Maine Earns More Recognition For Its Success in Vaccination

There’s no disputing that 2015 was the best year in Maine’s history when it comes to vaccination rates. 

In August, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention tapped Maine as number one in the nation for vaccination rates for children age 19 to 35 months and recently, the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases presented the Maine Immunization Program with six additional awards for its high level of vaccination coverage for virtually all ages. 

Maine reached the Healthy People 2020 goals for vaccination in children age 19-35 months, adolescents age 13 to 17 and for influenza vaccine for children from age 6 months to 17 years. 

In addition, Maine was cited for having the highest pneumococcal vaccination coverage among high-risk adults age 18 to 64, and earned Most Improved honors for that same population, as well as children 19-35 months. 

“This recognition means that the hard work of our staff , medical providers, school personnel and our many partners from Kittery to Fort Kent is paying off,’’ said Maine Immunization Program Manager Tonya Philbrick. “Parents are receiving the information they need to make informed decisions, and people are taking action to protect themselves against the flu, pneumonia and other diseases. Maine’s intense effort through many different initiatives has made a difference. While there’s more work to be done, I could not be happier with the results.” 

A key to the success has been communication with the more than 400 providers who are registered with the Maine Immunization Program and offering free vaccine to their eligible patients. Many receive practice-level data around vaccination rates and all have access to county-level data for comparison. The program also partners with more than with more than 130 schools and school districts to hold on-site influenza vaccination clinics. 

“While these awards are presented to our program, the credit must be shared with many other partners within state government and in the private sector,’’ said Kenneth Albert, Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Maine CDC. “This success serves as striking example of how a coordinated public health effort can yield amazing results.” 

The mission of the Maine Immunization Program is to reduce or eliminate all vaccine preventable diseases, and immunizations are the single most important way to protect against serious and sometimes deadly diseases. 

To learn more about how to receive free vaccine for your child, ask your health care provider, contact the Maine Immunization Program at 1-800-867-4775 or visithttp://www.immunizeme.org

Vaccine guidelines for adults and children

Easy-to-read guidelines are available on the Maine CDC and US CDC websites:

• The recommended immunization schedule for children is available at http://go.usa.gov/Gh4A
• The recommended immunization schedule for teens is available at http://go.usa.gov/Gh2Q
• The recommended immunization schedule for adults is available at http://go.usa.gov/GhgR

In addition, US CDC has developed a fact sheet that addresses common questions about pneumococcal vaccination for adults, including the difference between PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines:

• PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) protects against 13 of the approximately 90 types of pneumococcal bacteria that can cause pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.
• PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine)protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine helps prevent invasive infections like meningitis and bacteremia, but only offers low levels of protection against pneumonia. 

The full fact sheet is available at http://go.usa.gov/Gha9

Influenza Update 10/27/11

Maine CDC reminds everyone to take everyday preventive measures against influenza:

•           Wash your hands

•           Cover your cough

•           Stay home when ill

•           Get vaccinated - a searchable county listing of flu clinics is available at http://www.211maine.org/flu-clinics/

Surveillance

Maine CDC reported no flu activity for the week ending Oct. 22. Weekly updates on flu activity in Maine are available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml

Weekly updates for the US are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm and international updates are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm.

Maine CDC issued a health alert on Oct. 19 about a human case of novel influenza virus of swine origin.  US CDC confirmed the novel strain in a child from Cumberland County.  A primary care provider evaluated the child, and provided treatment.  The child was not hospitalized. 

Maine CDC recommends the following for healthcare providers:

•           Maintain a heightened awareness for influenza-like illness (ILI) defined as fever greater than 100° with cough or sore throat, in the absence of another known cause.

•           Consider influenza testing by PCR for:

o          patients with ILI with recent exposure to pigs

o          patients with ILI who are hospitalized

o          patients with ILI who have died

o          patients where a diagnosis of influenza would affect clinical care, infection control, or management of contacts

•           Consider use of antivirals to quickly limit potential human transmission

•           Vaccinate patients and healthcare workers as a primary strategy to prevent influenza

Please report any cases of laboratory positive influenza to Maine CDC by fax (1-800-293-7534) or by phone through our 24-hour Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline (1-800-821-5821).  All influenza A rapid positive tests should be confirmed by PCR.

