February 2009 ACIP Highlights

• Hepatitis A Vaccine for Household Contacts of International Adoptees

Because of hepatitis A outbreaks in families who had recently adopted children from endemic countries, ACIP now recommends the hepatitis A vaccine for household contacts of international adoptees.  Hepatitis A vaccine should be administered prior to arrival of the adopted child or travel to adoptee country.   More information is at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/default.htm

• Influenza Vaccine

For the 2009-10 season influenza vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months through 18 years of age, removing the qualification “if feasible” from the recommendation for children 5 through 18 years of age. Offices should plan for yearly influenza vaccination of all children six months and older.

• Pneunomcoccal Conjugate Vaccine 

A new 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) may be licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the latter half of 2009.  The Branch will inform VFC providers as soon as information becomes available. 

• Adolescent Vaccines

A bivalent HPV vaccine and a second meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) are under review by FDA.

• Hib Vaccine Shortage

The shortage of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine will persist in 2009.  All clinicians and local health departments should carefully read the CDC’s most recent information on Hib disease.