Update on universal childhood immunizations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update of research findings and recommendations regarding immunizations.

RECENT FINDINGS: New research has examined the efficacy of the 2007-2008 influenza vaccine, the transmission and incidence of human papillomavirus, the increased prevalence of pneumococcal serotypes not included in the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, the emergence of a drug-resistant strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae, febrile seizure rates following measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccination, and the 2006 mumps outbreak in the American Midwest. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the expansion of live attenuated influenza virus vaccine and quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for use in children no younger than 2 years of age. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends immunization with quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine for all previously unvaccinated 11-18-year-old children and has revised its recommendations for Streptococcus pneumoniae catch-up vaccinations. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices no longer expresses a preference for the use of the combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine over separate measles-mumps-rubella and varicella administration. Because of a notable recall of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccines by Merck & Co Inc, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, USA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that pediatric providers conserve available Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccines by delaying the administration of the booster dose of the vaccine in healthy children.

SUMMARY: New vaccine recommendations continue to be made, and research continues on infectious diseases, vaccine safety, and vaccine efficacy.