Public health and economic benefits of seasonal influenza vaccination in risk groups in France, Italy, Spain and the UK: state of play and perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza epidemics have a substantial public health and economic burden, which can be alleviated through vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 75% vaccination coverage rate (VCR) in: older adults (aged ≥ 65 years), individuals with chronic conditions, pregnant women, children aged 6-24 months and healthcare workers. However, no European country achieves this target in all risk groups. In this study, potential public health and economic benefits achieved by reaching 75% influenza VCR was estimated in risk groups across four European countries: France, Italy, Spain, and the UK. METHODS: A static epidemiological model was used to estimate the averted public health and economic burden of increasing the 2021/2022 season VCR to 75%, using the efficacy data of standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine. For each country and risk group, the most recent data on population size, VCR, pre-pandemic influenza epidemiology, direct medical costs and absenteeism were identified through a systematic literature review, supplemented by manual searching. Outcomes were: averted influenza cases, general practitioner (GP) visits, hospitalisations, case fatalities, number of days of work lost, direct medical costs and absenteeism-related costs. RESULTS: As of the 2021/2022 season, the UK achieved the highest weighted VCR across risk groups (65%), followed by Spain (47%), France (44%) and Italy (44%). Based on modelling, the 2021/2022 VCR prevented an estimated 1.9 million influenza cases, avoiding 375,200 GP visits, 73,200 hospitalisations and 38,400 deaths. To achieve the WHO 75% VCR target, an additional 24 million at-risk individuals would need to be vaccinated, most of which being older adults and patients with chronic conditions. It was estimated that this could avoid a further 918,200 influenza cases, 332,000 GP visits, 16,300 hospitalisations and 6,300 deaths across the four countries, with older adults accounting for 52% of hospitalisations and 80% of deaths. An additional €84 million in direct medical costs and €79 million in absenteeism costs would be saved in total, with most economic benefits delivered in France. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults represent most vaccine-preventable influenza cases and deaths, followed by individuals with chronic conditions. Health authorities should prioritise vaccinating these populations for maximum public health and economic benefits.

Effectiveness of patient reminders on influenza vaccination coverage among adults with chronic conditions: A feasibility study in Australian general practices.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination is recommended for Australians 18+ years old with medical risk factors, but coverage is suboptimal. We aimed to examine whether automatic, opportunistic patient reminders (SMS and/or printed) before appointments with a general practitioner increased influenza vaccination uptake. METHODS: This clustered non-randomised feasibility study in Australian general practice included patients aged 18-64 years with at least one medical risk factor attending participating practices between May and September 2021. Software installed at intervention practices identified unvaccinated eligible patients when they booked an appointment, sent vaccination reminders (SMS on booking and 1 h before appointments), and printed automatic reminders on arrival. Control practices provided usual care. Clustered analyses adjusted for sociodemographic differences among practices were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 12,786 at-risk adults attended 16 intervention practices (received reminders = 4066; 'internal control' receiving usual care = 8720), and 5082 individuals attended eight control practices. Baseline influenza vaccination uptake (2020) was similar in intervention and control practices (∼34%). After the intervention, uptake was similar in all groups (control practices = 29.3%; internal control = 30.0%; intervention = 31.6% (p-value = 0.203). However, SMS 1 h before appointments increased vaccination coverage (39.3%, adjusted OR = 1.65; 95%CI 1.20;2.27; number necessary to treat = 13), especially when combined with other reminder forms. That effect was more evident among adults with chronic respiratory, rheumatologic, or inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that automated SMS reminders delivered at proximate times to appointments are a low-cost strategy to increase influenza vaccination among adults at higher risk of severe disease attending Australian general practices.

Insufficient vaccine coverage and vaccine hesitancy in people living with HIV: A prospective study in outpatient clinics in the Paris region.

