Latest news with #AndrewPavia
Medscape
03-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
IDSA Experts Weigh Potential Vaccine Access Impact
Vaccine access and uptake will be affected by the recent actions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), but the extent remains unclear, according to experts in a press briefing sponsored by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). 'I watched with absolute horror as the 17 members of ACIP were summarily fired and replaced with seven members who had limited expertise [in relevant areas],' Andrew T. Pavia, MD, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, said in the briefing. Vaccines aren't perfect, but one of the fundamental benefits of a functional ACIP is that physicians can watch the deliberations take place and look at the same data that ACIP has reviewed in making recommendations, he said. Without the careful review and debate of evidence, insurers and clinicians alike face uncertainty, he said. Fortunately, ACIP voted to recommend a second monoclonal antibody for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus in infants and recommended that the second product would be added to the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines to approximately half of all children in the United States, Pavia noted. Lack of Vote Adds to Uncertainty Despite much time dedicated to discussion of COVID-19, no vote occurred with recommendations for vaccination for the coming season, said Angela Branche, MD, an associate professor of medicine and infectious diseases specialist and researcher at the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, in the briefing. Despite evidence presented by CDC experts that young children and pregnant women remain at risk, the lack of a vote leaves clinicians 'operating blind for the coming season as to what to do,' she said. Although ACIP recommended universal flu vaccination, the accompanying restrictions on use of multi-dose vials for flu vaccine may pose access challenges, especially in rural and underserved communities, said Branche. Community clinics in these areas are often pop-ups, and vaccine campaigns tend to be brief, Branche said in the press conference. The use of the now-recommended single-dose flu vaccine vials may be impractical because of the expense of storage and material needed for single-dose injections, she said. Consequently, in terms of vaccine access, communities that are already disadvantaged may be even more so, she emphasized. More Questions as Fall Approaches The reconstituted ACIP also stated intentions to revisit the current recommended childhood vaccine schedule, which could reduce vaccine access for children across the United States, Pavia said. Regarding the current schedule, 'there is no evidence that we are giving too many vaccines to children or too many vaccines close together,' he said in the briefing. If ACIP decided to eliminate any recommended vaccinations from the schedule, the implications are unclear, but insurers might no longer cover them and clinicians might be less inclined to promote them, Pavia said. Currently, vaccine infrastructure of the United States includes nonpartisan, expert review of the science and the clinical recommendations for each vaccine, and many insurers look to ACIP for guidance on coverage, he added.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Myths VS Facts: What health officials want you to know about the MMR vaccine
SALT LAKE CITY () — With measles cases increasing in the U.S., including two recent brushes with the disease in Utah, health officials want to remind the public that the safest protection against it is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Earlier this week, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services announced they are monitoring a potential measles exposure in southwestern Utah after an unvaccinated individual from out of state visited the area while infectious with the disease. Health officials monitoring potential measles exposure in southwestern Utah Additionally, health officials said a through the Salt Lake City International Airport in May. This incident was determined to be low risk, as the passenger was vaccinated. Although there are no recorded cases in Utah yet, with some in neighboring states, health officials want residents to know that there could be some soon and to be prepared. 'It is the time to go and check what your vaccine status is, what your kid's vaccine status is, and make sure everybody has the right vaccine, so you don't have to worry about this. There's a great way to prevent it, you can take it, it's a good safe, effective way to not have measles get into your family,' said Dr. Leisha Nolen, the state epidemiologist. Health officials report that measles is one of the most contagious diseases. Measles signs and symptoms generally appear about 10-14 days after exposure, with common symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and white spots in the mouth known as Koplik's spots. In addition, a rash with small red spots may appear after 3-5 days. The CDC reports that measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, which is described as an absence of the continuous spread of disease for more than 12 months. But, there have been more cases in recent years. Currently the CDC says there are 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the United States. There have been three confirmed deaths from measles in the U.S. in 2025. Passenger with measles travels through SLC airport, determined low risk for spread met with Dr. Andrew Pavia, professor of pediatric infectious diseases and chief of hospital epidemiology at Primary Children's Hospital, to learn more about the vaccine and its effectiveness, as well as break down some myths. 'We've seen an unprecedented amount of measles in the country this year, so we've just been waiting for it to arrive in Utah, ' he said. '…We've been preparing for it. Now, with this exposure in Saint George, it's likely that there will be more cases. Many people have never seen measles, even their parents may not have seen it. It's a pretty bad disease — and when we say childhood illness, we think of something like chickenpox, where kids are uncomfortable for two or three days, and that's it. Measles is miserable in its average form, but can be dangerous, or even deadly. That's why we really care about it, and that's why we really, really want everyone to help protect their children.' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and that it protects you from measles, mumps, rubella, and other serious diseases. According to the CDC, almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if they are exposed to those viruses. The says that numerous studies have been conducted over the year, confirming its safety and efficacy. Minimal risks, such as swelling in cheeks or neck and allergic reactions can occur, the AAP said, but the protecton it provides far outweighs the risks and more serious outcomes that can come from measles itself. Dr. Pavia said that the vaccine has low rates of potential side effects and protects you against measles for life. 'This vaccine has been extremely carefully studied. It has been studied in placebo-controlled trials, and every time it's been tweaked or improved slightly, the new version has been compared to the old one,' Dr. Pavia said. 'It's very, very safe by the standards of any medicine you want to look at. That's not to say there aren't some side effects. Kids, not uncommonly, can get a fever after the MMR vaccine. They can also get a rash 1 to 2 weeks out, or some joint aches. It's a little bit more common in adults who get it, but serious complications of this vaccine are extraordinarily rare and rarer than with most other vaccines.' One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective, according to the CDC. The CDC says that although some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps, or rubella if exposed to the viruses, their symptoms will generally be milder, and they will be less likely to spread the disease. The CDC said that the MMR vaccine has been thoroughly studied in the United States and other countries and no link between autism and the MMR vaccine has been found. Although the vaccine, like medicine, can have side effects, these are typically mild and go away on their own. 'There are no long-term consequences of the MMR vaccine and it's been incredibly well-studied because of the concerns people have raised,' Dr Pavia. said. 'There are over 20 studies looking at whether or not there's any connection to autism. That's a common thing that's brought up, and these studies done in many different countries have showed absolutely no link. With a serious disease and a very good vaccine, if you're going to pick one vaccine to get this summer, it should be the one.' Some may believe getting measles and developing natural immunity is safer than getting the vaccine, however, say otherwise, as natural infection comes with more risks. Dr. Pavia explained getting the disease from natural infection is more dangerous with serious cases leading to the hospital, death, or brain damage. 'If none of those things happen, you're going to be miserable, or your child's going to be miserable for four to eight days,' Dr. Pavia said. '… If I had a good vaccine to offer for rattlesnake bites, would you say it's better to get bitten by a rattlesnake and develop some immunity to the venom or to get a vaccine?' Both recent brushes with measles in Utah were related to travel, which we will be seeing more of this summer. Dr. Pavia said now is a good time to think about getting your kids vaccinated and protected. 'Utahns are going to be traveling with their kids this summer, going to places where there's even more measles. Of course, Utah's an important destination for people during the summer, so we can expect more importations, more people showing up in Utah with measles. It's really important that we and our kids have the best protection possible,' he said. Dr. Pavia also emphasized the importance of seeking out reputable resources to learn more and educate yourself on MMR vaccine information, such as speaking to your own family practitioner. 'I think it's really important for people to educate themselves. We say that a lot, but then you go to social media or talk to friends, and there's just so much misinformation out there. Educate yourself, but look for reliable sources. Go to the Utah State Department of Health. Look at the University of Utah or Intermountain websites. Go to Medscape. There are lots of good sources of information where you can learn more, but just be careful in what you consume,' he said. '…I hope you and your kids have a great summer, but please be safe and be healthy out there.' 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