An update on childhood and adolescent vaccines

In 2008, the recommendations for vaccines in children and adolescents changed substantially. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices expanded the routine use of influenza vaccines. New recommendations also addressed the newly licensed rotavirus vaccine. Furthermore, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices addressed the use of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine in children aged 2 to 10 years who are at high risk of that disease. Finally, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed the safety data collected about the human papillomavirus vaccine since its licensure and reaffirmed their recommendations for its use. This article discusses some of the important changes that should be of concern to the practitioner.