Mouse Trap? Immunologist Calls For More Research On Humans, Not Mice Jan 1, 2009
"But think about what we can do with people. People come to hospitals, get vaccinations, give blood and tissue samples for routine lab tests and clinical trials. We're not learning nearly as much as we could from these samples. As with the recent history of human genetics, we could be much bolder." ... "What if we could define the normal range for all these parameters, and then see how they're changed by any of the over 100 infectious diseases, or 90-odd autoimmune disorders, or more than 120... (Science Daily)
* CDC confident hepatitis A not a severe threat Jan 1, 2009
Lin recommended that people concerned about contracting the virus receive a hepatitis A vaccination, which is 95 percent effective and has helped control outbreaks worldwide ... As the vaccination is not covered by the healthcare system, two shots can cost between NT$3,000 and NT$4,000 altogether. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Rabies bait drop scheduled to begin Wednesday Jan 1, 2009
"The purpose has been to create and maintain zones of vaccinated coyotes in South Texas and gray foxes in west-central Texas to prevent the spread of rabies to other animals and humans, and to eventually eliminate canine and gray fox rabies in Texas," said DSHS veterinarian Ernest Oertli, director of the department's Oral Rabies Vaccination Program ... "Getting pets vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian as required by law is still essential to preventing the spread of rabies," Oertli said,... (Fort Stockton Pioneer, TX)
High take up for anti-cancer jab in Norfolk Jan 1, 2009
Health bosses are pleased at the high take up of the HPV vaccination in Norfolk ... Within the 12 to 13 age group there has so far been an 85pc uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Norfolk, a total of 3,533 first doses, and 73pc for the 17 to 18 age group - a total of 80pc across all ages so far ... In January the third wave of the HPV vaccination campaign will be launched with 18 clinic days being held at Connexions centres right across NHS Norfolk's area. (Norwich Evening News)
Pediatrician slams vaccine book Dec 31, 2008
Sears issued a response in which he expresses surprise at the vitriol and says his position on childhood vaccination does not differ significantly from the American Academy of Pediatrics ... The nation's public health policy depends on widespread support for childhood vaccination. (Los Angeles Times)
Whooping cough on the rise (1) Dec 31, 2008
Health officials suspect the spike could be attributed to waning immunity to pertussis vaccination, which typically occurs around age 10 in those vaccinated in infancy and early childhood ... It's extremely important for communities to work together to control the spread of the disease, said Kraig Humbaugh, M.D., state epidemiologist for DPH. Developing community-wide immunity through vaccination is an important strategy for pertussis control. (Russellville News Democrat Leader, KY)
U.S. to Ashland: Why so many kids without shots? Dec 31, 2008
Belinda Brown, Ashland s school nurse coordinator, said some children get some of the vaccinations. If a parent signs a religious exemption for one vaccination but follows the remaining requirements, the child is counted as an exemption, she said ... Complicating the issue, there s evidence on both sides to argue for and against vaccinations, she said. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Health and Fitness File 12-31 Dec 31, 2008
SHINGLES VACCINATIONS: People who have had chickenpox are at risk for shingles ... It is a one-time vaccination. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
'Killer' Australian flu strain set to spread across UK, experts warn Dec 31, 2008
The influenza vaccination programme has been good in some areas but patchy in others ... It is important that they take up the offer of free flu vaccination at their local surgery ... How would you feel if the elderly relatives in your family got very sick and died from flu, partly because they were not granted a vaccination due to their age. (Daily Mail)
Flu expected to worsen as deadly Australian strain hits Europe Dec 31, 2008
"Moderate flu activity at this time of the season is normal and should not make us think that everything is over by Christmas," says Professor Koos van der Velden, former chairman of EISS. "We fully expect the season to intensify soon and people should continue to receive vaccination through December and early January to protect themselves and their loved ones. "This is most important for the elderly as they are particularly vulnerable to flu and its complications. " For the first time in twenty... (Telegraph.co.uk)
It's a Small World -- Watch Out for New Diseases Dec 30, 2008
There is no vaccination to help protect against this disease, but if it is detected and treated, those suffering from it can make a full recovery. Today, blood banks regularly screen for Chagas Disease to protect the blood supply from this type of transmission. (Pekin Times, IL)
Differences between Common Colds an... Dec 30, 2008
There are also several RSV drugs and vaccinations in trials, because RSV infections cause thousands of children to be hospitalized every year. It would certainly be nice if there was a vaccination to common cold, but considering the wide variety of viruses that can cause this illness, it is unlikely to be achieved. (Suite101.com)
In Wake, nurses will aid families Dec 30, 2008
Once the baby is born, they help make sure vaccination schedules are met, doctor visits are kept and day care arrangements can be made so the young moms can either finish their educations or get a job. "We've had several clients go on to get college degrees," she says. (News & Observer)
Alternative Vaccine Schedule Stirs Debate Dec 30, 2008
Sears' book, which has become a best seller and is popular among parents leery of vaccines, has induced many to change vaccine schedules or avoid recommended vaccinations for their children, Offit tells WebMD. ... "I believe that my options will actually increase the vaccination rate. My book is admittedly not pro the AAP's vaccine schedule. My advice does differ in the way vaccines are given, but ultimately, I agree that vaccines should be given. For parents afraid of the way AAP says to do it,... (WebMD)
Fair Grounds eases restrictions Dec 30, 2008
Under the LDAF criteria, handlers of horses shipping to the Fair Grounds must bring proof that the horses had a certified veterinary inspection within the previous 48 hours and a recent herpes vaccination, Gardiner said. Also, the horses must show a normal temperature reading upon arrival, he said. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Current flu bug may resist Tamiflu medicine Dec 30, 2008
It's too early to know whether the resistant strains of influenza A (H1N1) will become the prevalent viruses of the 2008-2009 flu season, but health officials say the preliminary data underscore the importance of getting a flu vaccination sooner rather than later ... Health officials say annual vaccination remains the best method for preventing influenza and its potentially severe complications ... WHO SHOULD GET FLU VACCINATION. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Use caution when adding to herds (42) Dec 30, 2008
What health monitoring or vaccination programs have been used. 2) Unloading newly purchased animals directly into the existing herd is a risky practice at best. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Celeb health tips mostly bogus than real Dec 30, 2008
The US President-elect Barack Obama is among several American public figures who continue to suggest that the MMR vaccination is a potential cause of autism, despite an overwhelming weight of scientific evidence to the contrary. Cookery writer and broadcaster Delia Smiths suggestion that obesity is caused by sugar addiction is being questioned and Lisa Miles, of the British Nutrition Foundation has denied the theory completely. (Times of India)
Cancer vaccine kicks up controversy Dec 30, 2008
As of August 31, the US Centres of Disease Control (CDC) had received more than 10,000 adverse event reports, including 27 deaths following Gardasil vaccination ... Puliyel says the Gardasil vaccination raises an ethical issue as it can only prevent, but not treat HPV infection ... "With so many essential questions still unanswered, there is good reason to be cautious about introducing large-scale vaccination programmes (with Gardasil)," says Charlotte Haug, editor in chief of the Journal of the... (Times of India)
Doctors Debate 'Delayed Vaccine' Schedule Dec 30, 2008
Vaccine Fears Cause Some Parents to Delay Vaccination ... Indeed, fears among some parents that the current regimen of infant vaccinations involves too many vaccines too soon have reinvigorated the debate over childhood vaccine safety ... On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is issuing its updated childhood vaccination schedule, along with an article that deconstructs Sears' popular "delayed vaccine" schedule. (ABC News)
Delay in phasing out DPT vaccine Dec 28, 2008
World Health Organisation has approved pentavalent vaccines manufactured by Panacea Biotec, Shantha Biotech, Novartis and GlaxoSmithkline in India for supplies to the United Nations vaccination programmes. However there is a huge price difference at which these companies are supplying to WHO programmes and the price offered by the government. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Killer Peptide May Offer New Therapy Against Influenza A Virus Dec 28, 2008
Although vaccination can be an effective strategy for preventing influenza, researchers are also placing great emphasis on the discovery and development of antiviral drugs. A killer decapeptide (KP) represents the internal image of a yeast (Pichia anomala) killer toxin that has an antimicrobial effect against pathogenic organisms. (Science Daily)
Zimbabwe cholera death toll over 1,500 Dec 27, 2008
It recommends neighbouring countries scale up disease monitoring and preparedness but refrain from mass vaccination campaigns. 2008. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Metapneumovirus infections seen widespread in adults Dec 26, 2008
The study findings, Walsh concluded, "point out that influenza vaccination cannot be expected to prevent all illnesses that appear to be influenza-like in older persons.". SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, December 2008. (Scientific American)
Winter weather can stress livestock, calves for weeks Dec 26, 2008
"In most cases, there's little vaccination can do after the fact, so prompt identification of sick animals is essential," said Daly. "Calves or lambs with respiratory infections often respond to antibiotic and other treatments that herd veterinarians would recommend.". (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Experts Detail The Three Rules For Technological Fixes Dec 26, 2008
"For vaccination, the standardized core, the vaccine first developed more than two centuries ago not through basic research but through empiricism guided by folk wisdom remains the fulcrum on which cumulative learning and improved practice can be leveraged," they add. Sarewitz and Nelson state that when knowledge is not largely embodied in an effective technology, but must be applied to practice, through training, incentives, organizational structures or public policies, the difficulty of... (Science Daily)
Weather Can Stress Livestock Dec 26, 2008
"In most cases, there's little vaccination can do after the fact, so prompt identification of sick animals is essential," said Daly. "Calves or lambs with respiratory infections often respond to antibiotic and other treatments that herd veterinarians would recommend." Daly said weather stress combines with other stresses animals may encounter, such as weaning, transporting, and processing. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Whooping Cough Making a Comeback Dec 26, 2008
Although vaccination caused a sharp decline in the disease for more than 40 years, whooping cough never fully disappeared. 1. (ABC News)
Flu 'heading for nine-year high' Dec 25, 2008
"That one caught everyone a bit off guard but there's been a big push on flu vaccination since then," he added. Professor David Salisbury, director of immunisation at the Department of Health said vaccine take up this year had been good but anyone eligible who had not yet been immunised should take up the opportunity. (BBC News -- UK)
Polio panic: 'Media should be responsible' Dec 25, 2008
BANGALORE: Director of Bangalore Medical College Dr G T Subhas talks about the recent panic among parents following baseless rumours about pulse polio vaccination. Do you think this incident was avoidable. (Times of India)
CONCORD CARES: How you can fight off the flu Dec 25, 2008
Flu activity in Massachusetts normally does not peak until mid-February, so getting your flu vaccination in the next few weeks will still provide sufficient protection for you and the members of your household. For more information on flu prevention and preparedness, visit and. (Concord Journal, MA)
PHOTOS: Top 10 Health Stories of 2008 Dec 25, 2008
The FDA approved a single vaccine (Pantacel) for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. The vaccine combo means children get fewer shots and parents spend less money on vaccinations ... July 10: Thanks to the measle, mumps and rubella vaccination, measles have been on the decline for several decades. (Fox News)
Various Immune-related Diseases Have A Strong Genetic Overlap Dec 25, 2008
This clearly revealed the way that the immune reaction is disturbed and that also provides possible reference frameworks for treatment (medication or perhaps vaccination). Adapted from materials provided by , via. (Science Daily)
Mathematical Models Of Adaptive Immunity Dec 25, 2008
(June 14, 2007) New evidence supports the link between genetic factors and certain adverse events related to smallpox vaccination. The study may have implications for predicting adverse events from other live. (Science Daily)
PCTs given 17m cancer immunisation fund Dec 25, 2008
The vaccination offers protection against cervical cancer for teenage girls ... The HPV vaccination has been available to 12-13 year olds since September, and the original plan was to roll it out to other age groups gradually ... The decision to make the funding available now has been made in light of figures showing that 70 per cent of 12-13 year olds have already had their first of three vaccinations, with the numbers expected to rise. (Health Service Journal)
Polio rumours hit health workers Dec 25, 2008
BANGALORE: Reports of death due to pulse polio vaccination in Erode district, have put fear in the minds of parents ... Some of the parents did not let the health workers carry on vaccinations, said Dr Mohan Raju, Project Director. (Express Buzz)
Get your flu shot Dec 23, 2008
While vaccination is the best protection, basic infection control measures can also help to help reduce the spread of flu. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you are sick and washing your hands frequently. (Hattiesburg American)
Childhood Vaccines Cause Financial Burden To Many Health Care Providers Dec 23, 2008
A young man receives a vaccination. The cost and reimbursement levels of vaccines vary widely, according to new studies from the University of Michigan Health System. (Science Daily)
Nigeria: New Ministers Take Over Dec 23, 2008
He added that the delivery system during vaccination needed to be strengthened while the National Primary Health Care Development Agency had been working in collaboration with local governments. Speaking on the intervention of donor partners, the health minister added that a monitoring strategy would be put in place to properly coordinate the contributions of donors so as to ensure massive advantages of the facilities in the health ministry. (allAfrica.com)
Needham Briefs (Dec. 25) Dec 23, 2008
Please call the Town Clerk s office at 781-455-7510 with any questions or to determine if proof of rabies vaccination and spaying/neutering is on record. Library holiday hours. (Needham Tab, MA)
HPV vaccine programme for girls aged 13-17 fast-tracked Dec 23, 2008
Primary care trusts have been told to vaccinate all girls aged 12-17 against the human papillomavirus (HPV) as part of a nationwide vaccination programme. More than seven out of ten 12-13 year old girls have already had their first vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), according to government figures ... Routine HPV vaccination was introduced for girls aged 12-13 (year 8) in September. (Nursing Times)
WHO, 2 other groups tapped to probe Ebola strain discovery in RP Dec 23, 2008
Vaccination of swine against PRRS is ongoing in the Province of Bulacan. PRRS is not transmissible to humans. (ABS CBN News)
Rohe Dairy experiences lots of baby calves in December (7) Dec 22, 2008
It was heifer preg check and also calf vaccination day. It's another busy week, said Michele. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Give the gift of health, vaccinate children against the flu Dec 22, 2008
Oklahoma's flu season generally runs from October through May and prevention by vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and protect your family and others ... While no cases of flu have yet been confirmed in the state, some states around Oklahoma have reported activity," Blose said.Each year about 60 million Americans get the flu, resulting in about 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations. This year's flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research... (Norman Transcript)
Dumped or destroyed: grim future for many a puppy in the window Dec 22, 2008
"Sometimes the vaccination cards wouldn't match up with the breed of the dog so we'd just make up the breed ourselves depending on what was selling at the time. Whatever would fetch the most money, that's what we would call the dog.". No more than about $200 was allowed to be spent on veterinary treatment for an individual puppy, after which it would be destroyed. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Have the flu? Tamiflu may not help Dec 21, 2008
For the public, the best course of action is vaccination, health officials said. Only about 30 percent of U.S. adults had gotten a flu vaccination this flu season, according to an online survey conducted by the Rand think tank in November. (San Francisco Chronicle)
State confirms season's first flu case Dec 21, 2008
Vaccination is also recommended for any adults who want to protect themselves from the flu. Adults 50 and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, household contacts of people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and healthcare workers are particularly encouraged to get vaccinated. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Antivirals might not help battle flu Dec 20, 2008
For the public, the best course of action is vaccination, health officials said. A flu shot is recommended for those 50 and older, children from 6 months to 18 years, pregnant women, nursing home patients, and those with certain medical conditions or who care for people with those conditions. (Boston Globe)
Orissa mounts guard against virus entry Dec 20, 2008
We have deployed 116 rapid reaction teams which currently are carrying out vaccination as well as surveillance in the eight districts. If a need arises for culling, the teams would be placed in action, a senior official said. (Express Buzz)
Trash pick-up to be delayed, flu vaccine available Dec 20, 2008
If you are over 18 and would like a vaccination, please call 781-596-8864 to schedule an appointment. Loading commenting interface. (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
Official: tide of poultry death not from bird flu in east China province Dec 20, 2008
Through a compulsory avian influenza vaccination policy here, the vaccination rate reaches 100 ... Through a compulsory avian influenza vaccination policy here, the vaccination rate reaches 100 ... "The vaccine has been sent to poultry farmers for free. The vaccination work will be finished by Saturday," he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Mayo Clinic study finds increased risk of pneumococcal disease in asthma patients Dec 20, 2008
The researchers recommend including asthma as an indication for pneumococcal vaccination in adults. The results of the study were recently published in the October edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. (EurekAlert!)
Parents Of New Babies Should Be Considered For Whooping Cough Booster, Say Experts Dec 19, 2008
18, 2008) A booster vaccination for parents of new babies and other household members may be the most effective way of preventing the fatal form of whooping cough in young infants, say a group of paediatric intensive care doctors on the British Medical Journal website ... Vaccination is effective and is usually given to infants at two to four months of age, with a further booster after three years ... There was no record of the parents' childhood vaccination status but the mother received a... (Science Daily)
Hi-tech Vaccine Designed By Students Shows Promise Against Ulcer Causing Bacteria Dec 19, 2008
We think that bacteria might be easiest to implement as the vaccine in remote areas, because you could just reconstitute lyophilized bacteria or bacterial ghosts, provided that the oral or mucosal vaccination would show adequate efficiency , is optimistic Jerneja Mori, fourth grade student of microbiology at the Biotechnical faculty. Project was accomplished in five months from the idea to the demonstration of the proof of concept and was prepared as entry for the International Genetically... (Science Daily)
Georgetown news in brief Dec 19, 2008
The primary focus of the volunteer group is to help staff an Emergency Dispensing Site in the event of a flu pandemic when mass vaccination or mass prophylaxis will be required. The volunteer group may also be asked to assist the Board of Health in other emergencies, such as blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc. (Georgetown Record, MA)
EGYPT: First bird flu fatality in six months Dec 18, 2008
A government committee set up to combat bird flu echoed Shahin's comments on the success of the public awareness campaign, saying infection rates among domestic poultry had dropped sharply since the second week of January 2008 thanks to increased vaccination efforts ... "Early diagnosis is the most important factor and determines whether the person will live or die," Nasr Qilini, a doctor, told IRIN. "Tamiflu vaccination is available at all hospitals and medical units across Egypt.". (AlertNet)
CL Can Be Nasty and Persistent in Flock, Goat Herd Dec 18, 2008
Luther and Stoltenow say the Case-Bac vaccine from Colorado Serum Co. provides protection in sheep, and it s been demonstrated that primary vaccination with a booster at four weeks significantly reduces the incidence of CL external and internal abscesses. Sheep also were challenged eight months post-vaccination, and the vaccinated group showed 90 percent protection against the internal form of CL and 58 percent protection against the external form ... Repeating vaccination at least annually will... (Agri-View, WI)
Fears of promiscuity pose barrier to cervical cancer vaccinations Dec 18, 2008
There is an ongoing public health campaign promoting the vaccination of girls against HPV to prevent against genital warts and cervical cancer, but the Yale study showed the public believes that the benefits are outweighed by potential disadvantages ... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the HPV vaccination be administered to young girls between 11- and 12-years-old (and also to administer catch-up vaccinations to young women ranging from 13- to 26-years-old) ... But... (EurekAlert!)
Anti-cancer shots will lead to more sex Dec 18, 2008
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the HPV vaccination be administered to girls aged between 11 and 12 years (and catch-up vaccinations to girls between 13 and 26). But currently less than 25 percent of the target population has received even one of the three recommended vaccinations, far below the target needed to maximise the vaccine's potential public health benefit ... The research found that even with health insurance and other financial assistance, the average family... (India Times, India)
Dont suffer through the flu season this year Dec 17, 2008
Julie Anderson, registered nurse at Oconee Medical Center, said the flu vaccination is the second safest shot behind Hepatitis B and yields only minor side effects like muscle aches and tenderness in the arm (at the site) ... The only way to ensure a healthy stint through flu season is the yearly vaccination, which more people in Oconee County are paying attention to this year ... Even though peak flu season doesnt hit until February, the earlier the vaccination, the better, Anderson said. (Daily Journal)
Half-dose Flu Shot Appears To Produce Immune Response In Young, Healthy Adults Dec 17, 2008
This suggests that half-dose vaccination in healthy young individuals may be effective in times of vaccine shortage ... Blood samples were taken before and 21 days after vaccination and tested for antibodies against influenza, and participants recorded any symptoms they experienced during this time period ... Because half-doses were associated with fewer side effects, reducing dosage could also make vaccination more acceptable, particularly among groups of people who experience more adverse... (Science Daily)
Dog owner arrested on 28 warrants Dec 17, 2008
True billed by the 216th Judicial District Grand Jury on Dec. 1, Rosalia Clarice Sclafani was arrested Friday and served with 28 misdemeanor warrants, which range from vaccination violations to cruelty to animals, according to Bandera County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alan Tucker ... During the investigation, Sergeant Shane Merritt discovered that Sclafani, who worked at Morrison Vet Clinic in Boerne, had fabricated vaccination records to stall her dogs' ordered euthanization ... "She supplied... (Bandera Bulletin, TX)
Flu Vaccine Myths Debunked Dec 17, 2008
-- With the flu season in full swing, doctors want to remind people there is still time to get your flu vaccination ... Reynolds said another common myth is that the vaccinations side effects are worse than getting the flu. (KERO 23, CA)
Health officials say this years vaccine should better target the flu Dec 17, 2008
I m hopeful we re going to make major inroads, Dr. Alfred DeMaria Jr., communicable disease control director for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, said about vaccination efforts. With National Influenza Vaccination Week slated to kick off Monday, local health providers say it s time to get vaccinated ... At Morton Hospital, Williams said, flu shot vaccinations are up this year, especially among employees and physicians. (Yarmouth Register, MA)
DH and HPA call for antiviral drugs to combat flu outbreaks Dec 17, 2008
While vaccination offers the best protection for those at high risk of flu, antiviral drugs can be effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Advertisement. (Nursing Times)
