VIDEO: Universal Flu Shot Programs Can Reduce Antibiotic Use, Doctors Often Unaware of Drug Approval Status, Swine Flu Cases Still Cropping Up

24.08.2009 | 1:46 min

(August 24, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Vancouver - According to research in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, universal flu vaccinations can reduce antibiotic use. Analysis has shown that Ontario's universal flu shot program has reduced the use of emergency services and the flu-associated mortality rate. Further study has shown that after the program was initiated the rate of influenza-associated antibiotic prescriptions dropped by 64%. From Chicago - According to a report in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, doctors are often unaware of a drug's approval status. In a survey of over 450 psychiatrists and primary care physicians, researchers found that over 40% believed that one or more drugs had FDA approval for indications that, in actuality, had uncertain or no supporting evidence. This indicates a need for effective methods of disseminating information to doctors about off-label drug uses. And finally, from Atlanta - According to the CDC, cases of H1N1 "swine" flu are still appearing in the U.S., with most states reporting only local or sporadic activity. However, health officials are preparing for an increase in activity in the fall, with both seasonal and H1N1 flu expected to be present. Officials are also expecting 45-52 million doses of vaccine to be available by mid-October. For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Kelly Schweitzer.
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