Pertussis

US CDC Pertussis Cases December 2024

Throughout 2024, pertussis cases have increased across the United States. Preliminary data show that more than six times as many cases have been reported compared to the same time in 2023.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of pertussis cases (32,176) as of December 14, 2024. Pre-pandemic, about 10,000 cases are typically reported each year.

From a regional segmentation, about 20% (6,607) of these pertussis (whopping cough, bacterial infection) cases have been reported between Philadelphia, New Jersey (423), New York (2,340), and Boston (715).

In May 2024, the city of Philadelphia issued its initial Health Alert.

Then, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) issued a Health Alert on September 4, 2024, stating, 'This (outbreak) is likely due to a multitude of factors, including waning vaccine protection and the lack of timely recognition and testing by adult providers, leading to more severe infections, co-infections, and hospitalizations."

As of December 2024, the DOH has reported 2,808 cases and advised all healthcare providers to have an "increased suspicion of pertussis in all patients who present with symptoms."

The CDC says unvaccinated infants under one year old are at the most significant risk for severe disease because their immune systems are still developing. Furthermore, vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis.

However, as typical infection patterns return to the United States, the CDC expects pertussis cases to increase in unvaccinated and vaccinated populations. Pertussis occurs in vaccinated people since protection from vaccination fades over time.

"Many adults living in the US are no longer protected against pertussis because vaccines received in childhood fade over time,' Jeri Beales, MSN, RN, informed Vax-Before-Travel.

"Pertussis vaccination is essential for people traveling internationally because cases are even higher in many places worldwide. So, to prevent your illness and to avoid bringing pertussis home to your family or community after travel, it's a good idea to update on vaccinations several weeks before your trip."

"Keep in mind, since there is not a pertussis-only vaccine, adults need to receive a combination vaccine called Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis," added Beales, who leads Destination Health Clinic, a Boston-area travel health provider specializing in health education and vaccination for international travelers.

The CDC recommends pertussis vaccination for everyone as it is the best way to protect against whooping cough. These vaccines work well, but protection fades over time.

Talk to a local pharmacist if you have questions about which vaccines are best for you and your family.

Sub Title:

Whopping Cough outbreak in 2024

References:

Phil. Dept. Health 2024

Image:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations

Featured:

Fact checked:

Friday, December 27, 2024 - 18:45

Image Caption:

Google Mays Dec. 26, 2024

Pennsylvania Leads U.S. Pertussis Outbreak

Karen McClorey Hackett — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 16:10:45 +0000

Reviewer:

CDC Yellow Book - Pertussis

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reported that In 2024, confirmed cases of pertussis have significantly increased across the country,

Preliminary data show that more than five times (22,240) as many cases were reported as of week #44, reported on November 2, 2024, compared to (4,209) at the same time in 2023 and higher than what was seen at the same time in 2019.

The CDC's data shows Pennsylvania has reported about 10% (2,462) of all pertussis cases this year.

In October 2023, a pertussis outbreak was noticed in Pennsylvania high school students.

In December 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) issued a PA Health Alert, indicating the state had been seeing increased cases and outbreaks of pertussis across the Commonwealth. In May, Philadelphia issued a Health Alert. Then, the DOH issued a second Health Alert on September 4, 2024.

Pertussis remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide. The incidence of pertussis is highest among young children in countries with low vaccination coverage, primarily in the developing world.

The CDC says 'vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis.'

Infants under one year old are at the most significant risk for severe disease and death because their immune systems are still developing. Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers whose symptoms can be so mild, especially at first, they do not know they have pertussis, but they can still be sources of infection for any infant sibling or younger child.

In the U.S., all infants and children should receive five doses of acellular pertussis vaccine in combination with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DTaP) at ages 2, 4, 6, and 15–18 months, and at 4–6 years. Providers can use an accelerated schedule of doses to complete the DTaP series before international travel if needed.

Additionally, the immunity conferred by childhood vaccination and natural disease wanes with time; therefore, the CDC says adolescents and adults without a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster vaccination can become infected or reinfected with pertussis.

Various pertussis vaccines are available at health clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

Sub Title:

Pertussis Cases Increase 500% in 2024

References:

US CDC November 8, 2024

CDC - 2023 Provisional Pertussis Surveillance Report

Image:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations

Featured:

Fact checked:

Sunday, November 10, 2024 - 05:15

Image Caption:

by Bruce Emmerling

Pertussis Cases Increase 400% in the United States

Karen McClorey Hackett — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:06:16 +0000

Reviewer:

US CDC - Pertussis Surveillance and Trends August 2024

Recent data highlighted a concerning trend in the incidence of pertussis (whooping cough), a vaccine-preventable disease. Infants are at the most significant risk for severe disease and death from pertussis because their immune systems are still developing.

As of week #32 in 2024, this age group continues to have the highest reported rate of pertussis infection.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on August 10, 2024, that the number of reported pertussis cases this year (11,568) is more than four times as many as those reported in 2023 (3,035).

