Issue
Number 557
October 10, 2005
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- Updated interim VIS for meningococcal vaccine has
information about possible association between Menactra and Guillain-Barre
syndrome
- New: NIP website posts the latest information about VISs
currently under development
- New: Minnesota infant contracts vaccine-derived polio
virus; NIP website posts page of FAQs about polio
- Researchers reconstruct the 1918 pandemic influenza
virus with hope of learning how to avert future pandemics
- Updated: Five IAC pieces related to viral hepatitis have
been revised
- New: Alaska mandates education about meningococcal
disease and vaccine for college students; three more states let
pharmacists vaccinate
- New: October 5 issue of Hep Express electronic
newsletter now available online
- New: UNICEF issues Progress for Children, a report card
on worldwide childhood immunization
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ABBREVIATIONS: AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American
Academy of Pediatrics; ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices;
CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug
Administration; IAC, Immunization Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report; NIP, National Immunization Program; VIS, Vaccine
Information Statement; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health
Organization.
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October 10, 2005
UPDATED INTERIM VIS FOR MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE HAS INFORMATION ABOUT POSSIBLE
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MENACTRA AND GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME
On October 7, NIP posted this announcement to the News page of its section
on Vaccine Information Statements:
"In light of reports of several cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome following
vaccination with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra), the VIS has
been revised to include information about the potential association between
the vaccine and the disease. Dated 10/7/05, the revised VIS is available now
and should be used." To access the News page, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-news.htm Click on
Meningococcal to go to the pertinent information.
To access the updated interim VIS from the NIP website, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-mening.pdf
To access it from the VIS section of the IAC website, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/menin05.pdf
For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total of 33
languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at
http://www.immunize.org/vis
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October 10, 2005
NEW: NIP WEBSITE POSTS THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT VISs CURRENTLY UNDER
DEVELOPMENT
VISs for several vaccines are currently under development. For those
interested in the progress of VIS development, the NIP website has added a
News page to its section on Vaccine Information Statements. To access it, go
to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-news.htm
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October 10, 2005
NEW: MINNESOTA INFANT CONTRACTS VACCINE-DERIVED POLIO VIRUS; NIP WEBSITE
POSTS PAGE OF FAQs ABOUT POLIO
On October 1, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a press
release about an immunocompromised infant who became infected with the virus
that causes polio. On October 3, the NIP website posted a page of FAQs
(frequently asked questions) about polio for the public. Portions of the MDH
press release are reprinted below; the link to NIP's page of FAQs is given
at the end of this article.
*********************
INFECTION WITH POLIO VIRUS REPORTED IN MINNESOTA INFANT
Child has no symptoms of paralytic disease; officials say general public is
not at risk
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is investigating a reported case of
infection with the virus that causes polio in an infant from central
Minnesota.
The infant, who had previously been diagnosed with immune system problems,
does not have symptoms of the paralytic illness that can sometimes result
from a polio infection. The infant is currently hospitalized. Further
information regarding the infant cannot be released due to state and federal
data practices laws.
Health Department officials emphasize that only people who have had direct
contact with the infant--including unimmunized healthcare providers and
family members--are at any risk of illness in connection with this case. At
this time, no additional cases of infection with the poliovirus have been
reported in connection with the infant. The general public is at no risk
from this case.
This is the first case of polio infection reported in the U.S. since 2000,
when use of live-virus oral polio vaccine was discontinued in the U.S. All
polio vaccinations in the U.S. are now done with an injected, killed-virus
vaccine. . . .
MDH officials say the virus strain found in the Minnesota infant appears to
be a variant of the strain used in the oral vaccine, which is still used in
some parts of the world. . . .
*********************
To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/polio100105.html
To access NIP's page of FAQs about polio, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/polio/faqs.htm
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October 10, 2005
RESEARCHERS RECONSTRUCT THE 1918 PANDEMIC INFLUENZA VIRUS WITH HOPE OF
LEARNING HOW TO AVERT FUTURE PANDEMICS
On October 7, the journal Science reported on new research findings derived
from the successful reconstruction of the virus that caused the 1918-19
influenza pandemic. The article, "Characterization of the reconstructed 1918
Spanish influenza pandemic virus," was written by TM Tumpey and his
colleagues at CDC. The complete text is available only to members of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, which publishes
Science. The abstract is available at PubMed. On October 6, the journal
Nature published "The 1918 flu virus is resurrected," a special report on
the risks and benefits of reconstructing the virus.
In response to the publication of the Science and Nature articles, the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) and CDC each
issued news releases about the virus reconstruction, and CDC posted a Q&A
section about it. Portions of the NIAID news release are reprinted below.
