Deaths from meningitis C plunge to record low government says

Source:Daily Mail Online 25th April 2009

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: News Story

In a nutshell: Cases of bacterial meningitis have plunged to a record low thanks to childhood vaccination, health officials say.

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Reports of swine influenza in Mexico and US – an update

Source:Health Protection Agency – 25th April 2009

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: News Story

In a nutshell: Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in California and Texas in the Unites States and in four districts in Mexico.

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Suspected Cases in Scotland Test Positive for Swine Influenza

Source:Health Protection Agency – 27th April 2009

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: News Story

In a nutshell: The two suspected swine influenza cases under investigation in Scotland have today been confirmed as positive for swine influenza – similar to the strain seen in US and Mexico.

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[NEWS] Germany reviews its policy on HPV vaccination for 12-17 year olds

Source:BMJ 2009;338:b1692

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: News Story

In a nutshell: Germany’s Robert Koch Institute is reviewing its recommendation that all 12-17 year old girls should be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, after criticism from experts.

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Early 2009 sees continued rise in mumps

Source:Health Protection Agency – 9th April 2009

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: News Story

In a nutshell: Nine hundred and ninety-eight laboratory confirmed cases of mumps in England and Wales have been reported to the Agency with onset in January or February 2009. This compares with 322, 274, and 1173 cases in the same periods of 2008, 2007, and 2006 respectively.

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Vaccine Prevention of Maternal Cytomegalovirus Infection

Source:NEJM Volume 360:1191-1199 March 19, 2009

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: Journal Article

Length of Publication: 9 page article

In a nutshell: Background Congenital infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important cause of hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments in newborns.

Conclusions CMV glycoprotein B vaccine has the potential to decrease incident cases of maternal and congenital CMV infection.

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[NEWS] WHO calls for five year plan to tackle multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Source:BMJ 2009;338:b1414

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: News Story

In a nutshell: Health ministers and delegations from more than 30 countries have issued a call to action to fight multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDRTB).

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Rotavirus Vaccines Early Success, Remaining Questions

Source:NEJM Volume 360:1063-1065 March 12, 2009 Number 11

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: Journal Article

Length of Publication: 3 page article

In a nutshell: In 2006, the results of pivotal clinical trials of two new rotavirus vaccines — RotaTeq (Merck) and Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline) — were published, and high efficacy (85 to 98%) against severe rotavirus diarrhea was reported for both products.1,2 Perhaps even more important, neither vaccine was associated with intussusception, an adverse effect that had led to the withdrawal of another rotavirus vaccine — RotaShield, made by Wyeth–Lederle — from the U.S. market in 1999. The rapid resurgence of rotavirus vaccines after the abrupt and devastating setback associated with the withdrawal of RotaShield was remarkable, reflecting the commitment of the public health community . . .

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Vaccine that could prevent childhood diabetes developed by British scientists

Source:Daily Mail

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: News Story

In a nutshell: Jab that prevents children from developing diabetes could be developed following a breakthrough by British scientists.

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[Original articles] Tuberculosis in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

Source:Archives of Disease in Childhood 2009;94:263-267

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Year of publication: 2009

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Aims: To describe the clinical features, diagnosis and management of children with tuberculosis in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Conclusions: Many paediatricians and centres see few children with tuberculosis. This may affect adherence to national guidelines. Managed clinical networks for children with tuberculosis may improve management and should be the standard of care.

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