NCIRD Communication Roundup - 6/18/2020

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June 2020

 Featured Resource

Pediatric outpatient visits and routine childhood vaccination have declined substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving children and communities at risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. In response, NCIRD has developed a suite of materials to remind parents that well-child visits and vaccinations are essential. These include:  A new webpage: Routine Vaccination During the COVID-19 Outbreak A new web feature: Well-Child Visits are Essential Social media graphics and content for partners to share

If your organization serves parents, please share these materials via your social media platforms, newsletters, or other channels. 

  

 NCIRD Data and Publications

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Vaccination This spring, CDC assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric vaccination in the United States. The study, published in the May 8 issue of the MMWR, found notable reductions in the number of vaccine doses ordered through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. In addition, there have been corresponding declines in the number of measles-containing vaccine doses administered in eight U.S. health care organizations serving publicly and privately insured patients.

A second study published in the May 18 issue of the MMWR examined data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. Vaccination coverage declined in all milestone age cohorts, except for birth-dose hepatitis B coverage. Up-to-date series coverage for each age cohort was lower for Medicaid-enrolled children than for other children.

  

 Observances and Events

Webinar: Acute Flaccid Myelitis: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know in 2020: July 8, 2020 – 1:00 pm EDT. Acute Flaccid Myelitis, or AFM, is a serious neurologic condition that affects mostly children. In preparation for a possible AFM outbreak in 2020, CDC wants to make sure clinicians can promptly recognize AFM symptoms, appropriately manage patients, and report suspected cases. NCIRD’s Division of Viral Diseases is hosting a webinar. Get more information and register.

 Resources for HCPs

Guidance for Immunization Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic CDC has issued Interim Guidance for Immunization Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic to help immunization providers in a variety of clinical settings plan for safe vaccine administration during the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance will be updated as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

 Resources for Consumers

Fact Sheet and Feature Article: Vaccines for Children Program Parents may not be aware that their children are eligible for free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This updated 1-page handout for parents of children ages 0–18 years is easy to print and share. CDC has also updated its VFC feature article. Please consider sharing via your social media channels.

	Updated: Healthy Pregnancy Tips Videos CDC has created 60-second, 30-second and 6-second versions of the Healthy Pregnancy Tips video. These YouTube videos explain why vaccines are an important part of every pregnancy. They are perfect for sharing with pregnant women via your social media channels.

 Partner Spotlight

AAP’s #CallYourPediatrician Campaign With national data showing immunization rates for all ages dipping to dangerously low levels, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) launched a campaign in May urging parents to call their pediatricians to schedule checkups and vaccines for children of all ages. The campaign materials are collected in a digital toolkit on the AAP.org website and will be expanded in the coming weeks.