Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Meningococcal Infections/epidemiology , Meningococcal Vaccines/administration & dosage , Neisseria meningitidis/classification , Adolescent , Age Distribution , Child , Child, Preschool , Communicable Disease Control/organization & administration , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Male , Meningitis, Meningococcal/epidemiology , Meningitis, Meningococcal/prevention & control , Meningococcal Infections/prevention & control , Neisseria meningitidis/isolation & purification , Risk Assessment , Serotyping , Sex Distribution , Survival Rate , United States , Vaccination , Young AdultABSTRACT
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is clearly established as the cause of cervical cancer, and vaccines targeting oncogenic forms of the virus are important as a primary method of prevention. However, barriers to cervical screening and vaccination such as a lack of knowledge of HPV, access to healthcare, and poor follow-up prevent the acceptance and utilization of HPV vaccines. Strategies for prevention of disease and implementation of vaccination are in development, but the importance of primary prevention of HPV infection needs to be stressed. This review assesses the potential impact of vaccination for cervical cancer, barriers to vaccination, and the methods used to increase coverage. With the advent of prophylactic vaccines, HPV, a common infection in the United States, can be prevented in most women.
Subject(s)
Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Papillomavirus Vaccines , Public Health , Adolescent , Female , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Immunization Programs/statistics & numerical data , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are vaccine-preventable. Current recommendations advocate vaccination of non-immune adults at risk of exposure, including travelers to HAV or HBV endemic areas, individuals with high risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, and some correctional facility inmates. We review the use of an accelerated schedule to administer the combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix). Administering three doses over three weeks and a fourth at 12 months provides rapid initial protection of most individuals for whom the standard 6-month vaccination schedule would not be suitable, including last-minute travelers and short-term correctional facility inmates. Furthermore, we consider the role of a universal vaccination strategy in preventing the spread of HAV and HBV.
Subject(s)
Hepatitis A Vaccines/administration & dosage , Hepatitis A/prevention & control , Hepatitis B Vaccines/administration & dosage , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Immunization Schedule , Vaccines, Combined/administration & dosage , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Global Health , Hepatitis A/epidemiology , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Humans , Prevalence , Prisoners , Seroepidemiologic Studies , TravelABSTRACT
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations can and should be integrated into public health settings that serve adults at high risk for infection (e.g., sexually transmitted disease and/or human immunodeficiency virus clinics, criminal justice settings), and a policy of universal immunization may be the best way to accomplish this goal in these settings. Although hepatitis vaccines should be given to all susceptible persons at risk, many opportunities to vaccinate adults at high risk are missed, and there are several barriers and challenges to vaccination of adults. These challenges and barriers can be overcome. Successful integration of hepatitis vaccination for adults into existing public health services and clinics has been accomplished across the United States at both state and local levels. Additional funds must be provided for the infrastructure and purchase of vaccines for adults in these settings.
