The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) annually publishes an immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 18 years that summarizes recommendations for currently licensed vaccines for children aged 18 years and younger and includes recommendations in effect as of December 15, 2009. The changes to the previous schedule are…

The past century has seen vast improvements in our children's health. The infectious diseases that once killed huge numbers of children have largely been conquered. Infant mortality has also fallen markedly, although the United States lags behind other industrialized nations in this and other measures of children's health. Accidents and injuries…

"Child Care Health Connections" is a bimonthly newsletter published by the California Childcare Health Program (CCHP), a community-based program of the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Care Nursing. The goals of the newsletter are to promote and support a healthy and safe environment for all…

The shadow cast by HIV reaches beyond individuals diagnosed with the condition. It touches the lives of family members, friends, coworkers, and many others. One group in particular that feels these effects keenly is the children of HIV-positive parents. With improved treatments that have extended the life expectancies of HIV-infected people and…

This essay acknowledges that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has created entire communities for whom loss has become a common and a shared experience. As a result of this impact of HIV/AIDS, several questions surface. However, the one question upon which this essay focuses is, "What type of environment is required for children infected and affected by…

There has been a recent slowdown in the decline of rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States. However, there are disparities in TB diagnosis between U.S.-born and foreign-born persons and between Whites and minorities. Measures for achieving TB elimination include identification of high-risk persons, including children and adolescents, at…

This article discusses the two most frequently found intestinal helminths: tapeworms and roundworms. (JS)

This article urges greater awareness of parasitic infestations and describes a Texas school district's program designed to "deworm" a community. (JS)

In this article, we examine a set of 26 children's books on HIV/AIDS published between 1989-1999 to identify the ways in which these texts construct HIV/AIDS and people living with HIV/AIDS. We explore how this marginalized group is depicted in these books, and how well-meaning teachers may in fact be reproducing dominant discourses about HIV/AIDS…

This article discusses the following common intestinal parasites: a) roundworm; b) pinworm; c) hookworm; d) threadworm; e) trichina worm; and f) whipworm. (JS)

Head lice affect over 10 million Americans each year. Noting that head lice are becoming resistant to conventional pediculicide (insecticide) treatments, this video combines live action and animation to education parents, children, and health professionals about the use of olive oil for successfully preventing and getting rid of head lice. The…

This article urges broad-scale education programs enlisting the parents, teacher training institutions, and state departments of education in the fight against nematode infestation. (JS)

Examines AIDS in terms of its causes, prevalence, prognoses, and modes of transmission. Discusses the importance of educating the public about AIDS and techniques for preventing AIDS. (RJC)

In response to congressional request, this report provides information on the implementation plans developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Introductory material indicates that the VFC was created to increase vaccine coverage levels nationwide by creating an entitlement to free vaccine for…