Red Book® Online News
Check the Red Book Online News page often for breaking news related to pediatric infectious diseases and immunizations, including new vaccine recommendations, vaccine or antiviral shortages, product recalls, disease outbreaks, travel notices, and more. Red Book Online subscribers can also access the full news archives.
Recommended Changes for Tdap Vaccine UsePosted 1/11/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases approved the following changes for the use of tetanus toxoid, reduced content diphtheria toxoid and pertussis antigen (Tdap) vaccine in children and adults that were recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Go to Red Book text:
Section 3, Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Section 3, Diphtheria
Section 3, Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
New Recommendations for MCV4 UsePosted 1/6/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases approved the two new modifications for the use of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines (MCV4, Menactra, and Menveo) recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These new recommendations will affect the 2011 immunization schedule.
The first recommendation is the addition of a second dose (at least two months apart from the first) of MCV4 for immunocompromised children (complement deficiency, asplenia, HIV infection).
The second recommendation is the addition of a routine booster of MCV4 for adolescents at 16 years of age (i.e., vaccinate at 11 through 12 years followed by a booster at 16 years).
For additional information on these new recommendations, please see the article published in the January edition of AAP News.
Go to Red Book text:
Section 3, Meningococcal Infections
Check the Red Book Online News page often for breaking news related to pediatric infectious diseases and immunizations, including new vaccine recommendations, vaccine or antiviral shortages, product recalls, disease outbreaks, travel notices, and more. Red Book Online subscribers can also access the full news archives.
- March 2012
Red Book Webinar: Human Papillomavirus Vaccines - Recommendations and UpdatesPosted 3/14/12
Don�t miss April's Red Book webinar "Human Papillomavirus Vaccines: Recommendations and Updates" live on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET.
Joseph A. Bocchini, Jr, MD, FAAP, immediate past chair, AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases will discuss the latest recommendations and updates on HPV vaccines.
Register today at www.aap.org/webinars/redbook.
Erratum in 2012 Immunization SchedulesPosted 3/2/12
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the following erratum in Morbid and Mortality Weekly Report for the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedules�United States, 2012.
The error is in the second bullet of footnote 1 in the Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 6 years�United States, 2012. The text should read, �For infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)�positive mothers, administer HepB vaccine and 0.5 mL of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth. These infants should be tested for HBsAg and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) 1 to 2 months after completion of at least 3 doses of the HepB series, at age 9 through 18 months (generally at the next well-child visit).�
Please note that the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Persons 0 through 6 Years�United States, 2012 on Red Book Online was updated to reflect the correct information.
- February 2012
Not Too Late for Flu VaccinePosted 2/28/12
In a recent update on current influenza activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the influenza season is off to a very late start.
The update summarized that influenza activity remains low in the US, but has recently increased. Influenza viruses have been reported from all 50 states this season; the viruses Influenza A, H3N2, 2009 Influenza A H1N1, and Influenza B have been identified in the US. All influenza virus strains are susceptible to the antiviral drugs Oseltamivir and Zanamivir.
The CDC said that it is not too late to get the influenza vaccine and recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, who has not already received the vaccine, do so.
The full update can be viewed on the CDC website.
AAP Publishes Revised Policy Statement on HPV Vaccine RecommendationsPosted 2/27/12
Today, February 27, 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) pre-released a revised policy statement that includes recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization of both males and females 11 through 12 years of age. This follows the October 25, 2011 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendation that males be vaccinated against HPV by receiving the quadrivalent HPV vaccine.
The revised AAP policy statement is available on the Pediatrics website.
Implementation guidance on supply, payment, coding, and liability issues is available on Red Book Online.
