Influenza News

SAN DIEGO — Influenza vaccination of approximately one-quarter of one Los Angeles school population resulted in decreased influenza rates and improved school attendance. Herd immunity for unvaccinated children may occur in schools with vaccination rates approaching 50%, according to research presented here during ID Week 2012.

The United States experienced relatively low levels of influenza activity from May 20 to Sept. 22, although more seasonal influenza viruses were identified compared with the summer months of past years, according to a recent report from the CDC.

Adjustments to the influenza vaccination schedule may be necessary for children with Down syndrome, although more data are needed in this population of children, according to study findings published online.

Adjustments to the influenza vaccination schedule may be necessary for children with Down syndrome, although more data are needed in this population of children, according to study findings published online.

Fewer than half of US schools addressed pandemic awareness in their school plan, whereas only 40% had updated their school plans in response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to recent survey results.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released today its policy statement on the prevention and control of influenza in children for the 2012-2013 influenza season.

This summer seemed to usher in what many may think is a higher-than-usual number of infectious disease outbreaks. However, they were not a surprise to Rima Khabbaz, MD, CDC deputy director for infectious diseases and director of CDC’s Office of Infectious Diseases.

This summer seemed to usher in what many may think is a higher-than-usual number of infectious disease outbreaks. However, they were not a surprise to Rima Khabbaz, MD, CDC deputy director for infectious diseases and director of CDC’s Office of Infectious Diseases.

A disproportionate number of children with neurologic disorders died of influenza-related complications during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to study results published in Pediatrics. The study was conducted by scientists with the CDC, which is joining the American Academy of Pediatrics, Families Fighting Flu and Family Voices to address the importance of influenza vaccination and treatment in children.

CDC once again recommends that all people aged 6 months and older receive annual influenza vaccine for the 2012-2013 influenza season, according to a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.