Over the last few decades, research has proven that drug–drug interactions (DDIs) can cause adverse drug events, but little is known today about DDI exposure in children in the outpatient setting.
A new study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on January 4, 2024, found that 21.7% of Medicaid-insured children were exposed to one major DDIs annually.
Of 781,019 children in this study, the odds of DDI exposure increased with age and with medical and mental health complexity.
21% of Children Exposed to Drug-Drug Interactions
When Should Expecting Mothers Get a Flu Shot
A new study published today should help clarify an essential question for pregnant women considering getting an influenza vaccination during flu season, which generally begins in October each year in the United States.
An Original Investigation published by the journal JAMA Pediatrics on December 18, 2023, concluded that maternal vaccination was associated with reduced odds of influenza-associated hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits in infants younger than six months.
Enhanced Influenza Vaccine Protects Children Best
New real-world data focused on cell-based quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (QIVc) was recently published in the journal Vaccines.
This CSL Seqirus-funded study evaluated data from 16 studies over four flu seasons and is the latest to underscore the measurable value of QIVc or the relative VE (rVE) for children compared to older egg-based QIV (QIVe) vaccines.
Mammals Consuming Sick Birds Become Infected with Avian Influenza
New research highlights multiple detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus Eurasian lineage H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in wild terrestrial mammals in the United States.
This finding, published by the U.S. CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume 29, Number 12—December 2023, builds on previous reports of natural infections with HPAI virus in red foxes and adds to the global list of species susceptible to H5N1 HPAI virus.
Updated 2024 Children Vaccination Schedule Effective Immediately
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today published updated vaccination recommendations for ages 18 years or younger.
Published on November 17, 2023, the 2024 Immunization Schedule is effective immediately.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has approved these vaccine recommendations by majority vote since October 26, 2023.
The ACIP develops recommendations for U.S. immunizations, including ages when vaccines should be given, number of doses, time between doses, and precautions and contraindications.
Flu Season Remains Mostly Green
The best news concerning the 2023-2024 flu season in the United States is that most people have yet to be impacted by an influenza virus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six states reported a moderate level of seasonal flu cases as of November 3, 2023, and two areas (Alaska and Puerto Rico) reported more intensive influenza outbreaks.
Can Vaccine Confidence Recover
According to a new poll from the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, vaccine confidence has significantly decreased over the past two years.
This health survey, announced today, found that the number of Americans who think vaccines approved for use are safe dropped to 71% from 77% in April 2021.
Mild Flu Season Reported by the U.S. CDC
Recent reports from various health agencies confirmed the 2023-2024 flu season is off to a slow start in the Northern Hemisphere.
This follows a de minimus flu season in the Southern Hemisphere in countries such as Australia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that seasonal influenza activity remains low nationally.
As of October 27, 2023, outpatient respiratory illness is below baseline, and all 10 HHS regions are below their respective baselines.
Self-Administered Nasal Flu Shot Approval Under FDA Review
For the first time, an influenza vaccine sprayed into the nose that protects people against the seasonal flu has been accepted for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If approved by the FDA, FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT will be the first live nasal influenza vaccine available to be self-administered by eligible patients or administered by caregivers.
Flu Activity 66% Lower Than This Time in 2022
Walgreens Inc. today announced flu activity is 66% lower than this time last year. However, flu activity is 34% higher when looking at pre-pandemic seasons, such as 2018-2019.
Unfortunately, flu activity increased 13% over the past week, according to the 2023-2024 Walgreens Flu Index®.
On October 19, 2023, the leading markets with the highest flu activity were in the south-central U.S., led by Texas.