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2004 Immunization
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October
2004
Top
- October
5 ,
2004
Interim
Influenza Vaccination Recommendations, 2004–05 Influenza
Season
On October 5, 2004, CDC was notified by Chiron Corporation
that none of its influenza vaccine (Fluvirin®) would be available
for distribution in the United States for the 2004–05 influenza
season.... This action will reduce by approximately one half the
expected supply of trivalent inactivated vaccine (flu shot) available
in the United States for the 2004–05 influenza season. Because
of this urgent situation, CDC, in coordination with its Advisory
Committee for Immunization Practices, is issuing interim recommendations
for influenza vaccination during the 2004-05 season....
Top
September
2004
- September
24,
2004
Emergency
Measles Control Activities - Darfur, Sudan, 2004
The Darfur region of Sudan has experienced civil conflict
during the previous year, resulting in the internal displacement
of approximately one million residents and an exodus of an estimated
170,000 persons to neighboring Chad. The conflict has left a vulnerable
population with limited access to food, health care, and other
basic necessities. In addition, measles vaccination coverage has
been adversely affected.... This report describes measles-control
activities in Darfur region conducted by the Federal Ministry
of Health in Sudan in collaboration with the United Nations and
nongovernmental organizations during March-August 2004....
- September
24,
2004
Childhood
Influenza-Vaccination Coverage - United States, 2002-03 Influenza
Season
Children aged <2 years are at increased risk for influenza-related
hospitalizations. Beginning in 2002, the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) encouraged that, when feasible,
all children aged 6-23 months, as well as household contacts and
out-of-home caregivers for children aged <2 years, receive
influenza vaccinations each influenza season. Beginning with the
2004-05 influenza season, ACIP strengthened the encouragement
to a recommendation.... This report on childhood influenza-vaccination
coverage for the 2002-03 influenza season provides a baseline
for the continuing assessment of coverage among children aged
6-23 months.....
- September
24,
2004
Notice
to Readers: Supplemental Recommendations About the Timing of Influenza
Vaccination, 2004-05 Season
In early August 2004, discussion with the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and influenza vaccine manufacturers indicated
that production of vaccine for the 2004-05 influenza season was
proceeding satisfactorily. However, on August 26, Chiron Corporation
announced that, in conducting final internal release procedures
for its inactivated influenza vaccine, Fluvirin®, the company's
quality-assurance systems had identified a small number of lots
that did not meet product sterility specifications; these lots
will not be distributed.... Total influenza-vaccine production
from all manufacturers who will supply the U.S. market during
the 2004-05 influenza season is estimated at 100 million doses,
approximately 13 million more doses than were produced for the
2003-04 influenza season....
Top
- September
17,
2004
Notice
to Readers: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Shortage Resolved
Since February 2004, CDC has recommended that 7-valent
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, marketed as Prevnar®, be administered
to healthy children on an abbreviated schedule to conserve the
limited supply. Supply is now sufficient to meet the national
demand for vaccine on the routine, 4-dose schedule. Effective
immediately, CDC, in consultation with the Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Family Physicians,
and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends that providers
resume administration of PCV7 according to the routine schedule....
- September
10,
2004
Progress
Towards Poliomyelitis Eradication - Egypt, 2003-2004
Since 1988, the estimated number of wild poliovirus cases
worldwide has decreased more than 99%, and three World Health
Organization regions (Americas, European, and Western Pacific)
are now certified as polio-free. Substantial progress has been
made in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This report summarizes
progress towards polio eradication in Egypt from 2003 through
mid-2004...
- September
10,
2004
Indicators
for Chronic Disease Surveillance
Chronic
diseases account for 7 of the 10 leading causes of death in the
United States, including the three leading causes of preventable
death. In 1999, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
released Indicators for Chronic Disease Surveillance. This report
describes the latest revisions to the chronic disease indicators.
Of the indicators, 24 are for cancer; 15 for cardiovascular disease;
11 for diabetes; seven for alcohol; five each for nutrition and
tobacco; three each for oral health, physical activity, and renal
disease; and two each for asthma, osteoporosis, and immunizations...
Top
- September
3 ,
2004
Suspension
of Rotavirus Vaccine After Reports of Intussusception - United
States, 1999
On
July 16, 1999, CDC recommended that healthcare providers suspend
use of the licensed rhesus-human rotavirus reassortant-tetravalent
vaccine (RRV-TV) (RotaShield®, Wyeth Laboratories, Inc., Marietta,
Pennsylvania) in response to 15 cases of intussusception among
infants who received RRV-TV. After the recommendation to suspend
use of the vaccine, no additional cases were reported. This report
describes the surveillance activities used to identify this vaccine
adverse event ...
-
September 2004 issue (Vol.
10, No. 9)
Potential
Public Health Impact of New Tuberculosis Vaccines
Developing effective tuberculosis (TB) vaccines
is a high priority. We use mathematical models to predict the
potential public health impact of new TB vaccines in high-incidence
countries. We show that preexposure vaccines would be almost twice
as effective as postexposure vaccines in reducing the number of
new infections. Postexposure vaccines would initially...
August
2004
- August
27,
2004
Notice
to Readers: Web-Based Course on Smallpox Vaccine Storage and Handling
CDC's
National Immunization Program (NIP) announces the availability
of "Smallpox Vaccine Storage and Handling," an interactive,
Internet-based training course. Goals of the course are to ensure
proper storage, handling, and shipping of smallpox vaccine by
healthcare providers and to support the national emergency preparedness
response to bioterrorism events...
Top
- August
20,
2004
Erratum:
Vol. 53, No. RR-6
In
the MMWR Recommendations and Reports, "Prevention
and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices (ACIP)," an error occurred on page
14 in Table 4. The first sentence of the first footnote should
read, "A 0.5-mL dose contains 15 mg each of A/Fujian/411/2002
(H3N2)-like, A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like, and B/Shanghai/361/2002-like
antigens."
- August
13,
2004
Notice
to Readers: Public Comment Sought on CDC's Vaccine Safety
In
consultation with outside stakeholders, the CDC has undertaken
a review of vaccine safety activities at CDC. As part of this
effort, the CDC is seeking public comments regarding the current
state of the agency's vaccine safety program and to identify ways
in which excellence in vaccine safety monitoring, research and
communication can be maximized and sustained in the future....
The public comment period will end on October 12, 2004....
- August
13,
2004
Assessment
of the Effectiveness of the 2003-04 Influenza Vaccine Among Children
and Adults - Colorado, 2003
The
2003-04 influenza season was characterized by the early onset
of influenza activity, reports of severe illness, particularly
in children, and predominant circulation of an influenza A (H3N2)
virus strain that was antigenically different from the influenza
A (H3N2) vaccine strain. In 2003, a retrospective cohort study
among children and a case-control study among adults in Colorado
were conducted to provide preliminary data on the effectiveness
of the 2003-04 influenza vaccine. This report summarizes the results
of those studies...
-
August 12,
2004
Epidemiology
of Measles - United States, 2001-2003
Measles
is a highly infectious acute viral illness that can cause severe
pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis, and death. To characterize
the epidemiology of measles in the United States during 2001-2003,
CDC analyzed data reported by state and local health departments.
This report summarizes the results of that analysis...
Top
- August
5 ,
2004
Transmission
of Hepatitis B Virus in Correctional Facilities - Georgia, January
1999-June 2002
Incarcerated
persons have a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases,
including hepatitis B virus infection. Among U.S. adult prison
inmates, the overall prevalence of current or previous HBV infection
ranges from 13% to 47%.... This report summarizes the results
of an analysis of hepatitis B cases among Georgia inmates reported
to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public
Health, during January 1999-June 2002...
-
August 5,
2004
Hepatitis
B Vaccination of Inmates in Correctional Facilities-Texas, 2000-2002
In
December 2002, approximately 2.2 million persons were incarcerated
in the United States; an estimated 8 million were released to
the community that year. In 2001, approximately 22,000 acute hepatitis
B cases and 78,000 new hepatitis B virus infections occurred in
the United States; an estimated 29% of these cases were in persons
who had been incarcerated previously.... Hepatitis B vaccination
of incarcerated persons is recommended to prevent transmission
in correctional facilities...
-
August 2004 issue (Vol.
10, No. 8)
Predicting
Antigenic Variants of Influenza A/H3N2 Viruses
Current inactivated influenza vaccines provide
protection when vaccine antigens and circulating viruses share
a high degree of similarity in hemagglutinin protein. Five antigenic
sites in the hemagglutinin protein have been proposed, and 131
amino acid positions have been identified in the five antigenic
sites. In addition...
Top
July
2004
-
July 30,
2004
Notice
to Readers: Inadvertent Intradermal Administration of Tetanus
Toxoid-Containing Vaccines Instead of Tuberculosis Skin Tests
CDC
and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been notified
about the potential for inadvertent administration of tetanus
toxoid-containing vaccines instead of tuberculin purified protein
derivative used for tuberculosis skin tests (TSTs). The Vaccine
Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a passive surveillance
system jointly operated by CDC and FDA, detected clusters of medication
errors in at least two states. These findings, along with another
previously reported investigation involving the same error, suggest
the need to take additional steps to minimize the risk for inadvertent
intradermal injections of TTCVs....
Top
-
July 23,
2004
Progress
Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication - Afghanistan and Pakistan, January
2003-May 2004
Since
the 1988 World Health Assembly resolution to eradicate poliomyelitis,
the number of countries where polio is endemic decreased from
approximately 125 to 6 by the end of 2003. In 2003, poliovirus
importations were reported in 10 countries, including eight in
West and Central Africa, one in Southern Africa (Botswana), and
one in the Middle East (Lebanon). Poliovirus remains endemic in
Afghanistan and Pakistan. This report describes intensified polio
eradication activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan during January
2003-May 2004...
Top
-
July 16, 2004
Erratum:
Vol. 53, No. 26
In
the notice to readers, "Updated Recommendations for Use
of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Reinstatement of the Third
Dose," an error occurred on page 590; an incorrect telephone
number was provided for the customer service department at Wyeth
Vaccines. The correct number is 800-666-7248.
-
July 16, 2004
Update:
Investigation of Rabies Infections in Organ Donor and Transplant
Recipients - Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, 2004
On
July 9, this report was posted as an MMWR Dispatch on the MMWR
website (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr).
On July 1, 2004, CDC reported laboratory confirmation of rabies
as the cause of encephalitis in an organ donor and three organ
recipients at Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) in Dallas,
Texas. Hospital and public health officials in Alabama, Arkansas,
Oklahoma, and Texas initiated public health investigations to
identify donor and recipient contacts, assess exposure risks,
and provide rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). As of July
9, PEP had been initiated in approximately 174 (19%) of 916 persons
who had been assessed for exposures to the organ recipients or
the donor...
- e
Family Practice News*
July 15, 2004
(Vol
34, No. 14)
Feds
Embrace New Meningococcal Shot
(exit site)
The proposals were made in anticipation of U.S. licensure this
fall of a quadrivalent conjugate meningococcal vaccine (MCV-4)
for individuals aged 11-55 years. None of the proposals were made
unanimously, and they will be discussed further at the October
2004 ACIP meeting...
Top
-
July 9, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Updated Recommendations for Use of Pneumococcal
Conjugate Vaccine: Reinstatement of the Third Dose
In
February 2004, production of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate
vaccine (PCV7), marketed as Prevnar® and manufactured by
Wyeth Vaccines (Collegeville, Pennsylvania), failed to meet
demand, resulting in shortages. To conserve the limited supply,
CDC recommended that the fourth dose of PCV7 be withheld from
healthy children. In March, because evidence indicated that
production would be curtailed for several months, CDC recommended
that the third dose also be withheld. Production problems now
appear to have been resolved. As a result, deliveries are projected
during the near term to permit the recommendation that every
child receive 3 doses....
