Stay Up-to-Date with the Bureau of Immunization
Celebrate National Influenza Vaccination Week — December 4-10, 2011
November 22, 2011 -- National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), scheduled for December 4-10, 2011, is a national observance established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond. Flu season in Florida usually peaks during February, so there is still plenty of time to be protected.
We encourage all our immunization partners to continue to promote vaccination against influenza to all who are eligible, particularly those in groups at high risk of complication from this vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccine is in good supply and readily available.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. It's available in two forms: shots and a nasal spray. The flu shot options include the regular flu shot, the new intradermal flu shot, and a high-dose flu shot. While the regular flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the intradermal flu shot is approved for use in adults 18 through 64 years of age, and the high-dose flu shot is for people 65 years of age and older. The nasal spray vaccine is approved only for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who aren't pregnant.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important. People at greater risk include:
- Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Pregnant women
- People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), or heart and lung disease
- People 65 years of age and older
It's also important to get the vaccine if you care for anyone in one or more of these high risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months of age because they are too young to get the vaccine.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now. For children who are 6 months through 8 years of age and have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child's doctor to see if a second dose is needed.
For more information, educational materials, and matte articles for use during this flu season and during NIVW, please visit the CDC's NIVW website and the Burea's publications website for posters you can have printed.
American College of Physicians (ACP) Immunization Webinar Series
November 18, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization would like to share information on a series of free immunization webinars the American College of Physicians (ACP) is offering in the coming year. (ACP Training)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV4) Approved for 11-12 Year Old Males
October 31, 2011 -- On October 25, 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a media conference regarding the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vote to recommend that all 11-12 year-old males get vaccinated against HPV. (HPV Approved for Males)
New Hepatitis A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) Published
October 31, 2011 -- The Hepatitis A VIS has been updated. Note that the format has changed slightly. (Hepatitis A VIS)
Recommendations for Tdap Vaccination of Pregnant Women and Others with Close Infant Contact
October 31, 2011 -- The CDC published Updated Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) in Pregnant Women and Persons Who Have or Anticipate Having Close Contact with an Infant Aged <12 Months--Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011 in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR);October 21, 2011;60/41;1424-1426. (Tdap Vaccination of Pregnant Women)
Influenza Key Messaging Points - October 2011
October 18, 2011 -- The 2011-2012 flu season has begun, and typically activity begins to rise as the end of the year draws closer, so the Bureau of Immunization would like to share additional vaccination messaging key points released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (October Key Messaging Points)
VIS News - Update to Meningococcal Vaccine Information Statement
October 17, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to announce the availability of the updated (interim) Meningococcal Vaccine Information Statement (VIS). (Meningococcal VIS)
Vaccine Billing Manager for Medicare Members
October 3, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization would like to share a software application available by POC Network Technologies for providers who serve Medicare members. This software application, TransactRX Vaccine Manager, allows enrolled providers to check patient eligibility, determine patient responsibility and bill Medicare Part B, Part D and commercial payers for flu shots, zoster vaccine or any other vaccine.
The software applications available to enrolled providers, at no charge, are:
- TransactRx Vaccine Manager - Part D
TransactRx Vaccine Manager performs eligibility, calculates Part D plan coverage and presents patient financial responsibility for administered vaccines and other products covered by Medicare Part D. - TransactRx Vaccine Manager - Part B (NEW!)
All of the features of the Vaccine Manager Part D service are now available for Medicare Part B covered vaccines. TransactRx Vaccine Manager - Part B is a cost effective replacement for the hassles of roster billing or manual 1500 paper claims. - TransactRx Flu (for Pharmacies)
TransactRx Flu provides pharmacies with a solution to bill Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Commercial Payers for flu and pneumonia vaccinations electronically using their existing pharmacy management systems at point of fill.
Visit the company website for additional information about how to enroll.
Note: The Bureau makes every attempt to provide information on a variety of subjects/issues, without endorsement, for those interested in immunizations.
County Health Departments (CHDs) should disregard the information above because all CHDs currently bill electronically for these services through the Health Management System (HMS).
Expanded Age Indication for Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine
September 29, 2011 -- We are pleased to draw your attention to the following article (Tdap Vaccine Age Expanded)
Announcing Launch of Immunization Education Series Website and Continuing Education Credits Soon to Come
September 23, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce a new website www.ImmunizationReality.com designed to provide educational videos where healthcare providers and others may elect to view an entire one-hour documentary entitled Immunization: A Dose of Reality, or view 30 minute modules pertaining to topical information on immunization. The one-hour documentary is currently being scheduled to air on certain PBS stations throughout Florida. The educational series includes information on why immunizations are important and safe, relying on experts to provide factual scientific information regarding vaccines.
The videos feature:
- Highly regarded state and national medical experts.
- Families who live with the consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The 30-minute module series are currently available for viewing on the website and continuing education credits will soon be available. The educational series includes the following modules:
- Complete the Coverage
- Vaccine Safety
- A History of Protection
- Early Childhood Immunization
- Adolescent Immunization Challenges
- We're In It Together
Please take advantage of this opportunity to review the videos and stay tuned to the website for continuing education credit announcements. A DVD of the documentary and video modules will also be available and will be distributed to all County Health Departments (CHDs) for use in educational efforts. We encourage you to use the documentary as much as possible in educating staff and patients on the value of immunization, one of the most effective preventive public health measures available today.
Update
Please see the schedule of PBS airings referenced in the Bureau's email distributed on September 23, 2011. While the scheduled air time for the documentary Immunization: A Dose of Reality is still in progress, please note the confirmed slots on the attached list for your area of the state.
Prevention and Control of Influenza With Vaccines
September 8, 2011 -- Prevention and Control of Influenza With Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. was released in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). August 26, 2011;60(33);1128-1132. (Influenza)
Label Change Approved for RotaTeq
August 3, 2011 -- On July 8, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a label change for the Merck vaccine, RotaTeq® (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent). (RotaTeq)
Boostrix is Given FDA Approval for Use in Individuals Over 65
August 3, 2011 -- Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Boostrix® (GlaxoSmithKlein's Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine) in an expanded cohort including individuals over 65 years of age. (Boostrix)
2011-2012 Influenza Vaccine Information Statements
July 27, 2011 -- The new Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for Influenza are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Flu VIS)
Vaccines for Children Program Resolution No. 6/11-1: Vaccines to Prevent Meningococcal Disease
July 25, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Resolution No. 6/11-1, Vaccines to Prevent Meningococcal Disease. (VFC Program Resolution 6/11-1)
Combination Vaccines/Hepatitis B Vaccine and Birth Dose
July 25, 2011 -- Questions have arisen concerning the administration, intervals, and minimum ages with the administration of combination vaccines following the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. (Combination Birth Dose)
Certified, Calibrated Thermometers Required for Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Vaccine Storage Units
July 19, 2011 -- Certified, calibrated thermometers are the most accurate devices for monitoring vaccine storage unit temperatures and preventing vaccine loss. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), effective August 1, 2011, the Florida VFC Program will require all VFC Program participants to use certified, calibrated thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer compartments of all vaccine storage units used to store VFC Program-provided vaccine.
For more information, please review the provider notification letter and enclosures, which provide detailed information on guidelines and policies for replacement of thermometers.
Influenza Key Messaging Points – June 2011
July 12, 2011 -- To prepare for the upcoming influenza season, the Bureau of Immunization would like to share the vaccination messaging key points released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Key Message Points)
Vaccines for Children Program Resolution No. 6/11-2: Vaccines to Prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
July 7, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Resolution No. 6/11-2, Vaccines to Prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis. (VFC Program Resolution)
IMPORTANT! Varivax® and Zostavax® - Shipping Insert and Transport Information
July 7, 2011 -- The vaccine manufacturer, Merck, released the following important information regarding Varivax® and Zostavax® shipping and transport. (Varivax® Shipping) (Zostavax® Shipping)
Online Release: CDC Health Information for International Travel 2012
July 7, 2011 -- We are pleased to announce that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published the reference for traveler's health, CDC Health Information for International Travel 2012 (The Yellow Book) online for greater ease of access.
Published every two years, the Yellow Book has long been touted as an easy-to-use text for up-to-date information that health professionals can use when advising international travelers about health risks. The book is available online at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/table-of-contents.htm. Though directed primarily at healthcare providers, it serves as an excellent reference point for any who provide health information to travelers, as it presents clear and concise maps, charts, and diagrams which convey complicated topics in an understandable way.
To order your hard copy of the 2012 edition from Oxford University Press, see Oxford's website www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Medicine/PublicHealth/?view=usa&ci=9780199769018, or call (800) 451-7556 (USA) or (919) 677-0977, Monday–Friday between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (Eastern Time) and ask for ISBN# 978-0-19-976901-8. You can also order a copy from major online booksellers, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Since the release of the hard copy 2012 edition, the CDC has made several updates, which are included in the online edition. If you are using the hard copy, please visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/2012-yellow-book-updates.htm to ensure that you are basing your recommendations on the current information. The online version is updated on a regular basis as errata are identified, and as recommendations change over time.
The CDC has a continually updated traveler's health website which present the most recent travel notices and provides destination-specific and general travel recommendations. Please visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
Vaccine Reminder Text Service Available to Parents
June 30, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization would like to share a vaccination scheduling reminder resource called Vaxtext, provided by Pfizer and endorsed by the nationwide Every Child by Two program. You may be providing services to parents who would wish to take advantage of this program to help keep children on the recommended vaccination schedule.
Vaxtext sends three or fewer messages per child per month directly to the parent's cell phone with:
- Reminders when your child’s next set of vaccines is due
- Current information on vaccines and the diseases they help prevent
- Links to helpful resources
- A brief survey to evaluate and improve the Vaxtext Program
This service is provided without charge by Pfizer. However, messaging and data rates may apply. Parents should check with their carrier about costs. Interested parents can get more information and register for this service at vaxtext.com.
Note: The Bureau makes every attempt to provide information on a variety of subjects/issues, without endorsement, for those interested in immunizations.
CDC Health Alert: High Number of Reported Measles Cases in the U.S. in 2011—Linked to Outbreaks Abroad
June 22, 2011 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network (HAN) issued the following advisory on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. (Measles Outbreaks)
Merck Releases Healthcare Professional Letter
May 20, 2011 -- In a letter, dated May 16, 2011, Merck & Co., Inc., alerted all healthcare professionals about findings of particulate matter in some Merck product vials. In rare cases (a reported rate of less than 1 in 6 million overall vials), vials of vaccine and ANTIVENIN™ products containing brown particles have been reported. These particles are derived from the plastic packaging used to cover empty vials during shipment to Merck. This issue is specific to vials, so prefilled syringes and oral dosing tubes are not impacted. A list of all injectable vaccines and ANTIVENIN™ manufactured by Merck that may be affected by this issue is included in the letter.
Merck & Co. urges all healthcare professionals to continue the practice of examining all vaccines and injectables for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use.
As the letter describes, there is no impact expected to the sterility or the potency of the vaccines from this particulate matter. However, vaccines containing small quantities of particulate matter may potentially lead to injection-site reactions if the material is not noticed prior to injection. If you receive a vial of a Merck vaccine or ANTIVENIN™ containing particles, please set the vial aside and contact the Merck National Service Center at (800) 444-2080.
Suspected adverse events should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at (800) 822-7967, with a copy of the VAERS report sent by FAX to the VAERS coordinator at the Bureau of Immunization at (850) 922-4195.
VIS News - Update to Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Information Statements
May 5, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization wishes to announce the availability of the updated (interim) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Information Statements (VIS). (HPV VIS)
Update: FDA Approves Zostavax Vaccine to Prevent Shingles in Individuals 50 to 59 Years of Age
April 19, 2011 -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Zostavax (Zoster Vaccine Live), a live attenuated virus vaccine, for the prevention of shingles in individuals 50 to 59 years of age on March 24, 2011. (Zostavax)
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations for the Use of Varicella Vaccine
April 14, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization would like to take this opportunity to remind providers about the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the use of varicella vaccine and Florida’s immunization requirements for daycare and school attendance. (Varicella Vaccine)
Department of Health and Human Services Launches New Immunization Website
April 1, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the launch of a new website, Vaccines.gov.
Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this website is intended 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 vaccines and immunizations to provide consumers with easy-to-understand health information specifically for their needs.
Vaccines.gov is the first cross-government website devoted to providing consumer information about vaccines and immunizations, combining content and expertise from agencies across the Department. The site includes content about vaccine recommendations, the diseases that vaccines prevent, important information for getting vaccinated, and tips on travel health. It also links consumers with resources in their states to learn about vaccine requirements for school or child care entry and local community information. This website will help ensure that Americans have accurate, web-based information on immunizations.
Social Security Administration Processes and Form DH 680
March 31, 2011 -- The following information is to provide clarification on the issuance of Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, for Social Security Administration (SSA) identification purposes for clients that are applying for a new or replacement social security card for their child. The bureau is unsure when the practice of issuing a Form DH 680 for SSA identification purposes began, but questions in this regard have come to our attention because the SSA will not accept the electronically signed/certified Form DH 680 from the Florida SHOTS™ (Florida State Health Online Health Tracking System) for identification purposes.
The bureau sought clarification from the SSA regarding this practice and obtained the following information. The SSA indicated they accept any of the following items as proof of identification:
- Adoption decree
- Doctor, clinic or hospital record
- Religious record (e.g., baptismal record)
- Daycare center or school record
- School identification card
The SSA does not specifically require the Form DH 680 as documentation to establish identity; however, one of the optional criteria for proof of identification is a signed "doctor, clinic, or hospital record" and the SSA considers the manually signed Form DH 680 as sufficient identification to meet this criteria. Unfortunately, the SSA also indicated that they do not accept the electronically signed Form DH 680 available from Florida SHOTS™. Please note that we do not plan to alter our procedures for issuing electronically signed Form DH 680s, which are accepted everywhere except by the SSA. The SSA indicated that if a client presents with an electronically signed Form DH 680, they will not accept the form for identification; however, they will not instruct the client to return with a manually signed copy of the form.
We asked if the regional SSA office would accept the Form DH 686, Immunization History form available from Florida SHOTS™ as a clinical record for identification in lieu of the Form DH 680. The SSA indicated that as long as the Form DH 686 has the child's name, date of birth (these are provided on the Florida SHOTS™ Form DH 686 form when printed out) and a stamp and original signature from the clinic, this form of identification can also be accepted rather than the electronically signed Form DH 680. We recommend that you ask clients if the purpose of the request for immunization documentation is for SSA identification and, if so, print out the child's Form DH 686, Immunization History, and stamp the form with the County Health Department's (CHD) identification (must be an original stamp) and sign it (original signature) in lieu of issuing a Form DH 680 for this purpose. The individual who signs the Form DH 686 at the clinic does not need to be medical staff. The SSA is not documenting immunization compliance, only attempting to establish identity. Issuance of the Form DH 686 is particularly relevant if your CHD routinely provides clients with the electronically signed Form DH 680 forms from Florida SHOTS™. We encourage you to continue the practice of electronically signing Form DH 680s.
The regional SSA office has assured the bureau that they will inform local SSA offices that the Form DH 686, Immunization History, available in Florida SHOTS™, if stamped and signed by the CHD, is sufficient evidence of identity.
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) - April 23-30, 2011
March 29, 2011 -- National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to focus on the importance of immunizing infants against vaccine-preventable diseases by age two. This year, NIIW will again be held in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization's Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA), April 23-30, 2011.
Since 1994, NIIW has provided an excellent opportunity for local and state health departments, national immunization partners, healthcare providers, and community leaders from across the country to highlight the positive impact of immunization on the lives of infants and children and to call attention to immunization achievements. Hundreds of communities from across the U.S. are expected to participate in NIIW by planning community awareness and media events to promote infant immunizations to parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and their communities.
Join in the celebration—create your own NIIW event and help to ensure that all children in your community have a healthy and safe childhood free from vaccine-preventable diseases. The Bureau of Immunization encourages community awareness and media events to promote infant immunizations to parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and their communities. If you are planning an NIIW activity, we would like to hear from you! To see NIIW Activities around the World visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/activities.html. To add your event to this year’s listing using the NIIW: 2011 Activity Form at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/activities/activity-form.html.
For more information about this celebration, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/overview.html, or posters available at the the Bureau's publications website.
Vaccines for Children Program Resolution No. 10/10-1: Vaccines to Prevent Meningococcal Disease
March 29, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce the release of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Resolution No. 10/10-1, Vaccines to Prevent Meningococcal Disease. (VFC Program Resolution)
Updated Recommendations for Use of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines — Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
February 28, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization would like to provide the following updated recommendations for use of meningococcal conjugate vaccines as published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, January 28, 2011 / 60(03);72-76. (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines)
CDC Health Alert: Best Practices for HealthCare Professionals on the Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Diagnosing Pertussis
February 16, 2011 -- The following CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) notice was issued February 16, 2011. (PCR Health Alert)
Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 through 18 Years --- United States, 2011
February 11, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to notify our partners of the release of the Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 through 18 Years --- United States, 2011, in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) February 11, 2011/60(05);1-4. The recommended immunization schedules for persons 0 through 18 years of age and the catch-up immunization schedule for 2011 have been approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The release is available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6005a6.htm?s_cid=mm6005a6_w, and the recommended schedules can be downloaded at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.
Each year, the ACIP publishes immunization schedules for persons 0 through 18 years of age. These schedules summarize recommendations for currently licensed vaccines for children 18 years of age and younger and include recommendations in effect as of December 21, 2010. Changes to the previous schedules include the following:
- Guidance has been added for the hepatitis B (hep B) vaccine schedule for children who did not receive a birth dose.
- Information on the use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PVC13) vaccine has been added.
- Guidance has been added for administration of 1 or 2 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine based upon the child's history of monovalent 2009 H1N1 vaccination.
- Use of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine among children 7 through 10 years of age who are incompletely vaccinated against pertussis is addressed, and reference to a specified interval between tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) and Tdap vaccination has been removed.
- Footnotes for the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have been condensed.
- Routine 2-dose schedule of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) for certain persons at high risk for meningococcal disease, and recommendations for a booster dose of MCV4 have been added.
- Guidance for use of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine in persons 5 years of age and older in the catch-up schedule has been condensed.
The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act requires healthcare providers to provide parents or patients with copies of Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) before administering each dose of the vaccines listed in the schedules. Additional information is available from www.ImmunizeFlorida.org/ and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm.
Monograph Aims to Increase Tdap Vaccination of Adults and Adolescents
February 10, 2011 -- The Joint Commission has released a monograph titled: Tdap Vaccination Strategies for Adults and Adolescents, including Health Care Personnel--Strategies from Research and Practice. (Joint Commission Monograph)
Preteen Vaccine Week
February 13-19, 2011
Preteen Vaccine Week is an observance created to raise awareness of the importance of immunizations for "tweens" 11 and 12 years of age.
Follow-Up to Important Updates: Immunization Guidelines; New Functions for Florida SHOTS™ (Florida State Health Online Tracking System) and Form DH 680 Changes
January 26, 2011 -- This notice is to provide clarification to the information distributed on January 20, 2011, pertaining to the above subject.
Recently, Florida SHOTS™, the statewide immunization registry, implemented the ability to print certified Form DH 680s directly from the software onto white paper provided by the end-user. While most users are able to print the form in this manner, some concerns surrounding the visibility of the State Seal have arisen for some of our partners. We are working to identify the variables related to various printers used by Florida SHOTS™ end-users in order to rectify the situation. In the interim, please note that these forms are valid, regardless of the degree of visibility of the State Seal watermark.
When determining the validity of a Form DH 680, please follow the guidelines below that reflect legal requirements for the form:
- Must be a Department of Health form (either from Florida SHOTS™ or pre-printed blank form)
- Must be legible if handwritten
- Must have the signature of responsible healthcare provider (either by hand or by means of an electronic signature verification ID from Florida SHOTS™)
Until the State Seal graphics visibility is resolved, please do not factor the extent of seal visibility in determining the validity of Form DH 680s generated from the Florida SHOTS™ application.
Please view the Florida SHOTS™ Parent Retrieval Quick Tips Guide. This guide illustrates step by step instructions to create both certified and non-certified Form DH 680s and how to download certified Form DH 680s to PDF format. You will find the most pertinent information on pages 6 - 8. If you need further assistance with any of these functions please contact the Florida SHOTS™ helpdesk at (877) 888-7468.
Additionally. because the Form DH 680 is no longer required to be printed on blue paper, providers are now permitted to make legible copies (for use only in their practices) of blank Form DH 680 forms to be completed by hand in the absence of utilizing the Florida SHOTS™. The manually completed Form DH 680 form will remain available from the State Distribution Center, and will be printed on white paper once remaining supplies are depleted. Please note that blank Form DH 680 forms are not for general public distribution.
Letter from Charles H. Alexander, Chief, Bureau of Immunization regarding Form DH 680.
Important Updates: Immunization Guidelines; New Functions for Florida SHOTS™ (Florida State Health Online Tracking System) and Form DH 680 Changes
Immunization Guidelines
January 20, 2011 -- The Bureau of Immunization is delaying release of the revised Immunization Guidelines for Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities, and Family Daycare Homes, effective July 2010, which was incorporated by reference in amended Rule 64D-3.046, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), which was filed on December 9, 2010.
