Correction: Recommendations for the Use of Influenza Vaccines, 2021-22
Important notice of correction: The original email that was sent on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 linked to last year’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), but vaccinators should review and follow the MMWR for the 2021-2022 influenza season. The corrected copy is below.
Vaccinators, please review the MMWR Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2021–22 Influenza Season. Highlights from the MMWR are below:
Background
Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications. No preferential recommendation is made for one influenza vaccine product over another for persons for whom more than one licensed, recommended, and appropriate product is available.
The 2021–2022 influenza season will coincide with the continued or recurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus associated with coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). Influenza vaccination of persons aged ≥6 months to reduce prevalence of illness caused by influenza will reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19. Prevention of and reduction in the severity of influenza illness and reduction of outpatient illnesses, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions through influenza vaccination also could alleviate stress on the U.S. health care system. Guidance for vaccine planning during the pandemic is available.
Coadministration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines, including influenza
COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines on the same day, as well as coadministration within 14 days. It is unknown whether reactogenicity of COVID-19 vaccine is increased with coadministration, including with other vaccines known to be more reactogenic, such as adjuvanted vaccines or live vaccines. When deciding whether to coadminister influenza vaccine and/or other vaccines with COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination providers should consider whether the patient is behind or at risk of becoming behind on recommended vaccines, their risk of vaccine-preventable disease (for example, during an outbreak or occupational exposures), and the reactogenicity profile of the vaccines.
If multiple vaccines are administered at a single visit, administer each injection in a different injection site. Multiple injections given in the same extremity should be separated by a minimum of one inch, if possible. For adolescents and adults, the deltoid muscle can be used for more than one intramuscular injection administered at different sites in the muscle.
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 requires health care providers to report any adverse event listed by the vaccine manufacturer as a contraindication to future doses of the vaccine or any adverse event listed in the VAERS Table of Reportable Events Following Vaccination that occurs within the specified period after vaccination. In addition to mandated reporting, health care providers are encouraged to report any clinically significant adverse event after vaccination to VAERS. Information on how to report a vaccine adverse event is available.
Upcoming Webinars
September 9, 2021 – Catching Kids Up: Unique Considerations for Vaccinating the Pediatric Population
Join an interdisciplinary webinar, Catching Kids Up: Unique Considerations for Vaccinating the Pediatric Population, on September 9 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Topics covered include Wisconsin’s immunization rates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendation on COVID-19 vaccine coadministration, an overview of Wisconsin statutes for pharmacist-led immunization, and considerations for pediatric immunization.
This webinar came out of conversations in the multidisciplinary coalition Immunize Milwaukee and is co-hosted by the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other interdisciplinary partners. CE will not be offered. Register here.
September 22, 2021 – Hear From an Expert: How to Get Prepared for the Upcoming Influenza Season
The national broadcast, Hear From An Expert: How To Get Prepared For The Upcoming Influenza Season will take place on Wednesday, September 22 starting at 12 p.m. It will feature Dr. Audrey M. Stevenson, PhD, MPH and Dr. Vincent P. Hsu, MD, MPH, FACP.
Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Hsu are renowned vaccine experts and will cover the following objectives during the broadcast:
- Reinforce the importance of influenza immunization for the upcoming 2021-2022 season.
- Highlight the impact of influenza on older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
- Discuss best demonstrated practices for preparing the entire office for the upcoming flu season.
- Dispel myths about influenza and share best practices for encouraging vaccination among patients.
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