Catherine Cooper Nellist

 

A study comparing parental attitudes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in three countries indicates both low and high HPV knowledge may be associated with lower rates of vaccination, and parents’ country and gender also impact the likelihood of adolescents being immunized, reported Brooke Nickel, of the University of Sydney, and associates.

Of 179 parents with a daughter aged 9-17 years from the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia who took part in an online HPV vaccine opinion survey in 2011, 59% reported that their daughters had received HPV vaccination – 43% in the United States cohort, 63% in the United Kingdom cohort, and 76% in the Australian cohort.

Choreograph/Thinkstock

Parents’ knowledge about HPV was the strongest factor associated with their daughter’s vaccinations (P less than .001). Parents who had either low knowledge scores or high knowledge scores were less likely to have their daughters vaccinated; U.S. parents and men across all countries also were less likely to vaccinate their daughters.

Among the parents whose daughters did not receive the HPV vaccine, worry about the vaccine’s side effects was significantly more prevalent among the U.S. parents (61%) than among parents in the United Kingdom (36%) or among parents in Australia (15%) (P less than .05). U.S. parents who did not have their daughters get the HPV vaccine also were more likely to agree that getting all three HPV vaccine doses would be a “big hassle” (21%), compared with the United Kingdom cohort (0%) and the Australian cohort (8%) (P less than .05).

Parents from the United States also were significantly more likely to agree that the HPV vaccine was too new so they would want to wait before deciding to get it for their daughters (45%), compared with the parents in the United Kingdom (23%) and those in Australia (8%) (P less than .05).

“This finding was unexpected, given that advertising about HPV contributed to an increased awareness of HPV in the United States at the time of data collection. It is important to note, however, that this survey was conducted in 2011, and therefore attitudes of U.S. parents now may differ,” the researchers wrote.

Nonetheless, parents of unvaccinated daughters with higher knowledge scores overall were more likely to believe that they would want to be on the safe side and vaccinate their daughters at some time (74%) compared with parents who had lower knowledge scores (27%) (P less than .001).

“Parents from the United States with unvaccinated daughters more often believed that getting all three doses of the HPV vaccine would be a significant obstacle, not surprisingly as the HPV vaccine distribution in the United States is predominantly available through physicians’ clinics and medical centers, whereas in the United Kingdom and Australia, free school-based and catch-up programs are offered,” the investigators said.

Read more in Preventive Medicine Reports (2017 Oct 10. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.10.005).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

A study comparing parental attitudes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in three countries indicates both low and high HPV knowledge may be associated with lower rates of vaccination, and parents’ country and gender also impact the likelihood of adolescents being immunized, reported Brooke Nickel, of the University of Sydney, and associates.

Of 179 parents with a daughter aged 9-17 years from the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia who took part in an online HPV vaccine opinion survey in 2011, 59% reported that their daughters had received HPV vaccination – 43% in the United States cohort, 63% in the United Kingdom cohort, and 76% in the Australian cohort.

Choreograph/Thinkstock

Parents’ knowledge about HPV was the strongest factor associated with their daughter’s vaccinations (P less than .001). Parents who had either low knowledge scores or high knowledge scores were less likely to have their daughters vaccinated; U.S. parents and men across all countries also were less likely to vaccinate their daughters.

Among the parents whose daughters did not receive the HPV vaccine, worry about the vaccine’s side effects was significantly more prevalent among the U.S. parents (61%) than among parents in the United Kingdom (36%) or among parents in Australia (15%) (P less than .05). U.S. parents who did not have their daughters get the HPV vaccine also were more likely to agree that getting all three HPV vaccine doses would be a “big hassle” (21%), compared with the United Kingdom cohort (0%) and the Australian cohort (8%) (P less than .05).

Parents from the United States also were significantly more likely to agree that the HPV vaccine was too new so they would want to wait before deciding to get it for their daughters (45%), compared with the parents in the United Kingdom (23%) and those in Australia (8%) (P less than .05).

“This finding was unexpected, given that advertising about HPV contributed to an increased awareness of HPV in the United States at the time of data collection. It is important to note, however, that this survey was conducted in 2011, and therefore attitudes of U.S. parents now may differ,” the researchers wrote.

Nonetheless, parents of unvaccinated daughters with higher knowledge scores overall were more likely to believe that they would want to be on the safe side and vaccinate their daughters at some time (74%) compared with parents who had lower knowledge scores (27%) (P less than .001).

“Parents from the United States with unvaccinated daughters more often believed that getting all three doses of the HPV vaccine would be a significant obstacle, not surprisingly as the HPV vaccine distribution in the United States is predominantly available through physicians’ clinics and medical centers, whereas in the United Kingdom and Australia, free school-based and catch-up programs are offered,” the investigators said.

Read more in Preventive Medicine Reports (2017 Oct 10. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.10.005).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

A study comparing parental attitudes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in three countries indicates both low and high HPV knowledge may be associated with lower rates of vaccination, and parents’ country and gender also impact the likelihood of adolescents being immunized, reported Brooke Nickel, of the University of Sydney, and associates.

Of 179 parents with a daughter aged 9-17 years from the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia who took part in an online HPV vaccine opinion survey in 2011, 59% reported that their daughters had received HPV vaccination – 43% in the United States cohort, 63% in the United Kingdom cohort, and 76% in the Australian cohort.

Choreograph/Thinkstock

Parents’ knowledge about HPV was the strongest factor associated with their daughter’s vaccinations (P less than .001). Parents who had either low knowledge scores or high knowledge scores were less likely to have their daughters vaccinated; U.S. parents and men across all countries also were less likely to vaccinate their daughters.

Among the parents whose daughters did not receive the HPV vaccine, worry about the vaccine’s side effects was significantly more prevalent among the U.S. parents (61%) than among parents in the United Kingdom (36%) or among parents in Australia (15%) (P less than .05). U.S. parents who did not have their daughters get the HPV vaccine also were more likely to agree that getting all three HPV vaccine doses would be a “big hassle” (21%), compared with the United Kingdom cohort (0%) and the Australian cohort (8%) (P less than .05).

Parents from the United States also were significantly more likely to agree that the HPV vaccine was too new so they would want to wait before deciding to get it for their daughters (45%), compared with the parents in the United Kingdom (23%) and those in Australia (8%) (P less than .05).

“This finding was unexpected, given that advertising about HPV contributed to an increased awareness of HPV in the United States at the time of data collection. It is important to note, however, that this survey was conducted in 2011, and therefore attitudes of U.S. parents now may differ,” the researchers wrote.

Nonetheless, parents of unvaccinated daughters with higher knowledge scores overall were more likely to believe that they would want to be on the safe side and vaccinate their daughters at some time (74%) compared with parents who had lower knowledge scores (27%) (P less than .001).

“Parents from the United States with unvaccinated daughters more often believed that getting all three doses of the HPV vaccine would be a significant obstacle, not surprisingly as the HPV vaccine distribution in the United States is predominantly available through physicians’ clinics and medical centers, whereas in the United Kingdom and Australia, free school-based and catch-up programs are offered,” the investigators said.