Links to it, the CDC news release, the Q&A section, the abstract of the
Science article, and the Nature special report are given at the end of this
article.
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Statement
October 5, 2005
UNMASKING THE 1918 INFLUENZA VIRUS: An Important Step Toward Pandemic
Influenza Preparedness
Anthony S. Fauci, MD, director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, National Institutes of Health,and Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH,
director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The mysteries of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic, [which] killed an
estimated 50 million people across the globe, are finally beginning to be
solved. Two scientific papers published this week provide insights into the
virus that caused the most deadly influenza outbreak in modern history. This
virus was unusual because it spread so quickly, was so deadly, and exacted
its worst toll among the young and healthy. In just over one year, the virus
infected one-third of the world's population with death rates approximately
50 times higher than those associated with regular seasonal influenza.
The harsh reality of the 1918 pandemic is never far from the minds of
scientists and public health officials who are monitoring the current
influenza outbreak occurring in Asia. Since December 2003, a strain of
influenza virus that usually infects only birds has sickened at least 116
people and killed 60 in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. . . [K]nown
as H5N1 avian influenza A virus, . . . the virus is not easily passed from
birds to humans, and thankfully, is not efficiently spread from one person
to another when it does cross species. However, influenza viruses are
notoriously capable of changing, and should the avian virus develop the
ability to spread easily among people, a worldwide influenza pandemic could
ensue, potentially rivaling in impact the 1918-1919 pandemic.
Understanding why and how influenza virus can reach global proportions and
cause so many deaths is now an urgent imperative. The new research findings,
published in the journals Science and Nature, provide critical clues to the
genesis of the 1918 pandemic and why it was so lethal. The findings reveal
essential information to help us speed our preparation for--and potentially
thwart--the next influenza pandemic. For the first time, researchers have
deciphered the entire gene sequence of the 1918 virus and have used
sophisticated techniques to assemble viruses that bear some or all of these
genes so their effects can be understood. Importantly, they have identified
gene sequences that may predict when an influenza virus strain is likely to
spread among humans. . . .
. . . [S]ome have understandably questioned whether these research findings
should be reported in scientific journals because of concern that this
knowledge could be used by those with nefarious intent. . . .
The rationale for publishing the results and making them widely available to
the scientific community is to encourage additional research at a time when
we desperately need to engage the scientific community and accelerate our
ability to prevent pandemic influenza. It would be impossible and
counterproductive to attempt to enforce a worldwide ban on conducting
research on the 1918 influenza virus or similar viruses because of fear of
the misuse of such knowledge. Likewise, the dissemination of information
emanating from this research should not be suppressed; rather, we must
foster a culture of responsibility among the scientific community such that
research is conducted under the safest possible conditions and research
results are presented openly and responsibly for the purpose of improving
human health. . . .
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To access the complete NIAID news release, go to:
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2005/0510state.htm
To access the CDC news release, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r051005.htm
To access CDC's Questions & Answers: Reconstruction of the 1918 Influenza
Pandemic Virus, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/1918flupandemic.htm
To access a web-text (HTML) version of the abstract of the Science article,
click
here. To access a ready-to-print
(PDF) version of the Nature special report, go to:
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v437/n7060/pdf/437794a.pdf
To access a web-text (HTML) version of it, go to:
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v437/n7060/full/437794a.html
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October 10, 2005
UPDATED: FIVE IAC PIECES RELATED TO VIRAL HEPATITIS HAVE BEEN REVISED
[The following is cross posted from IAC's Hep Express electronic newsletter,
10/05/05.]
IAC recently updated the following five print pieces.
(1) "Brief Introduction to Hepatitis B for Parents of Adopted Children" by
S.J. Schwarzenberg, MD, University of Minnesota, was revised slightly to
take into account new treatment options for chronic HBV [hepatitis B virus]
infection.
To obtain the document in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/4150intr.pdf
To obtain it in web-text (HTML) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/4150intr.htm
(2) "You are not alone! Information for young adults who are chronically
infected with HBV" by S.J. Schwarzenberg, MD, University of Minnesota; and
K. Wainwright, RN, Alaska Area Native Health Service, Anchorage, was revised
slightly to take into account new treatment options for chronic HBV
infection.
To obtain the document in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/4118.pdf
To obtain it in web-text (HTML) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/4118.htm
(3) "If you, your parents, or your children were born in any of these
places. . ." was revised slightly to take into account new treatment options
for chronic HBV infection.
To obtain the document in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4170ref.pdf
To obtain it in web-text (HTML) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4170.htm
(4) "Should you be tested for hepatitis C? A screening questionnaire for
adults" was updated to reflect current information and encourage testing and
treatment when indicated.
To obtain the document in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2192hepc.pdf
To obtain it in web-text (HTML) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2192hepc.htm
(5) "If you have HIV infection, which vaccinations do you need?" is a
substantially revised version of the 1997 print piece "Shots for Adults with
HIV."
To obtain the document in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4041hiv.pdf
To obtain it in web-text (HTML) format, go to
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4041hiv.htm
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October 10, 2005
NEW: ALASKA MANDATES EDUCATION ABOUT MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE AND VACCINE FOR
COLLEGE STUDENTS; THREE MORE STATES LET PHARMACISTS VACCINATE. In recent months four states have made changes in their vaccination
requirements. Here's an update:
Alaska. The governor signed a bill May 17 that requires all post-secondary
educational institutions to provide information on meningococcal disease and
the vaccine to all students who intend to reside in campus housing for the
first time. The requirement became effective May 18.
IAC has compiled information about all states that have
meningococcal-prevention mandates for colleges and universities. To access
the information, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/laws/menin.htm
This information is also depicted visually on a map of the United States. To
access the map, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/laws/meninmap.pdf
Arizona, Connecticut, and Vermont. These three states now authorize
pharmacists to vaccinate. This brings the number of states granting
pharmacists permission to vaccinate to 44.
IAC has compiled information about all states that authorize pharmacists to
vaccinate. To access the information, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/laws/pharm.htm
This information is also depicted visually on a map of the United States. To
access the map, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/laws/pharmmap.pdf
We depend on our readers to help us stay informed and ensure our website
contains the most current and accurate information available. Please let us
know when any changes occur in your state by emailing us at
admin@immunize.org
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October 10, 2005
NEW: OCTOBER 5 ISSUE OF HEP EXPRESS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
ONLINE
The October 5 issue of Hep Express, an electronic newsletter published by
IAC, is now available online. It is intended for health and social service
professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis.
IAC Express has already covered some of the information presented in the
October 5 Hep Express; titles of articles we have not already covered
follow.
- November 1 is deadline for sponsor and
exhibitor registration for National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference
- IAC adds Spanish-language resource section
to its hepatitis prevention programs website
- CDC adds Spanish-language viral hepatitis
FAQs
- Clinical Care Options offers continuing
education opportunities related to viral hepatitis
- Michigan offers hepatitis C conference on
October 27; early registration deadline is October 7
To access the October 5 issue, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/issue35.asp
To sign up for a free subscription to Hep Express, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/signup.asp
To access previous issues of Hep Express, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress
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October 10, 2005
NEW: UNICEF ISSUES PROGRESS FOR CHILDREN, A REPORT CARD ON WORLDWIDE
CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION
On September 29, UNICEF issued a press release announcing the publication
of the most current edition of Progress for Children, the organization's
report card on worldwide childhood immunization. Portions of the press
release are reprinted below; links to Progress for Children are given at
the end of this article.
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ONE IN FOUR INFANTS STILL AT RISK FROM VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES
An estimated 27 million children and 40 million pregnant women not
immunized each year; 41 countries protecting fewer children than over a
decade ago.
New country-by-country data reveal inadequate progress on protecting
children and women from vaccine-preventable diseases, despite the
availability of low-cost vaccines, according to a UNICEF study released
today.
Each year since 1990, immunization with routine vaccines has reached more
than 70 percent of children worldwide. At the UN General Assembly Special
Session in 2002, the international community adopted the specific target
of immunizing by 2010 at least 90 percent of children under one year of
age in each country.
This edition of Progress for Children shows that 103 countries are already
protecting 90 percent of their children against vaccine-preventable
diseases and another 16 are making steady progress. However in 74
countries programs have not kept up, or progress is too slow. . . .
Some 10.6 million children under five die every year. Around two-thirds of
these deaths are preventable, including an estimated 1.4 million deaths
from vaccine-preventable diseases. The major killers are measles,
haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), whooping cough (pertussis), and
neonatal tetanus. These diseases are all preventable with vaccines that
are currently available.
In the near future, an additional 1.1 million deaths could be prevented
with vaccines against pneumococcus and rotavirus, which are important
causes of severe pneumonia and diarrhea in developing countries. In total,
immunization programs could reduce deaths among children under five by
almost one-quarter, if coverage of more than 90 per cent can be attained
for routine immunization. . . .
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To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_28400.html
To order a free copy of the 2005 edition of Progress for Children online,
or to access it in ready-to-print (PDF) and web-text (HTML) formats, go
to:
http://www.unicef.org/publications/index_28135.html Scroll down, and
click on the appropriate option. |
