MMWR News Synopsis for December 8, 2016

 

Consumption of Combustible and Smokeless Tobacco — United States, 2000–2015

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Although overall tobacco consumption has declined over time, tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. The implementation of proven tobacco prevention interventions are warranted to further reduce tobacco use in the U.S. During 2000-2015, total combustible tobacco consumption decreased 33.5%, or 43.7% per capita. Although total cigarette consumption decreased 38.7%, cigarettes remained the most commonly used combustible tobacco product. Total non-cigarette combustible tobacco (cigars, roll-your-own, and pipe tobacco) consumption increased 117.1%, or 83.8% per capita during 2000-2015. For smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco and dry snuff), total consumption increased 23.1%, or 4.2% per capita. Notably, total cigarette consumption was 267.0 billion cigarettes in 2015 compared to 262.7 billion in 2014. Thus, the number of cigarettes consumed in 2015 was higher than in 2014, the first time annual consumption was higher than the previous year since 1973.

State Medicaid Expansion Cessation Coverage and Number of Adult Smokers Enrolled in Expansion Coverage — United States, 2016

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

State Medicaid programs that cover cessation treatments with no or minimal barriers and that promote this coverage can substantially reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related disease and health care costs among a vulnerable population. The 32 states that have expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act are providing Medicaid cessation coverage to 2.3 million adult smokers who were not previously eligible for Medicaid. As of July 1, 2016, all 32 Medicaid expansion states covered some evidence-based cessation treatments for all Medicaid expansion enrollees, with nine states covering individual and group counseling and all seven FDA-approved cessation medications for all enrollees. However, all 32 states imposed one or more barriers on at least one cessation treatment for at least some enrollees. These states can take a further step towards helping these smokers quit by covering all cessation treatments, removing barriers to accessing these treatments, promoting coverage, and monitoring use of covered treatments. Providing barrier-free access to cessation treatments and promoting their use can increase use of these treatments and reduce smoking and smoking-related disease, death, and health care costs among Medicaid enrollees.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage During Pregnancy — United States, 2005–06 Through 2013–14 Influenza Vaccine Seasons

Gina DiGravio
Media Relations Manager
Boston University School of Medicine
617-638-8480
ginad@bu.edu

Influenza vaccination during pregnancy increased from 20% in 2005-06 to 41% in 2013-14. This remains far short of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation of flu vaccination for all women who will be pregnant during influenza season. Since 2004, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended seasonal influenza vaccination for women who will be pregnant during influenza season. From 2005-06 to 2013-14, influenza vaccination in pregnant women in the Birth Defects Study of the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University increased from approximately 20% to 41%. Although 20% of vaccinations were administered in non-traditional health care settings, the majority of doses are given in physician offices. Routine management of pregnant women should incorporate flu vaccine counseling and administration to prevent influenza-associated morbidity and mortality among women and their infants.

Notes from the Field: 

Plague in Domestic Cats — Idaho, 2016

Investigation of Elizabethkingia anophelis Cluster — Illinois, 2014–2016

QuickStats:

Percentage Distribution of Respondent-Assessed Health Status Among Adults Aged ≥25 Years, by Completed Education — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2015

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES