Network News — October 10, 2024

Coalition News, Top Stories, and Events

Other News, Educational Opportunities, and Events

Resources

Funding Opportunities

In the News

Announcements

Coalition News, Top Stories, and Events

CDC issues Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: “Prevention Strategies for Mpox, Including Vaccinating People at Risk via Sexual Exposure, for U.S. Travelers Visiting Countries with Clade 1 Mpox Outbreaks”

On September 23, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Prevention Strategies for Mpox, Including Vaccinating People at Risk via Sexual Exposure, for U.S. Travelers Visiting Countries with Clade 1 Mpox Outbreaks. This updates information provided in its August 7, 2024, HAN Health Advisory. A portion of the summary of the HAN appears below.

MPXV [monkey pox virus] transmission in countries where the virus is endemic is typically via exposure to infected wildlife with subsequent person-to-person spread via close contact (including intimate or sexual contact) with a person with mpox, or direct contact with their respiratory secretions (e.g., snot, mucus) or contaminated objects (e.g., bedding). During the global clade II outbreak, human-to-human transmission of mpox has been predominantly spreading through sexual contact. During 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported >21,000 suspected clade I mpox cases, its largest annual number on record. . . . Early data indicate that a large proportion of clade Ib mpox cases among adults has been associated with sexual contact, including via ongoing transmission believed to be occurring in some countries where the virus is not normally found. Travelers to DRC or other countries with sustained spread of clade I mpox, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, should be made aware of activities associated with cases and should be vaccinated with two doses of JYNNEOS if they anticipate certain sexual exposures while traveling. . . . Continue to follow CDC’s current vaccine guidance to prevent clade II MPXV infection, which continues to circulate in the United States, and will also help protect against clade I MPXV.

Immunize​.org recently updated its Vaccines A–Z: Mpox main page to display the latest CDC guidance and resources, including CDC’s standing orders template for the administration of Jynneos to adults at risk. Key facts include:

  • Mpox vaccination with a 2-dose series (4 weeks apart) of Jynneos (Bavarian Nordic) is recommended for all adults at risk of exposure to mpox
  • Details of sexual and close contact risk factors and guidance for vaccination appear in the current CDC Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule
  • An FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) remains in effect enabling vaccination of children younger than age 18 who are at risk, when indicated

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World Meningitis Day was October 5; encourage vaccination to prevent meningococcal meningitis

World Meningitis Day, organized by the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO), was observed on October 5.

Meningococcal disease, any illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis, includes infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream (sepsis). These infections are often severe and can be deadly.

CDC recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for all preteens age 11–12 years with a booster at age 16 years. MenB vaccination is recommended for individuals age 10 years or older at increased risk for meningococcal disease and for others age 16 through 23 years who want protection, based on a discussion with their healthcare provider. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease.

To encourage sharing information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis, CoMO created a toolkit, free to download and share.

Additionally, the American Society for Meningitis Prevention (ASMP) prepared resources, including social media graphics for World Meningitis Day.

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Immunize Kansas shares vaccine-preventable disease stories from the Kansas State Fair

The Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC) held an exhibit this September at the Kansas State Fair for their second year. The 10-day event was an excellent opportunity for the IKC Community Health Specialists to share IKC’s mission, educational resources, and the role immunizations play in creating community immunity. At the fair, Community Health Specialists engaged with Kansans from across the state, many of whom shared stories about the impact vaccine-preventable diseases have had on their lives.

One booth visitor, Shawna, shared how mumps affected her family. In the 1930s, her grandfather Francis contracted mumps. Tragically, his brother Ben also contracted mumps, developed pneumonia, and passed away at age 20 years in 1935. This was 36 years before the MMR vaccine that protects us from mumps today would become available.

Francis would go on to be a decorated World War II veteran and an esteemed community member in Cheyenne County, KS. However, for the rest of his life, Francis was unable to shake the feeling that he was somehow responsible for his brother’s death.

After her grandfather’s passing, Shawna and her family were clearing out the family farm, when they found her uncle Ben’s old violin in its case tucked away in the chicken coop. Shawna believes the violin was in the coop because Francis, or somebody else, was so pained by its presence. When she was the same age Ben was at the time of his passing, Shawna was determined to honor his memory and her grandfather by restoring the violin.

When sharing her story, Shawna emphasized the importance of sharing personal experiences when discussing immunizations and the toll vaccine-preventable diseases can take on all lives.

Immunize Kansas Coalition continues to share stories from Kansans that highlight the vital role of immunizations in preventing diseases and protecting families and communities. Hear more personal testimonies in IKC’s Honest Conversations campaign.

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Other News, Educational Opportunities, and Events

Virtual: Do you have questions about how to find what you need on the Immunize​.org website? Register for the next Immunize​.org Website Office Hours on October 15 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) or October 16 at 4:00 p.m. (ET).

