Partners in Health
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication to improving immunization outcomes in North Carolina with the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP). We appreciate your continued service and strive to continue providing the support you need.
In this newsletter, we address the recent measles outbreaks around the country, important vaccine updates, and other key information to support your ongoing efforts.
Inside this issue
- Measles Provider Memo and Resources
- State Administration of Nirsevimab Ends March 31, 2025
- Novavax COVID-19 Update
- Reduced Shelf Life for Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine
- NCIP Provider Profile: Annual Update Required
- Temperature Monitor Update for McKesson Shipments
- CDC Investigating Hospitalizations After IXCHIQ Chikungunya Vaccine
- March 4th is International HPV Awareness Day
Measles Provider Memo and Resources
Due to recent measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and globally, it's crucial for North Carolina clinicians to be vigilant in reporting, testing, and vaccinating for measles.
In a recent memo from Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist and Dr. Carrie Blanchard, Director Immunization Branch, key recommendations for North Carolina clinicians regarding measles reporting, testing, and vaccination were shared. Early identification and vaccination of susceptible contacts are essential in controlling the spread of this disease.
Read the Measles Memo - 3/3/25 (PDF)
State Administration of Nirsevimab Ends March 31, 2025
ACIP recommends RSV vaccination for eligible infants between October and March. Administration of nirsevimab will end on March 31, 2025. Providers should continue using the allocation request survey for nirsevimab orders until March 21, 2025. If you require a rushed order after this date, please contact the Help Desk.
Any remaining non-expired nirsevimab after March 31st should be properly stored and marked “do not use” until next season. To avoid wastage, please avoid ordering excess doses toward the end of the season for future use.
Novavax COVID-19 Update
As we move through the 2024-2025 vaccination season, be aware that the shelf life for Novavax vaccines is shorter this year. To ensure the efficient use of these vaccines, keep the following in mind:
- The shelf life for Novavax vaccines is typically two months post-release.
- Use any remaining vaccines before their expiry date and return any expired doses to McKesson.
- The CDC is currently filling orders for Novavax with vaccines expiring March 31, 2025.
- Distribution will continue until 18 days prior to expiry.
- No shelf-life extensions are anticipated for 2024-2025 season.
Reduced Shelf Life for Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine
We anticipate reduced shelf life for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for persons 12y+ (NDC# 00069-2432-10).
Between mid-February and mid-March, Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine shelf life will be reduced to 8-11 weeks from delivery. This is a temporary change, so plan your orders accordingly to ensure timely usage. This reduced shelf life only applies to the direct-shipped Pfizer vaccine and does not affect Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines shipped through McKesson.
NCIP Provider Profile: Annual Update Required
All North Carolina Immunization Program and Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers are required to update your provider profile every 12 months to continue to receive vaccine(s) and remain active in the program. The provider profile indicates the number of VFC/VFA 317-eligible and non-VFC/VFA 317-eligible patients served by your practice.
Profile submissions are due by April 4, 2025.
- Information about how to complete your update was sent via email to the primary coordinator, back-up coordinator, and lead provider on file on March 1.
- Failure to submit by the deadline may result in suspension from the NCIP.
- For questions or help completing your survey, contact the NCIP Help Desk, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 1-877-873-6247 or at ncirhelp@dhhs.nc.gov.
Temperature Monitor Update for McKesson Shipments
McKesson will begin using new electronic TagAlert temperature monitors for refrigerated vaccine shipments starting in March.
These monitors are similar to the ones that are currently being used in the frozen Moderna COVID shipments, as they monitor for both warm and cold excursions during the shipment. McKesson will continue to use a qualified cooler and pack out, in addition to these new monitors. The new monitors will be included in refrigerated shipments beginning on March 10, 2025.
A flyer that includes information about the new temperature monitor (PDF) will be included in refrigerated vaccine shipments moving forward.
CDC Investigating Hospitalizations After IXCHIQ Chikungunya Vaccine
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.
As health care providers:
- Discuss the risks and benefits of IXCHIQ with your patients based on each traveler’s age, destination, trip duration, and planned activities.
- Review the latest CDC Travel Health Notices and be aware of countries and territories with outbreaks or evidence of chikungunya virus transmission among people within the last 5 years.
- Refer to the warning in the IXCHIQ package insert (PDF) for additional safety information, including potential chikungunya-like adverse reactions.
Report any adverse event following IXCHIQ vaccination to VAERS.
March 4th is International HPV Awareness Day
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) International Awareness Day highlights the need for continued education, vaccination efforts, and early detection practices to the burden of HPV-related diseases.
- HPV is a common virus that can cause 6 types of cancer.
- More than 37,000 people get HPV cancers in the United States every year.
- HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers when boys and girls receive the HPV vaccine series prior to their 13th birthday.
- The most recent NIS-Teen data shows that North Carolina is now ranked 25th in the United States for HPV Vaccine UTD rates. Your efforts to increase HPV vaccination among your patients last year have paid off!
A call-to-action HPV Letter to Providers (PDF) has been issued for all North Carolina providers from The North Carolina Immunization Coalition's HPV Task Force, which includes important recommendations and data to help when having crucial conversations with your patients about the HPV vaccine.
How to contact us:
For assistance, please contact the NCIP Help Desk by phone at 1-877-873-6247 or by email.
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to protect North Carolina’s mothers and infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.
In Health,
North Carolina Immunization Program