Tracking Influenza Disease in the U.S.
Influenza season typically lasts from October until April in the U.S., so if you are travelling during those months, you may want to check whether influenza is causing illness at your destination. CDC keeps track of influenza diagnoses across the country throughout influenza season. The map shows levels of influenza activity by state in ranges from "No activity" to " Widespread" activity.
FDA Votes on the Composition of the 2012-2013 Influenza Vaccine
The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) decided by vote that the 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine used in the United States should include the same influenza A (H1N1) component included in the 2011-2012 vaccine, an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus, and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage). Last week, the World Health Organization recommended including the California and Victoria influenza A strains, as well as the Wisconsin/Yamagata influenza B strain, in vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere for the 2012-2013 season. Read the complete story here.
Guidebook for Promoting Flu Vaccination in Underserved Populations
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Health Equity recently published a handbook of ideas, strategies, and tools regarding how to reach underserved communities to promote flu vaccination efforts. Some of the content is specific to Massachusetts, but most can be generalized. The strategies and tools can also be extended to more general outreach to these communities, and for other local health purposes as well. Access the guidebook online.
FDA Statement on Jet Injector Vaccines
The FDA has recently received questions regarding the use of jet injector devices to administer inactivated influenza vaccines. Currently, there is only one vaccine, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, that is approved and specifically labeled for administration by jet injector. At this time, there are no inactivated influenza vaccines that are approved and specifically labeled by the FDA for administration by jet injector. Read the FDA statement.
2011-2012 "Faces of Influenza" Campaign Begins
The American Lung Association (ALA) recently launched the 2011-2012 "Faces of Influenza" educational initiative to remind people about the importance of vaccinating everyone six months of age and older, and especially adults 65 years of age and older. This initiative features Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi as the program spokesperson and offers a campaign toolkit and public service announcements for TV and radio. For more information on the announcement, please click here.
Latest Article in MMWR Highlights Pediatric Deaths Due to Influenza and the Importance of Immunization
CDC has recently released a report that summarizes influenza-associated pediatric mortality that occurred from September 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. In this report, nearly half the flu-related deaths in children last year occurred in those younger than 5 years, and only 23 percent of eligible children had been vaccinated. Read the entire report here.
Summit Influenza Pocket Information Guide Now Available
Every year, the National Influenza Vaccine Summit collaborates with the Immunization Action Coalition to create and distribute the Influenza Pocket Information Guide. The 2011-2012 edition is now available.
Stay Current With FluView
FluView, a weekly surveillance report from CDC presents the status of seasonal influenza, reporting on mortality, hospitalizations, and antiviral resistance. The site also contains a map of the geographic spread of seasonal influenza, with levels reported by state.
