Each year, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) develops recommendations for routine use of vaccines in children, adolescents, and adults in the US. This year, for the first time, recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents up to age 18 and adults age 19 and older are being published together. Updated schedules are available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/
The MMWR for children and adolescent immunization schedules is available at http://go.usa.gov/4yJk
The MMWR for adult immunization schedules is available at http://go.usa.gov/4yJP
Adult vaccination is critical to public health. Far too few adults are fully vaccinated, leaving themselves and others at risk of vaccine preventable diseases, including pneumococcal disease, whooping cough, and shingles.
US CDC has issued an MMWR describing the status of vaccination of US adults in 2011. For more information, read the MMWR at http://go.usa.gov/4yzB
Showing posts with label immunization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label immunization. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Universal childhood immunizations
Public Law 2009-595 went into effect on January 1. This law reinstated the universal status of childhood immunizations in Maine. As part of this legislation the Maine Vaccine Board (MVB) was formed to help the State of Maine reinstate its universal purchase of vaccines for children under age 19. The MVB assures the necessary flow of vaccine purchase funds by collecting payments from health plans, insurance companies, and other payers and remitting the funds to the state. Through the Maine CDC's Childhood Vaccine Program, the State purchases vaccines at favorable rates and distributes them to providers at no charge.
This means that all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines are now available to all Maine children under age 19 at no cost to the child’s family or to providers in the State of Maine.
This program has many benefits for Maine citizens:
This program has many benefits for Maine citizens:
- reduces out-of-pocket vaccine costs for parents
- improves vaccination rates in Maine children
- lowers costs of vaccines through a public-private partnerships
- lowers vaccine costs in provider offices
- improves vaccine access by creating a single-tier system in provider offices
- most importantly, will improve vaccine rates by offering combination vaccines to reduce missed opportunities.
Monday, August 6, 2012
National Immunization Awareness Month
We all need immunizations (also called vaccines or shots) to help protect us from serious diseases. Shots can prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria, and rubella. But people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them.
Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:
Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:
- Children need a series of shots from birth to age 6.
- Pre-teens need recommended shots at age 11 or 12.
- All adults need a booster shot every 10 years to help protect against tetanus and diphtheria.
We are seeing many cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in Maine right now. Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that can last for many weeks. Immunity to pertussis following infection is not lifelong. Persons with a history of pertussis should continue to receive pertussis-containing vaccines according to the recommended schedule. Because vaccination is not 100% effective and immunity wanes over time, even fully vaccinated persons can become infected with pertussis. However, unvaccinated children have an 8 times higher risk of becoming infected with pertussis than fully vaccinated children. Furthermore, vaccinated children who do get infected with pertussis have milder symptoms, shorter duration of illness, fewer severe outcomes (including hospitalization) and are less infectious than their non-vaccinated counterparts. Therefore, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent pertussis.
Talk to your doctor or nurse to find out which immunizations you need. For more information, visit
www.immunizeme.org
www.immunizeme.org
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Immunization Program Regional Trainings
Registration is now open for the Maine Immunization Program’s regional trainings, which will occur in July and August.
The trainings are open to all health professionals responsible for managing and supporting childhood vaccine programs including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and practice managers. Note: These trainings are not intended for pharmaceutical company representatives.
Space is limited. All cancellations must be received one week prior to the event. There will be a $25 fee for people who register for the training but fail to cancel and/or do not attend. Special accommodation requests must be received a week prior to the event.
For more information and to register: http://adcarecdc.neias.org/regionaltrainings/
The trainings are open to all health professionals responsible for managing and supporting childhood vaccine programs including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and practice managers. Note: These trainings are not intended for pharmaceutical company representatives.
Space is limited. All cancellations must be received one week prior to the event. There will be a $25 fee for people who register for the training but fail to cancel and/or do not attend. Special accommodation requests must be received a week prior to the event.
For more information and to register: http://adcarecdc.neias.org/regionaltrainings/
Monday, March 26, 2012
New immunization recommendations
In early February 2012, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) published the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization schedules for 2012. Childhood, adolescent and teen, and adult schedules are available online at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.
Maine Immunization Program advises health care providers to use these schedules for 2012. The program has mailed childhood and adolescent schedules in poster size, which are the most popular, to all pediatric and family medicine providers in the state. Providers may order additional wall size or wallet size childhood immunization schedules by clicking the link “Order Brochures, Pamphlets, VIS, and More” at http://go.usa.gov/EBU
Due to funding limits, the program will not provide the catch-up schedule for children ages 4 months through 18 years and the adult schedule available. Instead, the program asks providers to print these from the US CDC link above.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Update on Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Recommended Immunization Schedules for Children
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued its annual Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6005a6.htm?s_cid=tw_mmwr90
National Vaccine Plan
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has unveiled a new National Vaccine Plan to enhance coordination of all aspects of federal vaccine and immunization activities. Its goal is to ensure that all Americans can access the preventive benefits of vaccines. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/02/20110216b.html
Tdap Vaccination Strategies
Representatives from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America co-authored a report titled Tdap Vaccination Strategies for Adolescents and Adults, Including Health Care Personnel, which is available at http://www.jointcommission.org/tdap/
The report is intended to help health care organizations of all types (hospitals, long term care facilities, ambulatory settings, home health organizations, etc.) improve Tdap vaccination rates.
The report notes that some important changes to the previously published ACIP recommendations were approved at the October 2010 ACIP meeting:
- For adults ages 65 years and older, a single dose of Tdap vaccine may be given in place of a tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine in persons who have not received Tdap.
- Adults ages 65 years and older who have or anticipate having close contact with an infant age less than 12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce the likelihood of transmission of pertussis to infants age less than 12 months.
- Tdap can be administered regardless of the interval since the last tetanus- or diphtheria-containing vaccine.
- Children ages 7 through 10 years who are not fully immunized against pertussis and for whom no contraindication to pertussis vaccines exists should receive a single dose of Tdap to provide protection against pertussis. If additional doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccines are needed, then children ages 7 through 10 years should be vaccinated according to catch-up guidance.
PCR Diagnosing of Pertussis – Best Practices
US CDC has issued a Health Alert on the best practices for health care professionals related to the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosing pertussis in light of the continuing resurgence of pertussis and the likelihood that health care professionals will see more patients with suspected pertussis.
- For guidance in distinguishing signs and symptoms of pertussis from those of other conditions, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/features.html
- For more information on diagnostic testing, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-confirmation.html
- For information on specimen collection, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/specimen-collection.html
- For the entire guidance on PCR best practices in diagnosing pertussis, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-pcr-bestpractices.html
Influenza Update
Flu is widespread in Maine. In the week ending Feb. 12, there were seven new outbreaks – one in a long term care facility and six in K-12 schools. It is not too late to be vaccinated against the flu this season. To obtain flu vaccine, contact your health care provider, or look up clinics at www.flu.gov or www.211maine.org
Weekly updates on flu activity are available
- For Maine: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml
- For the US: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
- For the world: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Get the school year off to a safe, healthy start
Remember that Pink Eye is usually mild and easy to treat.
Make sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations, including pertussis.
Check out our fact sheet on head lice.
Keep school lunches safe.
Although the H1N1 flu pandemic is over, continue to remind children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve and wash hands frequently.
Make sure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations, including pertussis.
Check out our fact sheet on head lice.
Keep school lunches safe.
Although the H1N1 flu pandemic is over, continue to remind children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve and wash hands frequently.
Friday, May 21, 2010
What's new with the flu?
Flu Activity. Flu activity decreased nationally last week. Read the full national report here. There was no reported influenza activity in
School-based Vaccine Clinics. Maine CDC’s school-based vaccine clinics web page has been updated to include a letter to school nurses and instructions for completing the Maine Immunization Program’s Provider Agreement for schools.
