Vaccination

Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material (the Vaccine) to produce immunity to a disease. Vaccines can prevent or ameliorate the effects of infection by a pathogen. The material administrated can either be live, but weakened forms of pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, killed or inactivated forms of these pathogens, or purified material such as proteins.

Alarming rates of STDs among teenage girls

A US study found that one in four teenage girls aged 14 to 19 has a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Nearly half the African-Americans in the study were infected by one of the diseases. – A US study found that one in four teenage girls aged 14 to 19 has a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Nearly half the African-Americans in the study were infected by one of the diseases. The survey, part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, did not ask about syphilis or gonorrhea, so it is likely the STD rates are actually higher.

Gardasil HPV vaccine reduces abnormal pap test results

In testing GARDASIL reduced abnormal Pap test results by 43 percent compared to women not given the vaccine, according new research. The findings show the approved anti-HPV agent appears to prevent the development of cell changes that lead to cervical disease. – A significant drop in abnormal Pap test results happened after girls and women were given Gardasil vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, according to a researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

ELISpot-Plus blood test to diagnose tuberculosis

The combination of ELISpot-Plus and tuberculin skin testing is able to rule out TB within 48 hours. – A new blood test called ELISpot-Plus could enable doctors to rule out tuberculosis (TB) infection within days rather than weeks, according to a new study published this week in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Influenza vaccination for children 6 months through 18 years of age

CDC’s Advisory Committee Recommends Influenza Vaccination for Children 6 months through 18 years of age. – A panel of immunization experts voted to expand the recommended ages for annual influenza vaccination of children to include all children from 6 months through 18 years of age. The previous recommendation was for vaccination of children from 6 months to 59 months of age.

US’ 49 states gripped with influenza

Influenza activity has been picking up in the US; flu widespread in 49 states, CDC reports. – After relatively low levels of influenza activity in the early part of the season, since January influenza activity has been picking up in the US. This week 44 states are reporting widespread influenza activity. This is up from 31 states reporting widespread activity last week. Five states are reporting regional activity, making 49 states overall.

Australia’s public health spending 2% of total spent on health

Australia’s expenditure on public health activities has remained constant at about 1.8% of total health spending over the last 7 years. – Australia’s expenditure on public health activities has remained constant at about 1.8% of total health spending over the last 7 years, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Tattooing improves DNA vaccine response

DNA-vaccination via tattooing induces stronger humoral and cellular immune responses than intramuscular delivery supported by molecular adjuvants. – Tattooing is a more effective way of delivering DNA vaccines; a tattoo can be more than just a fashion statement ? it has potential medical value, according to an article published in the online open access journal, Genetic Vaccines and Therapy.

Babies excrete vaccine-mercury quicker

Infants? bodies expel the thimerosal mercury much faster than once thought ? thereby leaving little chance for a progressive building up of the toxic metal. – February’s issue of Pediatrics offers another reason to rethink blaming the spike in autism diagnoses on thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative routinely used in several childhood vaccines until the late ?90s.

European influenza viruses resistant to tamiflu, oseltamivir

Preliminary results from a survey of antiviral drug susceptibility among seasonal influenza viruses circulating in Europe has revealed that some of the A (H1N1) viruses in circulation this winter are resistant to the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (also know by the brand name Tamiflu). – Preliminary surveillance into antiviral drug susceptibility against seasonal flu viruses currently circulating in Europe has revealed that some of the A (H1N1) viruses (13%) have shown resistance to the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These viruses however, remain sensitive to the antivirals, zanamivir and amantadine.

Toronto Public Health investigating rabies exposures

Toronto Public Health officials issued a health alert Wednesday night after hundreds of flea market shoppers may have been exposed to three rabid puppies for sale. – Toronto Public Health is investigating human exposure to rabies from dogs purchased at a Toronto flea market. One puppy purchased at booth #1513 at Dr. Flea’s Hwy 27 and Albion Rd. Flea Market on Sunday, January_13 tested positive for rabies after being brought to the Toronto Humane Society.

Health Newstrack