CDC Warns of Increasing Pneumococcal Disease Associated With H1N1 Flu

Emma Hitt, PhD
November 25, 2009 — Rates of serious pneumococcal infections associated with H1N1 influenza are increasing around the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today.
Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, led a press briefing.
According to Dr. Schuchat, in the Denver metropolitan area, 1 of 10 active bacterial core surveillance sites where investigation into this issue is ongoing, the number of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease has tripled compared with the 5-year average for the month of October.
"Most of that increase has been in adults under the age of 60," Dr. Schuchat noted. "The findings in Denver probably reflect findings that are occurring in other parts of the country where the surveillance hasn't been as intensive," she added.
The findings highlight the fact that "pandemics put us at risk for not just flu problems but also bacterial pneumonia problems," and they also point to the need for prevention efforts, Dr. Schuchat said.
Only about 25% of high-risk adults younger than 65 years have received the vaccine that protects against pneumococcal disease, she said.
Dr. Schuchat also commented on the H1N1 influenza vaccine supply, stating that supplies continue to increase, with an estimated 21.2 million doses available for the states to order, with less than a quarter of doses available as an intranasal spray.
Several states are planning major activities after Thanksgiving to promote more vaccination in targeted groups such as adults with chronic health conditions and children, Dr. Schuchat said.
Regarding the safety of the H1N1 vaccine, Dr. Schuchat noted that "so far, everything that we've reviewed is extremely reassuring," with patterns similar to that observed with the seasonal flu vaccine.
Of all the reports that have come into the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), about 94% of adverse events were classified as not serious and mostly involve redness at the injection site. To date, there are no indications of Guillain-Barré syndrome or allergic reactions to the H1N1 vaccine.
A total of 10 reports to the VAERS have come in about possible Guillain-Barré syndrome cases potentially related to the vaccine, which, considering the number of doses administered, is not considered notable, she said.