CDC published First Clade Ib Monkeypox Virus Infection Reported in the Americas—California, November 2024 on February 13 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below. Clade II viruses caused the outbreaks in the United States that began in 2022. There are epidemiologic and clinical differences between the two clades. Three additional isolated travel-associated cases have been identified in the United States since this first one. A portion of the summary appears below. 

A clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travel-associated clade I MPXV infections have been reported in non-African countries. . . .

The first reported clade Ib MPXV infection in the Americas was identified via electronic laboratory reporting in California in a U.S. traveler who returned from East Africa. Rapid identification allowed for thorough contact tracing; no secondary cases were identified. . . .

Public health authorities should be notified immediately of suspected clade I MPXV infections (e.g., compatible symptoms and travel history, or compatible laboratory results [e.g., presence of nonvariola orthopoxvirus with no detection of clade II MPXV]) to trigger additional testing and enable rapid implementation of transmission-based precautions and other public health interventions.



Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.

Related Links

• CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
• Immunize.org: Mpox Images web page
• Immunize.org:? Vaccines A–Z: Mpox main page

February is American Heart Month, a time for people to focus on their cardiovascular health. Vaccination is an important part of heart health. For example, a 2022 meta-analysis of influenza vaccination found that people with heart disease who received seasonal influenza vaccination had a 34% lower risk of an acute coronary event in the year after vaccination, compared with those who did not.

Every year, thousands of people with heart or vascular disease experience serious complications from influenza and other vaccine-preventable infections. Vaccines of particular importance for people with heart disease include:? 

• COVID-19 
• Influenza 
• Pneumococcal? 
• RSV (if age 60 years or older) 

 

Related Links 

• NFID: Vaccines and Heart Disease main page 
• Immunize.org: Vaccinations for Adults with Heart Disease (PDF)? 

February is Black History Month. Immunize.org recognizes the contributions of Black Americans to vaccinology throughout history. Here are a few: 

• Onesimus, an enslaved man, introduced the idea of smallpox variolation in the United States in the 1700s 
• Louis Tompkins Wright, the first Black surgeon on staff at Harlem Hospital in New York City, developed a new way to give the smallpox vaccine in the 1920s and 1930s 
• Loney Clinton Gordon was one of three women to develop the pertussis vaccine in the 1940s 
• Henrietta Lacks' cancer cells from the 1950s contributed to the development of the first polio vaccine, the HPV vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine 
• Mae C. Jemison, the first Black astronaut, worked in vaccine research at CDC in the 1980s and 1990s 
• Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire, while a viral immunologist at NIH in 2020, played a key role in developing the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

Poorer health outcomes result, in part, from lower vaccination rates among Black Americans. Immunize.org encourages everyone to do their part to close the gaps in vaccination awareness, access, affordability, and coverage to ensure that everyone benefits from vaccination. 

Immunize.org updated its Quick Chart of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Terms in Multiple Languages to correct the Portuguese translation for MMR. 



Related Links 

• Immunize.org: Translations?main page, where you can locate available translations of clinical resources and VISs, organized by language 
• Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria

For week 6, ending February 8, CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, showed influenza-like illness activity at high to very high levels in 46 of 48 reporting jurisdictions. CDC classified this season as a high-severity season for people of all ages. During week 6, 7.8% of outpatient visits were for influenza-like illness, well above the epidemic threshold of 3.0% for the eleventh consecutive week. Eleven pediatric deaths associated with seasonal influenza virus infection were reported during week 6, bringing the 2024–25 season total to 68 pediatric deaths.



RESP-NET
Visit the CDC Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET) for weekly reports of hospitalizations due to three vaccine-preventable seasonal respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older; RSV vaccination at this point in the season is recommended for certain high-risk adults ages 60 through 74 and all adults age 75 years and older. RSV immunization of infants and certain high-risk toddlers with nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi) is recommended until the end of March.

Influenza Vaccination Dashboard
CDC's Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard shows that, as of February 1, 37.2% of pregnant patients had received influenza vaccination, compared with 37.6% during the same period in 2023. Vaccination coverage was highest among non-Hispanic Asian pregnant patients (52.6%) and lowest among non-Hispanic Black pregnant patients (25.5%). Vaccination during pregnancy is important to protect both mother and infant from the consequences of influenza infection.

CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get annual influenza vaccination. Given the high levels of circulating influenza across the country, vaccination remains important for all eligible, unvaccinated people.

Identify pharmacies in your area that may offer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines by entering a zip code in the VaccineFinder on Vaccines.gov or Vacunas.gov.

Related Links

• CDC: Weekly National Flu Vaccination Dashboard main page
• CDC: FluView main page
• CDC: RESP-NET main page
• Immunize.org: free clinical resources and patient handouts related to influenza
• Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Influenza main page

This week, our featured episode from the Ask the Experts Video Series is High-Risk Conditions for RSV Vaccination of Adults Age 60–74 Years. The video briefly describes the ACIP-specified conditions for which RSV vaccination is recommended before age 75 years.   

The 3-minute video is available on our YouTube channel, along with our full collection of quick video answers to popular Ask the Experts questions.

Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise.

• Facebook at ImmunizeOrg
• Instagram at ImmunizeOrg
• LinkedIn at ImmunizeOrg
• YouTube at ImmunizeOrg

These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.

• NBC: In Rural West Texas, a Measles Outbreak Grows with No End in Sight (2/14/25)
• CNN: Louisiana Department of Health Says It Will No Longer Promote Mass Vaccination (2/13/25) 
• CNN: Do You Need a Measles Booster? Here’s What Experts Say (2/13/25)
• NPR: As Measles Cases Rise, a New Book Warns Parents Not to Underestimate the Disease (2/11/25) 
• Washington Post: RFK Jr. Says Vaccines Aren’t Tested Enough. Experts Say That’s Baseless (2/11/25)  
• Washington Post: Flu Is Surging Nationwide, with 24 Million Cases So Far (2/10/25) 

Today, we turn the spotlight onto Immunize.org's External Resources main page, where content from credible and trusted partners dedicated to immunization is showcased. You’ll find links to: 

• Vaccine Manufacturers: including contact information and product lists 
• Vaccine Apps: selections to download from Apple or Google 
• Email News Services: information about how to subscribe to or view respected publications covering vaccine-preventable diseases and more 
• Immunize.org Partners: alphabetical listing of key organizations and professional societies with descriptions and links to websites 

To access the External Resources menu, click on the “Clinical Resources” tab atop each page and then “External Resources” in the left-hand column. This opens links to the four categories described above. 

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Recap: Immunize.org updates its temperature logs; use in your practice today

Immunize.org updated its entire suite of vaccine storage temperature logs with the new URL for CDC’s Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit. The updated temperature logs are below.

• Temperature log for refrigerator – Celsius
• Temperature log for refrigerator – Fahrenheit
• Temperature log for freezer – Celsius
• Temperature log for freezer – Fahrenheit

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Recap: Mpox images now part of Immunize.org’s "Image Library"

Immunize.org recently added mpox images to its Image Library, a resource for images of infectious diseases to educate yourself and others.

Located within the "Clinical Resources" menu, the Image Library section contains an overview page and a list of specific disease-related categories. Most clinical images included are in the public domain and can be reproduced without permission. If an image is copyrighted, information is provided so you can obtain permission from the copyright holder.

The Image Library Overview page also links to other vaccine-related image libraries from CDC and the History of Medicine websites.

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Recap: Immunize.org updates resource: “Before You Vaccinate Adults, Consider Their ‘H-A-L-O’!”

Immunize.org recently updated its popular resource for healthcare professionals titled Before You Vaccinate Adults, Consider Their “H-A-L-O”!

H-A-L-O refers to four factors:

• Health condition
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Occupation

One key edit was made: the age for routine PCV vaccination was lowered from 65 to age 50 years and older in accordance with new ACIP recommendations. A minor edit to a footnote clarifies that varicella vaccine is contraindicated only in people with severe immunocompromise.

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Featured Resources

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American Medical Association posts weekly avian influenza video updates and other A(H5N1) resources 

The American Medical Association (AMA) posts its Bird Flu (H5N1) Resource Center, which includes question and answers, clinical resources, and updates. The video updates feature Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, AMA’s vice president of science, medicine, and public health. 

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Updated 65+ Flu Defense website offers resources for healthcare professionals serving older adults

Confident healthcare provider recommendations for influenza vaccine are powerfully persuasive. This influenza season has been a tough one, and it is far from over. To help you maximize patient protection, Immunize.org, in collaboration with CSL Seqirus, updated the 65+ Flu Defense website.



This helpful site includes information, tools, and tips for communicating with adults age 65 and older about the scope and severity of influenza. Resources include:

• Influenza in Adults 65+: The Facts
• Influenza Vaccination: Questions Patients Aged 65 and Older Frequently Ask Their HCP
• The Importance of Preventing Influenza and COVID-19

Older adults are at increased risk of severe influenza, COVID-19, and RSV illness, including hospitalization and death, especially if they are not up to date on these vaccinations. A clinician recommendation is the most important reason why a patient will get vaccinated.

Check out the updated 65+ Flu Defense website to assist your ongoing efforts in protecting this vulnerable population.

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Order laminated 2025 U.S. immunization schedule booklets from Immunize.org

Laminated booklets of the 2025 U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule and the 2025 U.S. adult immunization schedule are available now in the Immunize.org shop. The laminated booklets are shipping now.

The schedules are available online as PDFs from CDC at no cost. Immunize.org’s laminated booklets are ideal for use in any busy healthcare setting where vaccines are given. Features include:

• Durability: Their tough coating can be wiped down, and they can stand up to a year's worth of use.
• Format: Each schedule is produced in an 8.5” X 11” booklet format; with color coding for easy reading, our laminated schedules replicate the original CDC formatting, including all tables and notes. The adult schedule is 16 pages and the child and adolescent schedule is 20 pages.
• Easy access to CDC updates: The CDC online schedule includes an addendum page that will display ACIP’s new recommendations as CDC adopts them during 2025. Each Immunize.org laminated schedule addendum page includes QR codes you can scan to view or print the online addendum page as it is revised.
• Bonus content: Both schedules include a bonus page with Immunize.org’s popular 1-page handout summarizing the dose, route, and needle size recommendations for all vaccines and recipients.

       


Pricing:
 

Child and Adolescent Booklets	Adult Booklets
1 copy: $10.50	1 copy: $10.00
2–4 copies: $10.00 each	2–4 copies: $9.50 each
5–19 copies: $9.00 each	5–19 copies: $8.50 each
20–99 copies: $8.00 each	20–99 copies: $7.50 each
100–499 copies: $6.50 each	100–499 copies: $6.00 each
500–999 copies: $5.50 each	500–999 copies: $5.00 each
1,000–1,999 copies: $4.50 each	1,000–1,999 copies: $4.00 each
2,000+ copies: $3.75 each	2,000+ copies: $3.25 each

Visit the Shop Immunize.org: Laminated Schedules web page to view images and preorder today!

For additional information, call 651-647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org.

Related Links

• Immunize.org: Laminated Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedules (0–18 years) web page
• Immunize.org: Laminated Adult Immunization Schedules (19 and older) web page
• Immunize.org: Shop Immunize.org main page 

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Notable Publications

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“Estimating COVID-19 Associated Hospitalizations, ICU Admissions, and In-Hospital Deaths Averted in the United States by 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccination: A Conditional Probability, Causal Inference, and Multiplier-Based Approach” published in Vaccine  

In the March 7 issue, Vaccine published Estimating COVID-19 Associated Hospitalizations, ICU Admissions, and In-Hospital Deaths Averted in the United States by 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccination: A Conditional Probability, Causal Inference, and Multiplier-Based Approach. Portions of the abstract appear below.

