MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Interim Results: State–Specific Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage — United States, August 2009–January 2010

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639–3286

Compared to the prior season, national seasonal influenza vaccination coverage in 2009-10 increased substantially among children and moderately among those adults aged 18-49 years without high-risk conditions. During the 2009-10 influenza season state seasonal influenza vaccination coverage varied widely, particularly among children. School-located vaccination was implemented in many communities. Coverage remained stable among traditionally recommended adult age groups— 36 percent among persons 18-49 with high risk conditions, 45 percent among persons 50–64, and 68 percent among persons 65 years and over. Nationally, child coverage was 40 percent (states: 24-67 percent) compared to last year at 24 percent--a 16 point increase. Among younger adults (aged 18–49 years) without high-risk conditions coverage was 28 percent (states: 19-43 percent), 7 points higher than last year. The experience acquired along with the new ACIP recommendation for universal annual influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 months and older and all adults may lead to greater use of this strategy this fall. The result may contribute to ongoing gains in influenza vaccination among children and adults.

2. Licensure of a High–Dose Inactivated Influenza Vaccine for Persons Aged ≥65 Years (Fluzone High–Dose) and Guidance for Use — United States, 2010

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639–3286

A new influenza vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose, has been licensed for persons 65 years and older. It has 4 times the amount of antigen, and is better at stimulating an immune response. However, it is not yet known whether it is a more effective vaccine. Fluzone High Dose can be used for persons 65 or older, but the ACIP is awaiting data on vaccine effectiveness before ACIP can determine whether this new vaccine should be preferred for use in certain persons. Any currently licensed vaccine, including Fluzone High Dose, can be used for persons aged 65 or older. All persons aged 6 months or older should get an annual influenza vaccine.

3. Grand Rounds: Current Opportunities in Tobacco Control

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639–3286

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death, claiming 5 million lives a year worldwide, including 443,000 Americans. Left unchecked, the number is expected to exceed 8 million a year by 2030, and 80 percent of those deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries. However, by modestly reducing smoking prevalence worldwide (from 25 percent to 20 percent), 100 million deaths can be prevented by 2020. There is a strong evidence base that outlines the tobacco control policies that can be implemented to achieve this success. The policies that have the most impact include price increases, strong smoke-free policies, aggressive media campaigns, access to cessation services, comprehensive advertising bans, and graphic warning labels. Domestically, the Food and Drug Administration was recently granted authority to regulate the content, marketing, and sales of tobacco products. The regulation of tobacco products is an important and critical component of an overall comprehensive tobacco prevention and control strategy that will not replace, but will further strengthen, tobacco control efforts.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES