Issue Number 551            September 12, 2005

CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

  1. All of us at IAC extend our condolences to those affected by Hurricane Katrina
  2. CDC's Hurricane Katrina Health & Safety web page offers continually updated immunization information
  3. CDC has information on Hurricane Katrina for health professionals, relief workers, and shelter operators
  4. DHHS sets up a toll-free crisis hotline for persons emotionally distressed by Hurricane Katrina
  5. Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #2 available for the 2005-06 influenza season
  6. Mark your calendar: The next Current Issues in Immunization netconference is scheduled for October 13
  7. New: CDC's Flu Gallery offers professional- and patient-education materials for the 2005-06 influenza season
  8. Coming up: National Adult Immunization Awareness Week is scheduled for September 25-October 1
  9. Free: Bulk copies of the May 2005 issue of Vaccinate Adults are available for the asking
  10. Updated: IAC's Summary of Recommendations for Childhood and Adolescent Immunization has been substantially revised
  11. New: Professional-education piece on Healthcare Worker Vaccination Recommendations available on IAC's website
  12. September 9 issue of IAC's HEP Express electronic newsletter now available online
  13. Help out: NIP continues to need volunteers to pilot test its immunization training courses
  14. Polio update: Immunization campaigns reduce polio incidence in Nigeria; WHO reports two new cases in Ethiopia
  15. Corrections: CDC revises pneumonia and influenza mortality stats reported in MMWR on August 19 and August 26

----------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

---------------------------------------------------------------

ABBREVIATIONS: AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; IAC, Immunization Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; NIP, National Immunization Program; VIS, Vaccine Information Statement; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health Organization.
---------------------------------------------------------------

(1 of 15)
September 12, 2005
ALL OF US AT IAC EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA

The staff of IAC extend condolences to readers whose family or friends were injured or lost during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Please know that we share your loss and grief.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(2 of 15)
September 12, 2005
CDC'S HURRICANE KATRINA HEALTH & SAFETY WEB PAGE OFFERS CONTINUALLY UPDATED IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION

CDC has posted a Health & Safety web page for Hurricane Katrina as part of its Emergency Preparedness & Response web section. Users will find information on immunizations under the subhead Prevent Illness. Like other topics featured on the Health & Safety web page, the material on immunizations is continually updated. Check back daily for the latest information.

To access the Health & Safety web page, go to:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes

To access information on immunizations, go to:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/immunizations.asp
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(3 of 15)
September 12, 2005
CDC HAS INFORMATION ON HURRICANE KATRINA FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, RELIEF WORKERS, AND SHELTER OPERATORS

CDC published "Hurricane Katrina Response and Guidance for Healthcare Providers, Relief Workers, and Shelter Operators" in the September 9 issue of MMWR. The article is reprinted below in its entirety.

***********************

Hurricane Katrina struck the coastal areas of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi on August 29, 2005, causing substantial numbers of deaths among both humans and animals, infrastructure damage, and flooding. Affected areas continue to experience shortages of essential services, including electricity, potable water, food, and fuel; damage to healthcare and public health systems; and disrupted communications. CDC/ATSDR [Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry], local and state health departments, other federal agencies, and other partners are supporting public health and medical-care functions for persons in affected areas and those displaced as a result of the hurricane.

As of September 7, 2005, CDC/ATSDR had deployed 182 members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officers, and federal civilian personnel to provide technical support and additional personnel for critical public health functions (e.g., public health needs assessment; disease surveillance; laboratory support; prevention and control of infectious diseases, including foodborne, waterborne, and vectorborne diseases; mental health services; sanitation and water quality; chemical-exposure management; and injury prevention and control).

To protect the public health and safety during recovery operations, CDC has provided multiple sets of guidelines, available at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp These include guidelines of particular interest to healthcare providers, relief workers, and shelter operators. Hurricane-Related Information for Healthcare Professionals (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/hcp.asp) includes guidelines for managing acute diarrhea and guidance related to immunizations and vaccine storage. Worker Safety During Hurricane Cleanup (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/workers.asp) includes health recommendations for relief workers and guidance on worker safety during a power outage. Hurricane Katrina Information for Shelters (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/katrina/shelters.asp) includes guidance on infection control for community shelters and key facts regarding infectious diseases.