COVID-19-associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and in-hospital deaths averted from 2023 to 2024 COVID-19 vaccination from the weeks of October 1, 2023, through April 21, 2024, were estimated. . . . Median COVID-19-associated hospitalizations averted were 68,315. . . . ICU admissions averted were 13,108. . . . and in-hospital deaths averted were 5301. . . . Older adults had the highest COVID-19-associated averted burden and potential to reduce burden further through increased vaccine coverage. 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccinations reduced the burden of COVID-19-associated severe disease.

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“Measures to Prevent and Control COVID-19 in Skilled Nursing Facilities” published in JAMA 

In the January 31 issue, JAMA published Measures to Prevent and Control COVID-19 in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Portions of the abstract appear below.

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) experienced high mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading them to adopt preventive measures to counteract viral spread. A critical appraisal of these measures is essential to support SNFs in managing future infectious disease outbreaks. . . . the effectiveness of vaccination and antiviral treatment was shown in multiple studies. Evidence also showed associations between COVID-19 outcomes in residents and crowding, staff size, hours per residents and networks, and surveillance testing of residents and staff. Despite high initial uptake, up-to-date vaccination status was suboptimal in residents and staff from 2022 to 2024.

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“Post-Vaccination Anaphylaxis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in Vaccines

In the January 4 issue, Vaccines published Post-Vaccination Anaphylaxis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Portions of the abstract appear below. 

Across all studies, 262 anaphylactic cases were reported, with 153 cases related to influenza vaccines, followed by herpes zoster virus vaccines (38 cases) and yellow fever vaccines (29 cases). Td/Tdap vaccine had the lowest rate (0.0001 per 100,000 participants). . . . [Overall, anaphylaxis occurred at] an event rate of 2.91 events per 100,000 subjects (95% CI: 0.56 to 14.73). Sensitivity analysis showed a higher incidence for influenza, hepatitis vaccines, and in vulnerable populations. 

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Upcoming Events

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Virtual: North Dakota State University hosts webinar titled “Bumping Up Provider Confidence: The Critical Role of Vaccines in Pregnancy” on February 25 at 12:00 p.m. (ET); CE credit available 

North Dakota State University's Center for Immunization Research and Education (CIRE) will host a webinar titled Bump Up Provider Confidence: The Critical Role of Vaccines in Pregnancy, 1:00–2:00 p.m. (ET) on February 25. During this webinar, Rebekah Tompkins, MD, FACOG, will discuss:

• Recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy, focusing on Tdap, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV
• The burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and benefits of vaccination for pregnant patients and their infants
• Tools to increase provider confidence in making a strong recommendation for vaccination and addressing patient vaccine-related questions

Register for the webinar.

CIRE offers free access to recordings of its monthly webinars on its website. Participants who watch the full recording and complete the pre- and post-training quizzes may earn free CE credit for each webinar. Learn more about CE opportunities.

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Virtual: American Lung Association and Connecticut Immunization Coalition host webinar “How Vaccines Work: The Immunology Underlying Commonly Used Vaccines” on February 28 at 11:00 a.m. (ET)  

American Lung Association and Connecticut Immunization Coalition will host a webinar titled How Vaccines Work: The Immunology Underlying Commonly Used Vaccines at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on February 28. The webinar will focus on the historical perspective, basic immune mechanisms involved in vaccination, commonly used vaccine platforms, and causes of rare yet serious vaccine adverse effects.

Register for the webinar.

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Questions about our website? Register for Immunize.org Website Office Hours March 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or March 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Previously recorded sessions available online.? 

To learn simple tips and tricks for using our website efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, March 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions. 
 
We will open each 45-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating the following site content: images, webinars, videos, and social media. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.

Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both): 

• Wednesday, March 12 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) 
• Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 p.m. (ET) 

The archive of previous Website?Office Hours content is posted at Immunize.org’s Webinars & Videos?page. 

Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours. 

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For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events.