The following is from the Immunization Action Coalition Express, Issue 1392: October 31, 2018.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met in Atlanta on October 24–25, 2018. During the meeting, two votes were taken on (1) adding homelessness as a risk group for routine hepatitis A vaccination and (2) adoption of a new design framework for the child/adolescent and adult immunization schedules. In addition, ACIP heard presentations regarding the impact of PCV13-vaccinated children on the incidence of pneumococcal disease in adults over age 65. Vaccinated children indirectly improve the level of protection afforded to adults age 65 and older. Information also was presented on HPV vaccine safety, including the results of an extensive study that found no relationship between HPV vaccine and primary ovarian insufficiency. The meeting also included a report on influenza vaccine effectiveness in preventing influenza-associated hospitalizations during pregnancy. Possible future changes were reviewed for the dosage amount for Fluzone vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur) for children 6–35 months of age and Tdap revaccination recommendations. The committee also heard updates on Japanese encephalitis and anthrax vaccines.
In a presentation of general interest, CDC’s Dr. Andrew Kroger provided a review of the General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization website, including revisions that have been posted to the site since April 2017. Because the Guidelines are updated on a regular basis, they are no longer published in the MMWR and may be accessed only online. Dr. Kroger noted that all errata and updates to the Guidelines are listed chronologically on the “List of Errata/Updates” web page at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/general-recs-errata.html. He also emphasized that continuing education credit is available for completing the Guidelines review course.