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 Dear Readers:
While this newsletter contains several important updates, I want to bring special attention to the new Illinois 6th grade Tdap requirement that will be enforced in the upcoming 2012/2013 school year. We encourage all of you to make all of the parents and providers in your communities aware of this new school immunization requirement. This new requirement should go a long way in preventing pertussis cases in our communities as well as serve as a tool for increasing adolescent immunization rates in general. We at the Chicago Area Immunization Campaign will be doing our part as well in getting the word out in the New Year.
As we head into the holidays, let’s not forget that it is still flu season. Keep on vaccinating!
We encourage anyone who needs them to call about available Walgreens vouchers (see article below.) The Walgreens Vouchers are a great way to help folks gain access to a flu vaccine.
Happy Holidays to all of our readers and we look forward to working together in 2012.
Lisa Kritz, MSW, MBA
Project Director, Chicago Area Immunization Campaign
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 FREE Flu Vouchers from Walgreens
In partnership with Health and Human Services and Walgreens, influenza vaccine vouchers are available for people ages 14 years and older that are uninsured or underinsured. The voucher may be redeemed at any Walgreens pharmacy at no cost to the recipient through April 15, 2012. Additionally, Walgreens is able to do a limited number of influenza clinics for churches, organizations and offices.
If you live in Chicago and would like to request vouchers for your organization or church or would like to setup a flu clinic, submit your request at www.chicagohan.org. If you live in DuPage County, and would like to receive vouchers contact Beverly Govednik at 630/221-7300 or bgovedni@dupagehealth.org. If you live in suburban Cook County or Lake County and would like to receive vouchers, setup a flu clinic, or have any questions about this initiative, contact Melissa Ponce at mponce@ilmaternal.org or 312/491-8161 x33.
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New Tdap Recommendations
In June 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved recommendations for use of Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis) vaccine for pregnant women and updated Tdap recommendations for adults in close contact with infants. Health care providers may administer Tdap during pregnancy, preferably the third or late second trimester. If Tdap is not administered before or during pregnancy, then it should be administered immediately postpartum.
There is no minimum interval between receiving Td and Tdap. A single dose of Tdap should be given to children 7 through 10 years of age, if they have not received Tdap. It is recommended adolescents age 11-12 years receive a single dose of the Tdap vaccine. People aged 65 years and older who may have close contact with an infant less than 12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce transmission.
For other adults aged 65 years and older, a single dose of Tdap vaccine may be administered instead of the Td vaccine for those that have not received Tdap.
In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved GlaxoSmithKline’s Boostrix vaccine for people ages 65 and older. Boostrix prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for adolescents and adults.
To view the full article on the age indication change for Boostrix, click here. To view the full article of the Tdap recommendations, click here.
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 ACIP Recommends HPV Vaccine for Males
In October 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the routine vaccination of males ages 11-12 years with three doses of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, Gardasil. For those males that have not already been vaccinated or did not complete the series, the age recommendation goes up to 21 years of age. The age recommendation for females is up to 26 years of age. The HPV vaccine will provide protection against HPV related diseases and cancer in males. By vaccinating males, it may also provide indirect protection for women by reducing the transmission of HPV.
HPV has been associated with cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, head, and neck. Gardasil is part of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for males and females. For a fact sheet on the HPV vaccine by the Kaiser Family Foundation, click here. For more information about HPV, click here.
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New Meningitis Vaccine Recommendations
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all adolescents aged 11 through 18 years of age and persons aged 2 through 55 years at increased risk for meningococcal disease receive the meningitis vaccine. ACIP also recommends that all adolescents receive a booster dose at age 16 years. Children 2 through 10 years should only receive the vaccine if they are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, and either Menveo or Menactra may be used. A two dose series is recommended for children with terminal complement deficiencies or anatomic or functional asplenia. A booster dose is recommended for persons 2 through 55 years that are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. To view the full Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, click here.
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 Immunization Rates in 2010 for Adolescents
For adolescents, the National Immunization Survey (NIS-Teen) provides immunization coverage rates for tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap), meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), and human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the survey, Illinois only has 39.7% of females receiving at least one dose of HPV with only 26% finishing the three dose series of HPV. Coverage for one dose of the Tdap vaccine increased by 13% to 68.7% in 2010. This number is suspected to climb even higher in 2012 when the 6th grade Tdap requirement will be enforced in Illinois. Coverage for one dose of the MCV4 vaccine increased by 9% to 62.7%. Continued education for health care workers and the community on the importance of adolescent immunization may help increase immunization rates. To read the full report on adolescent immunization rates, click here.
