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This review of the recommendations for routine vaccines includes those used on the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule and the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule. The rationale is provided for recent changes, [...]

The safety and efficacy of current vaccines are reviewed for high-risk populations, such as those with underlying medical conditions or occupational or lifestyle circumstances. The morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable [...]

Highlights of the 2008 recommendations of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), detailed in the child and adult immunization schedules in the MMWR in January, (1,2) include: * [...]

Trends in the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia, infection of the blood by pneumococcal bacteria, are often monitored by community-based studies. Results of the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in Charleston County, South Carolina between 1974 and 1976 were used to develop economical pneumococcal vaccine programs for the elderly. The incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in Charleston County between 1986 and 1987 were re-assessed in view of changes in medical practice. The results show that the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in Charleston County increased 2.3-fold between 1974 and 1987, and this coincided with a 2.2-fold increase in the annual number of blood cultures tested. The annual incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia increased 2.3-fold for adults aged 65 years and older and 4.6-fold for children less than two years of age. The death rate for this infection was 18 percent in the period of 1986 to 1987 as compared to 21 percent in the period of 1974 to 1976. The death rate was 44 percent among persons aged 65 years and older. At least one underlying condition suggesting the need for pneumococcal vaccine was identified in 91 percent of adults aged 19 to 64 years having bacteremia, and in all the adults between the ages of 55 to 64 years who had it. The reported increases in incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia may be due to increased frequency of testing by blood culture for this infection. These results indicate the need for pneumococcal vaccine programs for high-risk groups, particularly among persons aged 65 years and older. In addition, a vaccine that is more immunogenic or causes a greater immune response, is required for children less than two years of age. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Now limited to children under 2 years of age, high-risk groups through 59 months. ATLANTA - Cost was a major consideration, although not the only one, in the decision by [...]