Vaccination

Maine CDC has already distributed almost 190,000 doses of state-supplied influenza vaccine to registered providers for the 2011-2012 season.

Nearly 80 school districts are offering school-located flu vaccine clinics (SLVC) again this year. Almost 270 clinics are registered. A list of participating schools is posted at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/flu-clinics.shtml

Schools offering vaccine to students may also provide state-supplied flu vaccine to staff and their dependents to make school clinics more simple, sustainable, and consistent with past practices.  Maine CDC will be evaluating the sustainability of this approach for future years. Schools wishing to provide state-supplied flu vaccine to staff and their dependents must be registered through the SLVC process and report vaccine usage through ImmPact2.  The letter regarding roster billing for staff vaccinations at school clinics and the roster form are both available in the SLVC toolkit at www.maineflu.gov. 

US CDC updates

US CDC has updated the following information on its website:

•           vaccineeffectiveness

•           vaccineeffectiveness Q&A for health professionals

•           seasonalflu vaccine dosage and administration Q&A 

School-based flu vaccine clinics

Maine CDC has received a two-year, $1.25 million cooperative agreement award from US CDC to enhance the sustainability of school-located vaccination. School-located vaccination clinics (SLVC) were first broadly implemented in Maine in response to the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Since then, schools and health care providers in many communities around the state have worked together to continue to offer influenza vaccine to students and staff members in the school setting. SLVC can provide low-cost and convenient opportunities for families to have their children vaccinated each year. In addition, achieving high immunization rates in schools can reduce the number of days that students and staff are absent during the flu season and improve the learning environment.

CDC now recommends that all people over six months of age receive an annual flu vaccine as the best way to prevent influenza. Unlike adults, children have few opportunities to get a flu shot, and primary care doctors may not be able to accommodate the high demand for vaccine in their offices. Maine’s influenza immunization rates among children for the 2010-11 season were well above the national average, but too many Maine children still go without an annual flu shot. Providing vaccines to children in the school setting is a strategy that can improve access and decrease financial barriers that some children may face in getting the flu vaccine.

Among the strengths that were noted in the review of this application were the success of previous years’ SLVC; the use of Maine’s immunization registry system, ImmPact2; and the strengths of the partnerships that have been developed at the local level.

In the 2010-11 school year, more than 350 SLVC were held statewide. Clinics were run by school nurses, hospitals, health centers, visiting nurses’ associations, and primary care practices. Maine CDC recognizes the many organizations and individuals who have worked hard at implementing school vaccination. Funds from this cooperative agreement will be used to further these efforts by:

1.) increasing and supporting SLVC over the next two years;

2.) improving mechanisms of insurance reimbursement to schools and health care providers who provide flu shots in the school setting; and

3.) evaluating the impact of school clinics and developing plans for long-term sustainability beyond the funding period.

More information on specific funding initiatives and opportunities related to this cooperative agreement will be forthcoming. General information on influenza in Maine is accessible at www.maineflu.gov.

An online toolkit for SLVC with registration forms, guidance documents, and sample materials has been posted at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/educators.shtml#schoolclinics

Influenza Update

There were four new outbreaks of influenza in the week ending March 19, compared with nine the previous week. There has been one pediatric influenza-associated death reported from York in a vaccinated child. Flu continues to be widespread in Maine.

Vaccination is still recommended for those who have not been vaccinated this season. One flu vaccine is protective for the entire flu season, and a second dose is not recommended for adults, even if they were vaccinated early in the fall.

Two doses of flu vaccine are only recommended for young children who have never been vaccinated before. Children younger than 9 who have never had a seasonal flu vaccine should receive two doses, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

Weekly updates on flu activity are available

• For Maine
  
• For the US
  
• For the world
  

Influenza Update 3/3/11

Surveillance

Flu is widespread in Maine. In the week ending Feb. 19, there were 12 new outbreaks – 10 in long term care facilities, 1 in a K-12 school, and 1 in an institution.

Weekly updates on flu activity are available

• For Maine: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml
• For the US: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
• For the world: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm

The January 31 Health Alert on influenza is available at: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=191687&an=2

Vaccination

Some people have expressed concern about needing a second flu vaccine if they were vaccinated early in the fall. One flu vaccine is protective for the entire flu season and a second dose is not recommended for adults.

An MMWR from August 2010 notes that “additional vaccine doses during the same season do not increase the antibody response” and that the “frequency of breakthrough infections is not known to be higher among those who were vaccinated early in the season.”

Two doses of flu vaccine are only recommended for young children who have never been vaccinated before. Children younger than 9 who have never had a seasonal flu vaccine should receive two doses, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

It is not too late to be vaccinated against the flu this season. To obtain flu vaccine, contact your health care provider, or look up clinics at www.flu.gov or www.211maine.org

Update on Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Recommended Immunization Schedules for Children

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued its annual Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6005a6.htm?s_cid=tw_mmwr90

National Vaccine Plan

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has unveiled a new National Vaccine Plan to enhance coordination of all aspects of federal vaccine and immunization activities. Its goal is to ensure that all Americans can access the preventive benefits of vaccines. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/02/20110216b.html

Tdap Vaccination Strategies

Representatives from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America co-authored a report titled Tdap Vaccination Strategies for Adolescents and Adults, Including Health Care Personnel, which is available at http://www.jointcommission.org/tdap/

The report is intended to help health care organizations of all types (hospitals, long term care facilities, ambulatory settings, home health organizations, etc.) improve Tdap vaccination rates.

The report notes that some important changes to the previously published ACIP recommendations were approved at the October 2010 ACIP meeting:

1. For adults ages 65 years and older, a single dose of Tdap vaccine may be given in place of a tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine in persons who have not received Tdap.
2. Adults ages 65 years and older who have or anticipate having close contact with an infant age less than 12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce the likelihood of transmission of pertussis to infants age less than 12 months.
3. Tdap can be administered regardless of the interval since the last tetanus- or diphtheria-containing vaccine.
4. Children ages 7 through 10 years who are not fully immunized against pertussis and for whom no contraindication to pertussis vaccines exists should receive a single dose of Tdap to provide protection against pertussis. If additional doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccines are needed, then children ages 7 through 10 years should be vaccinated according to catch-up guidance.

PCR Diagnosing of Pertussis – Best Practices

US CDC has issued a Health Alert on the best practices for health care professionals related to the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosing pertussis in light of the continuing resurgence of pertussis and the likelihood that health care professionals will see more patients with suspected pertussis.

• For guidance in distinguishing signs and symptoms of pertussis from those of other conditions, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/features.html
• For more information on diagnostic testing, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-confirmation.html
• For information on specimen collection, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/specimen-collection.html
• For the entire guidance on PCR best practices in diagnosing pertussis, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-pcr-bestpractices.html

Influenza Update

Flu is widespread in Maine. In the week ending Feb. 12, there were seven new outbreaks – one in a long term care facility and six in K-12 schools. It is not too late to be vaccinated against the flu this season. To obtain flu vaccine, contact your health care provider, or look up clinics at www.flu.gov or www.211maine.org

Weekly updates on flu activity are available

• For Maine: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml
• For the US: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
• For the world: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm

Influenza Update

December 6-10 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. For more information, see this Maine CDC press release: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DHS+Press+Releases&id=162508&v=article

There was no significant flu activity reported in Maine for the week ending Dec. 4. Weekly updates on flu activity in Maine are available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml

Weekly updates for the US are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm and international updates are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm.

Getting a flu vaccine is a safe way to prevent serious illness

For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a runny nose, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, fever, chills, and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. However, you may not realize that it’s estimated that more than 200,000 people end up in the hospital from flu complications each year. And while unpredictable, the flu can be deadly. Between 1976 and 2007, US CDC estimates that annual flu-associated deaths in the United States have ranged from between about 3,000 people to about 49,000 people.

But there’s a safe alternative to getting the flu—getting the flu vaccine. The vaccine is a safe way to protect yourself from the flu and its potentially serious complications.

This season, health experts across the country are recommending that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. This “universal” flu vaccine recommendation was adopted by the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent group of physicians and health advocates that sets recommendations for all adult and childhood immunizations in the United States.