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 Pregnant Women and Flu Shots
According to a study in the June issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, infants born to mothers who received the flu vaccine while pregnant were 45 to 48 percent less likely to be hospitalized with confirmed influenza. Women are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality from influenza during pregnancy. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended the inactivated influenza vaccine for all women who are pregnant during influenza season, regardless of the trimester. By vaccinating pregnant women for influenza, it helps protect women and their infants, especially infants that are younger than six months old who are unable to get their own flu vaccine. For further information about pregnant women and influenza, click here. For more information about the flu, go to www.flu.gov.
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Wednesday, January 18
IMCHC Southern Illinois Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, January 25
IMCHC Chicago Area Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, February 8
IMCHC Lake County Chapter Meeting
Tuesday, February 14
IMCHC Central Illinois Chapter Meeting
If you would like more information on a chapter meeting or to RSVP, contact Kathy Waligora at kwaligora@ilmaternal.org or
312/491-8161 x29.
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A Project of the Illinois Maternal &
Child Health Coalition
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The Chicago Area Immunization Campaign, a project of the Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition, is a diverse, community-focused coalition of more than 100 Chicago area public and private partners working together to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by promoting the delivery of safe, effective and timely immunizations.
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Chicago Area Immunization Campaign
1256 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
Tel: 312.491.8161
Fax: 312.491.8171
Email: caic@ilmaternal.org
www.ilmaternal.org
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 I-CARE Now An Opt-Out Immunization Registry
As of July 2011, Public Act 97-0117 establishes I-CARE as an opt-out immunization registry. This law requires that all health care providers that use I-CARE provide their patient or patient’s guardian a printed opt-out of registry form at least once. If the opt out form is signed, it will exclude the patient’s immunization data from being entered into I-CARE. The exemption form may be distributed along with the Vaccine Information Statements (VIS). Providers may download the opt-out form directly from I-CARE, along with a fact sheet that explains the importance of an immunization registry. If patients or the patients’ guardian would like their immunization information entered into I-CARE no consent form needs to be signed. For more information about the Public Act, click here. To view the Opt Out of Registry Form with the I-CARE fact sheet, click here.
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 Healthy Beginnings for Babies
Merck Vaccines is partnering with the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, the National Medical Association, and community partners to launch the Healthy Beginnings for Babies initiative, which emphasizes the importance of well-baby visits and of receiving all recommended immunizations during the first year of life. The Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition is spearheading these efforts in Chicago. As part of this initiative, parents receive a 12-month guide, which includes topics such as what to expect at each doctor visit, questions to ask pediatricians, and a scheduling chart to help track well-baby visits. For more information about the Healthy Beginnings for Babies initiative in Chicago contact Sheila Sanders at ssanders@ilmaternal.org or 312/491-8161 x23.
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CAIC Winter General Meeting: January 26, 2012
The next CAIC General Meeting will be on January 26, 2012 from 8:30am – 12:00pm with registration and breakfast held from 8:30-9:00am. Phyllis Arthur from Biotechnology Industry Organization will speak about healthcare reform and immunizations. Lolita Lopez, MPH from the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition will be giving a presentation that addresses immunization coverage level data from the National Immunization Survey and I-CARE, Illinois’ immunization registry. The meeting will be held at the University of Illinois at Chicago – Student Center East in Room 302 at 750 S. Halsted. To register for the general meeting, click here. If you have any questions, contact Melissa Ponce at mponce@ilmaternal.org or 312/491-8161 x33.
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 ICAAP Health Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Survey
The CDC has long recommended annual influenza vaccination for all health care workers to help promote a culture of patient safety and prevent transmission of influenza to patients and families as well as protect fellow staff. However, national rates for health care worker influenza vaccination remain low at 64% despite the recommendations for this population to be vaccinated. The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is conducting a survey of health care providers to help assess workplace policies/practices on influenza vaccination of health care workers throughout the state of Illinois. Please click here and take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
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 Register for the 10th NCIHC : May 23 – 25, 2012
The 10th National Conference on Immunization and Health Coalitions (NCIHC) will be hosted by the Louisiana Shots for Tots Coalition on May 23 – 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Early registration is available through February 10. For more information, click here.
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 CDC Updates Teen Vaccine Website
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) redesigned the teen and preteen vaccine website. Information is available for parents, preteens and teens, health care professionals, and public health professionals. Resources include print fact sheets, podcasts, PSAs, and videos. To view the updated adolescent website, click here.
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