Update on Massachusetts
Though flu activity has declined since the late
October, there are still uncertainties surrounding the rest of this flu season, including the possibility of the circulation
of seasonal influenza viruses and ongoing circulation of 2009 H1N1 viruses. In past pandemics, flu activity has occurred in
waves and it’s possible that the United States could experience another wave of flu activity in the winter or spring
of 2010. In addition, sporadic cases of influenza may also be detected in the summer. H1N1 flu shots are widely available
and everyone is urged to get vaccinated.
Responding to H1N1: Lessons Learned ConferenceMonday, March 22nd
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM DCU Center in Worcester
The DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention,
Response and Services presents: Responding to H1N1: Lessons Learned. This conference will provide an opportunity to review
lessons learned and highlight best practices from the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu season. Presenters from a variety of fields will
share their experiences on patient education, vaccine distribution, non-traditional partnerships and other important issues.
15th Annual Adult Immunization ConferenceMay
11, 2010 DCU Center Worcester “An
Immunization Odyssey: To Reach All Adults”
Keynote speaker: Carol Friedman, Associate
Director of Adult Immunizations, at the CDC.Workshops include: Innovations in Community Immunization Programs, Epidemiology
of a Pandemic – What Have We Learned?, Immunizations in Special Populations, Healthcare Worker Immunizations, and
Innovative Immunization in Private Practice Settings.
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) Recommends Universal Annual Influenza Vaccination
A panel of immunization experts recommended that an annual influenza vaccination include
all people aged 6 months and older. The recommendation is to take effect in the 2010 - 2011 influenza season. The new recommendation
seeks to remove barriers to influenza immunization and signals the importance of preventing influenza across the entire population.
http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r100224.htm
Protection Against 2009 H1N1 To Be Included in 2010-2011 Seasonal Flu Vaccine
A key U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory
Committee recommended today that protection against the 2009 H1N1 virus, which was first identified last April, be included
in the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine starting this fall. That means that, barring some unforeseen circumstance,
this fall, most Americans will be able to return to the traditional routine of having one flu vaccine to protect them against
the major circulating flu viruses. As is always the case with seasonal vaccine, younger children who have never had
a seasonal vaccine will still need two doses. http://www.flu.gov/news/blogs/blog20100222.html
WHO Decides To Maintain Current Pandemic Status
The
World Health Organization has decided it is premature to conclude that the H1N1 peak has passed in all parts of the world.
The Committee making the recommendation will reconvene in several weeks to review any new developments that might suggest
a change to the pandemic status. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/7th_meeting_ihr/en/index.html
