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Vaccine Storage Labels for routinely recommended vaccines have been updated on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to include new vaccines such as Mpox and RSV.
By using proper storage and handling techniques, safety and efficacy of vaccines is maintained to protect individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Some of these techniques include:
- Store each vaccine or diluent in original packaging and in separate containers or bins within the storage unit.
- When using storage labels, staff can easily identify vaccines.
- Label shelves and containers to clearly identify where each vaccine and diluent is stored.
- Store vaccines and diluents with similar packaging or names or with pediatric and adult formulations on different shelves.
- Use color-coded labels when possible.
The labels are also on the CDC Vaccines Storage and Handling Toolkit page along with other storage and handling resources.
In a recent vote, the FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommended to transition from quadrivalent to trivalent influenza vaccines for the 2024-25 influenza season to align with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
Since March 2020, there have been no confirmed detections of the influenza B/Yamagata virus. The WHO influenza vaccine composition advisory committee felt that the B/Yamagata should be excluded from flu vaccines as it is no longer warranted.
Trivalent flu vaccines protect against three different influenza viruses – one influenza A(H1N1) virus, one influenza A(H3N2) virus, and one influenza B/Victoria lineage virus.
For the 2024-2025 season, all U.S. flu vaccines will be trivalent. Additional information can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/trivalent.
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 March 28, 2024, 112 cases have been linked to this outbreak with cases from Shawnee, Jefferson, Jackson, Osage, Clay, 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 March 14, 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 March 23, ILINet sites reported that 2.2% of visits were due to ILI. Syndromic surveillance indicated that 3.5% of emergency department visits in Kansas were due to ILI.
All data is subject to change. During the week ending March 23, 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.
On March 24, we observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to commemorate the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes TB. World TB Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to ending TB disease in the United States and around the world, especially as we continue to manage the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on TB elimination efforts.
View full CDC World Tuberculosis (TB) Day Letter.
340B Drug Pricing Program Second Quarter Registration is open April 1, 2024 through April 15, 2024. Please contact Rachael South, 340B Program Specialist Phone: 785-296-0866 to schedule a time during the registration period for assistance walking through the registration process and if you are NOT registered.
For questions or concerns please reach out to Rachael (contact info above) or Lisa Edgerton-Johnston, TB/STI/HIV/Hepatitis C Education and Consultation Deputy Section Chief and 340B Program Manager or Phone: 785-296-5589.
APEXUS can be reached at 888-340-2787 or apexusanswers@340BPVP.com.
To view full list of webinars with descriptions Click Here.
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