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More H1N1 vaccines available in U.S., many Americans don't want it

While an increasing number of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccines are available in the U.S., "more than half of American adults say they still don't want it, and one-third of parents say they don't want their children to get it either, according to two surveys," the Washington Post reports. "As of this week, 111 million doses of vaccine against the pandemic strain of H1N1 flu have been released to states and cities.

24 Dec 2009

Fluzone High-Dose inactivated influenza virus vaccine receives FDA approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Fluzone High-Dose, an inactivated influenza virus vaccine for people ages 65 years and older to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B.

24 Dec 2009

IRIN series examines health, development issues in Kenya

In a special series, IRIN examines health and development in Kenya. "The vast arid lands of northern Kenya are generally drier, less fertile, poorer and rank lower in most humanitarian and development league tables than the rest of the country. ... Preventable and treatable diseases are often neither prevented nor treated for want of adequate healthcare. Attracting qualified doctors and nurses to the hinterland is a major challenge.

24 Dec 2009

Elusys Therapeutics receives contract to speed up drug development for Anthrax

The HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) today awarded a contract to Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. of Pine Brook, N.J., for the advanced development of a medication to treat inhalational anthrax, one of the top bioterrorism threats facing the nation.

23 Dec 2009

Majority of Australians think H1N1 vaccination is not necessary

Australia risks a serious swine flu (H1N1 influenza virus) outbreak with two-thirds (65 per cent) of unprotected Australians stating they're unlikely to get vaccinated against the disease in the next 12 months, according to an MBF Healthwatch Poll.

23 Dec 2009

Motility mechanism of malaria pathogens explained

How do one-celled parasites move from the salivary gland of a mosquito through a person's skin into red blood cells? What molecular mechanisms form the basis for this very important movement of the protozoa?

23 Dec 2009

Comprehensive up-date on pharmacology-assisted vitreoretinal surgery

Since the advent of pars plana vitrectomy, immense technical advances in the treatment of retinal diseases have been made. However, some mechanically based limitations of vitreoretinal surgery may result in incomplete removal of the vitreous, especially at the vitreoretinal interface and at the vitreous base. Here, pharmacology can be of assistance. For instance, enzymes that cleave the vitreoretinal junction without damaging the retina or which induce liquefaction may be applied.

23 Dec 2009

One-third of parents do not expect to get H1N1 vaccine for kids; concerns about safety remains major factor

A new poll by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) shows the shortage of H1N1 vaccine for children is easing. As of late last week, three-quarters of parents who tried to get the vaccine for their children were able to do so.

23 Dec 2009

Older adults face higher risk of hospitalization for pneumonia when exposed to pollution

Older adults with long-term exposure to higher levels of pollution are at higher risk for hospitalization for pneumonia, according to researchers in Canada.

23 Dec 2009

CVS/pharmacy to provide H1N1 flu vaccinations at select store locations in Rhode Island

CVS/pharmacy announced today that it will provide H1N1 flu vaccinations at select store locations in Rhode Island by the end of this week. The vaccine will be available to all Rhode Islanders who wish to be vaccinated while supplies last.

23 Dec 2009

Brazilian researchers perform autopsy study to examine the causes H1N1 death

Brazilian researchers have performed the first-ever autopsy study to examine the precise causes of death in victims of the H1N1 swine flu.

23 Dec 2009

Researchers develop new approach for treating and healing skin abscesses

Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have developed a new approach for treating and healing skin abscesses caused by bacteria resistant to most antibiotics.

23 Dec 2009

Hand sanitizers become popular promotional products

The Advertising Specialty Institute® announced that hand sanitizers now rival pens as the most popular logoed items that companies are giving away to clients and employees.

23 Dec 2009

MSU researchers expand global health outreach

Expanding Michigan State University's global health outreach, a team of researchers is working in the Dominican Republic to establish a model for HIV/AIDS care that can be exported to other resource-limited countries.

23 Dec 2009

Prolonged exposure to higher levels of pollutants can lead to hospitalization for pneumonia

A McMaster University researcher has found the first evidence that prolonged exposure to higher levels of the pollutants found in car exhaust fumes and industrial air pollution can lead to hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older.

23 Dec 2009

New community-associated strain of MRSA more apt to cause serious problems

The often feared and sometimes deadly infections caused by MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - are now moving out of hospitals and emerging as an even more virulent strain in community settings and on athletic teams, and raising new concerns about antibiotic resistance.

23 Dec 2009

Staphylococcus aureus causes far more serious infections than previously realised

Staphylococcus aureus causes far more serious infections than previously realised, with more than 3,000 Swedes affected every year, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

23 Dec 2009

Scientists explain how smallpox viruses disrupt immune systems

A team of researchers working in a high containment laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA, have solved a fundamental mystery about smallpox that has puzzled scientists long after the natural disease was eradicated by vaccination.: they know how it kills us.

23 Dec 2009

Guardian Technologies International meets and presents SM TBDx to Indian healthcare officials

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a serious global pandemic health threat with more than 9 million new cases diagnosed annually. TB is a leading cause of mortality in India, killing nearly 1,000 people each day.

23 Dec 2009

H1N1 flu vaccination clinics to be offered at 33 locations across Pennsylvania

The Department of Health will offer H1N1 flu vaccination clinics at 33 locations across Pennsylvania on Jan. 8 and 9, and anyone wishing to receive the vaccine is urged to make an appointment to attend.

22 Dec 2009