A publication of the Immunization Action Coalition of WA (IACW) and WithinReach
September 2018
Greetings!

Welcome to the first issue of the Immunity Community Connections , a facelift of our former IACW Express monthly publication. We look forward to continuing to share news and resources about immunizations in Washington State and all over the world in this new, easy-to-read format.

Enjoy!


Immunity Community Highlight of the Month:
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you know that we have a list of Frequently Asked Questions about vaccinating on our website? Check out a list of common concerns that we've heard over the years and some information to help you and your patients make a decision about vaccines!
The CDC has released the 2017 National Immunization Survey (NIS) Teen data, including Washington's immunization rates. The results show a significant gain for a key HPV vaccination measure; one dose of HPV vaccine for males 13-17 years increased from 59.1% to 71.2%. There is no longer a statistically significant gap between female and male rates. Great job, Washington!

The national and statewide NIS-Teen results can be viewed at the CDC's TeenVaxView , and the MMWR with nationwide data can be found here. You can also download Washington "at-a-glance" data - if you have any questions, email Julia Velonjara at the Washington State Department of Health.
National Vaccine Advisory Committee Releases Report on New Efforts to Increase HPV Vaccine Coverage

The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) just released a new r eport on strengthening HPV efforts at national, state, and local levels. The report provides recommendations to improve HPV vaccination coverage by focusing on four areas:
  1. Identifying national partners
  2. Guiding coalition building for states
  3. Engaging integrated health care delivery networks, and
  4. Addressing provider needs in rural areas
CDC Offers Clinical Guidance During Shingrix Delay/Backorder
Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine, but is currently on backorder due to high levels of demand. GSK,
the manufacturer of the vaccine, has indicated that the delay may last until the end of 2018 in the United States. The CDC provides lots of answers to frequently asked questions about shingles vaccination , including a table describing the primary differences between Shingrix and Zostavax.

Note: Click the table on the right to expand.
Pediatricians Share Why
They Vaccinate
To culminate the end of Immunization Awareness Month, pediatricians and
other members of the American Academy of Pediatrics from all across the country share why they vaccinate in their practices, and why they trust vaccines
with their own families. Click the video
on the left to see what they have to say!
HPV E-Course Available for King County VFC Providers
A team of researchers at the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Public Health-Seattle & King County, and the Somali Health Board are recruiting VFC providers in King County to take their e-course entitled: " HPV Vaccination: Framing the Conversation for East African Families ."

Developed with research funding from the CDC, the purpose of this e-course is to educate healthcare providers on the basics of HPV-related diseases and vaccination recommendations, explain cultural humility as it relates to the experience of immigrants and refugees in a healthcare setting, and share evidence-based strategies to increase HPV vaccination uptake that are relevant to East African communities. Participants will receive 0.75 continuing education credits as well as a $25 Starbucks gift card for completing the course, and feedback will be used to evaluate the course content.

To verify your eligibility and take the course, click here . Additionally, you can download the course flyer here .The course will be accessible by providers outside of King County upon completion of the research study.
FREE E-COURSES
FREE MATERIALS BY MAIL
2018 Laminated Childhood Immunization Schedules
The Immunization Action Coalition of Washington creates our own durable, convenient format of the recommended childhood schedule, and we distribute them free of charge to providers in Washington.
Please note that these are intended for health- care provider use only. If you are looking for materials for patients, we'd be glad to send
you alternative resources. 
2017 Adult Immunization Schedules

Our pocket-sized, convenient format of the  2017 recommended adult schedule for patients. The only differences on the
2018 schedule are the clarification on the
new shingles vaccine recommendations and division of Meningococcal vaccines into two separate lines (A,C,W,Y and B).
TOOLKITS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join WithinReach for its 4th Annual Big Wigs & Swigs fundraising event Friday, October 5, 2018 to help ensure Washington families have the food and health resources they need to be healthy. The event will be held on Lake Union from
6:30pm -11:00pm. Come enjoy good company, food, drinks, music, a whole lot of fun – and, of course, BIG WIGS! Buy Your Ticket Today!


WA LOCAL IMMUNIZATION COALITION QUARTERLY CALL
October 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Email Izzy for more information


WA STATE PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
October 15-17
Wenatchee Convention Center


HPV TASK FORCE QUARTERLY MEETING
October 24, 9:00am - 11:00am
Tukwila Community Center


IACW QUARTERLY MEETING
October 24, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Tukwila Community Center


NEWS
A Time Magazine article explains why measles is still spreading worldwide, and with an increased incidence rate.
Dr. Paul Offit responds to a New York Times article entitled "Anti-Vaccine Activists Have Taken Vaccine Science Hostage."
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine assessed clinicians' and pharmacists' self-reported implementation of the "Standards for Adult Immunization Practice."
The Immunization Action Coalition recently developed a new PowerPoint slide set to describe the implementation of standing orders in a clinical setting. It is customizable and includes speaker notes.
A study published in The Lancet examined the effectiveness of catch-up HPV vaccination on incident cervical neoplasia.
A study published in Pediatrics found that legislation to increase uptake of HPV vaccination was not associated with changes in adolescent sexual behaviors in the United States.
The CDC just released "The Ultimate Babyproofing Plan" which offers 6, easy-to-understand reasons that parents should vaccinate their children on time.
Shot of Prevention has a new blog post in "plain-talk" language discussing how vaccines are tested and monitored for safety and effectiveness
A study in Pediatrics found that prenatal Tdap vaccination was not associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A study published in Vaccine found that inactivated flu vaccines prevented influenza-associated ICU admissions and reduced the risk of severe disease among those infected with influenza despite vaccination.
The NIH is beginning a Phase I clinical trial for a live attenuated Zika vaccine in humans. Phase I trials are intended to assess the safety of the vaccine.
A study in The Lancet followed up on participants from a Phase I clinical trial of an Ebola vaccine to assess the duration of effectiveness.
QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
Contact us: ic@withinreachwa.org
Making the connections Washington families need to be healthy and safe. Promoting, protecting & supporting immunization as a vital part of the health and development of children and families.
Izzy Brandstetter, MPH and Mackenzie Melton, MPH

Founded in 1994, the Immunization Action Coalition of Washington (IACW), a program of WithinReach, works to improve the health of the community by minimizing the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases through the optimal use of immunizations across the lifespan.