MedWorm: Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine

H1N1 vaccination does not increase risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis: a self-controlled case-series study

Multiple Sclerosis — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Multiple Sclerosis)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Highlights from this issue

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Luminal GIH1N1 influenza vaccination and IBD The global pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) affected 70 countries in 2009. There was particular concern for infection in immunocompromised patients, including those with IBD. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine produced seroprotection rates of >85% in the general population but there are no data on the immunogenicity of the vaccine in patients with IBD. In this issue of Gut, Cullen et al report their observational prospective open-label study which examined the immunogenicity of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in IBD patients. Patients with IBD vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine had a low rate of seroprotection, particularly those who were immunosuppressed or received combination immunosuppression (see table 1). An assay of T lym...

Serological response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Patients with IBD vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine had a low rate of seroprotection, particularly among those who were immunosuppressed. Although there is a need for studies of the clinical benefit of vaccines in this population, patients with IBD need to be aware of this reduced immunogenicity. (Source: Gut)

Vaccination against influenza a virus (H1N1) among Spanish healthcare workers.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:24:32 +0100

Authors: Olalla J, de Ory F, Casas I, Benítez N PMID: 22284261 [PubMed - in process] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

Key Peptides Identified That Could Lead To A Universal Vaccine For Influenza

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreeen Virology Ltd have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu. Influenza, an acute viral infection, affects hundreds of thousands of people a year and puts an enormous strain on healthcare providers globally... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Improved serological response to H1N1 monovalent vaccine associated with viral suppression among HIV‐1‐infected patients during the 2009 influenza (H1N1) pandemic in the Southern Hemisphere

HIV Medicine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsA high prevalence of HI H1N1 antibodies was found before vaccination in the cohort, consistent with previous exposure to H1N1 influenza virus. The response to vaccination was considered adequate, as more than two‐thirds of patients achieved a fourfold or more increase in antibody titre after vaccination. The response to vaccination was significantly greater in those patients who were aviraemic for HIV, suggesting that antiretroviral therapy improves the humoral response, which is important in optimizing vaccine effectiveness. (Source: HIV Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Neurologic adverse events following influenza A (H1N1) vaccinations in children

Pediatrics International — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Post‐vaccine NAEs were mainly motor weakness due to poly‐neuropathy, which had a good prognosis of complete improvement within a few months without sequelae.© 2012 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2012 Japan Pediatric Society (Source: Pediatrics International)

A DNA vaccine expressing PB1 protein of influenza A virus protects mice against virus infection

Archives of Virology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:44:28 +0100

Abstract Although influenza DNA vaccine research has focused mainly on viral hemagglutinin and has led to promising results, other virion proteins have also shown some protective potential. In this work, we explored the potential of a DNA vaccine based on the PB1 protein to protect BALB/c mice against lethal influenza A virus infection. The DNA vaccine consisted of pTriEx4 plasmid expressing PB1. As a positive control, a pTriEx4 plasmid expressing influenza A virus HA was used. Two weeks after three subcutaneous doses of DNA vaccine, the mice were challenged intranasally with 1 LD50 of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) virus, and PB1- and HA-specific antibodies, survival rate, body weight change, viral mRNA load, infectious virus titer in the lungs, cytokines IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10, ...

Natural flu resistance discovery offers universal vaccine hope

The Telegraph : Swine Flu A H1N1 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:13:31 +0100

Some people have a natural resistance to all flu strains, according to British scientists who believe the finding will enable them to create a universal vaccine. (Source: The Telegraph : Swine Flu A H1N1)

Researchers identify key peptides that could lead to a universal vaccine for influenza

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Southampton) Researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreen Virology Ltd have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Seasonal flu shot no help with swine flu

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:04:06 +0100

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The seasonal flu vaccine provides little protection against the novel (swine) H3N2 strain of flu, Canadian researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Immune response to an adjuvanted influenza A H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix(R)) in renal transplant recipients

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. These data suggest that Pandemrix® does not provide a protective immune response in the majority of kidney transplant recipients. Therefore, for new vaccines, efficacy as well as safety profiles should be evaluated in this subgroup of patients. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 antibodies after pandemic and trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination as well as natural infection in November 2010 in Hamburg, Germany.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:06:03 +0100

Authors: Cramer J, Mac T, Hogan B, Stauga S, Eberhardt S, Wichmann O, Mertens T, Burchard G PMID: 22264864 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Cross-reactive antibody to swine influenza A(H3N2) subtype virus in children and adults before and after immunisation with 2010/11 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in Canada, August to November 2010

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination policies and coverage in Europe

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Immunogenicity and safety of the influenza A H1N1v 2009 vaccine in cancer patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy: the VACANCE study

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A single dose of AS03-adjuvanted A/H1N1 vaccine triggered a low immune response in cancer patients on chemotherapy depending on their treatment type and frequency. Two doses are needed for these cancer patients. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Notice to Readers: Revised Estimates of the Public Health Impact of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

JAMA — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of an alphavirus replicon-based swine influenza virus hemagglutinin vaccine.

Vaccine — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Veen RL, Loynachan AT, Mogler MA, Russell BJ, Harris HD, Kamrud KI Abstract A single-cycle, propagation-defective replicon particle (RP) vaccine expressing a swine influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) gene was constructed and evaluated in several different animal studies. Studies done in both the intended host (pigs) and non-host (mice) species demonstrated that the RP vaccine is not shed or spread by vaccinated animals to comingled cohorts, nor does it revert to virulence following vaccination. In addition, vaccinated pigs develop both specific humoral and IFN-γ immune responses, and young pigs are protected against homologous influenza virus challenge. PMID: 22269873 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Guillain-Barré syndrome in temporal association with influenza A vaccine

Revista Paulista de Pediatria — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:37:28 +0100

OBJETIVO:Descrever um caso de síndrome de Guillain-Barré em associação temporal com a vacina influenza A (H1N1) 2009. DESCRIÇAO DO CASO: Menino de quatro anos com queixa inicial de dor em coxa direita e perda de força muscular ascendente 15 dias após a segunda dose da vacina influenza A (H1N1) 2009. Ao exame neurológico apresentava tetraparesia e arreflexia, com predomínio em membros inferiores. A eletroneuromiografia evidenciou redução da velocidade e bloqueio de condução neuronal, com discreta perda axonal secundária. Foi tratado com imunoglobulina por via intravenosa, atingiu platô no quarto dia de evolução da doença e, depois, houve melhora progressiva da força muscular. COMENTÁRIOS: Com o emprego em larga escala da vacina influenza A (H1N1) 2009 em nosso meio e os ...

Protective efficacy of an H1N1 cold-adapted live vaccine against the 2009 pandemic H1N1, seasonal H1N1, and H5N1 influenza viruses in mice.

Antiviral Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shi J, Wen Z, Guo J, Zhang Y, Deng G, Shu Y, Wang D, Jiang Y, Kawaoka Y, Bu Z, Chen H Abstract Vaccination is a key strategy for preventing influenza virus infections. Here, we generated a reassortant virus (SC/AAca) containing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes from a 2009 pandemic influenza virus A/Sichuan/1/2009 (H1N1) (SC/09) and six internal genes from the cold-adapted virus A/Ann Arbor/6/60 (H2N2) (AAca). The SC/AAca reassortant induced a sound humoral immune response and complete protection against homologous SC/09 virus challenge in mice after intranasal administration of an at least 10(6) 50% egg infectious dose (EID(50)) of SC/AAca. SC/AAca inoculation also induced significant CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and provided solid protection against heterologou...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Narcolepsy after A/H1N1 vaccination

Clinics — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:35:44 +0100

CONCLUSION: The data presented in this study suggest that brain death itself induces hypoperfusion in the mesenteric microcirculation that is associated with a pronounced reduction in the endogenous corticosterone level, thereby leading to increased local inflammation and organ dysfunction. These events are paradoxically associated with induced leukopenia after brain damage (Source: Clinics)

Influenza A virus vaccine-H1N1: Narcolepsy with cataplexy: 2 case reports

Reactions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:18 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Influenza A virus vaccine-H1N1: Encephalitis in an elderly patient: case report

Reactions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:18 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Influenza Virus Resistance to Neuraminidase Inhibitors: Implications for Treatment

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:14:02 +0100

Abstract Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are the two main Neuraminidase inhibitors used for the treatment of Influenza. Oseltamivir resistance has been identified in non-pandemic influenza viruses, as well as H1N1 pandemic Influenza A viruses. Resistance is associated with increased morbidity, and poorer outcomes in severely immunocompromised hosts. Newer neuraminidase inhibitors, increased vaccination and combination therapy may be alternatives for the treatment of Influenza in this setting. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Upper Respiratory, Head, and Neck Infections ( I. Brook, Section Editor)Pages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11908-012-0236-xAuthors Shivanjali Shankaran, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249, USAGonzalo M. L. Bearm...

