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June 17, 2005
MAY 2005 ISSUES OF "NEEDLE TIPS" AND "VACCINATE ADULTS" NOW ON THE WEB

IAC recently mailed the latest issues of "Needle Tips" and "Vaccinate Adults" (May 2005) to 260,000 health professionals and others who work in the field of immunization. All articles and education pieces, except editorials, have been thoroughly reviewed by immunization and hepatitis experts at CDC.

HOW TO READ "NEEDLE TIPS" ON THE WEB
You can view selected articles from the table of contents below or download the entire issue from the Web.

To view the table of contents with links to individual articles, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nt

The PDF file of the entire issue, linked below, is large at 1.13 megabytes. Some printers cannot print such a large file. For tips on downloading and printing PDF files, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/tips.htm

To download a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the May issue, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n32/n32.pdf

HOW TO READ "VACCINATE ADULTS" ON THE WEB
You can view selected articles from the table of contents below or download the entire issue from the Web.

To view the table of contents with links to individual articles, go to: http://www.immunize.org/va

The PDF file of the entire issue, linked below, is large at 526,246 bytes. Some printers cannot print such a large file. For tips on downloading and printing PDF files, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/tips.htm

To download a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the May issue, go to: http://www.immunize.org/va/va15.pdf
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June 17, 2005
FDA APPROVES PEGASYS FOR CHRONIC HEPTITIS B INFECTION

On May 13, 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pegasys (Peginterferon alfa-2a) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection. Pegasys is the only pegylated interferon approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, including both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative variations of chronic hepatitis B.

In 2002, the FDA approved Pegasys for use alone and in combination with Copegus ® for the treatment of adults with chronic hepatitis C. In February 2005, Pegasys was approved for use alone and in combination with Copegus ® for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients coinfected with hepatitis C and HIV whose HIV is clinically stable.

To access prescribing information from the FDA website, click here.
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June 17, 2005
NEW: IAC DEVELOPS A PROFESSIONAL-EDUCATION PIECE ON THE USE OF STANDING ORDERS TO IMPROVE ADULT VACCINATION RATES

[The following is cross posted from the Immunization Action Coalition's "IAC EXPRESS" electronic newsletter, 06/13/05.]

In May, IAC created a three-page professional-education piece "Standing orders for administering eight vaccines to adults and a protocol for managing anaphylaxis." The piece has links to prototype standing orders protocols that providers can adapt for administering vaccines commonly given to some or all adults.

ACIP reports that the use of standing orders is documented to have "improved vaccination rates among adults" and strongly encourages their use. IAC created the standing orders prototypes with the intent that providers will adapt them for use in private practices, health-maintenance organizations, clinics, hospitals, long-term-care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

The newly developed piece has links to standing orders prototypes for the following vaccines: influenza, meningococcal, tetanus-diphtheria (Td), varicella, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis A. It also includes a link to a prototype protocol for managing anaphylactic reactions to adult vaccines.

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the piece, go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3089.pdf

Note: No web-text HTML version is available.

For more information on the successful use of standing orders in adult vaccination, see the ACIP recommendation and report "Use of Standing Orders Programs to Increase Adult Vaccination Rates: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR 2000; 49(RR01):15-26. You can access it by going to http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4901a2.htm
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June 17, 2005
CDC ANNOUNCES BROAD AVAILABILITY OF THE 2005–06 EDITION OF ITS TRAVEL-HEALTH GUIDE, THE "YELLOW BOOK"

[The following is cross posted from the Immunization Action Coalition's "IAC EXPRESS" electronic newsletter, 05/31/05.]

On May 24, CDC issued a press release announcing that the 2005-06 edition of "Health Information for International Travel" (aka, the "Yellow Book") is now available. Portions of the press release are reprinted below.

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FOR FIRST TIME EVER, CDC TRAVEL HEALTH BOOK NOW MORE WIDELY AVAILABLE

The new edition of the "Yellow Book," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) definitive guide on healthy travel, is now available for the first time to health professionals and everyday travelers through bookstores nationwide and online booksellers.

. . . . [O]fficially titled "Health Information for International Travel," [the book] serves as authoritative guide for vital pre-travel healthcare recommendations and essential information about health risks abroad. It is a resource for travel medicine specialists as well as primary healthcare providers who need to provide travel advice. The book also offers vaccination and medication information for disease risks by destination as well as helpful health hints for cruise ship travel, international adoptions, and a wide range of common travel problems such as motion sickness.

. . . .[S]aid Paul Arguin, chief of CDC's geographic medicine and health promotion branch: "The Yellow Book is an essential resource for anyone who provides travel medicine advice, especially healthcare providers, travel agents, airlines and cruise lines, as well as for the traveling public."

