News and Media Resources:
2004 Immunization News
December 2004
December 24, 2004
Updated Interim Influenza Vaccination Recommendations - 2004-05 Influenza Season
On October 5, 2004, CDC was notified by Chiron Corporation that none of its inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluvirin®) would be available for distribution in the United States for the 2004-05 influenza season. At that time, CDC, in coordination with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), issued interim recommendations to direct available inactivated influenza vaccine to persons in certain priority groups. CDC has been working... to help alleviate the influenza vaccine shortage this season...- December 17, 2004
Estimated Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Adults and Children - United States, September 1-November 30, 2004
Because of the unexpected reduction in the amount of available inactivated influenza vaccine for the 2004-05 influenza season, on October 5, 2004, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that the vaccine be reserved for persons in certain priority groups and asked others to defer or forego vaccination. To assess the use of influenza vaccine and the primary reasons reported for not receiving vaccine, beginning November 1, questions were added to the ongoing Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey... - December 17, 2004
Experiences with Obtaining Influenza Vaccination Among Persons in Priority Groups During a Vaccine Shortage - United States, October-November, 2004
After the announcement that the supply of inactivated influenza vaccine available to the U.S. public for the 2004-05 influenza season would be reduced by approximately one half, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that the remaining vaccine supply should be reserved for certain groups of persons at high risk for serious health problems from influenza, healthcare workers involved in direct patient care, and close contacts of children aged less than 6 months. Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), in collaboration with International Communications Research, conducted a national survey [about influenza vaccination]. This report summarizes the results of that survey... - December 17, 2004
Experiences with Influenza-Like Illness and Attitudes Regarding Influenza Prevention - United States, 2003-04 Influenza Season
Despite advances in medical treatment, influenza results in approximately 36,000 deaths each year in the United States. Vaccination has been a mainstay of influenza prevention, with annual vaccination recommended for adults and children at high risk... With the limited availability of influenza vaccine this season, the use of masks by persons with cough illnesses in healthcare settings, a component of the Universal Respiratory Hygiene Strategy, might be a helpful and acceptable method for decreasing influenza transmission... - December 17, 2004
Notice to Readers: Where To Find Information on Influenza and Influenza Vaccine
To help the public locate the latest information about influenza, CDC has created a comprehensive website, available at www.cdc.gov/flu
The site contains information targeted to healthcare professionals, as well as CDC influenza fact sheets and health education materials intended for the general public. The site is updated as new information becomes available. CDC has also launched 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636), a new, central hotline with recorded information available in English and Spanish... - December 10, 2004
Notice to Readers: Publication of Health, United States, 2004 with Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans
CDC has published Health, United States, 2004 with Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans, the 28th edition of the annual report on the nation's health. The report includes 153 trend tables organized around four subject areas. Information regarding racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in health is presented in several tables...
- December 3 , 2004
Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance Systems for Expansion to Other Diseases, 2003-2004
Since the 1988 World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis, the number of countries where polio is endemic has decreased from 125 to 6 at the end of 2003. As part of the eradication strategy, a global surveillance system was established to identify acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases in children aged <15 years and to deploy a network of accredited laboratories to determine whether the paralysis resulted from poliovirus infection. This report describes the status of global AFP surveillance...
November 2004
November 2004 issue (Vol. 10, No. 12)
Protective Effectiveness of Hantavirus Vaccine
In 1990, the Republic of Korea (ROK) approved a vaccine against the Hantaan virus after accepting data that showed a high seroconversion rate as a surrogate for vaccine effectiveness. Although the hantavirus vaccine has been in use since approval, and millions of doses have been given, the effectiveness of the vaccine continues to be debated...- November 19, 2004
Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule - United States, October 2004-September 2005
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) annually reviews the recommended Adult Immunization Schedule to ensure that the schedule reflects current recommendations for the use of licensed vaccines. In June 2004, ACIP approved the Adult Immunization Schedule for October 2004-September 2005. This schedule has also been approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists... - November 12, 2004
Vaccination Coverage Among Children Entering School - United States, 2003-04 School Year
One of the national health objectives for 2010 is to sustain a > 95% vaccination coverage rate among children in kindergarten through first grade. To determine vaccination coverage rates among children entering kindergarten, data on vaccination coverage were analyzed from reports submitted to the National Immunization Program by states, the District of Columbia (DC)*, and eight current or former U.S. territories for the 2003-04 school year. This report summarizes the results of that analysis...
- November 5 , 2004
Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage Among Persons Aged >65 Years and Persons Aged 18-64 Years with Diabetes or Asthma - United States, 2003
Vaccination of persons at risk for complications from influenza and pneumococcal disease is a key public health strategy for preventing associated morbidity and mortality in the United States.To estimate influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage among these populations, CDC analyzed data from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey*. This report summarizes the results of that analysis... - November 5 , 2004
Influenza Vaccination and Self-Reported Reasons for Not Receiving Influenza Vaccination Among Medicare Beneficiaries Aged >65 years - United States, 1991-2002
Annual influenza vaccination of the U.S. elderly population has been demonstrated as safe and effective in reducing the risks of illness, hospitalization, and death. The Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) has measured annual influenza vaccination rates since 1991; the latest data available are for the 2001-02 influenza season... - November 5, 2004
Acute Hepatitis B Among Children and Adolescents - United States, 1990-2002
Since the 1991 adoption of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in the United States, the incidence of acute hepatitis B cases has declined steadily. Declines have been greatest among children born after the 1991 recommendations for universal infant hepatitis B vaccination were implemented...
