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May 31, 2024
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is requesting nominations for the 2024 National Immunization Champion Award. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 7. This award honors one person in Minnesota for their exemplary work in fostering and promoting immunizations for children or adults in their community. Nominees can be leaders from health care, education, non-profits, community, and other immunization partners. For more information and the nomination form, visit Association of Immunization Managers: 2024 Immunization Champion Award Nomination Form (PDF). Questions and completed nomination forms can be sent to Melody Doan at melody.doan.contractor@state.mn.us. Self-nominations are welcome. Please share this information with your immunization network and eligible immunization partners.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that the Bridge Access Program will end in August. This means that free COVID-19 vaccines that MDH provided through this program for adults without health insurance and those whose health insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs will no longer be available as they have been provided. A limited number of doses will be available through the Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine (UUAV) Program after September 2024.
Additional guidance and details about the impact this may have on COVID-19 vaccine efforts in Minnesota are expected from the CDC soon. Please send questions to Rebecca Juarez at rebecca.juarez.c19@state.mn.us.
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Hepatitis impacts thousands of people in Minnesota. Now is a great time to promote testing for hepatitis B and C, as well as vaccination for hepatitis A and B for those who are unvaccinated. The CDC recommends all adults be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once during their lifetime. For more information, visit the MDH Hepatitis webpage.
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Adolescents and adults who were not vaccinated in childhood are also eligible for Hep A and Hep B vaccinations and should consider getting vaccinated.
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Hepatitis A: In 2020, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend Hep A vaccination for any adult requesting protection, regardless of risk factors.
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Hepatitis B: In 2022, the ACIP voted to expand vaccine recommendations for Hep B.
- Vaccine is now recommended for all adults ages 19 to 59 years old and adults ages 60 years and older who have risk factors for hepatitis B infection. Adults ages 60 years and older without risk factors may also receive the vaccine.
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Hepatitis C:
- There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there is a cure for the disease.
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All adults ages 18 to 79 years old should be screened for hepatitis C at least once.
- People with risk factors (e.g., injection drug use) should receive routine screening.
The Minnesota legislative session ended on May 20, resulting in the passage of two immunization-related bills. These legislative changes aim to make vaccines more accessible and better manage the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in Minnesota.
Pharmacy
Beginning July 1, pharmacists can initiate, order, and administer:
- Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for children three years and older.
- All other ACIP recommended vaccines for children six years and older.
Trained pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns can also administer the vaccines under the supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmacists will continue to promote regular well child visits with the child’s pediatrician or primary care provider as required by law.
Child Care
Effective August 1, child care centers and family child care providers will have the option to set immunization policy to not enroll unvaccinated children with non-medical exemptions according to the Minnesota's Immunization Law Exemption Provision. It is important to recognize that:
- Non-medical exemptions remain an option in Minnesota.
- All child care providers must continue to enroll unvaccinated children with medical exemptions, signed by a health care provider.
- This new law does not apply to schools or early education programs.
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