The web page also includes an order form for some of the equipment and supplies schools may need to hold vaccine clinics in the fall, which will be provided by Maine CDC at no charge. Any school that intends to hold a flu vaccine clinic in the fall may now place an order for a small vaccine refrigerator (34” high, 23 7/8” wide, 24 3/8” deep); a cold chain transportation and storage kit, which will include a cooler, ice packs, and related items required to maintain the temperature of the vaccine when transporting it between locations and during clinics; and a vaccine clinic go-kit, which includes the medical and administrative supplies necessary to hold a vaccine clinic.
Health care providers working with schools to store and administer vaccine are also eligible to place an order for these items.
Once received, Maine CDC is not responsible for maintaining the refrigerator. Please contact the manufacturer with any problems, particularly during the one-year warranty period. Refrigerators this size can store more than 1,000 doses of vaccine for school-based clinics. Thermometers, and information related to vaccine storage, will be shipped separately.
A representative from Maine CDC will call to confirm orders prior to shipment. This order process is not the vaccine order. Vaccine order forms will be sent to all providers who have been assigned four-digit PINs by the Maine Immunization Program. Completed order forms should be sent to william.jenkins@maine.gov or faxed to 287-4612 by Tuesday, May 25.
Revised recommendations for rotavirus vaccines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has revised its recommendations for rotavirus vaccines and has determined that it is appropriate for clinicians and health care professionals to resume the use of Rotarix and to continue the use of RotaTeq.
In March, FDA recommended temporary suspension of Rotarix after learning that DNA material from porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) was present in the vaccine.
The agency reached its decision to recommend resumed use of Rotarix based on a careful evaluation of information from laboratory results from the manufacturers and the FDA’s own laboratories, a thorough review of the scientific literature, and input from scientific and public health experts.
Rotavirus vaccines are given by mouth to young infants to prevent rotavirus disease, which can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Rotavirus disease causes the deaths of more than 500,000 infants around the world each year, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Before the introduction of vaccination, the disease caused more than 50,000 hospitalizations and several dozen deaths in the U.S. each year.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Universal Childhood Immunization Program
LD 1408, An Act to Establish the Universal Childhood Immunization Program, has passed both chambers of the state Legislature and been signed into law by the Governor.
The program provides universal immunization coverage to children in the state by purchasing and making available to health care providers every vaccine for childhood immunization that is recommended by the US CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, approved by the FDA, and available under contract with US CDC.
For more information on this legislation, visit: http://mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?paper=HP0984&snum=124
Thank you to the many stakeholders who worked on this bill for 4 years, and to the bill’s sponsor, Representative Connor! Updates on the bill’s implementation, including timelines, will be forthcoming.
The program provides universal immunization coverage to children in the state by purchasing and making available to health care providers every vaccine for childhood immunization that is recommended by the US CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, approved by the FDA, and available under contract with US CDC.
For more information on this legislation, visit: http://mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?paper=HP0984&snum=124
Thank you to the many stakeholders who worked on this bill for 4 years, and to the bill’s sponsor, Representative Connor! Updates on the bill’s implementation, including timelines, will be forthcoming.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Maine CDC/DHHS Public Health Update 03/26/10
MAINE H1N1 FEEDBACK SURVEY
Maine CDC is conducting numerous in-person debriefings across the state with stakeholders on our H1N1 efforts. In addition, this Maine CDC H1N1 Feedback Survey is being distributed widely. If you have not done so already, please complete the survey and share the link with others.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE REPORTS
Maine CDC’s Infectious Epidemiology Program has issued several disease surveillance reports for distribution.
A graph of selected reportable diseases that displays preliminary Year-To-Date (through February, 2010) totals with median Year-To-Date totals for the previous five-year period is available at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/publications/reportable-diseases-0210.pdf. This graph shows higher reported cases of Lyme Disease and Gonorrhea through February than the 5-year median.
The annual surveillance report on Group A Strep can be found here: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/airborne/gas_survreport2009.pdf
The annual surveillance report on Group B strep is available here: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/airborne/gbs_survreport2009.pdf
INFLUENZA UPDATE
What’s New With Flu?
Flu Activity. Virtually all detected influenza activity seen across the country is with the pandemic strain of H1N1. Most states are reporting sporadic, local, or no flu activity. The full national report can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm.
Maine’s influenza activity was coded “sporadic” this week, mainly because of continued reports of influenza-like-illness. Maine’s weekly influenza surveillance report can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml. Maine and the U.S. continue to see virtually no seasonal influenza virus strains except for some very occasional type B. Almost all the detectable influenza viruses remain the pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza.
For the 2010-2011 season, flu vaccine will be recommended for all people. Although Maine CDC does not and never has provided the majority of seasonal flu vaccine in Maine, we are able to purchase sufficient seasonal flu vaccine for the 2010-2011 season for:
· all Maine children ages 6 months to 18 years-old;
· employees of schools that are providing onsite vaccine clinics on school days;
· pregnant women and their partners;
· nursing home employees and residents;
· high risk adults in limited public health settings, the scope and number of such settings determined by our vaccine supply.
The 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine will contain the pandemic Type A H1N1 component as well as a strain of Type B and Type A H3N2. Those who received the pandemic H1N1 vaccine will need to also receive the seasonal flu vaccine this coming season. More details about ordering will be coming soon.
Morbid Obesity and Flu: Increasingly the national data are showing that minority populations have been harder-hit by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic than non-minority groups, and there is growing evidence to support early concerns that people who are morbidly obese are at greater risk of serious 2009 H1N1 complications.
Don’t Forget Spring Break: With spring break coming up and large numbers of students expected to travel both domestically and internationally, vaccination of college-age students, who have been hard-hit by illness during this pandemic, continues to be recommended. Vaccine clinics can be located by calling 211 or by visiting www.maineflu.gov. The free clinics are in bold font.
Ongoing Flu Issues:
Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, but is expected to continue, especially in areas that did not see large surges in disease and/or did not have high vaccine rates. Testing for and reporting of cases and outbreaks to Maine CDC continue to be important strategies to track the virus’s spread.
It is still important to continue to offer the H1N1 vaccine to those at high risk for severe disease or those who are in a high priority category and who may have been missed earlier. If someone is vaccinated now, they can still receive the seasonal flu vaccine in the fall, which will contain the 2009 H1N1 strain. Those who should be focused on for ongoing H1N1 flu vaccination include:
women who are now pregnant;
infants who are now 6 months of old or older;
caregivers and household contacts of newborns and other young infants;
people 65 and older who may have been waiting for others to be vaccinated;
those with chronic diseases;
all young people ages 6 months to 25 years of age; and
all health care workers and EMS, including caregivers of people with developmental and/or physical disabilities.
Disposing of and Reporting Unused/Expired Vaccine
Unused or expired H1N1 vaccines may not be returned to the distributor. If vaccine cannot be redistributed prior to expiration, the health care provider is responsible for disposing of the vaccine appropriately, in compliance with Maine’s biomedical and/or hazardous waste rules. However, US CDC is working on a possible centralized national system for disposal of vaccine, and we will know more about this later this month.
Discarded vaccine needs to be reported to Maine CDC. Providers should report the doses discarded on the same weekly reporting form used for vaccine administration (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/schools/documents/Aggregate-H1N1-weekly-reporting_V3.pdf) – please note any discarded doses in the space between the two “Total” cells at the lower right corner of the form with a mark of “Expired (and discarded) doses.”
WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY
TB Elimination: Together We Can! was the U.S. theme for World TB Day on March 24. World TB Day is observed each year to commemorate the date in 1882 when Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria that usually infects the lungs but can affect any part of the body. TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, sneezes or sings. Signs and symptoms include a cough lasting 3 weeks or more, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, coughing up blood, fever, and chills.
Worldwide, TB remains one of the leading causes of death from infectious disease. Each year, approximately 9 million persons around the world become ill with TB, and nearly 2 million TB-related deaths occur worldwide. In the United States, however, the number of reported TB cases is at an all-time low with 17 consecutive years of decline.
Although both the nation and the state of Maine have successfully achieved decreased numbers of tuberculosis cases, there is still much to be done in the elimination of TB in at-risk populations, including minorities, foreign-born persons, substance abusers and those associated with homelessness who account for a disproportionate percentage of TB cases.
In 2009, Maine had 9 cases of TB, the same number of cases that were reported in 2008. Males accounted for 6 of the cases (67%). The median age of cases was 48 years (range 5-86 years). Risk factors included substance abuse (33%), homelessness (11%), and foreign-born status (44%).
The state of Maine is actively engaged in partnerships and collaborations with community-based organizations throughout the state to reach this population and succeed in the elimination of TB. For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WorldTBDay/
Maine CDC has recently identified TB among two people who are homeless in Cumberland County. More information on this can be found at:
http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=94284&an=1
RABIES
US CDC has established a new rabies webpage, which includes updated ACIP recommendations on human rabies post-exposure prophylaxis and new content organization: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
Maine CDC provides a quarterly update on animal rabies to veterinarians and other animal health professionals, which may be used to increase the understanding of pet owners and other members of the public regarding the risk of rabies in Maine. The 4th quarter update is available here: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=91596&an=2
FDA RECOMMENDS TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ROTARIX VACCINE
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has learned that DNA material from porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is present in Rotarix, a vaccine used to prevent rotavirus disease. Although there is no evidence at this time that this DNA material poses a safety risk, finding the material was unexpected and FDA is assessing the situation. As a result, FDA is recommending that clinicians temporarily suspend the use of Rotarix. FDA will keep the public and clinical community updated through www.fda.gov.
Rotavirus vaccines are given by mouth to young infants to prevent rotavirus disease, which can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Rotavirus disease causes the deaths of more than 500,000 infants around the world each year, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Before the introduction of vaccination, the disease caused more than 50,000 hospitalizations and several dozen deaths in the United States each year.
There are two licensed rotavirus vaccines in the United States: RotaTeq (Merck) and Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline). Because RotaTeq was licensed in 2006 and Rotarix in 2008, most children vaccinated in the United States received RotaTeq.
RotaTeq is made using a different process from Rotarix. Preliminary studies on the RotaTeq vaccine, both by the academic research team and by FDA, have not shown the presence of PCV1 DNA. FDA is working with Merck to confirm these findings.
Within approximately four to six weeks, FDA will convene an advisory committee to review the available data and make recommendations on the licensed rotavirus vaccines. FDA will also seek input on the use of new techniques for identifying viruses or viral particles in vaccines.
MAINE AWARDED FEDERAL OBESITY PREVENTION FUNDS
First Lady Michelle Obama and US DHHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced last week that Maine is one of 9 states to receive American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds focused on preventing obesity. Maine’s award is $4.28 million over a 2-year period.
Maine CDC’s Division of Chronic Disease conducted a mini-RFP process prior to submitting the federal application, which resulted in the selection of two Healthy Maine Partnerships – Healthy Portland and Communities Promoting Health Coalition, which serves the Sebago Lakes region.
To view a complete listing of grant awardees, visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/cppw/grantees.html
To view a fact sheet on Communities Putting Prevention to Work visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/cppw/factsheet.html
To learn more about Communities Putting Prevention to Work, visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery and http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/recovery
STAY UPDATED
· Follow Maine CDC’s Social Media Updates:
o Facebook (search for “Maine CDC”) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Augusta-ME/Maine-CDC/135584761549
o Twitter (http://twitter.com/MEPublicHealth)
o MySpace (www.myspace.com/mainepublichealth)
o Maine CDC’s Blog (http://mainepublichealth.blogspot.com)
· For clinical consultation and outbreak management guidance, call Maine CDC’s toll free 24-hour phone line at: 1-800-821-5821.
· For general questions on flu, call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week
Maine CDC is conducting numerous in-person debriefings across the state with stakeholders on our H1N1 efforts. In addition, this Maine CDC H1N1 Feedback Survey is being distributed widely. If you have not done so already, please complete the survey and share the link with others.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE REPORTS
Maine CDC’s Infectious Epidemiology Program has issued several disease surveillance reports for distribution.
A graph of selected reportable diseases that displays preliminary Year-To-Date (through February, 2010) totals with median Year-To-Date totals for the previous five-year period is available at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/publications/reportable-diseases-0210.pdf. This graph shows higher reported cases of Lyme Disease and Gonorrhea through February than the 5-year median.
The annual surveillance report on Group A Strep can be found here: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/airborne/gas_survreport2009.pdf
The annual surveillance report on Group B strep is available here: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/airborne/gbs_survreport2009.pdf
INFLUENZA UPDATE
What’s New With Flu?
Flu Activity. Virtually all detected influenza activity seen across the country is with the pandemic strain of H1N1. Most states are reporting sporadic, local, or no flu activity. The full national report can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm.
Maine’s influenza activity was coded “sporadic” this week, mainly because of continued reports of influenza-like-illness. Maine’s weekly influenza surveillance report can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml. Maine and the U.S. continue to see virtually no seasonal influenza virus strains except for some very occasional type B. Almost all the detectable influenza viruses remain the pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza.
For the 2010-2011 season, flu vaccine will be recommended for all people. Although Maine CDC does not and never has provided the majority of seasonal flu vaccine in Maine, we are able to purchase sufficient seasonal flu vaccine for the 2010-2011 season for:
· all Maine children ages 6 months to 18 years-old;
· employees of schools that are providing onsite vaccine clinics on school days;
· pregnant women and their partners;
· nursing home employees and residents;
· high risk adults in limited public health settings, the scope and number of such settings determined by our vaccine supply.
The 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine will contain the pandemic Type A H1N1 component as well as a strain of Type B and Type A H3N2. Those who received the pandemic H1N1 vaccine will need to also receive the seasonal flu vaccine this coming season. More details about ordering will be coming soon.
Morbid Obesity and Flu: Increasingly the national data are showing that minority populations have been harder-hit by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic than non-minority groups, and there is growing evidence to support early concerns that people who are morbidly obese are at greater risk of serious 2009 H1N1 complications.
Don’t Forget Spring Break: With spring break coming up and large numbers of students expected to travel both domestically and internationally, vaccination of college-age students, who have been hard-hit by illness during this pandemic, continues to be recommended. Vaccine clinics can be located by calling 211 or by visiting www.maineflu.gov. The free clinics are in bold font.
Ongoing Flu Issues:
Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, but is expected to continue, especially in areas that did not see large surges in disease and/or did not have high vaccine rates. Testing for and reporting of cases and outbreaks to Maine CDC continue to be important strategies to track the virus’s spread.
It is still important to continue to offer the H1N1 vaccine to those at high risk for severe disease or those who are in a high priority category and who may have been missed earlier. If someone is vaccinated now, they can still receive the seasonal flu vaccine in the fall, which will contain the 2009 H1N1 strain. Those who should be focused on for ongoing H1N1 flu vaccination include:
women who are now pregnant;
infants who are now 6 months of old or older;
caregivers and household contacts of newborns and other young infants;
people 65 and older who may have been waiting for others to be vaccinated;
those with chronic diseases;
all young people ages 6 months to 25 years of age; and
all health care workers and EMS, including caregivers of people with developmental and/or physical disabilities.
