2009 Immunization News ArchiveWomen's Health: Take Action During Cervical Cancer Awareness MonthDecember 14, 2009 -- January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. You play an important role in ensuring that your patients have the facts about cervical cancer, and that they are doing everything they can to help protect themselves. Each year in the U.S., more than 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer.* Approximately 30 women each day need to tell their families that they have the disease. Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of a virus—human papillomavirus (HPV). Because HPV often has no signs or symptoms, many people don't know they have it. For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for some women who don't clear certain types of the virus, cervical cancer can develop. And there is no way to predict who will or won't clear the virus. Make sure your patients know that there are important steps they can take to help protect themselves by getting the HPV vaccine. While we know you are working hard to protect your patients against cervical cancer throughout the year, January provides the perfect opportunity to reach out and talk to them about this disease and what they can do to help prevent it. You may wish to highlight issues related to cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) disease, and the importance of the HPV vaccine. More information can be found at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website at www.nccc-online.org/awareness.html. * American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2008. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2008. IMPORTANT: Non-Safety Related Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine Live, IntranasalDecember 23, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is forwarding this important vaccine recall information to our immunization partners. Please read the following information and guidance carefully. (Medimune Recall) Updated: H1N1 Vaccine - Return CommunicationDecember 22, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to bring the following updated guidance document to the attention of our partners. (H1N1 Return Communication) IMPORTANT: Voluntary Recall of Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 Vaccine Lot NumbersDecember 16, 2009 -- Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., has notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that routine testing of its pediatric H1N1 2009 monovalent vaccine in 0.25 ml syringes in four identified lots have been identified with lower antigen content than the specification limit. (H1N1 Recall) Vaccines for Children Resolution No. 010/09-1 - Human Papillomavirus VaccineDecember 11, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of Vaccines for Children (VFC) Resolution No. 010/09-1 for vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus vaccine. (VFC Resolution No. 010/09-1) Update on Expanded Use of CSL H1N1 VaccineDecember 11, 2009 -- This is updated information on the expanded use of CSL's H1N1 vaccine to persons 6 months of age and older. (CSL Update) National Handwashing Awareness WeekDecember 6-12, 2009 is designated as National Handwashing Awareness Week, to decrease the spread of infectious diseases by encouraging individuals to educate and help protect their communities. Hand awareness is more than handwashing alone – it includes properly covering coughs or sneezes and keeping your hands away from your face. The Henry the Hand Web site includes resources for recognizing the week, including kits for use in schools, homes and hospitals that simplify infection prevention teachings. Other resources can be found here: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFlorida Department of Health
School Network for Absenteeism PreventionBeware: Fraudulent Email – Not Sent by the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDecember 1, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to bring to your attention the following important information forwarded to us by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Fraudulent Email) Transfer of Novel H1N1 Influenza VaccinesDecember 1, 2009 -- We have received multiple inquiries about transferring H1N1 vaccines between various H1N1 registered providers. (Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccines Transfer) Updated Guidance on CSL's Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Differentiating Between Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Influenza Live Attenuated VaccineNovember 23, 2009 -- This important update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information regarding the expanded Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the use of CSL’s novel H1N1 influenza vaccine to include children 6 months of age and older. (Updated Guidances) Effective Immediately: Updated Guidance on CSL's Novel H1N1 Influenza VaccineNovember 17, 2009 -- Updated Guidance for the Use of CSL’s 2009 H1N1 Monovalent Vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information regarding the expanded Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval for the use of CSL’s seasonal and novel H1N1 influenza vaccines to include children 6 months of age and older. (CSL Vaccines) Novel H1N1 Influenza Pandemic Update: Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommended to Help Prevent Secondary InfectionsNovember 17, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to bring to your attention the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Health Advisory, which reminds us that pneumococcal vaccines can prevent some very serious secondary bacterial infections following infection with influenza viruses. (Pneumococcal Recommendation) Vaccine Information Statement UpdatesOctober 12, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to highlight recent updates to three Vaccine Information Statements (VIS): pneumococcal (PPSV), rabies, and zoster (shingles). (VIS Pneumococcal & Zoster) 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Statements - Spanish TranslationOctober 12, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to announce the availability of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) - Spanish translation. (VIS Translation) NEW Vaccine Information Statements - 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information StatementsOctober 6, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to announce the availability of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Statements (VIS). (H1N1 VIS) Interested in Administering Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine?Register Today!
