Immunogenicity of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine among Alaska Native children aged 9-14 years at 5 years after vaccination.

Background: Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Many HPV infections and HPV-associated cancers are vaccine-preventable. Studies suggest long-term persistence of vaccine-induced antibodies.

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Potential Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Among Adults, Including Persons Experiencing Homelessness-Alaska, 2011-2020.

Background: Adults aged ≥65 years, adults with certain underlying medical conditions, and persons experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) and 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20), were recently approved for use in US adults. We describe the epidemiology of IPD among Alaska adults and estimate the proportion of IPD cases potentially preventable by new vaccines.

Protection and antibody levels 35 years after primary series with hepatitis B vaccine and response to a booster dose.

Background And Aims: The duration of protection from hepatitis B vaccination in children and adults is not known. In 1981, we used three doses of plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine to immunize a cohort of 1578 Alaska Native adults and children from 15 Alaska communities who were ≥6 months old.

Approach And Results: We tested persons for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels 35 years after receiving the primary series.

A prospective cohort study of immunogenicity of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination among Alaska Native Children, Alaska, United States.

Objective: In the United States, HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 years; the series can be started at age 9. We conducted a cohort study to assess long-term immunogenicity of quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV) in an American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Indigenous population.

Methods: During 2011-2014, we enrolled AI/AN girls and boys aged 9-14 years, who were vaccinated with a 3-dose series of 4vHPV.

Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a (Hia) Carriage in a Small Alaska Community After a Cluster of Invasive Hia Disease, 2018.

Background: Between May and July 2018, 4 Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) infections occurred in a remote Alaska community. We performed a public health response to prevent further illness and understand Hia carriage.

Methods: We collected oropharyngeal samples community-wide to evaluate baseline carriage.

Re-emergence of pneumococcal colonization by vaccine serotype 19F in persons aged ≥5 years after 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction-Alaska, 2008-2013.

Background: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was introduced in 2001. Widespread PCV use nearly eradicated pneumococcal colonization by vaccine serotypes. Since 2008, however, colonization by PCV-serotype 19F has increased in Alaska residents.

Antibody Levels and Protection After Hepatitis B Vaccine: Results of a 30-Year Follow-up Study and Response to a Booster Dose.

Background: The duration of protection in children and adults resulting from hepatitis B vaccination is unknown. In 1981, we immunized a cohort of 1578 Alaska Native adults and children from 15 Alaska communities aged ≥6 months using 3 doses of plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine.

Methods: Persons were tested for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels 30 years after receiving the primary series.

Building physician capacity for transformational leadership.

Hospital physicians often have little formal preparation for leadership roles. The St. Joseph's Health Centre program for physician leaders includes a competency profile, personal development plans, self-directed reflective learning, and action learning groups to work on current challenges.

Summary of best practice recommendations for management of enterocutaneous fistulae from the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy ECF Best Practice Recommendations Panel.

These recommendations are a comprehensive resource summarizing the current literature that supports the care of the person with an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF). They are the result of the decision of the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy to provide an open-source guide to clinicians in the care of the person with ECF. It is intended as a tool for nurses to assist in decision making and priority setting when developing individualized care plans.