CDC: H1N1 activity continues to decline

The spread of influenza A (H1N1) in the United States continues to decline, according to new data released this week by the CDC.

The new data indicated that the number of states reporting "widespread influenza activity" last week was 11, a decrease from 14 states during the week before. Furthermore, other markers of influenza activity -- including doctor visits for influenza-like illness, influenza-associated hospitalizations and influenza-associated deaths -- also declined from the previous week. These figures, however, all remain higher than normal for this time of year.

Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the Center of Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said the supply of the influenza A (H1N1) vaccine is improving throughout the country. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Schuchat said public health officials throughout the country are working to help people get vaccinated against influenza A (H1N1). "Surveys are showing that initial doses of vaccine were relatively quickly taken up and they were going to the people that they were targeted for," Schuchat said. "We know from our survey, though, that many people are interested in being vaccinated and haven't yet had a chance to be. With the increase in [vaccine] supply and this window of opportunity that we have right now, it's a really good time to be vaccinated in the weeks ahead."

Schuchat also discussed the results of a recent study that called into question the number of doses of influenza A (H1N1) vaccine that should be given to children. She said despite some data indicating that one dose of vaccine may be sufficient for children, the CDC continues to recommend a second dose for children aged 10 years and younger. "We strongly believe that two doses are needed in children," she said. "We recommend two doses of H1N1 vaccine one month apart. We know a lot of parents have gotten their children vaccinated but may not have gotten that second dose in yet. It's really important to finish the series."