-
July 9, 2004
Investigation
of Rabies Infections in Organ Donor and Transplant Recipients
- Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, 2004
On July 1, this report was posted as an MMWR Dispatch on the
MMWR website (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr).
On
June 30, 2004, CDC confirmed diagnoses of rabies in three recipients
of transplanted organs and in their common donor, who was found
subsequently to have serologic evidence of rabies infection.
The transplant recipients had encephalitis of unknown etiology
after transplantation and subsequently died. Specimens were
sent to CDC for diagnostic evaluation. This report provides
a brief summary of the ongoing investigation and information
on exposure risks and postexposure measures....
-
July 2, 2004
Update:
Influenza Activity - United States and Worldwide, 2003-04 Season,
and Composition of the 2004-05 Influenza Vaccine
During the 2003-04 influenza season, influenza A (H1), A (H3N2),
and B viruses co-circulated worldwide, and influenza A (H3N2)
viruses predominated. Several Asian countries reported widespread
outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) among poultry. In Vietnam
and Thailand, these outbreaks were associated with severe illnesses
and deaths among humans. In the United States, the 2003-04 influenza
season began earlier than most seasons, peaked in December,
was moderately severe in terms of its impact on mortality, and
was associated predominantly with influenza A (H3N2) viruses....
-
July 2, 2004
Progress
Toward Sustainable Measles Mortality Reduction- South-East Asia
Region, 1999-2002
Substantial progress has been made toward meeting the 2003 World
Health Assembly goal to reduce measles deaths 50% by the end
of 2005, compared with deaths in 1999. Although measles remains
the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths among children,
the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, during 1999-2002,
global measles mortality decreased 29%...
-
July 2, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Availability of Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Software
for Hospital Planning
Influenza pandemics have occurred three times during the 20th
century: in 1918, 1957, and 1968. Another influenza pandemic is
likely, if not inevitable. To help public health officials and
hospital administrators prepare for the next influenza pandemic,
CDC has developed FluSurge 1.0, a specialized spreadsheet-based
software that estimates the potential surge in demand for hospital-based
health care during a pandemic....
Top
June
2004
-
June 25, 2004
Progress
Toward Global Eradication of Poliomyelitis, January 2003-April
2004
In 1988, the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolved to eradicate
poliomyelitis globally. Since then, implementation of the eradication
strategies reduced the number of countries with endemic polio
from 125 in 1988 to six in 2003. However, in 2003, an unprecedented
10 countries reported poliovirus importations, including eight
in West and Central Africa, one in Southern Africa (Botswana),
and one in the Middle East (Lebanon). This report describes
progress made toward global polio eradication during January
2003-April 2004, outlines remaining challenges, and underscores
the need for decisive action to interrupt transmission by the
end of 2004 or early 2005...
-
June 25, 2004
Compendium
of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2004*
Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis and a serious public health
problem. The purpose of this compendium is to provide information
to veterinarians, public health officials, and others concerned
with rabies prevention and control. These recommendations serve
as the basis for animal rabies-control programs throughout the
United States and facilitate standardization of procedures among
jurisdictions, thereby contributing to an effective national
rabies-control program...
-
June 4, 2004
National
Laboratory Inventory for Global Poliovirus Containment - United
States, November 2003
In anticipation of the interruption of wild poliovirus (WPV)
transmission, the United States has joined 122 other poliomyelitis-free
countries in taking steps to minimize the risk for reintroducing
WPV from laboratories to communities. In October 2002, a nationwide
survey of laboratories and biomedical institutions that oversee
multiple laboratories was conducted to identify those that might
be holding WPV-containing materials and to establish a national
inventory of institutions and laboratories retaining such materials.
This report summarizes use of the survey to create the national
inventory...
-
June 4, 2004
Update:
Measles Among Children Adopted from China
As of May 24, 2004, investigators have identified 10 confirmed
measles cases associated with adoptees who traveled to the United
States from China during March 2004. No cases have been reported
since April 18, and all the ill persons have recovered without
complications. CDC is now recommending that the temporary suspension
of adoptions from the affected orphanage in China be ended and
standard adoption procedures be resumed...
Top
May
2004
-
May 28, 2004
Prevention
and Control of Influenza Recommendations of the ACIP
This report updates the 2003 recommendations on the use of influenza
vaccine and antiviral agents. The 2004 recs. include new or updated
info. regarding 1) influenza vaccine for children aged 6-23 months;
2) vaccination of health-care workers with live, attenuated influenza
vaccine; 3) personnel who may administer LAIV; 4) the 2004-05
trivalent inactivated vaccine virus strains... and 5) assessment
of vaccine supply and timing of influenza vaccination...
-
May 28, 2004
Wild
Poliovirus Importations West & Central Africa,
January 2003-March 2004
During Jan. 2003-Mar. 2004, importations of wild poliovirus occurred
in eight countries that were previously polio-free: five in the
West African block and three in the Central African block, resulting
in 63 polio cases. This report summarizes the investigation and
response to these importations along with progress toward polio
eradication in West and Central Africa...
-
May 28, 2004
Immunization
Registry Progress in U.S., Jan.-Dec. 2002
This report summarizes data from CDC's 2002 Immunization Registry
Annual Report, a survey of registry activity among immunization
programs in the 50 states and the D.C. that receive grant funding...
These data indicate that approximately 43% of children aged less
than 6 years are enrolled in a registry; achieving the national
health objective will require increased implementation of functional
standards to improve data quality...
-
May 21, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Availability of Diphtheria Antitoxin Through an Investigational
New Drug Protocol
Cases of respiratory diphtheria continue to occur sporadically
among persons in the United States.... Respiratory diphtheria
most often affects unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated persons,
particularly those who travel to areas where diphtheria is endemic
and those who come into close contact with travelers from such
areas. Effective treatment of respiratory diphtheria includes
early administration of an equine diphtheria antitoxin (DAT)....
-
May 14, 2004
Outbreak
of Varicella Among Vaccinated Children--Michigan, 2003
This report summarizes the results of that study, which indicated
that 1) transmission of varicella was sustained at the school
for nearly 1 month despite high vaccination coverage, 2) vaccinated
patients had substantially milder disease (<50 lesions), and
3) a period of >4 years since vaccination was a risk factor
for breakthrough disease. These findings highlight...
-
May 7, 2004
Framework
for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems for Early
Detection of Outbreaks
The threat of terrorism and high-profile disease outbreaks has
drawn attention to public health surveillance systems for early
detection of outbreaks. State and local health departments are
enhancing existing surveillance systems and developing new systems
to better detect outbreaks through public health surveillance.
This report supplements previous guidelines for evaluating public
health surveillance systems...
-
May 7, 2004
Lyme
Disease - United States, 2001-2002
Lyme disease (LD) is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
and is transmitted through the bite of Ixodes spp. ticks. CDC
began LD surveillance in 1982, and the Council of State and Territorial
Epidemiologists designated LD a nationally notifiable disease
in 1991. This report summarizes the analysis of 40,792 cases of
LD reported to CDC during 2001-2002...
Top
-
May 2004 issue (Vol.
10, No. 5)
Ring
Vaccination and Smallpox Control
Without natural smallpox infections, practical
experience with ring vaccination against smallpox cannot be gained;
accounts of the vaccination programs that eradicated smallpox
in the 1970s are the only source of information. Combined with
information collected during the last decades of smallpox circulation,
mathematical modeling offers a tool to explore various vaccination
scenarios if an outbreak occurs...
-
May 2004 issue
(Vol.
10, No. 5)
Mass
Smallpox Vaccination & Cardiac Deaths, NYC, 1947
To determine whether vaccination increased cardiac death,
we reviewed NYC death certificates for comparable periods in 1946,
1947, and 1948 (N = 81,529) and calculated adjusted relative death
rates for the postvaccination period. No increases in cardiac
deaths were observed...
Top
April
2004
-
April 30, 2004
Prevention
and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of ACIP
This report updates the 2003 recommendations by the Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on the use of influenza vaccine
and antiviral agents. MMWR
2003;52[No. RR-8]:1-34 (April 25, 2003)...
-
April 30, 2004
Recommended
Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule U.S., July–Dec.
2004
This report updates that schedule with the recommendation that,
beginning in fall 2004, children aged 6–23 months, as well
as household and out-of-home caregivers for such children, receive
annual influenza vaccine. A catch-up immunization schedule for
children and adolescents who start late or who are >1 month
behind remains unchanged from that published in January 2004.
-
April 30, 2004
Progress
Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication
Nigeria, January 2003–March 2004
The
findings indicate the urgent need to implement high-quality supplementary
immunization activities (SIAs) in Nigeria to interrupt ongoing
WPV transmission.
-
April 23, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Africa Malaria Day - April 25, 2004
On
April 25, Africa Malaria Day 2004 marks the fourth anniversary
of the Abuja declaration, when heads of state and representatives
of 44 African countries set a goal to reduce the number of deaths
from malaria by 50% by 2010. Measures to reduce malaria deaths
include timely and correct treatment of patients and protection
against malaria among groups at high risk by using insecticide-treated
mosquito nets and preventive use of drugs during pregnancy...
-
April 23, 2004
Update:
Multistate Investigation of Measles Among Adoptees from China
- April 16, 2004
CDC
recently published information about six confirmed and three
suspected cases of measles among children who were adopted in
China. Preliminary investigation into the source of measles
exposure among the recent U.S. adoptees has traced the presumed
source of the outbreak to an orphanage in China...
-
April 23, 2004
Erratum:
Vol. 53, No. 14
In the brief report, "Update:
Measles Among Adoptees from China - April 14, 2004,"
two incorrect flight numbers were provided for March 27 flights.
The correct number for the Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles
to Cincinnati was flight 48, and the correct number for the Delta
Airlines flight from Cincinnati to Washington, DC was flight 5180.
Top
-
April 16, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Vaccination Week of the Americas, April 24-30, 2004
The objective is to vaccinate susceptible populations by improving
access among underserved populations, keeping vaccination programs
on the political agendas of countries in the Western Hemisphere,
and promoting cooperation among countries in the region. By ensuring
the vaccination of susceptible persons, health authorities will
maintain measles-elimination programs in the region and support
implementation of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome-elimination
plans...
-
April 16, 2004
Progress
Toward Measles Elimination - Region of the Americas, 2002-2003
In 1994, countries in the Region of the Americas adopted the goal
of eliminating endemic measles transmission in the Western hemisphere
by 2000. Since 1994, rapid progress has been made. The number
of measles cases has declined more than 99 percent, from approximately
250,000 in 1990 to 105 confirmed cases reported in six countries
in 2003. During 2003, only Mexico and the U.S. reported outbreaks...
-
April 16, 2004
Measles
Outbreak in a Boarding School - Pennsylvania, 2003
This report summarizes the results of the outbreak investigation,
which indicated that measles continues to be imported into the
U.S. and that high coverage with 2 doses of measles-containing
vaccine (MCV) among students was effective in limiting the size
of the outbreak. Health-care providers should maintain a high
index of suspicion for measles, especially in those who have traveled
abroad recently, and recommendations for 2 doses of MCV in all
school-aged children should be followed...
