Flu Prevention2009-2010 Flu ArchiveNational Influenza Vaccination WeekNovember 19, 2010 -- National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a nationwide effort to remind everyone of the importance of receiving the influenza vaccine, even when received after the start of the typical flu season. This year, NIVW will be observed December 5-11, 2010. We encourage everyone who wishes to protect themselves and those around them from influenza to receive the flu vaccine as soon as possible, and to promote influenza vaccination at every opportunity. There is an opportunity to increase influenza vaccination coverage in our state and we hope that this year more people will be vaccinated than ever before. Vaccine is plentiful and available. The vaccine is safe and effective. In Florida, flu incidence usually peaks in February or later. Make an extra effort this season to promote influenza vaccine until the supply is exhausted. The bureau has developed materials for this event and posted them for public download, use, and distribution from our publications website at www.ImmunizeFlorida.org/publications/posters.htm#nivw. Other materials and ideas for events are available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/NIVW/index.htm. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations for Use of CSL Influenza VaccineSeptember 15, 2010 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to share the following statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations for Use of CSL influenza vaccine during the 2010-2011 influenza season. Please Note: The bureau is providing these recommendations because we have received and will be distributing the CSL influenza vaccine (Brand Name: Afluria® and distributed in the U.S. by Merck & Co., Inc.) to our healthcare providers during the upcoming influenza season. The complete statement can be found at www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/s100806.htm. We encourage providers to read these recommendations and guidance carefully, since we include only excerpts here. On Thursday, August 5, 2010, the ACIP met to discuss recommendations for use in the U.S. of seasonal influenza trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) [Afluria®] manufactured by CSL Limited during 2010-2011. During the 2010 influenza season in Australia, administration of seasonal influenza TIV manufactured for the Southern Hemisphere by CSL Biotherapies (brand names Fluvax® Junior and Fluvax®) was associated with increased frequency of fever and febrile seizures in children 6 months through 4 years of age. The rate of febrile seizures following Fluvax® or Fluvax® Junior was estimated at approximately 1 per 100 doses administered among children 6 months through 4 years of age. There have also been increased reports of fever in children 5 years through 8 years of age following vaccination with 2009-2010 Fluvax® compared to the three previous seasons. On April 23, 2010, seasonal influenza vaccination of otherwise healthy children 5 years of age and younger was suspended in Australia by the Chief Medical Officer. Similarly, following reports of febrile seizures, the New Zealand Ministry of Health recommended against the use of CSL Fluvax® for children less than 5 years of age. In several studies conducted in influenza seasons prior to 2010-2011 in the U.S., no association between influenza vaccination with any brand of influenza vaccine and febrile seizures has been detected. Seasonal CSL TIV, marketed in the U.S. under the brand name Afluria®, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in persons 6 months of age and older in the U.S. The ACIP recommends that for the 2010-2011 influenza season in the U.S.:
2010-2011 Influenza Vaccine UpdateAugust 20, 2010 -- The Bureau of Immunization is forwarding the following update regarding projections for the 2010-2011 influenza vaccine supply and labeling of latex-containing syringe tip caps. Distribution and Supply:As we approach the 2010-2011 flu season, we want to provide the most up-to-date information available on the anticipated supply of flu vaccine. After following up with each of the manufacturers last week, the overall projected estimate for production capacity this season is approximately 160 to165 million doses. This is somewhat lower than the range first presented at the National Influenza Vaccine Summit in May. The difference is due to changes in the availability of CSL’s Afluria products (the 0.25 mL syringe and the 5.0 mL MDV will not be available this season), as well as lower yields of certain products as the production process proceeded over the summer months. This projected total represents more doses of seasonal influenza vaccine than has ever been available in the U.S. in a single given flu season. In terms of distribution timing, the most recent manufacturer projections indicate they are beginning distribution of most products in August, with the majority of vaccine to be distributed by the end of October, and some distribution continuing into November and beyond. Please note, these distribution estimates reflect the timing of manufacturer shipping, but do not incorporate the time for distributors in the distribution chain to complete filling their orders. Thus, receipt of doses by public and private providers and institutions is expected to continue during November and beyond. Labeling of Latex-Containing Syringe Tip CapsYou may be aware of a recent issue regarding discrepancies in labeling regarding latex statements of some vaccine products in prefilled syringes. These labeling changes were not prompted by adverse event reports, however, the tip caps of the prefilled syringes of certain vaccines (including both flu and non-flu vaccines) may contain natural rubber latex that may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals. Impacted vaccines include: Each of the affected manufacturers is working closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the prescribing information, package labeling, and provider communications provide important information about the latex content of the affected vaccines. Some of the labeling and packaging changes the manufacturers are undertaking may impact timing of distribution for individual products, and providers are advised to get specific information on the products they have ordered from the distributor or manufacturer with whom they placed the order. In the event we learn of manufacturer labeling efforts impacting timing of product delivery, we will share that information with you. Private providers will receive this information in their vaccine shipments directly from the manufacturers. However, vaccines distributed through the Vaccine For Children (VFC) Program will not include this information. Therefore, please feel free to use the above flyers from each of the affected manufacturers to communicate with your providers this important information regarding the possibility of latex in tip caps of prefilled syringes. Vaccine ShipmentsFinally, to assist providers in finding flu vaccine available for purchase, the National Influenza Vaccine Summit supports the Influenza Vaccine Availability Tracking System (IVATS), which provides information about vaccine manufacturers and distributors with vaccine available for purchase. IVATS can be found at: http://www.preventinfluenza.org/ivats/. The information in IVATS is updated throughout the influenza vaccination season. 