January 19, 2006
To: Vaccines for Children (VFC) Providers
Re: New Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Vaccine Recommendations for Hepatitis A and Tdap Vaccines
The ACIP has issued routine vaccine recommendations for hepatitis A and Tdap, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added both vaccines to the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5451-Immunization.pdf. A summary of the recommendations is outlined below.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine is recommended for all children at 1 year of age ( i.e., 12-23 months). The 2 doses in the series should be administered at least 6 months apart. Children who are not vaccinated by 2 years of age can be vaccinated at subsequent visits.
- Tdap Vaccine is recommended for adolescents aged 11–12 years who have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series and have not received a Td booster dose. Adolescents aged 13–18 years who missed the 11–12-year Td/Tdap booster dose should also receive a single dose of Tdap if they have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series. Subsequent Td boosters are recommended every 10 years.
VFC enrolled providers may begin ordering both vaccines with your next order.
Other Vaccine News
Hepatitis B Vaccine
On December 23, 2005, CDC published A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the ACIP Part 1: Immunization of Infants, Children, and Adolescents in the MMWR Recommendations and Reports. The new recommendations are the first major update of the immunization strategy to eliminate hepatitis B virus in the United States since 1991. MMWR 12/23/05, 54(RR16); 1-23.
Varicella Vaccine
ACIP has expanded recommendations for varicella vaccine to promote wider use of the vaccine for adolescents and adults, HIV-infected children, and a second dose for outbreak control. Also, the ACIP approved a revised definition for evidence of immunity to varicella. http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/varicella/varicella_acip_recs.pdf.
Note: Effective January 2006, varicella (chickenpox) has been added to the Rhode Island list of reportable diseases. All cases of varicella should be reported to the Immunization Program using the Varicella Case Report Form. The form is available at http://www.health.ri.gov/topics/chickenpox.php (KIDSNET providers may access the reporting form on your KIDSNET website through the Forms and Resource link) and should be faxed to the Immunization Program at 222-1442.
Additional immunization information, 2006 immunization schedules, and updated forms are being mailed to all VFC providers to update your Immunization Resource Manual.
Questions about vaccine ordering, storage, or handling should be directed to Mark Francesconi at 222- 5988 or markf@doh.state.ri.us.
Questions about vaccine recommendations should be directed to Patricia Raymond at 222-5921 or patricia.raymond@health.ri.us. |
