Oklahoma immunization update, 09/2012

              Oklahoma Immunization Update
September 2012
PREVENTION and PREPAREDNESS SERVICES
IMMUNIZATION SERVICE
PLEASE POST & DISTRIBUTE TO ALL NURSING AND MEDICAL STAFF
Flu Vaccine Recommendations Published
Prevention and Control of Influenza Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) – U.S. 2012-13 Influenza Season was published in the MMWR on Aug. 17, 2012. The recommendations are available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6132a3.htm. These recommendations address changes and updates for the following: Influenza vaccine virus strains included in the U.S. seasonal influenza vaccine for 2012–13; An updated vaccination schedule for children aged 6 months through 8 years and a description of available vaccine products and indications; Febrile seizures associated with administration of influenza and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PCV-13) vaccines; Vaccination recommendations for persons with a history of egg allergy; and The development of quadrivalent influenza vaccines for use in future influenza seasons.
Information regarding issues related to influenza vaccination that are not addressed in the 2012-13 Recommendations is available in Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines; Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 2010 and associated updates available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5908.pdf and at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5931a4.htm?s_cid=mm5931a4_e.
2012-2013 Influenza Vaccine Information Statements are Available.
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) for both the attenuated live intranasal and inactivated influenza vaccines (including a large print version of the inactivated influenza VIS) are available for downloading as both pdf and rtf files. They are dated 7/2/2012. While they have been updated into the newer VIS format, the content is identical to last year's flu VISs. Please note that there are minor changes in the ACIP influenza recommendations this season; however, these do not affect the VISs.
Risk of Febrile Seizures following Simultaneous Administration of Inactivated Flu Vaccine and PCV13
An explanation of the potential risk of febrile seizures when TIV (trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine) and PCV13 are administered simultaneously is posted at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/FebrileSeizures.html.
Influenza & Pneumococcal Vaccination Pocket Guides
The Oklahoma State Department of Health Immunization Service will send a small supply of the 2012-13 Influenza Vaccine and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination Pocket Guides to all Vaccines for Children providers this year along with new Tdap and zoster vaccine guides. These pocket guides are not intended for distribution to patients. The guides are for use by healthcare personnel only and include information on vaccine indications and contraindications, targeted populations, how to administer vaccine(s), and talking points for patients. Quantities of 10 or more pocket guides may be ordered at no charge from the Immunization Action Coalition at: http://www.immunize.org/pocketguides/.
Influenza A H3N2 Variant Virus in the U.S.
Since July 2012, 296 people from 10 states are reported to have been infected with an influenza A H3N2 variant virus (H3N2v) with the matrix (M) gene from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus. Detected in U.S. pigs in 2010 and humans in July 2011, this virus appears to spread more easily from pigs to people than other variant viruses. There are now multiple outbreaks of H3N2v occurring in a number of U.S. states.
Investigations into H3N2v cases indicate that the main risk factor for infection is exposure to pigs-- mostly in fair settings. Most cases to date have occurred in children, who have little immunity against this virus. The H3N2v virus is not spreading readily from person-to-person at this time. Illness associated with this virus has been mostly mild with symptoms similar to seasonal flu, but like seasonal flu, serious illness with H3N2v infection is possible, especially in those with risk factors for influenza-related complications.
Learn more about the virus and its treatment at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/h3n2v-outbreak.htm.
2012-13 Influenza Vaccine Resources
The following resources are available on the Immunization Service Seasonal Influenza webpage at: http://www.ok.gov/health/Disease,_Prevention,_Preparedness/Immunizations/Seasonal_Influenza/index.html: Dosing algorithm for children 6 months through 8 years of age, Flowchart of recommendations for influenza vaccination of persons who report an allergy to eggs, and List of Influenza vaccines available through the VFC Program for the 2012-13 flu season.
Additional resources and links will be added as the season progresses.
For an online version of this Update, visit the Immunization Service web page at: http://www.ok.gov/health/Disease,_Prevention,_Preparedness/Immunizations/Information_for_Health_Professionals/index.html.
If you have any questions about this material, contact the Immunization Service by telephone at 405.271.4073 or by e-mail at immunize@health.ok.gov.