Has measles really been 'eliminated' in the UK?
"Measles eliminated in the UK for the first time," reports The Telegraph. This and other stories in the media are based on a new World Health Organization (WHO) report confirming the UK is now one of 33 countries in Europe to have "eliminated" measles. "Elimination" is the official term used once a country has reduced the number of cases of a disease to a low enough level to stop it spreading through the general population for at least three years. It doesn't mean that measles has been wiped out or eradicated in the UK. In 2016 there were more than 500 cases in England and Wales. However, the ...
Source: NHS News Feed - September 28, 2017 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Source Type: news

What Causes Microcephaly?
Discussion Microcephaly is usually defined as an occipitofrontal head circumference (OFC) more than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean for sex, age and ethnicity. Severe microcephaly is used for OFC < 3 standard deviations. Rates of microcephaly range from 0.5-12 patients/10,000 live births. The OFC should be measured at every well child visit and at other opportunities and plotted on standard growth charts. The OFC is measured using a nonelastic tape measure around the largest part of the head with the tape measure held above the eyebrows and ears. It is a highly reproducible measurement. There are several diff...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - September 25, 2017 Category: Pediatrics Authors: pediatriceducationmin Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news

Vaccination target met for the first time
The proportion of eligible children receiving their first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR1) by their fifth birthday has met the World Health Organisation target of 95% for the first time in England. (Source: NHS Networks)
Source: NHS Networks - September 21, 2017 Category: UK Health Source Type: news

Latest fall in English MMR coverage by age two 'of concern'
Coverage of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine by children ’s second birthday has decreased in 2016-17 for the third year in a row in England. (Source: Nursing Times)
Source: Nursing Times - September 20, 2017 Category: Nursing Source Type: news

MMR vaccine first-dose target met in England
By the age of five, 95% of children are being vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition - September 20, 2017 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

A Third MMR Dose Can Help Prevent Mumps During Outbreaks (FREE)
By the Editors A third dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine helped prevent mumps infection during an outbreak at the University of Iowa in 2015 –16, … (Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)
Source: Physician's First Watch current issue - September 7, 2017 Category: Primary Care Source Type: news

Immunization Resources in Multiple Languages
From the NLM Outreach and Special Populations Branch: August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and public health professionals often need resources to educate individuals who may have limited English proficiency about the importance of receiving vaccinations for themselves and their children. Check MedlinePlus for resources on immunizations and childhood immunizations in both English and Spanish. Also check HealthReach for patient handouts in multiple languages about vaccinations, including: Vaccine Information Statements on specific vaccines, like the chickenpox vaccine (24 languages), diphtheria, tetanus, and ...
Source: NN/LM Middle Atlantic Region Blog - August 22, 2017 Category: Databases & Libraries Authors: Hannah Sinemus Tags: Consumer Health Education Health Professionals Outreach Source Type: news

MMRV Vaccination Does Not Increase Febrile Seizure Risk MMRV Vaccination Does Not Increase Febrile Seizure Risk
Giving the combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine as the second dose of measles-containing vaccine does not appear to increase the risk of febrile seizures, researchers from Australia report.Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines - August 16, 2017 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medscape Today News Source Type: news

Small decline in MMR vaccination rates could have dramatic effect, experts warn
A 5% drop in measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations could cause a threefold increase of measles cases, costing the public sector millions, US study showsA small decline in the uptake of vaccines could have a dramatic impact on both public health and the economy, research suggests, as concerns about outbreaks of preventable diseases grow in the US and Europe.The new study reveals that even a 5% drop in uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine among children in the US could result in a threefold increase in measles cases, and cost the public sector millions of dollars.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - July 24, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Nicola Davis Tags: Infectious diseases Vaccines and immunisation MMR Health Society Science Medical research Source Type: news

Malawi: Measles Campaign On Promising Note - Report
[Nyasa Times] Communities and School going children have responded positively to the ongoing National Integrated Measles- Rubella vaccination campaign within the Area 18 Health Centre catchment areas. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine - June 16, 2017 Category: African Health Source Type: news

Malawi: Malawi Targets Over 10 Million Children in 3 Vaccine Intervention
[Nyasa Times] Malawi Government is targeting over 10 million children in 2017 Measles-rubella vaccine campaign which is set for 12 to 16 June this year. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine - June 11, 2017 Category: African Health Source Type: news

Malawi: Hospital Geared for Measles Rubella Vaccination
[Malawi News Agency] Thyolo -Thyolo District Hospital says cooperation and coordination amongst stakeholders is vital for the successful implementation of the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination exercise which is scheduled to start from June 12 to 16 this year. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine - May 25, 2017 Category: African Health Source Type: news

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
(Source: What's New at CBER)
Source: What's New at CBER - May 17, 2017 Category: Biomedical Science Source Type: news

Many Americans Skipping MMR Vaccination Before Traveling Abroad (FREE)
By Kelly Young Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD Of U.S. adults who go to travel clinics before traveling internationally, only about half of those eligible for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) … (Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)
Source: Physician's First Watch current issue - May 15, 2017 Category: Primary Care Source Type: news

More than half of eligible US travelers not receiving measles immunization
(Massachusetts General Hospital) A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital investigators found that 53 percent of individuals seeking pre-travel consultations at clinics across the country who were eligible to receive the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine were not vaccinated during the clinic visit. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - May 15, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news