Unbiased Analysis of Today's Healthcare Issues
Contagious disease are spread (generally) when one person comes in contact with another. Thus, the number of links in a network (the number of connections one has) will go a long way to determining how fast diseases are spread. One question which needs to be answered is whether a hub-and-spoke network or a more diffused…
Most people believe that vaccines are for kids. The CDC and public health departments have done a good job of keeping vaccination rates high for children. With the advent of new vaccines for adults, the key now is to increase vaccination rates for these older groups. The Wall Street Journal (“Get your shots“) details a…
Have scientists found a vaccine for brain tumors? Scientists have found that the cytomegalovirus is present in the 90% of glioblastoma brain tumors. The Economist reports on two doctors who are attempting to create a vaccine for the cytomegalovirus which (hopefully) can greatly reduce the incidence of brain tumors around the world.
Vaccines work well because of an adjuvant. The adjuvant boosts immunity but physicians did not know how it worked until now. The Economist reports (“A shot in the dark not more“) that Stephanie Eisenbarth, Richard Flavell an co-authors have discovered that the adjuvant “works by stimulating bits of the immune system called NOD-like receptors.” Why…
ABC News reports that immunization rates are falling. Who’s fault is this? “Traditionally, the government has measured immunization noncompliance by tallying up only missed doses of a vaccine. In this new research, the CDC recalculated immunization compliance to include vaccine lapses in addition to missed doses. Based on these new criteria, the CDC found that…
Vaccination is one of the most cost effective medical treatments we have. It is important that providers vaccines in a timely manner. In attempt to streamline vaccine distribution systems, the CDC created Vaccine Management Business Improvement Project (VMBIP). Instead of having providers place orders with the grantee (i.e.: state health department), and then having the…
I will be in Atlanta for most of this week attending the National Immunization Conference. If you are interested in seeing me present my work regarding the efficiency of the Vaccine Management Business Improvement Project‘s new distribution system for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, my talk will be on Wednesday at 9am. Blogging will…
According to Reuters (“All U.S. kids…“), the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is recommending that all kids should receive an influenza vaccination. Previously, the CDC recommended that all children 0-6 receive a flu shot. Now, all children 18 and under should get the shot. In addition to the direct health benefits the children…
According to the USA Today, the influenza vaccine may receive a complete overhaul for the 2008-2009 flu season. All three flu viruses in this year’s vaccine should be swapped for others next year because of a dramatic change in the mix of circulating flu bugs… The decision launches a “time-critical, highly orchestrated” effort by public…
Reuters reports (“Too few…“) on the problem that U.S. adults not receiving necessary vaccines. “Only 2 percent of U.S. adults last year got a shot that can protect them from painful bouts of shingles, health officials said on Wednesday in a study that shows what they call unacceptably low rates of adult vaccination against a…