Vaccine Blurbs Edition #229: IIS Bug Alert!

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Washington State Department of Health | July 17, 2024


IIS Bug - Receiving Orders

We are aware of a bug in the IIS that is affecting the ability of some facilities to receive orders. This has been reported to the developers and a fix is in the works. We appreciate your patience and understanding. 

We ask any providers that received an order in the month of July check their Reconciliation screens in the IIS to ensure that the vaccines in their received orders were added to their inventory. If you notice any issues, please email us at WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov so we may assist. 


Lot Number Summary Report Not Functioning Properly

An issue has been identified in the Immunization Information System (IIS) with the Lot Number Summary Report in the that is causing some of the selection criteria fields on that report to not display or function correctly. The issue has been reported and our vendor is working on resolving it. The included image shows the fields that are functioning correctly in green and the fields that are not in yellow. You are still able to run the report, just with limited selections. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this issue with our vendor.

Lot Number Summary Report Issue

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates Webinar

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) will host a webinar on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 12pm-1pm. Department of Health staff will discuss current COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, vaccine ordering, and storage and handling guidelines. The webinar will be recorded and continuing education is available for nurses and medical assistants.

REGISTER HERE

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for 2024-2025
  • Describe vaccine ordering and availability through the WA DOH Childhood and Adult Vaccine Programs
  • Discuss current COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling guidelines

Expiration of Punctured Multidose Vials

IPV does not need to be discarded 28 days after puncturing the vial. Unless the vaccine has been compromised (e.g. temperature excursion) or contaminated, it can be used through the expiration date.

Punctured vials of IPV are okay to use through the last day of the month that is listed in the expiration date. For example, if the expiration date is listed as 3/2024, you can administer the vaccine through end of day 3/31/2024. 

For more information on multidose vials, check out page 21 of CDC's Vaccine Storage & Handling Toolkit

The Immunization Action Coalition's Ask the Experts on Vaccine Storage & Handling has some additional information on multidose vials and expiration dates. 


Mpox Vaccine

Mpox vaccine will be available starting August 1. ACIP recommends Mpox vaccination for at-risk individuals 18 years or older. Due to the limited eligible CVP population (at-risk individuals aged 18 years), Mpox vaccine will only be available by special request. Providers who are in need of the vaccine should email WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov with their request. 

The vaccine should be stored frozen at -13F to 5F (-25C to -15C) in the original packaging to protect from light. Once thawed, the vaccine may be stored at 36F to 46F (2C to 8C) for up to 4 weeks. 


Vaccine Shipping Delays Update

We are seeing a lot of delays with vaccine orders shipping from the distributor. If there are any delays in the shipping process, the distributor will request that the order be returned to them to ensure viability. If the tracking information states that your order has been returned to the sender, don't worry! Your order will be reshipped. Please do not reject the order in the IIS or place a new order. It is on its way! 


Vaccine Loss Logs

Providers participating in the Childhood Vaccine Program are required to report all vaccine loss that results in unusable vaccine. Each month, we ask that you use our Vaccine Loss Log to track and help complete your monthly inventory report online in the IIS. At the end of each month, your vaccine loss log should be kept with your other CVP documentation. If the vaccine loss totals $2,500 or more, the vaccine loss log must be submitted to DOH. COVID and Flu vaccine loss are exempt as these are seasonal vaccines; please do not include loss of COVID or flu vaccines in the vaccine loss totals. 

Clinical Corner

Updated Vaccine Training for Medical Assistants

The Vaccine Training for Medical Assistants updated free E- Course is now available online! The course covers essential topics such as proper vaccine storage and handling, forecasting and scheduling, vaccine administration error prevention, best practices for administering vaccines to adults and children, and building trust with patients. The first 50 medical assistants from WA state taking the e-course will be mailed a free 2024 CDC Adult Immunization laminated schedule and Vaccine Save Lives pin.


Fostering a Culture of Immunization in Your Practice: An Interactive Online Training

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) released a new online training course, Fostering a Culture of Immunization in Your Practice.

The self-guided online course provides health care professionals with practical strategies and resources to help create a positive culture of immunization in their clinics, ensuring the best possible care for patients and promoting vaccination efforts. There are 4 segments:

  • Lesson I – Fostering a Culture of Immunization
  • Lesson II – Importance of Immunization and Factors Impacting Vaccine Uptake
  • Lesson III – 5 Strategies for Fostering a Culture of Immunization
  • Scenario Based Learning Activity

Practice Immunization Conversations in Free Virtual Simulation

The American Academy of Pediatrics has launched a FREE, 30-minute virtual reality training course to help healthcare providers have more effective immunization conversations.  Increasing Immunization Confidence is an interactive learning module  where you join a virtual pediatric clinic and engage in immunization scenarios with parents who are hesitant about vaccinating their children and adolescents.


For questions about the immunization schedule, the Immunization Information System forecast, or any other immunization clinical questions, please send an email to ImmuneNurses@doh.wa.gov. Check out the Immunization Training web page for more resources and training opportunities.


Helpful Hints

Did you know that we are unable to process vaccine orders as "urgent" unless there is a confirmed outbreak happening in your county? In the rare event of an outbreak, only the vaccine being used for outbreak response can be ordered as urgent. 

This is why we recommend keeping a 30 day safety stock of vaccines on hand. If you are in need of vaccine, place an order as soon as possible, even if it is outside of your ordering schedule. You can also check the Vaccine Advertisements page in the IIS for any available vaccines for transfer in your area!