Kids' Health E-Newsletter

New from CDC

National and State Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13-17 Years -- United States, 2011
From 2010 to 2011, vaccination coverage among U.S. adolescents increased for ≥1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to 78.2%, ≥1 dose of meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine to 70.5%, and ≥1 dose and ≥3 doses of HPV vaccine among females to 53.0% and 34.8%, respectively.
Injuries from Batteries Among Children Aged <13 --="--" 1995-2010="1995-2010" states="states" united="united" years="years">
Nearly three quarters of the injuries involved children aged ≤4 years; 10% required hospitalization. Battery type was reported for 69% of cases, and of those, button batteries were implicated in 58%. Fourteen fatal injuries were identified in children ranging in age from 7 months to 3 years during 1995-2010.
Children, the Flu, and the Flu Vaccine
Influenza (“the flu”) is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, many children get sick with seasonal influenza.
Neurologic Disorders among Pediatric Deaths Associated with the 2009 Pandemic Influenza
The study found that a large percentage of children dying from flu-related causes have neurologic disorders. Flu is particularly dangerous for people who may have trouble with muscle function, lung function or difficulty coughing, swallowing or clearing fluids from their airways.
CDC Telebriefing on West Nile Virus Update, Wednesday, August 29
As of August 28th, 2012, a total of 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds or mosquitoes. Only Alaska and Hawaii have reported no West Nile virus activity. Forty-three states have reported at least one human case of West Nile virus disease.
Pertussis Epidemic -- Washington, 2012
The focus of prevention and control efforts is the protection of infants and others at greatest risk for severe disease and improving vaccination coverage in adolescents and adults, especially those who are pregnant. Pertussis vaccination remains the single most effective strategy for prevention of infection.
School Health Index
The School Health Index (SHI): Self-Assessment & Planning Guide is a self-assessment and planning tool that schools can use to improve their health and safety policies and programs. It's easy to use and completely confidential.
Kids and Rabies
Knowing how to prevent rabies isn't just for adults. Kids can get the facts too.
VFC Program: Vaccines for Uninsured Children
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children through VFC-enrolled doctors. Find out if your child qualifies. Vaccinating on time means healthier children, families and communities.
Newborn Screening Can Help Prevent Problems
Soon after birth, babies born in the United States are checked for certain medical conditions. Learn more about newborn screening.
Safe Youth. Safe Schools.
Keep children safe. While our nation's schools are expected to be safe havens for learning, unintentional injuries and even violence can occur, disrupting the educational process and negatively affecting the school and surrounding community.
Pink Eye: Usually Mild and Easy to Treat
Pink, itchy eyes? Conjunctivitis - or pink eye - is common in adults and children. It sometimes needs medical treatment, depending on the cause. Know the symptoms, get treatment if needed, and prevent it from spreading.
Recognize and Prevent MRSA Infections
As kids head back to classrooms and sports venues, parents are encouraged to learn how to recognize and prevent skin infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics.
Vaccination Coverage among Children in Kindergarten -- United States, 2011-12 School Year
Sustaining high vaccination coverage among school children is vital to prevent outbreaks and avoid reestablishment of diseases that have been eliminated in the United States. Although statewide levels of vaccination coverage are at or very near target levels, locally low vaccination coverage for extremely transmissible diseases such as measles remains a threat to health.
America's Children In Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2012
The report was compiled by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, a working group of 22 federal agencies that produce and use data on issues related to children and families. The report uses the most recently available and reliable official federal statistics to describe the family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior, education, and health of America's children and youth.
Current Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students -- United States, 2011
CDC analyzed data from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey, which indicated that, in 2011, the prevalence of current tobacco use among middle school and high school students was 7.1% and 23.2%, respectively, and the prevalence of current cigarette use was 4.3%, and 15.8%, respectively.
Infant Lead Poisoning Associated with Use of Tiro, an Eye Cosmetic from Nigeria -- Boston, Massachusetts, 2011
This case adds to the medical literature documenting nonpaint lead sources as causes of elevated BLLs in children and highlights persons of certain immigrant populations as a risk group. Health-care providers and public health workers should ask about eye cosmetics and folk remedies when seeking a source of exposure in children with elevated BLLs from certain immigrant populations.
Protecting Your Children From Tobacco Use
Take action today to help protect your children from the harms caused by tobacco use. Free resources are available to help you and your children live fuller, healthier lives.
Health and Safety for College Students
Learn steps you can take to enjoy college the safe and healthy way!
Concussion ABCs: Learn How to Respond
Learn concussion symptoms and how to respond. Know your concussion ABCs: A--Assess the situation. B--Be alert for signs and symptoms. C--Contact a health care professional. C--Contact a health care professional.
Your Preteens and Teens Need Vaccines Too!
Do you have a preteen or teen? Protect them from serious diseases by making sure they have received the vaccines recommended for preteens and teens.
Cancer Prevention Starts in Childhood
Reduce your children's risk of getting many types of cancer later in life. Start by helping them adopt a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits and plenty of exercise to keep a healthy weight. Then follow the tips below to help prevent specific types of cancer.
Healthy Living Tips for You and Your Child
It's never too early or too late to address the health of your family. These tips will help you get your children on track to living a healthy life.
What are the Reasons to Vaccinate My Baby?
Protecting your child's health and safety is very important to you. That's why most parents choose immunization. Nothing protects babies better from 14 serious childhood diseases. Choose to immunize. It's the powerful defense that's safe, proven and effective.
Help Your Child Manage Diabetes at School
Make a plan to help your child manage diabetes at school. Start by meeting with school staff and by making sure your child has the necessary supplies for routine care and blood sugar emergencies.
Fragile X Syndrome: One Mother’s Story
July 22nd is Fragile X Awareness Day. Read one mother's story and find out more about fragile X syndrome.