Mumps in Poland in 2021. / Swinka w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Mumps is a contagious viral disease occurring mainly in children, the source of infection being the sick/infected person. Since 2003, vaccination against mumps has been mandatory in Poland, performed according to a two-dose schedule. As part of the Public Health Immunization Program (PSO), the MMR combination vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) is used for the entire population of children. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of mumps in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2021 was based on the interpretation of data from the bulletin , "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2021" and , "Immunization in Poland in 2021". RESULTS: 484 cases of mumps were registered in Poland in 2021. The total incidence was 1.3 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than in 2020. The highest incidence of 1.8 per 100,000 residents was registered in Pomorskie Province, and the lowest incidence of 0.7 in Lower Silesia Province. The highest incidence (6.4/100 thousand) was recorded in children aged 0-4 and 5-9. The incidence rate for men (1.4/100,000) was higher than for women (1.1). In 2021, there were 9 patients hospitalized due to mumps, this was more than in 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in the number of cases of mumps in 2021 remained related to the ongoing pandemic - the restrictions introduced during the pandemic period led to a decrease in the number of cases not only of COVID-19, but also of other diseases spread by the droplet route, including mumps. The number of registered cases based on the reports of diagnosing physicians may be underestimating the actual number of cases due to the continued difficult access of patients to primary care physicians.

Rubella in Poland in 2021. / Rózyczka w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Rubella is a viral infectious disease, and humans are the only reservoir of the virus. In 2020, all WHO member countries conducted epidemiological surveillance for rubella, and almost all (99%) had access to rubella testing at laboratories operating under the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of rubella in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation was based on a review of data from the bulletin , "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2021" (5), and the assessment of the immunization status of the population was based on data from the bulletin , "Immunization in Poland in 2021" (6). Classification of cases was made based on the definition used in the 2021 surveillance (7). Data from the epidemiological surveillance system "EpiBase" were also used. RESULTS: In 2021, 50 cases of rubella were registered, 48 fewer than in 2020 (98 cases). There was also a decrease in incidence to 0.13 per 100,000, compared to 0.26 per 100,000 in 2020. The highest incidence, regardless of gender and residential environment, was recorded in the 0-4 age group (1.23 per 100 thousand). No cases of congenital rubella syndrome were reported in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: In 2021, there was a decrease in the number of rubella cases in Poland, which could be a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduced restrictions. In addition, rubella was registered 99% on the basis of clinical diagnoses, without the required laboratory confirmation, which means that other rash diseases could be registered as rubella.

Measles in Poland in 2021. / Odra w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Measles is one of the most contagious childhood diseases, and the behavior also occurs in adults. This is a multi-year vaccination covered by an elimination program coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Elimination of measles in the country is conditional on a 95% incidence of infection with two victims, monitoring the epidemiological situation, registering all suspected cases of measles, and monitoring by the WHO Reference Laboratory. In our country, the Department of Virology of the NIZP PZH-PIB in Warsaw serves as the head of the Department of Virology. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of measles in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation was based on a review of data from the bulletin, "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2021" (5), and the assessment of the immunization status of the population was based on data from the bulletin, "Immunization in Poland in 2021" (6). Classification of cases was made based on the definition used in the 2021 surveillance (7). Data from the epidemiological surveillance system "EpiBase" were also used. RESULTS: In 2021, 13 measles cases were registered in Poland (incidence 0.03 per 100,000), 44.8% less than in 2020 and 80% less than the median in 2014-2018. In 2021, the highest incidence was recorded at 0.32 per 100,000 children aged 0-4 years. 6 patients (46.2%) were hospitalized; no deaths due to measles were reported. 32 suspected measles cases were recorded, with over a hundred cases expected. Vaccination status of children aged 3 with the first dose was 90.8%, and the second dose was given to children at the age of 9. - 84.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological indicators of measles in 2021 in Poland compared to 2020 have decreased. A similar trend observed throughout Europe. This is related to the extinguishment of outbreaks that occurred before the pandemic, mainly in 2019.

