[The time has come to change the influenza vaccination strategy].

The traditional approach of immunizing defined risk groups for influenza has not achieved the desired results, and the disease incidence remains high. The reasons for this, among others, include the low vaccination coverage and the limited efficacy of the vaccine, particularly among the elderly. Immunizing populations other than risk groups, such as healthy children of kindergarten and school age (2-18 years) would reduce the incidence of morbidity in the general population--in particular those at risk.

[Morbidity and the economic burden of influenza in children in Israel--a clinical, virologic and economic review].

Background: A survey of winter morbidity revealed a high incidence of childhood influenza. A clinical, virologic and economic survey of childhood influenza morbidity was conducted to characterize this morbidity.

Methods: Incidence of respiratory disease and influenza-like symptoms was determined among 9,300 children in the Tel Aviv area in the 1997-8 influenza season, and viral cultures performed from nasal swabs.

Assessment of health issues and concerns of Israeli seventh graders during school physician examinations: a pilot study.

Background: The AMA Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) recommends annual medical evaluations during adolescence, emphasizing screening and counseling regarding psychosocial issues. In Israel, seventh graders undergo medical examinations within the school health services, focusing on the detection of physical conditions. We addressed the psychosocial issues of these students by introducing an expanded school physician evaluation.