The CDC says about 10,000 cases are typically reported annually in the U.S.

Before the availability of a pertussis vaccine in the 1940s, public health experts reported more than 200,000 cases of pertussis annually.

While vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis, the CDC expects pertussis cases to increase both in unvaccinated and vaccinated populations.

Since protection from vaccination fades over time, pertussis occurs in vaccinated people.

This vaccine waning is because Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes pertussis, constantly changes at a genetic level.

In the U.S., pertussis vaccines are combined with components that protect against other diseases, such as:

DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough,

Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

The CDC recommends talking to a vaccine provider if you have questions about these vaccines, which are generally available at health clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

Sub Title:

Whopping Cough vaccination recommended for most infants

Reference:

Image:

Google News Keywords:

vaccinations

Featured:

Fact checked:

Saturday, August 24, 2024 - 06:00

Image Caption:

US CDC Pertussis case trends

Philippines Deploys Pentavalent Vaccine Against Pertussis Outbreak

Karen McClorey Hackett — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:44:42 +0000

Reviewer:

PERTUSSIS TRENDS AFTER INCREASING IMMUNIZATION 2024

The Department of Health (DOH) in the Republic of the Philippines has taken action to address the Pertussis outbreak.

Data as of March 30, 2024, indicates that there have been 1,112 Pertussis (whooping cough) cases since the start of 2024, which is almost 34 times higher than during the same period in 2023.

The majority of these cases were found in unvaccinated children under the age of five.

On April 11, 2024, the DOH reassured the public that outbreak response immunization was underway—however, the national government's inventory is in short supply.

To prevent gaps while waiting for the new batch of 3 million pentavalent vaccines, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa has ordered that other options, such as Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP), be used.

"Also, pentavalent and TDaP vaccines are available for purchase in the private sector; there is no physical shortage."

"We may need assistance from our private sector partners," said Herbosa in a press release.

Furthermore, the DOH says the positive effects of increasing immunization efforts to stem the Pertussis outbreak may not be measurable until at least one month.

Pentavalent vaccines include protection against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hemophilus influenza type B. Infants as young as six weeks may already be given this vaccine for free at government health centers.

According to the DOH, pregnant women may ask about the Tdap vaccine, which protects their soon-to-be-born children against Pertussis.

Pertussis is caused by bacteria, either Bordetella pertussis, or Bordetella parapertussis.

Healthcare providers can prescribe a course of treatment that should start as early as possible. Depending on the antibiotic used and the age and condition of the patient, treatment may run from 4 to 14 days.

As of April 12, 2024, the U.S. CDC has not issued a Travel Health Notice regarding the Philippines Pertussis outbreak.

The CDC suggests that international travelers speak with a travel vaccine advisor at least one month before visiting disease outbreak areas. Travel vaccines are offered at certified clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

Sub Title:

Pentavalent vaccine protects people from Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Hemophilus influenza type B

References:

CDC - Protect Against Pertussis 2024

Image:

Google News Keywords:

vaccinations

Featured:

Fact checked:

Saturday, April 13, 2024 - 07:00

Image Caption:

by Carina Chen

Maternal Vaccination Reduces Whopping Cough

Karen McClorey Hackett — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:49:03 +0000

Reviewer:

Pertussis Incidence Trends Before and After Implementation of the Maternal Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine

Holly Lutmer PharmD

According to an Original Investigation, maternal Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) vaccination reduces pertussis burden in infants (2 months).

The JAMA Pediatrics published the findings of this ecologic study of 57,460 pertussis cases on February 6, 2023, concluding there was a significant difference between pertussis incidence rate differences between the pre–maternal and post–maternal Tdap vaccination periods.

There were about 19,000 cases of pertussis in infants under two months of age during the study period.

These findings by researchers with the Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that maternal Tdap vaccination should be encouraged by healthcare providers.

Despite the apparent protection Tdap vaccination provides, only 55% of pregnant women were vaccinated in 2019.

“Getting Tdap during pregnancy offers infants the best protection before they are old enough to receive their whooping cough vaccines,” commented José Romero, M.D., FAAP, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, in a press release on February 6, 2023.

“This protection is critical because those first few months are when infants are most likely to have serious complications, be hospitalized, or die if they get whooping cough.”

The CDC initially recommended that pregnant women receive a pertussis-containing vaccine to protect both mothers and their infants in 2011.

After a woman receives Tdap, her body creates protective antibodies and passes them to her baby before birth.

Whooping cough is a serious disease that can be deadly for babies. Unfortunately, babies do not start building their protection against whooping cough until they get vaccinated at two months old.

According to the CDC, this leaves babies unprotected in the first months of life when they are at the highest risk of getting very sick if they get whooping cough.

Disclosures: These researchers did not disclose any industry conflicts of interest.

