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May/June 2019

Change to School Requirement for Tdap

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that adolescents routinely receive meningococcal conjugate; tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap); and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routinely recommends Tdap as a single dose for those 11 through 18 years of age with preferred administration at 11 through 12 years of age. If an adolescent is not fully vaccinated, check the ACIP recommendations and catch-up schedule to determine what is indicated. Those who receive a dose of Tdap or diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) at age 7-10 years inadvertently or as part of the catch-up series should still receive the routine dose of Tdap at age 11-12 years.

To align with ACIP, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation effective July 1, 2019 affecting school immunization requirements for Virginia. The legislation changes §32.1-46 of the Virginia Code which relates to immunizations, by requiring the booster dose for acellular pertussis vaccine prior to seventh grade. Therefore, in the upcoming 2019-20 school year, seventh graders, not sixth graders, will be required to have received the Tdap vaccine. All new students enrolling into grades eight through twelve must also have a Tdap booster. Although a student who has received Tdap vaccine at age 7 years or older will meet the school vaccination requirement for Tdap, it may not comply with CDC recommendations.

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)

This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). From April 27-May 4, 2019, NIIW will highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and will celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States. 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. As part of this week, CDC will announce the winners of its CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/champions/profiles.html This annual award recognizes individuals who make a significant contribution toward improving public health through their work in childhood immunization. Virginia’s nominee is Donna Deadrick, Carilion Childrens Pediatric Medicine, Roanoke.
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Shipping Hours

CDC requires at least 1-4 hour window as a minimum for provider hours of operation. In order for shippers to be able to deliver vaccine, providers must be on site with appropriate staff available to receive vaccine at least one day per week other than Monday, and for at least four consecutive hours during that day.

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)

These are the VISs that have changed since 2018.
DTaP (8/24/18)
Hepatitis B (10/12/18)
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) (2/12/18)
Measles/Mumps/Rubella & Varicella (MMRV) (2/12/18)
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY & MPSV4) (8/24/2018)
Rotavirus (2/23/18)
Varicella (Chickenpox) (2/12/18)
Zoster / Shingles (Live) (2/12/18)
Zoster / Shingles (Recombinant) (2/12/18)
CDC VISs are available here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/current-vis.html
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(December/January)

Outstanding VVFC Compliance
Chesapeake Peds. Gr. Bridge, Chesapeake
Chesapeake Peds. Oakbrooke, Chesapeake
Commonwealth Pediatrics, Richmond
Monument Avenue Pediatrics, Richmond
Pine Grove Pediatrics, Manassas
Sacoto Pediatrics, Falls Church
Sentara Pratt Med. Gp. Peds., Fredericksburg
Wythe Physician Practices, Max Meadows

Adult Vaccine Update

Outbreak Resource
Hep A and Measles outbreaks are occurring in multiple states across the U.S. increasing awareness of the importance of protection through vaccination. Helpful resources can be found here:
-The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) resource for healthcare professionals titled Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines: Be Sure Your Patients Get the Correct Dose. Changes were made to incorporate the recently licensed 2-dose Heplisav-B vaccine. http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2081.pdf
-CDC Measles website for Healthcare Professionals
www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp
Heplisav-B
Heplisav-B, manufactured by Dynavax is available to order on the Adult Order Form. Refer to the April 20, 2018 MMWR: Recommendations of the ACIP for Use of Hepatitis B Vaccine with a Novel Adjuvant:https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6715a5.htm