Read more in Preventive Medicine Reports (2017 Oct 10. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.10.005).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Opportunities to give the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine were missed, especially during well-adolescent and vaccine-related visits, in a study of more than 14,000 fully insured teen girls, reported Claudia M. Espinosa, MD, of the division of pediatric infectious diseases, University of Louisville (Ky.), and her associates.

In a study of 14,588 girls in a fully insured commercial or Medicaid plan who turned 11 years old between Jan. 1, 2010, and Sept. 31, 2015, it was documented whether or not the girls received an HPV vaccine when they were given another adolescent vaccine – one or more doses of the Tdap vaccine and/or one or more doses of the 4-valent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY vaccine).

luiscar/Thinkstock

Only 42% of eligible girls started the HPV vaccine series; 68% of girls who started the HPV vaccine series in their 11th year completed three doses during the 2-year measurement period, compared with 52% of those who started in their 12th year.

Girls who started HPV vaccination were more likely than those who didn’t to receive the MenACWY (86% vs. 64%, respectively; P less than .0001) and Tdap (86% vs. 73%, respectively; P less than .0001) vaccines.

“A missed opportunity was defined as the absence of an HPV vaccine dose administered during any visit with a Tdap or MenACWY vaccine claim, any well-adolescent visit, or any encounter with a primary care provider, regardless of visit type,” the investigators said.

Of 10,987 visits when a Tdap or MenACWY vaccine dose was given, HPV vaccine was given at the same visit in only 37% of cases. An HPV vaccine was administered at only 26% of 12,621 of well-adolescent visits, and 42% of 14,195 other visits with primary care providers.

“The data also suggest that pediatricians and nonpediatricians alike are missing opportunities to administer the HPV vaccine when other adolescent vaccines are given,” Dr. Espinosa and her associates noted. “Future research should focus on communication strategies that might facilitate the conceptual ‘bundling’ of HPV vaccine with other adolescent vaccines in the provider’s office.”

Read more in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2017 Sep 23. doi: 10.1093/jpids/pix067).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Opportunities to give the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine were missed, especially during well-adolescent and vaccine-related visits, in a study of more than 14,000 fully insured teen girls, reported Claudia M. Espinosa, MD, of the division of pediatric infectious diseases, University of Louisville (Ky.), and her associates.

In a study of 14,588 girls in a fully insured commercial or Medicaid plan who turned 11 years old between Jan. 1, 2010, and Sept. 31, 2015, it was documented whether or not the girls received an HPV vaccine when they were given another adolescent vaccine – one or more doses of the Tdap vaccine and/or one or more doses of the 4-valent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY vaccine).

luiscar/Thinkstock

Only 42% of eligible girls started the HPV vaccine series; 68% of girls who started the HPV vaccine series in their 11th year completed three doses during the 2-year measurement period, compared with 52% of those who started in their 12th year.

Girls who started HPV vaccination were more likely than those who didn’t to receive the MenACWY (86% vs. 64%, respectively; P less than .0001) and Tdap (86% vs. 73%, respectively; P less than .0001) vaccines.

“A missed opportunity was defined as the absence of an HPV vaccine dose administered during any visit with a Tdap or MenACWY vaccine claim, any well-adolescent visit, or any encounter with a primary care provider, regardless of visit type,” the investigators said.

Of 10,987 visits when a Tdap or MenACWY vaccine dose was given, HPV vaccine was given at the same visit in only 37% of cases. An HPV vaccine was administered at only 26% of 12,621 of well-adolescent visits, and 42% of 14,195 other visits with primary care providers.

“The data also suggest that pediatricians and nonpediatricians alike are missing opportunities to administer the HPV vaccine when other adolescent vaccines are given,” Dr. Espinosa and her associates noted. “Future research should focus on communication strategies that might facilitate the conceptual ‘bundling’ of HPV vaccine with other adolescent vaccines in the provider’s office.”

Read more in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2017 Sep 23. doi: 10.1093/jpids/pix067).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Opportunities to give the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine were missed, especially during well-adolescent and vaccine-related visits, in a study of more than 14,000 fully insured teen girls, reported Claudia M. Espinosa, MD, of the division of pediatric infectious diseases, University of Louisville (Ky.), and her associates.

In a study of 14,588 girls in a fully insured commercial or Medicaid plan who turned 11 years old between Jan. 1, 2010, and Sept. 31, 2015, it was documented whether or not the girls received an HPV vaccine when they were given another adolescent vaccine – one or more doses of the Tdap vaccine and/or one or more doses of the 4-valent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY vaccine).

luiscar/Thinkstock

Only 42% of eligible girls started the HPV vaccine series; 68% of girls who started the HPV vaccine series in their 11th year completed three doses during the 2-year measurement period, compared with 52% of those who started in their 12th year.

Girls who started HPV vaccination were more likely than those who didn’t to receive the MenACWY (86% vs. 64%, respectively; P less than .0001) and Tdap (86% vs. 73%, respectively; P less than .0001) vaccines.

“A missed opportunity was defined as the absence of an HPV vaccine dose administered during any visit with a Tdap or MenACWY vaccine claim, any well-adolescent visit, or any encounter with a primary care provider, regardless of visit type,” the investigators said.

Of 10,987 visits when a Tdap or MenACWY vaccine dose was given, HPV vaccine was given at the same visit in only 37% of cases. An HPV vaccine was administered at only 26% of 12,621 of well-adolescent visits, and 42% of 14,195 other visits with primary care providers.

“The data also suggest that pediatricians and nonpediatricians alike are missing opportunities to administer the HPV vaccine when other adolescent vaccines are given,” Dr. Espinosa and her associates noted. “Future research should focus on communication strategies that might facilitate the conceptual ‘bundling’ of HPV vaccine with other adolescent vaccines in the provider’s office.”

Read more in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (2017 Sep 23. doi: 10.1093/jpids/pix067).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Tdap vaccination during any trimester of pregnancy, and even 2 or fewer years prior to pregnancy, may offer the infant some protection against pertussis during the early months of life, according to Tami H. Skoff of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, and her associates.

In an analysis of 240 infants younger than 2 months with pertussis cough onset between 2011 and 2015 and 535 control infants, 57% of case mothers and 67% of control mothers had at least one valid Tdap dose; 13% of vaccinated case mothers and 14% of vaccinated control mothers had more than one valid dose of Tdap reported.

copyright CDC

Of Tdap doses received during pregnancy in 22 cases and 117 controls, 77% were received during the third trimester, most during the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommended 27-36 weeks of gestation. Of the Tdap doses received before pregnancy in mothers of 24 cases and 67 controls, 25% of the case mothers and 67% of the control mothers received Tdap 2 or fewer years before pregnancy.

The effectiveness of Tdap vaccination during the third trimester of pregnancy was 78%, and effectiveness during the first or second trimester was 64%. Effectiveness of Tdap given 2 or fewer years before pregnancy was 83%. This study was not powered to determine a difference if the vaccine was administered in the ACIP-recommended time period during the third trimester.

A reported 49% of U.S. pregnant women received Tdap during the 2015-2016 flu season, an increase of 22% from the 2013-2014 season, according to a CDC Internet panel survey.

