Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues Interim Recommendations for the Use of Influenza Antiviral Medications
December 22, 2008 -- The Bureau of Immunization is providing this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Advisory as an update regarding antiviral resistance among circulating flu viruses in the United States during the 2008-2009 flu season.
Updated Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Information Statement
December 11, 2008 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a new interim Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). (Pneumococcal Conjugate VIS)
National Influenza Vaccination Week
December 8 - December 14, 2008
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as to foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December, and beyond.
Combined Tdap/Td Vaccine Information Statement
November 20, 2008 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a new interim Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) that can be used for both tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) and tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccines and is now available. (Tdap/Td VIS)
The Florida Department Of Health Encourages Floridians To Get Ready For Flu Season
October 10, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recognizes fall as the historical beginning of influenza (flu) season and urges Floridians who have not already done so to get their flu shots today. In Florida, the disease usually peaks in late January or February and continues through March. It is important to start vaccinating early and to continue flu vaccination throughout the winter months and beyond.
Focus on Adolescent Immunizations
September 26, 2008 -- In order to promote vaccination among adolescents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched the It's Their Turn! initiative. This initiative provides state and local health departments with a comprehensive set of tools and materials to assist them in implementing educational and awareness campaigns to promote adolescent immunization. The initiative website presents a complete set of adaptable materials for use in this initiative. Please contact the It's Their Turn! initiative team at 404-639-2761 to consult with on how best to optimize these tools to your needs.
You may also visit the Bureau of Immunization Adolescent Immunization web page for more information.
The Bureau of Immunization has developed adolescent-targeted materials, which can be found on our publications page.
Materials presented on these pages can be ordered from the State Distribution Center using the information presented on the publication page. Materials without form or stock numbers are presented for downloading and local printing. Press-quality files can be obtained upon request for professional printing. Please contact the bureau to request these files.
Updated Vaccine Information Statements
September 26, 2008 -- The Bureau of Immunization would like to remind our partners of the importance of using the current Vaccine Information Statements (VIS). By Federal law, all vaccine providers must give patients, or their parents or legal representatives, the appropriate VIS whenever a vaccination is given. (VIS Update)
ACIP Recommendations for New Pentacel® and Kinrix™ Combination Vaccines
September 10, 2008 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published indications and guidance for use for the new diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed (DTaP), inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate (Hib) combination vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib), Pentacel®, and the new diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed (DTaP) and inactivated poliovirus (IPV) combination vaccine (DTaP-IPV), Kinrix™. (Pertussis Vaccine)
SAVE THE DATE!
May 5-6, 2009
2009 Florida Immunization Summit
Immunizations Across the Lifespan
The Suwannee River Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization, are pleased to announce the 2009 Florida Immunization Summit to be held May 5-6, 2009, at the Marriott Tampa Airport.
Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2008
August 29, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2008 in the August 8 MMWR Recommendations and Reports.
Update: Measles: United States, January through July 2008
August 25, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) , Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR); August 22, 2008 / 57(33);893-896 - Update: Measles --- United States, January--July 2008. (Measles Update)
Immunization Guidelines for Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities, and Family Daycare Homes
August 8, 2008 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of the revised Immunization Guidelines for Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities and Family Daycare Homes and incorporated by reference in amended Rule 64D-3.046, Florida Administrative Code, which became effective July 28, 2008.
The Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) has also been updated. DOH Rule 64D-3.046, F.A.C. may be accessed at: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=64D-3.046 and https://www.flrules.org/gateway/readFile.asp?sid=0&tid=5891506&type=1&file=64D-3.046.doc. The updated DH Form 680 provides a selection for either Code 1 (K to 12) or Code 8 (7th Grade requirement).
The guidelines are updated only when there is a legislative or major change. The guidelines provide technical assistance for healthcare providers, schools, childcare facility operators, family daycare home operators, school health personnel, and county health department personnel regarding:
- Immunization requirements
- Clarifications/exceptions to immunization requirements with respect to certain vaccines
- Florida Certification of Immunization (DH 680), including Parts A, B, and C and the electronic signature DH 680 from
- Florida SHOTS
- Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH 681)
- Reporting requirements
- Special conditions for compliance
- Disease Control
- Immunization requirement for public assistance eligibility
- Confidentiality
Effective school year 2008/2009:
Children entering, attending, or transferring to kindergarten through grade 12 in Florida schools will be required to have documentation of a second dose of mumps and rubella, in addition to the present requirement of two measles.
A second dose of varicella will be required for children entering, attending or transferring to kindergarten.
There has been some confusion regarding Temporary Medical Exemptions (TMEs). A number of healthcare providers have been providing a TME to children entering Kindergarten, lasting until they are due to enter 7th grade. A TME should be completed only if a child is not fully immunized for their current school grade based on the proper spacing of vaccines. For more information, please refer to the Immunization Guidelines.
