Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of Haemophilus Influenza Type b (Hib) Vaccine Produced by Merck & Co., Inc.

Merck & Co. announced that it has initiated a voluntary recall in the United States for certain lots of PedvaxHIB® [Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate)] and COMVAX® [Haemophilus b Conjugate (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) and Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine]. CDC understands that this recall will present several challenges to public health and provider partners. They are working rapidly to gather and assess information which will allow them to develop guidance for immunization providers and their patients.
For additional information please click on http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/recalls/hib-recall-faqs-12-12-07.htm

More Frequent Checkups Recommended for Urban Children with Asthma

Current asthma guidelines calling for checkups every six months after diagnosis may be too infrequent for inner-city children diagnosed with the condition. That's the finding of a study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center, published in the November issue of Pediatrics. Given the unpredictable nature of asthma in inner-city children, researchers are recommending four or more checkups per year to prevent dangerous flare-ups of wheezing and trips to the emergency department. The study also reports that asthma control, not the severity of the disease at diagnosis, is a more accurate predictor of a child's risk for flare-ups. Asthma is the most common pediatric chronic illness, affecting 6.2 million children in the United States.

Read the full article at:
http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/pages/news/
pressdetails.cfm?newsid=397

Health Disparities Webcast

Today's Topics In Health Disparities Federal Legislative Efforts to Address Health Disparities between Racial and Ethnic Groups
Dec. 14, 2007 at 9 a.m. ET
(http://www.kaisernetwork.org/todaystopics/14dec07)


Nearly a dozen bills have been introduced in the 110th Congress that
focus on addressing health disparities or minority health, and other
legislative initiatives have included provisions to address disparities. On Friday,Dec. 14, 2007, at 9 a.m. ET, the Kaiser Family Foundation will host a live, interactive webcast discussing current federal legislative efforts to address health disparities between racial and ethnic groups, and the factors that may influence the outcome of these efforts.

Save-the-Date! Grace & Gratitude: A Health Ministry Journey

Please save the date to attend the 12th Annual Virginia Faith Community Health Ministry Retreat from April 27-29, 2008 at the Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center, 9275 Barnes Road, Toano, Virginia 23168. Hosted by Bon Secours Richmond and Bon Secours Hampton Roads Faith Community Health Ministries.

GoingSmokeFree.org: A Toolkit for Implementing Smoke-Free Laws

The Site is a Clearinghouse of Activities, Events, and Tools for States and Communities in Planning, Implementing and Supporting Smoke-Free Laws
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, has created GoingSmokeFree.org, a free online resource to help states and communities implement smoke-free laws.

- Go to the toolkit.
- Learn more, and view other resources.

You have received this e-mail alert because you have elected to receive information from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on: Public Health and Tobacco.

Cover the Uninsured Week - April 27, 2008 - May 3, 2008

Cover the Uninsured Week 2008 will be held April 27-May 3! Mark your calendars and start planning to help 47 million uninsured Americans—including more than 9 million children—get the coverage they need.

There are many ways for you and your community to get involved in Cover the Uninsured Week 2008:

(1) Host an enrollment event at a hospital, community center, or school
(2) Organize a health coverage forum with community, business and faith leaders
(3) Plan a seminar for small business owners
(4) Distribute information about available low-cost and free health coverage
programs to uninsured individuals and families

Many Cover the Uninsured planning guides are available to help you get started and promotional materials will be coming soon! Visit www.CoverTheUninsured.org for more information and the most current facts and latest news on the issue.