Chickenpox in Poland in 2021. / Ospa wietrzna w Polsce w 2021 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease, but one that can be effectively prevented by vaccination. In Poland, vaccination against the disease is recommended, paid for, and chickenpox remains very common. In recent years, starting in 2002, the upward trend in the incidence of chickenpox has continued, except in 2020. In 2020, there was a decrease in incidence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological indicators of chickenpox in Poland in 2021 compared to previous years, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation of the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2021 was carried out based on the results of the analysis of aggregate data published in the annual bulletins: "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2021" and "Immunization in Poland in 2021". In addition, recommendations from the 2021 Immunization Program are described. RESULTS: 57,669 cases of chickenpox were registered in Poland in 2021, 42% less than in the previous year. The incidence of chickenpox in 2021 was 151.1 per 100,000, which was lower than in 2020, as well as in 2019, when it was 470.6/100,000. The lowest incidence was registered in Lower Silesia Province - 99.2/100,000, while the highest in Silesia Province - 215.8/100,000. The highest incidence was in children aged 0-4 years (18,028). The incidence of chickenpox in males was higher than in females (159.5 vs. 143.3/100 thousand), and urban residents were higher than rural residents (152.1 vs. 149.6/100 thousand). Hospitalization due to chickenpox in 2021 included 210 people, which accounted for 0.36% of the total number of registered cases. CONCLUSIONS: In 2021, there was a decrease in the number of chickenpox cases compared to the previous year. The lower incidence may have been the result of a decrease in the transmission of the chickenpox virus, the decrease in the number of cases has to do with, among other things, the restrictions put in place in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, which result in, among other things, reduced human contact, the wearing of masks and increased social distance.

Measles in Poland in 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Measles is a disease under the elimination program coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The elimination of measles in the country is possible provided that 95% of the population is vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine, the epidemiological situation is monitored, all suspected cases of measles are recorded, and laboratory diagnostics are conducted by the WHO Reference Laboratory. Polish Reference Laboratory is located at the Department of Virology NIPH NIH - NRI. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to analyze the epidemiological situation of measles in Poland in 2020 with presenting the measles vaccination coverage and the progress of the measles elimination programme in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The epidemiological situation of measles in Poland was analyzed on the basis of the case-based questionnaires of cases suspected of measles sent to NIPH NIH - NRI by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations, data from the publications: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2020" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2020". RESULTS: In 2020, 29 cases of measles were notified to the surveillance system in Poland (incidence 0.08 per 100,000 population). The highest incidence was observed in the aged 0-4 was estimated at 0.42 per 100,000 population. Out of all cases, 9 (31%) were hospitalized. No fatal cases due to the measles were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological situation of measles in 2020 in comparison with the situation in 2019, has improvement. This was a trend in throughout Europe.

Rubella in Poland in 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2005, rubella has been included in the eradication program coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The elimination of rubella in the country is possible provided that it is achieved by min. 95% immunization status and monitoring of the epidemiological situation, including the recording all suspicions of rubella and conducting laboratory diagnostics in the WHO Reference Laboratory. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland in 2020, taking into account the assessment of rubella vaccination status and the degree of implementation of the WHO rubella elimination program in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland based on aggregated reports of suspected rubella cases sent to the National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute by the Voivodeship Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations, data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2020" and data from the Epibaza system and the bulletin "Preventive vaccination in Poland in 2020". RESULTS: In 2020, 98 cases of rubella were registered, 187 cases less than in 2019 (285 cases). There was also a decrease in the incidence to 0.26 per 100,000, compared to 0.74 per 100,000 in 2019. The highest incidence, iregardless of gender and place of residence, was recorded in the 0-4 age group (2.98 per 100,000). In 2020, no cases of congenital rubella syndrome were reported. In 2020, only one case (1.02%) was classified as a case confirmed in a laboratory test. The remaining 98.98% (97 cases) were diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2020, in Poland, a decrease in the number of rubella was observed. Rubella was registered in 99% on the basis of a general diagnosis, without the required laboratory confirmation, which means that other rash diseases can be registered as rubella.

Mumps in Poland in 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Mumps is an acute, generalized viral disease whose source of infection is the infected person. In 2003, vaccination against mumps became compulsory in Poland, performed according to a twodose scheme. The combined MMR vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) was introduced as part of the Protective Vaccination Program (PVP), which influenced the number of cases in Poland. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological indicators of mumps in Poland in 2020 compared to previous years. METHODS: The analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2020 was based on the interpretation of data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2020" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2020". RESULTS: In 2020, 582 cases of mumps were registered in Poland. The total incidence was 1.5 per 100,000 inhabitants and was lower compared to 2019. The highest incidence was 2.0 per 100,000 inhabitants were registered in the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship and the lowest - 0.7 in the Dolnoslaskie Voivodeship. The highest incidence (24.6/100,000) was recorded in children aged 5-9 years. The incidence of men (1.8/100,000) was higher than that of women (1.2/100,000). In 2020, 6 patients were hospitalized in Poland due to mumps, which was less than in 2019 (22 patients). The level of vaccination against mumps in children aged 3 was lower by 0.7 percentage points compared to 2019 and amounted to 91.9% across Poland. CONCLUSIONS: In 2020, there was a decrease in the number of mumps cases compared to the previous year. The lower incidence may have been the result of a reduction in mumps virus transmission due to a change in population health behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the epidemiological threat, the functioning of nurseries, kindergartens and schools was also temporarily suspended, which resulted in a reduction in the incidence of mumps in younger age groups, which are the main group of patients.

Chickenpox in Poland in 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The characteristic feature of this virus is very high visibility of 90-95%. The most common connection is direct contact with the disease or via droplets. The United States was the first country to introduce a universal, population-based childhood varicella vaccination program in 1995. In its 25 years of implementation, this program has significantly reduced the burden of chickenpox. There was a more than 97% reduction in varicella incidence and a 90% reduction in varicella-related hospitalizations and deaths, the highest (99%) in those under the age of 20 (born after starting the vaccination programme). Chickenpox is very common in Poland. In recent years, starting from 2002, there has been an upward trend in the incidence of chickenpox, except for 2020. In 2020, a decrease in the number of cases was recorded. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2020 and to compare it with the situation in previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Evaluation of the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2020 was based on the results of the analysis of aggregate data published in the annual bulletins: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2020." and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2020". In addition, recommendations from the Protective Vaccination Program for 2020 were used. RESULTS: In 2020, 71,567 cases of chickenpox were registered in Poland, i.e. 39.6% less than in the previous year. The incidence of chickenpox in 2020 was 186.6 per 100,000 and was lower than in 2019. The lowest incidence was recorded in the Swietokrzyskie Voivodship - 118.5/100,000, while the highest in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship - 263.5/100,000. Most cases concerned children aged 0-4 years (36,661). The incidence of chickenpox in men was higher than in women, and in rural areas higher than in urban dwellers. Hospitalization due to chickenpox in 2020 covered 1,368 people, which accounted for 0.51% of the total number of registered cases. CONCLUSIONS: In 2020, there was a decrease in the number of cases of chickenpox compared to the previous year. The lower incidence may have been the result of reduced transmission of the varicella virus due to changes in the health behavior of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic (isolation measures and the introduction of a lock down throughout Poland limiting the activity of the population).

Mumps in Poland in 2019.