- November 2004 issue (Vol. 10, No. 11)
Vaccines for Women Age 50 and Older
For older populations, most of whom are women, preventing illnesses and deaths through the use of vaccines is a leading public health challenge. Our understanding about how age and sex affect the immune system is limited, and basic and translational research aimed at improving vaccines and immune responses of older persons is needed. In the meantime, fully implementing current vaccine recommendations... - November 2004 issue (Vol. 10, No. 11)
Evaluating Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Programs
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated as the primary etiologic agent of cervical cancer. Potential vaccines against high-risk HPV types are in clinical trials. We evaluated vaccination programs with a vaccine against HPV-16 and HPV-18. We developed disease transmission models that estimated HPV prevalence and infection rates...
October 2004
- October 29, 2004
Update: Influenza Activity - United States and Worldwide, May-October 2004
During May-October 2004, influenza A (H3N2) viruses circulated worldwide and were associated with mild-to-moderate levels of disease activity. Influenza A (H1N1)* and B viruses were reported less frequently. In North America, isolates of influenza A (H3N2), A (H1N1), and B were identified sporadically. This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States and worldwide during May-October 2004†. Influenza activity in North America typically peaks during December-March... - October 29, 2004
Laboratory Surveillance for Wild and Vaccine-Derived Polioviruses, January 2003-June 2004
In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by 2000. Progress toward achieving this goal has been reported from countries where polio is endemic, and three World Health Organization (WHO) regions (Americas, Europe, and Western Pacific) appear to be free of indigenous wild poliovirus transmission. One key strategy for eradicating polio is establishing sensitive polio surveillance systems by investigating acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases... This report updates previous publications, summarizes the laboratory network's performance, and describes the location and characterization of WPV and vaccine-derived poliovirus during January 2003-June 2004...
- October 15, 2004
Notice to Readers: Mid-Year Addition of Influenza-Associated Pediatric Mortality to the List of Nationally Notifiable Diseases, 2004
Beginning October 1, 2004, CDC added influenza-associated pediatric mortality to the list of conditions voluntarily reportable to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). This action is based on recommendations developed collaboratively by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and CDC and approved at the 2004 CSTE annual meeting... - 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...
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... - September 24, 2004
Erratum: Vol. 53, No. 34
In the report, "Suspension of Rotavirus Vaccine After Reports of Intussusception - United States, 1999," first paragraph, second sentence, the date for when rhesus-human rotavirus reassortant-tetravalent vaccine was licensed was incorrect. The date should be August 31, 1998...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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 13, 2004
Aseptic Meningitis Outbreak Associated With Echovirus 9 Among Recreational Vehicle Campers - Connecticut, 2003
Aseptic meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord and caused by a virus, most frequently an enterovirus. In August 2003, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) received a report of three viral meningitis cases among recreational vehicle campers staying at a campground in northeastern Connecticut. CDPH, assisted by CDC, conducted an investigation... - 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...
- 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...
July 2004
- July 30, 2004
National, State, and Urban Area Vaccination Coverage Among Children Aged 19-35 Months - United States, 2003
Each annual birth cohort in the United States comprises approximately 4 million infants. The National Immunization Survey (NIS) provides estimates of vaccination coverage among children aged 19-35 months for each of the 50 states and 28 selected urban areas*. This report summarizes NIS results for 2003... - 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...
- 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...
- 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 ( 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"
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...
- 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 (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...
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...
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...
- 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...
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.
- 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
- 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 ( 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
The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal March 2004 issue
Safety and Efficacy of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Young Children: A Summary for the New Era of Routine Vaccination (exit) (Volume 23(3) March 2004 pp 189-197)
Increasing use of influenza vaccine in children is expected as this important virus becomes more widely recognized as a major cause of morbidity in young children. Clinicians and third party payers must consider the implications of national vaccine use recommendations, with their current focus on young children, on their practices and on the community at large...- 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 (exit) (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... - 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)
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)
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)
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)
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 www.polioeradication.org/all/news/document.asp (exit)
Feb 18, 2004, Vol 291, pp 851-855
Effectiveness Over Time of Varicella Vaccine (exit)
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 (exit)
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 immunize.org (exit) 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)
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)
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...
- 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...
- 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)
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)
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)
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 (exit)
(by C. Viboud, P-Y Boëlle, K. Pakdaman, F. Carrat, A-J Valleron, andothers)
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 (exit)
(by J.P. Metlay, C.C. Branas, and N. O. Fishman)
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 (exit)
(by A. Gjini, J. M. Stuart, R. C. George, T. Nichols, and R. S. Heyderman)
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 (exit)
(by P. G. Coleman, E. M. Fèvre, and S. Cleaveland)
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 (exit)
(by D. G. Naik and M. Seyoum)
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)
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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This page last modified on December 26, 2007
This page archived for historical purposes January 30, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
This page archived for historical purposes January 30, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases