Drug Criteria & Outcomes-Changes in immunization schedule published

Publication cites vaccine changes

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), American Academy of Ped iatrics (AAP), and American Academy of Family Physicians have approved a new recommended childhood immunization schedule for the United States. Changes include:

1. withdrawal of rotavirus vaccine;

2. use of inactivated poliovirus vaccine for all four doses of polio vaccine;

3. combination acellular pertussis vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids for pertussis vaccination (followed by boosters of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids every 10 years);

4. Hepatitis A vaccination only in certain states or regions (contact local health authorities to determine need for your area).

(For more details on the recommendations, see Pediatrics 2000; 105:148-151. Or visit AAP at www.aap.org or ACIP at www.cdc.gov/nip.)