Vaccine prevention strategies play a crucial role in the management of people living with HIV (PLWH). The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage and identify barriers to vaccine uptake in PLWH in the Paris region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in PLWH in 16 hospitals in the Paris region. The vaccination status, characteristics, opinions, and behaviors of participants were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire and from medical records. A total of 338 PLWH were included (response rate 99.7 %). The median age of participants was 51 years (IQR: 41-58). Vaccination coverage was 77.3 % for hepatitis B (95 % CI: 72.3-81.8 %), 62.7 % for hepatitis A (57.3-67.9 %), 61.2 % for pneumococcal vaccines (55.8-66.5 %), 56.5 % for diphtheria/tetanus/poliomyelitis (DTP) (51.0-61.9 %), 44.7 % for seasonal influenza (39.3-50.1 %), 31.4 % for measles/mumps/rubella (26.4-36.6 %) and 38.5 % for meningococcal vaccine (13.9-68.4 %). The main reason for vaccine reluctance was related to the lack of vaccination proposals/reminders. The overall willingness to get vaccinated was 71.0 % (65.9-75.8 %). In the multivariable analysis, several factors were associated with a higher vaccine uptake; for DTP vaccine: higher education level, having vaccination records, being registered with a general practitioner; for seasonal influenza vaccine: age > 60 years, higher education level, being employed. The overall vaccination coverage was suboptimal. Development of strategies reducing missed opportunity to offer vaccines is needed.

Anti-rubella seroprevalence assessment in an adult sample population in Italy.

Introduction: Despite global immunization efforts, rubella remains a public health concern, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. This study focused on rubella seroprevalence in the province of Florence, Italy, aiming to identify susceptibility clusters, especially among women in their childbearing age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2019, enrolling 430 adult subjects (age over 18 years). Serum samples were collected, and anti-rubella antibodies were quantified using the ELISA test. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared by sex, nationality, and age groups using statistical tests. Results: The overall rubella seroprevalence was high (92.3%), with no significant differences between genders or nationalities. Among childbearing-age females (18-49 years), the highest seroprevalence was observed in the 30-39 age group (94.1%). However, susceptibility clusters exceeding the 5% threshold set by WHO were identified, especially in females aged 40-49 years (7.0%). Conclusions: Despite high overall seroprevalence, the study identified pockets of susceptibility, even in childbearing age women. Continuous monitoring, targeted immunization strategies, and public health interventions are recommended to maintain rubella elimination, emphasizing the importance of sustained vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations.

Assessing New York City's COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Strategy: A Case for Risk-Informed Distribution.

This study reviews the impact of eligibility policies in the early rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine on coverage and probable outcomes, with a focus on New York City. We conducted a retrospective ecological study assessing age 65+, area-level income, vaccination coverage, and COVID-19 mortality rates, using linked Census Bureau data and New York City Health administrative data aggregated at the level of modified zip code tabulation areas (MODZCTA). The population for this study was all individuals in 177 MODZCTA in New York City. Population data were obtained from Census Bureau and New York City Health administrative data. The total mortality rate was examined through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model, using area-level wealth, the proportion of the population aged 65 and above, and the vaccination rate among this age group as predictors. Low-income areas with high proportions of older people demonstrated lower coverage rates (mean vaccination rate 52.8%; maximum coverage 67.9%) than wealthier areas (mean vaccination rate 74.6%; maximum coverage 99% in the wealthiest quintile) in the first 3 months of vaccine rollout and higher mortality over the year. Despite vaccine shortages, many younger people accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in high-income areas (mean coverage rate 60% among those 45-64 years in the wealthiest quintile). A vaccine program that prioritized those at greatest risk of COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality would have prevented more deaths than the strategy that was implemented. When rolling out a new vaccine, policymakers must account for local contexts and conditions of high-risk population groups. If New York had focused limited vaccine supply on low-income areas with high proportions of residents 65 or older, overall mortality might have been lower.

