H1N1 NEWS SCAN: Reopening isolation wards, nurses' low desire for vaccine

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Jun 21, 2010

Indian state reopens H1N1 isolation wards
Citing the reemergence of pandemic flu and other viral diseases with the rainy season, Hyderabad, India, health officials announced they would reopen H1N1 isolation wards in all 28 hospitals in the state, according to The Hindu. Health Secretary P. V. Ramesh said the government was on top of the situation and urged people to seek medical attention for persistent or severe flu symptoms.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/21/stories/2010062161340600.htm
Jun 21 The Hindu report

Hong Kong nurses show low desire for vaccine
A survey conducted before the fall wave of pandemic flu found that only 13% of Hong Kong nurses planned to get the H1N1 vaccine, with another 41% undecided and 45% rejecting the idea. By comparison, 38% said they would get the seasonal flu vaccine. The survey of 812 nurses, conducted last July and August, found the nature of the nurses' practice and their frequency of patient contact did not play a role in their decision. Two thirds of nurses reported frequent direct patient contact.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2010.05.015
Jun 20 Am J Infect Control abstract

This week's top reads

  1. FDA significantly limits COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

    Critics said today’s announcement is more evidence of the current administration’s willingness to undermine public trust in vaccines.

    Stephanie Soucheray
    FDA building

  2. 'A national scandal': US excess deaths rose even after pandemic, far outpacing peer countries

    The United States has been in a "protracted health crisis" for decades, the researchers say.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Grave markers with flowers

  3. Moderna pulls licensing submission for combo flu-COVID vaccine

    Moderna's combination vaccine was intended for adults 50 and older. 

    Stephanie Soucheray

  4. FDA vaccine advisers recommend sticking with JN.1 strain for next COVID vaccines

    The group weighed considerations about newer variants and raised concerns that a strain recommendation might interface with the FDA's new proposed COVID vaccine framework.

    Lisa Schnirring
    woman vaccinated

  5. WHO adds NB.1.8.1 as SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring

    Experts say illnesses don't seem more severe and more studies are needed to further assess the risk of antibody escape.

    Lisa Schnirring

  6. Viewpoint: Making key COVID vaccine decisions without input, transparency is a public disservice

    Newly announced rules that limit the use of COVID vaccines suggest that federal officials are opposed to open discussion and transparency.

    Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers
    COVID vaccine vial and syringe

  7. Family likely infected with histoplasmosis in bat-colonized cave

    They reported seeing bats and coming into contact with bat droppings while crawling through tight spaces during the 2-hour tour.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Bats in cave

  8. FDA approves formula for fall COVID vaccines

    The agency told vaccine makers that COVID-19 vaccines used in the US starting in fall 2025 should be based on JN.1 lineage strains, preferably the LP.8.1 strain.

    Chris Dall

  9. Iowa, Nebraska announce first measles cases

    Iowa's patient is an unvaccinated adult, and Nebraska's is a vaccinated child who had not traveled outside the state.

    Lisa Schnirring
    measles torso

  10. Multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to whole cucumbers

    The outbreak has sickened 26 people in 15 states and is linked to a grower and distributor in Florida.

    Chris Dall

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