2012 Immunization Schedules Now Available!Posted 2/1/12
The annual recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents in the United States for 2012 were approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. There are three immunization schedules, which can be viewed on Red Book Online: 0 to 6 years of age, 7 to 18 years of age, and a catch-up immunization schedule for those who start late or fall behind. Included are updated and clarified recommendations for the hepatitis B, influenza, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles-mumps-rubella, hepatitis A, meningococcal, human papillomavirus, inactivated poliovirus, and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis adsorbed vaccines.
2012 Immunization Schedules
Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years�United States, 2012Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 7 Through 18 Years�United States, 2012Catch-up Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 4 Months Through 18 Years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than 1 Month Behind�United States, 2012
- January 2012
- Review current guidance for HPV vaccine use in males
- Discuss changes in meningococcal vaccine use for high risk as well as non-high risk children
- Review changes in Tdap use in children 7 through 10 years of age, during pregnancy and in older adults
- Summarize measles cases in 2011 and discuss the need for immunization of international travelers
- Update influenza activity and vaccine use
Red Book Webinar: 2012 Immunization Schedule RecommendationsPosted 1/24/12
Don�t miss February�s Red Book webinar, "2012 Immunization Schedule Recommendations," live on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:00 PM ET. This webinar is eligible for CME (see details below).
This 60-minute Red Book webinar will be led by H. Cody Meissner, MD, FAAP, Red Book Visual Library Associate Editor. Dr Meissner will discuss the new 2012 AAP/CDC/AAFP childhood immunization schedule and the basis for changes. The 2012 childhood immunization schedule is scheduled to publish in the February 2012 issue of Pediatrics. Objectives will include:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The AAP designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity is acceptable for a maximum of 1.0 AAP credits. These credits can be applied toward the AAP CME/CPD Award available to Fellows and Candidate Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The American Academy of Physician Assistants accepts AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
This program is accredited for 1.0 NAPNAP CE contact hours of which 1.0 contain pharmacology (Rx) content per the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Continuing Education Guidelines.
- December 2011
ACIP Recommends HPV Vaccine for MalesPosted 12/22/11
On October 25, 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that males be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) by receiving the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (HPV4; Gardasil, Merck & Co. Inc.).
ACIP recommends that boys 11 or 12 years of age receive three doses of HPV4. ACIP also recommends vaccination with HPV4 for boys and young men aged 13 through 21 years who have not already received the vaccine or who have not completed the three-dose series. Males 22 through 26 years of age may also be vaccinated.
These recommendations replace the October 2009 ACIP guidance that HPV4 may be given to males 9 through 26 years of age.
The entire report can be read in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on the CDC Web site.
- November 2011
Neurologic Conditions and Immunosuppression Increase Risk of Mortality from pH1N1Posted 11/7/11
According to a one-year multicenter study in the US, children with neurologic conditions and compromised immune function had an increased risk of mortality from the 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1) virus. Coinfection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was a strong risk factor for mortality, increasing the risk of death in previously healthy children eight-fold.
In the study, 838 children younger then 21 years of age who were admitted to 35 US pediatric intensive care units (PICU) were identified with confirmed or probable pH1N1. Only 49 of the patients had documentation of receiving influenza antiviral medications before being admitted into the PICU. Most of the patients (88.2%) received enteral oseltamivir in the PICU for a median of 4 days.
Of these children, the median age was 6 years, 58% were male, and 70% had one or more chronic health conditions. Most had respiratory failure: 564 received mechanical ventilation; 162 received vasopressors; and 75 died. Preexisting neurologic conditions or immunosuppression, encephalitis, myocarditis, early presumed MRSA lung coinfection, and female gender were mortality risk factors.
Since the 2009 pH1N1 continues to circulate worldwide, this article serves to remind pediatricians that better prevention and control of influenza is needed among children. Annual influenza vaccination of children 6 months of age and older is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The full article can be read online in the AAP Pediatrics Digest.
For additional information on pH1N1, visit the Influenza Resource Page
- October 2011
- Review the immunization history of all children 14 through 59 months
of age who come to the office for any reason to determine if they are
eligible for the supplemental dose of PCV13. If they have not received
the supplemental dose, they should be immunized with PCV13.
- Use only PCV13 vaccine. Any use of PCV7 vaccine should be discontinued even if the vaccine has not yet expired.
AAP Re-emphasizes Use of PCV13Posted 10/21/11
A recent data review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that children younger than 5 years of age continue to develop invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) despite updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations, prompting the agency to renew its call for appropriate immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Because patients who only received the PCV7 vaccine remain at risk for IPD caused by serotypes unique to PCV13, health care professionals are reminded to:
To view the entire policy statement, visit the AAP Policy page.
For additional information on the use of PCV13, visit the article in AAP News.
AAP Policy | AAP News
Go to Red Book text:
Section 3, Pneumococcal Infections
- September 2011
- the influenza vaccine composition for the 2011–2012 season is unchanged from the 2010–2011 season
- annual universal influenza immunization is indicated
- a simplified dosing algorithm for administration of influenza vaccine to children 6 months through 8 years of age has been created
- most children presumed to have egg allergy can safely receive influenza vaccine in the office without need for an allergy consultation
- an intradermal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine has been licensed for the 2011–2012 season for use in people 18 through 64 years of age.
- Links to the new AAP policy and other influenza-related AAP policies
- Print-friendly PDFs of the 2 key new algorithms from the 2011-2012 policy
- AAP implementation guidance, including coding, for the 2011-2012 influenza season
- Educational opportunities from the AAP on influenza, including Red Book Webinars and PediaLink Hot Topics
- Links to recent AAP News articles about influenza
- Links to current ACIP/CDC recommendations and materials
Hepatitis A Vaccine Recommended for Contacts of International AdopteesPosted 9/27/11
The AAP now recommends that household family members and close contacts of children adopted from countries with high rates of hepatitis A virus (HAV) be vaccinated. The new policy statement, "Recommendations for Administering Hepatitis A Vaccine to Contacts of International Adoptees," expands previous recommendations to only immunize travelers who are seeking to adopt children from countries with medium to high HAV infection rates. The new policy recommends routine administration of the vaccine for all household members and close contacts, including babysitters, during the 60-day period after the arrival of the adopted child. The first dose of the two-dose series should be given when the adoption is planned, ideally, two or more weeks before arrival. The second dose should be given at least six months after the first dose to provide long-term immunity from HAV infection.
Recommendations for Administering Hepatitis A Vaccine to Contacts of International Adoptees
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Section 3, Hepatitis A
AAP Updates Tdap RecommendationsPosted 9/27/11
Pertussis primarily affects adolescents and adults, but it can cause severe morbidity and death to young infants who are too young to be immunized. It is often transmitted by family members. In the policy statement, "Additional Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced-Content Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)," the AAP and the CDC revise previous recommendations for the use of the Tdap vaccine in children and adults. There is no longer any minimum interval between receiving a tetanus or diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine and Tdap when given a short time apart. The AAP advises a single dose of Tdap should be administered to children 7 through 10 years of age who were underimmunized or who have an incomplete vaccine history. The AAP continues to recommend vaccination of adolescents, including pregnant adolescents. Pregnant women should also receive the vaccine. A single dose should be given to adults who have contact with infants, even if they are older than 65, and for health care workers of any age.
Additional Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced-Content Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap)
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Section 3, Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
AAP Updates Guidelines on Polio VaccinationPosted 9/27/11
Despite significant progress in eliminating polio, wild poliovirus persists in a small number of Asian and African countries. It is essential to ensure high levels of immunity in US children to prevent outbreaks in case the virus is imported here. In the new policy statement, "Poliovirus," the AAP provides updated guidance on using several combination vaccines containing inactivated poliovirus vaccine, including the appropriate intervals between doses, immunization before travel to a country where polio is endemic, vaccination of immunocompromised children, and vaccination of adults at risk of exposure.
