Association of influenza vaccination during pregnancy with birth outcomes in Nicaragua.

Background: Studies have shown that influenza vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of influenza disease in pregnant women and their offspring. Some have proposed that maternal vaccination may also have beneficial effects on birth outcomes. In 2014, we conducted an observational study to test this hypothesis using data from two large hospitals in Managua, Nicaragua.

Improved Global Capacity for Influenza Surveillance.

During 2004-2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with 39 national governments to strengthen global influenza surveillance. Using World Health Organization data and program evaluation indicators collected by CDC in 2013, we retrospectively evaluated progress made 4-9 years after the start of influenza surveillance capacity strengthening in the countries. Our results showed substantial increases in laboratory and sentinel surveillance capacities, which are essential for knowing which influenza strains circulate globally, detecting emergence of novel influenza, identifying viruses for vaccine selection, and determining the epidemiology of respiratory illness.

Factors associated with a successful expansion of influenza vaccination among pregnant women in Nicaragua.

Background: Pregnant women are at risk of severe influenza disease and are a priority group for influenza vaccination programs. Nicaragua expanded recommendations to include influenza vaccination to all pregnant women in the municipality of Managua in 2013.

Methods: We carried out a survey among 1,807 pregnant women who delivered at public hospitals in the municipality of Managua to evaluate the uptake of influenza vaccination and factors associated with vaccination.

Capacity building in national influenza laboratories--use of laboratory assessments to drive progress.

Background: Laboratory testing is a fundamental component of influenza surveillance for detecting novel strains with pandemic potential and informing biannual vaccine strain selection. The United States (U.S.

Introducing seasonal influenza vaccine in low-income countries: an adverse events following immunization survey in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Objective: In 2012, Lao PDR introduced seasonal influenza vaccine in pregnant women, persons aged ≥50 years, persons with chronic diseases, and healthcare personnel. We assessed adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

Methods: We used a multistage randomized cluster sample design to interview vaccine recipients.

Improvements in pandemic preparedness in 8 Central American countries, 2008-2012.

Background: In view of ongoing pandemic threats such as the recent human cases of novel avian influenza A(H7N9) in China, it is important that all countries continue their preparedness efforts. Since 2006, Central American countries have received donor funding and technical assistance from the U.S.

Influenza seasonality and vaccination timing in tropical and subtropical areas of southern and south-eastern Asia.

Objective: To characterize influenza seasonality and identify the best time of the year for vaccination against influenza in tropical and subtropical countries of southern and south-eastern Asia that lie north of the equator.

Methods: Weekly influenza surveillance data for 2006 to 2011 were obtained from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Weekly rates of influenza activity were based on the percentage of all nasopharyngeal samples collected during the year that tested positive for influenza virus or viral nucleic acid on any given week.

The national inventory of core capabilities for pandemic influenza preparedness and response: an instrument for planning and evaluation.

Background: Reviews of the global response to the 2009 pandemic of influenza A/H1N1 affirmed the importance of assessment of preparedness and response capabilities.

Design: The U. S.