Public health officials are underscoring the tragedy of severe influenza infections and deaths in children, adding a palpable sense of urgency for immunization in an era when some parents are suspicious of vaccine efficacy and safety.

Given the nation’s antivaccine movement and the annual safety myths and efficacy quibbles about the seasonal influenza vaccine, public health officials are keeping it simple this year: A flu shot can keep you out of the hospital and the morgue.

Measles and mumps are back ... and not in a good way. Until now, many clinicians had only heard of these almost-eradicated diseases. Unfortunately, the reality is clinicians may see children with these diseases. It is critical to identify them early, recognize potential high-risk exposures, and manage the disease and its complications effectively. Involvement of public health resources and early appropriate isolation are necessary to limit the spread of these two infections. The author provides a timely review of all critical aspects of both of these diseases.

Changing Herpes Zoster Risk in Adults; Trends in Herpes Zoster Risk Among Children

Transplacental antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum Schizont Egress Antigen-1 may protect infants from severe malarial infection during the first year of life. This new knowledge about these antibodies potentially can inform vaccine development.

The International Society of Travel Medicine met in Washington, DC, from June 5-9.