In addition, a new compilation, Natural Disasters, has been added to the M Guide Online Knowledge Centers at the MMWR website (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr). The M Guide provides Internet links to previously published MMWR reports regarding assessment of health needs and surveillance of morbidity and mortality after hurricanes, floods, and the December 26, 2004 tsunami.

***********************

To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5435a5.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5435.pdf

To receive a FREE electronic subscription to MMWR (which includes new ACIP statements), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwrsubscribe.html
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(4 of 15)
September 12, 2005
DHHS SETS UP A TOLL-FREE CRISIS HOTLINE FOR PERSONS EMOTIONALLY DISTRESSED BY HURRICANE KATRINA

On September 7, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a press release announcing that it has established a toll-free hotline for people in crisis as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Portions of the release are reprinted below.

***********************

For immediate release
September 7, 2005

CRISIS HOTLINE AVAILABLE FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA

The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the availability of a toll-free hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. By dialing (800) 273-TALK [(800) 273-8255], callers will be connected to a network of local crisis centers across the country that are committed to crisis counseling. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network. . . .

The network . . . involves more than 110 certified crisis centers. People who are in emotional distress or suicidal can call at any time from anywhere in the nation to talk to a trained worker who will listen to and assist callers in getting the mental health help they need. People will be provided with immediate access to local resources, referrals, and expertise.

***********************

To access the complete announcement, go to:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2005pres/20050907.html
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(5 of 15)
September 12, 2005
INFLUENZA VACCINE BULLETIN #2 AVAILABLE FOR THE 2005-06 INFLUENZA SEASON

On September 8, NIP issued Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #2. It is reprinted below in its entirety with the exception of a small section on upcoming events.

******************

INFLUENZA VACCINE SUPPLY AND PRODUCTION

Projection for the 2005-06 Influenza Vaccine Supply

Sanofi pasteur representatives have announced publicly that they plan to produce between 50 and 60 million doses, and MedImmune representatives indicate that about 3 million doses of their Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) will be available. Meanwhile, Chiron's Liverpool facility is making changes in response to observations and inspections by both the British regulatory authority (MHRA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If Chiron is able to complete its remediation plan and secure FDA approval, company officials indicate they plan to produce 18-26 million doses for use in the U.S. On August 31, 2005, FDA informed Chiron that their "responses and proposed corrective actions" following the FDA inspection in July were "generally acceptable." A company press release notes that they must still obtain supplemental FDA approvals. In late May 2005, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) submitted a Biologics License Application to the FDA for its influenza vaccine, and the FDA licensed that vaccine on August 31. Company officials have indicated that they plan to sell about 8 million doses in the U.S.

Influenza Vaccine Presentations

Available presentations for the upcoming season's influenza vaccine vary by manufacturer. MedImmune's FluMist is available in a single-dose nasal sprayer and contains no thimerosal. The package insert is available at http://www.fda.gov/cber/label/inflmed080505LB.pdf

Sanofi pasteur offers four different options in its influenza vaccine, Fluzone: three thimerosal-free single-dose presentations including a 0.25 mL syringe for children 6-35 months of age, and either a 0.5 mL syringe or a 0.5 mL vial for persons ages 3 years and above; and a multi-dose vial with thimerosal as a preservative, licensed for those ages 6 months and above. Note that the package insert and packaging for Fluzone will continue to use the company's former name, Aventis Pasteur. (http://www.fda.gov/cber/products/inflave071405.htm)

Meanwhile, pending FDA and MHRA approvals, Chiron has indicated that they will distribute most of their U.S. product in multi-dose vials with thimerosal as a preservative. They may also provide some 0.5 mL syringes that have trace amounts of thimerosal. This vaccine is licensed for individuals age 4 years and older.