The Bureau has submitted a revised update and is awaiting its approval. This process has been delayed due to the new guidelines set by the Legislature and Governor Scott.
Schools and healthcare providers should continue to use the July 2008 version. The Bureau will send out official notification and the link to the 2011 Guidelines following approval.
It is important to note that changes for the 2011/2012 school year include:
Substantive Updates
- Effective school year 2011/2012 for kindergarten entry: A fifth dose of poliovirus vaccine is required if the fourth dose was administered prior to the fourth birthday.
- The Form DH 680, Certification of Immunization has been updated to provide a space to document a fifth dose of poliovirus vaccine as needed.
- Effective January 2011: The age for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine requirement has been extended to 59 months as reflected in the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Educational flyers are being produced to update parents, healthcare providers, childcare facility staff and county health departments (CHDs) of the new age requirement. Licensure of a 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) and Recommendations for Use Among Children --- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR),March 12, 2010 / 59(09);258-261 details the recommendations of the ACIP. Please take time to review these recommendations. Please note that children in childcare centers should be provided a reasonable time to update any records. We will provide updates in this regard when the Guidelines are approved.
New Functions in Florida SHOTS™ and Form DH 680 Changes
Please be advised that, effective January 18th, Florida SHOTS™ installed a new release that allows healthcare providers to issue parent retrieval PINs so that they may get their child's new or updated DH 680 from the Florida SHOTS Website at https://www.flshots.com/flshots/RetrieveImmRcd/GetForm680.csp. The electronic Form DH 680 may also be printed on plain white paper. It is no longer necessary to stock or use the blue paper with the pre-printed state seal. In fact, if using existing supplies of the blank blue paper with the pre-printed state seal, the resulting Form DH 680 form will be illegible due to the double printing of the state seal and Department of Health logo.
Note: Recently, there have been reports of providers having difficulty in printing the electronic Form DH 680. This issue is currently being addressed. However, this printing issue can be avoided by using the "DOWNLOAD TO PDF FILE" button after you have certified the Form DH 680 in Florida SHOTS™. The PDFs have been printing the Florida Seal correctly. If there is any confusion on how to do this, please call the Florida SHOTS™ helpdesk at (877) 888-7468 for assistance.
Form Availability
There is a limited supply of Form DH 680s that are pre-printed on blue paper for manual form completion for those healthcare providers who cannot access Florida SHOTS™ for electronic Form DH 680 form production. Once the blue pre-printed form supply in the DOH Distribution Center is depleted, the form will no longer be pre-printed on blue paper but supplies will be available on white paper. At that point, providers who have an original version of the Form DH 680 may elect to make quality photocopies of the blank pre-printed Form DH 680 for their own supplies. The change in paper color does not degrade the integrity of the Form DH 680, nor does it change the fact that the form must be a Department form—either generated directly from Florida SHOTS™ or pre-printed for manual completion. This means that other software vendors cannot create/manufacture their own form using the Department or Florida SHOTS™ logos. Schools and childcare centers in your areas should be advised of what to look for in terms of legitimate Form DH 680s and the bureau should be notified if a mock form is encountered as the forms are not acceptable. The form is still a Department form incorporated by reference through administrative rule and must remain intact, as produced authentically by the Department.
Form DH 680 Parent Retrieval
The Form DH 680 parent retrieval PIN creation within Florida SHOTS™ is intended for use when issuing new or updated Form DH 680, to parents and cannot be used to issue PINs for pre-existing certified Form DH 680. Please note that if you desire to experiment with this new functionality, please do so on the training system and do not use the Florida SHOTS™ production system for training or testing purposes. Also, the parent retrieval PIN is confidential information that should only be made available and used by the parent or guardian and is not intended for healthcare providers use, particularly since system users already have access to the patient information and have no need to use the parent PIN for Form DH 680 retrieval. If system users have questions regarding the parent retrieval function, please contact the Florida SHOTS™ helpdesk at (877) 888-7468. The training system may be accessed at www.flshots.com/flshotstrain/. System users may create parent PINs and certify Form DH 680s using fictitious patient information on the training system, but will not be able to retrieve the form acting as a parent from the Website. The creation of the PDF files is also under construction at the training site. If you have any questions regarding these updates, please contact the Florida SHOTS™ enrollment desk at the number above.