“While maternal immunization during pregnancy will help bridge the gap until next-generation pertussis vaccines are licensed and available for use, this highly effective strategy will likely remain an integral component of pertussis prevention and control, even in the setting of new vaccines,” the investigators said.

Read more in Clinical Infectious Diseases (2017 Sep 28. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix724).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Tdap vaccination during any trimester of pregnancy, and even 2 or fewer years prior to pregnancy, may offer the infant some protection against pertussis during the early months of life, according to Tami H. Skoff of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, and her associates.

In an analysis of 240 infants younger than 2 months with pertussis cough onset between 2011 and 2015 and 535 control infants, 57% of case mothers and 67% of control mothers had at least one valid Tdap dose; 13% of vaccinated case mothers and 14% of vaccinated control mothers had more than one valid dose of Tdap reported.

copyright CDC

Of Tdap doses received during pregnancy in 22 cases and 117 controls, 77% were received during the third trimester, most during the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommended 27-36 weeks of gestation. Of the Tdap doses received before pregnancy in mothers of 24 cases and 67 controls, 25% of the case mothers and 67% of the control mothers received Tdap 2 or fewer years before pregnancy.

The effectiveness of Tdap vaccination during the third trimester of pregnancy was 78%, and effectiveness during the first or second trimester was 64%. Effectiveness of Tdap given 2 or fewer years before pregnancy was 83%. This study was not powered to determine a difference if the vaccine was administered in the ACIP-recommended time period during the third trimester.

A reported 49% of U.S. pregnant women received Tdap during the 2015-2016 flu season, an increase of 22% from the 2013-2014 season, according to a CDC Internet panel survey.

“While maternal immunization during pregnancy will help bridge the gap until next-generation pertussis vaccines are licensed and available for use, this highly effective strategy will likely remain an integral component of pertussis prevention and control, even in the setting of new vaccines,” the investigators said.

Read more in Clinical Infectious Diseases (2017 Sep 28. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix724).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Tdap vaccination during any trimester of pregnancy, and even 2 or fewer years prior to pregnancy, may offer the infant some protection against pertussis during the early months of life, according to Tami H. Skoff of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, and her associates.

In an analysis of 240 infants younger than 2 months with pertussis cough onset between 2011 and 2015 and 535 control infants, 57% of case mothers and 67% of control mothers had at least one valid Tdap dose; 13% of vaccinated case mothers and 14% of vaccinated control mothers had more than one valid dose of Tdap reported.

copyright CDC

Of Tdap doses received during pregnancy in 22 cases and 117 controls, 77% were received during the third trimester, most during the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommended 27-36 weeks of gestation. Of the Tdap doses received before pregnancy in mothers of 24 cases and 67 controls, 25% of the case mothers and 67% of the control mothers received Tdap 2 or fewer years before pregnancy.

The effectiveness of Tdap vaccination during the third trimester of pregnancy was 78%, and effectiveness during the first or second trimester was 64%. Effectiveness of Tdap given 2 or fewer years before pregnancy was 83%. This study was not powered to determine a difference if the vaccine was administered in the ACIP-recommended time period during the third trimester.

A reported 49% of U.S. pregnant women received Tdap during the 2015-2016 flu season, an increase of 22% from the 2013-2014 season, according to a CDC Internet panel survey.

“While maternal immunization during pregnancy will help bridge the gap until next-generation pertussis vaccines are licensed and available for use, this highly effective strategy will likely remain an integral component of pertussis prevention and control, even in the setting of new vaccines,” the investigators said.

Read more in Clinical Infectious Diseases (2017 Sep 28. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix724).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Although the incidence of measles cases in the United States is low, it is increasing – and it appears the majority of cases occur in unvaccinated people, especially in the very young.

So, the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage remains essential, concluded the authors of an analysis of confirmed U.S. measles cases, because endemic measles was eliminated nationwide in 2000.

CDC/Molly Kurnit, M.P.H.

In an analysis to determine all confirmed cases of U.S. measles from January 2001 to December 2015, 1,789 measles cases were reported among U.S. residents aged 0-89 years; 69.5% were in unvaccinated persons, and 17.7% were in persons with an unknown vaccination status. Among those people 30 years or older, 48% had unknown vaccination status. More than one-fourth of the measles cases were imported.

Incidence of measles was highest in infants aged 6-11 months, followed by toddlers aged 12-15 months. Measles rates fell with age, starting at 16 months, Nakia S. Clemmons and her associates of the division of viral diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, said in a research letter in JAMA (2017 Oct 3;318[13]:1279-81).

Higher incidence per million population occurred over time, from 0.28 in 2001 to 0.56 in 2015. Imported cases decreased from 47% in 2001 to 15% in 2015. Vaccinated patients decreased from 30% of U.S. measles cases in 2001 to 20% in 2015.

“The concurrent increase in incidence and declines in the proportion of imported and vaccinated cases (signifying relative increases in U.S.-acquired and unvaccinated cases) may suggest increased susceptibility and transmission after introductions in certain subpopulations,” the investigators said.

“The declining incidence with age, the high proportion of unvaccinated cases, and the decline in the proportion of vaccinated cases despite rate increases suggest that failure to vaccinate, rather than failure of vaccine performance, may be the main driver of measles transmission, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage,” they added.

 

Although the incidence of measles cases in the United States is low, it is increasing – and it appears the majority of cases occur in unvaccinated people, especially in the very young.

So, the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage remains essential, concluded the authors of an analysis of confirmed U.S. measles cases, because endemic measles was eliminated nationwide in 2000.

CDC/Molly Kurnit, M.P.H.

In an analysis to determine all confirmed cases of U.S. measles from January 2001 to December 2015, 1,789 measles cases were reported among U.S. residents aged 0-89 years; 69.5% were in unvaccinated persons, and 17.7% were in persons with an unknown vaccination status. Among those people 30 years or older, 48% had unknown vaccination status. More than one-fourth of the measles cases were imported.

Incidence of measles was highest in infants aged 6-11 months, followed by toddlers aged 12-15 months. Measles rates fell with age, starting at 16 months, Nakia S. Clemmons and her associates of the division of viral diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, said in a research letter in JAMA (2017 Oct 3;318[13]:1279-81).

Higher incidence per million population occurred over time, from 0.28 in 2001 to 0.56 in 2015. Imported cases decreased from 47% in 2001 to 15% in 2015. Vaccinated patients decreased from 30% of U.S. measles cases in 2001 to 20% in 2015.

“The concurrent increase in incidence and declines in the proportion of imported and vaccinated cases (signifying relative increases in U.S.-acquired and unvaccinated cases) may suggest increased susceptibility and transmission after introductions in certain subpopulations,” the investigators said.

“The declining incidence with age, the high proportion of unvaccinated cases, and the decline in the proportion of vaccinated cases despite rate increases suggest that failure to vaccinate, rather than failure of vaccine performance, may be the main driver of measles transmission, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage,” they added.

 

Although the incidence of measles cases in the United States is low, it is increasing – and it appears the majority of cases occur in unvaccinated people, especially in the very young.

So, the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage remains essential, concluded the authors of an analysis of confirmed U.S. measles cases, because endemic measles was eliminated nationwide in 2000.

CDC/Molly Kurnit, M.P.H.

In an analysis to determine all confirmed cases of U.S. measles from January 2001 to December 2015, 1,789 measles cases were reported among U.S. residents aged 0-89 years; 69.5% were in unvaccinated persons, and 17.7% were in persons with an unknown vaccination status. Among those people 30 years or older, 48% had unknown vaccination status. More than one-fourth of the measles cases were imported.

Incidence of measles was highest in infants aged 6-11 months, followed by toddlers aged 12-15 months. Measles rates fell with age, starting at 16 months, Nakia S. Clemmons and her associates of the division of viral diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, said in a research letter in JAMA (2017 Oct 3;318[13]:1279-81).

Higher incidence per million population occurred over time, from 0.28 in 2001 to 0.56 in 2015. Imported cases decreased from 47% in 2001 to 15% in 2015. Vaccinated patients decreased from 30% of U.S. measles cases in 2001 to 20% in 2015.

“The concurrent increase in incidence and declines in the proportion of imported and vaccinated cases (signifying relative increases in U.S.-acquired and unvaccinated cases) may suggest increased susceptibility and transmission after introductions in certain subpopulations,” the investigators said.

“The declining incidence with age, the high proportion of unvaccinated cases, and the decline in the proportion of vaccinated cases despite rate increases suggest that failure to vaccinate, rather than failure of vaccine performance, may be the main driver of measles transmission, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccine coverage,” they added.

Provider misconceptions about parental attitudes may be a more significant barrier to inpatient flu vaccination than the parents’ actual attitudes, reported Suchitra Rao, MD, of the University of Colorado, Aurora, and her colleagues.

Surveys assessing attitudes toward inpatient influenza vaccination were given to parents/caregivers of general pediatric inpatients and to inpatient physicians, residents, nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora between October 2014 and March 2015. Response rates were 95% of the 1,053 parents/caregivers and 58% of the 339 providers.

luiscar/Thinkstock

At time of admission, 37% of children received the current flu vaccine. The children’s median age was 4 years, 70% were white, 54% were male, and 44% had a high-risk medical condition. Of the 55% of parents who said their child usually gets an annual flu shot, 92% would agree to an inpatient flu shot if eligible. Of the 45% of parents who said they don’t routinely get their child an annual flu shot, 37% would agree to inpatient flu vaccination if eligible.

The parents agreed that the flu is a serious disease (92%), that flu vaccines work (58%), that flu vaccines are safe (76%), and that the vaccines are needed annually (76%), the Dr. Rao and her colleagues found.

The providers thought the most common barriers to vaccination were parental refusal because of child illness (80%) and family misconceptions about the vaccine (74%). Also, 54% of providers forgot to ask about flu vaccination status and 46% forgot to order flu vaccines.

When asked what interventions might increase flu vaccination rates in the inpatient setting, 73% of providers agreed that personal reminders might help increase vaccination rates, but only 48% thought that provider education might help do so.

Read more in the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (2017 Sep 5. doi: 10.1111/irv.12482.)

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Provider misconceptions about parental attitudes may be a more significant barrier to inpatient flu vaccination than the parents’ actual attitudes, reported Suchitra Rao, MD, of the University of Colorado, Aurora, and her colleagues.

Surveys assessing attitudes toward inpatient influenza vaccination were given to parents/caregivers of general pediatric inpatients and to inpatient physicians, residents, nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora between October 2014 and March 2015. Response rates were 95% of the 1,053 parents/caregivers and 58% of the 339 providers.

luiscar/Thinkstock

At time of admission, 37% of children received the current flu vaccine. The children’s median age was 4 years, 70% were white, 54% were male, and 44% had a high-risk medical condition. Of the 55% of parents who said their child usually gets an annual flu shot, 92% would agree to an inpatient flu shot if eligible. Of the 45% of parents who said they don’t routinely get their child an annual flu shot, 37% would agree to inpatient flu vaccination if eligible.

The parents agreed that the flu is a serious disease (92%), that flu vaccines work (58%), that flu vaccines are safe (76%), and that the vaccines are needed annually (76%), the Dr. Rao and her colleagues found.

The providers thought the most common barriers to vaccination were parental refusal because of child illness (80%) and family misconceptions about the vaccine (74%). Also, 54% of providers forgot to ask about flu vaccination status and 46% forgot to order flu vaccines.

When asked what interventions might increase flu vaccination rates in the inpatient setting, 73% of providers agreed that personal reminders might help increase vaccination rates, but only 48% thought that provider education might help do so.

Read more in the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (2017 Sep 5. doi: 10.1111/irv.12482.)

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Provider misconceptions about parental attitudes may be a more significant barrier to inpatient flu vaccination than the parents’ actual attitudes, reported Suchitra Rao, MD, of the University of Colorado, Aurora, and her colleagues.

Surveys assessing attitudes toward inpatient influenza vaccination were given to parents/caregivers of general pediatric inpatients and to inpatient physicians, residents, nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora between October 2014 and March 2015. Response rates were 95% of the 1,053 parents/caregivers and 58% of the 339 providers.

luiscar/Thinkstock

At time of admission, 37% of children received the current flu vaccine. The children’s median age was 4 years, 70% were white, 54% were male, and 44% had a high-risk medical condition. Of the 55% of parents who said their child usually gets an annual flu shot, 92% would agree to an inpatient flu shot if eligible. Of the 45% of parents who said they don’t routinely get their child an annual flu shot, 37% would agree to inpatient flu vaccination if eligible.

The parents agreed that the flu is a serious disease (92%), that flu vaccines work (58%), that flu vaccines are safe (76%), and that the vaccines are needed annually (76%), the Dr. Rao and her colleagues found.

The providers thought the most common barriers to vaccination were parental refusal because of child illness (80%) and family misconceptions about the vaccine (74%). Also, 54% of providers forgot to ask about flu vaccination status and 46% forgot to order flu vaccines.

When asked what interventions might increase flu vaccination rates in the inpatient setting, 73% of providers agreed that personal reminders might help increase vaccination rates, but only 48% thought that provider education might help do so.

Read more in the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (2017 Sep 5. doi: 10.1111/irv.12482.)

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Use of combination vaccines improves completion and compliance of recommended vaccination in U.S. children aged 24-35 months, reported Samantha K. Kurosky of RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, N.C., and her colleagues.

Data from the 2012 National Immunization Survey was used to assess vaccination completion and compliance in 11,561 children age 24-35 months. Most children had providers who were in private practice (58%); about half of the children were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
 

Completion of the full 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 vaccine series (4 DTaP, 3 inactivated polio vaccine [IPV], 1 MMR, 3 or 4 Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib], 3 hepatitis B, 1 varicella, and 4 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) was better among those who received combination vaccines, at 69%, compared with children who received single-antigen vaccine only (50%).

copyright Sean Locke/iStockphoto.com

“For all vaccines, the proportion of children who received all doses on time was higher among those receiving combination vaccines, compared to those who received single-antigen vaccines only,” the investigators said.

