Vaccination

Widespread uptake of Streptococcus pneumonia conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has changed the microbiological landscape of infectious disease in children. Many studies have demonstrated the expected shift away from S. pneumoniae as the leading cause of acute otitis media, and identify emerging organisms.

The recent measles outbreak linked to an amusement park in southern California had reignited a controversy about the values of public health, personal choice, and parental rights.

By using genetically modified corn, researchers are another step closer to an oral vaccine for hepatitis B, a virus that has infected almost two billion people worldwide.

The Disneyland measles outbreak is linked to vaccination rates being well below the heard immunity threshold, according to Boston University Hospital researchers.

Putting an end to a lethal virus may mean going directly to the source, as one study suggests a possible approach to stopping the transmission of the Ebola virus.

The FDA approved a new vaccine combination that could mean one shot fewer for children getting their recommended routine vaccinations.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers have developed a new vaccine type that shows promise to possibly become the first ever for preventing genital herpes.

A second trial of intranasal flu vaccines in children with egg allergies has reached the same conclusion as the first: The trace amounts of egg protein do not trigger systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

Based upon casual observation, some have suggested that the rise in the diagnosis and incidence of asthma is related to the pertussis vaccine. This study in Sweden attempted to determine if such a relationship exists.

Pediatricians and primary care doctors often face a quandary when it comes to routine vaccinations for children. When talking to parents about vaccination, the best approach may be speaking to parents as though it is assumed the vaccinations will be done, rather than opening the door to parental choice.

An adapted version of the conventional measles vaccine could potentially be effective against the Chikungunya virus.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee on immunization practices today approved including Merck's Gardasil 9 vaccine in a list of recommended vaccinations for children and young adults. The vaccine got US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in December, 2014. The vaccine is an improvement on the older version of Gardasil in that it offers protection against 5 more types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) than the original product.

While 7,300 deaths a year in nursing homes are attributed to influenza, a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control claimed that only 54% of staff were vaccinated.

In April 2010, Provenge became the first dendritic cell vaccine in cancer treatment to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and the agent is now used in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Insights gleaned from this research are now being applied in the study of a potential vaccine for multiple sclerosis treatment and prevention.

Reports of measles cases in a suburban Illinois infant care center have added to concerns the preventable but highly contagious illness is spreading.

Five cases of measles in a suburban Illinois infant care center have added to concerns the preventable but highly contagious illness is spreading. The children, all under 12 months old, are too young to be vaccinated, but they appear to have contracted the illness from an unvaccinated adult. Meanwhile, bucking a trend, a New York legislator wants to make philosophical objections to mandatory vaccination legal in that state.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Bexsero, a Novartis vaccine to prevent meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitides serogroup B. It is meant for children age 10 and up and young adults through age 25.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to spend $2.7 billion in emergency funds to counter the spread of Ebola. On Jan. 13 the agency detailed its spending plans. Spending categories range from over a half billion dollars for international projects to a half million dollars for regulatory work that includes monitoring for fraudulent Ebola products.Separately, on the international front, J&J Pharmaceuticals announced it has formed an Ebola vaccine development group with international funding of 100 million euros.

Though the flu vaccine for the 2014-2015 season is only 23% effective, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend flu shots for those who do not have the illness, and antivirals for those who do. The effectiveness estimate is based on data from 2,321 children and adults with acute respiratory illness tested from Nov. 10, 2014 to Jan. 2, 2015 at 5 study sites with outpatient facilities. The cases were all laboratory confirmed.

The 2014-2015 flu season has been one of the worst on record in recent years and now the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a waiver allowing a test to be more widely when confirming a diagnosis of influenza virus infection.

The rapid growth of severe allergies and anaphylaxis in populations around the world has triggered efforts to find faster, safer and more effective cures than conventional immunotherapy.

As the calendar turns to 2015 the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that the flu season has reached the "epidemic threshold."

Children who are vaccinated for influenza indirectly reduced others' chances at contracting the disease, according to findings published online December 9, 2014 in PLOS ONE.

University of Michigan (UM) C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health found a large majority of parents – 74% – would remove their child from a daycare where other kids are unvaccinated.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the approval of Trumenba, the first vaccine licensed in the US to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

The University of Michigan has been synonymous with the flu vaccine since its first usage and Arnold Monto, MD, says work continues to make the vaccine as safe and effective as possible.

Tina Tan, MD, offers insights on preparations for the approaching cold and flu season, which could be one of the worst in years.

Stephen Gluckman, MD, talks about the challenges facing doctors who treat patients infected with Ebola or Enterovirus D68. He also discusses issues facing clinicians as cold and flu season gets underway.

Pediatricians' approach to discussing and recommending HPV vaccination with parents and adolescents varies widely, and can have a significant impact on parents' decision to vaccinate.

Jeff Duchin, MD, of the Seattle and King County Departments of Public Health, discusses enterovirus and the relationship with treatment during cold and flu season.