H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Safety

On December 4, CDC published an MMWR Early Release titled, "Safety of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccines--United States, October 1-November 24, 2009." Click here to read the report.

The Long-Term Evidence for Vaccines

With some reports saying that the worst of the H1N1 outbreak may have already come and gone this flu season in North America but not worldwide, parents who decided to sit out vaccinations for their children may feel validated.” Click here to read more.

FDA Approves Expanded Age Indication for Both of CSL's
Inactivated Influenza Vaccines

On November 10, FDA approved the expansion of the age indication for both of CSL Limited's inactivated influenza vaccines: the seasonal formulation (Affluria) and the 2009 H1N1 formulation. These two vaccines are now approved for use in people age 6 months and older; previously, they were licensed for use in people age 18 years and older. Click here to access the FDA document "Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccines Descriptions and Ingredients."

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

The Obama Administration will make $2.3 billion available for crucial health and human services programs that help to provide care for children and prevent disease. States will receive $2 billion in Recovery Act funding to support child care for working families. The administration also plans to make $300 million in vaccines and grants available to ensure more underserved Americans receive the vaccines they need. Click here to read more.

Recommendations on Vaccine Financing

The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC), a federal advisory group, approved a series of recommendations to improve vaccine financing systems in the United States. These 24 recommendations, the final product of 2 years of work, were developed with broad input and consensus from stakeholders, including health-care providers, consumers, insurers, vaccine manufacturers, state and local public health authorities, and state and local government and Medicaid agencies.

The committee recommendations are available at http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/nvac/reports.html. The full report is available at http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/nvac/NVACVFWGReport.pdf.

Federal Court Declares Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism

The U.S. Court of Federal Claims today exonerated vaccines in the debate over the causes of autism. The three judges ruled that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR), given in combination with thimerosal-containing vaccines, does not cause autism. The ruling is consistent with 18 major scientific studies which have failed to show a link between vaccines and the widely-diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder. Click here to read more.

Thimerosal and Vaccines

The Utah Immunization Program has proactively purchased thimerosal-free vaccines since 1999, as they have become available. To read an article about Thimerosal and Autism, click here. To learn more about Thimerosal and Vaccines, click [more]. For information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), click here.

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