Poliovirus
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Section 3, Poliovirus Infections
Use of Systemic and Topical Fluoroquinolones ExpandedPosted 9/27/11
Appropriate prescribing practices for fluoroquinolones are essential as evolving resistance patterns are considered, additional treatment indications are identified, and the toxicity profile of fluoroquinolones in children becomes better defined. Earlier recommendations for systemic therapy remain; expanded uses of fluoroquinolones for the treatment of certain infections are outlined in the new AAP clinical report, "The Use of Systemic and Topical Fluoroquinolones." Although fluoroquinolones are reasonably safe in children, clinicians should be aware of the specific adverse reactions. Use of fluoroquinolones in children should continue to be limited to treatment of infections for which no safe and effective alternative exists.
The Use of Systemic and Topical Fluoroquinolones
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Section 4, Fluoroquinolones
Updated AAP Varicella Policy StatementPosted 9/23/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its statement on the prevention of varicella in 2007 and reaffirmed that statement in 2010. The purpose of this brief vaccine policy statement, �Prevention of Varicella: Update of Recommendations for Use of Quadrivalent and Monovalent Varicella Vaccines in Children,� is to provide additional data to update these recommendations.
The routinely recommended ages for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccination continue to be 12 through 15 months for dose 1, and 4 through 6 years for dose 2. For the first dose administered at ages 12 through 47 months, the AAP recommends either measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines administered separately, or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccination. Use of separate MMR and varicella vaccines averts the slight increase in risk of fever and febrile seizures after MMRV administration but at the cost of the pain associated with an extra injection and the risk of an infant falling behind schedule if all vaccines indicated at that visit are not given.
For the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines administered at ages 48 months and older, and for dose 2 at any age (15 months to 12 years), MMRV is generally preferred over separate injections of MMR and varicella vaccines. The risk of febrile seizures is not increased in older children who receive the second dose of MMRV.
Prevention of Varicella: Update of Recommendations for Use of Quadrivalent and Monovalent Varicella Vaccines in Children
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Section 3, Varicella-Zoster Infections
AAP Early-Releases 2011-2012 Influenza PolicyPosted 9/2/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published its policy statement, "Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2011-2012" as an early release on the Pediatrics website (it will also appear in the October print issue). The key points for the upcoming 2011–2012 season are that
On the Red Book Online Influenza Resource Page (www.aapredbook.org/flu), the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases has compiled a comprehensive list of influenza resources to serve as a centralized point of reference for vaccine guidance, prevention, treatment, payment, policies, news, and other information pertaining to influenza for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Go to the Influenza Resource Page to see
The Red Book Online Influenza Resource Page is continually updated during the influenza season, so be sure to check it often.
Note: Some providers may have inquiries from parents about new wording in this year's 2011-2012 inactivated influenza vaccine VIS
that states: “Young children who get inactivated flu vaccine and
pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) at the same time appear to be at increased
risk for seizures caused by fever. Ask your doctor for more
information.”
The latest AAP policy statement addresses this, in part, by stating,
"On the basis of current data, prophylactic use of antipyretics in
TIV-immunized children is not indicated, and current AAP and Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for
administration of TIV in this age group are unchanged. Febrile seizures
can occur anytime a child has a fever, but the typical child who has a
febrile seizure quickly and fully recovers."
More information is needed before any science-driven recommendation
change can be made, so additional data will continue to be collected and
analyzed this season. The AAP believes that ensuring both vaccines are
given in a timely fashion outweighs any perceived benefit associated
with giving them at separate times.
Go to Red Book text:
Section 3, Influenza
Influenza Resource Page
- August 2011
ACIP Recommendations for 2011�12 Influenza SeasonPosted 8/23/11
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated guidance for the use of influenza vaccines in the United States for the 2011�12 influenza season. Influenza vaccine strains for the 2011�12 season are unchanged from those for the 2010�11 season. Vaccination of all persons 6 months of age and older continues to be recommended as does annual vaccination for those who received the vaccine for the previous season.
See the full ACIP report for information regarding vaccine strains for the 2011�12 influenza season, the vaccination schedule for children 6 month through 8 years of age, and considerations for vaccination of persons with egg allergy.
ACIP report
Go to Red Book text:
Section 3, Influenza
Influenza Resource Page
Red Book Now on Facebook!Posted 8/11/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics Red Book now has its own page on Facebook. You can see the page at http://www.facebook.com/aapredbook or find it by searching on Facebook for "AAP Red Book."
Join the Red Book community on Facebook today! A new way to keep track of Red Book informational updates, special events, infectious disease topics, and more.
- July 2011
- Concentration change from 12 mg/mL to 6 mg/mL; this lower
concentration is less likely to become frothy when shaken, which will
allow a more accurate measurement
- Change in the measurements of the oral dosing device from milligrams to milliliters
- Change to the dosing table to include a column for the volume (mL) based on the new 6 mg/mL concentration
- Revised container labels and carton packaging
- Revised compounding instructions for pharmacies to prepare a 6 mg/mL oral suspension from Tamiflu capsules in an emergency situation only if the commercially manufactured Tamiflu for oral suspension is unavailable
Correction to eAlert Message: Approval of New RotaTeq LabelPosted 7/26/11
Please note a correction to the below message that was sent as a Red Book Online eAlert on Friday, July 22, 2011. The original message stated that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved a new label for RotaTeq, which is incorrect. The message should state that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the new label for RotaTeq.
Corrected message:
The FDA approved a new label for RotaTeq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent). The new label now contains a contraindication for history of intussusception. In addition, the Prescribing Information and Patient Package Insert were revised.
Approval Letter
Prescribing Information
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Section 3, Rotavirus Infections
Approval of New RotaTeq LabelPosted 7/22/11
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved a new label for RotaTeq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent). The new label now contains a contraindication for history of intussusception. In addition, the Prescribing Information and Patient Package Insert were revised.
Approval Letter
Prescribing Information
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Section 3, Rotavirus Infections
Label Change for Tamiflu for Oral SuspensionPosted 7/20/11
Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) for oral suspension labels are being changed to reduce the likelihood of prescribing and dosing confusion which can lead to medication errors. These changes include:
Healthcare professionals should be aware that both concentrations of Tamiflu for oral suspension will be on the market during the 2011-2012 influenza season. To avoid potential medication errors, prescribers should include the new concentration (6 mg/mL) and dose in milliliters on all prescriptions for Tamiflu for oral suspension.
Go to MedWatch for the entire safety alert, including a link to the Drug Safety Communication.
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Section 3, Influenza
Section 4, Antiviral Drugs
- April 2011
Vaccine Safety SupplementPosted 4/20/11
A supplement in the May 2011 issue of Pediatrics contains 18 articles on vaccine safety. These articles reinforce the message of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and leading healthcare organizations throughout the world that vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives. To view these articles, please visit the AAP Pediatrics eFirst Pages.
Pediatrics eFirst Pages
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Section 1, Sources of Vaccine Information
Section 1, Informing Patients and Parents
Erratum for the 2009 Red BookPosted 4/5/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics posted the following important erratum for the 2009 edition of Red Book.
Section 4, Drugs for Parasitic Infections � Table 4.9 (page 805) under SCABIES: the pediatric dosage for 10% Crotamitonshould be changed fromTopically once/d PO x 2toTopically once/d x 2.
The full text of all 2009 Red Book errata is posted on the Red Book errata page (also accessible via a link from the Red Book Online home page). The errata are freely accessible to all visitors to the site.
Red Book errata
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Section 3, Scabies
Red Book Online Publishes New Update to Rabies ChapterPosted 4/1/11
Red Book Online Updates contain information that is developed specifically for Red Book Online to enhance or update current Red Book content between print editions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a rabies-related policy statement, and the related update has now been added to Red Book Online. To see all Red Book Online Updates, please visit www.aapredbook.org/updates.