Children receiving combination vaccines also had a significantly higher compliance rate for the 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series, at 24%, compared with those receiving single-antigen vaccines only, at 13% (P less than .001). Of children who received at least one vaccine by 24 months, 86% received at least one combo vaccine.

Children getting at least one combo vaccine were 2.2 times more likely to get all vaccines on time, and 2.4 times more likely to spend less time undervaccinated (less than 7 months), compared with those receiving single-antigen vaccines only, Ms. Kurosky and her associates said.

Previous studies have found that parents who refuse or intentionally delay vaccines often have higher income and are married mothers with college educations. In this study, parents with these demographics tended to have children who received single-antigen–only vaccines – that is, children who were less likely to complete a full vaccine series or have a high compliance rate, they said.

GlaxoSmithKline funded the research.

Read more at Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (2017 Sep 7. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1362515).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Use of combination vaccines improves completion and compliance of recommended vaccination in U.S. children aged 24-35 months, reported Samantha K. Kurosky of RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, N.C., and her colleagues.

Data from the 2012 National Immunization Survey was used to assess vaccination completion and compliance in 11,561 children age 24-35 months. Most children had providers who were in private practice (58%); about half of the children were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
 

Completion of the full 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 vaccine series (4 DTaP, 3 inactivated polio vaccine [IPV], 1 MMR, 3 or 4 Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib], 3 hepatitis B, 1 varicella, and 4 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) was better among those who received combination vaccines, at 69%, compared with children who received single-antigen vaccine only (50%).

copyright Sean Locke/iStockphoto.com

“For all vaccines, the proportion of children who received all doses on time was higher among those receiving combination vaccines, compared to those who received single-antigen vaccines only,” the investigators said.

Children receiving combination vaccines also had a significantly higher compliance rate for the 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series, at 24%, compared with those receiving single-antigen vaccines only, at 13% (P less than .001). Of children who received at least one vaccine by 24 months, 86% received at least one combo vaccine.

Children getting at least one combo vaccine were 2.2 times more likely to get all vaccines on time, and 2.4 times more likely to spend less time undervaccinated (less than 7 months), compared with those receiving single-antigen vaccines only, Ms. Kurosky and her associates said.

Previous studies have found that parents who refuse or intentionally delay vaccines often have higher income and are married mothers with college educations. In this study, parents with these demographics tended to have children who received single-antigen–only vaccines – that is, children who were less likely to complete a full vaccine series or have a high compliance rate, they said.

GlaxoSmithKline funded the research.

Read more at Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (2017 Sep 7. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1362515).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

Use of combination vaccines improves completion and compliance of recommended vaccination in U.S. children aged 24-35 months, reported Samantha K. Kurosky of RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, N.C., and her colleagues.

Data from the 2012 National Immunization Survey was used to assess vaccination completion and compliance in 11,561 children age 24-35 months. Most children had providers who were in private practice (58%); about half of the children were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
 

Completion of the full 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 vaccine series (4 DTaP, 3 inactivated polio vaccine [IPV], 1 MMR, 3 or 4 Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib], 3 hepatitis B, 1 varicella, and 4 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) was better among those who received combination vaccines, at 69%, compared with children who received single-antigen vaccine only (50%).

copyright Sean Locke/iStockphoto.com

“For all vaccines, the proportion of children who received all doses on time was higher among those receiving combination vaccines, compared to those who received single-antigen vaccines only,” the investigators said.

Children receiving combination vaccines also had a significantly higher compliance rate for the 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 series, at 24%, compared with those receiving single-antigen vaccines only, at 13% (P less than .001). Of children who received at least one vaccine by 24 months, 86% received at least one combo vaccine.

Children getting at least one combo vaccine were 2.2 times more likely to get all vaccines on time, and 2.4 times more likely to spend less time undervaccinated (less than 7 months), compared with those receiving single-antigen vaccines only, Ms. Kurosky and her associates said.

Previous studies have found that parents who refuse or intentionally delay vaccines often have higher income and are married mothers with college educations. In this study, parents with these demographics tended to have children who received single-antigen–only vaccines – that is, children who were less likely to complete a full vaccine series or have a high compliance rate, they said.

GlaxoSmithKline funded the research.

Read more at Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (2017 Sep 7. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1362515).

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Douglas R. Lowy, MD, and John T. Schiller, PhD, received the 2017 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for their development of the virus-like particle technology used to create the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Their team discovered that proteins making up the outer shell of HPV could form virus-like particles that closely resemble the original virus but are not infectious, and these particles could trigger the immune system to produce protective antibodies that could neutralize HPV in a later infection. These particles eventually became the basis of the HPV vaccines Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix.

Daniel Sone/National Cancer Institute

Dr. Lowy and Dr. Schiller work at the laboratory of cellular oncology at the Center for Cancer Research in Bethesda, Md.

HPV causes cervical cancer and other cancers such as cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus, as well as oropharyngeal cancer. Two of the high-risk types of HPV – HPV-16 and HPV-18 – cause about 70% of cervical cancers worldwide; it ranks 14th in frequency in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. The HPV vaccines are very effective in preventing persistent infections with HPV-16 and HPV-18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continues to recommend routine HPV vaccination for girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years, with a second vaccine given 6-12 months later.

 

Douglas R. Lowy, MD, and John T. Schiller, PhD, received the 2017 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for their development of the virus-like particle technology used to create the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Their team discovered that proteins making up the outer shell of HPV could form virus-like particles that closely resemble the original virus but are not infectious, and these particles could trigger the immune system to produce protective antibodies that could neutralize HPV in a later infection. These particles eventually became the basis of the HPV vaccines Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix.

Daniel Sone/National Cancer Institute

Dr. Lowy and Dr. Schiller work at the laboratory of cellular oncology at the Center for Cancer Research in Bethesda, Md.

HPV causes cervical cancer and other cancers such as cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus, as well as oropharyngeal cancer. Two of the high-risk types of HPV – HPV-16 and HPV-18 – cause about 70% of cervical cancers worldwide; it ranks 14th in frequency in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. The HPV vaccines are very effective in preventing persistent infections with HPV-16 and HPV-18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continues to recommend routine HPV vaccination for girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years, with a second vaccine given 6-12 months later.

 

Douglas R. Lowy, MD, and John T. Schiller, PhD, received the 2017 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for their development of the virus-like particle technology used to create the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Their team discovered that proteins making up the outer shell of HPV could form virus-like particles that closely resemble the original virus but are not infectious, and these particles could trigger the immune system to produce protective antibodies that could neutralize HPV in a later infection. These particles eventually became the basis of the HPV vaccines Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix.

Daniel Sone/National Cancer Institute

Dr. Lowy and Dr. Schiller work at the laboratory of cellular oncology at the Center for Cancer Research in Bethesda, Md.

HPV causes cervical cancer and other cancers such as cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus, as well as oropharyngeal cancer. Two of the high-risk types of HPV – HPV-16 and HPV-18 – cause about 70% of cervical cancers worldwide; it ranks 14th in frequency in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. The HPV vaccines are very effective in preventing persistent infections with HPV-16 and HPV-18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continues to recommend routine HPV vaccination for girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years, with a second vaccine given 6-12 months later.