Over the years, the number of people recommended for flu vaccination has grown as experts learned more about who was at highest risk for flu complications or who was bearing the greatest burden of illness and possibly playing a role in spreading flu in the community. With the official universal vaccination recommendation, ACIP and the medical community are acknowledging the risk that everyone faces from the flu.

This year’s flu vaccines are being made using the same production and safety methods that have been standard for decades, during which hundreds of millions of flu vaccines have been given safely. The most common side effects from flu shots have been soreness, redness, or tenderness where the shot was given; fever; and aches. Some people who have gotten the nasal-spray flu vaccine, in use over the past seven years, have had runny nose, cough, or nasal congestion. Neither the flu shot nor the nasal-spray vaccine can give you the flu.

Every year, US CDC works closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), health care providers, state and local health departments, and other partners to ensure the highest safety standards for all flu vaccines. CDC and FDA both share responsibility for monitoring the safety of vaccines and ensuring systems are in place to promptly detect unexpected health problems following vaccination.

For more information, visit www.maineflu.gov or www.flu.gov

Influenza Update

Surveillance

There was no flu activity reported in Maine for the week ending Nov. 20. Weekly updates on flu activity in Maine are available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml

Weekly updates for the US are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm and international updates are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm.

Update on state-supplied vaccine distribution

Most influenza vaccine arrives in Maine through private sector channels, but Maine CDC will be distributing a total of about 290,000 doses of flu vaccine this year; 92% of doses have already been shipped out to providers in the state. Almost 350 schools have received a total of more than 80,000 doses of state-supplied vaccine for school-based clinics.

Maine Influenza Update 10/14/10

Flu information for the general public

The first and most important step in protecting against the flu is to get a flu vaccination each season. US CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against the flu this year. Vaccine is already available in many places – you can check listings by zip code at www.flu.gov – and it will provide protection through the entire flu season.

The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against:

· an influenza type A H3N2 virus,

· an influenza type B virus, and

· the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.

You need to get the 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccine even if you got the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine last season.

While there is a universal vaccination recommendation this season, it continues to be especially important that people at increased risk of serious flu complications get vaccinated against the flu. This includes:

· older people,

· young children,

· people with chronic lung disease (such as asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other long-term health conditions,

· pregnant women, as well as

· American Indians and Alaska Natives, and

· people who are morbidly obese (defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more)

Over the years, hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have safely received seasonal flu vaccines. Last flu season, about 80 million people in the U.S. also received the vaccine made to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus, and the vaccine’s safety was similar to that of seasonal flu vaccines. Over the last 50 years, flu vaccines have been shown to be safe. Every year, CDC works closely with FDA, health care providers, state and local health departments, and other partners to ensure the highest safety standards for flu vaccines. CDC also works closely with FDA to ensure systems are in place to promptly detect unexpected health problems following vaccination.

Update on state-supplied vaccine distribution

Most influenza vaccine arrives in Maine through private sector channels, but some federal and state funds allow Maine CDC to purchase flu vaccine for some populations in Maine such as pregnant women, those in nursing homes, K-12 school children and their teachers and other staff, all other children, homeless people,, and people served by municipal and tribal health departments. Maine CDC will be distributing a total this year of about 290,000 doses of influenza vaccine, with over half of it having already arrived.

Doses Approved for Shipment as of Oct. 4:

Population	Doses
Children ages 6 months to 18 years	131,680*
Adults	34,560
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities	11,650
Total	177,890

* This includes doses shipped to both schools and private health care providers.

Number of schools that have received flu vaccine so far: 156

Number of doses distributed to schools so far: 49,090

All health care providers who have fulfilled the requirements in their provider agreements have received some vaccine toward their orders. If you are a provider who has not yet received vaccine, ensure that you have submitted all the appropriate paperwork and temperature logs.

Billing for state-supplied flu vaccine administration

Providers who receive state-supplied vaccine may not bill insurance for the cost of the vaccine itself. However, it is reasonable and allowable to bill insurance or charge for an administration fee for the administering the state-supplied vaccine in some circumstances, provided that:

1. MaineCare eligible children are not charged an out of pocket administration fee;
2. Administration fees do not exceed the regional Medicare maximum ($14.37/vaccine administration); and
3. No one is denied vaccine because of their inability to pay an administration fee.

