Guidance related to Shingrix® supply issues

The CDC issued the following guidance related to Shingrix® supply issues (reprinted here as shared in an email):

There are currently ordering limits and intermittent shipping delays for GlaxoSmithKline’s Shingrix vaccine (recombinant zoster vaccine) due to high demand. Until demand can be met, it is particularly important that vaccine providers educate patients about the importance of completing the series. In addition, CDC reminds health care professionals of proven strategies to help patients receive all their needed vaccinations on time, including Shingrix:

  • Implement a vaccine reminder and recall system using phone, e-mail, or text messages to contact patients when you have Shingrix supply. Give first consideration to patients due for their second dose of Shingrix.
  • If you are out of Shingrix and a patient needs a second dose, refer the patient to another provider in the community (e.g., a pharmacy) that has Shingrix so the patient can complete the series. The immunization program at your state or local health department or vaccine finder can help identify other immunization providers.
  • Be sure to enter your patients’ current vaccination information into your state’s immunization information system (IIS). This will ensure that every provider can access your patients’ immunization record, and it may help facilitate patient reminders to complete the Shingrix series.
  • As supply becomes less constrained, be sure to notify eligible patients so they can come in to get their first dose of Shingrix.

Timely series completion is key to the success of any vaccination program and critical to ensuring patients receive the full benefit of their vaccinations.

For information related to vaccine shortages and delays, access this page of the CDC’s website. You can also register for related updates by submitting your email address in the right column of the page.

Unity Consortium offers materials relevant to 16-year-olds

The Unity Consortium launched a new campaign this summer called Vax@16. The program materials offer support for providers as they share the message about the importance of vaccinations for 16-year-olds. Materials include videos and posters.

Find more information and view the materials today.

ACOG publishes opinion on maternal immunization

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently published an opinion article related to maternal immunization. The publication encourages ob-gyn to “routinely assess their pregnant patients’ vaccination status  . . .  and when possible, administer needed vaccines to their pregnant patients.” To review the publication or print the PDF to reference when speaking with colleagues or patients, visit the ACOG website.

Science in the fight to uphold the rights of children

Recently, Drs. Arthur Caplan and Peter Hotez co-authored an article published in PLOS Biology highlighting examples of how children “are being unnecessarily placed in harm’s way due to failure to heed established scientific evidence in lieu of ideological or personal beliefs.” Examples discussed include:

  • Vaccine access
  • Child poverty
  • Neglected diseases
  • Climate change
  • Gun violence

Access the paper.

This Week in Vaccine Hesitancy

Voices for Vaccines, the parent-led vaccine awareness organization sends out a weekly newsletter, This Week in Vaccine Hesitancy, which addresses concerns circulating about vaccines. For example, a recent issue addressed an article from the Australian National Review that suggested flu vaccine causes miscarriages; a Natural News article suggesting that doctors do not immunize their own children; and a “study” suggesting that HPV vaccine causes infertility. You can receive the weekly email by joining the group.

To find out more about Voices for Vaccines, check out their resources for parents or support their efforts, go to www.voicesforvaccines.org.

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.