|
View this as a webpage
December 19, 2024
In This Edition
The measles outbreak in Minnesota, which occurred from May to Sept., has officially ended with 52 reported cases. However, measles remains a threat as new travel-related cases continue to emerge. There is the risk of a new outbreak each time an unvaccinated person returns to Minnesota with measles. In addition to the outbreak, Minnesota has had 10 travel-related cases of measles which led to the infection of eight additional people, resulting in a total of 70 cases of measles in 2024.
Vaccinate. Ask your patients about any upcoming travel plans. For children traveling internationally the MMR vaccine can be administered as early as 6 months of age. Be sure to review MMR vaccination status at every patient visit and encourage vaccination for those who are not yet immunized.
- Revisit the MMR conversation even if a parent has refused in the past. There is a perception among some parents that MMR vaccine is not needed because of low measles disease rates in the U.S. A recent outbreak of measles may cause some parents to rethink their decision to delay vaccination. Resources to support communication and outreach to patients is available on Measles (Rubeola) Basics.
- The Client Follow-Up tool in the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) can support identifying and recalling children who are overdue. If you have interest in sending text message reminders to your patients, email health.miictexting@state.mn.us.
Be alert for measles and report suspected cases at time of suspicion. Be especially suspicious of measles in unvaccinated people with recent travel who have a rash and fever. Information on reporting cases, specimen collection, and minimizing transmission are available on Measles Information for Health Professionals.
 |
|
We extend our gratitude to the dedicated clinics, hospitals, and local public health teams whose vigilant efforts in identifying and managing cases, as well as promoting immunization, played a key role in bringing the outbreak to a close. |
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently published Health Advisory: Pertussis Exceeds 2,000 in MN. Infants are at highest risk for morbidity and mortality from pertussis infection, but teenagers are experiencing the highest number of cases. This is in large part due to the known waning of immunity from the acellular pertussis component of Tdap vaccine. Take the following action steps to protect our most vulnerable and end the outbreak.
Vaccinate
- Pregnant persons should receive Tdap during each pregnancy, regardless of prior Tdap history. It is typically given between 27-36 weeks' gestation but can be given safely at any time during a pregnancy when pertussis is in the community.
- Infants and young children should receive DTaP at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months and 4-6 years of age.
- 11–12-year-olds should receive Tdap as routinely recommended.
- Adults should receive Tdap whenever Td is recommended, and all adults should have at least one dose of Tdap. It is recommended for routine immunization and wound management and provides additional pertussis protection.
- Encourage all caregivers, adult household members and visitors who have not received Tdap vaccination to be vaccinated at least two weeks prior to contact with an infant.
Recall patients who are due or overdue for DTaP or Tdap using MIIC’s Client Follow-up feature due or overdue for DTaP and Tdap. Contact health.miichelp@state.mn.us if you need assistance. You can also participate in the MIIC Texting Program to send texts to patients overdue or recommended for DTaP, Tdap, and other routine immunizations. Contact health.miictexting@state.mn.us for more information.
Test and treat
Patients with cough illness should be tested for pertussis, even in mild cases, to prevent further transmission. Recognizing, testing, and treating early for pertussis is key to minimizing transmission.
- Pertussis should be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed within the first 21 days of cough. Consider all family members when caring for a pertussis positive patient.
- People symptomatic in the household should be recommended treatment, and People who are asymptomatic should be recommended post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Exclude symptomatic children and adolescents from school, child care, and activities for the first 5 days of antibiotic treatment or 21 days of cough, whichever comes first.
- Asymptomatic children and adolescents do not need to be excluded.
Pertussis is in the community. Share information about pertussis symptoms. For information to educate your patients visit:
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Join MDH’s Immunization and Sage Cervical Cancer Screening programs in promoting on-time human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for adolescents 9-12 years of age and routine cervical cancer screening for adults. MDH will be promoting HPV vaccination for pre-teens through public social media posts, media ads, and more.
HPV infection can cause six types of cancer, including most cervical cancers. HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of these cancers. Recent data from MDH shows that Black, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian Minnesotans are more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than other races and Asian Minnesotans are more than two and a half times more likely to die from cervical cancer. Less than 60% of Minnesota 13-year-olds have started the HPV vaccine series and less than 30% have completed it. For more information on adolescent vaccination coverage data and gaps visit Adolescent Immunizations.
To participate, providers can provide a strong recommendation for HPV vaccination and start the conversation about HPV vaccine beginning at 9 years old.
- Vaccinate as early as age 9 and promote on-time completion of HPV vaccine series by age 13.
- Share HPV cancer prevention messages with families and through social media and engage with MDH social media posts.
For more information on strategies for improving HPV vaccination rates in your clinic, visit For Health Care Providers Serving Adolescents.
|