National Immunization SurveySeptember 1, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the publication of National, State, and Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Children Aged 19--35 Months --- United States, 2008 in MMWR Weekly August 28, 2009 / 58(33);921-926. (National Immunization Survey) Use of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine, Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009August 28, 2009 -- This report, released in Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report (MMWR), Recommendation and Reports, August 28, 2009/58(RR10);1-8, provides recommendations by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of vaccine against infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus. (Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Recommendations) Key Points Concerning Journal of the American Medical Association Human Papillomavirus ArticleAugust 19, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to share the following information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (HPV Vaccine) Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2009August 12, 2009 -- On July 30, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009. (Seasonal Influenza) Vaccine Information Statements for Seasonal Influenza VaccineAugust 12, 2009 -- The 2009-2010 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are now available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm#flu. Update: VISs for Season Influenza VaccineThe Bureau of Immunization wishes to call your attention to the following announcement released by the CDC concerning the Influenza VISs originally posted to the internet. (Flu VIS) National Immunization Awareness Month
Important Update: Vaccines for Children Program’s New Online Initial Provider Enrollment Application and Recertification FormsThe Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of our new online Vaccines for Children (VFC) Initial Provider Enrollment Application and Recertification forms. Please visit the VFC Enrollment webpage at www.ImmunizeFlorida.org/vfc/enrollment.htm and click on the new links. These links are also available on the Provider Forms webpage at www.ImmunizeFlorida.org/vfc/forms.htm. Providers can submit all required information online to the VFC Program staff. A copy of the completed form, including the Terms and Conditions, is emailed back to the provider as a confirmation of receipt. The provider should print, sign, date and retain a copy in their records. If the provider has submitted the Recertification form within the last year, a new form is not required until their renewal date. The form will not submit until the provider completes all required information. A validation field is included at the end of the application to prevent spam applications. The validation field will change each time you press submit. If the form does not submit due to missing information, the provider will need to update the validation field before resubmitting the form. The VFC Provider Handbook is also updated. It is available on our website at www.ImmunizeFlorida.org/vfc/manual.htm.Important: Updated Recommendations for Use of Haemophilus influenzae Type b VaccineJune 29, 2009 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released Updated Recommendations for Use of Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: Reinstatement of the Booster Dose at Ages 12--15 Months, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, June 26, 2009 / 58(24);673-674. (Hib Reinstatement) Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases 2009May 5, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of the 2009 edition of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) course, Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. ( Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases) Updated Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to VaccineMay 5, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of an updated Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Vaccine (April 2009) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In these times of heightened vaccine-safety awareness, it is imperative that all healthcare providers have access to and knowledge of current recommendations regarding licensed vaccines in order to better serve those to whom they administer vaccine. Invalid contraindications to vaccination lead to missed opportunities and leave patients unnecessarily vulnerable to disease. The Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Vaccine is now posted on CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/vac-admin/contraindications.htm. This guide summarizes the CDC's recommendations regarding common symptoms and conditions that do and do not contraindicate vaccines licensed in the United States. The guide is designed to help immunization providers determine what common symptoms and conditions should contraindicate vaccination and which ones should not. It contains information on all licensed U.S. vaccines as of February 2009, and is arranged alphabetically according to symptoms and conditions which may, correctly or not, be perceived as contraindications to vaccination. There are very few true contraindication and precaution conditions. Only two of these conditions are generally considered to be permanent: severe (anaphylactic) allergic reaction to a vaccine component or following a prior dose of a vaccine, and encephalopathy not due to another identifiable cause occurring within seven days of pertussis vaccination. For detailed information regarding contraindications to vaccination, see Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, chapter two "General Recommendations," available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/pink-chapters.htm. A more thorough discussion of these issues can be found in the General Recommendations on Immunization: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. These recommendations are revised every three to five years as needed; the most current edition was published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2006;55[RR-15]:1–48. All providers who administer vaccine should have a copy of this report and be familiar with its content. Use of Non-DOH Approved Simulated DH 680 FormsMay 1, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization has recently been apprised of specific incidents where schools and childcare facilities have received unapproved DH 680 forms that have been produced by software vendors without DOH approval. This form, according to Department of Health (DOH) legal counsel, is misrepresented as a DOH form. The vendor for this product has been contacted and has sent notification to all customers using the product to refrain from using the form immediately. The ability to print this form will be removed