ATLANTA -- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) held a special meeting by conference call on Friday, March 28, 2003, to make recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding cases of cardiac adverse events that have been reported following smallpox vaccination.
The ACIP recommended that persons be excluded from the pre-event smallpox vaccination program who have known underlying heart disease, with or without symptoms, or if they have three or more known major cardiac risk factors -- hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and smoking.
Today, CDC informed states that the agency has accepted the ACIP's recommendations and that the vaccination program will continue. CDC has distributed revised pre-vaccination clinic education materials that reflect the new exclusion criteria.
Source: CDC
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
US Withdrawal From UNESCO Signals a Dangerous Step Back for Global Science
July 22nd 2025In a decision heavy with consequence and light on foresight, the US has once again chosen to walk away from UNESCO, leaving behind not just a seat at the table, but a legacy of global scientific leadership that now lies in question.
Breaking the Cycle of Silence: Why Sharps Injuries Go Unreported and What Can Be Done
Published: July 24th 2025 | Updated: July 23rd 2025Despite decades of progress in health care safety, a quiet but dangerous culture still lingers: many health care workers remain afraid to report sharps injuries, fearing blame more than the wound itself.
Telemedicine's Transformative Role in PPE Distribution and Sterile Equipment Management
July 22nd 2025In an era defined by digital transformation and post-pandemic urgency, telemedicine has evolved beyond virtual visits to become a vital infrastructure for delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) and managing sterile supplies. By enabling real-time forecasting, remote quality control, and equitable distribution, telemedicine is revolutionizing how health care systems protect both patients and providers.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.