The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued updates to the 2008 recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of influenza vaccine for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza.
The 2009 recommendations include three principal changes or updates:
- Annual vaccination of all children aged 6 months-18 years should begin as soon as the 2009-10 influenza vaccine is available. Annual vaccination of all children aged 6 months—4 years (59 months) and older children with conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza should continue to be a primary focus of vaccination efforts as providers and programs transition to routinely vaccinating all children.
- The 2009-10 trivalent vaccine virus strains are A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like, A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like, and B/Brisbane 60/2008-like antigens.
- Most seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus strains tested from the United States and other countries are now resistant to oseltamivir. Recommendations for influenza diagnosis and antiviral use will be published later in 2009. CDC issued interim recommendations for antiviral treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza in December 2008, and these should be consulted for guidance pending recommendations from the ACIP (8).
To read the complete July 24 update, click here.
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