ATLANTA – In a 10-2 vote, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approved a revision that calls for no preferred use of the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine over the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

“In light of the recent findings from post-licensure safety surveillance, the CDC proposes that the committee consider replacing the preference for use of MMRV vaccine instead of simultaneous administration of MMR and varicella vaccines with no preference in the varicella ACIP statement,” said Mona Marin, MD, of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases’ division of viral diseases.

During the same session, Nicola P. Klein, MD, PhD, presented preliminary data from a rapid cycle analysis of the association between MMRV and febrile seizures. The attributable risk for febrile seizures on days seven to 10 postvaccination with MMRV translated into one additional febrile seizure case per every 2,000 doses when compared with MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine administered simultaneously, researchers reported.

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Previous recommendation was for children aged between 6 and 59 months.

Uncertainties emerge about VUR management in children
Although doubts about the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis for the management of vesicoureteral reflux in children have surfaced, physicians should continue treating these patients.

As many as 26% of adolescent girls may have STDs, CDC says
Data from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reveal that as many as 26% of adolescent girls may have one type of sexually transmitted disease.