2010 Seasonal Influenza Interim Vaccine Information StatementsAugust 11, 2010 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to announce the availability of the 2010 Interim Influenza Vaccine Information Statements (VIS). VIS are information sheets produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explain to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Federal law requires that VIS be handed out when (before each dose) certain vaccinations are given. Print-ready files can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm#flu. These new VIS have been integrated into the Florida State Health Online Tracking System (Florida SHOTS™), so registry users can access them electronically. Healthcare providers should periodically access the VIS electronically and print out a supply for routine distribution. If necessary, bureau staff can FAX copies to providers without internet access. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010August 9, 2010 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010 on August 6, 2010. The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to call your attention to this important information. The summary of this document is reprinted below in its entirety, and the full document can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5908a1.htm?s_cid=rr5908a1_w. This report updates the 2009 recommendations by the ACIP regarding the use of influenza vaccine for the prevention and control of influenza (CDC. Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. MMWR 2009;58[No. RR-8] and CDC. Use of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine---recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP], 2009. MMWR 2009;58:[No. RR-10]). The 2010 influenza recommendations include new and updated information. Highlights of the 2010 recommendations include:
Vaccination efforts should begin as soon as the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine is available and continue through the influenza season. These recommendations also include a summary of safety data for U.S.-licensed influenza vaccines. These recommendations and other information are available at the CDC's influenza website at www.cdc.gov/flu; any updates or supplements that might be required during the 2010-201 influenza season also will be available at this website. Recommendations for influenza diagnosis and antiviral use will be published before the start of the 2010-2011 influenza season. Vaccination and healthcare providers should be alert to announcements of recommendation updates and should check the CDC influenza website periodically for additional information. Primary changes and updates in the 2010-2011 recommendations include:
The bureau developed two reference documents to assist providers in determining the appropriate doses of seasonal influenza vaccine required for all persons 6 months of age and older. The document titled Recommended Vaccine Doses for the 2010-2011 Influenza Season includes all ages. A second document specific to children 6 months through 8 years of age titled 2010-2011 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Doses Recommended for Children provides a decision tree to assist with determining the appropriate doses for these age groups. These documents are also available on the bureau website at www.immunizeflorida.com/publications/flyers.htm#flu. Educational OpportunitySanofi Pasteur is presenting two web-based audio conferences on the Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine on August 10th and 11th. View the flyer for contact information. The bureau makes every attempt to provide all vaccine-preventable immunization training programs, without endorsement, for those interested in immunizations. The Bureau of Immunization anticipates the publication of the 2010-2011 Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) in the upcoming weeks and will provide timely updates as they become available in addition to any educational programs that will help providers implement plans for the prevention of influenza disease. Novel H1N1 Influenza: Where to Get the Latest Updates For complete information on novel H1N1 influenza visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 and www.flu.gov. Recommended Vaccine Strains for the 2010-2011 Trivalent Influenza VaccineApril 16, 2010 -- The Bureau of Immunization would like to bring to your attention the following information presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations for the composition of the trivalent influenza vaccine for the 2010-2011 influenza season. This material is presented in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Weekly April 16, 2010 / 59(14);423-430. The WHO has recommended vaccine strains for the 2010-2011 northern hemisphere trivalent influenza vaccine, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made the same recommendations for influenza vaccine composition for the U.S. Both agencies recommend vaccines contain A/California/7/2009-like (2009 H1N1), A/Perth/16/2009-like (h2N2), and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (B/Victoria lineage) viruses. Additional references:
Although national influenza activity has decreased substantially since peak activity in October 2009, the persistence of sustained transmission in some areas (resulting in additional cases, hospitalizations, and deaths) emphasizes the importance of a continued focus on vaccination of initial target groups as well as the rest of the susceptible population. 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) 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) 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) National Influenza Vaccination WeekJanuary 10-16, 2010The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of January 10-16, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). This event highlights the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fosters greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond. This year's NIVW (originally scheduled for December 6-10, 2009) is now rescheduled for January 10-16, 2010. (NIVW) 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) 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) 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) 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!