Finally, GSK will distribute all its U.S. doses in 0.5 mL syringes containing a trace amount of thimerosal remaining from the production process. The GSK product is licensed for persons ages 18 years and above, and the package insert for this product is available at http://www.fda.gov/cber/products/inflgla083105.htm

INFLUENZA VACCINE DISTRIBUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

Ordering Influenza Vaccine

  • MedImmune still has quantities of its live attenuated vaccine (FluMist) available for pre-booking.
     
  • Sanofi pasteur continues to pre-book orders for its pediatric influenza vaccine in the pre-filled syringe presentation.
     
  • Distributors for the influenza vaccines produced by Chiron and GlaxoSmithKline have been taking orders for those products. Prospective customers should check with these distributors regarding availability.
     
  • Providers may need to explore several potential sources to find influenza vaccine.

Cost for Influenza Vaccine

Prices for influenza vaccine this year have increased over last year. Purchasers should check with their regular sources of vaccine to determine exact cost.

Reports of Inflated Influenza Vaccine Prices or Quotes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention once again is encouraging all healthcare providers and the general public to report incidents of inflated influenza vaccine prices or quotes. More than 100 reports were received last season, all of which were provided to the state attorneys general in both the report and vendor states for investigation. Within two weeks of the vaccine shortage announcement, CDC noted a substantial reduction in the number of reports received. For the 2005-2006 influenza season, CDC will initiate a more organized and streamlined protocol for reporting, investigating, and documenting such occurrences. This protocol and a new report form will soon be distributed widely to the healthcare community.

Healthcare Provider Vaccination

The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have agreed to publish a joint statement strongly recommending influenza vaccination of healthcare workers. These recommendations should be issued in the next few months.

ACIP Recommendations for Preventing Influenza, 2005-06

The ACIP's 2005-06 recommendations for preventing influenza were published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on July 29, 2005. The entire document can be seen by clicking on the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5408a1.htm

A statement titled "Tiered Use of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in the Event of a Vaccine Shortage" was published in the MMWR on August 5, 2005. The article was intended to encourage contingency planning in the event a tiered approach to influenza vaccination would be necessary during the upcoming influenza  vaccination season. To view it, click on http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5430a4.htm

Since publication of the August 5 MMWR article, CDC has determined that uncertainties remain about the quantity and timing of this year's influenza vaccine supply. Thus, prudence dictates that a tiered approach to influenza vaccination as described in the August 5 article be implemented through Sunday, October 23, 2005. Specifics are described in an MMWR article published September 2, 2005 and available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5434a4.htm

A patient self-screening form for use though October 23 will soon be available on the CDC influenza web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu

FDA Allows Influenza Vaccine Redistribution During the 2005-06 Season

Again this year, the FDA has agreed to allow providers to redistribute influenza vaccine between/among themselves to remedy any maldistribution that may occur as a result of delays in vaccine distribution or shortages. The FDA statement can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/reallocation0506season.htm

INFLUENZA VACCINE COMMUNICATIONS & RESOURCES

CDC Influenza Vaccine Communications Update

For the 2005-06 influenza season, CDC will have information and updates for the public, providers, and the press available on its website (http://www.cdc.gov/flu) , as well as its annual educational print materials for the public and providers. Electronic files of campaign materials are now available for download from the CDC Flu Gallery website (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/gallery). CDC will continue to make appropriate materials available over time.

Resource Materials

Medicare Information
For a variety of helpful information about Medicare topics such as billing, roster billing, and payment rates, check the following links:

(1) http://www.cms.hhs.gov/preventiveservices/2.asp

(2) http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/refimmu.asp#edu

(3) http://w.cms.hhs.gov/preventiveservices/2.asp

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports
Review other recently published MMWR articles related to influenza and influenza vaccine by clicking on http://www.cdc.gov/flu (under News & Highlights) or by selecting one of the following links.

Influenza Vaccine Bulletins
Refer to previous bulletins at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flubulletin.htm Individual requests for subscriptions to the bulletin should be emailed to listserv@listserv.cdc.gov Type "subscribe flu-serve" in the body of the email.

******************

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #2, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/bulletin/pdf/2005-06/bulletin2_090805.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/bulletin/2005-06/bulletin2_090805.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(6 of 15)
September 12, 2005
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: THE NEXT CURRENT ISSUES IN IMMUNIZATION NETCONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 13

Scheduled for October 13, from noon to 1PM ET, the netconference Current Issues in Immunization is designed to provide clinicians with up-to-date information on immunization. The October program will focus on the 2005-06 influenza recommendations.

The netconference requires pre-registration, as space is limited. To register for the conference, go to: http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/isd/ciinc

This program will combine a telephone audio conference with simultaneous online visual content. It will feature a Q&A both by telephone and the Internet. Internet access and a separate phone line are needed to participate. Graphics will be available to download as a PowerPoint file after the presentations.

For instructions and system requirements, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/ciinc/instructions.htm

For additional information, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/ciinc

For questions, email NIP-Info at nipinfo@cdc.gov
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(7 of 15)
September 12, 2005
NEW: CDC'S FLU GALLERY OFFERS PROFESSIONAL- AND PATIENT-EDUCATION MATERIALS FOR THE 2005-06 INFLUENZA SEASON

On September 7, NIP announced the opening of its Flu Gallery for the 2005-06 influenza season. The announcement is reprinted below in its entirety.

******************

CDC ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE 2005-06 FLU GALLERY

Are you looking for educational materials about influenza and the flu vaccine? CDC's Flu Gallery contains educational materials for use during the upcoming influenza immunization season. These materials reflect CDC's vaccination recommendations and highlight the benefits of influenza vaccination. The gallery contains print materials such as flyers, posters, and brochures, in color and black and white, English and Spanish. Many of the materials can be reproduced on an office printer. You can also have the materials printed by a professional (offset) printer.

We encourage you to visit the online gallery often because, as vaccine supply information changes, we will upload new materials that address expanded audiences, or new recommendations about which groups vaccine should be directed toward. Additionally, if vaccine supply is still strong toward the end of November, we will post "late season" promotion materials to the gallery, which will remind people that it is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza in December and beyond.

The Flu Gallery can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/gallery

******************
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(8 of 15)
September 12, 2005
COMING UP: NATIONAL ADULT IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS WEEK IS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1

The NIP website recently posted the following article announcing that the next National Adult Immunization Awareness Week (NAIAW) is scheduled for September 25 through October 1:

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), National Coalition for Adult Immunization (NCAI) heads this annual observance to coordinate awareness-raising activities that focus on adult and adolescent immunization. This year marks the 18th consecutive observance of NAIAW and is a great opportunity for individuals and organizations to promote the importance of adult and adolescent immunization.

To access the 2005 NAIAW campaign kit from the NFID website, go to: http://www.nfid.org/publications/naiaw05.pdf This is a very large file at 4.11 megabytes. For help on downloading and printing large PDF files, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/tips.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(9 of 15)
September 12, 2005
FREE: BULK COPIES OF THE MAY 2005 ISSUE OF VACCINATE ADULTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE ASKING

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is giving away bulk copies (up to 50 per request) of the May 2005 issue of Vaccinate Adults.

If you have an immunization conference or an educational program coming up for adult medical specialists, this 12-page publication is an excellent item to distribute. Vaccinate Adults is written for health professionals. It is NOT for distribution to the public.

The May 2005 issue includes a compelling article illustrating how important it is for health professionals to follow proper diabetes-care procedures and techniques; failure to do so can result in hepatitis B virus transmission among diabetic patients. The issue also offers health professionals a one-page fact sheet of the most recent CDC information on pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) and four resource pieces on vaccine storage and handling.

Because supplies are limited, it's best to make your request right away. The free copies go quickly. Sorry, we can mail orders only to addresses within the United States.

