and videos that describe the disadvantages of nonstandard schedules and the hazards of delaying vaccination. Experts explain how the human body can readily handle multiple vaccinations.
To easily locate this web page from anywhere on immunize.org, go to the light blue band of tabs across the top, choose the "Talking About Vaccines" tab (far right), and then select "Alternative Schedules" from the drop-down menu.
The direct link is www.immunize.org/talking-about-vaccines/alternative-schedules.asp.
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IAC enrolls five new birthing institutions into its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll; four previously honored institutions qualify for additional years' honors
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is pleased to announce that five new institutions have earned places on its Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, for a total of 524 honorees. The birthing institutions are listed below with their reported hepatitis B birth dose coverage rates in parentheses.
- Dodge County Hospital, Eastman, GA (99%)
- Memorial Hospital West, Pembroke Pines, FL (90%)
- Sharon Hospital, Sharon, CT (91%)
- South Florida Baptist Hospital, Plant City, FL (95%)
- Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center, Leitchfield, KY (95%)
Two institutions are being recognized for a second year:
- Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington, CT (91%)
- Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT (92%)
One institution is being recognized for a fourth year:
- Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA (97%)
Finally, one institution is being recognized for a fifth year:
- Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT (93%)
The Honor Roll now includes 524 birthing institutions from 44 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and an overseas U.S. military base. One hundred nineteen institutions have qualified for 2 years, 72 institutions have qualified three times, 39 institutions have qualified four times, 25 institutions have qualified five times, 18 institutions have qualified six times, seven institutions have qualified seven times, two institutions have qualified eight times and one institution has qualified nine 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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NFID launches new campaign titled “Hepatitis B: Are You at Risk?”
In recognition of Liver Cancer Awareness Month, NFID has developed a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of preventing hepatitis B—a virus that can live undetected within an individual for months or years, all the while attacking the liver.
To help raise awareness about this public health threat, NFID has developed new materials as part of a Hepatitis B Awareness Toolkit, including animated public service announcement videos and sample posts that can be shared via social media.
Related Links
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Not-to-miss immunization articles in the news
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
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IAC Handouts
IAC updates “Influenza: Questions and Answers” handout for patients and parents IAC recently revised its 7-page handout for the public titled Influenza: Questions and Answers. Changes were made to update epidemiologic data and information from the ACIP recommendations for the 2020–21 vaccination season.  Related Links
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Featured Resources
CDC launches new video on timeliness of vaccination in its animated video series for parents, "How Vaccines Work" CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) launched the latest video in its animated video series titled "How Vaccines Work." In these short videos, viewers follow baby Jack and his parents as they get answers to common vaccine-related questions and learn more about the importance of vaccinating on schedule. In the latest video, How Vaccines Work: Make Sure to Get Vaccinated on Time, Jack's parents learn about the importance of staying on time with his vaccinations.  CDC encourages healthcare workers to share this new educational video series with parents. The other videos in the series include, for example:
Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/childhood-vaccines. Back to top
In IAC's "Video of the Week," a physician and ACOG fellow describes how he recommends flu vaccine to pregnant women This October 2020 video from CDC's "HowIRecommend" series, featuring Kevin Ault, MD, FACOG, describes what he tells pregnant women who are hesitant to get flu vaccine. He tells them that they can get very sick with the flu; that if they are vaccinated, their newborn also gets protection from flu; and some research suggests that vaccinated women are less likely to deliver preterm.  Visit the VOTW archive. Back to top
Keep vaccinating against the flu. IAC's bright red "FLU VACCINE" buttons and stickers can help. Order today! IAC “FLU VACCINE” buttons and stickers are flying out of IAC’s office by the thousands! 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, these stickers adhere well to clothing and have an easy-peel-off backing. 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. Back to top
Use IAC's expanded “Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic” to catch up patients who fell behind IAC now offers more than 244 items in its Repository of Resources for Maintaining Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic gateway page to assist in maintaining routine immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located on the website of the National Network of Immunization Coalitions, a project of IAC, this repository includes links to both national and state-level policies and guidance; advocacy materials, including talking points, webinars, press releases, articles, and social media posts; and telehealth resources. These resources are intended for healthcare settings, state and local health departments, professional societies, immunization coalitions, advocacy groups, and the community to use in their efforts to sustain routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources can be sorted and searched by date, title, geographic area, source, type, age category, or setting. 
If you have a resource to suggest for the repository, please send a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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IAC’s “Vaccination and COVID-19” gateway page offers a collection of tools from many organizations to sustain routine vaccination services during the pandemic IAC’s Vaccination and COVID-19 gateway page assists healthcare professionals who are faced with challenges in providing routine and catch-up vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic. At this gateway, IAC has assembled key links to help both new and experienced vaccinators deliver safe, effective vaccination to people of all ages, applicable in typical and nontraditional vaccination settings. The site facilitates access to key pandemic resource pages from major clinical and public health organizations involved in immunization. The page will be updated frequently with new links and resources specific to catch-up vaccination, so be sure to check back regularly.  To easily locate this gateway page from anywhere on immunize.org, go to the light blue band of tabs across the top, choose the "Clinic Tools" tab, and then select "Vaccination and COVID-19” from the drop-down menu. To link directly to the site, go to www.immunize.org/vax-and-covid-19. You also can use the Guide to immunize.org at the bottom of every web page. Related Links
Education and Training
Sabin Vaccine Institute and UNICEF host “Misinformation: A Strategic Approach” webinar on October 29
The Sabin Vaccine Institute and UNICEF will offer a webinar titled Misinformation: A Strategic Approach on October 29 at 8:00 a.m. (ET). This interactive webinar will discuss strategies for immunization professionals to manage vaccination misinformation and will delve into an evidence-based review of the impact of misinformation on vaccination. Register for the webinar Back to top
Conferences and Meetings
Watch the 3-day, virtual ACIP meeting October 28–30; no registration is required
A live, 3-day, virtual meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will be held October 28–30. No registration is required to watch the slide presentations or listen.
- Wednesday, October 28 topics: Immunization schedules, seasonal influenza vaccines, orthopoxvirus vaccine (i.e., vaccinia, monkeypox), dengue vaccine, pneumococcal vaccines, cholera vaccine, public comment
- Thursday, October 29 topics: Zoster vaccine, tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, rabies vaccine
- Friday, October 30 topics: COVID-19 vaccines, safety surveillance, supply allocation, disease epidemiology, ethical framework
Related Link
- ACIP gateway page for recordings and content from previous meetings, as well as information about future meetings
In this 2006 PSA from Every Child By Two, former first lady Rosalynn Carter promotes timely childhood vaccination
Take a nostalgic look at vaccine advocacy 14 years ago. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter promotes timely vaccination in this adorable 30-second PSA of young children painting. Produced by Every Child By Two in 2006 (now known as Vaccinate Your Family), it is part of a PSA collection curated by vaccine expert William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH.  Previous PSAs mentioned in “On the Lighter Side” are available when viewing this Vimeo video. Back to top
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Video of the Week
Recommending Flu Vaccine to Pregnant Patients: In this video from CDC's "HowIRecommend" series, Kevin Ault, MD, FACOG, describes what he tells pregnant women who are hesitant to get flu vaccine. He tells them that they can get very sick with the flu, that if they are vaccinated, their newborn gets protection from flu also, and some research suggests that vaccinated women are less likely to deliver preterm.
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