BACKGROUND: Mumps is a highly infectious viral disease, the source of infection is an infected person. In 2003, compulsory vaccination against mumps was introduced in Poland, carried out according to a two-dose schedule. The combined MMR vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) is used as part of the Protective Vaccination Program (PVP). Mumps vaccination has led to a significant reduction in the incidence of mumps in Poland. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological indicators of mumps in Poland in 2019 compared to previous years. METHODS: The analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2019 was based on the interpretation of data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2019" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2019". RESULTS: In 2019, 1,338 mumps cases were registered in Poland. The total incidence was 3.5 per 100,000 inhabitants and was lower compared to 2018. The highest incidence 4.6 per 100,000 inhabitants were registered in the Opolskie Voivodeship and the lowest - 2.5 in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The incidence was the highest among 6-year-olds and amounted to 32.3/100,000. Comparing the differences between the sexes, the incidence of men (4.1/100,000) was higher than that of women (2.9). In 2019, 22 patients were hospitalized due to mumps in Poland, which was less than in 2018 (28). The level of mumps vaccination in children at 3 years of age was lower by 0.3% compared to 2018 and amounted to 92.6% in Poland. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a high percentage of children vaccinated against mumps will provide sustaining decline in cases of mumps in the coming years.

Duration of protection against Bordetella pertussis infection elicited by whole-cell and acellular vaccine priming in Polish children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: In the context of reported resurgence of pertussis in the last decade, researchers hypothesized that acellular (aP) pertussis vaccines elicit a shorter-lived protection compared to whole-cell (wP) pertussis vaccines. However, in the studies seeking to demonstrate this hypothesis, exposure to each vaccine type was not concurrent, and contradictory epidemiologic modeling questioned its validity. The context of pertussis vaccination history in Poland, with both vaccine types used concurrently in comparable proportions, provided an opportunity to investigate this hypothesis. We sought to compare waning of protection by primary series vaccine type by measuring anti-pertussis toxin antibody concentrations as proxy for recent infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serological samples from 2,745 children and adolescents aged ≥5 years and <16 years and with completed 5-dose pertussis vaccination series were tested by ELISA for pertussis toxin (PT) antibodies. Participants were stratified by type of priming vaccine (wP or aP). Vaccination timeliness and priming-specific trends in anti-PT antibody levels by time since last vaccine dose were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1,161 (42.5%) children received wP vaccines, and 1,314 (48.1%) received aP vaccines for their primary series and toddler booster. Overall, 53.57% of the subjects received doses 2-4 in a timely manner, while only 41.52% received all 5 doses at the recommended intervals. Using GMCs or seropositivity measures, both priming groups showed a re-increase in anti-PT antibody levels signing infection in recent years from 8 years after the school-entry booster onward. Comparisons did not show any significant differences between the two groups in the timing or intensity of this re-increase. CONCLUSION: Our results clearly confirm that vaccine-elicited immunity against pertussis wanes among adolescents even after a complete infant, toddler and school-entry vaccination series. The timing and intensity of the waning of protection appear similar with whole-cell as with acellular pertussis vaccines.

Ozone disinfection of community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic as a possible preventive measure for infection spread.

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently one of the major global health and economic challenges. An efficient method for reducing the transmission of the virus is a still unmet medical need. Existing experimental data have shown that coronavirus survival is negatively impacted by ozone, high temperature, and low humidity. Therefore, it is feasible to use area ozonation in pharmacies - the front line of the healthcare system. Nevertheless, further work is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone disinfection to reduce the transmission of this virus in pharmacies, hospitals, and other public environments. Med Pr. 2021;72(5):529-34.

Readiness and Willingness to Provide Immunization Services after Pilot Vaccination Training: A Survey among Community Pharmacists Trained and Not Trained in Immunization during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Immunization rates among the adult population in Poland are below desired targets, urging the need to expand this service in the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ultimate goals for limiting the spread of the infection are vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Pharmaceutical companies are in a race for the fastest possible way to deliver vaccines. Community pharmacists in Poland are recognised as an accessible yet underutilised group of medical professionals. Therefore, involving pharmacists in vaccinations may have beneficial results for the healthcare system. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the readiness and willingness of community pharmacists following the Pharmacist Without Borders project who had either been trained or not in providing immunization services, and to identify the factors that may support the implementation of such services in Poland. METHODS: This study was conducted among pharmacists between February and August 2020 in Poland. A survey was developed to determine their readiness to provide vaccination services in their pharmacies, to recognise any barriers to vaccinations, as well as the factors necessary to implement vaccination services in Polish pharmacies. RESULTS: A total of 1777 pharmacists participated in the study, comprising 127 (7.1%) pharmacists trained in vaccinations during the Pharmacists Without Borders project and 1650 (92.9%) pharmacists not participating in the workshops. Pharmacists participating in the workshops more often indicated that providing vaccinations in community pharmacies would improve the overall vaccination rate (p = 0.0001), and that pharmacists could play an important role in advertising and promoting vaccinations (p = 0.0001). For the pharmacists not participating in the workshops, they indicated to a much greater extent possible barriers affecting the readiness to provide vaccinations in pharmacies. They most often pointed out that vaccination services would result in a significant workload increase (p = 0.0001), that pharmacies were not adapted to immunization, and that there were not enough training courses for pharmacists (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The pharmacists working in community pharmacies indicated many advantages of vaccinations in pharmacies. This study identified barriers to the introduction of vaccinations and factors necessary to implement these services in pharmacies. The pharmacists trained during the immunization programme of the Pharmacists Without Borders project showed a greater readiness to provide immunization services.