Epidemiologic Parameters and Evaluation of Control Measure for 2009 Novel Influenza A (H1N1) in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China

Virology Journal — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our analysis indicated that the characteristics of this novel influenza virus were similar to those of seasonal influenza. The principle of "interception of imported cases" applied at Xiamen ports, and vaccination of students effectively limited the spread of the influenza pandemic and reduced the epidemic peak. (Source: Virology Journal)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Safety and immunogenicity of a monovalent MF59(®)-adjuvanted A/H1N1 vaccine in HIV-infected children and young adults.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: One dose of MF59-adjuvanted vaccine was sufficient to provide adequate levels of seroprotection against A/H1N1 influenza disease in HIV-positive children. However, a two-dose vaccination schedule may be optimal for this population. PMID: 22261282 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biologicals : Journal of the International Association of Biological Standardization)

The reporting completeness of a passive safety surveillance system for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccines: A capture-recapture analysis.

Vaccine — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Huang WT, Huang WI, Huang YW, Hsu CW, Chuang JH Abstract Adverse events following pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccines ("2009 H1N1 vaccines") in Taiwan were passively reported to the National Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting System. To evaluate the completeness of spontaneous reporting, cases of death, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), convulsion, Bell's palsy, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) after 2009 H1N1 vaccination that occurred between November 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010 were selected from the National Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting System (NADRRS) database and an additionally constructed nationwide large-linked database (LLDB), and matched on a unique personal identifier, date of vaccination (within ±7 days), and date of diagnosis (within ±7 days). Overall, ...

Autoimmune response following influenza vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

We report that after the administration of seasonal/H1N1 vaccine there were mostly transient changes in autoantibody production in AIRD patients and in healthy participants. However, a small subset of patients, especially ANA-positive patients, had a tendency towards anti-ENA development. Although no convincing differences between the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines were observed, our results imply that there might be a slight tendency of the H1N1 vaccine towards aCL induction. Although seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are safe and effective, they also have the potential to induce autoantibodies in selected AIRD patients and healthy adults. Follow-up of such individuals is proposed and further research is needed. PMID: 22235050 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

H1N1: overview and perspectives

Jornal Brasileiro de Patologia e Medicina Laboratorial — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:50:49 +0100

O vírus influenza de origem suína, A/California/04/2009 (H1N1), foi inicialmente detectado no México e determinou a pandemia de influenza de 2009. Em agosto de 2010, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) declarou o início da fase pós-pandêmica. As características dessa última pandemia foram marcadamente diferentes das anteriores. O vírus emergiu de rearranjos genéticos originários em hospedeiro mamífero não humano, demonstrou transmissibilidade interespécies e afetou a população humana de forma diferente dos vírus pandêmicos anteriores (1918, 1957 e 1968) com maior morbidade e mortalidade em crianças e adultos jovens. Atualmente, o vírus apresenta padrão sazonal da mesma forma que o influenza A H3N2 e o influenza B, mantendo, até o momento, o mesmo perfil de patogen...

Influenza viruses and cross-reactivity in healthy adults: Humoral and cellular immunity induced by seasonal 2007/2008 influenza vaccination against vaccine antigens and 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic influenza virus.

Vaccine — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Iorio AM, Bistoni O, Galdiero M, Lepri E, Camilloni B, Russano AM, Neri M, Basileo M, Spinozzi F Abstract We analyzed humoral and cellular immune responses against vaccine antigens and the new A(H1N1) virus in healthy adults before and after immunization with the 2007/2008 commercially available trivalent subunit MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine during the Fall 2007, prior to the emergence of the new virus. Antibody titers were significantly boosted only against the three vaccine antigens. Seasonal vaccination boosted pre-existing cellular responses upon stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells not only with the homologous three vaccine antigens, but also with the heterologous new 2009 A(H1N1) and with a highly conserved peptide present in the stalk region of hem...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Immunogenicity of an Inactivated Monovalent 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine in Patients Who Have Cancer.

The Oncologist — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Cancer patients, whether taking myelosuppressive chemotherapy or not, are able to generate an immune response to the H1N1 vaccine similar to that of healthy controls. PMID: 22240540 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Oncologist)

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 antibodies after pandemic and trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination as well as natural infection in November 2010 in Hamburg, Germany

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Onset of Narcolepsy Following H1N1 Seasonal PeakOnset of Narcolepsy Following H1N1 Seasonal Peak

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:18:10 +0100

Is narcolepsy a consequence of H1N1 infection or H1N1 vaccination? Medscape Neurology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

A comparison of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass concentrations in severe community-acquired pneumonia and severe Pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gordon CL, Holmes NE, Grayson ML, Torresi J, Johnson PD, Cheng AC, Charles PG Abstract We compared immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in patients with severe non-influenza community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) to those with severe Pandemic 2009 influenza (H1N1) infection. Low IgG(1) and IgG(2) occurred often in the CAP group; however, H1N1 patients had lower IgG(1) and IgG(2) (5.4 vs. 3.3g/L, p=0.008; 2.5 vs. 1.2g/L, p<0.001, respectively). Low IgG(2) may be specifically linked to severe H1N1, however, it is not clear whether this association is related to H1N1 or to other features of severity. PMID: 22237894 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

Transmission of Influenza A Virus in Pigs

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:23:55 +0100

SummaryInfluenza A virus infections cause respiratory disease in pigs and are a risk to public health. The pig plays an important role in influenza ecology because of its ability to support replication of influenza viruses from avian, swine and human species. Influenza A virus is widespread in pigs worldwide, and influenza A virus interspecies transmission has been documented in many events. Influenza A virus is mostly transmitted through direct pig‐to‐pig contact and aerosols although other indirect routes of transmission may also exist. Several factors contribute to differences in the transmission dynamics within populations including among others vaccination, pig flow, animal movement and animal introduction which highlights the complexity of influenza A transmission in pigs. In add...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Influenza in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients (February).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The solid organ transplant population is at an increased risk of severe complications from influenza infection. Identifying risks, preventing illness, and appropriately treating active infection is essential in this patient population. PMID: 22234989 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Receipt of A(H1N1)pdm09 Vaccine by Prisons and Jails — United States, 2009–10 Influenza Season

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:08:18 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

U.S. jail inmates should get flu vaccine

Health News - UPI.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:19:02 +0100

ATLANTA, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- People in U.S. jails and prisons are at increased risk for exposure to infection but most did not get the H1N1 vaccine in 2009-2010, health officials say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Receipt of A(H1N1)pdm09 Vaccine by Prisons and Jails - United States, 2009-10 Influenza Season.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes the results of that survey, which found that 55% of jails did not receive A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine during the pandemic period, whereas only 14% of federal prisons and 11% of state prisons did not receive the vaccine. Greater inclusion of correctional facilities, especially smaller facilities, in pandemic preparedness planning might better protect correctional facility populations and the community as a whole in the event of future influenza pandemics. PMID: 22217623 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Cloned cDNA of A/swine/Iowa/15/1930 internal genes as a candidate backbone for reverse genetics vaccine against influenza A viruses.

Vaccine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, the internal genes from rg1930 were used for construction of reverse genetics viruses carrying a cleavage site-modified hemagglutinin (HA) gene and neuraminidase (NA) gene from a highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. The resulting virus (rg1930H5N1) was low pathogenic in vivo. Inactivated rg1930H5N1 vaccine completely protected chickens from morbidity and mortality after challenge with highly pathogenic H5N1. Protective immunity was obtained when chickens were immunized with an inactivated vaccine consisting of at least 2(9) HA units of the rg1930H5N1 virus. In comparison to the PR8-based reverse genetics viruses carrying the same HA and NA genes from an H5N1 virus, rg1930 based viruses yielded higher viral titers in MDCK and Vero cells. In addition, the reverse genetics derived H3...

