|
View this as a webpage
Pediatricians throughout the United States (US) have noted reported cases of influenza A-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) during the 2024-2025 influenza season. This is a rare complication following influenza infection, characterized by high fever, obtundation (changes in consciousness), seizures, and necrotic lesions in the brain.
One case of influenza-associated ANE has been identified to date in Minnesota in a child under 2 years of age who resides in the Twin Cities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received several reports in the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) of hospitalizations for cardiac (e.g., atrial flutter) or neurologic (e.g., meningitis) events following administration of the IXCHIQ chikungunya vaccine to people 65 years of age and older. Many of the patients had significant underlying medical conditions. This information is being reviewed and further detail will be communicated as available.
Health care providers are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits of IXCHIQ with patients. Review the latest IXCHIQ: Package Insert (PDF) for additional safety information, including potential chikungunya-like adverse reactions and report any adverse event following IXCHIQ vaccination to Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
For more information, visit CDC: Chikungunya Virus: Chikungunya Vaccine Information for Healthcare Providers and CDC: Chikungunya Virus: About Chikungunya.
Without protection through immunization, infants are vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. As of February, preliminary MIIC data for the 2024-2025 RSV season indicate that only 49% of children have received protection through either maternal RSV vaccine or nirsevimab (Beyfortus), the infant RSV monoclonal antibody. Take steps now to immunize eligible infants through the end of the season, which is March 31.
- Recall infants eligible for nirsevimab who have not yet received it to raise awareness among parents of the eligible age group of the need for nirsevimab. Make sure that families have access to appointments to get this vaccine during the respiratory virus season.
- This includes infants under 8-months-old, born during or entering their first RSV season (Oct. 1-March 31), whose birthing parent either did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or have an unknown RSV vaccination status. Infants born to a parent who gave birth within 14 days of receiving the maternal RSV vaccination also need a dose of nirsevimab.
- In addition, children ages 8–19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season should receive a dose of nirsevimab. Visit CDC: RSV: RSV Immunization Guidance for Infants and Young Children for a list of RSV risk factors, which includes American Indian and Alaskan Native children.
- Use the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) to assess an infant’s nirsevimab immunization history at every patient encounter. The birthing parent may access a copy of their MIIC record through the Docket app at Docket and MIIC Immunization Records. Providers cannot use MIIC to look up the birthing parent’s RSV vaccination status without consent, unless they are also the birthing parent’s provider.
- Use MyChart, texts, flyers, and other venues to communicate to parents/guardians the need to schedule an appointment if their infant is not yet protected.
The recommendation for administration of nirsevimab ends on March 31. Continue using the available product inventory until then. Most current doses will not expire at the end of this season and can still be used next fall. Check expiration dates and store any unused doses in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) to be used next season.
Recent media coverage of measles outbreaks across the U.S. has raised questions about adult measles vaccination recommendations. CDC has not changed its guidance for adult measles vaccination, but we hope the following information is helpful for answering patient questions.
Adults with no evidence of immunity to measles, should get one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. For details, including types of evidence of immunity, visit CDC: Vaccines & Immunizations: Adult Immunization Schedule Notes.
Special considerations
- Vaccination before 1968: People vaccinated before 1968 with an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine, or a measles vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated with at least one dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
- Uncertain vaccination history:
- People unsure of their vaccination status should first try to locate their immunization records.
- Minnesotans can access their MIIC immunization records through the Docket app at Docket and MIIC Immunization Records.
- If no documentation is available, they should receive an MMR vaccine. The vaccine is safe, and there is no harm in getting an additional dose, even if they may already have immunity. For more information, visit CDC: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination.
Guidance for health care providers
MDH encourages providers to assess patients based on their vaccination history, health status, age, and risk of disease when determining the need for MMR vaccination. MDH will notify providers of any changes to CDC recommendations. For clinical vaccine-related questions, email health.vaccineSME@state.mn.us.
|