To request copies, fill out the online form on IAC's website: http://www.immunize.org/freeoffer

You will be asked to supply the following information:

  • The number of copies you want (maximum 50)
  • A description of how you plan to use the copies
  • Your name and complete contact information, including mailing address, telephone number, and email address

For further information, please email admin@immunize.org
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(10 of 15)
September 12, 2005
UPDATED: IAC'S SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT IMMUNIZATION HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY REVISED

If you see children and adolescents in your practice or another immunization setting, it's imperative that you download and print IAC's newly revised "Summary of Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Recommendations." The summary distills hundreds of pages of ACIP recommendations for childhood and adolescent immunization into a handy document that can be printed on card stock and placed in every exam room for easy reference.

The summary was updated in August 2005 to reflect new ACIP recommendations on many vaccines. To accommodate the new information, and to make this resource easier to read, the document has been expanded to three pages. Immunization and hepatitis experts at CDC have reviewed the information in the document for technical accuracy.

To obtain the summary in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/rules1.pdf

To obtain it in web-text (HTML) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n17/rules1.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(11 of 15)
September 12, 2005
NEW: PROFESSIONAL-EDUCATION PIECE ON HEALTHCARE WORKER VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS AVAILABLE ON IAC'S WEBSITE

IAC recently adapted a professional-education piece, Healthcare Worker Vaccination Recommendations, and posted it on the IAC website. We are grateful to the Michigan Department of Community Health, which originated the piece, for giving us permission to adapt and publish it.

As adapted, the one-page piece condenses numerous ACIP recommendations on vaccinating healthcare workers with the following vaccines: hepatitis B, influenza, MMR, varicella, tetanus/diphtheria, and meningococcal. Immunization and viral hepatitis experts at CDC reviewed the piece for technical accuracy.

To access it in ready-to-print (PDF) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2017.pdf

To access it in web-text (HTML) format, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2017.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(12 of 15)
September 12, 2005
SEPTEMBER 9 ISSUE OF IAC'S HEP EXPRESS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

The September 9 issue of Hep Express, an electronic newsletter published by IAC, is now available online. It is intended for health and social service professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis.

IAC Express has already covered some of the information presented in the September 9 Hep Express; titles of articles we have not yet covered follow.

  • Article about integrating hepatitis B prevention into STD services available on CDC's website
  • Fall 2005 Liver Update meeting to be held in San Diego on September 29
  • Hepatitis C Update meeting scheduled for September 29 in Charlottesville, VA
  • Targeting Hepatitis C conference to be held November 1 in Buffalo, NY, and November 15 in New York City
  • Office of Minority Health hosting summit in January; abstracts due October 3
  • Reminder: HFI's Fourth Annual National Viral Hepatitis Summit will take place September 22-23

To access the September 9 issue, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/issue34.asp

To sign up for a free subscription to Hep Express, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress/signup.asp

To access previous issues of Hep Express, go to:
http://www.hepprograms.org/hepexpress
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(13 of 15)
September 12, 2005
HELP OUT: NIP CONTINUES TO NEED VOLUNTEERS TO PILOT TEST ITS IMMUNIZATION TRAINING COURSES

On September 6, NIP announced that it continually needs pilot testing volunteers. Right now, the need is greatest for health educators, pharmacists, and physicians to pilot test an internet course on polio. If you can spare a couple of hours, please volunteer (see the email address below). The text of the NIP announcement follows.

*******************

NIP CONTINUES TO NEED PILOT TESTING VOLUNTEERS

CDC's National Immunization Program (NIP) has an ongoing need for volunteers who are willing to pilot test immunization training courses. NIP is seeking healthcare professionals in the following occupations: health educators, medical assistants, nurses, pharmacists, and physicians.

During the next two weeks, NIP will specifically need health educators, pharmacists, and physicians to volunteer to pilot test an internet-based course on polio.