New health topics in this year's edition include

• Changes in vaccine recommendations for travelers
• Updated country-by-country malaria prevention information
• Valuable advice on potential travel hazards such as natural disasters, animals, swimming, food and drink, altitude and motion sickness, sunburn, and more
• Information on the special needs of travelers—from infants to nursing mothers to the elderly
• Recommendations for recent U.S. immigrants returning home to visit friends and family
• Improved maps and expanded indexing . . . .

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To access the complete press release, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r050524.htm
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June 17, 2005
HEPATITIS B FOUNDATION OFFERS INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL AND OTHER NEW RESOURCES

The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) has released several new resources for health professionals and the public.

First, HBF has recently added an excellent interactive tutorial, "HBV Basics," to their website. This tutorial was developed by HBF specifically for MedlinePLus, a searchable database of the National Library of Medicine. It provides an overview of hepatitis B transmission, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in English and Spanish. To view this tutorial, go to: http://www.hepb.org/hepatitisbcd/xplain.html#

Second, HBF has added Emmet Keeffe, MD, to their Expert Speakers Forum. To access Dr. Keefe's lecture, "Evolving treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis B," in a choice of formats (video, audio, or text-only) go to: http://www.hepb.org/expforum

Third, the Spring 2005 issue of the "B Informed" newsletter is now available online. The current issue, as well as archived issues, can be read or downloaded at no charge from the HBF website at http://www.hepb.org/pdf/hepbnews43.pdf
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June 17, 2005
NYU CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ASIAN AMERICAN HEALTH SEEKS ABSTRACTS FOR SEPTEMBER CONFERENCE

The NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) is hosting its 2nd Annual Asian American Health Conference September 23–24, at the New York University School of Medicine. The theme of this year's conference is "Empowering Asian American Communities."

CSAAH is currently seeking nominations for leadership awards and submissions for the call for abstracts. For more information, go to http://www.med.nyu.edu/csaah/news/2005conference.html or email csaahconf@med.nyu.edu
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June 17, 2005
LATINO ORGANIZATION FOR LIVER AWARENESS SPONSORING NEW YORK CITY HEPATITIS C MARCH FOR AWARENESS

The Latino Organization for Liver Awareness (LOLA) is sponsoring The First New York City Hepatitis C March for Awareness: C-ing Is Believing. The march will take place on August 9, 2005, with registration from 9:30–11:30 a.m. The march will begin at noon at Battery Park and end at City Hall. Admission is free.

For more information, go to www.lola-national.org or call (718) 892-8697.
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June 17, 2005
HFI's NATIONAL VIRAL HEPATITIS SUMMIT TO TAKE PLACE SEPTEMBER 22-23, IN CHICAGO

The Fourth Annual National Viral Hepatitis Summit will be held September 22-23, 2005, in Chicago, IL. The conference is sponsored by Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI) and is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, psychologists, counselors, outreach workers, patient advocates, and others working with people who are affected by or infected with viral hepatitis.

For information about the agenda or registration, click here. 
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June 17, 2005
FREE VIRAL HEPATITIS PROGRAM OFFERED JULY 16 IN ORANGE, CA

The Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI) and the National Nurses Advisory Council are sponsoring a free program on viral hepatitis in Orange, California, on July 16. "Viral Hepatitis: Focus on Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C" is intended as a medical update for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses.

For more information, download the registration form at http://www.hepfi.org/pdfs/NNAC%20Program%20Brochure.pdf
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June 17, 2005
HEP C CONNECTION DEVELOPS NEW VIDEO

Hep C Connection has just completed a video, "Hep C Inside and Out," that is available for purchase. This 14-minute educational video is targeted toward persons incarcerated in jails, prisons, and community corrections programs, as well as to staff members in those facilities. Through testimonies from those living with HCV and healthcare providers, the video attempts to raise awareness of HCV infection, and offers specific information on prevention, transmission, and risk reduction.

The video (VHS or DVD) is accompanied by a workbook. Ordering information can be found at www.hepc-connection.org
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June 17, 2005
BURMESE HEPATITIS B VIS AVAILABLE ONLINE

The current version of the hepatitis B VIS is now available in Burmese. IAC gratefully acknowledges the California Department of Health Services for the translation.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE VIS (dated 7/11/01)
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for hepatitis B vaccine in Burmese, go to: http://www.immunize.org/vis/bu_hpb01.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/hepb01.pdf

For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total of 33 languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at http://www.immunize.org/vis
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(12 of 12)
June 17, 2005
TIME'S RUNNING OUT: USE YOUR FISCAL YEAR-END (JUNE 30) DOLLARS TO STOCK UP ON ESSENTIAL IMMUNIZATION RESOURCES--OR TO CONTRIBUTE TO IAC

[The following is cross posted from the Immunization Action Coalition's "IAC EXPRESS" electronic newsletter, 06/02/05.]

