A 13 Minute DVD Increases HPV Vaccination

Can a strategy to increase HPV vaccination rates be as simple as a 13-minute DVD?

To increase HPV vaccination rates in their area, researchers from the University of Kentucky PRC developed a video called “1-2-3 Pap,” a 13-minute educational and motivational DVD that features women and health care providers from Appalachian Kentucky. To test the video, researchers recruited 344 young women in community settings such as local health departments, outdoor festivals, and shopping centers. All of the participants received the first dose of the vaccine at the time of enrollment. Half of the women then watched the DVD on individual laptops, and the other half received an informational pamphlet. All the participants then received phone call reminders to complete doses 2 and 3 of the vaccine series.

Read More Here.

View the latest CDC Immunization Update Webinar!

Improving the Health of Children and Adults through Vaccines: Updates and Recommendations for Clinicians
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2013
http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2013/callinfo_081313.asp

Vaccine Apps for your Phones!

Vaccine Education Center’s free mobile app for iPhones educates parents about vaccines

The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has launched a free mobile app for iPhones. It is described in a short video by VEC Director Dr. Paul Offit. Titled Vaccines on the Go: What You Should Know, the app offers parents information about vaccines, the diseases they prevent, and common vaccine safety concerns.

The VEC app is available for free download from the iTunes app store.

Related Link
• Access additional immunization-related apps on IAC’s Apps web page

Influenza Guidance

The 2013-2014 influenza vaccines include those that are trivalent (protects against 3 strains) and quadrivalent (protects against 4 strains). Both types of vaccine contain new strains from the previous season. Because of the new strains and the fact that immunity drops up to 50% 6-12 months after vaccination, influenza vaccine is recommended every year for all those over 6 months of age.

Please note the AAP Recommendations for Influenza Immunization of Children, 2013-14 will be released Sept 2, 2013 and published in the October issue of Pediatrics.

For more: http://www2.aap.org/immunization/pediatricians/influenzaguidance.html

Grandparents’ Corner

March of Dimes, Sanofi Pasteur Launch Grandparents’ Corner

The March of Dimes and Sanofi Pasteur are excited to announce the availability of Grandparents’ Corner, a new online resource from the Sounds of Pertussis^® Campaign to help grandparents learn more about pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and the importance of adult tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination. Researchers found when it could be determined how an infant caught pertussis, family members — including grandparents — were responsible for spreading the disease in up to 80 percent of cases.¹

“As grandparents, it’s our responsibility to carry on the legacy of our families, which means prioritizing their health and happiness,” said Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, a psychiatrist and expert in the area of Grandparent Communication. “The first step for grandparents to help protect their families from health risks like pertussis is to learn more themselves and speak with their children to ensure the entire family is educated on the topic. Families should then work together to make sure anyone who comes in contact with their newborn is up-to-date on their adult Tdap vaccination.”

Read the rest: http://www.soundsofpertusis.com

Back to School & Flu

As kids go back to school this month, there is a higher risk of germs spreading among classmates and teachers.

With flu season just around the corner, have you taught your kids the right way to be a flu fighter? Is your classroom ready for flu season?

• Follow these everyday steps to stop the spread of germs
• View guidance documents for schools to fight the seasonal flu
• Video: Did you know there was a right way to sneeze? Elmo shows you how!

In addition to these everyday tips, the best way to fight the flu is to get the flu vaccine when it is available in your area. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older.

• Find a place to get the flu vaccine in your area
  
• Learn more about why kids are at a higher risk for getting the flu

These tips aren’t just for kids. Every adult can do their part to help prevent the spread of germs and protect themselves from the flu.

With flu season coming up, we’ll be sending out more e-mails like this to provide you with the information you need this flu season. Follow us on Twitter (@FluGov) for the latest flu season information!

About Flu.gov

Flu.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government information on seasonal, H1N1, H3N2v, avian, and pandemic flu. It is managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Twitter Link – Nurses Who Vaccinate

Nurses Who Vaccinate – NWV promotes knowledge and competency in immunizations and positions nurses as vaccine advocates for colleagues, patients, and the public. Check it out!

About the Polk County Immunization Coalition

Please check our blog site for the latest updates and information about immunizations in Polk County.

Let us tell you about the Mission of the Polk County Immunization Coalition (PCIC):  The PCIC exists to reduce the spread of vaccine preventable disease in Polk County through immunization education, advocacy, promotion, and countywide collaborative partnerships. For more information please go to our About page.