Sub Title:

Pertussis Incidence Decreases Following Maternal Vaccination

References:

CDC supports administration of pertussis vaccine during pregnancy 2011

Tdap during pregnancy passes protection to baby

Image:

Age Groups:

Infant

Google News Keywords:

Dtap, vaccine, pregnancy

Featured:

Fact checked:

Monday, February 13, 2023 - 21:15

Image Caption:

by Ahammed Sha

Pregnant Women Significantly Increase Flu and Tdap Vaccinations

Don Hackett — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:29:02 +0000

Reviewer:

CDC: Influenza and Tdap Vaccination Coverge Among Pregnant Women - United States, April 2020

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published new findings that indicate about 40 percent of pregnant women do not receive influenza and Tdap vaccines, leaving themselves and their infants more vulnerable to influenza and pertussis infection.

The CDC researchers noted in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on October 2, 2020, that during the 2019-20 flu season, 61.2 percent of surveyed pregnant women received the flu vaccine, which was 7.5 percentage points higher than the previous flu season.

In addition, 56.6 percent of the women received the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, and 40.3 percent received both vaccines.

The percentage of women receiving both vaccines significantly increased from 35 percent just one year ago.

These increases were driven by increased vaccination coverage among Black and Hispanic women and those of other races reported the CDC.

The CDC authors stated: "Racial disparities in vaccination coverage could decrease further with consistent provider offers or referrals for vaccination, in combination with culturally competent conversations with patients.”

Specifically, this data found approximately 20 percent of pregnant women reported not receiving a provider recommendation for these vaccinations.

This circumstance might be partly attributable to differences in the perception of a provider recommendation between patients and providers. One study indicated that providers might believe they are giving a recommendation for vaccination, but it might not be remembered by patients.

Finally, Tdap coverage estimates are subject to uncertainty, given the small sample size and exclusion of 12.9 percent of women with unknown Tdap vaccination status.

The findings in this report are subject to at least three limitations. First, this was a nonprobability sample, and results might not be generalizable to all pregnant women in the USA.

And, vaccination status was self-reported and might be subject to recall or social desirability bias.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that women who are or might be pregnant receive the flu and Tdap vaccines with each pregnancy to protect their health and the health of their infants.

Most people over 6 months of age are encouraged to get vaccinated every flu season since influenza infections can create severe consequences. The CDC has made this recommendation since the 2010-11 influenza season.

Unfortunately, the CDC has confirmed a total of 189 influenza-associated pediatric deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season.

An updated listing of authorized vaccines for the 2020-2021 flu season is published on this PrecisionVaccination’s webpage.

PrecisionVaccinations publishes research-based influenza news.

Sub Title:

Expecting mothers benefit from provider vaccine recommendations

References:

CDC: Influenza (Flu)

Influenza Vaccines

Image:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, flu shots and pregnant, pregnancy and influenza, pregnant and vaccines, tdap and pregnant

GoodRx Vaccine:

Afluria-Quadrivalent

Featured:

Polio Emergency Alert Extended For 3-Months

Don Hackett — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:11:19 +0000

Reviewer:

WHO: Statement of the twenty-fifth polio IHR Emergency Committee

The World Health Organization (WHO) Polio Emergency Committee recommended that the international risk of poliovirus spread remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations during a June 23, 2020, meeting.

The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV).

The global situation remains of great concern with the increased number of WPV1 cases that started in 2019 continuing in 2020.

This year, there have been 70 WPV1 cases as of June 16, 2020, compared to 57 for the same period in 2019.

The Committee noted that based on results from the sequencing of WPV1, there were recent instances of international spread of viruses from Pakistan to Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

The ongoing frequency of WPV1 international spread between the two countries and the increased vulnerability in other countries where routine immunization and polio prevention activities have both been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are major factors that suggest the risk of international spread may be at the highest level since 2014.

And, during 2020, West Africa and Ethiopia have reported experiencing high levels of transmission of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type-2 (cVDPV2), and due to the coronavirus pandemic, with many areas that have reported cases recently not having had an immunization response.

The WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Ph.D., accepted the committee's recommendations on July 3, 2020, to extend the Temporary Recommendations for a further 3-months.

Dr. Tedros’s remarks included: ‘that while there has been amazing progress on wild poliovirus in Africa, there is still much more work to do to end transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Similarly, the significantly greater than the expected number of cVDPV2 outbreaks are another major challenge.

At the same time, the polio infrastructure that has been developed in Pakistan and Afghanistan has been used to assist with the tracking and tracing as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

He also remarked that the novel oral polio vaccine type-2, which will be made available under the Emergency Use Listing procedure (EUL), is expected to be an important new tool to stop the vicious cycle of using monovalent Sabin OPV2 to combat outbreaks, but in turn, seeding new outbreaks of cVDPV2.’

In Pakistan transmission continues to be widespread, as indicated by both acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance and environmental sampling.

WPV1 transmission continues to be widespread, with southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa becoming a new WPV1 reservoir and some areas such as Karachi and the Quetta block having uninterrupted transmission.

There has also been an expansion of WPV1 to previously polio-free areas in Sindh and Punjab.

In Afghanistan, the inaccessibility and missed children particularly in the Southern Region have led to a large cohort of susceptible children in this part of Afghanistan.

The risk of a major upsurge of cases is growing, with other parts of the country that have been free of WPV1 for some time now at risk of outbreaks.

The number of provinces reporting WPV1 has increased from three in 2019 to 11 in 2020.

This would again increase the risk of international spread.

While border closures and lockdowns may mitigate the risk in the short term while in force, this would be outweighed in the longer term by falling population immunity through disruption of vaccination and the resumption of normal population movements.

The Committee repeated its strong support for the development and proposed Emergency Use Listing of the novel OPV2 vaccine which should become available mid-2020, and which it is hoped will result in no or very little seeding of further outbreaks.

The Committee recognizes the concerns regarding the lengthy duration of the polio PHEIC but concludes that the current situation is extraordinary, with clear ongoing and increasing risk of international spread and ongoing need for a coordinated international response.

To advise international travelers, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Alert on April 20, 2020. This Practice Enhanced Precautions Alert confirms there are polio outbreaks in several countries in Africa.

The CDC recommends that before traveling to these countries, adults who completed their routine polio vaccine series as children should receive a single, lifetime adult booster dose of polio vaccine, and administering an inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) booster dose, which has been the only polio vaccine offered in the USA since 2000.

There are various IPV vaccines available in the USA, such as Kinrix and Pediarix.

Vax-Before-Travel publishes polio outbreak news.

Sub Title:

Polio outbreaks in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan concern the WHO Polio Emergency Committee

References:

CDC: Polio in Africa

Polio Outbreak Alert Issued For Certain African Countries

Image:

Age Groups:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, polio, africa, afghanistan, pakistan

GoodRx Vaccine:

Featured:

Polio Outbreak Alert Issued For Certain African Countries

Danielle Reiter RN — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 13:31:39 +0000

Reviewer:

CDC Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

Holly Lutmer PharmD

According to an updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Alert there is an increased health risk when visiting certain African countries in 2020.

The CDC said in a Level 2 Travel Alert published on February 11, 2020, that ‘there are confirmed polio outbreaks in various countries primarily located in central and eastern Africa.’

This ‘Practice Enhanced Precaution’ Travel Alert says ‘before departure abroad, travelers going to countries in Africa with circulating poliovirus who have completed their routine polio vaccine series, but who have not already received an adult booster dose, the CDC recommends administering an inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) booster dose.’

The IPV has been the only polio vaccine offered in the USA since 2000.

This polio vaccine is given by a shot in the leg or arm, at 4 different times, depending on the patient’s age.

In the USA, there are various IPV vaccines available, such as Kinrix and Pediarix.

Once vaccinated, your vaccine provider should supply you with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis Yellow Card. This will serve as your official documentation of polio vaccination when arriving at your destination.

The CDC has identified these 15 countries in the reissued, Level 2 Travel Alert:

Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
The Central African Republic
Chad
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ethiopia
Ghana
Mozambique
Niger
Nigeria
Somalia
Togo
Zambia

According to the CDC, the United States has been polio-free since 1979.

Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly disease that affects the nervous system.

But, most people with polio do not feel sick, says the CDC.

Some people have only minor symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs.

In rare cases, polio infection causes permanent loss of muscle function. Polio can be fatal if the muscles used for breathing are paralyzed or if there is an infection of the brain, says the CDC.

Because the virus lives in the feces of an infected person, people infected with the disease can spread it to others when they do not wash their hands well after defecating.

People can also be infected with polio if they drink water or eat food contaminated with infected feces.

There was good news reported during 2019 regarding the elimination of 2 out of 3 polio types.

An independent commission of experts concluded during October 2019, that wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) has been ‘eradicated’ around the world.

This announcement follows the earlier eradication of wild poliovirus type 2 during 2015.

Prior to traveling abroad, medication and vaccine counseling appointments can be scheduled with a travel specialist at Vax-Before-Travel.

Polio vaccine news published by Vax-Before-Travel.

Sub Title:

An inactivated poliovirus vaccination suggested before visiting African countries with outbreaks

Reference:

CDC: Polio in Africa

Image:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, polio, africa, vaccines for polio, travel to africa

Section:

GoodRx Vaccine:

Featured:

mRNA Vaccine Elicited Strong Immune Responses in the Presence of Maternal Antibodies

Don Hackett — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:07:26 +0000

Reviewer:

Nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccination partially overcomes maternal antibody inhibition of de novo immune responses in mice

A preclinical Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania study puts researchers closer to developing vaccines that can protect infants against infections by overcoming a mother’s antibodies, which are known to shut down immune defenses initiated by conventional vaccines.

That immune system issue largely explains why vaccinations for infectious diseases like influenza and measles are not given until 6 to 12 months of age.

This new study published in Science Translational Medicine on January 8, 2020, found that a specialized modified-RNA (mRNA) influenza vaccine successfully protected young mice against the infection in the presence of maternal antibodies.

This study suggests this protection occurred because the vaccine programs allowed cells to constantly churn out new antigens for a prolonged period of time, rather than delivering a one-time shot of a viral protein.

“mRNA-based vaccines could potentially help prevent that. What’s more, it would not only be effective against influenza but also other pathogens, as the vaccine’s platform is easily adaptable to different antigens,” said Drew Weissman, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of Infectious Diseases in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, in a press release.

Developing effective vaccines that protect infants in the presence of maternal antibodies has proven difficult because the antibodies can bind to vaccines and prevent them from eliciting good immune responses.

“Maternal antibodies are kind of a double-edged sword: they are great to have around when you are young because they can protect you from infection, but it’s tough to vaccinate when there are high levels of them.”

mRNA vaccines have emerged as leading candidates for protection against pathogens in adult clinical studies.

Instead of delivering lab-grown viral proteins like a traditional vaccine, mRNA vaccines introduce an mRNA sequence that program cells to produce antigens to mimic the disease.

The result is a more powerful immune response and broader protection.

For this study, the Penn lab turned to what is known as a nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNP) vaccine.

Previously, these Penn researchers showed that this vaccine, which expresses hemagglutinin (HA) proteins, elicited robust antibody responses and protected adult animals from influenza.

To determine its ability to overcome maternal antibodies, the researchers first established a mouse model to show how the antibodies protect young mice against influenza and how they inhibit immune responses elicited by conventional vaccinations.

Next, the researchers tested the mRNA vaccine platform in the mouse model and found that it elicited very strong antibody responses, both in the presence and absence of maternal antibodies, and protected the mice from the virus.

The finding suggests that maternal antibodies eventually drop below a certain level and the antigen is still there to generate an immune response from the child.

“Imagine a world where an infant is born or comes into the clinic very early in life and can receive vaccines that have antigens not just for the flu, but a multitude of different pathogens.”

“Wouldn’t that be something,” concluded these researchers.

Co-authors on the paper include Norbert Pardi and Kaela Parkhouse from Penn and Barbara L. Mui and Ying K. Tam from Acuitas.

With the founding of the nation’s first hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital, in 1751 and the nation's first medical school at the University of Pennsylvania in 1765, Penn Medicine has pioneered medical frontiers with a staff comprised of innovators who have dedicated their lives to advancing medicine through excellence in education, research and patient care.

This vaccine study was funded in part by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (R01AI113047, R01AI108686, R01-AI050484, R01-AI124429, R01-AI084860, T32-AI070077, T32-AI055428). No conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Vaccine news published by Precision Vaccinations.

Sub Title:

Penn Medicine study reports mRNA vaccine was able to partially overcome the inhibitory effects of maternal antibodies in mouse pups

References:

Penn Study Paves Way for New Vaccines to Protect Infants Against Infections

Image:

Age Groups:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, maternal antibodies, infants and vaccines, how to protect infants, when to vaccinate babies, babies and vaccines

GoodRx Vaccine:

adacel

Featured:

100% Whooping Cough Vaccinated School Closes in Houston

Don Hackett — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 19:15:44 +0000

Reviewer:

Facebook: St. Theresa Catholic School

A private school located in an upscale Houston, Texas neighborhood announced the canceling of all classes and activities due to a pertussis outbreak until January 6, 2020.

While school closings related to disease outbreaks are unusual, this announcement says 100 percent of the students were vaccinated against the pertussis bacteria.

While pertussis vaccines are the most effective tool to prevent this disease, no vaccine is 100 percent effective.

When pertussis circulates in the community, there is a chance that a fully vaccinated person, of any age, can catch this disease, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Previous research indicates the pertussis risk is 13 times higher among unvaccinated children when compared with fully vaccinated children.

Posted on Facebook by the principal and pastor on December 10, 2019, the online statement says ‘St. Theresa School and Early Childcare Center will be closed, as will all related events.’

On December 18, 2019, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston issued a statement which says ‘Out of an abundance of caution, St. Theresa Catholic School near Memorial Park in Houston voluntarily closed early for the Christmas holidays on Dec. 12, due to several confirmed cases of Pertussis or Whooping Cough.’

‘The school notified their community of the first confirmed case on Dec. 4, and the case was immediately reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services to investigate.’

‘All of St. Theresa's students are vaccinated.’

‘The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is working closely with the Houston Health Department to ensure that we keep the best interest of the community at the forefront of our efforts.’

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state of Texas reported 1,765 pertussis cases in 2017.

“The only way to stop pertussis’ growth is for adults to get the Tdap vaccine,” said Donald Murphey, M.D., member of Texas Medical Association's Committee on Infectious Diseases, in an October 22, 2019 press release. “Get the shot and shield yourself from getting sick, and maybe protect an infant from a much worse fate.”

According to guidance from the CDC, St. Theressa’s leadership acted appropriately.

The CDC says ‘pertussis is a respiratory illness that is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. This bacteria releases a toxin (poison), which can damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.

People with pertussis usually spread the disease to another person by coughing or sneezing or when spending a lot of time near one another where you share breathing space.

Many babies who get pertussis are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.

During 2018, the CDC’s provisional data indicated about 1,100 pertussis related cases in infants under 6 months of age.

Infected people are most contagious up to about 2 weeks after the cough begins. Antibiotics may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious. If you have gotten the pertussis vaccine but still get sick, the infection is usually not as bad.

On October 23, 2019, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously to recommend that when the Td vaccine (tetanus and Diptheria) is indicated the Tdap (tetanus, Diptheria and pertussis) vaccine is an acceptable option in most situations.

Previously, the CDC’s MMWR reported a study’s findings that highlighted influenza and pertussis disease burden among pregnant women and infants and vaccination coverage among pregnant women in the USA, and suggest that disease burden could be reduced by improving vaccination coverage.

Many pregnant women do not receive both vaccines recommended during pregnancy, increasing their and their newborns’ risk for influenza and pertussis infection and their potentially devastating consequences.

This study published on October 18, 2019, found maternal influenza and Tdap vaccination coverage rates reported as of April 2019, were 53.7 and 54.9 percent, respectively.

The CDC says there are 2 vaccines approved in the USA that help prevent pertussis: DTaP and Tdap.

These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria. Children younger than 7 years old get DTaP, while older children, teens, and adults get Tdap.

The full CDC vaccination schedule can be found at this CDC webpage.

Pertussis vaccine news is published by Precision Vaccinations.

Sub Title:

St Theresa School in Houston Texas closes to reduce pertussis outbreak

References:

Statement Regarding St. Theresa Catholic School in Houston

St Theresa Catholic School: About Us

CDC: Pertussis

Image:

Age Groups:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, pertussis, whooping cough, students at st theresa actholic school, pertussis and infants, protect your infant,

GoodRx Vaccine:

Boostrix

Featured:

Polio Case Confirmed in Malaysia

Danielle Reiter RN — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 17:26:38 +0000

Reviewer:

Malaysia records first polio case after 27 years

Holly Lutmer PharmD

According to local media reporting, the Malaysian Health Ministry has confirmed the 1st local polio case in a local child under 1 year of age.

"The Health Ministry regrets to inform there has been a confirmed case of poliovirus infection in Malaysia,” said director-secretary Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, on December 8, 2019.

Dr. Noor Hisham confirmed that the toddler was suffering from circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV 1).

He said cVDPV 1 originates from a weakened poliovirus used in vaccines administered orally. And the weakened virus can still appear in the feces of those who consume the vaccine but those who have been vaccinated are immune.

Dr. Noor Hisham said an investigation showed that 23 out of 199 children aged 2-months to 15-years-old in the area where the case was discovered, or 11.6 percent, had not been vaccinated.

"This is a concerning situation as the spread of cVPDV can only be stopped through polio immunization.”

“As a result of a validation test conducted by the World Health Organisation Polio Regional Laboratory in Australia, the virus is linked to the poliovirus detected in the Acute Flaccid Paralysis case in the Philippines,” Dr. Noor Hisham said. This is the first polio case in about 27 years.

As of December 8th, there are have not been any travel alerts issued for Malaysia regarding polio.

During January 2018–June 2019, cVDPV type 1 (cVDPV1) circulation was detected in Indonesia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea.

The World Health Organization (WHO) did announce some good news in October 2019 when another strain of polio, WPV3, was deemed eradicated, leaving just one strain left to eliminate, the WPV1.

Poliomyelitis is a crippling infectious disease caused by a virus that spreads from person to person, invading the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If a population is seriously under-immunized, vaccine-derived poliovirus can begin to circulate in a community.

One suggestion to stop polio outbreaks would be to discontinue administering the live oral vaccine and switch to the not-live, injectable vaccine, currently used in the USA.

The CDC recommends that all travelers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio with an IPV. Even if you were vaccinated as a child or have been sick with polio before, you may need a polio vaccine booster dose to make sure you are protected, says the CDC.

In the USA, there are various polio vaccines available, such as Kinrix and Pediarix. IPV vaccination has not been known to cause serious problems, but side effects are a potential risk, says the CDC.

Once vaccinated, your doctor should provide you with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis yellow card. This will serve as your official documentation of vaccination against polio.

In addition to polio warnings, the CDC has issued Measles Travel Alerts for Malaysia in 2019.

Prior to traveling abroad, vaccine counseling appointments can be scheduled with a travel specialist at Vax-Before-Travel.

Polio vaccine news published by Vax-Before-Travel.