Please note that beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, documentation of a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap) will be required for students entering/attending 7th grade, instead of tetanus-diphtheria.
Important Haemophilus influenzae Type b Vaccine Update and Ordering Instructions
August 6, 2008 -- We are entering the 9th month of the Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) vaccine shortage that was initiated by Merck's recall of their Hib-containing vaccines. We continue to hear that Merck's Hib-containing vaccines will be available during the fourth quarter of this year. (Hib Ordering Instructions)
Percentage of Adults Aged > 65 Years Who Ever Received a Pneumococcal Vaccination
July 30, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR);July 4, 2008 / Vol. 57 / No. 26/page 723 - QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged >65 Years Who Ever Received a Pneumococcal Vaccination. (Pneumococcal Vaccination)
2008 Florida Vote & Vax Campaign
July 30, 2008 -- The Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the 2008 Vote & Vax adult flu and pneumococcal immunization campaign. Vote & Vax efforts are held in conjunction with general elections.
Vaccine Safety Monitoring and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination
July 28, 2008 -- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine safety has recently been mentioned in both the national and state news. The Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization provides the following summary of points: (Vaccine Safety Monitoring and HPV)
Delayed Onset and Diminished Magnitude of Rotavirus Activity: United States, November 2007 through May 2008
June 27, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR); June 25, 2008, Vol. 57, Early Release; Delayed Onset and Diminished Magnitude of Rotavirus Activity: United States, November 2007 through May 2008. (Rotavirus Activity)
Standards for Immunization Practices
June 27, 2008 -- More than a decade ago, two sets of standards were introduced to guide the delivery of immunizations for children and adults. Under leadership of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC), both sets of standards were revised in 2002. The standards focus on:
- Making vaccines easily accessible.
- Effectively communicating vaccination information.
- Implementing strategies to improve vaccination rates.
- Developing community partnerships to reach target patient populations.
More than 40 organizations have formally endorsed the Standards for Child and Adolescent Immunization Practices. The standards are availableonline at the Revised Standards for Immunization Practices web-site.
In 1990, the National Coalition for Adult Immunization (NCAI) developed the first Standards for Adult Immunization Practices, which were endorsed by more than 60 professional organizations from the public and private sectors. In January 1994, the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) reviewed the status of adult immunization in the United States and presented specific goals and recommendations for improvement. The NVAC and NCAI revised the Standards in 2002. The Standards for Adult Immunization Practices provide a concise, convenient summary of the most desirable immunization practices. The standards are available online at the Revised Standards for Immunization Practices web-site.
Prevention of Herpes Zoster: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
June 13, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 2008; volume June 6, 2008 / 57);1-30 concerning the prevention of herpes zoster through vaccination. (Prevention of Herpes Zoster)
Prevention of Pertussis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Their Infants: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
May 28, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Early Release (MMWR) 2008; volume 57, 1-47 on May 14, 2008 concerning tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine use among pregnant and postpartum women. (Postpartum Women)
Haemophilus influenzae Type b Vaccine Interim Recommendations Update
May 5, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization would like to remind providers that the Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) vaccine booster dose administered at 12 to 15 months of age should continue to be deferred, except for specific high-risk groups described below and in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). (Interim Recommendations Update)
Report from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: Decision Not to Recommend Routine Vaccination of All Children 2 to 10 Years of age with Quadrivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
At its February 2008 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) decided not to recommend routine vaccination of children 2 to 10 years of age against meningococcal disease, unless the child is at increased risk for the disease. (ACIP Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Report)
Fact Sheet and Talking Points: Measles United States, January 1 - April 25, 2008
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Early Release 2008; volume 57; 1-4 on May 1, 2008, concerning important information regarding measles outbreaks in the U.S. (Measles Talking Points)
National Infant Immunization Week
Working together with Vaccination Week in the Americas
April 21-28, 2007
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities. Since 1994, NIIW has served as a call to action for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure that infants are fully immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. This year NIIW will be held April 19-26, 2008.
Additionally, the National Immunization for Polio Prevention in Infants and Toddlers - or "NIPP IT" Campaign is being highlighted during this week. NIPP IT promotes immunization of all children against polio at two months of age, four months of age, six months of age, and a booster at four years of age. The NIPP IT theme is, "Don't wait to vaccinate!"