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. This report updates the 2008 recommendations by the ACIP regarding the use of influenza vaccine for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza. Information on vaccination issues related to the recently identified novel H1N1 influenza will be published later in 2009. The 2009 seasonal influenza recommendations include new and updated information. Highlights of the 2009 recommendations include:
Vaccination efforts should begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue through the influenza season. The recommendations can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5808a1.htm?s_cid=rr5808a1_e. Protect Yourself, Your Family, and CommunityThe novel H1N1 influenza vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine to protect people. Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) can be used to reduce the risk for influenza virus infection and its complications. Vaccination providers should administer influenza vaccine to any person who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others should they become infected. However, emphasis on providing routine vaccination annually to certain groups at higher risk for influenza infection or complications is advised, including all children six months through 18 years of age, all persons 50 years of age and older, and other adults at risk for medical complications from influenza. In addition, all persons who live with or care for persons at high risk for influenza-related complications, including contacts of children less than six months of age, should receive influenza vaccine annually. Approximately 85% of the U.S. population is included in one or more of these target groups; however, less than 40% of the U.S. population received an influenza vaccination during the 2008-2009 influenza season. 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. A VIS for a monovalent novel H1N1 influenza vaccine is in draft form, and will be published if or when such a vaccine is made available. This VIS cannot be completed until a vaccine exists and information about contraindications, adverse events, etc. is available. Update: Vaccine Information Statements for Seasonal Influenza VaccineThe Bureau of Immunization wishes to call your attention to the following announcement released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning the Influenza Vaccine Information Statements originally posted to the internet. "The originally-posted version of both the TIV and LAIV seasonal influenza VISs contained an error. Section 3 of each VIS stated that the vaccine is indicated for household contacts and caregivers of children under five and adults 65 and older. The latter age should read '50' instead of '65’. This error has been fixed, and downloadable versions of both VISs are correct." If you have downloaded these incorrect documents, please delete them from your files and replace them with the corrected documents from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm#flu, and destroy any which you may have printed to prevent inadvertent distribution of inaccurate flu VISs. VISs are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Federal law requires that VISs be handed out before each dose of certain vaccines are given. Regularly check the VIS news page at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/vis-news.htm for updates. Healthcare providers can access VISs at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm and print out a supply for routine distribution. Given wider availability of VISs in electronic form for patients and other options that allow patients to get VISs without actually receiving individual paper copies, the CDC has updated instructions regarding provider responsibilities accordingly on their VIS Facts webpage at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/vis-facts.htm. The Immunization Action Coalition provides translations of VISs at www.immunize.org/vis/. If your office cannot access the internet to download current VISs, contact the Bureau of Immunization at (850) 245-4342 and the bureau will FAX copies of the latest VIS to your office 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). Updated Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPSV23) VIS: The PPSV VIS has been updated, mainly to reflect new indications for smokers and adults with asthma, but also to get a general facelift. 2009-2010 Influenza VIS under development: For 2009-2010, the CDC is proposing a single influenza VIS that will cover both trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV ). It is being developed now, and will ideally be released at the same time as the 2009-2010 ACIP influenza recommendations. Given the frequency with which VIS forms are updated, the ease of access to them on the internet and through the Florida State Health Online Tracking System (SHOTS), the requirement for healthcare providers to use only the current version, and the fiscal/temporal impracticality of having a consistently up-to-date supply available for the state, the Bureau of Immunization will neither print nor store any vaccine information statements in the State Distribution Center. Healthcare providers should periodically access the VIS electronically and print out a supply for routine distribution. If necessary, bureau staff can FAX copies to providers without internet access. By Federal law, all vaccine providers must give patients, their parents, and/or legal representatives the appropriate VIS whenever a vaccination is given. As needed, providers should supplement VIS forms orally, with videotapes, with additional printed material, or in any other way that will help recipients understand the disease and vaccine. Sufficient time should be allotted to review the VIS and discuss:
A contact number should be provided to the parent or guardian in the event there are questions or medical concerns. For the latest information concerning VIS updates, visit the CDC's VIS News website. Many VIS forms are available in other languages. As new editions are translated, they are posted on the Immunization Action Coalition's website. |
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