Benefits of Immunization

CDC Releases Data Showing Safety of COVID Vaccines

First Month of COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Monitoring Summary What is already known about this topic? Two COVID-19 vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization for administration in the United States. In preauthorization clinical trials, local and systemic reactions were reported; no serious safety problems were detected.   What is added by this report? Monitoring, conducted as […]

CDC Releases Report Showing Decline in Vaccines in Medicare

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Summary What is already known about this topic? Routine health care services have been disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. What is added by this report? During the first week after the national COVID-19 emergency declaration in March 2020, weekly vaccination rates among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years declined by […]

CDC Releases Adult Immunization Schedule

The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to large declines in rates of routine immunizations across the lifespan. Although the rates among children have started to increase, routine immunization rates among adults are still low. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released an updated version of their recommended adult immunization schedule. The recommendations are broken down based […]

HHS Releases Updated Draft of National Strategic Plan for Vaccines 2021-2025

The Vaccines National Strategic Plan 2021–2025 (Plan) provides a vision for the U.S. vaccine and immunization enterprise for the next five years. The Plan articulates a comprehensive strategy to enhance all aspects of vaccines and vaccination including research and development, safety, vaccine knowledge and confidence, increased access and use of routinely recommended vaccines, and global […]

Developing the 2020 National Vaccine Plan

A comprehensive 2020 Vaccines National Strategic Plan (VNSP) is more important now than ever before. As our nation prepares for upcoming COVID-19 vaccines, we know that issues of equitable distribution and access for all–particularly for the populations most at risk– are critical in determining the pace and success of the nation’s recovery. Allocation, distribution, access, and utilization of the COVID-19 vaccine will likely be the greatest public health effort of our generation. And while this effort will present significant challenges, it also brings a new opportunity to expand the strength of existing immunization program infrastructure in the United States.

AVAC Responds to Request for Information on the Vaccines National Strategic Plan Draft

December 3, 2020   David Kim, M.D.   Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy    Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Ave. SW  Washington, DC  20201   RE: Request for Information (RFI): Vaccines National Strategic Plan Draft Available for Public Comment   Dear Dr. Kim,  As participants in the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), we appreciate the opportunity to comment […]

AVAC Cited in Editorial on Need for Pharmacy/Clinic Communication

There is Not Only One Meningitis Vaccine – Two Mothers’ Stories

We thought our daughters were protected. In both of our cases, when the doctors told us our daughters had meningitis, we thought – “that can’t be. Our daughters were vaccinated against meningitis.” What we didn’t know, and what so many children and parents still don’t know today, is that there are two types of meningitis vaccines needed to be fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease—MenACWY and MenB.

Immunizing in a COVID-19 Environment: Best Practices

AVAC hosted the second briefing in a series on “Immunizing in a COVID-19 Environment.” The briefing featured a discussion on best practices for immunizing in the adult population, ways to vaccinate safely during an emergency pandemic, and legislative steps that can be taken now to prepare for the upcoming flu season and future COVID-19 vaccine.

AVAC Spotlight: Dr. Ruth Carrico, University of Louisville’s School of Medicine

At AVAC’s June briefing, Dr. Ruth Carrico, an infectious disease professor and nurse practitioner from the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine, shared her long-standing success with drive-through influenza vaccination programs, and how they can be replicated in a COVID-19 environment to increase immunization rates.

AVAC Member Spotlight: WomenHeart 

WomenHeart, the only national organization solely devoted to supporting women living with and at risk of heart disease, understands the importance of ensuring that adults with chronic health conditions have access to recommended vaccines.

A Call to Action on Hepatitis B Vaccines

April 30th is designated as National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day. Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Some people who become infected can go on to develop a chronic or lifelong infection. Left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage, and even liver cancer.