Update to Immunization Schedules for Human Papillomavirus
April 4, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization directs your attention to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 2008; volume 57, number 12 on March 28, 2008. (Schedules Update)
Food and Drug Administration Approves New Vaccine to Prevent Gastroenteritis Caused by Rotavirus
April 3, 2008 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the approval of Rotarix®, the second oral U.S. licensed vaccine for the prevention of rotavirus, an infection that causes gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) in infants and children. Rotarix® is a liquid, given in a two-dose series to infants from 6 to 24 weeks of age. (FDA Press Release)
Updated Recommendation for Use of 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
April 7, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization announces publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 2008; volume 57, number 13 on April 4, 2008, concerning 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). (7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate)
Update: Interim Recommendations for the Use of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Conjugate Vaccines
March 6, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization reminds providers that the Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Conjugate vaccine booster dose administered at 12 to 15 months of age should be deferred, except for specific high-risk groups described below and in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). (Hib Recommendations Update)
Wipe Out the Whoop
February 5, 2008 -- Wipe Out the Whoop is the National Foundation for Infectious Disease's (NFID) campaign to raise awareness of whooping cough risks and prevention. Campaign products include TV and radio public service announcments, national and local broadcast and print media interviews, and a consumer education brochure. To access these materials, please visit:
A public education initiative made possible through an unrestricted educational grant to NFID from Sanofi Pasteur.
Multi-Vaccine Information Statement
February 8, 2008 -- On January 30, 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a multi-vaccine Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) on its website. This new four-page (two pages front & back) VIS contains information on routine 0-6 month vaccines -- i.e., diptheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), hepatitis B (hep B), inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and rotavirus. It can be used as an optional alternative to the existing individual VISs when any combination of these vaccines are administered during the same visit (This includes combinations like Pediarix® or Comvax®.). In addition to the birth, 2, 4, & 6 month visits, this VIS could also be used for the 4th and 5th doses of DTaP and the 4th doses of PCV, IPV, or Hib, if they are given at the recommended ages. The publication date is 01/30/08.
Use of the multi-vaccine VIS is optional and an alternative to providing single-vaccine VISs for each of these six vaccines. The individual VISs for these vaccines may still be used.
Please note: This multi-vaccine VIS should NOT be used when any of these vaccines are administered to adolescents or adults because it doesn't contain information about risk factors, etc. for those ages.
Before you hand this new VIS to the patient, you MUST go to page one of the VIS and place a check-mark in front of the name of each vaccine you will be administering at that visit.
The multi-vaccine VIS is available from the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-multi.pdf and the the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) website at http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis_multi1.asp. For instructions on how to use this new VIS, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/vis-news.htm#multi. For additional information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in more than 30 languages, visit IAC's VIS webpage at: http://www.immunize.org/vis.
Florida SHOTS: This new VIS form covers DTaP, Hep B, IPV, PCV, Hib, and rotavirus. When recording new vaccinations of these types, the VIS option available by default will be this new form. To record the VIS publication date of any of the other single vaccine forms, click the "Other VIS Options" button.
See the complete list of available VISs on the CDC's VIS webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm.
Updated Meningococcal Vaccine Information Statement
February 8, 2008 -- The Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) has been updated to incorporate the recent licensure of MCV for children 2 to 10 years of age, who are at increased risk from meningococcal disease. (Updated MCV VIS)
Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons 0 to 18 Years of Age --- United States, 2008
January 11, 2008 -- The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the 2008 immunization schedule recommendations for children and adolescents. The 2008 Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedules represents joint recommendations from the American Academy Of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Key changes to the previous schedules are as follows:
- The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) footnote reflects updated recommendations for incompletely vaccinated children 24 to 59 months of age, including those with underlying medical conditions.
- Recommendations for use of the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) now include healthy children as young as 2 years of age.
- LAIV should not be administered to children less than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing.
- Children less than 9 years of age who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time or who were vaccinated for the first time last season, but only received one dose, should have two doses of vaccine, at least four weeks apart.
- For meningococcal vaccines, changes affect certain children 2 to 10 years of age.
- Vaccinating with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is preferred to meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) for children at increased risk for meningococcal disease, including children who are traveling to, or residents of, countries in which the disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, children who have terminal complement component deficiencies, and children who have anatomic or functional asplenia.
- The catch-up schedule for youths 13 to 18 years of age has been updated.
- MPSV4 is an acceptable alternative for short-term (i.e., 3 to 5 years) protection against meningococcal disease for persons 2 to 18 years of age.
- The tetanus and diphtheria toxoids/tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Td/Tdap) catch-up schedule for persons 7 to 18 years of age who received their first dose before 12 months of age now indicates that these youths should receive four doses, with at least four weeks (not eight weeks) between doses two and three.
- The catch-up bars for hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine have been deleted on the routine schedule for persons 0 to 6 years of age.
The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act requires that healthcare providers provide parents or patients with copies of Vaccine Information Statements before administering each dose of the vaccines listed in the schedule. Additional information is available from state health departments and from CDC at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm.
The complete 2008 schedules can be viewed online at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5701a8.htm?s_cid=mm5701a8_e.