Sub Title:

Polio cVDPV type 1 circulation detected in Indonesia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea during 2019

References:

CDC: Malaysia

CDC: Updte on Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus outbreaks- Worldwide, January 2018-June 2019

Pakistan’s Wild Polio Problem Found in the Water

Polio makes comeback in Malaysia

Image:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, polio in malaysia, polio vaccine, polio and death

GoodRx Vaccine:

Featured:

Which Vaccines Are Required Before Grandparents Hold Newborns?

Don Hackett — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 17:42:45 +0000

Reviewer:

CDC: Transcript: Vital Signs – Maternal Vaccination

Nothing brings a family together more than the birth of a new loved one. But, part of taking care of vulnerable infants is to protect them against transmittable diseases.

For parents, it is reassuring to know when someone who wants to hold their baby is up-to-date with their vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says ‘newborn babies do not have fully developed immune systems, making them particularly vulnerable to infections.’

Furthermore, during an October 9, 2019, Vital Signs webcast, the CDC said ‘there are 2 vaccines grandparents need prior to contacting the newest family member.’

Influenza and pertussis – or whooping cough – are serious infections that can be fatal for babies, especially for those who are too young to be vaccinated directly.

The CDC’s Principal Deputy Director, Dr. Anne Schuchat said during this webcast that these vaccination requirements are related to under-vaccinated mothers.

‘Women who are pregnant are more than twice as likely to be hospitalized if they develop influenza, compared with similarly aged women.’

‘During influenza seasons between 2010 and 2018, women who were pregnant accounted for up to 34 percent of influenza-associated hospitalizations among women 15-44 years old, though only around 9 percent of women in this age group are pregnant.’

‘For infants who get whooping cough, the disease can be life-threatening.’

‘More than half of infants under 12 months who are hospitalized for pertussis are under 2 months and out of all the fatalities reported for whooping cough in all ages, nearly 70 percent occur in babies less than 2 months old.’

‘When infants get whooping cough they are usually very sick and have difficulty breathing, eating, drinking, or sleeping.’

‘Today, we are stressing the importance of two safe and effective vaccines for pregnant women—and the risks to both women and their babies when these vaccines are not given during pregnancy,’ concluded Dr. Schuchat.

During the 2017–18 influenza season, 49.1 percent of pregnant women received influenza vaccination before or during pregnancy, and just 54.4 percent of women with a live birth received Tdap during pregnancy.

And, only 32.8 percent received both of the CDC’s recommended vaccines.

These vaccines are the annual flu shot and a vaccination that prevents whooping cough.

Influenza:

Infants are one of the highest risk groups for severe infection and possible death if they become ill. Babies are unable to be vaccinated for influenza until 6 months of age, and it’s a 2-shot vaccine, so they will not be protected until they’re 7 months old.
In terms of flu, healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
This means parents cannot always determine if someone will make their baby sick simply by looking for symptoms of illness.
Influenza immunization during pregnancy was first recommended by the US Surgeon General in 1960.
As of November 9, 2019, a total of 4 influenza-associated pediatric fatalities have occurred during the 2019-2020 season. The CDC confirmed 143 pediatric fatalities during the 2018-2019 flu season.
Vaccine suggestion: the CDC has approved various flu vaccines for the 2019-2020 influenza season, which are discussed in this article. But, the CDC suggests pregnant women get a flu shot and not the nasal spray influenza vaccine for the current flu season.

Whooping cough (Pertussis):

Whooping cough is extremely contagious and can be deadly for babies, especially younger than 2 months of age.
Because of this, pregnant women are recommended to have this vaccine with every pregnancy.
Protective antibodies are at their highest about 2 weeks after getting the vaccine, but it takes time to pass them to your baby. So the preferred time to get a Tdap vaccine is early in your third trimester.
And the amount of whooping cough antibodies in your body decreases over time. That is why the CDC recommends you get a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy.
Whooping cough can sometimes appear to be nothing more than the common cold, which hides the true danger it poses to babies. It may take time for symptoms of these illnesses to appear.
Whooping cough symptoms usually develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but it can take up to 3 weeks in some cases.
During 2018, the CDC’s provisional data indicates about 1,100 pertussis related cases in infants under 6 months of age.
Vaccine suggestions: Two vaccines in the United States help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. More information can be found at this CDC page.

The optimal timing for these vaccines is at least 2 weeks before coming in contact with an infant, as that is about how long it takes for the body to mount an immune and protective response.

Parents, brothers and sisters, babysitters, and other caregivers can all help prevent the spread of disease by getting vaccinated too.

Vaccines news to protect newborns published by Precision Vaccinations

Sub Title:

Vaccines protect infants while their immune systems gain strength

References:

CDC: Create a Circle of Protection Around Babies

Image:

Age Groups:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, influenza shots, flu shots, pertussis vaccine, protect our infants,

GoodRx Vaccine:

Boostrix

Featured:

Pakistan’s Wild Polio Problem Found in the Water

Danielle Reiter RN — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 02:12:41 +0000

Reviewer:

Polio this week as of 13 November 2019

Throughout 2019, cases of wild polio have increased relative to 2018, and outbreaks of vaccine-derived polio continue to spread across Africa and Asia.