Disposing of and Reporting Unused/Expired Vaccine
Unused or expired H1N1 vaccines may not be returned to the distributor. If vaccine cannot be redistributed prior to expiration, the health care provider is responsible for disposing of the vaccine appropriately, in compliance with Maine’s biomedical and/or hazardous waste rules. However, US CDC is working on a possible centralized national system for disposal of vaccine, and we will know more about this later this month.
Discarded vaccine needs to be reported to Maine CDC. Providers should report the doses discarded on the same weekly reporting form used for vaccine administration (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/schools/documents/Aggregate-H1N1-weekly-reporting_V3.pdf) – please note any discarded doses in the space between the two “Total” cells at the lower right corner of the form with a mark of “Expired (and discarded) doses.”
WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY
TB Elimination: Together We Can! was the U.S. theme for World TB Day on March 24. World TB Day is observed each year to commemorate the date in 1882 when Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria that usually infects the lungs but can affect any part of the body. TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, sneezes or sings. Signs and symptoms include a cough lasting 3 weeks or more, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, coughing up blood, fever, and chills.
Worldwide, TB remains one of the leading causes of death from infectious disease. Each year, approximately 9 million persons around the world become ill with TB, and nearly 2 million TB-related deaths occur worldwide. In the United States, however, the number of reported TB cases is at an all-time low with 17 consecutive years of decline.
Although both the nation and the state of Maine have successfully achieved decreased numbers of tuberculosis cases, there is still much to be done in the elimination of TB in at-risk populations, including minorities, foreign-born persons, substance abusers and those associated with homelessness who account for a disproportionate percentage of TB cases.
In 2009, Maine had 9 cases of TB, the same number of cases that were reported in 2008. Males accounted for 6 of the cases (67%). The median age of cases was 48 years (range 5-86 years). Risk factors included substance abuse (33%), homelessness (11%), and foreign-born status (44%).
The state of Maine is actively engaged in partnerships and collaborations with community-based organizations throughout the state to reach this population and succeed in the elimination of TB. For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WorldTBDay/
Maine CDC has recently identified TB among two people who are homeless in Cumberland County. More information on this can be found at:
http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=94284&an=1
RABIES
US CDC has established a new rabies webpage, which includes updated ACIP recommendations on human rabies post-exposure prophylaxis and new content organization: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
Maine CDC provides a quarterly update on animal rabies to veterinarians and other animal health professionals, which may be used to increase the understanding of pet owners and other members of the public regarding the risk of rabies in Maine. The 4th quarter update is available here: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=91596&an=2
FDA RECOMMENDS TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ROTARIX VACCINE
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has learned that DNA material from porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is present in Rotarix, a vaccine used to prevent rotavirus disease. Although there is no evidence at this time that this DNA material poses a safety risk, finding the material was unexpected and FDA is assessing the situation. As a result, FDA is recommending that clinicians temporarily suspend the use of Rotarix. FDA will keep the public and clinical community updated through www.fda.gov.
Rotavirus vaccines are given by mouth to young infants to prevent rotavirus disease, which can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Rotavirus disease causes the deaths of more than 500,000 infants around the world each year, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Before the introduction of vaccination, the disease caused more than 50,000 hospitalizations and several dozen deaths in the United States each year.
There are two licensed rotavirus vaccines in the United States: RotaTeq (Merck) and Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline). Because RotaTeq was licensed in 2006 and Rotarix in 2008, most children vaccinated in the United States received RotaTeq.
RotaTeq is made using a different process from Rotarix. Preliminary studies on the RotaTeq vaccine, both by the academic research team and by FDA, have not shown the presence of PCV1 DNA. FDA is working with Merck to confirm these findings.
Within approximately four to six weeks, FDA will convene an advisory committee to review the available data and make recommendations on the licensed rotavirus vaccines. FDA will also seek input on the use of new techniques for identifying viruses or viral particles in vaccines.
MAINE AWARDED FEDERAL OBESITY PREVENTION FUNDS
First Lady Michelle Obama and US DHHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced last week that Maine is one of 9 states to receive American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds focused on preventing obesity. Maine’s award is $4.28 million over a 2-year period.
Maine CDC’s Division of Chronic Disease conducted a mini-RFP process prior to submitting the federal application, which resulted in the selection of two Healthy Maine Partnerships – Healthy Portland and Communities Promoting Health Coalition, which serves the Sebago Lakes region.
To view a complete listing of grant awardees, visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/cppw/grantees.html
To view a fact sheet on Communities Putting Prevention to Work visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/cppw/factsheet.html
To learn more about Communities Putting Prevention to Work, visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery and http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/recovery
STAY UPDATED
· Follow Maine CDC’s Social Media Updates:
o Facebook (search for “Maine CDC”) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Augusta-ME/Maine-CDC/135584761549
o Twitter (http://twitter.com/MEPublicHealth)
o MySpace (www.myspace.com/mainepublichealth)
o Maine CDC’s Blog (http://mainepublichealth.blogspot.com)
· For clinical consultation and outbreak management guidance, call Maine CDC’s toll free 24-hour phone line at: 1-800-821-5821.
· For general questions on flu, call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Public Health Update 2/25/10
Maine CDC/DHHS Public Health Update
February 25, 2010
February 25, 2010
Travel-related Disease Conditions
Maine CDC has investigated multiple cases of travel-related illness since January. During school vacation weeks in February and April, Maine residents may travel to warmer climates, which put them at risk for mosquito-borne diseases. See this health alert for information about travel-related disease conditions: http://bit.ly/ddYiJT
In addition, these two US CDC sites provide advice for relief workers, including travel guidance specific to workers traveling to Haiti: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/relief-workers.aspx and http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/responders.asp
US CDC Recommends Universal Annual Flu Vaccination
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted Feb. 24 to expand the recommendation for annual influenza vaccination to include all people aged 6 months and older, beginning in the 2010-2011 flu season. The new recommendation seeks to remove barriers to influenza immunization and signals the importance of preventing influenza across the entire population. For more information, see: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r100224.htm
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have both recommended that the 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine include the 2009 pandemic H1N1 flu strain, along with a type A H3N2 and a type B strain. This inclusion of the 2009 pandemic strain of H1N1 will eliminate the need for two separate flu vaccines next fall. These recommendations typically guide vaccine manufacturers in preparing each season’s flu vaccines.
Please note that protection from the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine lasts through the whole 2009-2010 season. Children younger than 10 are the only people recommended to receive two doses of H1N1 vaccine this season.
Influenza Activity in Maine and the US
H1N1 activity continues in Maine as well as across the U.S., but in more diminished levels than in November and December. Since the last update, there has been one outbreak of influenza-like illness in a long-term care facility and two hospitalizations due to H1N1 - one in adult older than 64, and an intensive care unit admission of a toddler. Maine’s weekly influenza surveillance reports can be found here: http://bit.ly/b6dCfZ
Virtually all of those hospitalized the past 2 months have not been vaccinated. Almost all are considered high-risk, yet were also not started on antiviral medicines within 48 hours of symptom onset. It is especially important for health care providers to offer vaccine to patients who are now in high risk groups that were not earlier in the season, such as women who are recently pregnant, people who are now caring for infants younger than six months-old, and infants who are now older than six months.
With more than 900,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine distributed in Maine to about 500 health care providers and a variety of free flu clinic settings throughout the state, everyone should consider getting vaccinated against H1N1 flu. This includes seniors (http://bit.ly/9Py6xX), recently pregnant women (http://bit.ly/76KrZb), new parents and caregivers of infants younger than six months (http://bit.ly/5eckZK), and parents of children older than six months (http://bit.ly/7lrdRH). Children ages nine and younger need a second dose of vaccine about a month after the first dose for full immunity.
Vaccine clinics can be located by calling 211 or by visiting www.maineflu.gov. The free clinics are in bold font.
Group A Strep Update
Maine CDC has now received 16 reports of cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections since January, an increase of 3 cases since the last update.
Cases have been confirmed in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Somerset, and York counties in people ages 6 through 90. Nine of these have resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), an increase of two since the last update. Five people with STSS have died.
Although GAS is a common bacteria in the throat and skin, often causing strep throat or impetigo, invasive GAS disease is rare, with the five-year median in Maine being 19 cases per year.
There is no reported increase in cases in nearby states, and these patients in Maine do not appear to be associated with a specific area of the state, or with influenza or with health care facilities. More information, including recommendations, can be found in this Maine CDC health advisory http://bit.ly/bswpU2 or this US CDC site: http://bit.ly/cP0vIl.
RSV
Several anecdotal reports indicate possible high rates of Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), and the percentage of positive samples tested for RSV at two reference laboratories in Maine is higher than last year at this time. RSV is not a reportable disease in Maine, so exact numbers and rates are not available.
RSV is a contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health problems—especially for young children and older adults. There is no vaccine to prevent RSV. However, there are simple ways you can protect your child or yourself from getting sick during RSV season.
People with cold-like symptoms should cover their coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and refrain from kissing. Cleaning contaminated surfaces (such as doorknobs) may help stop the spread of viruses.
Symptoms of RSV infection are similar to other respiratory infections. A person with an RSV might cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose, fever, and decrease in appetite. Wheezing may also occur. In very young infants, irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties may be the only symptoms of infection. Most otherwise healthy infants infected with RSV do not need to be hospitalized.
For more information about RSV, see this US CDC web site: http://bit.ly/9mPfDi
County Health Rankings
The University of Wisconsin, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, issued a report titled County Health Rankings, Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health on Feb. 17. Rankings were completed in all 50 states, including Maine. Counties were ranked within states only, with no comparison between states.
The county health rankings and data are available at http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/.
The report helps identify factors that influence health in each county, including health outcomes and health factors. All counties in Maine, regardless of their ranking, have both strengths to celebrate and challenges to address.
For years, public health data have shown that many counties in Maine with lower incomes and educational attainment are less healthy. Such disparities continue to be reflected in these rankings. However, the report also shows significant variation. For instance, some counties with similar socioeconomic profiles have very different rankings for other health factors and for health outcomes, suggesting that a complex array of factors influence the health of our communities.
Maine is already working on addressing our health challenges. It is also important to note that Maine is one of the healthiest states in the nation. The 2009 America’s Health Rankings report released by the United Health Foundation ranked Maine 9th in overall health.
Several years ago, public health stakeholders worked to form a new statewide public health system that addresses health issues across the state and in every community. We continue working to strengthen this system, which includes Healthy Maine Partnerships, Maine CDC District Public Health Units, municipal health departments, local health officers, and District Coordinating Councils.
We hope the data in this report are another motivating factor for Maine people to improve their own health, as well as to become involved with the public health system to improve the overall health of their communities.
One such new resource is the Keep ME Well website, a tool produced by Maine’s public health system that individuals can use to find out how to improve health, stay well and find low cost healthcare services. The site can be accessed at http://www.keepmewell.org/.
Maine CDC has recently posted an updated compilation of comprehensive health indicators for each of Maine’s 8 public health districts, most with state and national comparisons. They can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/health_indicator_comparison.htm.
Updates from Federal Partners
• US CDC issued this Q&A about H1N1 and seasonal flu and Hispanic communities: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa_hispanic.htm
• This MMWR describes an outbreak of H1N1 flu on a Peruvian Navy ship in June-July 2009: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5906a3.htm?s_cid=mm5906a3_e%0d%0a
• As of Feb. 17, business associates of HIPAA covered entities must comply with, and are subject to penalties for violations of, the HIPAA Security Rule (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/securityrule/index.html).
• New requirements for notifying individuals when their protected health information is breached went into effect Feb. 22. For more information: http://bit.ly/93PXS4
How to Stay Updated
• Follow Maine CDC’s Social Media Updates:
o Facebook (search for “Maine CDC”) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Augusta-ME/Maine-CDC/135584761549
o Twitter (http://twitter.com/MEPublicHealth)
o MySpace (www.myspace.com/mainepublichealth)
o Maine CDC’s Blog (http://mainepublichealth.blogspot.com)
• For clinical consultation and outbreak management guidance call Maine CDC’s toll free 24-hour phone line at: 1-800-821-5821.
• For general questions:
o call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week
Friday, February 12, 2010
Public Health Update 2/12/10
Maine CDC/DHHS Public Health Update
February 12, 2010
Influenza Activity in Maine and the US
H1N1 activity continues in Maine as well as across the U.S. but in diminished levels than in November and December. There was one outbreak of influenza like illness in a Hancock County K-12 school last week. Nationally and in Maine, virtually all of the influenza viruses identified are the 2009 pandemic strain of influenza A. More information can be obtained at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#whomap.
Influenza Vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur has shortened the expiration period of all of its 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in pre-filled syringes; all lots should now be administered by February 15, 2010 regardless of the expiration imprinted on the package. There are no safety concerns with the recalled lots of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and no re-administration of the vaccine is required. For more information, see this US CDC Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/qa_recall.htm?s_cid=tw_flu104. Maine health care providers who have received this vaccine have been contacted directly by Maine CDC’s Immunization Program staff.
With more than 900,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine distributed in Maine to about 500 health care providers and a variety of free flu clinic settings throughout the state, everyone should consider getting vaccinated against H1N1 flu. Clinics can be located by calling 211 or by visiting www.maineflu.gov. The free clinics are in bold font.
Parents are reminded to ensure that children younger than 10 years-old get both doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The recommended interval between the first and second dose is 28 days.
Even those not at high-risk for complications from influenza should consider vaccine, because either they themselves can suffer complications or can infect those who are at higher risk for complications. Health care providers who treat people at high risk for complications from influenza (such as those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, young children, and those older than 64) are urged to vaccinate those patients and to treat with antiviral medicines at the onset of symptoms.
Disposing of and Reporting Unused/Expired Vaccine
Health care providers who have sufficient supplies and no longer need vaccine that is being shipped to them should contact their local vaccine coordinator to arrange for redistribution. Unused or expired H1N1 vaccines may not be returned to the distributor. If vaccine cannot be redistributed prior to expiration, the health care provider is responsible for disposing of the vaccine appropriately.
For information on hazardous waste disposal in Maine, see the Biomedical Waste Management Rules (06-096 CMR 900): http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/06/096/096c900.doc and 38 MRSA Chapter 13, Waste Management: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/38/title38ch13sec0.html
Discarded vaccine needs to be reported to Maine CDC. Providers Please discard the expired vaccine doses as providers do with their other expired medicines and ask them to report the doses discarded on the same weekly reporting form used for vaccine administration (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/schools/documents/Aggregate-H1N1-weekly-reporting_V3.pdf) – please note any discarded doses in the space between the two “Total” cells at the lower right corner of the form with a mark of “Expired (and discarded) doses.”
Group A Strep Update
Maine CDC has now received 13 reports of cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections since January in Maine. Cases have been confirmed in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, and York counties in people ages 6 through 90. Seven of these have resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), of which three have died. Although GAS is a common bacteria in the throat and skin, often causing strep throat or impetigo, invasive GAS disease is rare, with the five-year median in Maine being 19 cases per year.
There is no reported increase in cases in nearby states, and these patients in Maine do not appear to be associated with a specific area of the state, or with influenza or with health care facilities. More information, including recommendations, can be found in this Maine CDC health advisory http://bit.ly/bswpU2 or this US CDC site: http://bit.ly/cP0vIl.