A PowerPoint slide of the Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Schedule�United States, 2010 is also available as part of the update.
Red Book Online Updates
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Section 3, Rabies
- March 2011
- Identify the clinical question that prompted your information search.
- Initiate and store your results from searching content in Red Book Online.
- Document the sources that were consulted once the search is complete.
- List the expected application to practice in order to claim credit.
Red Book Online Approved for Internet Point of Care CMEPosted 3/29/11
Red Book Online recently became an approved source that you can search through the new PediaLink Internet Point of Care Search CME activity.
Look for the "Earn CME" link on any Red Book Online content page. Click this link to go to the AAP PediaLink Internet Point of Care Search where you can start earning CME credit by following four easy steps:
- February 2011
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Vaccine Injury Compensation ProgramPosted 2/22/11
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth, Inc. (No. 09-152, S. Ct.) to preserve the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) that was established in the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1986.
In a 6-2 decision, the Court upheld a recent ruling by the Third Circuit Court and supported the Academy�s position in the case, stating "The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act preempts all design-defect claims against vaccine manufacturers brought by plaintiffs who seek compensation for injury or death caused by vaccine side effects." Justice Breyer issued a concurring opinion citing the Academy�s support for the retention of vaccine manufacturer tort liability.
For a link to the amici curiae brief filed by AAP in the case in 2010, and a link to the full decision of the Supreme Court (including Justice Breyer�s opinion), please see the statement issued by the AAP on the February 22, 2011 decision.
Go to Red Book text:
Section 1, Vaccine Safety and Contraindications
Section 1, Reporting of Adverse Events
PCR Testing for Pertussis � Best PracticesPosted 2/18/11
Due to the continuing pertussis resurgence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network (HAN) sent out a message on February 16, 2011 providing best practices for health care professionals on using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for diagnosing pertussis. The best practices include who and when to test; how to obtain specimens; and how do to avoid contamination of clinical specimens with pertussis DNA, including best practices for preparing and administering vaccines and adhering to basic infection-control measures. Also included are recommendations for understanding and interpreting PCR results.
Visit the CDC web site to view the best practices for using PCR tests to diagnose pertussis.
CDC web site
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Section 3, Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Recommended Changes for Tdap Vaccine UsePosted 1/11/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases approved the following changes for the use of tetanus toxoid, reduced content diphtheria toxoid and pertussis antigen (Tdap) vaccine in children and adults that were recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Removal of a minimum interval between receipt of a tetanus- or
diphtheria-toxoid-containing vaccine and Tdap when Tdap is otherwise
indicated;
- Administration of a single dose of Tdap to children 7 through
10 years of age with incomplete or unknown pertussis vaccine history;
- Administration of a single dose of Tdap to persons 65 years of
age or older who have or anticipate having close contact with an infant
younger than 12 months of age (e.g., grandparents, child care providers,
health care workers); and
- Permission to administer a single dose of Tdap in place of Td to any person 65 years of age or older who has not received Tdap previously.
Go to Red Book text:
Section 3, Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Section 3, Diphtheria
Section 3, Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
New Recommendations for MCV4 UsePosted 1/6/11
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases approved the two new modifications for the use of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines (MCV4, Menactra, and Menveo) recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These new recommendations will affect the 2011 immunization schedule.
The first recommendation is the addition of a second dose (at least two months apart from the first) of MCV4 for immunocompromised children (complement deficiency, asplenia, HIV infection).
The second recommendation is the addition of a routine booster of MCV4 for adolescents at 16 years of age (i.e., vaccinate at 11 through 12 years followed by a booster at 16 years).
For additional information on these new recommendations, please see the article published in the January edition of AAP News.
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Section 3, Meningococcal Infections
G Greaves
