Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends hepatitis A vaccination for children
ALEXANDRIA, VA – October 26, 2005 – The National Partnership for Immunization supports the unanimous decision of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend universal hepatitis A vaccination for all children in a single age cohort between 12 to 35 months, with catch-up vaccination through the pre-school years. Hepatitis A is one of the most commonly reported vaccine-preventable diseases in the country. We believe universal hepatitis A vaccination for children is an effective strategy to reduce disease incidence and applaud the Committee's decision.
"Comprehensive immunization policies are essential to our nation's health," said David Neumann, PhD, Executive Director of the National Partnership for Immunization. "Our ability to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, like hepatitis A, requires constant vigilance. This ACIP recommendation is an important step in reducing the incidence of hepatitis A disease in the U.S."
Children play an important role in hepatitis A transmission. Therefore, expanding childhood vaccination recommendations can be an effective strategy to help save lives and reduce the burden of hepatitis A disease in this country. Universal hepatitis A vaccination for children can also protect communities from the disease through "herd immunity."
Source: Eurekalert & othersLast reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009
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