 

Pediatric News welcomes Tim Joos, MD, MPH, to its editorial advisory board.

Dr. Joos is a practicing clinician in combined internal medicine/pediatrics in Seattle. For the last decade, he has worked at a federally qualified community health center in Seattle serving a largely low-income and immigrant population.

He received his specialty training through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his medical degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Dr. Joos previously worked with the World Health Organization in Bangladesh and Pakistan on the eradication of polio. His areas of focus have been international public health, immunization, preventive medicine, cross-cultural medicine, and working with disadvantaged populations.

 

Pediatric News welcomes Tim Joos, MD, MPH, to its editorial advisory board.

Dr. Joos is a practicing clinician in combined internal medicine/pediatrics in Seattle. For the last decade, he has worked at a federally qualified community health center in Seattle serving a largely low-income and immigrant population.

He received his specialty training through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his medical degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Dr. Joos previously worked with the World Health Organization in Bangladesh and Pakistan on the eradication of polio. His areas of focus have been international public health, immunization, preventive medicine, cross-cultural medicine, and working with disadvantaged populations.

 

Pediatric News welcomes Tim Joos, MD, MPH, to its editorial advisory board.

Dr. Joos is a practicing clinician in combined internal medicine/pediatrics in Seattle. For the last decade, he has worked at a federally qualified community health center in Seattle serving a largely low-income and immigrant population.

He received his specialty training through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his medical degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Dr. Joos previously worked with the World Health Organization in Bangladesh and Pakistan on the eradication of polio. His areas of focus have been international public health, immunization, preventive medicine, cross-cultural medicine, and working with disadvantaged populations.

 

Pediatric News Editorial Advisory Board members share their top picks of sessions that will be featured at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting.

Kathy Stepien, MD, is a pediatrician in Juneau, Alaska:

• “The preconference program ‘Pediatricians Leading Change in Physician Health and Wellness’ will be something you don’t want to miss. Speakers will address topics such as burnout among physicians and residents, compassion fatigue, and approaches to wellness that target individuals, practices, organizations, and medical education. Physician wellness is essential if we want to provide excellent medical care.” Friday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W375 E.
• “Monday’s plenary session, ‘The Heat Is On: Why Climate Change Advocacy Is Essential to Child Health’ by Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, will be particularly relevant, given recent extreme weather events. Children also are affected by climate change, because infectious diseases patterns are altered and because of changes in plant growth and pollen production. Dr. Patz will discuss how pediatricians and physicians from other specialties need to join together to protect patients from further harm, through education and advocacy.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 12:10 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Skyline Ballroom.

Karalyn Kinsella, MD, is a pediatrician in a small group practice in Cheshire, Conn.:

• “Tics, CANS, PANS, and Other Movement Disorders” by Joanna Blackburn, MD. “When I was in training, these diagnoses were not really recognized; but from what I have seen in practice, they exist and require support from specialists who are hard to find. Having more knowledge of the disorders would benefit any primary care physician.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 C, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W185D.
• “Are Vaccines Safe?” by Paul Offit, MD. “As physicians, we know that vaccines are safe; but our patients are very skeptical about this and don’t believe us. I hope this lecture will give us statistics and studies to bring back to our patients.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 B, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 B.
• “The presentation ‘Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why’ by Joseph Hagan Jr., MD, is always a good guide.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.

Jack T. Swanson, MD, practices pediatrics in Ames, Iowa:

• “Integrating Mental Health Services in the Primary Care Office” by Jay Rabinowitz, MD. “Pediatricians are increasingly involved in dealing with children and adolescents who have mental health problems. Enhancing their ability to do so in their office can be very beneficial.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W178 B, and Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W176 C.
• “2017 AAP Guidelines for Childhood Hypertension: Highlights” by Joseph Flynn, MD, MS. “New guidelines for diagnosis, evaluation, and management of abnormal blood pressures in the ambulatory setting were issued by the AAP in September. Pediatricians need to be updated on this important disease and incorporate these into their practices.” Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. at Skyline Ballroom.
• “Meet the Redbook Committee.” “This session will include discussions of issues germane to infectious diseases in children. It always includes new information on important topics for practice, including immunizations.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W190 A.
• “Vaccine Update, What’s New and What’s Changed” by Mary Anne Jackson, MD. “Recommendations change yearly, so this session is always important.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A.
• “The presentation ‘Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why’ by Joseph Hagan Jr., MD, highlights the new recommendations for the new guidelines published this year. There are important changes for all who use Bright Futures for their preventive child health visits (well-child visits).” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.

 

Suzanne C. Boulter, MD, is an adjunct professor of pediatrics and of community and family medicine at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, N.H.:

• “Children’s Health – What’s at Stake in the New Administration” by Lynda Young, MD. “Dr. Young has significant experience in the advocacy area, which started for her when she was a young practitioner in Massachusetts and became interested in learning about how to promote the health of her patients through legislative connections and actions. Lynda is now chair of the AAP Committee on Federal Government Affairs, and with the changes in Washington adversely affecting millions of children in our country, it will be crucial for individual pediatricians to advocate in their communities and beyond. This session will share key concepts and tools for child health advocacy.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.

Francis E. Rushton Jr., MD, is medical director of South Carolina’s QTIP (Quality Through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics) network and the quality director for PHIIT (Pediatric Healthcare Improvement Initiative for Tennessee):

• “AAP President’s Address.” “The AAP is our voice, our tool to improve the lives of children. I want to know what the AAP thinks is important today, and AAP President Fernando Stein, MD, will provide an update on efforts by the academy to advance the Agenda for Children.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at Skyline Ballroom.
• “Antimicrobial Update.” “Infectious diseases is a big part of pediatrics. I need to stay current on the latest antibiotic tools.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Monday, Sept. 18, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W180.
• “Teens Gone Wild: Advising Families on Parenting Adolescents.” “Working with parenting issues with teens is fun but complicated. I look forward to the refresher.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A.
• “Social Determinants of Health: Practical and Sensitive Identification and Strategies.” “Yes, but what is our responsibility as pediatricians? Hopefully, I can find out at this session.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.
• “Council on Community Pediatrics Program. The Intersection of Housing, Neighborhood, and Child Health.” “We must never forget that the factors that impact the health and development of our patients often are not medical, but social and environmental. This should be an interesting session.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at McCormick Place West, S105 A.
• “Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why.” “There is nothing more complicated or important than the well-child care we provide. Bright Futures has come out with new changes, and I need to take advantage of having the editor, Joe Hagan, guide me through the changes.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.
• “Children’s Health: What’s at Stake in the New Administration.” “These are scary times for children, especially for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I need to prioritize where to take action.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.
• “Integrating Mental Health Services in the Primary Care Office.” “We see more and more children coming in the office with mental health issues, and I need new skill development to take care of them.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W178 B, and Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W176 C.

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Pediatric News Editorial Advisory Board members share their top picks of sessions that will be featured at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting.

