Happenings on the vaccine front
Two items of note can be considered good news. First, there is more reassurance for parents about thimerosal and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: In mid-May, the Immunization Safety Review Committee of the Institute of Medicine issued a final report on a purported connection between autism and the MMR vaccine and other thimerosal-containing vaccines. The committee's conclusion? Epidemiologic evidence doesn't support any connection.
Second, the supply of the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7, Prevnar) is catching up with CDC requirements for its administration, and dosing restrictions may be lifted soon. According to CDC National Vaccine Program Office Medical Director Gregory Wallace, "current projections suggest that supply will be adequate for a three-dose coverage in the summer and a four-dose coverage in the fall." Wyeth, the vaccine's sole manufacturer, has been plagued by manufacturing problems but says that its "significant investment" in production facilities should avert shortages in the future.
Pediatric patients with uveitis at elevated risk of cataracts, study finds
July 24th 2024Risk for cataract development was assessed at specific follow-up durations of 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 20 years following the index date, with an increased risk of cataracts development among patients aged younger than 18 years present at each time point.
Comparison of teen- and parent-reported estimates of social and emotional support, 2021 to 2022
July 23rd 2024The investigative team noted that teenagers with emotional and social support are better off to handle stressors such as biological and social transition, and are less likely to experience a variety of adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