Many health organizations and state, county, and city governments operate on a fiscal year that ends June 30. If yours does, and if it looks like you won't be able to use up your annual budget by the end of the year, IAC has a suggestion. We propose you use your year-end dollars NOW to place an order for bulk quantities of essential immunization resources you'll need in the future.

In the past several years, IAC has shipped more than two million items to providers around the world. Two of our most popular items are the video "Immunization Techniques: Safe, Effective, Caring," and the Adult Immunization Record Card.

Order these items in bulk, and you'll receive substantial discounts. Also, please note there is no shipping charge for small orders shipped by fourth-class mail within the United States.


IMMUNIZATION TECHNIQUES VIDEO
Every healthcare site in the United States that delivers vaccination services should have a copy of this 35-minute video. Developed by the California Department of Health Services Immunization Branch in collaboration with a team of national experts, the video teaches best practices for administering intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) vaccines to infants, children, and adults. It is designed for use as a "hands-on" instructional program for new staff, as well as a refresher course for experienced health professionals. Available since 2001 as a VHS videotape, the video now comes in DVD format as well.

VHS VIDEOTAPE INFORMATION. The VHS is available from IAC in English only and comes with the following English-language print materials: (1) presenter's notes that include instructional objectives, pre- and post-tests, and photos showing vaccination sites appropriate for infants and toddlers and (2) a skills checklist to help you document that your staff is well trained.

DVD INFORMATION. The DVD contains both an English version of the video and a version dubbed in Spanish. You can watch the DVD on a television with a DVD player or on a computer with a DVD drive.

The DVD includes English- and Spanish-language versions of the following print materials: (1) the presenter's notes described above, (2), "Comforting Restraint," a poster that clearly shows parents how to hold a child during vaccination, and (3) "Be there for your child," a poster that presents ideas parents can use before, during, and after vaccination to make the experience easier for their child. The DVD also includes the following print materials in English only: (1) the skills checklist described above, (2) "Immunization Record and History," a chart that allows health professionals to document vaccine administration information for each of the recommended childhood vaccines, and (3) a resource list that directs parents to sources of reliable immunization information. PLEASE NOTE: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above to view and print the materials included on the DVD.

The cost for each VHS videotape or DVD is $30. Discounts are available for orders of 20 or more by calling (651) 647-9009.

To order online (U.S. addresses only), go to: https://www.immunize.org/iztech

To order by mail or fax, go to: https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2020a.pdf


ADULT IMMUNIZATION RECORD CARD
Invaluable for educating adults that immunization is a lifelong process, the card lists seven vaccines recommended for all or some adults. Use the card during patient visits to discuss a patient's vaccination status with them; then give it to them and encourage them to put it in their wallet and use it to keep track of their next vaccination due date. Printed on smudge-proof, rip-proof, waterproof paper, the card is intended for lifelong use.

To view a color image of IAC's Adult Immunization Record Card, go to: http://www.immunize.org/adultizcards/pictures.htm

The cost for one 250-count box is $35; two boxes (500 cards), $65; three boxes (750 cards), $90; four boxes (1,000 cards), $110; six boxes (1,500 cards) $165; eight boxes (2,000 cards) $210. Place orders in excess of 2,000 cards by calling (651) 647-9009.

To order online (including online with a purchase order), go to: https://www.immunize.org/adultizcards

To order by mail or fax, go to: http://www.immunize.org/adultizcards/izorder.pdf

TO PLACE AN ORDER FROM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES FOR EITHER THE VIDEO OR CARDS, call IAC at (651) 647-9009 for shipping cost information or email us at admin@immunize.org (no phone orders, please).


CONTRIBUTE TO IAC!
We will be delighted with your contribution of any amount. With a contribution of $75 or more, however, you will receive a CD-ROM of essential immunization information, including current versions of all IAC's print pieces in English and many in Spanish--more than 100 pieces in all!

Written for staff, parents, and patients, these pieces are CDC reviewed and continually updated on our website, making them resources you can use and distribute with confidence. In addition, the CD includes all federal Vaccine Information Statements--in English AND Spanish.

As a special thank-you for your contribution of $75 or more, IAC will also send you the following: (1) a set of our 15 most popular print pieces, such as the "Summary of Rules for Childhood and Adolescent Immunization" and the "Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization," (2) a year's subscription to one of our print publications (Needle Tips, Vaccinate Adults, or Vaccinate Women), and (3) a colorful IAC mousepad.

TO CONTRIBUTE BY FAX OR MAIL, download, print, and fill out the following order form: http://www.immunize.org/news.d/6020br.pdf To make a fax contribution, fax the completed form to (651) 647-9131. To make a mail contribution, make a check payable to the Immunization Action Coalition and mail it and the completed order form to 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite #234, St. Paul, MN 55104.

TO CONTRIBUTE ONLINE, go to: https://www.immunize.org/join, fill in the order form, and submit it.

Thank you for supporting IAC!