Showing papers by "Indu B. Ahluwalia published in 2013"

Surveillance of influenza vaccination coverage--United States, 2007-08 through 2011-12 influenza seasons.

Abstract: Problem/Condition: Substantial improvement in annual influenza vaccination of recommended groups is needed to reduce the health effects of influenza and reach Healthy People 2020 targets. No single data source provides season-specific estimates of influenza vaccination coverage and related information on place of influenza vaccination and concerns related to influenza and influenza vaccination.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women — United States, 2012–13 Influenza Season

Abstract: Pregnant women and infants aged <6 months are at increased risk for influenza-related severe illness and hospitalization. Influenza vaccination of pregnant women has been shown to reduce the risk for illness in both mother and infant. To help protect pregnant women, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend influenza vaccination for all women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season, regardless of trimester. To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women during the 2012-13 influenza season, CDC analyzed data from an Internet panel survey conducted April 1-12, 2013. Among 1,702 self-selected survey respondents pregnant at any time during the 4-month period of October 2012-January 2013, 50.5% reported they received influenza vaccination before or during their pregnancy. Influenza vaccination coverage was higher among women reporting both a health-care provider recommendation and offer of influenza vaccination (70.5%) compared with women who received a recommendation but no offer of vaccination (46.3%) and women who received no recommendation (16.1%). Vaccination coverage of women who will be or are pregnant during an influenza season might be improved by implementing a combination of community-based interventions, including enhanced access to low-cost vaccination services, provider recommendation and offer of influenza vaccination, and education of pregnant women about influenza vaccination safety and efficacy during pregnancy to increase demand.

Assessing the validity and reliability of three indicators self-reported on the pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system survey.

Abstract: Objectives.We investigated the reliability and validity of three self-reported indicators from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey.Methods.We used 2008 PRAMS (n=15,646) d...

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Women Who Delivered a Live-Born Infant — 21 States and New York City, 2009–10 and 2010–11 Influenza Seasons

Abstract: Because influenza can be especially severe during pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend influenza vaccination for pregnant women. Pregnant women experience increased morbidity from influenza infection, and they were at increased risk for severe disease and mortality from 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 (pH1N1) pandemic virus infection. During the 2009-10 influenza season, CDC's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) began collecting data on pregnant women's vaccination coverage, and 22 areas continued to collect it during the 2010-11 season. To estimate state-specific seasonal influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women for the 2010-11 influenza season, the most recent data available, CDC analyzed data from women who delivered a live-born infant during September 2010-May 2011(N = 18,522). This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, for the 2010-11 season, overall combined 53.6% were vaccinated (44.2% during pregnancy, 8.8% postpartum, and <1% with unknown time during pregnancy). Among those vaccinated during pregnancy, most were vaccinated during the second or third trimester. Wide state-to-state variation in vaccination coverage was observed, with a range of 32.6% to 75.9% and a median of 54.8%. Compared with the 2009-10 season, coverage was either the same or higher in all areas. Strategies that contributed to increased vaccination coverage need to be promoted.

PRAMS: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System: 1997 surveillance report

Abstract: served as a data source for states addressing public health issues among their maternal and child health (MCH) populations. The dissemination of PRAMS data is an essential step in translating findings from PRAMS into public health action. We are pleased to present the second PRAMS Surveillance Report, a compilation of PRAMS results for a variety of MCH indicators. Our first report highlighted 1995 PRAMS data, and this report highlights data for births occurring in 1996. In addition, we have provided data covering four years — 1993 to 1996. This report provides benchmarks by state for 25 MCH indicators; moreover, it permits examination of 17 indicators across participating states and over time. An addition to this report is a summary of the public health significance of each indicator. PRAMS is a population-based survey of women who have recently given birth to a live infant. This survey collects information on women's experiences and behaviors before, during, and shortly after pregnancy. Thus, states participating in PRAMS gain unique and invaluable information for public health administrators, policymakers, and researchers as they develop programs and policies to improve the health of women and children. We hope that this report will be useful to public health practitioners across the United States. We plan to produce this report annually and welcome your comments about the merit, design, and content of this publication. Preface v T his report is the product of the collaborative efforts of many people at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Review and commentary from PRAMS team members at CDC and from PRAMS Working Group members in participating states have enhanced its quality.