If you have challenges or questions about using the Immunize​.org website, please register for a Website Office Hours session on Tuesday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) or Wednesday, October 16 at 4:00 p.m. (ET). We are offering two online Website Office Hours sessions every other week, and plan to adjust as needed to support our users.

We will open the upcoming sessions with a short, live demonstration on navigating the Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) website section. You will be able to submit your questions through the question-and-answer feature on Zoom. We may not get to every question during a session, but we will hold these sessions regularly and develop additional resources to support users based on your feedback.

Register today for an Immunize.org Website Office Hours session:

Mark your calendar for our future Immunize​.org Website Office Hours.

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Virtual: National Foundation for Infectious Disease offers 2024 Clinical Vaccinology Course, November 6–8; fee to register (CE credit available)

The National Foundation for Infectious Disease (NFID) will hold its Clinical Vaccinology Course online November 6–8. This 3-day online course focuses on new developments and issues related to the use of vaccines. Expert faculty provide the latest information on vaccines, including updated recommendations for vaccinations across the lifespan, and innovative and practical strategies for ensuring timely and appropriate vaccination.

View event details.

Register for the online course ($700 fee).

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Resources

Vaccinate Your Family launches “Dispelling Respiratory Rumors” campaign to dispel misinformation about influenza, COVID-19, and RSV this fall

Vaccinate Your Family (VYF) launched its Dispelling Respiratory Rumors campaign to help dispel common myths about influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and general wellness during the winter months. The toolkit includes resources and shareable materials, including graphics and social media messages. Use #ViralTruths to amplify your messages.

View resources and shareable materials.

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National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit shares updated resources to increase adult and influenza vaccination rates this respiratory season

The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS, a.k.a. “Summit“), works to improve access to and administration of ACIP-recommended adult and influenza vaccines. The Summit’s Operationalizing Adult Immunization Task Group, along with Summit partners, identified policy and operational barriers to immunization and developed resources to increase adult and influenza immunization rates, consistent with National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) Standards for Adult Immunization Practice.

The new or updated fall resources include:

View all resources.

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The Hepatitis B Foundation shares Liver Cancer Awareness Month social media toolkit

Liver cancer is a serious consequence of untreated hepatitis B, which is a vaccine-preventable disease. The Hepatitis B Foundation recognizes Liver Cancer Awareness Month this October with a social media toolkit. The toolkit features real-life stories from individuals affected by hepatitis B and liver cancer, adding a personal touch to the fight against these diseases. This social media toolkit is for professionals, community advocates, and anyone passionate about raising awareness about liver cancer. These resources may help your patients understand the importance of vaccinating everyone younger than age 60 against hepatitis B, as recommended by CDC and ACIP since 2022.

View the social media toolkit.

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National Foundation for Infectious Diseases issues Call to Action to increase adult immunization following round table meeting with partners, including Immunize​.org

The National Foundation for Infectious Disease (NFID) released Call to Action: Strategies to Improve Adult Immunization in the U.S. following a round table discussion with more than 20 partner organizations, including Immunize​.org, in May 2024. Discussions focused on the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among U.S. adults and practical approaches to boost adult vaccine uptake targeting healthcare systems, providers, patients, and policymakers.

View the Call to Action.

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American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living launches "#GetVaccinated" campaign to boost vaccination rates among seniors in care settings

American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) launched its #GetVaccinated campaign. The campaign’s primary focus is supporting providers with tools needed to address the increased risk from respiratory viruses faced by seniors and immunocompromised individuals in long-term care settings.

View the campaign resources.

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Funding Opportunities

Available funding opportunities may be found on the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Resource Hub

Partnering for Vaccine Equity’s Funding Opportunities main page offers a list of open funding opportunities related to vaccination and health equity.

Please reach out to PHEbranch@cdc.gov if your organization has a funding opportunity to add to the list.

See the funding opportunities.

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In the News

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Announcements

Announcements from the National Network of Immunization Coalitions

The National Network of Immunization Coalitions reminds you of the important ways every coalition can plug into the power of our network:

  • Bookmark National Network of Immunization Coalitions’ Calendar of Events on its website, immunizationcoalitions.org, to learn about upcoming national, regional, state, and local conferences; workshops; and virtual educational opportunities.
  • Subscribe to IZ Express, the free weekly e-newsletter produced by Immunize.org, for immunization-related news, new and updated recommendations, educational materials, and educational opportunities.
  • Urge your coalition members to sign up for IZ Coalitions Network News, the monthly e-newsletter for the National Network of Immunization Coalitions that features news of interest to immunization coalitions and nonprofit organizations. To subscribe, send a request to info@immunizationcoalitions.org asking to be included.
  • Be sure that your coalition is listed and information is up to date on the National Network of Immunization Coalitions website. To add your coalition or make updates, please email info@immunizationcoalitions.org.
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