Rubella in Poland in 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Rubella has been included in the elimination program coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2005. Elimination of rubella in the country is possible provided that min. 95% of the vaccination status of the population and monitoring the epidemiological situation, including recording all suspected rubella and conducting laboratory diagnostics at the WHO Reference Laboratory. AIM: The aims of the present article are to analyze the epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland in 2019 and to discuss the rubella vaccination coverage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland was conducted on the basis of aggregated reports of suspected rubella cases sent to the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene by Voivodeship Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations, and data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2019" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2019 ". RESULTS: In 2019, there was a decrease in the number of rubella cases with registered 285 cases (in 2018 - 37 cases), and a decline in incidence (from 1.1 per 100,000 to 0.74). The highest incidence rate, regardless of gender and the environment, was observed among children agded 0-4 years (6.4 per 100,000). In 2019, no cases of congenital rubella syndrome were registered. In 2019, only 3 (1.05%) cases were classified as laboratoryconfirmed cases. The remaining 98.9% (282 cases) were diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In 2019, there was a decrease in the number of rubella cases. In Poland rubella in reported exclusively on the basis of the clinical picture. The proportion of laboratory tests confirming/excluding rubella infection is still very low in Poland.

Measles in Poland in 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Since 1998 Poland has endorsed measles elimination programme which is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). To accomplish measles elimination in the country, achievement of vaccination coverage at 95% in the population is needed, as is the monitoring of the epidemiological situation, i.e.: reporting on cases suspected of measles and conducting laboratory diagnostics in WHO Reference Laboratory. Polish Reference Laboratory is located at the Department of Virology NIPH NIH - NRI. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to analyze the epidemiological situation of measles in Poland in 2019 with presenting the measles vaccination coverage and the progress of the measles elimination programme in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The epidemiological situation of measles in Poland was analyzed on the basis of the case-based questionnaires of cases suspected of measles sent to NIPH NIH-NRI by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations, data from the publications: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2019" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2019". RESULTS: In 2019, 1,502 cases of measles were notified to the surveillance system in Poland (incidence 3.91 per 100,000 population, more than four times more than in 2018). The highest incidence was observed in the aged 35-39 was estimated at 11.36 per 100,000 population. Out of all cases, 772 (51.4%) were hospitalized. No fatal cases due to the measles were reported. In 2019 the maintenance of high vaccination coverage among children aged 2 and 12 years old was observed - from 92.6% to 99.5% (primary vaccination, children born in 2009-2017). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological situation of measles in 2019 in comparison with the situation in 2018, has deteriorated. This was a trend in throughout Europe.