Trials for Novel Influenza Vaccine Likely by SpringTrials for Novel Influenza Vaccine Likely by Spring

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:04:48 +0100

HHS has asked 2 manufacturers to develop investigational lots of vaccine against the novel swine influenza virus that has surfaced in 5 states but has not yet shown signs of widespread transmission. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Many Jails Got No Flu Shots During H1N1 Outbreak: CDC

The Doctors Lounge - Infections — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Researchers want small correctional facilities included in vaccine program (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Infections)

Perspectives of Pulmonologists on the 2009-2010 H1N1 Vaccination Effort

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:27:21 +0100

Persons with high-risk conditions such as asthma were a target group for H1N1 vaccine recommendations. We conducted a mailed survey of a national sample of pulmonologists to understand their participation in the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccine campaign. The response rate was 59%. The majority of pulmonologists strongly recommended H1N1 vaccine for children (73%) and adults aged 25–64 years (51%). Only 60% of respondents administered H1N1 vaccine in their practice compared to 87% who offered seasonal influenza vaccine. Other than vaccine supply, respondents who provided H1N1 vaccine reported few logistical problems. Two-thirds of respondents would be very likely to vaccinate during a future influenza pandemic; this rate was higher among those who provided H1N1 vaccine...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Surveillance in Eastern India (2007-2009) Revealed Reassortment Event Involving NS and PB1-F2 Gene Segments among Co-circulating Influenza A Subtypes

Virology Journal — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Overall the study highlights reassortment event involving gene segments other than HA and NA in the co-circulating A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains and their importance in complexity of influenza virus genetics. In contrast, NS and PB1-F2 genes of all A/H3N2 eastern India strains were highly conserved and homologous to the concurrent A/H3N2 vaccine strains suggesting that these gene segments of H3N2 viruses are evolutionarily more stable compared to H1N1 viruses. (Source: Virology Journal)

Acute sleep deprivation has no lasting effects on the human antibody titer response following a novel influenza A H1N1 virus vaccination

BMC Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings concur with the notion that sleep is a supportive influence in the very early stage of an adaptive immune response to a viral antigen. However, our results do not support the view that acute sleep deprivation has lasting effects on the human antibody titer response to influenza vaccination. (Source: BMC Immunology)

A reduced dose seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine is safe and immunogenic in adult and elderly patients - a randomized controlled trial.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found that the present reduced dose vaccine is safe and immunogenic in healthy adult and elderly subjects and triggers immune responses to comply with licensing criteria. PMID: 22219315 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

Evaluation of three commercially available influenza A type-specific blocking-ELISA assays for seroepidemiological studies of influenza A virus infection in pigs.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tse M, Kim M, Chan CH, Ho PL, Ma SK, Guan Y, Peiris JS Abstract The reverse zoonotic transmission of the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus to swine necessitates enhanced surveillance of swine for influenza virus infection. Using a well characterized panel of naturally infected swine sera we evaluate and optimize the performance of three commercially available competitive ELISA assays, IDEXX® Influenza A Ab test, IDEXX® AI MultiS-Screen Ab Test and IDVet ID Screen® Influenza A Antibody Competition ELISA kit for detecting influenza type A reactive antibodies in swine. ROC analysis suggests that adjustment of the manufacturer recommended cut-off values would optimize sensitivity and specificity of these assays making them applicable for sero-epidemiology studies of swine influenza....

Public health impact of including two lineages of influenza B in a quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine.

Vaccine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Reed C, Meltzer MI, Finelli L, Fiore A Abstract The annual trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) includes viruses representing three influenza strains - one A/H1N1, one A/H3N2, and one B, although two antigenically distinct lineages of influenza B (Victoria and Yamagata) co-circulate annually in the United States. Predicting which lineage of influenza B will predominate during a season is challenging, and cross-protection by immunization against the other lineage is expected to be low. One proposed alternative is to produce a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) including an influenza B virus from each of the two circulating lineages. We estimated the additional public health benefit of QIV compared with TIV by calculating the expected impact on influenza-related health outcom...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Narcolepsy in the Pediatric Population

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:44:58 +0100

Abstract Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, with or without cataplexy. Associated features include sleep paralysis, hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations, and disturbed nocturnal sleep. Narcolepsy is strongly associated with the HLA DQB1*0602 allele, and its symptoms stem from destruction of hypocretin-secreting neurons in the hypothalamus. Recently identified autoantibodies to Tribbles homologue 2 in some patients, as well as cases associated with H1N1 vaccination, support an autoimmune mechanism. There are many challenges in diagnosing and treating pediatric narcolepsy. Caution must also be used in interpreting polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test results in children. HLA testing is nonspecific, and no commercial test exists to mea...

Influenza Research Database: an integrated bioinformatics resource for influenza research and surveillance

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The IRD provides a wealth of integrated data and information about influenza virus to support research of the genetic determinants dictating virus pathogenicity, host range restriction and transmission, and to facilitate development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

The Food and Drug Administration's Post‐Licensure Rapid Immunization Safety Monitoring program: strengthening the federal vaccine safety enterprise

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTIn 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services created the new Post‐Licensure Rapid Immunization Safety Monitoring (PRISM) program, which used data from national health insurance plans and immunization registries to monitor the safety of the H1N1 influenza vaccine. PRISM has now been integrated into the FDA's Mini‐Sentinel pilot program. It strengthens the federal vaccine safety enterprise in two important ways. First, PRISM monitors the largest US general population cohort designated for active surveillance of vaccine safety. Second, PRISM links data from health plans with data from state and city immunization registries, which were a crucial source of exposure data in the H1N1 vaccine evaluation. The Mini‐Sentinel data that support PRISM are updated quarterly, and PRI...

Seroprevalence following the First Wave of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Turkey, 2009.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we sought to describe the community seropositivity of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in order to estimate immunity shortly after the peak of the first pandemic wave in two provinces in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the provinces of Diyarbakir and Ankara, after the first wave of H1N1 incidences in 2009. It was designed to evaluate 276 houses in Diyarbakir and 455 houses in Ankara. Everyone living in these houses was included in the study. An antibody titer of ≥1:40 was considered as a positive result for all age groups. Antibody titers of ≤1:20 were considered as 1 while calculating the log titer and geometric mean. The pandemic H1N1 seropositivity was found to be 24.1% for Ankara and 27.7% for Diyarbakir. In Ankara, seropositivity was statistically ass...

Seroprevalence of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and effectiveness of 2010/2011 influenza vaccine during 2010/2011 season in Beijing, China

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:21:19 +0100

Conclusions A slight increase in herd immunity against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza was observed in Beijing, China, during the 2010/2011 season. Prior vaccination and immunity had a suppressive impact on immune response toward this novel influenza virus, elicited by 2010/2011 trivalent vaccine. This trivalent vaccine conferred good protection against ILI and LRI. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

The determinants of 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccination: A systematic review.

Vaccine — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine coverage during the pandemic varied widely across countries and population sub-groups. We identified some consistent determinants of this variation that can be targeted to increase vaccination during future influenza pandemics. PMID: 22214889 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Influenza‐like illness surveillance on the California‐Mexico border, 2004–2009

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The US‐Mexico border is one of the busiest in the world, with a large number of daily crossings. Due to its traffic, this area is an ideal location for surveillance sites. We identified a pathogen in 36% of the specimens tested, with influenza A the most common pathogen. A number of other viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens were identified. An understanding of the incidence of respiratory pathogens in border populations is useful for development of regional vaccination and disease prevention responses. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

IgG Subclass Levels and Antibody Responses to the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Monovalent Vaccine among HIV‐Infected and HIV‐Uninfected Adults

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Prevaccination IgG subclass levels did not correlate with the ability to develop robust antibody responses to the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine. IgG2 deficiencies were common among HIV‐infected persons but did not correlate with poor influenza vaccine responses. Further investigations into the etiology of disparate vaccine responses are needed. (Source: Clinical and Experimental Immunology)

Active surveillance of adverse events following immunization against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Korea.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:27:37 +0100

Authors: Choe YJ, Cho H, Song KM, Kim JH, Han OP, Kwon YH, Bae GR, Lee HJ, Lee JK Abstract Surveillance of vaccine safety is one of the public health interventions used to investigate the causal relationship between vaccines and adverse events. Using active surveillance data, we aimed to compile a detailed summary describing the safety of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. Computer-assisted telephone interview was used to investigate adverse events for 9,000 subjects who had received non-adjuvanted vaccines between November 2009 and January 2010, and for 19,000 adults who received adjuvanted vaccines from January through March 2010. The participants were interviewed to obtain information about local and systemic adverse events. Among subjects who received the non-adjuvanted v...

Missed Opportunities: A National Survey of Obstetricians About Attitudes on Maternal and Infant Immunization

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:55:30 +0100

Discussion of routine childhood immunization between obstetricians and their patients is an area for future improvements in childhood vaccination. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10995-011-0936-0Authors Ruth Link-Gelles, Emory Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322, USAAllison T. Chamberlain, Emory Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta GA 30322, USAJay Schulkin, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, DC, USAKevin Ault, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USAEllen Whitney, Emory Preparedness and Emergency...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Rituximab blocks protective serologic response to influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccination in lymphoma patients during or within 6 months after treatment

Blood — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Cancer patients are often encouraged to receive seasonal influenza vaccination. The monoclonal antibody rituximab is widely used in treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This results in a prolonged depletion of normal B cells, which might impair humoral responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether lymphoma patients undergoing rituximab-containing treatment regimens or having received such regimens within the past 6 months were able to mount protective antibody responses to the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus vaccine Pandemrix during the 2009 "swine flu" pandemic. Contrary to the control group, where 82% responded adequately to the vaccine, none of the 67 patients achieved protective antibody titers, suggesting that lymphoma patients receiving rituximab-containing regimens m...

When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

I hope that fear of terrorism will not lead to the suppression of valuable research about engineering the H5N1 virusA few months ago, Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier made what he hoped would be a low-key announcement at a conference on influenza in Malta. After a series of painstaking experiments, Fouchier announced he had achieved the holy grail of influenza research: engineering the H5N1 bird flu virus so that it could pass easily between mammals. The "airborne" virus had been created, Fouchier explained, not by using sophisticated, lab-based genetic technology but by the relatively low-tech method of passaging H5N1 repeatedly through ferrets.The significance of the discovery was not lost on the assembled delegates. If ferrets could be infected this way, then so could humans. Fouchier had ...

When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist | Mark Honigsbaum

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

Factors Affecting Intention among Students to Be Vaccinated against A/H1N1 Influenza: A Health Belief Model Approach

EURASIP Journal on Bioinformatics and Systems Biology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:07:57 +0100

This study examined the factors affecting the intention to be vaccinated against the swine flu among students in Israel. Questionnaires were distributed in December 2009 among 387 students at higher-education institutions. The research questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and Health Belief Model principles. The results show that the factors positively affecting the intention to take the swine flu vaccine were past experience with seasonal flu shot and three HBM categories: higher levels of perceived susceptibility for catching the illness, perceived seriousness of illness, and lower levels of barriers. We conclude that offering the vaccine at workplaces may raise the intention to take the vaccine among young people in Israel. (Source: EURASIP Journal on Bioinformatics an...

Discordant antigenic drift of neuraminidase and hemagglutinin in H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Seasonal epidemics caused by influenza virus are driven by antigenic changes (drift) in viral surface glycoproteins that allow evasion from preexisting humoral immunity. Antigenic drift is a feature of not only the hemagglutinin (HA), but also of neuraminidase (NA). We have evaluated the antigenic evolution of each protein in H1N1 and H3N2 viruses used in vaccine formulations during the last 15 y by analysis of HA and NA inhibition titers and antigenic cartography. As previously shown for HA, genetic changes in NA did not always lead to an antigenic change. The noncontinuous pattern of NA drift did not correspond closely with HA drift in either subtype. Although NA drift was demonstrated using ferret sera, we show that these changes also impact recognition by NA-inhibiting antibodies in hu...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Formerly healthy, energetic boy still suffers from extreme narcolepsy two years after getting swine flu vaccine

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Shortly after six-year-old Josh Hadfield of Somerset, UK, got jabbed with Pandemrix, GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) vaccine for H1N1 / swine flu, a few years ago, he developed extreme narcolepsy that caused him to sleep up to 19 hours a day. Two years later, the boy is still... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

Excess mortality related to seasonal influenza and extreme temperatures in Denmark, 1994-2010

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: It is doable to model influenza-related mortality based on data on all-cause mortality and ILI, data that are easily obtainable in many countries and less subject to bias and subjective interpretation than cause-of-death data. Further work is needed to understand the variations in mortality observed across seasons and in particular the impact of vaccinationagainst influenza. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

40% of NHS staff are now vaccinated against flu

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Numbers of staff vaccinated is double that of last yearRelated items from OnMedicaStatins may reduce flu deathsFlu decision delayed for healthy childrenHealthcare workers urged to have flu jabInfluenza vaccination for all healthcare workersThird of nurses do not want the swine flu vaccine themselves (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Mimotopes selected with neutralizing antibodies against Multiple Subtypes of Influenza A

Virology Journal — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Phage-displayed mimotopes against multiple subtypes of influenza A were accessible to the mouse immune system and triggered a humoral response to above virus. (Source: Virology Journal)

Statins May Help Fight Influenza

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Findings published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases show that statins, one of the most widely sold drugs today, that are more commonly used for combating high cholesterol levels, may have a new use in helping fight influenza in critically ill patients. Influenza is usually dealt with, initially by vaccine to prevent infection from occuring in the first place, and once the patient is ill, by prescribing antiviral drugs. For example, Tamiflu from Roche received a lot of media attention during the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Vaccination against 2009 pandemic H1N1 in a population dynamical model of Vancouver, Canada: timing is everything

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Delays in vaccine production due to technological or logistical barriers may reduce potential benefits of vaccination for pandemic influenza, and these temporal effects can outweigh any additional theoretical benefits from population targeting. Careful modeling may provide decision makers with estimates of these effects before the epidemic peak to guide production goals and inform policy. Integration of real-time surveillance data with mathematical models holds the promise of enabling public health planners to optimize the community benefits from proposed interventions before the pandemic peak. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Evaluation of the Seroprevalence of Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 on a University Campus: A cross-sectional Study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overall, 52.7% of the total study population tested positive for influenza A(H1N1) 2009. 54.4% of those who tested positive for influenza A(H1N1) 2009 using the >1:40 dilution cut-off on the hemagglutination inhibition assay in this study population did not report experiencing symptoms during the pandemic meeting the May 2010 CDC definition of influenza-like illness. 16% of those who reported receiving the H1N1 vaccine did not test positive by HAI. We also found that vaccination coverage for H1N1 vaccine was poor among Blacks and Latinos, despite the fact that vaccine was readily available at no cost. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Lack of antibody response to Guillain-Barre syndrome-related gangliosides in mice and men after novel flu vaccination

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

During a mass vaccination campaign in the USA in 1976, there was a statistically significant increased risk of developing Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) following receipt of the A/NJ/1976/H1N1 ‘swine flu’ vaccine.1 Because the currently circulating pandemic A (H1N1) flu virus is partially of swine origin, there has been concern about a similar association of GBS with the novel flu A (H1N1) vaccine. Preliminary analysis showed an elevated, statistically significant association between 2009 H1N1 vaccination and GBS.2 If confirmed, the increased risk of GBS associated with 2009 H1N1 vaccine of 0.8 cases per 1 million vaccinations would be comparable with the risk described previously for some trivalent seasonal flu vaccine formulations. GBS is divided into two major su...

Boy slept for up to 19 HOURS a day after reaction to flu jab

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:59:42 +0100

Josh Hadfield, 6, from Frome in Somerset, has suffered with narcolepsy for two years. He fell ill just weeks after receiving a controversial swine flu vaccine. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Parents claim link between flu vaccine and narcolepsy

Telegraph Health — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:56:25 +0100

Parents of children who have been struck down with the sleeping syndrome narcolepsy claim that it could have been triggered by the swine flu vaccine. (Source: Telegraph Health)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Swine flu and the sleeping six-year-old

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:02:10 +0100

Search for possible link between swine flu vaccine and sleeping disorders (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Immunologic response to influenza vaccine in at-risk children

The Journal of Pediatrics — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:07:32 +0100

Influenza infection can add particularly significant morbidity and mortality to children with chronic disease, especially those patients with compromised immune systems. In this issue of The Journal, Long et al evaluate the humoral and cell-mediated immune response to the H1N1/2009 monovalent vaccine in high-risk pediatric patients after solid organ transplantation (SOT), systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE), asthma, and sickle cell disease. These data suggest that patients with SLE or SOT mount suboptimal responses, whereas children with asthma or sickle cell disease have a vigorous response to immunization, even in patients on oral steroids. These findings have important implications regarding strategies to minimize the adverse impact of influenza in at-risk children. The authors speculat...

Promising Results In Mice On Needle-Free Candidate Universal Vaccine Against Various Flu Viruses

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists from the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have discovered that an antigen common to most influenza viruses, and commonly referred to as matrix protein 2 (M2), when administered under the tongue could protect mice against experimental infection caused by various influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic avian H5 virus and the pandemic H1 ("swine flu") virus... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Both Pregnant Women And Newborns Protected By The H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The researchers studied the immune response of 107 pregnant women after they were injected with a single dose of non-adjuvant H1N1 vaccine. They concluded that the influenza shot boosted the immune response in pregnant women and at the same time protected neuronatal babies via the antibodies that transferred through the placenta. These results were published in the review Annals of Internal Medicine.* Influenza (the flu) is a contagious, acute respiratory infection caused by the family of viruses Influenzae. There are three types of Influenza virus: A, B and C... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Detection of Respiratory Viruses Among Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia During the Time of a Declared Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic

Journal of Travel Medicine — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. We found very low pandemic influenza A(H1N1) prevalence among arriving pilgrims and no evidence that amplification of transmission had occurred among departing pilgrims. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Pandemic flu vaccine protected pregnant women

Modern Medicine — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The vaccine against the H1N1 flu strain offered high levels of protection for pregnant women and their babies, a new study from France suggests. (Source: Modern Medicine)

MF59(®) Adjuvanted Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccines.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:48:02 +0100

Authors: Tsai TF Abstract MF59-adjuvanted seasonal trivalent inactivated (ATIV) vaccine licensed since 1997 and MF59-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccines have been distributed to approximately 80M persons. Addition of the emulsion adjuvant to inactivated vaccine formulations provides for higher levels of antibody to the viral hemagglutinin (HA) in less responsive older adults, infants and children which, in the case of the pandemic vaccine, allowed only 3.75 µg of the HA to be immunogenic. The adjuvant also stimulates production of more broadly-reactive antibodies against strains that are mismatched to those in the vaccine, a potential advantage in the face of perennial influenza virus antigenic drift. In a field trial, ATIV was 89% efficacious in preventing laboratory-confirmed infl...

The H1N1 flu vaccine protects both pregnant women and newly-borns

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(INSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)) During the 2011-2012 campaign to promote the winter flu vaccination, Odile Launay, Director of vaccinology at the Center for Clinical Investigation of Cochin Pasteur published the results of the PREFLUVAC clinical study carried out during the worldwide influenza epidemic of 2009. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Modeling Optimal Age-Specific Vaccination Strategies Against Pandemic Influenza.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lee S, Golinski M, Chowell G Abstract In the context of pandemic influenza, the prompt and effective implementation of control measures is of great concern for public health officials around the world. In particular, the role of vaccination should be considered as part of any pandemic preparedness plan. The timely production and efficient distribution of pandemic influenza vaccines are important factors to consider in mitigating the morbidity and mortality impact of an influenza pandemic, particularly for those individuals at highest risk of developing severe disease. In this paper, we use a mathematical model that incorporates age-structured transmission dynamics of influenza to evaluate optimal vaccination strategies in the epidemiological context of the Spring 2009 A (H...

More People Getting Influenza Vaccine This YearMore People Getting Influenza Vaccine This Year

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:41:07 +0100

Influenza vaccinations have been up since the 2009 swine flu pandemic. WebMD Health News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Single Vaccine Dose Protects Infants and Mothers Against H1N1Single Vaccine Dose Protects Infants and Mothers Against H1N1

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:17:51 +0100

A single dose of a nonadjuvanted 2009 influenza A(H1N1) vaccine induced a strong immune response in pregnant women and conferred a high rate of seroprotection in newborns. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Study suggests single dose of a 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine administered during pregnancy should protect both mothers and their newborns

NeLM - News — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Ann Intern Med Area: News According to study results published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a single dose of a 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine administered to pregnant women should be sufficient to protect both mothers and their newborns. The authors note that studies of inactivated influenza vaccines in pregnant women have shown identical antibody responses to those seen in non-pregnant women, high cord antibody levels to influenza in neonates, and no safety concerns. A previous prospective RCT found that administration of the influenza vaccine during the third trimester reduced influenza illness in infants up to six months of age and avoided around a third of all febrile respiratory illnesses with fever in mothers and young infants. Pregnant women w...

Acceptance of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine among Pregnant Women in Delaware

American Journal of Perinatology — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Amer J PerinatolDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1295660Due to disproportionately high mortality from 2009 H1N1 influenza, pregnant women were given highest priority for H1N1 vaccination. We surveyed postpartum women to determine vaccine uptake and reasons for lack of vaccination. We performed a cross-sectional survey of postpartum women delivering at our institution from February 1 to April 15, 2010. The 12-question survey ascertained maternal characteristics and vaccination concerns. Among 307 postpartum women, 191 (62%) had received H1N1 vaccination and 98 (32%) had declined. Factors associated with H1N1 vaccination included older age (relative risk [RR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 1.5 for age ≥35 years compared with 20 to 34 years), at least college education (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1...

Maternal Immune Response and Neonatal Seroprotection From a Single Dose of a Monovalent Nonadjuvanted 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) Vaccine: A Single-Group Trial.

Annals of Internal Medicine — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A single dose of a nonadjuvanted influenza A(H1N1) vaccine with 15 mcg of hemagglutinin triggered a strong immune response in pregnant women and a high rate of neonatal seroprotection. Primary Funding Source: French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. PMID: 22147712 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine)

Dec. 4-10 Is National Influenza Vaccination Week!

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:57:37 +0100

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Related MedlinePlus Pages: Flu, H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Increase in reported adverse events following seasonal influenza vaccination among the French armed forces, 2008–2009: Possible role of stimulated reporting and background cases of influenza-like infection

Public Health — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The increase in seasonal influenza VAE in late 2009 mainly involved non-serious events, and could reflect stimulated reporting in the context of the A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic. VAE reporting rates were highest during influenza epidemic periods, which could be explained by VAE being wrongly attributed to the vaccine when symptoms could reflect coincident background cases of viral infection. (Source: Public Health)

H1N1 Vaccination and Endothelial Function in HIV PatientsH1N1 Vaccination and Endothelial Function in HIV Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Does the H1N1 vaccine put HIV patients at risk for deterioration of endothelial function? HIV Medicine (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Hospital discharge database optimization in guillain‐barré syndrome surveillance

Muscle and Nerve — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Discussion.Optimization of a HDD through exclusion of non‐acute cases results in an acceptable and practical database for passive surveillance of GBS. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Muscle and Nerve)

Protecting patients, protecting healthcare workers: a review of the role of influenza vaccination

International Nursing Review — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Many countries recommend HCW vaccination against influenza. In recent years, there has been an increased uptake rate among HCWs in some countries, but not in others. Several initiatives can increase coverage, including education, easy access to free vaccines and the use of formal declination forms. The case for HCW vaccination is clear, and in an effort to further accelerate uptake as a patient safety measure, an increasing number of healthcare organizations, particularly in the USA, are implementing mandatory immunization policies, similar to other obligatory hygiene measures. However, it would be desirable if similar high vaccination uptake rates could be achieved through voluntary procedures. (Source: International Nursing Review)

Using surveillance data to estimate pandemic vaccine effectiveness against laboratory confirmed influenza A(H1N1)2009 infection: two case control studies, Spain, season 2009-2010

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Point estimates of the pandemic influenza vaccine effectiveness suggested a protective effect of the pandemic vaccine against laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)2009 in the season 2009-2010. Both studies were limited by the low vaccine coverage and the late start of the vaccination campaign. Routine influenza surveillance provides reliable estimates and could be used for influenza vaccine effectiveness studies in future seasons taken into account the surveillance system limitations. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Flu Vaccines Have Good Safety Records

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:40:50 +0100

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Related MedlinePlus Pages: Flu, H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Yeast expressed recombinant Hemagglutinin protein of Novel H1N1 elicits neutralising antibodies in rabbits and mice

Virology Journal — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Currently available vaccines for the pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 produced in chicken eggs have serious impediments viz limited availability, risk of allergic reactions and the possible selection of sub-populations differing from the naturally occurring virus, whereas the cell culture derived vaccines are time consuming and may not meet the demands of rapid global vaccination required to combat the present/future pandemic. Hemagglutinin (HA) based subunit vaccine for H1N1 requires the HA protein in glycosylated form, which is impossible with the commonly used bacterial expression platform. Additionally, bacterial derived protein requires extensive purification and refolding steps for vaccine applications. For these reasons an alternative heterologous system for rapid, easy and economic...

The antibody response to pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine in adult organ transplant patients

Transplant International — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the humoral response to this vaccine in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and healthy individuals was evaluated. Eighty‐two SOT recipients and 28 healthy individuals received two doses of the influenza A H1N1/09 AS03 adjuvanted vaccine containing 3.75 mg of haemagglutinin at a 3‐ to 4‐week interval. Serum samples were drawn at baseline and 3–4 weeks after the first and second vaccine doses. Seroprotective titres were measured with a haemagglutination inhibition. After the first dose seroprotective titres were observed in 69% of the SOT patients and in 96% of the healthy controls (P = 0.006), and increased after the second dose to 80% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.003). All controls and 77% of the SOT recipients achieved a ≥4‐fold titre rise afte...

Who knew? Awareness of being recommended for influenza vaccination among US adults

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Our results highlight that a majority of US adults do not know that they are recommended for annual influenza vaccination by the government. The fraction of adults who are unaware of their recommendation status is especially large among newly recommended healthy young adults. The universal vaccination recommendations will only be successful if they reach both patients and physicians and lead to changing vaccination practices. The universal nature of the new recommendation simplifies vaccination‐related outreach and compliance with government vaccination guidelines considerably, as it does not require any identification of specific recommendation groups based on complex personal or health risk factors. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccination uptake in an HIV positive cohort: Category: Lesson in Microbiology & Infection Control

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:46 +0100

The recent pandemic of 2009 H1N1 influenza lead to higher rates of severe infection (including hospitalisation and death) in those with chronic illness and immunocompromise including HIV. A strain specific vaccine was introduced in the UK in October 2009. The Department of Health (DoH) issued guidelines to GPs on the correct use of seasonal and pandemic H1N1 vaccine in HIV infected individuals, however uptake was anecdotally poor. We aimed to quantify uptake within our HIV cohort using questionnaires during the pandemic. (Source: Journal of Infection)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Retrospective observational study of adults with suspected H1N1 admitted to the Regional Infection Unit in Aberdeen: Category: Scientific free paper

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:46 +0100

On 11 June 2009 WHO declared a global pandemic of influenza A (H1N1), and designated the virus "pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus". Over its course, according to WHO the virus "killed more than 18,000 people around the world and sparked mass vaccination programs". Our aim was to review suspected influenza A (H1N1) admissions to a Regional Infectious Diseases Unit during the pandemic of 2009-10. A retrospective review of case records was conducted of adult patients admitted to the Infection Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with suspected H1N1 between 01/07/09-20/01/10. Data on demographics, body weight, co-morbidities, H1N1+ve/-ve and outcome was collected over 8 weeks. Notes not available during this time were excluded. Categorical data was analysed using Chi-square analysis. 148 of 2...

The 2008-2009 H1N1 influenza virus exhibits reduced susceptibility to antibody inhibition: Implications for the prevalence of oseltamivir resistant variant viruses.

Antiviral Research — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wu WL, Lau SY, Chen Y, Wang G, Mok BW, Wen X, Wang P, Song W, Lin T, Chan KH, Yuen KY, Chen H Abstract A naturally-occurring H275Y oseltamivir resistant variant of influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged in 2007, subsequently becoming prevalent worldwide, via an undetermined mechanism. To understand the antigenic properties of the H275Y variant, oseltamivir resistant and susceptible strains of H1N1 viruses were analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and microneutralization assays. HI analysis with H1-positive sera obtained from seasonal flu vaccine immunized and non-immunized individuals, and H1-specific monoclonal antibodies, revealed that resistant strains exhibited a reduced reactivity to these antisera and antibodies in the HI assay, as compared to susceptible strains. ...

Novel inpatient surveillance in tertiary paediatric hospitals in New South Wales illustrates impact of first‐wave pandemic influenza A H1N1 (2009) and informs future health service planning

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PAEDS is a valuable surveillance tool that documented the impact of the H1N1 (2009) pandemic in NSW children's hospitals. High numbers of complications, often in previously well children, suggest an important role for early diagnosis, antiviral therapy and influenza vaccination. Observed regional differences identify areas potentially at greater risk in a subsequent wave. (Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health)

Influenza A virus vaccine-H1N1: Gianotti-Crosti syndrome in a child: case report

Reactions — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:51:47 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

The Course and Management of the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza.

Primary Care — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:25:11 +0100

Authors: Kimmel SR Abstract The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic provided a major test to the public health system in the United States and abroad. Although the virus was rapidly identified, it took longer than expected to bring an effective vaccine to market. During the interim the virus demonstrated a predilection for infecting younger persons, particularly those with medical conditions such as asthma or pregnancy, placing them at risk. Early treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors was found to be of some benefit. When the 2009 H1N1 influenza A vaccine became available, there were distribution issues in matching the number of doses to areas of need. PMID: 22094140 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Primary Care)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Aerosolized Adenovirus-vectored Vaccine as an Alternative Vaccine Delivery Method

Respiratory Research — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conventional parenteral injection of vaccines is limited in its ability to induce locally-produced immune responses in the respiratory tract, and has logistical disadvantages in widespread vaccine administration. Recent studies suggest that intranasal delivery or vaccination in the respiratory tract with recombinant viral vectors can enhance immunogenicity and protection against respiratory diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis, and can offer more broad-based generalized protection by eliciting durable mucosal immune responses. Controlled aerosolization is a method to minimize vaccine particle size and ensure delivery to the lower respiratory tract. Here, we characterize the dynamics of aerosolization and show the effects of vaccine concentration on particle size, vector viability, a...

Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Among Adults with Asthma, U.S., 2010

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:39:41 +0100

Conclusions: Vaccination coverage among adults aged 25–64 years with asthma was only 25.5% and varied widely by state and demographic characteristics. National and state-specific 2009 H1N1 vaccination coverage data for adults with asthma are useful for evaluating the vaccination campaign and for planning and implementing strategies for increasing vaccination coverage in possible future pandemics. (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

Tripling in flu jab uptake among frontline NHS staff

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Higher coverage attributed to use of social mediaRelated items from OnMedicaGovernment announces swine flu reviewOnly one in three NHS healthcare workers had the flu jab last yearParents unsure of HPV vaccine for daughters Africans in the UK most likely to acquire malaria Flu declines but remains a threat (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Collection Of Vaccination Data Accelerated By New Hi-Tech Survey

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

New technology now makes it possible to collect 'near real-time' data about whether people are having any side effects from vaccination. By studying people who received the 2009-10 swine flu vaccination in Scotland, researchers showed that this rapid reporting can add another layer of safety to future vaccination campaigns. In addition, the data collected revealed no significant safety issues in patients exposed to the vaccine. The project's report has just been published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

False positive PCR results linked to administration of seasonal influenza vaccine.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Curran T, McCaughey C, Ellis J, Mitchell SJ, Feeney SA, Watt AP, Mitchell F, Fairley DJ, Crawford L, McKenna J, Coyle PV Abstract False positive PCRs occur as a consequence of specimen to specimen or amplicon to specimen contamination within the laboratory. Evidence of a novel contamination at time of specimen collection linked to influenza vaccine administration in the same location as influenza sampling is described. Clinical, circumstantial and laboratory evidence was gathered for each of 5 cases of influenza like illness (ILI) with unusual PCR patterns of positivity for seasonal H1N1, H3N2, H1N1 (2009), and influenza B viruses. Two trivalent influenza vaccine and environmental swabs of a hospital influenza vaccination room were also tested. Sequencing of influenza A ma...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Vaccine effectiveness in preventing influenza hospitalizations in Navarre, Spain, 2010-2011: Cohort and case-control study.

Vaccine — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Castilla J, Martínez-Artola V, Salcedo E, Martínez-Baz I, Cenoz MG, Guevara M, Alvarez N, Irisarri F, Morán J, Barricarte A, Abstract We evaluated the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations. Using healthcare databases we defined the target population for vaccination in Navarre, Spain, consisting of 217,320 people with major chronic conditions or aged 60 years and older. All hospitalized patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) were swabbed for influenza testing. A total of 269 patients with ILI were hospitalized and 61 of them were found positive for influenza virus: 58 for A(H1N1)2009 and 3 for B virus. The incidence rates of hospitalization with laboratory-confirmed influenza were compared by vaccination status. In the Cox...

Predicting intention to uptake H1N1 influenza vaccine in a university sample.

British Journal of Health Psychology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Vaccination intent is in some way linked to a range of attitudes and beliefs. The implication for health practitioners is that behaviour intent may be open to influence where psycho-education can create pro-vaccine attitudes and beliefs. PMID: 22107685 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: British Journal of Health Psychology)

Influenza A virus vaccine-H1N1: First report of osteonecrosis: case report

Reactions — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:59:42 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Influenza H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination: a safety surveillance feasibility study using self‐reporting of serious adverse events and pregnancy outcomes

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:40:02 +0100

Conclusions: Overall, no significant safety issues were identified. The methodology and use of modern technologies to collect safety data from large numbers of patients was successful and could be used again in similar safety studies.What is already known about this subject:▪ While the new H1N1 vaccines underwent the usual rigorous safety and efficacy testing, concerns remained that there may be unexpected side effects of the vaccines▪ The strategy for H1N1 vaccine pharmacovigilance in the UK consisted of two patient studies by the two vaccine manufacturers, 14 small scale studies supported by the NIHR, monitoring by specialist neurologists and the MHRA.▪ This pilot study was performed to investigate the feasibility of a large‐scale prospective active surveillance system for near r...

The 2009 Influenza Pandemic: Promising Lessons for Antiviral Therapy For Future Outbreaks.

Current Medicinal Chemistry — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bavagnoli L, Maga G Abstract The influenza A virus is the main circulating influenza virus in the human population. It can cause disease also in birds and other mammals and is responsible for annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. The most known and deadly pandemic was the "Spanish flu" (influenza type A/H1N1), which struck the human population between 1918 and 1919, with probably the heaviest toll ever recorded in terms of human lives. The most recent flu pandemic, caused in 2009 by the swine-origin reassortant virus (pH1N1), has raised several critical issues in terms of our preparedness in responding fast to new pandemic influenza strains. Probably, the most instructive lesson that has been learned from the 2009 pandemic, was that the speed of manufacturing and dist...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Reproducibility of serology assays for pandemic influenza H1N1: Collaborative study to evaluate a candidate WHO International Standard.

Vaccine — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wood JM, Major D, Heath A, Newman RW, Höschler K, Stephenson I, Clark T, Katz JM, Zambon MC Abstract Haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and virus neutralisation (VN) assays are used to evaluate immunogenicity of pandemic H1N1 vaccines; however these bioassays are poorly standardised leading to inter-laboratory variation. A candidate International Standard (IS) for antibody to H1N1pdm virus (09/194) was prepared from pooled sera of subjects who had either recovered from H1N1pdm infection or who had been immunised with an adjuvanted subunit vaccine prepared from reassortant virus NYMC X-179A (derived from A/California/7/2009 virus). Ten laboratories from seven countries tested the candidate IS, 09/194 and a panel of human sera by HI and VN using the A/California/7/2009 virus...

New hi-tech survey accelerates collection of vaccination data

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Wiley-Blackwell) New technology now makes it possible to collect 'near real-time' data about whether people are having any side effects from vaccination. By studying people who received the 2009-10 swine flu vaccination in Scotland, researchers showed that this rapid reporting can add another layer of safety to future vaccination campaigns. In addition, the data collected revealed no significant safety issues in patients exposed to the vaccine. The project's report has just been published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Glucocorticoid: Major Factor for Reduced Immunogenicity of 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine in Patients with Juvenile Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease.

J Rheumatol — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This is the largest study to demonstrate a reduced but adequate immune response to H1N1 vaccine in patients with juvenile ARD. It identified current glucocorticoid use as the major factor for decreased antibody production. The short-term safety results support its routine recommendation for patients with juvenile ARD. ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01151644. PMID: 22089462 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

HPA urges 'At risk' groups to obtain influenza vaccination

NeLM - News — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a reminder that all those in a clinical 'at risk' group, who have been invited for flu vaccination by their GP and who have not yet received it, to take up the offer. Figures from the Agency's Weekly National Influenza Report show that 61% of over 65's, 16% of pregnant women and 37% of those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years have been vaccinated to date. A spokesperson said "it is not yet known which flu strains will be most common this winter but getting vaccinated now will provide important protection over the coming winter months against the strains that do circulate - including H1N1 'swine' flu. Last winter there were 602 confirmed flu deaths reported to the HPA. Where...

Influenza A virus vaccine-H1N1: Acquired haemophilia A in an elderly patient: case report

Reactions — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:03:53 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Influenza A virus vaccine-H1N1: Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (first report) in children: 2 case reports

Reactions — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:03:53 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Flu pandemic strategy makes UK best prepared

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

New strategy promises more flexibility during pandemicRelated items from OnMedicaRetired doctors may be recalled during a flu pandemic Government steps up campaign to vaccinate millions against fluNational flu service is set for launchEngland to get a swine flu 'tzar' Health Secretary announcesScottish Bill passed to protect public from contamination (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Low adherence to influenza vaccination campaigns: is the H1N1 virus pandemic to be blamed?

Italian Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionA 100% increase of the number of P.E.R. visits, particularly for influenza-like illness, was recorded during weeks 42-46 of 2009 (October, 17 to November, 2); the low rate of hospitalization and the mild presentation of the infection gave rise to the conclusion that the pandemic risk was overrated. Mass media communications concerning the new virus created a disproportionate fear in the population that significantly enhanced the burden of cares at the hospital. In the absence of generally implemented measures for etiological diagnosis, the actual incidence of the H1N1 infection could not be estimated. Virus identification, in fact, was limited to children showing severe symptoms after consultancy with an infectious disease specialist. The alarming nature of the communication camp...

Why Healthy Children Became Critically Ill with H1N1

Disabled World — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:17:40 +0100

Why did healthy children fall critically ill in the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic? Largest study to date finds co-infection with MRSA increased death risk 8-fold; Flu vaccination urged. (Source: Disabled World)

Vital Signs: Flu Can Be Fatal in Children With MRSA

NYT Health — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:45:09 +0100

Flu can be fatal in those infected with MRSA, an increasingly common staph infection in healthy children. (Source: NYT Health)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Assessing the impact of confounding (measured and unmeasured) in a case-control study to examine the increased risk of pandemic A/H1N1 associated with receipt of the 2008-9 seasonal influenza vaccine.

Vaccine — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:38:30 +0100

CONCLUSION: A significant positive association between the seasonal influenza vaccine and lab confirmed pH1N1 was observed after considering multiple confounders and using different methods for confounder adjustment. This was not likely explained by an unmeasured confounder given the prevalence and strength of association needed to result in a non-significant association. PMID: 22001885 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Vaccine)

Well Blog: Flu Can Be Fatal in Children With MRSA

NYT Health — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:01:49 +0100

Flu can be fatal in those infected with MRSA, an increasingly common staph infection in healthy children. (Source: NYT Health)

Occurrence of influenza among patients hospitalized for suspicion of influenza A (H1N1) infection in 2010 at a sentinel hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:02:46 +0100

Em 2010, 96 pacientes com suspeita de infecção por influenza A (H1N1) foram hospitalizados no Hospital São Paulo, na cidade de São Paulo (SP). Desses, 4 pacientes (4,2%) foram diagnosticados com influenza A - 3 com influenza A (H1N1) e 1 com influenza sazonal - e 2 pacientes (2,1%) foram diagnosticados com influenza B. A maioria dos casos suspeitos (63,5%) e metade dos casos positivos ocorreram em crianças. A segunda onda de influenza A (H1N1) foi mais fraca em São Paulo. A vacinação pode ter contribuído para a redução das internações devido a essa infecção em 2010.In 2010, 96 patients suspected of being infected with the influenza A (H1N1) virus were hospitalized at the Hospital São Paulo, located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Of those 96 patients, 4 (4.2%) were found...

Flu Season News: Vaccinations and Virus Tracking

NurseZone.com Nursing News — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:37:21 +0100

October 27, 2011 - “The good news about this year’s flu season is that the vaccine seems to be perfectly formulated for the strains of flu--the pandemic influenza A [H1N1], seasonal [H3N2] and influenza B--that have been most commonly seen in the Southern Hemisphere. And, what happens in the Southern Hemisphere is typically a good predictor of what will happen in the Northern,” noted Paul J. Poduska, CIC, M(ASCP), infection control preventionist for Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS) in Fort Collins, Colo. “Even so, nurses need to understand that we really can’t predict how this flu season is going to develop.” (Source: NurseZone.com Nursing News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

'Super-flu' claims unfounded

NHS News Feed — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0100

Conclusion These findings present a cluster of five people who developed influenza-like illness in central Cambodia in 2009. The first case was affected with swine flu; two with seasonal flu; and two with both seasonal and swine flu. The researchers say that finding of co-infections has rarely been reported, and that prior study of more than 2,000 clinical samples had found no dual infection. However, they say that other isolated cases of co-infection with swine flu (pH1N1) and seasonal flu A/H3N2 have been reported in individuals from Singapore, China and New Zealand. This new evidence that co-infections are possible is a valuable discovery There is the possibility that when two viruses infect an individual, they might have the ability to combine their genetic material and produce a new m...

Warnings over 'new super-flu' unfounded

NHS News Feed — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0100

Reduced seroprotection after pandemic H1N1 influenza adjuvant-free vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: implications for clinical practice

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The data confirmed both short-term anti-pH1N1 vaccine safety and, different from most studies with seasonal influenza, reduced seroprotection in RA patients, unrelated to disease activity and to most medications (except methotrexate). Extrapolation of immune responses from one vaccine to another may therefore not be possible and specific immunisation strategies (possibly booster) may be needed. Clinicaltrials.gov no NCT01151644. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

High effectiveness of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination in healthcare workers from a Portuguese hospital

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:52:19 +0100

Conclusion Vaccination reduced the pH1N1 infection risk considerably. The pandemic plan to contain the pH1N1 infection was successful. Nurses had the highest risk of pH1N1 infection and are therefore a target group for vaccination measures. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00420-011-0714-8Authors José Torres Costa, Occupational Health Division, S. João Hospital, EPE, Porto, PortugalRui Silva, Occupational Health Division, S. João Hospital, EPE, Porto, PortugalMargarida Tavares, Medical School, Oporto University, Porto, PortugalAlbert Nienhaus, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany Journal International ...

Attitudes and practices of obstetrician-gynecologists regarding influenza vaccination in pregnancy.

Obstetrics and Gynecology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: : Although most ob-gyns routinely offered influenza vaccination to pregnant patients, vaccination coverage rates may be improved by addressing logistic and financial challenges of vaccine providers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : III. PMID: 22015875 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Effectiveness of Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine Against Influenza-Related Hospitalization in Children

PEDIATRICS — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: In children aged 6 months to 9 years, a single pediatric dose of the AS03-adjuvanted pH1N1 vaccine was highly protective against hospitalization beginning at 10 and 14 days after vaccination. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Factors influencing the efficacy of two injections of a pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) nonadjuvanted vaccine in systemic lupus erythematosus

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionOur findings indicate that the efficacy of the vaccine was impaired in patients who were receiving immunosuppressive drugs or who had lymphopenia. A second injection increased vaccine immunogenicity without reaching all efficacy criteria for a pandemic vaccine in patients receiving an immunosuppressive agent. These results open possibilities for improving anti‐influenza vaccination in SLE. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

Autoantibody response to adjuvant and nonadjuvant H1N1 vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus

Arthritis Care and Research — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionH1N1 vaccination (both adjuvant and nonadjuvant) did not increase the levels of autoantibodies in patients with SLE. (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)

Strong serological responses and HIV RNA increase following AS03‐adjuvanted pandemic immunization in HIV‐infected patients

HIV Medicine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionMost HIV‐infected patients developed seroprotection after two doses of AS03‐adjuvanted pandemic vaccine. A transient effect on HIV RNA levels was observed in previously aviraemic patients. A booster dose of the nonadjuvanted influenza vaccine containing the A/09/H1N1 strain the following year did not reproduce this finding, indicating a non‐antigen‐specific adjuvant effect. (Source: HIV Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Effect of prior vaccination with a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine on the antibody response to the influenza pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine: a randomized controlled trial

Microbiology and Immunology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTVaccination with the non‐adjuvanted split‐virion A/California/7/2009 influenza vaccine (pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine) began in October 2009 in Japan. The present study was designed to assess the effect of prior vaccination with a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine on the antibody response to the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine in healthy adult volunteers. One hundred and seventeen participants aged 22 to 62 were randomly assigned to two study groups. In Group 1 (the priming group), participants were first vaccinated with the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine followed by two separate one‐dose vaccinations of the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine, whereas in Group 2 (the non‐priming group), the participants were first vaccinated with one dose of the pandemic H1N1 2009 vaccine, followe...

Influenza viruses in Thailand: 7 years of sentinel surveillance data, 2004–2010

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These data suggest that March–April may be the most appropriate months for seasonal influenza vaccination in Thailand. This system provides a robust profile of the epidemiology of influenza viruses in Thailand and has proven useful for public health planning. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Oseltamivir in seasonal, pandemic, and avian influenza: a comprehensive review of 10-years clinical experience.

Advances in Therapy — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This article is a nonsystematic review of the experience gained from the first 10 years of using oseltamivir for influenza infections since its launch in early 2000, emphasizing recent advances in our understanding of the product and its clinical utility in five main areas. The article reviews the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and its active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate, including information on special populations such as children and elderly adults, and the co-administration of oseltamivir with other agents. This is followed by a summary of data on the effectiveness of oseltamivir treatment and prophylaxis in patients with all types of influenza, including pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and avian H5N1 influenza. The implications of changes in susceptibility of circulating influenza viruse...

Safety and Immunogenicity of a New Trivalent Inactivated Split-virus Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Korean Children: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Active-controlled, Phase III Study.

J Korean Med Sci — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report results of a randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, phase III study conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a new trivalent inactivated split-virus influenza vaccine (GC501) manufactured by the Green Cross Corporation in Korea. A total of 283 healthy children aged 6 months to < 18 yr were randomized to receive either GC501 or control. Of the GC501 recipients, seroconversion occurred in 48.5% for A/H1N1, 67.7% for A/H3N2 and 52% for influenza B. The proportion of subjects who had post-vaccination hemagglutination-inhibition titers of 1:40 or greater was 90.7% for A/H1N1, 86.8% for A/H3N2 and 82.4% for influenza B in the GC501 recipients. No serious adverse events related to vaccination, or withdrawals because of adverse events were reported. The majority ...

Deaths Associated with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 among Children, Japan, 2009-2010.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Okumura A, Nakagawa S, Kawashima H, Muguruma T, Saito O, Fujimoto J, Toida C, Kuga S, Imamura T, Shimizu T, Kondo N, Morishima T Abstract To clarify the cause of deaths associated with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 among children in Japan, we retrospectively studied 41 patients <20 years of age who had died of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 through March 31, 2010. Data were collected through interviews with attending physicians and chart reviews. Median age of patients was 59 months; one third had a preexisting condition. Cause of death was categorized as unexpected cardiopulmonary arrest for 15 patients, encephalopathy for 15, and respiratory failure for 6. Preexisting respiratory or neurologic disorders were more frequent in patients with respiratory failure and less frequent in patient...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

[National Campaign of Vaccination against the Flu A (H1N1)v: National Follow-up of Pharmacovigilance].

Therapie — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. For both vaccines, neurological AEs (isolated ascending paresthesia with Pandemrix(®) and febrile convulsions with Panenza(®)) were among the most frequently reported "serious" AEs. Despite limits of this survey based on spontaneous reporting, the study did not detect any safety signals, at least with an 8-month follow-up. PMID: 22186078 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Therapie)

Absence of Influenza A(H1N1) During Seasonal and Pandemic Seasons in a Sentinel Nursing Home Surveillance Network in the Netherlands

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionNeither seasonal nor pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses were detected in the network, despite widespread community transmission of seasonal and influenza A(H1N1) virus. ILI incidence trends corresponded to virological trends. Sentinel surveillance of ILI combining clinical and virological data in NHs increases understanding of transmission risks in this specific vulnerable population. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Intranasal administration of a flagellin-adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine enhances mucosal immune responses to protect mice against lethal infection.

Vaccine — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we tested whether the FlaB protein could serve as an effective mucosal adjuvant for an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) manufactured for humans; in a murine vaccination model, this vaccine consists of A/Brisbane/59/07 (H1N1 subtype), A/Uruguay/716/07 (H3N2 subtype), and B/Florida/4/06 (B type). Intranasal co-administration of the TIV with FlaB induced prominent humoral responses as demonstrated by high influenza-specific IgA levels in both the mucosal secretions and serum and significant specific IgG induction in the systemic compartment. The FlaB protein significantly potentiated influenza-specific cytokine production by draining lymph node cells and splenocytes. The FlaB mucosal adjuvant conferred excellent protection against a lethal challenge with a live vir...

Events Temporarily Associated with Anti-influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination in Mexico

Archives of Medical Research — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is no evidence of an increased rate of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with respect to the cases expected in the general population. (Source: Archives of Medical Research)