Pertussis immunization in eight-month-old children in North Carolina

Pertussis in primary care practice. Recent advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Pertussis continues to be an important vaccine-preventable disease. The recent multiple outbreaks of pertussis have heightened interest in its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Diagnosis remains challenging, although new diagnostic tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of sera and polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal aspirates, offer the possibility of more rapid diagnosis. Erythromycin remains the preferred antimicrobial to reduce secondary transmission of pertussis. The recent approval of acellular pertussis vaccine for the primary series of immunizations ushers in an exciting new era of pertussis prevention.

Shots for tots: Louisiana's infant immunization initiative

PURPOSE

To describe the "Shots for Tots" immunization initiative, a community-based approach to overcoming barriers to timely immunizations.

POPULATION

Children in southwest Louisiana, ages 1 month to 5 years, requiring immunizations.

CONCLUSIONS

The "Shots for Tots" immunization initiative has been successful in improving immunization rates.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

With the increase in community-based practice and the resurgence of many vaccine-preventable diseases, this program can serve as an example to pediatric nurses involved in prevention and primary care in their efforts to improve immunization rates.