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Immunize.org recently updated it’s HPV Vaccine A Guide for Adults Ages 18-26 Years resource to help patients better understand Human Papillomavirus (HPV) disease and the value of vaccination.
HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone age 26 or younger, beginning as early as 9 years of age. Adults ages 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their provider.
Protect your patients from cervical cancer, and many other HPV-related cancers, by recommending and offering the HPV vaccine.
Vaccine inventory management is essential for appropriate vaccine ordering and stock rotation, and ensures your facility has the vaccines your patients need. Vaccines are expensive, so making sure they are unpacked, stored, prepared, administered and transported correctly is critical.
Read Part Three Vaccine Inventory Management.
Hepatitis A – SHAWNEE COUNTY: The Shawnee County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) identified a community-wide outbreak of hepatitis A that began in July 2022. As of February 29, 2024, 107 cases have been linked to this outbreak with cases from Shawnee, Jefferson, Jackson, Osage, and Douglas counties. Most cases are among people who use drugs (injection and non-injection), and some report experiencing unstable housing or being unhoused. Other cases have been reported among participants of an adult daycare center as well as a long-term care facility. Some cases have been among patients who report no risk factors. The last onset of illness was February 23, 2024. Vaccination and testing efforts are underway at various locations that serve high risk persons.
The Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet) sites monitor patients for influenza-like illness (ILI), which is defined as symptoms of a fever (> 100⁰F) and the presence of a cough and/or sore throat. During the week ending February 24, ILINet sites reported that 3.6% of visits were due to ILI. Syndromic surveillance indicated that 6.3% of emergency department visits in Kansas were due to ILI.
All data is subject to change. During the week ending February 24, the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories reported no positive influenza specimens.
As a reminder, outbreaks of any disease are reportable and should be reported to the epidemiology hotline at (877) 427-7317. Stay updated on influenza activity on our dashboard.
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected.
CDC recommends screening all adults aged 18 years and older for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime using a triple panel test. To ensure increased access to testing, anyone who requests HBV testing should receive it regardless of disclosure of risk. Many people might be reluctant to disclose stigmatizing risks. Information on interpretation of Hepatitis B Serologic test results.
View the recent KS-HAN about older adults being able to receive an additional dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Questions about anything in this issue contact your Regional Immunization Nurse or the Nurse on-call at 877-296-0464.
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