Earthquakes and Public Health
The American Public Health Association has developed a web page with links to information about relief efforts in Haiti, which includes resources for people who are interested in volunteering: http://www.apha.org/programs/globalhealth/issues/
There are many public health concerns as a result from earthquakes, including those related to victims of the disaster and those related to people traveling to post earthquake zones, such as Haiti, to assist in recovery efforts. These two US CDC sites provide advice for relief workers, including travel guidance specific to workers traveling to Haiti: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/relief-workers.aspx and http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/responders.asp
Updates from Federal Partners
US CDC issued an abbreviated Pandemic Influenza Plan template for primary care provider offices, which will allow providers to rapidly (within 1-5 days) develop a pandemic influenza plan: http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/download.asp?af=h&f=761031
Maine Animal Rabies Fourth Quarter Update
Maine CDC provides a quarterly update on animal rabies to veterinarians and other animal health professionals, which may be used to increase the understanding of pet owners and other members of the public regarding the risk of rabies in Maine. Read the update here: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=91596&an=2
To read the full update, click here: http://bit.ly/bhbbuw
February 12, 2010
Influenza Activity in Maine and the US
H1N1 activity continues in Maine as well as across the U.S. but in diminished levels than in November and December. There was one outbreak of influenza like illness in a Hancock County K-12 school last week. Nationally and in Maine, virtually all of the influenza viruses identified are the 2009 pandemic strain of influenza A. More information can be obtained at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#whomap.
Influenza Vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur has shortened the expiration period of all of its 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in pre-filled syringes; all lots should now be administered by February 15, 2010 regardless of the expiration imprinted on the package. There are no safety concerns with the recalled lots of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and no re-administration of the vaccine is required. For more information, see this US CDC Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/qa_recall.htm?s_cid=tw_flu104. Maine health care providers who have received this vaccine have been contacted directly by Maine CDC’s Immunization Program staff.
With more than 900,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine distributed in Maine to about 500 health care providers and a variety of free flu clinic settings throughout the state, everyone should consider getting vaccinated against H1N1 flu. Clinics can be located by calling 211 or by visiting www.maineflu.gov. The free clinics are in bold font.
Parents are reminded to ensure that children younger than 10 years-old get both doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The recommended interval between the first and second dose is 28 days.
Even those not at high-risk for complications from influenza should consider vaccine, because either they themselves can suffer complications or can infect those who are at higher risk for complications. Health care providers who treat people at high risk for complications from influenza (such as those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, young children, and those older than 64) are urged to vaccinate those patients and to treat with antiviral medicines at the onset of symptoms.
Disposing of and Reporting Unused/Expired Vaccine
Health care providers who have sufficient supplies and no longer need vaccine that is being shipped to them should contact their local vaccine coordinator to arrange for redistribution. Unused or expired H1N1 vaccines may not be returned to the distributor. If vaccine cannot be redistributed prior to expiration, the health care provider is responsible for disposing of the vaccine appropriately.
For information on hazardous waste disposal in Maine, see the Biomedical Waste Management Rules (06-096 CMR 900): http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/06/096/096c900.doc and 38 MRSA Chapter 13, Waste Management: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/38/title38ch13sec0.html
Discarded vaccine needs to be reported to Maine CDC. Providers Please discard the expired vaccine doses as providers do with their other expired medicines and ask them to report the doses discarded on the same weekly reporting form used for vaccine administration (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/schools/documents/Aggregate-H1N1-weekly-reporting_V3.pdf) – please note any discarded doses in the space between the two “Total” cells at the lower right corner of the form with a mark of “Expired (and discarded) doses.”
Group A Strep Update
Maine CDC has now received 13 reports of cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections since January in Maine. Cases have been confirmed in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, and York counties in people ages 6 through 90. Seven of these have resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), of which three have died. Although GAS is a common bacteria in the throat and skin, often causing strep throat or impetigo, invasive GAS disease is rare, with the five-year median in Maine being 19 cases per year.
There is no reported increase in cases in nearby states, and these patients in Maine do not appear to be associated with a specific area of the state, or with influenza or with health care facilities. More information, including recommendations, can be found in this Maine CDC health advisory http://bit.ly/bswpU2 or this US CDC site: http://bit.ly/cP0vIl.
Earthquakes and Public Health
The American Public Health Association has developed a web page with links to information about relief efforts in Haiti, which includes resources for people who are interested in volunteering: http://www.apha.org/programs/globalhealth/issues/
There are many public health concerns as a result from earthquakes, including those related to victims of the disaster and those related to people traveling to post earthquake zones, such as Haiti, to assist in recovery efforts. These two US CDC sites provide advice for relief workers, including travel guidance specific to workers traveling to Haiti: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/relief-workers.aspx and http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/responders.asp
Updates from Federal Partners
US CDC issued an abbreviated Pandemic Influenza Plan template for primary care provider offices, which will allow providers to rapidly (within 1-5 days) develop a pandemic influenza plan: http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/download.asp?af=h&f=761031
Maine Animal Rabies Fourth Quarter Update
Maine CDC provides a quarterly update on animal rabies to veterinarians and other animal health professionals, which may be used to increase the understanding of pet owners and other members of the public regarding the risk of rabies in Maine. Read the update here: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=91596&an=2
To read the full update, click here: http://bit.ly/bhbbuw
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Flu Vaccine Available at Basketball State Championships
Flu clinics will be held at the Maine Principal’s Association high school basketball tournament in Augusta. Clinics will be held February 16th,17th, and 18th. H1N1 (swine flu) and seasonal flu vaccine will be offered at the clinics.
“Now that plenty of vaccine is available we strongly recommend everyone get vaccinated,’’ said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Maine CDC. “Although the H1N1 disease surge is on the decline, this virus is expected to circulate for months, if not years, to come. Now is an excellent time to get vaccinated, especially given the amount of vaccine available,” said Dr. Mills.
The clinics will be held:
Feb 17 & 18th
9 AM- 4 PM (Seasonal flu and H1N1)
Feb 16th, 17th & 18th
5:30- 7 PM (H1N1 only)
Augusta Civic Center - Penobscot Room
76 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine
People interested in receiving a vaccine should bring their insurance cards; however, the clinics are free for the uninsured.
These clinics are being provided by Public Health Nursing and Concentra.
For more information about flu, please visit: http://www.maineflu.gov or call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Now that plenty of vaccine is available we strongly recommend everyone get vaccinated,’’ said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Maine CDC. “Although the H1N1 disease surge is on the decline, this virus is expected to circulate for months, if not years, to come. Now is an excellent time to get vaccinated, especially given the amount of vaccine available,” said Dr. Mills.
The clinics will be held:
Feb 17 & 18th
9 AM- 4 PM (Seasonal flu and H1N1)
Feb 16th, 17th & 18th
5:30- 7 PM (H1N1 only)
Augusta Civic Center - Penobscot Room
76 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine
People interested in receiving a vaccine should bring their insurance cards; however, the clinics are free for the uninsured.
These clinics are being provided by Public Health Nursing and Concentra.
For more information about flu, please visit: http://www.maineflu.gov or call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Maine Public Health Update 2/4/10
Maine CDC/DHHS Public Health Update
February 4, 2010
Dr. Stephen Sears is our new State Epidemiologist
We at Maine CDC are extremely pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Stephen Sears as our new State Epidemiologist. A well-known infectious disease physician with a master degree in public health, Dr. Sears is from Maine and comes to us after a career that involves hospital administration (MaineGeneral and Mercy Hospitals) as well as infectious disease and public health work. More information can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DHS+Press+Releases&id=90686&v=cdc_article.
Influenza Activity in Maine and the US
There has been another death due to H1N1, bringing the total to 19 reported since August. This death occurred in an adult in the 25-49 age group in southern Maine. All deaths related to H1N1 in Maine have occurred among people with underlying health conditions. A total of 11 people in Maine have been hospitalized the past month with H1N1, including 4 children. Of these hospitalizations, 4 included an admission to an intensive care unit, including 1 child and 2 young adults. Only 1 of the 11 had been vaccinated at least a few days prior to illness and only 2 had received early antiviral medicines.
Nationally, influenza activity is reported to be sporadic in most states, with no states reporting widespread activity. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception. More information can be obtained at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#whomap.
With over 900,000 doses of vaccine distributed in Maine to about 500 health care providers and a variety of free flu clinic settings throughout the state, everyone should consider getting vaccinated with the H1N1 pandemic strain of influenza. Even those not at high-risk for complications from influenza should consider vaccine because either they can suffer complications or can become infect those who are at higher risk for complications.
Health care providers who treat people at high risk for complications from influenza (such as those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, young children, and those older than 64) are urged to vaccinate those patients and to treat with antiviral medicines at the onset of symptoms.
Vaccine can still be found in a number of public clinics, including many that are offering it for free. These can be located by calling 211 or by visiting www.maineflu.gov. The free clinics are in bold font.
Group A Strep Update
Maine CDC has now received 11 reports of cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections seen in January in Maine. Four of these have resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), of which three have died. Although GAS is a common bacteria in the throat and skin, often causing strep throat or impetigo, invasive GAS disease is rare, with the five-year median in Maine being 19 cases per year. There is no reported increase in cases in nearby states, and these patients in Maine do not appear to be associated with a specific area of the state, or with influenza or with health care facilities. More information, including recommendations, can be found in last week’s health advisory at: www.mainepublichealth.gov or at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcal_g.htm.
Earthquakes and Public Health
There are many public health concerns as a result from earthquakes, including those related to victims of the disaster and those related to people traveling to post earthquake zones such as Haiti to assist in recovery efforts. The US CDC’s earthquake website has helpful information for those who may be involved with the Haiti relief efforts or who are interested in improving their preparations here at home. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/
Feb. 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This article from the Black AIDS Institute describes the HIV/AIDS infrastructure in Haiti after the earthquake: http://www.blackaids.org/ShowArticle.aspx?articletype=SITEFEATURE&articleid=770&pagenumber=1. For more information on HIV/AIDS in Maine, become a fan of Maine CDC’s HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis program on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Augusta-ME/Maine-HIV-STD-and-Viral-Hepatitis-Program/91975685100
Updates from Federal Partners
US CDC updated this Q&A about the 2009-2010 flu season: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current-season.htm
This MMWR discusses H1N1 outbreaks in long term care facilities. There have been 11 such outbreaks in Maine, including one described in this report: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5903a3.htm?s_cid=mm5903a3_e%0d%0a
A non-safety, voluntary recall of some .5 mL Sanofi Pasteur pre-filled syringe doses of H1N1 vaccine has been announced. US CDC answers common questions about the recall here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/qa_recall.htm Maine health care providers with this vaccine are being notified.
Check Out Our Partners on Facebook
Maine CDC: http://bit.ly/cBNhXp
Maine HIV, STD, Viral Hepatitis Program: http://bit.ly/aphqWA Maine WIC Nutrition Program: http://bit.ly/bDFndk
Portland Public Health: http://bit.ly/5bh6wj
Read the full update at : http://bit.ly/9UkoA3
February 4, 2010
Dr. Stephen Sears is our new State Epidemiologist
We at Maine CDC are extremely pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Stephen Sears as our new State Epidemiologist. A well-known infectious disease physician with a master degree in public health, Dr. Sears is from Maine and comes to us after a career that involves hospital administration (MaineGeneral and Mercy Hospitals) as well as infectious disease and public health work. More information can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=DHS+Press+Releases&id=90686&v=cdc_article.
Influenza Activity in Maine and the US
There has been another death due to H1N1, bringing the total to 19 reported since August. This death occurred in an adult in the 25-49 age group in southern Maine. All deaths related to H1N1 in Maine have occurred among people with underlying health conditions. A total of 11 people in Maine have been hospitalized the past month with H1N1, including 4 children. Of these hospitalizations, 4 included an admission to an intensive care unit, including 1 child and 2 young adults. Only 1 of the 11 had been vaccinated at least a few days prior to illness and only 2 had received early antiviral medicines.
Nationally, influenza activity is reported to be sporadic in most states, with no states reporting widespread activity. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception. More information can be obtained at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#whomap.
With over 900,000 doses of vaccine distributed in Maine to about 500 health care providers and a variety of free flu clinic settings throughout the state, everyone should consider getting vaccinated with the H1N1 pandemic strain of influenza. Even those not at high-risk for complications from influenza should consider vaccine because either they can suffer complications or can become infect those who are at higher risk for complications.
Health care providers who treat people at high risk for complications from influenza (such as those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, young children, and those older than 64) are urged to vaccinate those patients and to treat with antiviral medicines at the onset of symptoms.
Vaccine can still be found in a number of public clinics, including many that are offering it for free. These can be located by calling 211 or by visiting www.maineflu.gov. The free clinics are in bold font.
Group A Strep Update
Maine CDC has now received 11 reports of cases of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections seen in January in Maine. Four of these have resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), of which three have died. Although GAS is a common bacteria in the throat and skin, often causing strep throat or impetigo, invasive GAS disease is rare, with the five-year median in Maine being 19 cases per year. There is no reported increase in cases in nearby states, and these patients in Maine do not appear to be associated with a specific area of the state, or with influenza or with health care facilities. More information, including recommendations, can be found in last week’s health advisory at: www.mainepublichealth.gov or at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcal_g.htm.
Earthquakes and Public Health
There are many public health concerns as a result from earthquakes, including those related to victims of the disaster and those related to people traveling to post earthquake zones such as Haiti to assist in recovery efforts. The US CDC’s earthquake website has helpful information for those who may be involved with the Haiti relief efforts or who are interested in improving their preparations here at home. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/
Feb. 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This article from the Black AIDS Institute describes the HIV/AIDS infrastructure in Haiti after the earthquake: http://www.blackaids.org/ShowArticle.aspx?articletype=SITEFEATURE&articleid=770&pagenumber=1. For more information on HIV/AIDS in Maine, become a fan of Maine CDC’s HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis program on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Augusta-ME/Maine-HIV-STD-and-Viral-Hepatitis-Program/91975685100
Updates from Federal Partners
US CDC updated this Q&A about the 2009-2010 flu season: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current-season.htm
This MMWR discusses H1N1 outbreaks in long term care facilities. There have been 11 such outbreaks in Maine, including one described in this report: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5903a3.htm?s_cid=mm5903a3_e%0d%0a
A non-safety, voluntary recall of some .5 mL Sanofi Pasteur pre-filled syringe doses of H1N1 vaccine has been announced. US CDC answers common questions about the recall here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/qa_recall.htm Maine health care providers with this vaccine are being notified.
Check Out Our Partners on Facebook
Maine CDC: http://bit.ly/cBNhXp
Maine HIV, STD, Viral Hepatitis Program: http://bit.ly/aphqWA Maine WIC Nutrition Program: http://bit.ly/bDFndk
Portland Public Health: http://bit.ly/5bh6wj
Read the full update at : http://bit.ly/9UkoA3
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Maine Public Health Update 01/28/10
Maine CDC/DHHS Public Health Update
January 28, 2010
Keep ME Well
Governor Baldacci, in his State of the State Speech and in a January 27th press conference, launched the Keep ME Well initiative. This novel tool helps people to assess their health risks, to obtain a report that helps them take action and find local resources and support in their own communities, and to find low-cost health care services. This will be a very useful web site for health care providers and their patients. Check it out at http://bit.ly/bJRAHK
2010 District Health Indicator Tables are posted!
In 2008, Maine CDC published tables comparing major health indicators for each of the 8 public health districts, Maine, and the U.S. These tables have just been updated and include additional indicators such as some on preventable hospitalizations by district and cost data associated with them. District data that are significantly different than the state data are yellow highlighted. Both the 2008 and 2010 tables along with the data resources used can be found under “Health Indicator Comparison Tables” on the upper left hand side of our homepage (http://bit.ly/ciXQkx) or directly at http://bit.ly/9d2FJj. We hope you find these tables useful.
Group A Strep
Maine CDC issued a health advisory last week to health care providers on an increase in the number and severity of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections seen in January in Maine. Since then, additional cases have been identified, bringing the total thus far this month to ten, with an age range of 15 – 90 years-old. Four of these have resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), of which three have died. Although GAS is a common bacteria in the throat and skin, often causing strep throat or impetigo, invasive GAS disease is rare, with the five-year median in Maine being 19 cases per year. More information, including recommendations, can be found in last week’s health advisory at: http://bit.ly/bswpU2 or visit this US CDC web site: http://bit.ly/cP0vIl.
Earthquakes and Public Health
There are many public health concerns as a result from earthquakes, including those related to victims of the disaster and those related to people traveling to post earthquake zones such as Haiti to assist in recovery efforts. The US CDC’s earthquake website has helpful information for those who may be involved with the Haiti relief efforts or who are interested in improving their preparations here at home.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/
Influenza Activity in Maine and the US
There were no new confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza reported in Maine last week. However, 10 people in Maine have been hospitalized due to H1N1 since the beginning of this month, including four children. Of those hospitalized, three required admission to an intensive care unit, including one child and one young adult. Only one of those hospitalized was fully vaccinated and only two had received early antiviral medicines, despite risk factors for severe disease. These hospitalizations are reminders of the importance of health care providers offering H1N1 flu vaccine to every patient at every encounter. Vaccination against influenza and early detection with prompt treatment are still very important, especially for those at risk for complications. We expect to see the pandemic form of H1N1 to circulate for months to come. We have not yet detected any seasonal influenza virus in samples submitted for testing this winter, and there have been no outbreaks of seasonal flu reported in other parts of the country. Vaccine can still be found in a number of public clinics, including many that are offering it for free. These can be located by calling 211 or by visiting http://bit.ly/5xdkVe. The free clinics are in bold font.
H1N1 Vaccine Supply
There is now plenty of H1N1 vaccine in Maine, with over 900,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine available statewide since October to about 500 health care providers. The Maine CDC is able to process orders with about a 4-day business day turnaround between order and receipt of vaccine. More than half of the doses of vaccine distributed have not been reported as administered. Vaccine administrators are required to report doses administered weekly. The weekly vaccine reporting form can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/health-care-providers.shtml. Detailed instructions are also available at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/H1N1-Weekly-Reporting-Form-instructions.pdf.
Messages to the Public
• Many people are still susceptible to this virus and would benefit from vaccination. Being vaccinated not only protects you, but it helps protect the people around you who are more likely to suffer serious complications from the flu.
• To find a vaccine, call your health care provider, or get the list of public vaccine clinics by calling 211 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or visiting www.maineflu.gov (all clinics posted in bold are free).
• If you think you have the flu, cannot reach your doctor, and/or your health plan does not have a nurse call line available, you may call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to be connected with a health professional who can assess your symptoms.
Check Out Our Partners on Facebook
Maine CDC: http://bit.ly/cBNhXp
Maine HIV, STD, Viral Hepatitis Program: http://bit.ly/aphqWA
Maine WIC Nutrition Program: http://bit.ly/bDFndk
Portland Public Health: http://bit.ly/5bh6wj
View the full update here: http://bit.ly/cZKqbK
January 28, 2010
Keep ME Well
Governor Baldacci, in his State of the State Speech and in a January 27th press conference, launched the Keep ME Well initiative. This novel tool helps people to assess their health risks, to obtain a report that helps them take action and find local resources and support in their own communities, and to find low-cost health care services. This will be a very useful web site for health care providers and their patients. Check it out at http://bit.ly/bJRAHK
2010 District Health Indicator Tables are posted!
In 2008, Maine CDC published tables comparing major health indicators for each of the 8 public health districts, Maine, and the U.S. These tables have just been updated and include additional indicators such as some on preventable hospitalizations by district and cost data associated with them. District data that are significantly different than the state data are yellow highlighted. Both the 2008 and 2010 tables along with the data resources used can be found under “Health Indicator Comparison Tables” on the upper left hand side of our homepage (http://bit.ly/ciXQkx) or directly at http://bit.ly/9d2FJj. We hope you find these tables useful.
Group A Strep
Maine CDC issued a health advisory last week to health care providers on an increase in the number and severity of invasive Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections seen in January in Maine. Since then, additional cases have been identified, bringing the total thus far this month to ten, with an age range of 15 – 90 years-old. Four of these have resulted in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), of which three have died. Although GAS is a common bacteria in the throat and skin, often causing strep throat or impetigo, invasive GAS disease is rare, with the five-year median in Maine being 19 cases per year. More information, including recommendations, can be found in last week’s health advisory at: http://bit.ly/bswpU2 or visit this US CDC web site: http://bit.ly/cP0vIl.
Earthquakes and Public Health
There are many public health concerns as a result from earthquakes, including those related to victims of the disaster and those related to people traveling to post earthquake zones such as Haiti to assist in recovery efforts. The US CDC’s earthquake website has helpful information for those who may be involved with the Haiti relief efforts or who are interested in improving their preparations here at home.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/
Influenza Activity in Maine and the US
There were no new confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza reported in Maine last week. However, 10 people in Maine have been hospitalized due to H1N1 since the beginning of this month, including four children. Of those hospitalized, three required admission to an intensive care unit, including one child and one young adult. Only one of those hospitalized was fully vaccinated and only two had received early antiviral medicines, despite risk factors for severe disease. These hospitalizations are reminders of the importance of health care providers offering H1N1 flu vaccine to every patient at every encounter. Vaccination against influenza and early detection with prompt treatment are still very important, especially for those at risk for complications. We expect to see the pandemic form of H1N1 to circulate for months to come. We have not yet detected any seasonal influenza virus in samples submitted for testing this winter, and there have been no outbreaks of seasonal flu reported in other parts of the country. Vaccine can still be found in a number of public clinics, including many that are offering it for free. These can be located by calling 211 or by visiting http://bit.ly/5xdkVe. The free clinics are in bold font.
H1N1 Vaccine Supply
There is now plenty of H1N1 vaccine in Maine, with over 900,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine available statewide since October to about 500 health care providers. The Maine CDC is able to process orders with about a 4-day business day turnaround between order and receipt of vaccine. More than half of the doses of vaccine distributed have not been reported as administered. Vaccine administrators are required to report doses administered weekly. The weekly vaccine reporting form can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/health-care-providers.shtml. Detailed instructions are also available at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/H1N1-Weekly-Reporting-Form-instructions.pdf.
Messages to the Public
• Many people are still susceptible to this virus and would benefit from vaccination. Being vaccinated not only protects you, but it helps protect the people around you who are more likely to suffer serious complications from the flu.
• To find a vaccine, call your health care provider, or get the list of public vaccine clinics by calling 211 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or visiting www.maineflu.gov (all clinics posted in bold are free).
• If you think you have the flu, cannot reach your doctor, and/or your health plan does not have a nurse call line available, you may call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to be connected with a health professional who can assess your symptoms.
Check Out Our Partners on Facebook
Maine CDC: http://bit.ly/cBNhXp
Maine HIV, STD, Viral Hepatitis Program: http://bit.ly/aphqWA
Maine WIC Nutrition Program: http://bit.ly/bDFndk
Portland Public Health: http://bit.ly/5bh6wj
View the full update here: http://bit.ly/cZKqbK
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