To learn more about becoming a pilot testing volunteer, send an email to nippilot@cdc.gov

*******************
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(14 of 15)
September 12, 2005
POLIO UPDATE: IMMUNIZATION CAMPAIGNS REDUCE POLIO INCIDENCE IN NIGERIA; WHO REPORTS TWO NEW CASES IN ETHIOPIA

CDC published "Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication--Nigeria, January 2004-July 2005" in the September 9 issue of MMWR. On September 6, WHO issued a Disease Outbreak News update, "Poliomyelitis in Ethiopia." A press summary of the MMWR article is reprinted below, as is the WHO update.

***********************

NIGERIA: MMWR PRESS SUMMARY

Nigerian authorities and partners have taken appropriate steps to reverse the resurgence of polio of 2003-2004 and focus resources on the highest risk states so that poliovirus circulation will be interrupted in 2006.

A dramatic increase in poliovirus transmission occurred in Nigeria in 2003-2004 when some northern states suspended mass vaccination campaigns, citing unfounded safety concerns. This led to the transmission of wild poliovirus into 18 nations where polio had not been reported for at least one year (including three outside Africa). With multiple supplementary immunization campaigns now targeting children in every state since that time, the current situation shows the roll-back from 30 infected states in 2004 to 19 to date in 2005, and with 377 cases confirmed this year compared [with] 574 at this same time in 2004. Most of the transmission in 2005 has occurred in just four states. Campaigns are now being carefully monitored and supervised in the high-risk areas of the 13 endemic states (i.e., those that have continually had poliovirus transmission). Additionally, special teams are providing outreach immunization to nomadic and hard-to-reach communities missed in earlier campaigns.

To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5435a4.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5435.pdf

***************************

ETHIOPIA: WHO UPDATE

As of 31 August, two new polio cases were reported in Ethiopia, bringing the total number of cases associated with this outbreak to 15 in 2005. One of the two new cases occurred in Oromia Province, in the center of the country, near the border with Somalia and had onset of paralysis on 1 July 2005. The second case, in Amhara region, the northwestern part of Ethiopia, had onset of paralysis on 16 July. Both cases occurred after the National Immunization Days (NIDs) held on 23 May.

Discussions are ongoing to advance the next NIDs to early October. Ethiopia had been polio-free since January 2001, before a poliovirus was imported into the country from neighboring Sudan in December 2004.

***********************

To access a web-text (HTML) version of the update, go to:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2005_09_06/en/index.html
---------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Top

(15 of 15)
September 12, 2005
CORRECTIONS: CDC REVISES PNEUMONIA AND INFLUENZA MORTALITY STATS REPORTED IN MMWR ON AUGUST 19 AND AUGUST 26

CDC published "Errata: Vol. 54, Nos. 32-33" in the September 9 issue of MMWR. The article, which corrects mortality statistics published in the August 19 and August 26 MMWR issues, is reprinted below, excluding three tables.

***********************

In Table III, "Deaths in 122 U.S. cities," for week 32 (ending August 13, 2005) through week 33 (ending August 20, 2005), the total mortality from all causes and mortality caused by pneumonia and influenza for Sacramento, California, were incorrectly reported. The correct mortality data are as follows:[IAC Express editor's note: To access the correct data, which are presented in tabular format, click on either link below.]

***********************

To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article (including the corrected tables), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5435a9.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5435.pdf

About IZ Express

IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. 1NH23IP922654 from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

IZ Express Disclaimer
ISSN 2771-8085

Editorial Information

  • Editor-in-Chief
    Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
  • Managing Editor
    John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
  • Associate Editor
    Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
  • Writer/Publication Coordinator
    Taryn Chapman, MS
    Courtnay Londo, MA
  • Style and Copy Editor
    Marian Deegan, JD
  • Web Edition Managers
    Arkady Shakhnovich
    Jermaine Royes
  • Contributing Writer
    Laurel H. Wood, MPA
  • Technical Reviewer
    Kayla Ohlde

This page was updated on .