The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination Attitudes and Actions in Spain's Adult Population.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus which constitutes a significant public health issue associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding influenza vaccination in the Spanish adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their vaccination intentions, with special attention paid to those over 65 years old and in high-risk groups. To this end, a cross-sectional study was conducted through 2219 telephone interviews, and the results were compared with results obtained a year earlier. Regarding the reasons for deciding to get vaccinated in the 2022/23 season, a significant increase was observed in vaccine confidence (36.7% vs. 42.8%), social responsibility (32.5% vs. 43.8%), and in awareness of the importance of vaccination due to COVID-19 (21.7% vs. 25.4%). Advanced age (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0-3.9), belonging to high-risk groups (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.7), and prior vaccination (OR 25.3, 95% CI 19.5-32.7) emerged as significant predictors for the intent to receive the influenza vaccine in the 2022/23 season. Continuously observing shifts in perceptions and behaviors related to influenza immunization is crucial to pinpoint factors that may influence the willingness to receive the vaccine and, in this way, design public health strategies that achieve a greater acceptance of it.

Long-term influenza antibodies profiles in previously vaccinated and non-vaccinated adults.

The aim of this work is to describe the dynamics of influenza antibodies after vaccination in adults. We conducted a case-cohort serological study in the automobile manufacturing plants of the Renault España S.A. group in Valladolid and Palencia (Spain), including 550 workers (66.9%) previously vaccinated against influenza (group V), and 272 (33.1%) never vaccinated (group NV). A pre-vaccination serum sample was collected, another after 30-40 days and another after 6 months. The dynamics of antibodies were analyzed. A lower seroprotection of NV before vaccination was observed, but an antibody response between 2 and 4 times higher than in V was assessed. After 6 months, antibodies declined in both groups until equalize. Antibodies titers decrease with age, and no differences were found among underlying pathologies. Adults never vaccinated against influenza had lower seroprotection than those previously vaccinated, but influenza vaccination produces a more intense serological response in them, acquiring significantly higher antibody titers than those previously vaccinated. The antibodies, although in lower titers, persist and equalize among both groups at least 6 months after vaccination, which allows the individual to be protected during the entire circulation of the influenza virus in the same season.

Evolution of antibody profiles against SARS-CoV-2 in experienced and naïve vaccinated elderly people.

Introduction: The third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is especially necessary in people over 65 years of age due to their lower immune response. Methods: We designed a multicentre, prospective observational study including 98 people ≤65 years old who lived in two nursing homes in Valladolid, Spain. One of the groups had previous experience with SARS-CoV-2 (n=68;69.4%) and the other was naïve (n=30;30.6%). We evaluated the response to the three doses of the Comirnaty vaccine and the dynamics of antibodies during 5 consecutive serum samplings: 2 after the first two doses of vaccination, one three months after the first dose, another at 6 months and the last one month after the third dose. IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S1, RBD and N antigens were analysed. Results: Both groups increased the level of Abs against S1 and RBD, but the experienced group showed a 130-fold higher humoral response due to hybrid immunisation (infection+vaccination). The response to vaccination with Comirnaty against COVID-19 was higher in those ≤65 years with previous experience than those who were naïve. However, the amount of antibodies against S1 and RBD equalised at 6 months. After the third dose, both groups raised the amount of antibodies to a similar level. The reinfections suggested by the analysis of antibodies against N were frequent in both groups. Discussion: The third dose showed a clear benefit for elderly people, with the reinforcement of the antibody levels after the decline suffered after six months of the first two doses.

Possible Mpox Protection from Smallpox Vaccine-Generated Antibodies among Older Adults.

Smallpox vaccination may confer cross-protection to mpox. We evaluated vaccinia virus antibodies in 162 persons ≥50 years of age in Spain; 68.5% had detectable antibodies. Highest coverage (78%) was among persons 71-80 years of age. Low antibody levels in 31.5% of this population indicates that addressing their vaccination should be a priority.

Attitudes, Perceptions and Practices of Influenza Vaccination in the Adult Population: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey in Spain.

In Spain, the 2021/22 influenza season overlapped with the sixth wave of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). Influenza is a major public health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge, perceptions and practices of influenza vaccination in the Spanish population, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, with special attention paid to people over 65 years of age. A cross-sectional study was carried out by conducting 2211 telephone interviews. It was observed that 81.6% of people ≥ 65 years were vaccinated annually or with some frequency compared to 35.5% of those under 65 years (p < 0.001). Fifty percent of Spaniards showed an intention to be vaccinated in the 2021/22 campaign, during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. In the case of people ≥ 65 years old, this figure was 83% compared to 42% of those under 65 years old (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of intention to be vaccinated were age of 65 years or older (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5), female sex (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5-2.4), belonging to risk groups (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.1) and having been previously vaccinated (OR 29.7, 95% CI 22.5-39.2). The main reasons for deciding to be vaccinated were the need to be protected against the virus and to be vaccinated annually. On the other hand, lack of recommendation and considering the influenza vaccine as not necessary were the main reasons for not getting vaccinated. In addition, health personnel stood out as the main source of information (32.9%) compared to traditional media (26.9%) and public administration (12.3%). This study aimed to assess and analyse the factors influencing willingness to receive influenza vaccines in the COVID-19 era among Spanish adults, as well as the main information channels and strategies to encourage vaccination.

Outbreak of isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis in an immigrant community in Spain. / Brote de tuberculosis resistente a isoniacida en una comunidad de inmigrantes en España.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem. In 2013, 9 million new cases of active TB were estimated globally and the proportion of reported new cases with multi-drug resistance (MDR) was 3.5%. METHODS: Contact tracing of a case of pulmonary tuberculosis was performed in a Bolivian patient. Diagnostic tests were performed according to national and local protocols. RESULTS: An outbreak of tuberculosis in an immigrant community was detected, with 5 cases originating from one index case. Genotyping and drug susceptibility testing of the sputum samples determined Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid (KatG-msp unmutated/inhA 5RBS CT). Active case finding revealed a total of 39 contacts with an incidence of latent infection of 71.43%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the importance of active case finding through contact tracing as well as rapid laboratory diagnosis to achieve improvements in early detection of TB. Early diagnosis of the patient, compliance with appropriate treatment protocols and monitoring of drug resistance are considered essential for the prevention and control of TB.

Developing countries: health round-trip.

International travel can pose various risks to health, depending both on the health needs of the traveller and on the type of travel to be undertaken. Travellers intending to visit a destination in a developing country should consult a travel medicine clinic or medical practitioner before the journey. General precautions can greatly reduce the risk of exposure to infectious agents. Vaccination is a highly effective method of preventing certain infectious diseases. The aim of this study is to know the risks involved and the best way to prevent them.

Malaria in developing countries.

Malaria still poses a real threat to travellers, particularly in areas with high transmission rates such as sub-Saharan Africa, Papua New Guinea, and the South Pacific islands. Malaria causes an estimated 660,000 deaths each year from 219 million cases of illness. It is a preventable and curable disease. Malaria symptoms appear after a period of seven days or longer, and without treatment, the disease can lead to death. Mosquito bite prevention is the main way to reduce malaria transmission. Chemoprophylaxis recommendations depend on travelers' age, destination, type of travelling, or length of stay. Pregnant women, children, and immunosuppressed travelers are the most susceptible. There are currently no licensed vaccines against malaria. Results about a research vaccine candidate known as RTS,S/AS01 are expected in 2015.

[Profile of paediatric admissions and emergencies during an epidemic period of rotavirus in Valladolid [Spain]. Utility of a predictive model]. / Perfil de ingresos y urgencias pediátricas en período epidémico de rotavirus en Valladolid. Utilidad de un modelo predictivo.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the weeks of high rotavirus circulation in Valladolid (Spain) and to compare the characteristics of hospitalizations and emergencies in epidemic and nonepidemic periods. METHODS: The information sources consisted of the weekly notifications to the Microbiological Information System, the Minimum Data Set, and the Emergency Registry. Expected cases for 2006 were calculated using a previously developed model. Weeks with observed cases over the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for expected cases were considered epidemic periods. Hospitalization and emergencies in epidemic and nonepidemic periods were compared. RESULTS: The number of cases in 2006 was 42% less than the expected number. The mean number of daily admissions was higher in epidemic periods (d=1.49; p=0.01) and the length of admissions was longer. CONCLUSION: The activity of the paediatric service increased during the epidemic period. Consequently, implementation of surveillance activities and prevention and control programs for rotavirus in hospitals would seem advisable.