The legal extension of the role of pharmacists in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 epidemic has affected every area of life. The greatest challenge has been to adapt the functioning of the health service to prevent the spread of the epidemic and to help infected patients. This has required the involvement of not only doctors and nurses, but also pharmacists. In the face of this pandemic, governments in many countries have granted pharmacists greater authority. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to review the legal extension of the role of pharmacists in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review considers recent changes in European countries, Canada, and the United States. METHODS: A literature review was performed to summarise knowledge about the extension of the role of pharmacists during the pandemic period. Key articles were retrieved mainly from PubMed and Google Scholar, using the terms "COVID-19", "2019-nCoV", "coronavirus", and "pandemic" in combination with "pharmacist" as keywords for our search. We included scientific publications from February 1, 2019 to May 15, 2020. RESULTS: Pharmacists have been given numerous opportunities so that they can actively join in the fight against the virus. Some of the novel legal extensions aimed at aiding overloaded healthcare systems are as follows: authorisation to prepare hand and surface disinfectants, eligibility to renew chronic treatment prescriptions, as well as filling pro auctore and pro familia prescriptions by pharmacists, performing COVID-19, influenza, and Group A Streptococcus screening tests, and vaccine administration. Moreover, many countries have facilitated Internet services, such as virtual medical consultations, e-prescriptions, and home drug delivery - to promote social distancing among patients. To mitigate drug shortages, the following strategies have been implemented: alternative sourcing, strength, generic, or therapeutic substitution, and preparing compounded formulations at the pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: Novel legal extensions have allowed exploitation of the full potential ofpharmacists worldwide, aiding the limited resources of overloaded healthcare systems.

Tetanus in Poland in 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: Tetanus is an acute disease of the nervous system caused by tetanus toxin (neurotoxin) produced by tetanus bacilli (Clostridium tetani). This disease can be prevented by vaccination. In Poland, thanks to obligatory vaccinations of children and adolescents and high vaccination coverage, the disease has been practically eliminated. Less than 20 cases are recorded each year. AIM: The aim of the work is to analyze the epidemiological indicators of tetanus in Poland in 2018-2019. METHODS: The analysis of the Polish tetanus epidemiological situation in 2018-2019 was based on a review of data from the bulletins "Infections diseases in Poland in 2018", "Infections diseases in Poland in 2019" and the analysis of the population immunization was made on the basis of data from the bulletins "Protective Vaccination in Poland in 2018", "Protective Vaccination in Poland in 2019". RESULTS: There are 17 tetanus cases registered in 2019, in 2018 8 cases. The total incidence rate was 0.044 per 100 thousand population and was higher compared to 2018 (0.021). All reports involved hospitalized individuals. SUMMARY: The few cases of tetanus in Poland occur mainly in people over 60 years of age. These can be linked to the lack of tetanus booster vaccination of adults.

Chickenpox in Poland in 2019.

BACKGROUND: Chickenpox is a common disease in Poland, which is usually mild, but can lead to serious complications. Vaccination is an effective form of prevention. Prior to universal vaccination against chickenpox, high incidence was recorded in many countries. In Poland, since 2003, vaccinations have been carried out recommended for people who did not suffer from chickenpox and, since 2009, obligatory vaccinations for children up to 12 years of age particularly vulnerable to infection and children around them. AIM: To assess epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2019, including vaccination coverage in Polish population, in comparison to previous years. METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2019 was based on the results of the analysis of aggregate data published in the annual bulletins: "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2019" and "Protective Vaccination in Poland in 2019." In addition, the recommendations from the Protective Vaccine Program for 2019 were used. RESULTS: In 2019, 180 641 cases of chickenpox were registered in Poland, i.e. 17.2% more than in the previous year. The incidence of chickenpox in 2019 was 470.6 per 100 thousand and was higer than in 2018. The lowest incidence was registered in the Dolnoslaskie Voivodeship - 297.9/100 thousand, the highest in the Slaskie Voivodeship - 555.9/100 thousand. Children aged 0-4 years became ill the most (89 611). The incidence of chickenpox in men was higher than in women, and in rural areas it was higher than in urban areas. Hospitalization due to chickenpox in 2019 covered 1 156 people, which accounted for 0.64% of the total number of registered cases. SUMMARY: In 2019, there was a growth in the number of chickenpox cases compared to the previous year, the incidence remains lower than in 2012-2014. An effective method of disease prevention is vaccination against chickenpox, which, despite the lack of common funding, is carried out in a growing population. Further improvement of the epidemiological situation requires health education of the society in the field of primary prevention, which is based on vaccinations. As recommended, the chickenpox vaccination course consists of two doses of the vaccine separated by at least 6 weeks from the previous dose.

Physicochemical Properties of Dried Apple Slices: Impact of Osmo-Dehydration, Sonication, and Drying Methods.

Apple slices of the Elise variety were previously osmo-dehydrated in erythritol, xylitol, and sucrose for 2 h. In some parts of the experiment, 30 min of ultrasound pre-treatment (US) were applied. Afterwards, fruit samples were dried by convective (CD), microwave-vacuum (VM), and a combined method (CD/VM, mix two of them). The main aim of the research was to characterize an impact of osmotic dehydration, sonication pre-treatment, and drying method on the physicochemical properties of the dried apples. The use of sugar alcohols (xylitol, erythritol) in the production of dried apples did not badly affect the taste of the obtained dried products; it enabled a noticeable cooling/refreshing effect felt in the mouth when consuming a snack, and enabled the production of dried snacks with lower calorific value. Polyol residues in the product were at a level that was safe for consumers. The most popular convective drying was long lasting, whereas the VM drying method allowed for the shortest drying time, amounting to 76 min; moreover, additional application of ultrasounds reduced this time to 36 min. The combined drying method allowed the total duration of the process to be reduced 2-4.5 times. Ultrasound applied during osmotic dehydration did not significantly affect attributes of the descriptive sensory analysis for the obtained dried apples. The best hygroscopic properties, ensuring the storage stability of the dried product, showed dried apples previously osmo-dehydrated in erythritol and sucrose solutions.

Community pharmacy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has proved that community pharmacies play a pivotal role in providing medicines, information and safety measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. PURPOSE: The study aimed to get to know opinions of pharmacy staff and owners on the functioning of the community pharmacy during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To collect opinions about functioning of the community pharmacy during the pandemic, we conducted cross-sectional study among pharmacy staff and owners of pharmacies. RESULTS: The study group included 456 respondents mostly associated with independent pharmacies (55.7%), from cities less than 100,000 inhabitants (38.8%). The number of patients as well as filled prescriptions increased during the pandemic. Respondents provided patients with advice on cold (81.6%), sore throat (77.0%) and acherelated complaints (68.6%). Most of participants (64.5%) declared that they informed patients about COVID-19. The safety measures in community pharmacies included: a safety regulations poster during the pandemic (97.1%), handwashing in accordance with recommended guidelines (96.3%) and using protective gloves by the pharmacy staff (89.9%). According to 60.7% of participants, the community pharmacy was properly prepared for the pandemic by the owner, however, respondents from independent pharmacies indicate this more frequently (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents are aware of the role of community pharmacies in the healthcare system during the pandemic, nevertheless, more attention needs to be paid by public authorities and governmental institutions to patient safety in the community pharmacy.

Rubella in Poland in 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Rubella is the disease subject to the elimination programme coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Generally, rubella is an infection of mild course among children but in the case of pregnant women, who are not immunized, the probability of the occurrence of severe congenital abnormalities (congenital rubella syndrome) may amount to 95%. The strategy of the countries belonging to the WHO European Region is directed to the interruption of the rubella virus transmission in the environment in order to prevent the cases of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present article are to analyze the epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland in 2018 and to discuss the rubella vaccination coverage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland was analyzed on the basis of publications: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2018" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2018". RESULTS: In 2018, there was a decrease in the number of rubella cases - with registered 437 cases (in 2017 - 476 cases) - and a decline in incidence (from 1.2 per 100 000 to 1.1). The highest incidence rate, regardless of gender and the environment, was observed among children aged 0-4 years (9.8 per 100,000). In 2018, no cases of congenital rubella syndrome were registered. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2018, there was a decrease in the number of rubella cases. In Poland Rubella is reported exclusively on the basis of the clinical picture. The proportion of laboratory tests confirming/excluding rubella infection is still very low in Poland.