Issue Number
161
May 8,
2000
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- CDC publishes update on influenza activity, 1999-2000
- Employment opportunities! IAC is looking for a few
talented people to help spread the word about the importance of immunization
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May 5, 2000
CDC PUBLISHES UPDATE ON INFLUENZA ACTIVITY, 1999-2000
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an article titled "Update: Influenza Activity--United States and Worldwide, 1999-2000
Season, and Composition of the 2000-01 Influenza Vaccine" in the May 5, 2000, issue of the MMWR. This article summarizes worldwide
surveillance for influenza during the 1999-2000 season, describes the 2000-01 influenza
vaccine, and highlights changes in recommendations for the prevention and control
of influenza.
1. SUMMARY OF WORLDWIDE INFLUENZA ACTIVITY, 1999-2000
SEASON
The introduction to this MMWR article reads in part: "Influenza A
(H3N2) viruses were the predominant viruses isolated in the United States and worldwide during 1999-2000. This was the third
consecutive year that influenza A/Sydney/05/97-like (H3N2) viruses were the most prevalent viruses isolated in the United
States. Influenza activity in the United States was similar to the previous two seasons, although mortality measurements attributed
to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) were unusually high. Overall, the 1999-2000 influenza vaccine was well matched to circulating
influenza viruses."
The body of the article notes that in the United States, "Influenza activity began to increase in mid-December 1999 and peaked
during the weeks ending December 25, 1999 (week 51), and January 15, 2000 (week 2)." The article also notes that "moderate
to severe influenza outbreaks were reported in the Americas, Asia, and Europe" from October 3, 1999, through April 28, 2000.
2. COMPOSITION OF THE 2000-01 INFLUENZA VACCINE
The section of this MMWR article titled "Composition of the 2000-01 Influenza Vaccine" reads in part: "The Food and Drug
Administration's Vaccines and Related Biologic Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommended A/New Caledonia/20/99-like
(H1N1), A/Panama/2007/99-like (H3N2), and B/Yamanashi/166/98-like viruses for the 2000-01 U.S. trivalent
influenza vaccine. This recommendation was based on antigenic and molecular analyses of recently isolated influenza viruses,
epidemiologic data, and postvaccination serologic studies in humans."
3. CHANGES IN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION AND
CONTROL OF INFLUENZA
The MMWR article's "Editorial Note" reads in part:
"Beginning with the 2000-01 influenza season, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all persons aged
greater than or equal to 50 years receive annual influenza vaccination. This recommendation reduces the age for annual
universal vaccination from 65 years to 50 years. The policy change was made to increase influenza
vaccination among persons aged 50-64 years because a substantial proportion of
persons in this age group (24%-32%) have chronic medical conditions that place them at
high risk for influenza-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination levels of high-risk persons
aged 50-64 years have been low, and age-based vaccination strategies have been more successful than risk-based vaccination
strategies. No other changes have been made to the list of groups targeted for influenza vaccination. However, ACIP
also recommended that persons planning large organized vaccination campaigns may consider scheduling these events
after mid-October because the availability of vaccine in any location cannot be assured consistently in the early
fall.
"...In tropical regions, influenza viruses may circulate year-round. During the past two summers, large outbreaks of
respiratory disease attributed to influenza occurred among persons traveling in
organized overland groups and among passengers on cruise ships in Alaska and the Yukon
Territory. Influenza outbreaks aboard cruise ships also have been reported during other times of the year
worldwide. Persons at high risk for complications of influenza who will be traveling in large tour groups this
summer (1) should consider receiving influenza vaccine if not vaccinated during the
preceding fall or winter; and (2) might wish to consult their physicians to discuss the
symptoms and risks for influenza and the advisability of carrying antiviral medications for either prophylaxis
or treatment of influenza."
To obtain the complete text version (HTML format) of this
MMWR article, complete with figures, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4917a5.htm
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INFLUENZA VIRUS AND VACCINE:
For more information about influenza prevention and control, visit CDC's website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm
HOW TO OBTAIN A FREE ELECTRONIC SUBSCRIPTION TO THE MMWR:
To obtain a free electronic subscription to the "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report" (MMWR), visit CDC's MMWR website at: http://www2.cdc.gov/mmwr
Select "Free MMWR Subscription" from the menu at the left of the screen. Once you have submitted the required
information, weekly issues of the MMWR and all new ACIP statements (published as MMWR's "Recommendations and
Reports") will arrive automatically by e-mail.
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May 8, 2000
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES! IAC IS LOOKING FOR A FEW TALENTED PEOPLE TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF
IMMUNIZATION
Are you--or is anyone you know--interested in joining a group of dedicated and high-spirited professionals at an
award-winning, national nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating immunization information? If your
answer is "YES!" then visit the website of the Immunization Action Coalition
(IAC) to find out more about our available positions. Brief descriptions of each
position can be found by clicking on the links in the "What's New" column on
IAC's home page at: http://www.immunize.org
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