Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #3: September 11, 2003

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Influenza Season 2003-04

The National Immunization Program (NIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes and distributes periodic bulletins to update partners about recent developments related to the production, distribution, and administration of influenza vaccine. All recipients of this bulletin

are encouraged to distribute each issue widely to colleagues, members, and constituents.

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/News.htm#Bulletin.

Influenza Vaccine Distribution and Administration

Timing of Influenza Vaccination During the 2003-04 Season

At its June meeting, the ACIP asked CDC, in collaboration with the FDA and the influenza vaccine manufacturers, to determine if vaccine supplies for the coming year would be adequate and

timely. The CDC affirmed on August 11, 2003, that vaccine production for the 2003-04 influenza season is proceeding satisfactorily, and that projected production and distribution schedules will allow for sufficientsupply of influenza vaccine during October and November. Therefore, influenza vaccination can proceed for all high-risk and healthy persons, individually and

through mass campaigns, as soon as vaccine is available.

Review the Notice to Readers published in the August 22, 2003 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) for complete information and references at

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5233a6.htm.

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How to Bill Medicare for Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines

n Print step-by-step instructions on billing Medicare for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations by visiting

http://cms.hhs.gov/preventiveservices/2f.pdf.

Influenza Vaccine Communications and Resources

n During August 20-27, 2002, the National Immunization Program at the CDC collected qualitative data to assess beliefs, behaviors, and barriers that cause low influenza and pneumococcal immunization rates among older African- American and Hispanic populations. Review a brief summary of the formative

research or download the final report at

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/flu_qualresearch.htm.

In the June 15, 2003 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, David S. Fedson addresses preparedness for pandemic influenza as it relates independently to the global vaccine supply and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

(1) "Pandemic Influenza and the Global Vaccine Supply"

Review the entire article by visiting http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/CID/

journal/issues/v36n12/20633/20633.web.pdf

(2) "Vaccination for Pandemic Influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Common Issues and Concerns"

Review this editorial commentary by visiting http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/CID/journal/issues/v36n12/31485/31485.web.pdf

Check for recent updates to The National Influenza Summit web site by visiting

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/article/1826-7688.html.

CDC does not recommend promoting influenza vaccination as a safeguard against confusing symptoms from influenza versus an influenza-like illness caused by SARS .

The Q&A is posted on CDC's web site at

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/vacfacts.htm#16.

Refer to or view previous bulletins at

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/News.htm#Bulletin.

n Campaign materials for the 2003-04 Influenza season are available.

Visit the Flu Gallery on the CDC/NIP web site to download and

print influenza-related health education materials at

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/gallery.

For additional information about Medicare and immunizations, refer to the Immunizations Quick Reference Guide at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/refimmu.asp.