Strategies for expanding childhood vaccination in the Americas following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To provide an overview of the status of the childhood vaccination schedule in the Americas, outline program structures, and identify updated implementation strategies to improve vaccination coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A group of experts in pediatrics, epidemiology, vaccines, and global and public health discussed the current status of the childhood vaccination schedule in the Americas, describing the program structure and identifying new implementation strategies that have the potential to improve vaccination coverage in the post-pandemic context, after the challenges COVID-19 presented for more than two years. Results: The Americas currently face a high risk of resurgence of diseases that were previously controlled or eliminated. Therefore, it is important to find new strategies to educate citizens on the risks associated with lower vaccination rates, especially in children. Conclusions: New strategies along with strong mobilization of the population and advocacy by citizens are necessary to prevent antivaccination groups from gaining a stronger presence in the region and jeopardizing the credibility of the Expanded Program on Immunization.

Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination coverage: an ecological study of primary health care and socio-economic factors in Catalonia, Spain.

This study examined the association of socio-economic factors and the structure of primary care centres (PCCs) with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage among the 8-year-old population in Catalonia, Spain. We conducted an ecological study to retrospectively assess the MMR vaccination-recorded status of children born in 2012, using public health data extracted in December 2020. For each of 300 PCCs serving 70,498 children, we calculated vaccination coverage rates from electronic health records and linked these rates to a composite deprivation index corresponding to the territory served by each PCC. We identified a relationship between unfavourable socio-economic factors and higher recorded vaccination coverage. On average, directly managed PCCs had higher vaccination coverage rates than indirectly managed PCCs. Greater utilisation of primary care services by the population was also associated with higher vaccination coverage rates. Further research is needed to generate knowledge valuable for informing more equitable child-vaccination service delivery models.

An Upsurge of Measles Cases in Mali-a Consequence of Pandemic-associated Disruption in Routine Immunization.

Measles deaths highlight immunization program gaps. In the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance study in Mali, we observed a rise in under-5 measles-related deaths in 2022 that corresponded with increased measles cases at the same time and a decline in measles vaccine coverage in Mali in 2020.

Factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination in Laos: findings from the multiple indicator cluster surveys in 2011/12 and 2017.

Background: Within Laos, the vaccination coverage rates with the monovalent hepatitis B birth dose vaccine and hepatitis B antigen-containing combination vaccines remain stagnant with 75% and 64%, respectively, in 2021. In this study, we used data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys to identify possible factors that represent barriers for receiving these childhood vaccinations. Methods: Data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in 2011/12 and 2017 were analysed to examine factors associated with receiving the hepatitis B-containing vaccines using regression modelling. Data analyses were conducted in R. Findings: In 2011/12, the weight-adjusted coverage rate for receiving the hepatitis B birth dose was 48%, while the coverage with the hepatitis B antigen-containing combination vaccine was 55.1% based on both vaccination documents and recall; compared to 69.3% and 59.4% respectively in 2017. Ethno-linguistic group, maternal education, healthcare utilization and wealth were associated with receiving the vaccinations against hepatitis B. Interpretation: National estimates of vaccination coverage rates can conceal country-specific regional or socio-economic variations. Children from Hmong-Mien households, from less wealthier households and whose mothers were less educated and were not able to or did not utilize healthcare were identified as being less likely to receive the vaccinations. These findings indicate the need for improving access to healthcare, in particular for minority groups. Funding: This work was supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute of Health (project "Luxembourg-Laos Partnership for Research and Capacity Building in Infectious Disease Surveillance").

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Switzerland and its impact on disease spread.

We analyse infectious disease case surveillance data to estimate COVID-19 spread and gain an understanding of the impact of introducing vaccines to counter the disease in Switzerland. The data used in this work is extensive and detailed and includes information on weekly number of cases and vaccination rates by age and region. Our approach takes into account waning immunity. The statistical analysis allows us to determine the effects of choosing alternative vaccination strategies. Our results indicate greater uptake of vaccine would have led to fewer cases with a particularly large effect on undervaccinated regions. An alternative distribution scheme not targeting specific age groups also leads to fewer cases overall but could lead to more cases among the elderly (a potentially vulnerable population) during the early stage of prophylaxis rollout.

