Category: Uncategorized

Interesting article from the New England Journal of Medicine about the effectiveness of Australia’s 2017 flu vaccine, and what doctors are seeing in the United States so far. The investigators determined that circulating influenza A (H3N2) viruses possessed an HA glycosylation site that was lost in the vaccine strain during egg adaptation, and both ferret and human antibodies elicited by that vaccine strain poorly neutralized circulating virus. The researchers also compared antibody responses elicited by vaccine antigens prepared using eggs, cell culture, and the recombinant DNA baculovirus system. They found that most people who mounted a strong antibody response to Read More …

The CDC has distributed this refresher on intramuscular injection of vaccines.  SIRVA (Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration) has been on the rise, and all providers should remind themselves how and where to give an IM Vaccine. Find the refresher here.

WASHINGTON – In an unusually close vote, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the use of Shingrix (GSK) for adults ages 50 and older as a vaccine to prevent Shingles. Read More

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET The immune system changes with age, which can leave older adults more vulnerable to infectious diseases like flu, pneumonia, and shingles.  Join experts to learn more about the changing immune system and how new research is changing the design of vaccines for older adults.  Free continuing education available. Register HERE.

The WHO Europe has prepared a Vaccination and Trust Library. This website lists many different helpful links like: Questions journalists always ask in a crisis Four steps that may erode trust Tips for spokespersons Crisis communications plan template Checklist for preparedness Checklist for communication and advocacy when introducing a new vaccine

Until now, the academy had recommended the vaccine be given by the baby’s first checkup. Now, the risk of infection has increased with the ongoing opioid crisis, as more moms are getting infected with hepatitis B and passing the virus on to their babies, the authors of the new guidelines explained. … “Many adults with an infection do not feel or look sick and are not even aware that they carry the virus. It is contagious and adults can [also] transmit it while caring for an infant after birth,” Barnett explained in an academy news release. Read the whole article Read More …

A population of men who have sex with men may have the ability to sustain a Zika virus outbreak sexually — in the absence of any mosquito-transmitted disease and with only smaller pockets of outbreaks related to heterosexual transmission, researchers said. Read more HERE.

Join the CDC and Lysol WHEN: Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 2pm ET. What to Expect’s life-style editor Emma Bing will be chatting with the CDC’s Dr. Amanda Chon and Lysol’s Joe Rubino. The three will discuss how parents have the power to protect their children from germs that can cause serious disease. Watch it LIVE here.

A great resource for pediatricians and family practitioners is the vaccine fact sheet.  This is NOT a vaccine information statement, but can give parents and families information about the vaccines their children need. Make sure you have the latest factsheet: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/prevent-diseases/provider-resources-factsheets-infants.html