Poliomyelitis is a crippling infectious disease caused by a virus that spreads from person to person, invading the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis.

If a population is seriously under-immunized, vaccine-derived poliovirus can begin to circulate in a community.

Such as in Pakistan.

According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) report published on November 14, 2019, Pakistan vaccinated about 6 million children this year.

But, during early November, 2 wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases were confirmed, increasing Pakistan's 2019 total to 82 cases, which is a significant increase from 12 totals cases last year.

Of the WPV1 cases with onset during January 2018–September 2019, (73%) were from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (11%) from Balochistan, (11%) from Sindh, and (6%) from Punjab provinces.

In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MMWR report published on November 15, 2019, said ‘the sharp rise of polio activity in Pakistan is due to a combination of factors.’

The Pakistan polio eradication program has undertaken a series of management, community engagement, and epidemiologic reviews that have identified various gaps needing urgent attention.

Gaps such as the spread of false information, particularly through social media (vaccine contains pork products) have increased community resistance to vaccination programs.

Moreover, the CDC noted in this report that ‘WPV1 has been widely detected in 51 sewage samples.’ Not only in the major water reservoir areas in 3 provinces but also among other districts and provinces across Pakistan.

Approximately 45 percent of all environmental sites tested were positive for WPV1 in 2019, compared with just 15 percent during the same period in 2018.

This data indicates the WPV1 is now found in the environment and Pakistani children are at serious risk.

While starting to address these issues, the Pakistan polio vaccination program has suspended supplementary immunization activities (SIA) in core reservoirs until December 2019, reports the CDC.

The CDC says the current status of polio eradication in Pakistan has serious global implications, with the increased risk for WPV1 spreading beyond Pakistan’s borders is high.

Stopping WPV1 transmission in Pakistan will also require continuing cross-border coordination with Afghanistan. During September 2019, cross-border teams vaccinated 164,692 children, says the GPEI.

The Pakistan polio eradication program has grown complex in its management and the operational organization says the CDC.

A management review in Karachi revealed overlapping terms of reference, delayed availability of information, systematic gaps in managerial oversight of decisions and activities, and an overall failure in staff members’ accountability when implementing SIAs (McKinsey and Company, unpublished report, 2019).

This review concluded that meeting programmatic challenges might require managerial restructuring so that decision-making, oversight, and future implementations occur as “One Team.”

‘The goal of interrupting WPV1 transmission in Pakistan is achievable but will require the full and rapid implementation of Technical Advisory Group recommendations to improve program management and operational effectiveness’ concluded this CDC report.

One suggestion to stop these WPV1 outbreaks would be to discontinue administering the live oral vaccine and switch to the not-live, injectable vaccine, currently used in the USA.

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the USA since 2000. IPV is given by a shot in the leg or arm, at 4 different times, depending on the patient’s age. The CDC recommends that all travelers to polio-affected areas, such as Pakistan, be fully vaccinated against polio with an IPV.

Even if you were vaccinated as a child or have been sick with polio before, you may need a polio vaccine booster dose to make sure you are protected, says the CDC.

Therefore, the strategy to eradicate polio is based on prevention by immunizing children to stop the transmission and make the world polio-free.

The World Health Organization (WHO) did announce some good news in October 2019 when another strain of polio, WPV3 was deemed eradicated, leaving just one strain left to eliminate, the WPV1.

In the USA, there are various polio vaccines available, such as Kinrix and Pediarix. IPV vaccination has not been known to cause serious problems, but side effects are a potential risk, says the CDC.

Furthermore, if you will be in Pakistan for more than 4 weeks, the government of Pakistan may require you to show proof of polio vaccination when you are exiting the country.

To meet this requirement, you should receive a polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months before the date you are leaving Pakistan.

In addition to polio warnings, the CDC has issued Dengue, Measles, and Typhoid Travel Alerts for Pakistan in 2019.

Prior to traveling abroad, vaccine counseling appointments can be scheduled with a travel specialist at Vax-Before-Travel.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a public-private partnership led by national governments with five core partners - the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the US CDC, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its goal is to eradicate polio worldwide

Polio vaccine news published by Vax-Before-Travel.

Sub Title:

In Pakistan about 45 percent of environmental sites tested were positive for WPV1 in 2019

References:

CDC: Polio

CDC: Update on Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Outbreaks — Worldwide, January 2018–June 2019

CDC: Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Pakistan, January 2018–September 2019

CDC: Health Information for Travelers to Pakistan

UK to Fund Vaccinating 750 Children Per Minute Against Polio

Image:

Google News Keywords:

health, vaccines, vaccinations, polio, polio in pakistan, vaccines to prebent polio

GoodRx Vaccine:

Featured:

Either Td or Tdap Vaccines Are Safe

Don Hackett — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:04:04 +0000

Reviewer: