An Update on Childhood and Adolescent Vaccines

On completion of this article, you should be able to (1) put into practice the new influenza vaccination recommendations, (2) adopt the new infant rotavirus vaccine schedule and incorporate that schedule into practice, and (3) summarize the safety information regarding human papillomavirus vaccine. In 2008, the recommendations for vaccines in children and adolescents changed substantially. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices expanded the routine use of influenza vaccines. New recommendations also addressed the newly licensed rotavirus vaccine. Furthermore, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices addressed the use of the meningo-coccal conjugate vaccine in children aged 2 to 10 years who are at high risk of that disease. Finally, the Food and Drug Adminis-tration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed the safety data collected about the human papilloma-virus vaccine since its licensure and reaffirmed their recom-mendations for its use. This article discusses some of the important changes that should be of concern to the practitioner. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(5):457-460 ACIP = Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; CDC = Center