Immunizations - Highlights

Highlights

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

• The 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccine now covers the 2009 H1N1 similar strain. As a result, a separate H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine is not needed.
• In its 2010 guidelines, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommends that all persons (healthy as well as higher risk) 6 months of age or older receive annual flu vaccination unless there are medical reasons to avoid vaccination. This expands the previous recommendation to include all healthy non-pregnant adults ages 18 - 49.

Pneumonia

• The new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine series Prevnar 13 replaces the current Prevnar 7 and is recommended for all children between ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
• The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for those between the ages of 2 and 65 who are felt to be high risk individuals and all those over 65 years. A second dose is recommended 5 years after the initial dose for people who received their first dose before 65, and for high risk individuals.

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Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

• A new vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), Cervarix, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2009. This vaccine protects against HPV strains 16 and 18, the cause of about 70% of cervical cancer cases.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to approve a statement permitting the vaccinations of boys and young men (ages 9 - 26) with Gardasil, the HPV vaccine that also protects against genital warts; however, HPV vaccination in males is still considered optional.

Combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

• The combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (MMRV) is expected to be available late spring 2010 (after limited supplies and manufacturing constraints).
• ACIP recommends either separate MMR and varicella vaccine or combined MMRV use in young children. The combined vaccine is generally preferred for the second dose or older children. Providers should discuss the risks and benefits of either administration with parents and caregivers.

Anthrax Vaccine

• Dosing and administration changes have been made to the anthrax vaccine protocol. Current recommendations include 5 doses (instead of 6), intramuscular administration for pre-exposure, and subcutaneous (directly below the skin) administration after exposure.
• New guidelines also call for pregnant women exposed to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis spores to be vaccinated.

Review Date: 10/12/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).