• The best plan for mitigating the impact of an influenza pandemic is the timely administration of vaccine.  For the 2009 - 2010 influenza season, two different types of influenza vaccines are expected to be recommended for people in the United States.  The first is the seasonal influenza vaccine and a separate vaccine solely for the protection from the novel H1N1 pandemic virus that emerged in the spring of 2009.  ACOG and the CDC currently recommend that pregnant women be immunized with the seasonal influenza vaccine.  The CDC is recommending that pregnant women receive priority vaccination for the H1N1 virus. 
  • The Ohio Department of Health monthly update: www.odh.ohio.gov
  • National CDC’s updates: www.flu.gov
  • Ohio Information  

Screening for hereditary cancer:

• ACOG has released recent recommendations for the screening of hereditary cancers such as breast, ovarian and colon cancers.  This is important as Myriad Genetic Laboratories, the proprietary lab that conducts BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene tests for hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome, has begun notifying Ohio Genetic Centers that they intend to launch a direct-to-consumer marketing campaign (TV, radio, and print ads) in Ohio from September 2009 through March of 2010.  The Ohio Department of Health is sponsoring a hereditary cancer update targeting nurses who work in women’s health practices.  A half day training seminar will be done in three locations around the State of Ohio.  Registration is free and nursing continuing education credits will be provided. 
  • Hereditary Cancer Update registration
  • ACOG practice bulletin regarding screening for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
  • ACOG committee opinions on direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic testing and ethical issues concerning genetic testing

Medicaid providers will no longer receive paper copies of Medicaid transmission letters:  

• Sign up to receive communication electronically by submitting your name and e-mail address to the following web address: http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/subscribe/

Ohio March of Dimes Conference:

• November 16-17, 2009 -  “Improving the Grade; Promoting Healthy Birth Outcomes through the Prevention of Prematurity, Birth Defects and Infant Mortality"