HPV Infection Rate In Teens Has Fallen 88% Since Vaccine Introduced In 2006
HPV prevalence also fell in those who were unvaccinated, suggesting the effects of herd immunity. Other news is on mammograms, pregnancy, "forever chemicals" and flu shots.
CIDRAP:
CDC Notes Dramatic Drops In HPV In Females Since Vaccine Introduced
Since the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2006, rates of HPV infections among females fell 88% in teens 14 to 19 years and by 81% in those aged 20 to 24 by 2018, according to a study today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Vaccination against HPV, which is transmitted through sex, has been recommended for girls at age 11 or 12 years since 2006 and for boys since 2011 to prevent cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers and anogenital warts. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for men and women through age 26. (3/25)
Modern Healthcare:
Research Points Way To Prioritize Patients For Mammograms
Researchers have found a way for providers to prioritize which patients need mammograms the soonest based on a few simple questions about whether a woman has a lump or other potential symptoms of breast cancer, according to a new study. Lead author Diana Miglioretti from the University of California Davis School of Medicine said she and other researchers wanted to help providers prioritize screenings during the pandemic, when patients are delaying care. (Gillespie, 3/25)
Today:
Caffeine And Pregnancy: Study Evaluates Moderate Consumption
When it comes to consuming caffeine during pregnancy, moms-to-be often feel confused. Some think it's best to cut it out completely while others seem content to have a 12-ounce cup of coffee every morning. A new study in JAMA Network Open looks at caffeine consumption and birth weight and found that even women who enjoy less than the recommended amount of caffeine can have slightly smaller babies. (Holohan, 3/25)
The Baltimore Sun:
Researchers Find Harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Pesticide Used Against Mosquitoes In Maryland
Lab tests ordered by environmental groups found harmful chemicals, called PFAS, in a pesticide that Maryland uses for its mosquito control program, the groups said Thursday. PFAS — per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances — are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in nature, and they’re found in all kinds of products, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foams. (Condon, 3/25)
Kaiser Health News:
Military Exposed To Toxic Fumes From Burn Pits Set To Get Bipartisan Boost
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Friday planned to roll out what could be the most ambitious attempt ever tried to treat American war fighters poisoned in deployments overseas. The bipartisan bill, modeled on both Agent Orange legislation and the 9/11 health act, aims to help unknown thousands of veterans who got sick after being exposed to toxic substances from massive open fire pits where the military burned its garbage, as well as other sources. (McAuliff, 3/26)
Politico:
Why The Pandemic Could Make This Year's Flu Shot Less Potent
Precautions aimed at tamping down the coronavirus helped nearly eradicate last year’s flu season — but that could backfire by making it harder to develop effective vaccines for next winter’s flu. The hospitalization rate for the 2020-21 flu season was just 0.7 per 100,000 people, the lowest it’s been since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began collecting such data in 2005. Measures such as social distancing, wearing masks and staying indoors likely helped hold pediatric flu deaths to just one last flu season, compared to 196 in the 2019-20 season. (Hilton, 3/25)