MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Children and Adults – United States, 2008-09 Influenza Season

Press Contact: CDC, Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

CDC recommended annual seasonal influenza vaccination for all persons aged 5–18 starting in 2008–09 if feasible but no later than 2009–10.  About one in five school–aged children and adolescents received their annual seasonal influenza vaccination during 2008–09. The 2009–10 season is the first full season of this new recommendation and the keys to successful implementation may require expanded school–located vaccination programs to assist provider offices as they increase their efforts and services to address the demand.  A special state–based telephone survey estimating seasonal influenza vaccination levels conducted primarily during January and February 2009 by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 19 states provided a state–based benchmark for assessing implementation of the new 2008 CDC influenza vaccination recommendation that included all school–aged children. Reported 2008–09 seasonal influenza vaccination coverage was 20.8 percent for 5–17 year–olds. This 2008–09 season estimate provides a baseline and indicates continuing efforts are needed to achieve high seasonal influenza vaccination coverage among school–aged children and adolescents, including additional vaccination programs in schools and the community along with expanded vaccination services in provider offices.

2. Norovirus Outbreaks on Three College Campuses – California, Michigan, and Wisconsin, 2008

Press Contact: CDC, Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

Given the potential for widespread infection and rapid transmission created by numerous shared exposures and living areas, college campuses are at particularly high risk for norovirus outbreaks and should promote appropriate infection-control practices, including hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, and social distancing for people who are ill.  Noroviruses, the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide, affect people of all ages and occur in a wide variety of settings. During fall 2008, public health investigations of norovirus outbreaks occurring on three college campuses in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin were conducted to characterize the extent of the outbreaks and implement appropriate control measures. The outbreaks collectively resulted in about 1,000 cases of reported illness, including at least 10 hospitalizations, and prompted closure of one campus. Given the potential for widespread infection and rapid transmission created by numerous shared exposures and living areas, college campuses are at particularly high risk for norovirus outbreaks; thus, colleges should promote appropriate infection-control practices, including hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, and social distancing for people who are ill.

 

3. Update on Influenza A (H1N1) Monovalent Vaccines

Press Contact: CDC, Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

No summary available.

4.(Previously Released) Availability of Less Nutritious Snack Foods and Beverages in Secondary Schools – Selected States, 2002-2008

Press Contact: CDC, Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

No summary available.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES