• In celebration of National Immunization Awareness Month, CCIC sent out the following article that you can share with patients and families:

 

http://teamvaccine.com/2018/08/16/why-vaccination-is-one-of-the-best-choices-you-can-make-as-a-parent/

 

• Here is an online learning opportunity available to all providers:

Webinar registration open

Registration is still open for the next “Current Issues in Vaccines” webinar, presented by the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP. Dr. Offit, from Children’s Hospital Philadelphia will speak about the following topics during the event scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, at noon ET (that’s 10:00 AM here in CO)-

• Do vaccines cause autoimmune diseases?
• Influenza vaccine: How well did it work last year?
• Efforts to make a more effective influenza vaccine

To see the complete July/August issue of the CHOP Vaccine Update, visit the Vaccine Update website.

 

• Here is an update on the National Hep B shortage:

Pediatric hepatitis B vaccine shortage update: Merck has not been distributing its pediatric hepatitis B vaccines since mid-2017 and has informed CDC that it will continue to have a limited supply of pediatric hepatitis B vaccine during 2018. GSK has confirmed that it can continue to support full demand in the United States for pediatric hepatitis b vaccine throughout 2018, using a combination of monovalent pediatric hepatitis B vaccine and its DTaP-HepB-IPV pediatric combination vaccine (Pediarix). Between the two manufacturers, CDC anticipates there will be approximately 10% less monovalent pediatric hepatitis B vaccine than normal during the rest of 2018. The expected monovalent supply will provide sufficient vaccine to cover the hepatitis B birth dose for all children as well as additional pediatric hepatitis B vaccine for second and third doses. However, some adjustments will be needed from providers because of the decrease in monovalent vaccine. To ensure an equitable distribution of monovalent hepatitis B vaccine and direct vaccine doses according to CDC’s clinical guidance, CDC will implement controlled vaccine ordering in the public sector using both Merck’s and GSK’s monovalent pediatric hepatitis B vaccines. In addition, GSK will also provide monovalent doses to the private sector market directly and through their channels using a plan to help control ordering and target monovalent hepatitis B vaccine consistent with CDC’s clinical guidance. GSK’s DTaP-HepB-IPV pediatric combination vaccine (Pediarix) will continue to be available in both the public and private sectors. Clinics should plan to prioritize Pediarix use for appropriate patients until the shortage resolves.