VEC Announcements
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
VEC’s popular (and free) mobile app — revised
Vaccines on the Go: What You Should Know, our popular mobile app, has been updated and is available in both the App Store and Google Play. The vaccine app, originally published in 2013, includes:
- A new section about the immune system and how it works
- Travel vaccine and disease information
- Enhanced video offerings, including the Vaccine Makers Project animations and video clips from HILLEMAN – A Perilous Quest to Save the World’s Children
The app still contains extensive vaccine and disease information, including updated graphics showing disease contagiousness and timelines; recommended immunization schedules for all age groups; and information and links related to common vaccine safety concerns.
App users can also email questions directly to the Vaccine Education Center (VEC), and an enhancement also allows us to provide notifications through the app when updated resources or other vaccine news is available.
Some healthcare providers have had success using the app at the point of care on iPads or smartphones. Because the app links to all of our videos, it is easy to share the short Talking about Vaccines videos in which Dr. Offit answers individual questions, or show the contagiousness images or vaccine side effect rates to answer questions during appointment discussions.
Find out more or access links to the app stores at vaccine.chop.edu/mobileapp.
Reminder: Free posters
The free 8.5”x11” mobile app posters have been updated to show the revised app. The posters can be displayed or distributed in parent information packets. You can view the poster or order some for free from the VEC ordering webpage.
New videos
The Vaccine Education Center recently released a few new videos:
- When should I get the flu vaccine? — In this News Brief video, part of the Talking about Vaccines with Dr. Paul Offit series, Dr. Offit addresses a common question people ask in the fall. Check out the accompanying article, access the transcript, and find the video on the VEC site.
- Babies’ immune systems: What can they handle? — In this new Science Made Easy video, published in the November 2019 Parents PACK, Dr. Offit describes two ways in which babies are immunologically deficient at birth and how vaccines have been designed to protect them during the most vulnerable period. View the complete November 2019 Parents PACK issue.
- Hilleman: The Man behind the Science — This short film about Dr. Hilleman’s personality and personal life premiered at the reception celebrating the student essay contest winners in September. Watch the 16-minute film to learn more about the likes, dislikes and personality of one of the world’s most accomplished vaccine researchers, including why he felt he was lucky to have been born on a farm in Montana and the guiding principle that informed both his success and his one regret. The film can be found on Dr. Hilleman’s biography page of the Hilleman website.
- Can I get the HPV vaccine if I am older? — This video has been updated to include information about the expanded age range and shared clinical decision-making recommendation for the HPV vaccine.
Don’t forget to register for the December Current Issues in Vaccines webinar
If you haven’t already registered, but wish to listen to the live event, register today. The webinar will be held on Dec. 11, 2019, at noon ET, and Dr. Offit will offer ACIP updates on the following topics:
- Tdap vaccine: Updates on safety
- Influenza vaccine: Latest surveillance and effectiveness data
- Dengue vaccine: Where things stand
Free continuing education credits will be offered (CME, CEU, CPE).
The VEC gratefully acknowledges the Thomas F. McNair Scott Endowed Research and Lectureship Fund and, our co-sponsor, the Pennsylvania Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics for supporting the Current Issues in Vaccines webinar series.
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.