In the News
This section contains links to information about vaccines that was recently in the news:
CDC reports an early start to flu season
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza season is starting early this year with all 50 states, Guam and the District of Columbia reporting some level of influenza activity. Five people have died so far from influenza-related complications. This influenza season is expected to be more severe because one of the types of influenza virus circulating, known as H3N2, typically causes more severe symptoms. The good news is that the current seasonal influenza vaccine seems to be a good match with the types of influenza viruses that are circulating.
Additional information:
Media coverage:
- Flu season starts early in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, December 9, 2012
- Flu virus hits SC South Carolina early, Post and Courier, December 8, 2012
- Flu season could be a bad one, health officials say, NBC News, December 3, 2012
- Flu season arrived early, Med Page Today, December 3, 2012
- CDC says US flu season arrives early, could be bad, but one-third of Americans are vaccinated, Associated Press, December 3, 2012
Pertussis vaccine: The best way to prevent whooping cough
Pertussis, or whooping cough, continues to run rampant across the United States with the highest number of cases being reported since 1959. As of December 1, 2012, more than 38,000 cases of whooping cough and 16 whooping-cough-associated deaths have been reported to the CDC.
Children less than 3 months old are at high risk of complications and death from whooping cough, and a majority of the deaths associated with the current outbreak occurred in this age group. Seven of 10 of these occurred after the infants got pertussis from a parent. To address this, public health officials have been recommending a method called “cocooning,” urging parents and grandparents to get a dose of the Tdap vaccine. Recently, the recommendation for pregnant women has gone even further:
- All pregnant women are now recommended to receive one dose of Tdap between 27 and 36 weeks’ gestation during each pregnancy.
- Any new moms who did not get immunized before deliver should do so prior to leaving the hospital.
Recent data stemming from the outbreak has also shown that the current pertussis vaccine, known as the “acellular” pertussis vaccine, does not provide protection as robust as a previous version, known as the “whole-cell” pertussis vaccine. Because side effects were common and, sometimes severe after the "whole-cell" pertussis vaccine, researchers developed the “acellular” version, which became the recommended choice in the late 1990s. As the current outbreak has spread, public health officials have realized that immunity decreases more rapidly in adolescents who had the newer version. Despite these findings, officials continue to recommend immunization as it is still the best option for avoiding disease.
Media coverage:
- Why is whooping cough on the rise, and what can you do about it? Philly.com The Public’s Health, November 30, 2012
- Protect Your Baby Against Whooping Cough, Parade Magazine, November 25, 2012
- Protection from Whooping Cough Vaccine Wanes Over Time, TIME, November 29, 2012
- Cases of whooping cough in United States highest since 1959, Philadelphia Inquirer, December 11, 2012
UDPATE: Fungal meningitis and contaminated steroid injections
On September 26, the New England Compounding Center (NECC) voluntarily recalled three lots of a preservative-free steroid injection containing methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/mL). This medication is typically used to treat back and peripheral joint pain. The recall was implemented after fungus was detected in multiple sealed vials. Those individuals who received injections of methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/mL) from May 21, 2012 to September 26, 2012 should seek medical attention if they experience side effects associated with fungal meningitis or joint infections (see below).
Some information about current cases
- As of December 10, 2012, 19 states have reported 569 cases of fungal meningitis, other nervous system infections or stroke due to meningitis. Twenty-one cases of peripheral joint (ankle, knee or shoulder) infections have also occurred. In total, 37 people have died.
- People who only received injections in peripheral joints may be at risk for joint infection but are not likely to get meningitis.
- The type of pain medicine linked to current cases is not the type given to women during childbirth.
- The current fungal meningitis cases are caused by Exserohilum and Aspergillus, two fungi commonly found in the environment.
Some information about fungal meningitis
- Fungal meningitis occurs when fungi enter the bloodstream and infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
- Fungal meningitis is not contagious.
- Symptoms of fungal meningitis include: fever, stiff neck, new or worsening headache, sensitivity to light, slurred speech, new weakness or numbness in any part of the body and increased pain, swelling or redness at the injection site.
- Symptoms can be mild at first and typically appear between one to four weeks after receiving a contaminated injection, but can occur several months after the injection.
- Peripheral joint infection symptoms include fever, increased pain and redness, swelling or warmth at the injection site or in the joint that received the injection.
Additional information
- View the CDC’s multistate fungal meningitis outbreak investigation page»
- View the CDC’s frequently asked questions page about the current fungal meningitis outbreak»
Last Updated: December 13, 2012
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.
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