Report shows 20-year US immunization program spares millions of children from diseases

Report shows 20-year US immunization program spares millions of children from diseases

   April 24, 2014       SNap(R) Group

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Recent measles outbreaks underscore importance of sustaining high vaccination coverage

The CDC estimates that vaccinations will prevent more than 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths among children born in the last 20 years. Despite the U.S. immunization program’s success, according to CDC officials, 129 people in the U.S. have been reported to have measles this year in 13 outbreaks, as of April 18.

In 1994, the Vaccines for Children program (VFC) was launched in direct response to a measles resurgence in the United States that caused tens of thousands of cases and over a hundred deaths, despite the availability of a measles vaccine since 1963. The VFC program provides vaccines to children whose parents or caregivers might otherwise be unable to afford them.

This year’s 20th anniversary of the VFC program’s implementation is occurring during an increase in measles cases in the U.S. In 2013, 189 Americans had measles. In 2011, 220 people in the U.S. were reported as having measles--the highest number of annual cases since 1996.

"Thanks to the VFC program, children in our country are no longer at significant risk from diseases that once killed thousands each year,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Current outbreaks of measles in the U.S. serve as a reminder that these diseases are only a plane ride away. Borders can’t stop measles, but vaccination can.”

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Benefits from Immunization During the Vaccines for Children Program Era — United States, 1994–2013

Benefits from Immunization During the Vaccines for Children Program Era — United States, 1994–2013

   April 24, 2014       SNap(R) Group

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The VFC program has contributed to high immunization rates and a dramatic decline of serious diseases like measles in the U.S. Sustaining high vaccination coverage rates is crucial to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases that are still common in other parts of the world. The Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines to children whose parents or caregivers might otherwise be unable to afford them, has been highly effective improving the health of U.S. children. For children born in the VFC era (1994-2013), CDC reports that vaccination will prevent an estimated 323 million illnesses, 22 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes and at a net savings of $295 billion in direct costs and $1.38 trillion in total societal costs. Although the VFC is one of our most successful public-private partnerships for improving public health, ongoing effort is needed to sustain immunization rates and ensure children are staying up-to-date with their vaccinations.

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Surveillance Systems to Track Progress Toward Global Polio Eradication — Worldwide, 2012–2013

Surveillance Systems to Track Progress Toward Global Polio Eradication — Worldwide, 2012–2013

   April 24, 2014       SNap(R) Group

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Weaknesses in detecting and investigating cases of paralysis have prevented early recognition of polio outbreaks in the Middle East, Central Africa and the Horn of Africa in 2013 that would have allowed faster outbreak control. To achieve and certify polio eradication, intensive efforts are needed to strengthen and maintain AFP surveillance throughout the world, including in field investigation and collection of specimens, particularly in countries with current or recent active poliovirus transmission and those countries in proximity to those countries. Polio cases are detected by searching for paralyzed children (acute flaccid paralysis [AFP] surveillance) and testing of stool specimens by the laboratories in a global network. The number of countries in Africa and the Middle East meeting national performance targets for disease detection and collection of adequate specimens declined from 27 (90 percent) in 2012 to 22 (73 percent) in 2013, primarily due to weakness in the African Region. Subnational areas of some countries meeting performance criteria still have severe weaknesses in surveillance. The laboratory network is meeting standards for rapid testing of specimens and identification of polioviruses. Intensive efforts are urgently needed to strengthen and maintain polio surveillance globally in countries of Africa, the Middle East and Asian subcontinent where there is current or recent active poliovirus transmission. Polio-free areas in all parts of the world also need to maintain strong polio surveillance.

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Indoor Firing Ranges and Elevated Blood Lead Levels — United States, 2002–2013

Indoor Firing Ranges and Elevated Blood Lead Levels — United States, 2002–2013

   April 24, 2014       SNap(R) Group

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People using or working around indoor firing ranges are being exposed to lead which can cause harmful health effects. Range owners and patrons should follow available guidance to reduce the exposures. Indoor firing ranges are a source of lead exposure to employees, their families, and range customers. From 2002–2012, 1,987 employees of law enforcement and amusement/ recreation industries had elevated blood lead levels (BLL), defined as >10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, as reported by the Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology Surveillance Program. Other workplace investigations in Washington and California have also documented elevated BLLs among firing range employees and found the potential for “take-home” and community exposure to lead. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s lead standard is based on lead toxicity information that is now over 30 years old. Current medical information clearly demonstrates harmful effects at levels well below those allowed in the workplace.

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Occupational Ladder Fall Injuries — United States, 2011

Occupational Ladder Fall Injuries — United States, 2011

   April 24, 2014       SNap(R) Group

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Ladder fall injuries represent a substantial public health burden of preventable injuries for workers including Hispanic, male, and older workers in construction, extraction, installation, maintenance, and repair occupations. Employers, healthcare providers and safety professionals should collaborate to ensure availability and training of safe ladder practices both on and off the job. Ladder fall injuries represent a substantial public health burden of preventable injuries for workers. CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed data across multiple injury surveillance systems to fully characterize fatal and nonfatal injuries associated with ladder falls among workers in the United States. In 2011, work-related ladder fall injuries resulted in 113 fatalities; an estimated 15,460 nonfatal injuries were reported by employers that involved at least one day away from work; and an estimated 34,000 nonfatal injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments. The findings of this study reinforce the need for workplace safety research to prevent falls, including developing and disseminating innovative technologies to prevent LFIs.

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Diagnostic Error in Medicine Conference

Diagnostic Error in Medicine Conference

   April 24, 2014       SNap(R) Group

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Submit Your Abstract Today for September 14-17 DEM Conference in Atlanta

The Diagnostic Error in Medicine 7th International Conference will be held September 14- 17, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia.  You are invited to submit abstracts that address the epidemiology of diagnostic error, factors that predispose to diagnostic error, and strategies to reduce diagnostic error or improve detection. As an event dedicated to the problem of diagnostic error, the Diagnostic Error in Medicine Conference will provide instruction, insight, dialogue, and tools to enable health care providers to reduce diagnostic harm.

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