November 12th 2024
The initiation of a phase 2 study of the investigational 31-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is expected by the end of January 2025.
First 100 million doses of Pfizer, BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine candidate acquired by US government
July 22nd 2020The US government has entered into an agreement to acquire the first 100 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, pending approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Updated Recommendations for Flu Vaccination
October 12th 2011As the calendar advances to the fall months, we are reminded everywhere that it’s time for the annual influenza vaccination. In August 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated its vaccination recommendations to include new guidelines for children ages 6 months through 8 years, and for persons with egg allergy.
Snippets of Vaccine History: Success, Failure, and Controversy
November 19th 2010Vaccination against infectious diseases has saved millions of lives. The recurrent threat of influenza pandemics and the prevalence of global HIV infections underscore the need for better-designed, more effective vaccines.
Should Pediatricians Recommend HPV Vaccine for Boys?
November 19th 2010The lay public is being increasingly educated about the significant impact of HPV infection and the potential benefits of vaccination in reducing female cervical cancer. More medical providers need to recognize the substantial disease that could be prevented in men.
Should Patients Be Discharged Because Parents Refuse to Have Their Child Vaccinated?
November 19th 2010It certainly is reasonable for pediatricians to discharge patients if parents consistently refuse vaccinations. More than one-third of surveyed pediatricians agree.1 Although the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding the dismissal of vaccination refusers, it also recommends consideration of dismissal “when a substantial level of distrust develops, significant differences in the philosophy of care emerge, or poor quality of communication persists.”
Should Pediatricians Be Vaccinating the Parents of Patients (eg, With Tdap and Flu Vaccines)?
November 11th 2010Newborns and young infants represent the population most at risk for the burden of severe pertussis-related and influenza-related morbidity and mortality. The sources of these infections in infants are often unclear but are probably adolescents and adults (pertussis) and children and adults (influenza)
Should the Topic of Thimerosal-Free Vaccines Be Discussed With Parents?
November 11th 2010With the sole exception of the multidose influenza vaccine, childhood vaccines are now thimerosal-free. Communicating this fact (with signs in clinic) is a quick and effective way of making this concern a non-issue. It helps reinforce the message that vaccines are safe. Parents are made aware that the pediatrician is cognizant of their concerns and has endeavored to address those concerns.
An Easy Way to Improve Immunization Rates: Turn Patients Into Record Holders
November 8th 2010The importance of vaccination has been well proved over the years for both individuals and the community as a whole. According to the 2004 to 2006 National Immunization Survey sponsored by the CDC, about 80% of children in the United States are up-to-date (UTD) with their immunizations, a rate that although respectable still leaves room for improvement.
The Newly Licensed Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Questions-and Answers
June 8th 2010Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children can cause serious illness-including meningitis, pneumonia, and bacteremia-and death. Fortunately for children, their families, and their pediatricians, the incidence of IPD in children younger than 5 years has dropped significantly following the widespread adoption of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).
Acute Parotiditis After MMR Vaccination
April 6th 2010On awakening in the morning, a 2-year-old girl was noted to have left-sided facial swelling and was brought to the emergency department. The child had had no fever, trauma to the area, pain, or difficulty in swallowing. Her medical history was unremarkable. Her immunizations were up-to-date; she had received both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine about 6 months before presentation. There were no sick contacts.