Tdap Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) Updated; Additional Information Document Available For Providers
CDC has released an updated VIS for Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine (Tdap). Changes relate to the recent ACIP recommendations regarding the use of Tdap during pregnancy. The updated VIS and the NOTE TO PROVIDERS: Tdap document (a quick reference guide for providers) are available on the CDC's website here.
Exemption to California’s Thimerosal Law for 2012-13 Flu Season
According to California law, pregnant women and children younger than 3 years old may only receive vaccines that contain no more than trace levels of mercury preservative, including the influenza vaccine. However, due to the increased influenza activity and the limited supply of influenza vaccine in the private sector, an exemption to this law was approved for the remainder of the 2012-13 flu season. Please see posted thimerosal exemption letter:
http://eziz.org/assets/docs/vfcletter_2013-02_Thimersol%20Exemption.pdf
Informed Immunization Consent Law Is Effective in 2014
The new law will take effect beginning in January, 2014.
This legislation requires that a parent or guardian who wants to exempt their child from school or childcare immunization requirements to first receive information from a licensed healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of vaccinations and the risks of vaccine preventable diseases. The provider signs a standardized form (created by the California Department of Public Health) that a parent or guardian would also sign, and then turn in to the school or child care facility.
For a FAQ with more information about the new law and how it will be implemented, please click here.
Pregnant
Women Need Tdap Vaccine Protection
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists decided to
build on the momentum of the H1N1 influenza vaccination of
pregnant women to work on Tdap vaccination in that population.
The College has worked with the American Academy of
Pediatrics, Every Child By Two, and CDC to promote Tdap
cocooning.
In March 2012, the College released its Committee
Opinion on Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy.
In April, the College mailed a package about Tdap vaccination
of pregnant women to its 35,000 active members. The package
included a laminated physician script with immunization codes
on the back, a FAQ for patients about vaccine safety, the
Committee Opinion referred to above, and much more.
The College also maintains a website
just for women about immunization. Some of the package materials are available on the
website.
For more information and resources for OB-GYNs, please see this
page.
CDC Helps Clinicians Double-Check Injection Practices
According to a new study in Medical Care, between 2001 and 2011, at least 130,000 patients were potentially exposed to life-threatening diseases after their clinicians failed to follow safe injection practices. In this age of high-tech care, it is difficult to image that these types of basic infection control breaches still happen. However, we know that many healthcare providers simply aren’t aware that they are putting their patients at risk.
The Safe Injection Practices Coalition, led by CDC, recently released a toolkit to help office-based clinicians, as well as inpatient staff members, double check their practices. This “meeting in a box,” is an excellent resource for use during staff meetings, grand rounds, and other seminars. It includes a narrated PowerPoint and print materials to help educate and remind healthcare providers about safe injection practices.
An online version of the toolkit can be found at www.oneandonlycampaign.org. In addition, the Coalition issued the following press release about the toolkit: http://oneandonlycampaign.org/news.
(information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Vaccines.gov: Consumer-Based Immunization
Information Website!
The
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
has an innovative website to help
parents and other consumers learn about the most
effective way to protect themselves and their
children from infectious diseases and learn
about immunization. Vaccines.gov
brings together the best in federal resources on
vaccine and immunizations to provide consumers
with easy-to-understand health information
specifically for their needs.
2011
Binational Immunization Guide (Mexico to California)
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VAERS Reporting
Vaers Reporting can be completed and submitted online. more...
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