Kathy Stepien, MD, is a pediatrician in Juneau, Alaska:

• “The preconference program ‘Pediatricians Leading Change in Physician Health and Wellness’ will be something you don’t want to miss. Speakers will address topics such as burnout among physicians and residents, compassion fatigue, and approaches to wellness that target individuals, practices, organizations, and medical education. Physician wellness is essential if we want to provide excellent medical care.” Friday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W375 E.
• “Monday’s plenary session, ‘The Heat Is On: Why Climate Change Advocacy Is Essential to Child Health’ by Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, will be particularly relevant, given recent extreme weather events. Children also are affected by climate change, because infectious diseases patterns are altered and because of changes in plant growth and pollen production. Dr. Patz will discuss how pediatricians and physicians from other specialties need to join together to protect patients from further harm, through education and advocacy.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 12:10 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Skyline Ballroom.

Karalyn Kinsella, MD, is a pediatrician in a small group practice in Cheshire, Conn.:

• “Tics, CANS, PANS, and Other Movement Disorders” by Joanna Blackburn, MD. “When I was in training, these diagnoses were not really recognized; but from what I have seen in practice, they exist and require support from specialists who are hard to find. Having more knowledge of the disorders would benefit any primary care physician.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 C, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W185D.
• “Are Vaccines Safe?” by Paul Offit, MD. “As physicians, we know that vaccines are safe; but our patients are very skeptical about this and don’t believe us. I hope this lecture will give us statistics and studies to bring back to our patients.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 B, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 B.
• “The presentation ‘Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why’ by Joseph Hagan Jr., MD, is always a good guide.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.

Jack T. Swanson, MD, practices pediatrics in Ames, Iowa:

• “Integrating Mental Health Services in the Primary Care Office” by Jay Rabinowitz, MD. “Pediatricians are increasingly involved in dealing with children and adolescents who have mental health problems. Enhancing their ability to do so in their office can be very beneficial.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W178 B, and Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W176 C.
• “2017 AAP Guidelines for Childhood Hypertension: Highlights” by Joseph Flynn, MD, MS. “New guidelines for diagnosis, evaluation, and management of abnormal blood pressures in the ambulatory setting were issued by the AAP in September. Pediatricians need to be updated on this important disease and incorporate these into their practices.” Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. at Skyline Ballroom.
• “Meet the Redbook Committee.” “This session will include discussions of issues germane to infectious diseases in children. It always includes new information on important topics for practice, including immunizations.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W190 A.
• “Vaccine Update, What’s New and What’s Changed” by Mary Anne Jackson, MD. “Recommendations change yearly, so this session is always important.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A.
• “The presentation ‘Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why’ by Joseph Hagan Jr., MD, highlights the new recommendations for the new guidelines published this year. There are important changes for all who use Bright Futures for their preventive child health visits (well-child visits).” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.

 

Suzanne C. Boulter, MD, is an adjunct professor of pediatrics and of community and family medicine at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, N.H.:

• “Children’s Health – What’s at Stake in the New Administration” by Lynda Young, MD. “Dr. Young has significant experience in the advocacy area, which started for her when she was a young practitioner in Massachusetts and became interested in learning about how to promote the health of her patients through legislative connections and actions. Lynda is now chair of the AAP Committee on Federal Government Affairs, and with the changes in Washington adversely affecting millions of children in our country, it will be crucial for individual pediatricians to advocate in their communities and beyond. This session will share key concepts and tools for child health advocacy.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.

Francis E. Rushton Jr., MD, is medical director of South Carolina’s QTIP (Quality Through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics) network and the quality director for PHIIT (Pediatric Healthcare Improvement Initiative for Tennessee):

• “AAP President’s Address.” “The AAP is our voice, our tool to improve the lives of children. I want to know what the AAP thinks is important today, and AAP President Fernando Stein, MD, will provide an update on efforts by the academy to advance the Agenda for Children.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at Skyline Ballroom.
• “Antimicrobial Update.” “Infectious diseases is a big part of pediatrics. I need to stay current on the latest antibiotic tools.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Monday, Sept. 18, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W180.
• “Teens Gone Wild: Advising Families on Parenting Adolescents.” “Working with parenting issues with teens is fun but complicated. I look forward to the refresher.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A.
• “Social Determinants of Health: Practical and Sensitive Identification and Strategies.” “Yes, but what is our responsibility as pediatricians? Hopefully, I can find out at this session.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.
• “Council on Community Pediatrics Program. The Intersection of Housing, Neighborhood, and Child Health.” “We must never forget that the factors that impact the health and development of our patients often are not medical, but social and environmental. This should be an interesting session.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at McCormick Place West, S105 A.
• “Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why.” “There is nothing more complicated or important than the well-child care we provide. Bright Futures has come out with new changes, and I need to take advantage of having the editor, Joe Hagan, guide me through the changes.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.
• “Children’s Health: What’s at Stake in the New Administration.” “These are scary times for children, especially for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I need to prioritize where to take action.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.
• “Integrating Mental Health Services in the Primary Care Office.” “We see more and more children coming in the office with mental health issues, and I need new skill development to take care of them.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W178 B, and Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W176 C.

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Pediatric News Editorial Advisory Board members share their top picks of sessions that will be featured at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting.

Kathy Stepien, MD, is a pediatrician in Juneau, Alaska:

• “The preconference program ‘Pediatricians Leading Change in Physician Health and Wellness’ will be something you don’t want to miss. Speakers will address topics such as burnout among physicians and residents, compassion fatigue, and approaches to wellness that target individuals, practices, organizations, and medical education. Physician wellness is essential if we want to provide excellent medical care.” Friday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W375 E.
• “Monday’s plenary session, ‘The Heat Is On: Why Climate Change Advocacy Is Essential to Child Health’ by Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, will be particularly relevant, given recent extreme weather events. Children also are affected by climate change, because infectious diseases patterns are altered and because of changes in plant growth and pollen production. Dr. Patz will discuss how pediatricians and physicians from other specialties need to join together to protect patients from further harm, through education and advocacy.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 12:10 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Skyline Ballroom.

Karalyn Kinsella, MD, is a pediatrician in a small group practice in Cheshire, Conn.:

• “Tics, CANS, PANS, and Other Movement Disorders” by Joanna Blackburn, MD. “When I was in training, these diagnoses were not really recognized; but from what I have seen in practice, they exist and require support from specialists who are hard to find. Having more knowledge of the disorders would benefit any primary care physician.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 C, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W185D.
• “Are Vaccines Safe?” by Paul Offit, MD. “As physicians, we know that vaccines are safe; but our patients are very skeptical about this and don’t believe us. I hope this lecture will give us statistics and studies to bring back to our patients.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 B, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 B.
• “The presentation ‘Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why’ by Joseph Hagan Jr., MD, is always a good guide.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.

Jack T. Swanson, MD, practices pediatrics in Ames, Iowa:

• “Integrating Mental Health Services in the Primary Care Office” by Jay Rabinowitz, MD. “Pediatricians are increasingly involved in dealing with children and adolescents who have mental health problems. Enhancing their ability to do so in their office can be very beneficial.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W178 B, and Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W176 C.
• “2017 AAP Guidelines for Childhood Hypertension: Highlights” by Joseph Flynn, MD, MS. “New guidelines for diagnosis, evaluation, and management of abnormal blood pressures in the ambulatory setting were issued by the AAP in September. Pediatricians need to be updated on this important disease and incorporate these into their practices.” Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. at Skyline Ballroom.
• “Meet the Redbook Committee.” “This session will include discussions of issues germane to infectious diseases in children. It always includes new information on important topics for practice, including immunizations.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W190 A.
• “Vaccine Update, What’s New and What’s Changed” by Mary Anne Jackson, MD. “Recommendations change yearly, so this session is always important.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A.
• “The presentation ‘Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why’ by Joseph Hagan Jr., MD, highlights the new recommendations for the new guidelines published this year. There are important changes for all who use Bright Futures for their preventive child health visits (well-child visits).” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.

 

Suzanne C. Boulter, MD, is an adjunct professor of pediatrics and of community and family medicine at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, N.H.:

• “Children’s Health – What’s at Stake in the New Administration” by Lynda Young, MD. “Dr. Young has significant experience in the advocacy area, which started for her when she was a young practitioner in Massachusetts and became interested in learning about how to promote the health of her patients through legislative connections and actions. Lynda is now chair of the AAP Committee on Federal Government Affairs, and with the changes in Washington adversely affecting millions of children in our country, it will be crucial for individual pediatricians to advocate in their communities and beyond. This session will share key concepts and tools for child health advocacy.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.

Francis E. Rushton Jr., MD, is medical director of South Carolina’s QTIP (Quality Through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics) network and the quality director for PHIIT (Pediatric Healthcare Improvement Initiative for Tennessee):

• “AAP President’s Address.” “The AAP is our voice, our tool to improve the lives of children. I want to know what the AAP thinks is important today, and AAP President Fernando Stein, MD, will provide an update on efforts by the academy to advance the Agenda for Children.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at Skyline Ballroom.
• “Antimicrobial Update.” “Infectious diseases is a big part of pediatrics. I need to stay current on the latest antibiotic tools.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Monday, Sept. 18, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W180.
• “Teens Gone Wild: Advising Families on Parenting Adolescents.” “Working with parenting issues with teens is fun but complicated. I look forward to the refresher.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W183 A.
• “Social Determinants of Health: Practical and Sensitive Identification and Strategies.” “Yes, but what is our responsibility as pediatricians? Hopefully, I can find out at this session.” Sunday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.
• “Council on Community Pediatrics Program. The Intersection of Housing, Neighborhood, and Child Health.” “We must never forget that the factors that impact the health and development of our patients often are not medical, but social and environmental. This should be an interesting session.” Monday, Sept. 18, at 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at McCormick Place West, S105 A.
• “Bright Futures Update: What Has Changed and Why.” “There is nothing more complicated or important than the well-child care we provide. Bright Futures has come out with new changes, and I need to take advantage of having the editor, Joe Hagan, guide me through the changes.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W179, and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W187 A.
• “Children’s Health: What’s at Stake in the New Administration.” “These are scary times for children, especially for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I need to prioritize where to take action.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W181 A.
• “Integrating Mental Health Services in the Primary Care Office.” “We see more and more children coming in the office with mental health issues, and I need new skill development to take care of them.” Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at McCormick Place West, W178 B, and Saturday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. at McCormick Place West, W176 C.

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Learn the “Nuts and Bolts of Office-Based Oral Health Promotion and Fluoride Varnish” from Melinda Clark, MD, and Rocio Quiñonez, DMD.

Caries affect 50% of 5- to 9-year-olds and 78% of 17-year-olds, yet 25% of poor children don’t see a dentist by age 5. You are in an excellent position to provide “timely preventive oral health interventions” in your office, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that “primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption,” and fluoride varnish was added to the Bright Futures Periodicity Schedule in 2015.

At the American Academy of Pediatrics’ annual meeting in Chicago, Dr. Clark and Dr. Quiñonez will address the importance of dealing with early childhood caries (ECC), defined as one or more decayed, missing from dental caries, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a preschool-age child between birth and younger than 6 years of age. ECC can result in missed school, inappropriate use of over-the-counter pain medication, disturbed sleep, eating dysfunction, infection, and even death.

They’ll discuss the American Academy of Pediatrics’ oral health assessment tool, risk factors for ECC, and protective factors. You’ll learn step by step how to apply fluoride varnish, and how to bill for it.

Dr. Clark is an associate professor of pediatrics at Albany (N.Y.) Medical College, and Dr. Quiñonez is an associate professor of pediatric dentistry and pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Clark and Dr. Quiñonez will be presenting Sunday, Sept. 17, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. You don’t want to miss it!

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Learn the “Nuts and Bolts of Office-Based Oral Health Promotion and Fluoride Varnish” from Melinda Clark, MD, and Rocio Quiñonez, DMD.

Caries affect 50% of 5- to 9-year-olds and 78% of 17-year-olds, yet 25% of poor children don’t see a dentist by age 5. You are in an excellent position to provide “timely preventive oral health interventions” in your office, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that “primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption,” and fluoride varnish was added to the Bright Futures Periodicity Schedule in 2015.

At the American Academy of Pediatrics’ annual meeting in Chicago, Dr. Clark and Dr. Quiñonez will address the importance of dealing with early childhood caries (ECC), defined as one or more decayed, missing from dental caries, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a preschool-age child between birth and younger than 6 years of age. ECC can result in missed school, inappropriate use of over-the-counter pain medication, disturbed sleep, eating dysfunction, infection, and even death.

They’ll discuss the American Academy of Pediatrics’ oral health assessment tool, risk factors for ECC, and protective factors. You’ll learn step by step how to apply fluoride varnish, and how to bill for it.

Dr. Clark is an associate professor of pediatrics at Albany (N.Y.) Medical College, and Dr. Quiñonez is an associate professor of pediatric dentistry and pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Clark and Dr. Quiñonez will be presenting Sunday, Sept. 17, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. You don’t want to miss it!

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com

 

Learn the “Nuts and Bolts of Office-Based Oral Health Promotion and Fluoride Varnish” from Melinda Clark, MD, and Rocio Quiñonez, DMD.

Caries affect 50% of 5- to 9-year-olds and 78% of 17-year-olds, yet 25% of poor children don’t see a dentist by age 5. You are in an excellent position to provide “timely preventive oral health interventions” in your office, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that “primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption,” and fluoride varnish was added to the Bright Futures Periodicity Schedule in 2015.

At the American Academy of Pediatrics’ annual meeting in Chicago, Dr. Clark and Dr. Quiñonez will address the importance of dealing with early childhood caries (ECC), defined as one or more decayed, missing from dental caries, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a preschool-age child between birth and younger than 6 years of age. ECC can result in missed school, inappropriate use of over-the-counter pain medication, disturbed sleep, eating dysfunction, infection, and even death.

They’ll discuss the American Academy of Pediatrics’ oral health assessment tool, risk factors for ECC, and protective factors. You’ll learn step by step how to apply fluoride varnish, and how to bill for it.

Dr. Clark is an associate professor of pediatrics at Albany (N.Y.) Medical College, and Dr. Quiñonez is an associate professor of pediatric dentistry and pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Clark and Dr. Quiñonez will be presenting Sunday, Sept. 17, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. You don’t want to miss it!

cnellist@frontlinemedcom.com