from this particular software product in their next release. We have occasionally received notification of healthcare providers using software which prints the dates of vaccination on hard copies of the pre-printed DH 680 forms produced by DOH. While this practice is acceptable due to the use of the official DH 680 form, we do not recommend it as vaccination requirements change. There is no guarantee that software companies remain aware of changes to the DOH form and immunization requirements, nor is there any guarantee that systems can be updated in a timely manner as changes are made to immunization requirements. The best practice for producing the DH 680 continues to be transcribing onto the pre-printed form or producing the form electronically from the Florida State Health Online Tracking System (SHOTS). If you encounter any unapproved simulated DH 680 forms, please call the Florida SHOTS Enrollment Desk at 1 (877) 888-7468 and fax a redacted copy of the form to the attention of the Florida SHOTS enrollment staff at (850) 412-8501. You may also email a redacted copy of the form to flshots@doh.state.fl.us. Thank you for your assistance with ensuring that the integrity of the legal DH 680 form remains intact for the appropriate and accurate recording of vaccinations required for childcare center and school attendance. Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) NewsApril 29, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization requests that all providers read the following information carefully regarding Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) updates and development, released April 16, 2009, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ( Pneumococcal VIS & Influenza VIS) Availability of New Florida Certification of Immunization (DH 680)March 30, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the availability of the new manual version of the Florida Certification of Immunization (Form DH 680: 04/09) in the State Distribution Center. A sample is available on our publications website. More important: providers using the Florida State Health Online Tracking System (SHOTS) should electronically sign and certify DH 680s. These forms are then available to other healthcare providers, schools, and childcare centers participating in the Florida SHOTS. If training is needed on how to electronically sign the DH 680, please contact the Florida SHOTS help desk at: 1 (877) 888-7468. The bureau would also like to remind all immunization partners of the school immunization requirement effective for the 2009-2010 school year for students entering seventh grade. Students entering, repeating or transferring into seventh grade will need to provide documentation for the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. This requirement is in addition to the previous immunization requirements that are grade-appropriate. A "grandfather" clause was not an option for this vaccine requirement. The Tdap vaccine has been the routine recommendation since 2006 for adolescents age ten and above. ***There have been many questions regarding the interval for Temporary Medical Exemptions (TMEs) after the last tetanus-diphtheria (Td) dose. The Bureau of Immunization, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is recommending that a Tdap be administered after a two-year interval from the last Td—or provide a TME for two years from the previous Td. One of the most rapidly rising incidence rates of pertussis is among adolescents, which is transmissible in school and other settings. Students who received a dose of Td vaccine prior to entering seventh grade should be given a TME and immunized at the appropriate time. The timeline for the TME must be no longer than five years from the last tetanus-diphtheria-containing vaccine. The Tdap can be administered to students ten years of age and above if prior Td booster was given at least two years ago. The updated DH 680 form provides fields to document the Tdap vaccine as a DOE Code P. Space has also been allotted for Td vaccine as Code Q. It is important to note that the DH 680 form provides a selection for either Code 1 (K to 12) or Code 8 (seventh grade requirement). Only the 4/09 version has the P and Q Codes. Students who have completed the immunization requirements for kindergarten should be documented as complete (Code 1) and not be given a TME until seventh grade. The updated version of the DH 680 (manual) Florida Certification of Immunization has been printed and stocked in quantity at the State Distribution Center. Though forms on-hand may still be used, only the newer forms are available in bulk. The sample can be viewed at www.ImmunizeFlorida.org/publications/forms.htm. Healthcare providers may elect to order their supply of forms directly from the State Distribution Center. Forms are available to Florida providers for a nominal shipping and handling fee. The State Distribution Center phone number is (850) 414-8086. The DH 680 (computer), for use with the Florida SHOTS, is shrink-wrapped in packages of 200. The stock number is 5740-099-0680-0. The DH 680 (manual) is shrink-wrapped in packages of 200. The stock number is 5740-000-0680-6. 2009 National Infant Immunization Week In 2007, Florida’s immunization coverage level for children two years of age was 83.2%. The bureau urges providers and parents not to become complacent, since not all of Florida’s children are fully immunized by two years of age. Healthcare providers play a critical role in educating parents about the importance of immunization and ensuring that infants are fully immunized. Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease in the United States, parents are often unaware that their children are at risk for so many serious and life-threatening diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have educational and promotional materials at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/default.htm. Parents are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider to ensure their infant is up-to-date on immunizations. Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases; that is why it is critical to protect them through immunization. Each day, nearly 12,000 babies are born in the United States, who will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases by two years of age. Our nation's success in achieving high levels of infant immunization coverage is the result of the work that local health departments, immunization coalitions, individual healthcare professionals, parents, and other partners do throughout the year. The bureau encourages you to promote NIIW at the local level and thanks you for your continued commitment to ensure all children have a healthy childhood free from vaccine-preventable diseases. Five NIIW posters are available for download and reproduction at our Publications page.
Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Type B Disease in Young Children and Importance for All Young Children to Receive Three-Dose Primary Series with Available Hib-Containing VaccineMarch 18, 2009 -- The information below regarding the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine shortage was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Advisory via the Health Alert Network. (Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Type b) VFC Resolution No. 02/09-1: Vaccines to Prevent Pneumococcal DiseaseMarch 13, 2009 -- Resolution No. 02/09-1: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: Vaccines for Children Program Vaccines to Prevent Pneumococcal Disease. (Pneumococcal Disease) New 2009-2010 School Immunization Requirements Flyer AvailableMarch 13, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce a flyer highlighting changes to compulsory vaccinations for the 2009-2010 school year. The 2009-2010 School Entry Requirements flyers are available for public download from the bureau's publications webpage. Other recently posted and useful products include brochures and flyers directed at adolescent and adult immunizations, in addition to brochures targeting Tdap, and the fourth DTaP. Please visit and explore the publications page. For access to high-resolution images for use in local mass production, please contact Marlo Peck at (850) 245-4342. Update on Supply of Pediatric Hepatitis B VaccineMarch 2, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to bring to your attention information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concerning the supply of pediatric hepatitis B vaccine. (Supply of Hepatitis B Vaccine) The Florida Department of Health Encourages Floridians to Practice Good Hygiene during Peak Flu SeasonMarch 2, 2009 -- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) encourages Floridians to practice good hygiene as influenza (flu) activity in Florida increases, which is typical for this time of year. (Peak Flu Season) Requirement for Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) for Entry and Attendance in 7th GradeFebruary 13, 2009 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization would like to remind all immunization partners about the upcoming school immunization requirement effective for the 2009/2010 school year for students entering 7th grade. (Tdap 7th Grade Requirement) Resource Materials for Parents to Address Frequently Asked Vaccine QuestionsFebruary 13, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to remind our partners of the educational resource from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Vaccine safety has always been a concern of parents and healthcare providers, more so now than ever. These materials can serve as an entry point for the beginning of patient/provider discussions concerning vaccines by presenting the topics in science-based environment in plain language. These materials are presented as information sheets targeted and written for parents and presented in tear-off pads. Two recent products addressing common parental concerns about vaccine safety are described below: Too Many Vaccines? What you should know http://www.chop.edu/export/download/pdfs/articles/vaccine-education-center/too-many-vaccines.pdf Today, young children receive vaccines to protect them against 14 different diseases, and some people question whether this is too many vaccines. These tear sheets answer questions including "What are the active components in vaccines?", "Do children encounter more immunological components from vaccines today than they did 30 years ago?", "Can too many vaccines overwhelm an infant's immune system?", "How many vaccines can children effectively handle at one time?", "How do we know that multiple vaccines can be given safely?", and "What is the harm of separating, spacing out or withholding vaccines?" Vaccines and Autism: What you should know http://www.chop.edu/export/download/pdfs/articles/vaccine-education-center/autism.pdf Some parents of children with autism are concerned that vaccines are the cause. This newsletter answers questions surrounding the three main concerns: the measles-mumps-rubela (MMR) vaccine; thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative previously found in vaccines; and the idea that babies receive too many vaccines too soon. Some of the other titles in the tear-off pad series include: Vaccine and Adults, Tdap: What You Should Know; The Facts About Childhood Vaccines; Human Papillomavirus: What You Should Know; Shingles: What You Should Know; Thimerosal: What You Should Know. Order by phone at (215) 590-9990, by fax at (215) 590-2025, or by email at vaccines@email.chop.edu. Cancellation of 2009 Bureau of Immunization Summit - Immunizations Across the Lifespan!February 23, 2009 -- In consideration of the state’s current economic and fiscal status, the Bureau of Immunization regrets to inform you that it has become necessary to cancel this year’s upcoming Immunization Summit: Immunizations Across the Lifespan. Prevention of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Among Infants and Children, Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)February 6, 2009 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released Prevention of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Among Infants and Children Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in MMWR Recommendations and Reports, February 6, 2009 / 58(RR02);1-25. (Prevention of Rotavirus) Pneumonia Hospitalizations Among Young Children After Introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 1997--2006January 29, 2009 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released information regarding Pneumonia Hospitalizations Among Young Children After Introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (United States 1997--2006). (Pneumonia Hospitalizations) Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule — United States, 2009January 14, 2009 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated information regarding the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Physicians. The 2009 recommendations have been published and are cited as: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule---United States, 2009. MMWR 2008; 57(53). No new vaccines were added to the schedule; however, several indications were added to the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine footnote, clarifications were made to the footnotes for human papillomavirus, varicella, and meningococcal vaccines, and schedule information was added to the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine footnotes. New Indication for Boostrix® Vaccine (Tdap) Expands Disease Protection to Individuals 10 Through 64 Years of AgeJanuary 07, 2009 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to make you aware that BOOSTRIX® vaccine has now been licensed for use in an expanded age group that includes adults 19 through 64 years of age.(Boostrix® Vaccine) Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons 0 Through 18 Years of Age — United States, 2009January 6, 2009 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) annually publishes immunization schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that summarize recommendations for currently licensed vaccines for children 18 years of age and younger. The 2009 recommendations have been published and are cited as: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 18 years—United States, 2009. MMWR 2008;57(51&52). Changes to the schedule are noted:
Preteen Vaccine Week
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