Public health issues related to HPV vaccination.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is clearly established as the cause of cervical cancer, and vaccines targeting oncogenic forms of the virus are important as a primary method of prevention. However, barriers to cervical screening and vaccination such as a lack of knowledge of HPV, access to healthcare, and poor follow-up prevent the acceptance and utilization of HPV vaccines. Strategies for prevention of disease and implementation of vaccination are in development, but the importance of primary prevention of HPV infection needs to be stressed.

Regional health system response to the Virginia Tech mass casualty incident.

Background: On April 16, 2007 a mass shooting occurred on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Due to both distance and weather, air transport of the injured directly to a level 1 trauma center was not possible. The injured received all of their care or were initially stabilized at 3 primary hospitals that either had a level 3 trauma center designation or no trauma center designation.

The underestimated risk of hepatitis A and hepatitis B: benefits of an accelerated vaccination schedule.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are vaccine-preventable. Current recommendations advocate vaccination of non-immune adults at risk of exposure, including travelers to HAV or HBV endemic areas, individuals with high risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, and some correctional facility inmates. We review the use of an accelerated schedule to administer the combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix).

Public health perspective on vaccine-preventable hepatitis: integrating hepatitis A and B vaccines into public health settings.

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations can and should be integrated into public health settings that serve adults at high risk for infection (e.g., sexually transmitted disease and/or human immunodeficiency virus clinics, criminal justice settings), and a policy of universal immunization may be the best way to accomplish this goal in these settings.