Tobacco, Staph infections and HPV vaccine

Students in Classes 7 through 10 at Campus des Nations are participating in a Swiss no-smoking campaign. Throughout the year there will be discussions related to tobacco use and its ill effects on health. Classes that are able to commit to not smoking are eligible for a drawing. Last year all participating classes adhered to the regulations – and one lucky homeroom won a 500 Sfr. travel voucher. We hope for the same this year! For more information on the “Experience Non-Fumeur” go to http://www.experience-nonfumeur.ch/topic6013.html
Many parents and students will be aware that infection with community acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) has been in the headlines in North America in recent weeks. While not currently making headlines in Europe, MRSA is nonetheless prevalent to varying degrees throughout the European Union. At Campus des Nations we will be maintaining a focus on the importance of hygiene in the prevention of illness. Good hand-washing is cited as a key action in preventing both seasonal viral infections and community acquired bacterial infections such as MRSA.
Several parents have recently asked for information about the new human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). Persistent infection with certain types of Papillomavirus is responsible for the majority of cases of cervical cancer. The newly released HPV is reported to be highly protective. HPV vaccine is provided in a 3-dose schedule with the second and third doses administered 2 and 6 months after the first dose. The U.S. Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends HPV vaccine for females aged 11-12 years; the vaccination series can be started in females as young as age 9 years; and a catch-up vaccination is recommended for females aged 13-26 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the full vaccine series. Parents interested in having their daughters vaccinated should contact their pediatrician or family doctor.