Immunization

Vaccine Updates

Updated 11/06/2011

  • 2011-12 influenza vaccine information statements (VISs) have recently been updated and are now available on the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm#flu

  • On August 18, 2011, CDC published "Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011" as an MMWR Early Release. 
    Key points: This year’s recommendations are issued in a shortened format because there are relatively few changes from the 2010-2011 recommendations. The 2010-2011 influenza vaccine recommendations should continue to be referenced for other information on influenza vaccines not contained in the 2011 recommendations.

    • The 2011--12 U.S. seasonal influenza vaccine virus strains are identical to those contained in the 2010--11 vaccine. These include A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like, A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like, and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like antigens.
    • Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months.
    • Although influenza vaccine strains for the 2011--12 season are unchanged from those of 2010--11, annual vaccination is recommended even for those who received the vaccine for the previous season.
    • Children aged 6 months through 8 years require 2 doses of influenza vaccine (administered a minimum of 4 weeks apart) during their first season of vaccination to optimize immune response. Vaccination providers should note that, in previous seasons, children aged 6 months through 8 years who received only 1 dose of influenza vaccine in their first year of vaccination required 2 doses the following season. However, because the 2011--12 vaccine strains are unchanged from the 2010--11 season, children in this age group who received at least 1 dose of the 2010--11 seasonal vaccine will require only 1 dose of the 2011--12 vaccine.
    • Recommendations regarding persons with egg allergy are also included.

    The complete 2011-12 ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccine can be found by clicking here!

  • August  2011 - IAC UPDATES SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRES FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION
    (1) IAC made edits to "Screening Questionnaire for Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination."  Click here!
    (2) IAC made edits to "Screening Questionnaire for Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination". Click here!

  • Medicaid Payment for Influenza Vaccine Administration at the Pharmacy
    Medicaid will pay pharmacies for administration of seasonal influenza vaccine for dates of service October 1 through May 31 each year. Payment for influenza vaccine administration will be made to pharmacies only for Medicaid consumers who do not reside in long-term care facility (LTCF). The updated ODJFS flu shot document with complete details for this year will be available here. 

    For information on which managed care organizations will reimburse pharmacists for flu shots, see the “Quick Links for Medicare/Medicaid on the OPA Home page or Click Here (it’s a Members Only item)

  • Recommendations for Influenza Vaccination and Use of Antivirals
    The most current information for health care professionals regarding influenza vaccine recommendations, vaccine supply, and recommendations for using antiviral agents for influenza can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/.
  • Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization
    April 2011 -     This summary provided by the Immunization Action Coalition was updated in April 2011 and can be found by clicking here!
  • IAC's "Screening Questionnaire for Adult  Immunization" makes it easy for healthcare professionals to screen for vaccine contraindications. The questionnaire was recently revised to add latex allergy as part of the   screening for  contraindications. To access the revised "Screening Questionnaire for Adult Immunization," click here!
  • Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)
    The latest VISs can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm.
    VISs are not updated annually or on any other routine schedule. An updated VIS with a new date is posted when there is a change in recommendations.
  • The Quick Reference Information: Medicare Immunization Billing chart is now available in hardcopy or as a download from the Medicare Learning Network. This chart gives Medicare fee-for-service physicians, providers, suppliers, and other health care professionals quick information to assist with filing claims for influenza, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPV), and Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccines and their administration. To download, view and print the chart, click here!

  • Links to the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code for the sections that cover immunizations by pharmacists:
    Adult immunizations  (ORC 4729.41)
    Definitions  (OAC 4729-5-01)
    Pharmacy intern professional functions  (OAC 4729-5-08)
    Record keeping  (OAC 4729-5-27)
    Course requirements in the administration of immunizations  (OAC 4729-5-36) 
    Protocols for the administration of immunizations (OAC 4729-5-37)
    Immunization administration (OAC 4729-5-38)

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