Updated VISs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPSV23) Vaccine Information Statement (or VIS). Please make sure your office is now distributing the 4/24/15 version.

For the complete list of current VISs, visit the CDC’s Web page.

Updated travel notices

The CDC’s travel notices page has been updated regarding the following:

  • Annual Hajj pilgrimage — One of the largest mass gatherings in the world, the Hajj brings together 3 million Muslims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. More than 11,000 Americans typically attend. This gathering is scheduled to take place between Sept. 20 and 25, 2015.
  • Umrah, a similar gathering that also occurs in Saudi Arabia, can take place any time of the year but is expected to be most crowded during the month of Ramadan which will occur around June 17 to July 17, 2015.
  • Travel notices related to Ebola outbreaks in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have been updated.
  • New notices concerning meningococcal disease (Niger and Nigeria), mumps (Scotland), hepatitis A (Mexico) and hand, foot and mouth disease (Japan) have also been posted.

For additional information about these and other outbreaks around the world or for travel tips and information, visit the CDC’s travel website.

New source related to meningococcal meningitis

Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases (PKIDs) has created a resource page about meningococcal disease. Sections include: an overview of meningococcal meningitis, reasons to get vaccinated, facts from the CDC, a cartoon featuring two meningitis survivors, and a compilation of powerful videos and posters, featuring families and individuals affected by meningococcus, that urge people to get vaccinated.

New issue of IAC’s Needle Tips now available

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) recently released the May 2015 issue of Needle Tips. This publication is freely available on the IAC website and is full of useful information for providers who offer vaccinations. Topics in the current issue include:

If you do not already receive Needle Tips, you can register to receive the free publication on IAC’s website.

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.