Maine CDC and the Office of MaineCare Services have worked together to enable roster billing for administration fees provided to MaineCare-eligible individuals. The ability to roster bill through ImmPact2 will be available October 18. For more information: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/educators-RosterBillingUpdateMeCare.pdf

Due to the large number of private insurers, Maine CDC has not been able to arrange for roster billing arrangements with private insurers. For more information on how to bill private insurers for flu vaccine administration, contact the insurer directly.

School-based Flu Vaccine Clinics

The governor has issued an executive order to provide certain liability protections to volunteer health care workers who register with Maine Emergency Management Agency and participate in school-based flu vaccine clinics. To register, visit https://www.maineresponds.org/.

Maine CDC has posted materials – including registration forms, consent forms, sample protocols, and a copy of the governor’s executive order – at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/educators.shtml#schoolclinics.

Flu Information for Health Care Workers (HCW)

Flu can spread rapidly in health care settings. Vaccination is the first and most important step all Health Care Workers (HCW) can take to protect against the flu. HCW include all people whose occupational activities involve contact with patients or contaminated material in health care settings, including home health care or clinical laboratory settings. This includes those who do not provide direct patient care, but have patient contact as well as those working in clinical settings within non-health care institutions, such as school nurses or those staffing clinics in correctional facilities. For more information on who is considered a Health Care Worker and why HCW should get vaccinated against the flu, see our new Health Care Workers and Flu web site at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/hc-workers.shtml

US CDC, Maine CDC, and other professional groups recommend that all Health Care Workers get annual influenza vaccine. However, fewer than half of HCW nationwide get the flu vaccine. With the emergence of the pandemic H1N1 flu in 2009, Maine CDC required health care facilities to report the rate of their workers vaccinated against H1N1. For these rates and other information, please see our Current Messages to Health Care Providers at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/health-care-providers.shtml

Maine CDC has also issued a health alert (http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DHHS-HAN&id=143003&v=alert) for health care providers to provide information and guidance for the 2010-2011 flu season.

Bi-weekly Public Health Update 9/9/10

INFLUENZA UPDATE

Maine CDC has already distributed more than 36,000 doses of flu vaccine. The vaccine distributed so far is earmarked for pre-schoolers as well as residents and employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. It is the first time in many years that state-supplied vaccine has been distributed this early.

Most influenza vaccine arrives in Maine through private sector channels, but some federal and state (Tobacco Settlement - Fund for a Healthy Maine) funds allow Maine CDC to purchase flu vaccine for some populations in Maine such as pregnant women, those in nursing homes, K-12 school children and their teachers and other staff, all other children, homeless, and people served by municipal and tribal health departments. Maine CDC will be distributing a total this year of about 290,000 doses of influenza vaccine, most of it over the coming weeks.

Maine CDC has posted materials – including registration forms, consent forms, and sample protocols – for those participating in school-based flu vaccine clinics at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/educators.shtml#schoolclinics

Updates from the US CDC can be found on its Influenza Site.


PERTUSSIS

Pertussis is still an important concern in Maine and throughout the U.S., with outbreaks being seen in several states, including significant ones among un and under-vaccinated in California, resulting in 8 infant deaths there. To date in 2010, Maine has seen 32 confirmed cases of pertussis with 11 of those reported in the past month. The majority of people identified are younger than 13 years of age. Half are not up to date on their vaccines or their vaccine status is not known. With school reconvening and with so many children under-vaccinated, we are concerned about increasing outbreaks here in Maine. For more information, see this Health Alert: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DHHS-HAN&id=128206&v=alert


NATIONAL HEALTH REFORM

This report (http://www.rwjf.org/coverage/product.jsp?id=68128&cid=xtw_rwjf) examines the demographics and health characteristics of the new population nationally now eligible for Medicaid under health reform.

Although health coverage is currently available to children in families with incomes up to about $45,000 per year in nearly every state, an estimated five million uninsured children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but not enrolled. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have built an unprecedented coalition of partners, ranging from state governors to national advocacy organizations, to enroll children in Medicaid and CHIP and educate families. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/09/20100903a.html

As part of the health reform’s step-by-step efforts to close the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap, more than 1 million eligible Medicare beneficiaries who fall in this “donut hole” this year are mailed a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate check. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/08/20100830b.html

Through the Affordable Care Act’s Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, employers are going to receive help to maintain health coverage for retirees not yet eligible for Medicare. Nearly 2,000 employers, representing large and small businesses, State and local governments, educational institutions, non-profits, and unions have been accepted into the program and will begin to receive reimbursements for employee claims this fall. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/08/20100831a.html

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled CuidadodeSalud.gov, the first website in Spanish of its kind to help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage. This site is the partner of HealthCare.gov, which was launched in July 2010, and is the first website in Spanish to provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool. For more information: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/09/20100908a.html

For more information about Health Reform in Maine, visit the Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance’s web site: http://www.maine.gov/healthreform/


MAINE IS HIGHLIGHTED IN US CDC’S SPOTLIGHT ON TOBACCO USE

CDC Vital Signs is a new report that will appear on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the US CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Vital Signs is designed to provide the latest data and information on key health indicators. This month’s Vital Signs focus on tobacco use:
• Vital Signs: Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years — United States, 2009
• Vital Signs: Nonsmokers’ Exposure to Secondhand Smoke — United States, 1999–2008

Despite the known dangers of tobacco use, 1 in 5 American adults continues to smoke cigarettes, and 4 in 10 nonsmokers were exposed to cigarette smoke during 2007-2008. Among children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old, 54 percent were exposed to secondhand smoke. Nearly all (98%) of children who live with a smoker are exposed and have measureable levels of toxic chemicals from cigarette smoke.

In this report, US CDC commends California for their successful long term comprehensive tobacco control program that has been associated with adult smoking rate reductions. They then commend the successes seen in youth smoking in our state: “Maine, New York, and Washington have seen 45%--60% reductions in youth smoking with sustained comprehensive statewide programs.”

Additionally, the report notes that the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gives the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products and has provided new opportunities to reduce tobacco use.

For more information visit the Partnership for a Tobacco-free Maine, Maine CDC’s tobacco prevention and control program.


SPOTLIGHT ON TATTOOS

Tattoo licensing has been in the local news recently. Licensed tattoo artists in Maine are required to have special training about bloodborne diseases and to utilize safety precautions before, during and after the application of the tattoo. In getting a tattoo, safety should always be vigilantly observed to avoid medical issues. These include preventing diseases such as HIV, AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases that can be acquired through sharing of needles, use of unsterile equipments and sloppy procedures. You can reduce the health risks by only going to tattoo shops and tattoo artists that are fully licensed. The following provides information on the health risks associated with tattoos and the safety precautions that should be used by all licensed tattoo artists in the State of Maine.

Health Risks Associated with Tattoos:
• Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus and HIV — the virus that causes AIDS.
• Skin infections. Tattoos can lead to local bacterial infections, characterized by redness, swelling, pain and a pus-like drainage.
• Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red dye — can cause allergic skin reactions, resulting in an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This may occur even years after you get the tattoo.
• Other permanent skin problems. Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink, especially red ink. Tattooing can also lead to raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids).

Safety Precautions for Reducing Health Risk Associated with Tattoos:
• Go to a reputable tattooing studio that employs only licensed, properly trained employees.
• Make sure the tattoo artist washes his or her hands and wears a fresh pair of protective gloves for each procedure.
• Make sure the tattoo artist removes a needle and tubes from sealed packages before your procedure begins. Any pigments, trays and containers should be unused as well.
• Make sure the tattoo artist uses a heat sterilization machine (autoclave) to sterilize all nondisposable equipment after each customer. Instruments and supplies that can't be sterilized with an autoclave — including drawer handles, tables and sinks — should be cleaned with a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution after each use.

If you think your tattoo may be infected or you're concerned that your tattoo isn't healing properly, contact your doctor.


UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE

The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated its recommendations for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease through use of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among all adults aged ≥65 years and those adults aged 19–64 years with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for serious pneumococcal infection. The new recommendations include the following changes from previous ACIP recommendations: 1) indications for which PPSV23 vaccination is recommended now include cigarette smoking and asthma, and 2) routine use of PPSV23 is no longer recommended for Alaska Natives or American Indians aged ≤65 years unless they have medical or other indications for PPSV23. For more information, read this MMWR: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5934a3.htm?s_cid=mm5934a3_w