Synopsis for April 25, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Update: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- United States 2003
2. Update: Adverse Events Following Civilian Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003
3. Nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign for Children Aged 6 Months - 12 Years -- Afghanistan, 2002
4. Progress Toward Global Eradication of Poliomyelitis, 2002

Reports and Recommendations
Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

This report updates the 2002 recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on the use of influenza vaccine and antiviral agents. The 2003 recommendations include new or updated information regarding 1) the timing of flu shots; 2) influenza vaccine for children 6–23 months; 3) the 2003–2004 vaccine virus strains; 4) availability of flu vaccine with reduced thimerosal content; and 5) manufacturers of influenza vaccine for the U.S. market.

Contact: Scott Harper, MD
CDC, National Immunization Program
(404) 639–3747

Synopsis for April 25, 2003

Update: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- United States 2003

Summary Not Available.

Update: Adverse Events Following Civilian Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003

Summary Not Available.

Nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign for Children Aged 6 Months - 12 Years -- Afghanistan, 2002

A measles campaign for children below 12 years of age prevented between 20,000 to 25,000 children deaths in Afghanistan in 2002.

Measles accounts for an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 deaths every year in Afghanistan. To reduce measles-related mortality, the Ministry of Health of the Interim Government of Afghanistan, with the support of international organizations, organized a nationwide measles vaccination campaign for children aged 6 months to 12 years in 2002. As of December 31, 2002, 10,299,878 children were reported to have been vaccinated representing 82% of the national target population. The number of reported measles cases decreased from 8,762 in 2001 to 2,574 in 2002. The cost of the campaign was approximately $0.78 per child vaccinated.

Progress Toward Global Eradication of Poliomyelitis, 2002

Progress made toward global polio eradication has been tremendous, however important challenges still remain.

Since the 1988 World Health Assembly resolution to eradicate poliomyelitis globally, the number of countries where polio is endemic declined from 125 to 7, and the estimated incidence of polio decreased > 99%. Three World Health Organization Regions (American, Western Pacific and European) have been certified polio-free. Despite these achievements, a provisional total of 1920 polio cases were reported during 2002, a substantial increase from 483 in 2001, reflecting primarily the large polio epidemic in India. Efforts must be focused on India and the other polio-endemic countries to ensure global polio eradication as quickly as possible.

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