VEC Announcements
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
New fetal cells and vaccines resources
The VEC has new resources related to the use of fetal cells to make vaccines.
A new 20-minute video and accompanying article related to Dr. Plotkin’s use of fetal cells to make the rubella vaccine:
- The video includes an interview with Dr. Plotkin and animations describing how viruses reproduce in cells and how they can be attenuated using low-temperature adaptation: the strategy used by Dr. Plotkin to create the rubella vaccine.
- The accompanying article describes how fetal cells isolated in the 1960s are still used to make vaccines today — or said another way, it describes how cells are grown and split in the lab.
- Find the video and article on the Hilleman Film website.
The July 2019 Parents PACK answers some of the most common questions related to fetal cells in a parent-friendly manner:
- The article can be found on the Parents PACK website (w/o the newsletter)
- The Parents PACK article can also be printed in PDF form for easy photocopying and sharing
Fall webinar registration
Registration is now open for the next Current Issues in Vaccines webinar presented by Dr. Offit. The one-hour event will be presented at noon ET on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019. Topics will include:
- HPV vaccine for 27- to 45-year olds: Routine recommendation?
- PCV13 vaccine for older adults: Is it making a difference?
- Influenza vaccine: A rough year
- Meningococcal B vaccine: When do you need a booster dose?
The Vaccine Education Center webinars are co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics and supported by the Thomas F. McNair Scott Endowed Research and Lectureship Fund.
Free continuing education credits will be available for both the live and archived events. The archived version will be available a few days after the event.
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.