BACKGROUND Elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a higher risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of the influenza vaccine in patients with CVD. However, the effects of influenza vaccination on the reduction of hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) in elderly patients with CKD remain unclear. METHOD...

BACKGROUND Varicella vaccine is available in the private sector in China, with a single dose currently recommended for children aged ≥12 months. We investigated a varicella outbreak in a school in Beijing with high varicella vaccination coverage to describe the outbreak, examine risk factors for vaccine failure, and calculate vaccine effectiveness. METHODS A varicella case was defined as an a...

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE The success of vaccination campaigns depends on the degree of adherence to immunization initiatives and schedules. Risk factors associated with children's failure to receive the measles vaccine at the correct age were studied in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING Case-control and exploratory study, in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. METHODS The careg...

OBJECTIVES To identify cases of hepatitis B infection after vaccination in Kimberley residents and determine maternal serostatus as a potential indicator of mode of transmission. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective review of Kimberley residents with notified hepatitis B infection using records of vaccination history and child and maternal serology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Confirmed cases of...

BACKGROUND Despite the use of hepatitis B (HB) vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), a portion of infants are still non- or low-responders, or even immunoprophylaxis failure. We aimed to determine the immune response in the infants from the mothers being positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), by which the infants received three doses of HB vaccine in combination with two-dos...

SEE PAGE 152 A nnual seasonal influenza epidemics of variable severity are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, with influenza activity peaking during corresponding winter months in temperate climates of the northern and southern hemispheres (1). In the tropics and subtropics, influenza activity occurs year-round, with differences in peak periods. Most influenza diseas...

Marek's disease virus (MDV), a poultry pathogen, has been increasing in virulence since the mid twentieth century. Since multiple vaccines have been developed and widely implemented, losses due to MDV have decreased. However, vaccine failure has occurred in the past and vaccine breakthroughs remain a problem. Failure of disease control with current vaccines would have significant economic and w...