-
April 16, 2004
Multistate Investigation of Measles Among Adoptees from
China - April 2004
This report summarizes the preliminary results of an ongoing
multistate investigation that has so far identified four confirmed
and five suspected cases of measles among adoptees from China,
underscoring the need for health-care providers to remain vigilant
for measles and other vaccine-preventable communicable diseases
in children adopted from international regions... See
Also Brief
Report: Update: Measles Among Adoptees from China - April 14,
2004
Top
-
April 9, 2004
Multistate
Investigation of Measles Among Adoptees from China - April 2004
On April 6, 2004, Public Health - Seattle and King
County, Washington, reported a laboratory-confirmed case of
measles in a recently adopted child from China. Public health
authorities in Washington state notified CDC, which collaborated
with health officials in other states to locate other recently
adopted children from China and contact their adoptive families.
This report summarizes the preliminary results of an ongoing
multistate investigation...
-
April 9, 2004
Notice
to Readers: National Infant Immunization Week, April 25-May
1, 2004
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 25-May
1, 2004. This year's theme is "Vaccination: an Act of Love.
Love Them. Protect Them. Immunize Them." This event emphasizes
the importance of timely infant and childhood vaccination. Vaccination
is one of the most effective ways to protect children, especially
infants and young children, from potentially serious diseases....
-
April 9, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Manufacturer's Recall of Human Rabies Vaccine -
April 2, 2004
On April 2, this notice was posted as an MMWR Dispatch
on the MMWR website (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr).
CDC
and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been notified
that a recent quality-assurance test of IMOVAX® Rabies Vaccine
(Aventis Pasteur, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania) identified the presence
of noninactivated Pitman-Moore virus (the attenuated vaccine
strain) in a single product lot. The vaccine lot containing
noninactivated virus was not distributed....
-
April 9, 2004
Update:
Influenza Activity - United States, 2003-04 Season
This report summarizes influenza activity in the United
States during September 29, 2003-March 27, 2004 and updates
the previous summary. This report also summarizes human infections
with avian influenza viruses related to poultry outbreaks in
North America. Preliminary data collected through CDC influenza
surveillance indicate that national influenza activity peaked
during late November-December....
-
April 2004 issue
Pediatric
Influenza Prevention and Control
Global
evaluation of influenza vaccination in children indicates that
current recommendations are not followed. Most children at high
risk for influenza-related complications do not receive the vaccine,
and increased efforts are needed to protect them. Furthermore,
vaccinating healthy infants 6–23 months of age and their
close contacts should be strongly encouraged...
March
2004
-
March 26, 2004
Progress
Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication - India, 2003
Since
the World Health Assembly resolved in May 1988 to eradicate poliomyelitis,
the estimated global incidence of polio has decreased >99%,
and three World Health Organization (WHO) regions (Americas, Western
Pacific, and European) have been certified as polio-free. By 2001,
poliovirus circulation in India had been limited primarily to
the two northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with 268 cases
reported nationwide. This report summarizes the status of polio
eradication activities in India during 2003 and describes the
actions being taken to reduce poliovirus transmission.
-
March 26, 2004
Brief
Report: Imported Measles Case Associated with Nonmedical Vaccine
Exemption - Iowa, March 2004
On
March 13, 2004, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported
to CDC that a male student aged 19 years with measles in the infectious
stage had flown from New Delhi, India, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
on March 12. Because of a nonmedical exemption, the student had
not received measles-containing vaccine (MCV). This report describes
the measles case, the public health response to prevent secondary
cases, and the impact on the public health system...
-
March 26, 2004
Guidelines
for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia, 2003
This
report updates, expands, and replaces the previously published
CDC "Guideline for Prevention of Nosocomial Pneumonia".
The new guidelines are designed to reduce the incidence of pneumonia
and other severe, acute lower respiratory tract infections in
acute-care hospitals and in other healthcare settings (e.g., ambulatory
and long-term care institutions) and facilities where health care
is provided.
-
-
March 19, 2004
Brief
Report: Imported Measles Case Associated with Nonmedical Vaccine
Exemption
Describes
the case of a male student aged 19 years with measles in the infectious
stage who flew from New Delhi, India, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on
March 12. Because of a nonmedical exemption, the student had not
received measles-containing vaccine. This report describes the
measles case, the public health response to prevent secondary
cases, and the impact on the public health system.
- Archives
of Pediatrics
and Adolescent
Medicine, March
2004
Childhood
Immunization Rates Before and After the Implementation of Medicaid
Managed Care (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004;158:230-235)
Objectives of study: To evaluate trends in childhood immunization
coverage after implementation of Medicaid managed care in Tennessee
(TennCare) in 1994...
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March 19, 2004
School-Associated
Pertussis Outbreak - Yavapai County, Arizona, September 2002 -
February 2003
On September 21, 2002, a pertussis case (confirmed by
isolation of Bordetella pertussis) was reported to the Yavapai
County Health Department (YCHD). The patient was a child aged
13 years in the 8th grade at a middle school in Yavapai County.
On September 22, a second culture-confirmed case was reported
from the same classroom. Subsequent investigation identified five
additional persons with prolonged cough illnesses. This report
summarizes the epidemiology of the outbreak and the control measures
used to contain it...
- The
Journal of Pediatrics Mar
2004, Volume 144 • Number 3
Effect
of Maternal Antibody on Immunogenicity of Hepatitis A Vaccine
in Infants (exit site)
This study concluded that passively acquired maternal anti-HAV
resulted in a significantly lower final antibody response when
infants were administered hepatitis A vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months
of age or at 8 and 10 months of age.
-
PEDIATRICS
March 2004; 113 (3) pp. 455-459
Chickenpox
Outbreak in a Highly Vaccinated School Population
(exit site)
We investigated a chickenpox outbreak that started in an Oregon
elementary school in October 2001, after public schools began
phasing in a varicella vaccination requirement for enrollment.
We sought to determine the rate of varicella vaccination and
effectiveness and risk factors for breakthrough disease...
-
PEDIATRICS
March 2004; 113 (3) pp. 585 - 593
Incidence
of Outpatient Visits and Hospitalizations Related to Influenza
in Infants and Young Children (exit
site)
The ACIP recently voted to recommend influenza vaccination for
all children beginning during the 2004–2005 influenza
season; information on the rate of outpatient visits due to
influenza is needed to better evaluate the potential health
impact and cost-effectiveness of the recommendation. We estimated
the incidence of outpatient visits...
-
March 2, 2004
Updated
Recommendations on the Use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine:
Suspension of Recommendation for Third and Fourth Dose
On February 13, 2004, CDC recommended that healthcare
providers temporarily suspend routine use of the fourth dose of
7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) when vaccinating
healthy children. This action was taken to conserve vaccine and
minimize the likelihood of shortages until Wyeth Vaccines, the
only U.S. supplier of PCV7 (marketed as Prevnar®), restores
sufficient production capacity to meet the national need.... Effective
immediately, to further conserve vaccine, CDC recommends that
all healthcare providers temporarily suspend routine administration
of both the third and fourth doses to healthy children....
February
2004
-
February 27, 2004
Effect
of New Susceptibility Breakpoints on Reporting of Resistance in
Streptococcus pneumoniae - United States, 2003
In January 2003, the National Committee for Clinical
Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) finalized new breakpoints for defining
the susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates to cefotaxime
and ceftriaxone.... To assess the effect of these new criteria
on reporting of nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae isolates, CDC analyzed
cefotaxime MIC data from the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance
(ABCs) of the Emerging Infections Program (EIP) Network during
1998-2001. This report summarizes the results of that analysis....
- The
Journal of Pediatrics Feb
2004, Vol 144/Issue 2, pp 191-195
Prevalence
and characteristics of children at increased risk for complications
from influenza, U.S., 2000 (exit site)
This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of at-risk
children nationwide.
-
February 20, 2004
Fatal
Case of Unsuspected Pertussis Diagnosed from a Blood Culture -
Minnesota, 2003
Pertussis (i.e., whooping cough) is a prolonged cough
illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.... In 2003,
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) investigated a fatal
case of unsuspected B. pertussis infection in an elderly adult.
This report summarizes the case investigation....
-
February 20, 2004
Errata:
Vol. 53, No. 5
In the report, "Update:
Adverse Events Following Civilian Smallpox Vaccination-United
States, 2003," on page 107, the page numbers in reference
3 were incorrect.... In the report, "Global
Polio Eradication Initiative Strategic Plan, 2004," on
page 109, an error occurred in the address of the website listed
in the last sentence of the last paragraph. The correct website
address is http://www.polioeradication.org/all/news/document.asp
....
-
Feb 18, 2004, Vol
291, pp 851-855
Effectiveness
Over Time of Varicella Vaccine (exit
site)
Objective of study: To assess whether the effectiveness of varicella
vaccine is affected either by time since vaccination or by age
at the time of vaccination....
-
February 13, 2004
Outbreaks
of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Asia and Interim Recommendations
for Evaluation and Reporting of Suspected Cases - United States,
2004
During December 2003-February 2004, outbreaks of highly
pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) among poultry were reported
in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand,
and Vietnam. As of February 9, 2004, a total of 23 cases of laboratory-confirmed
influenza A (H5N1) virus infections in humans, resulting in 18
deaths, had been reported in Thailand and Vietnam....
-
February 13, 2004
Cases
of Influenza A (H5N1) - Thailand, 2004
Since mid-December 2003, eight Asian countries (Cambodia,
China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam)
have reported an epizootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza
in poultry and various other birds caused by influenza A (H5N1).
As of February 9, 2004, a total of 23 laboratory-confirmed human
cases of influenza A (H5N1) had been reported in Thailand....
-
February 13, 2004
Secondary
and Tertiary Transfer of Vaccinia Virus Among U.S. Military Personnel
- United States and Worldwide, 2002-2004
In December 2002, the Department of Defense (DoD)
began vaccinating military personnel as part of the pre-event
vaccination program. Because vaccinia virus is present on the
skin at the site of vaccination, it can spread to other parts
of the body or to contacts of vaccinees....
-
February 13, 2004
Update:
Adverse Events Following Civilian Smallpox Vaccination - United
States, 2003
During January 24-December 31, 2003, smallpox vaccine
was administered to 39,213 civilian healthcare and public health
workers in 55 jurisdictions to prepare the United States for a
possible terrorist attack using smallpox virus. This report updates
information on vaccine-associated adverse events among civilians
vaccinated since the beginning of the program...
-
February 13, 2004
Brief
Report: Global Polio Eradication Initiative Strategic Plan, 2004
Since the 1988 World Health Assembly resolution to
eradicate poliomyelitis, the number of polio-endemic countries
has decreased from 125 in 1988 to six in 2003 (i.e., Afghanistan,
Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, and Pakistan), and the number of
cases reported worldwide has decreased from approximately 350,000
to 682. In 2003, approximately 90% of cases were reported from
Nigeria (305), India (220), and Pakistan (99)....
-
February 13, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Limited Supply of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine:
Suspension of Recommendation for Fourth Dose
In December 2003, CDC reported that Wyeth Vaccines,
the only U.S. supplier of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
(PCV7, marketed as Prevnar®), was experiencing production
constraints that could cause delays in shipments and was implementing
an allocation plan to ensure the equitable distribution of available
vaccine. In February 2004, Wyeth advised CDC that production constraints
had not been resolved.
- AERAS
Press Release Feb. 12, 2004
Gates Foundation
Commits $82.9 Million to Develop New Tuberculosis Vaccines
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced on
February 12, 2004, an $82.9 million grant to the Aeras Global
TB Vaccine Foundation to support development of new vaccines to
prevent tuberculosis, a disease that kills nearly two million
people every year. The grant, the largest ever for TB vaccine
development, will allow Aeras to fund human trials of promising
TB vaccines and early research on the next generation of vaccines.
-
February
9, 2004
"Autism
and Vaccines," an editorial published in the
"Wall
Street Journal" February 9, describes the harassing
letters and emails the newspaper's staff received after publishing
an
earlier editorial, "The Politics of Autism,"
on December 29,
2003. The "Wall Street Journal" gave Immunization
Action Coalition (IAC) permission to post both editorials on its
website for 60 days. You
can access the articles directly from IAC's website by going to
http://www.immunize.org
(exit site) and looking in the right
column for the Hot Topics section, and clicking on the editorials'
titles.
- PEDIATRICS
February 2004
Age
at First Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination in Children with Autism
and School-Matched Controls: A Population-Based Study in Metropolitan
Atlanta (exit
site)
PEDIATRICS Vol. 113 No. 2 February 2004, pp. 259-266
The objective of this study: to compare ages at first measles-mumps-rubella
(MMR) vaccination between children with autism and children who
did not have autism in the total population and in selected subgroups,
including children with regression in development...
January
2004
-
January 30, 2004
Update:
Influenza Activity - United States, January 18-24, 2004
The number of states reporting widespread influenza
activity continued to decrease during the reporting week of January
18-24, 2004. One state health department reported widespread activity.
A total of 20 states reported regional activity...
-
January 30, 2004
Notice
to Readers: International Conference on Women and Infectious Diseases
CDC's National Center for Infectious Diseases, along
with numerous partners, is planning the International Conference
on Women and Infectious Diseases (ICWID) to be held February 27-28,
2004, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia...
-
January 30, 2004
Notice
to Readers: International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases
CDC's National Center for Infectious Diseases, the
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, the American
Society for Microbiology, the Association of Public Health Laboratories,
and the World Health Organization will cosponsor the International
Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases (ICEID) February 29-March
3, 2004, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia....
-
January 23, 2004
Measles
Mortality Reduction - West Africa, 1996-2002
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, during 2000,
measles accounted for approximately 777,000 deaths worldwide,
of which 452,000 (58%) occurred in Africa. In response, in 2000,
WHO's African Regional Office (AFRO) adopted a plan to reduce
measles mortality >50% by 2005...
-
January 23, 2004
Measles
Outbreak Associated with an Imported Case in an Infant - Alabama,
2002
Local transmission of measles is rare in the United States. Since
1997, the majority of measles outbreaks have been caused by imported
cases. During October 19-November 15, 2002, an outbreak of 13
confirmed cases of measles occurred, with exposure in Alabama...
-
January 23, 2004
Human
Death Associated with Bat Rabies - California, 2003
Rabies is a rapidly progressive, incurable viral encephalitis
that is, with rare exception, transmitted by the bite of an infected
mammal. On September 14, 2003, a previously healthy man aged 66
years who resided in Trinity County, California, died from rabies
approximately 6 weeks after being bitten by a bat...
-
January 23, 2004
Update:
Influenza Activity - United States, January 11-17, 2004
The number of states reporting widespread influenza activity continued
to decrease during the reporting week of January 11-17, 2004.
Health departments in five states reported widespread influenza
activity. A total of 31 states and New York City reported regional
activity...
-
January 16, 2004
Recommended
Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule - United States,
January-June 2004
Each year, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) reviews the recommended childhood and adolescent immunization
schedule to ensure that it is current with changes in manufacturers'
vaccine formulations and reflects revised recommendations for
the use of licensed vaccines, including those newly licensed...
-
January 16, 2004
Notice
to Readers: Neonatal Vaccination Workshop
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is sponsoring
the First International Neonatal Vaccination Workshop during March
2-4, 2004, in McLean, Virginia. The workshop will explore strategies
to protect neonates from bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents...
-
January 16, 2004
Update:
Influenza Activity - United States, January 4-10, 2004
The number of states reporting widespread influenza activity continued
to decrease during the reporting week of January 4-10, 2004. Health
departments in 20 states and New York City reported widespread
influenza activity. A total of 24 states reported regional activity,
three states reported local activity, and sporadic activity was
reported by two states...
-
January 16, 2004
Preliminary
Assessment of the Effectiveness of the 2003-04 Inactivated Influenza
Vaccine - Colorado, December 2003
Influenza
activity started earlier than usual in the United States this
season, with widespread influenza activity* reported in 10 states
by November 22, 2003. The predominant influenza viruses circulating
this season differ antigenically from the 2003-04 influenza A
(H3N2) vaccine strain. A retrospective cohort study was conducted
among workers at a Colorado hospital to provide preliminary data
on the effectiveness of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine...
- Archives
of Internal Medicine Jan. 12, 2004,
Vol 164, pp 13-16
Is
Signed Consent for Influenza or Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination
Required? (exit
site)
Requiring signed consent before administering
these low-risk, high-benefit vaccines is inconsistent with the
current practice of not requiring signed consent before prescribing
other common treatments, e.g., antibiotic treatment, whose risk
levels are the same or higher...
Top
-
January 9, 2004
Update:
Influenza Activity - United States, December 21, 2003-January
3, 2004
The number of states reporting widespread influenza activity decreased
during December 21, 2003-January 3, 2004. During the latest reporting
week, ending January 3, health departments in 38 states, the District
of Columbia, and New York City reported widespread influenza activity...
-
January 9, 2004
Update:
Influenza-Associated Deaths Reported Among Children Aged <18
Years - United States, 2003-04 Influenza Season
During the 2003-04 influenza season, CDC has received reports
from state health departments regarding deaths among children
with evidence of influenza virus infection. To help investigate
these deaths, CDC has requested that all influenza-associated
deaths among children aged <18 years be reported to CDC...
-
January 9, 2004
Fatal
Respiratory Diphtheria in a U.S. Traveler to Haiti --- Pennsylvania,
2003
Respiratory diphtheria can be severe or fatal in unvaccinated
persons; even with appropriate treatment, 5%-10% of patients with
diphtheria die. This report describes fatal respiratory diphtheria
in an unvaccinated Pennsylvania resident who had visited Haiti...
-
January 9, 2004
Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy in a Dairy Cow - Washington State, 2003
On December 23, 2003, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
made a preliminary diagnosis of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE) in a single "downer" (i.e., nonambulatory disabled)
dairy cow in Washington state. This report summarizes the findings
of the initial investigation of this case and describes the public
health prevention measures adopted by USDA to protect the human
food supply...
Top
-
January 2, 2004
Update:
Influenza-Associated Deaths Reported Among Children Aged Less
Than 18 Years -- U.S., 2003-04 Influenza Seasons
This report describes preliminary findings based on data provided
from multiple states, as of December 17, 2003. To improve surveillance,
CDC has requested that all influenza-associated deaths of children
aged <18 years be reported to CDC through state health departments...
-
January 2, 2004
Update:
Influenza Activity -- U.S., December 14-20, 2003
Influenza activity in the U.S. continued to increase during Dec.
14-20, 2003. The proportion of patient visits to sentinel providers
for influenza-like illness overall was 7.7%, which is above the
national baseline of 2.5%...
-
January 2, 2004
Incidence
of Acute Hepatitis B -- U.S., 1990-2002
This report summarizes... that, during 1990-2002, the incidence
of reported acute hepatitis B declined 67%. This decline was greatest
among children and adolescents, indicating the effect of routine
childhood vaccination. The decline was lowest among adults...
To reduce HBV transmission further in the U.S., hepatitis B vaccination
programs are needed that target men who have sex with men (MSM),
injection-drug users (IDUs), and other adults at high risk...
- American
Journal of Preventive
Medicine, January
2004 issue
Evaluation of Invalid Vaccine Doses (Volume 26,
Issue 1, Pages 34-40) (exit site)
Objective: Determine the proportion of U.S. children who received
an invalid dose of vaccine, evaluate the impact on vaccination
coverage levels if invalid doses were not counted, and determine
the vaccine purchase cost if at least one invalid dose is repeated...
- American
Journal of Preventive
Medicine, January
2004 issue
Impact of Vaccine Shortages on Immunization Programs and
Providers (Volume 26, Issue 1, Pages 15-21) (exit
site)
Objective: To evaluate the impact of shortages of diphtheria–tetanus–
acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
(PCV7), and tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Td) shortages on state
and urban area immunization programs and immunization providers
between Sept. 2001 and Jan. 2002...
- American
Journal of Preventive
Medicine, January
2004 issue
Parental Vaccine Safety Concerns: The Experiences of Pediatricians
and Family Physicians (Volume
26, Issue 1, Pages 11-14) (exit site)
Objective: Recently several concerns regarding vaccine safety
have received significant media attention. Primary care physicians
are the most common interface for parents with the immunization
delivery system and are likely to have the greatest opportunity
for exposure and experience with parental vaccine safety concerns...
-
January 2004 issue
Influenza
Epidemics in the United States, France, and Australia, 1972–1997. (by
C. Viboud, P-Y Boëlle, K. Pakdaman, F. Carrat, A-J Valleron,
andothers) (exit
site)
Influenza epidemics occur once a year during the winter in temperate
areas. Little is known about the similarities between epidemics
at different locations. We have analyzed pneumonia and influenza
deaths from 1972 to 1997 in the United States, France, and Australia
to examine the correlation over space and time between the three
countries...
-
January 2004 issue
Pneumococcal
Susceptibility to Penicillin (by
J.P. Metlay, C.C. Branas, and N. O. Fishman) (exit
site)
Geographic variation in drug susceptibility among isolates of
Streptococcus pneumoniae has influenced national treatment guidelines
for community-acquired pneumonia. Whether individual hospital
susceptibility data provide reliable and valid information for
providers is unclear. We examined the geographic and temporal
variability...
-
January 2004 issue
Pneumococcal
Meningitis Estimates in England (by
A. Gjini, J. M. Stuart, R. C. George, T. Nichols, and R. S. Heyderman)
(exit
site)
To improve estimates of disease incidence and deaths from pneumococcal
meningitis among adults in England, we performed a capture-recapture
analysis for 1996 through1999... The...[results of the analysis]
indicate that a cost-benefit analysis of adult pneumococcal vaccination
programs is required...
-
January 2004 issue
Estimating
the Public Health Impact of Rabies (by
P. G. Coleman, E. M. Fèvre, and S. Cleaveland) (exit
site)
Rabies is a fatal, preventable zoonosis, but it is not effectively
controlled throughout much of the developing world. The impetus
for control is hampered by a lack of awareness of its true impact.
We estimate a disability-adjusted life year (DALY) score for rabies
to quantify the disease impact relative to other diseases to set
priorities for public health interventions...
-
January 2004 issue
Haemophilus
influenzae type B Meningitis in Children, Eritrea (by
D. G. Naik and M. Seyoum) (exit
site)
Letter to the Editor: Bacterial meningitis is
a major cause of death and disability in children worldwide: >1,000,000
cases and 200,000 deaths are estimated to occur each year. Neisseria
meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and Streptococcus
pneumoniae are major causative agents of bacterial meningitis
in children. A region in sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Ethiopia
in the east to the Gambia in the west and containing 15 countries
with >260 million people, is known as the “meningitis
belt” because of its high prevalence of endemic disease
with periodic epidemics caused by N. meningitidis...
- PEDIATRICS
January 2004
Identification
and Recall of Children With Chronic Medical Conditions for Influenza
Vaccination (exit
site)
PEDIATRICS Vol. 113 No. 1 January 2004, pp. e26-e33
The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of
billing data for identifying children who have high-risk conditions
(HRCs) and need influenza vaccination and 2) to evaluate the efficacy
of reminder/recall for children with HRCs...
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