[Vaccination status and factors associated with pneumococcal vaccination in geriatric short-stay care]. / Statut vaccinal et facteurs associés à la vaccination antipneumococcique en court séjour gériatrique.

Nearly two-thirds of geriatric short-stay patients were eligible for pneumococcal vaccination. Among patients eligible for vaccination, less than 5 % had received at least one injection of pneumococcal vaccine on admission. We found no modifiable factors associated with vaccination status, but several avenues for improving vaccination coverage.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage among People with Self-Reported Cardiovascular Diseases-Findings from the Hungarian Implementation of the European Health Interview Survey.

Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality. This has significant implications for public health. Influenza, a common infectious disease, poses an increased risk for individuals with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about influenza vaccination coverage in this group. This study utilized data from the Hungarian implementation of the European Health Interview Survey to assess influenza vaccination coverage and its determinants among cardiovascular respondents from 2009 to 2019. The findings reveal a downward trend in the vaccination rates over the years (from 24% to 21%), despite the availability of free vaccination in Hungary for this high-risk population. The main factors influencing low influenza vaccine uptake were identified, as follows: young age, a lower level of education, good self-perceived health status, smoking, a lower frequency of medical visits, and not suffering from respiratory diseases. Addressing these disparities necessitates targeted vaccination strategies supported by enhanced education, better access to healthcare services, and the promotion of preventive healthcare measures. Improving vaccination coverage among patients with cardiovascular diseases is imperative for reducing influenza-related morbidity and mortality. This highlights the importance of comprehensive public health interventions and healthcare provider engagement in promoting vaccination among groups at increased risk.

[Brazilian Ministry of Health strategy to increase vaccination coverage at bordersEstrategia del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil para aumentar las tasas de cobertura de vacunación en las fronteras]. / Estratégia do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil para aumento das coberturas vacinais nas fronteiras.

Objective: Evaluate the implementation of the Ministry of Health's "Action Plan: Border Vaccination Strategy - Agenda 2022" in the Brazil's 33 twin cities and evaluate the increase in the country's vaccination coverage (VC). Methodology: Pre-post community clinical trial. Implementation of the strategy was analyzed, and pre- and post-intervention VC were compared in two stages: P1 (pre-intervention) and P2 (post-intervention). Based on statistical analyses of P1 and P2 coverage, calculations were made of municipal averages, standard deviation, and difference in VC between the two periods. Results: Integration was observed between the primary health care (PHC), surveillance, immunization, and special indigenous health district (DSEI) teams, although there were difficulties, for example, in relation to migratory flows. While immigration flows present challenges in the areas of immunization, PHC, and DSEI, the difficulties are compounded by the polarization of these services, which hinders intersectoral integration. After carrying out the workshops, a total of 50 977 doses were administered in the general population in the 33 twin cities. There was an increase in vaccination coverage in children up to 1 year of age in the locations evaluated after the intervention, which may be relevant in terms of increasing VC in Brazil. Conclusion: There was an increase in vaccination coverage in children up to 1 year of age in the locations evaluated after the intervention, helping to increase VC in Brazil.

Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicación de la Estrategia de Vacunación en las Fronteras - Agenda 2022, que forma parte del Plan de Acción del Ministerio de Salud en las 33 ciudades hermanas y evaluar el aumento de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación en Brasil. Métodos: Ensayo clínico comunitario realizado antes y después de la intervención correspondiente. Se analizó la aplicación de la estrategia y se compararon las tasas de cobertura de vacunación antes y después de la intervención en dos periodos: P1 (pre-intervención) y P2 (post-intervención). En los análisis estadísticos de la tasa de cobertura de vacunación en P1 y P2 se calcularon los valores de media y desviación estándar de los municipios y la diferencia entre las tasas de cobertura de los dos periodos. Resultados: Se observó una integración entre los equipos de Atención Primaria de Salud, Vigilancia, Inmunización y el Distrito Especial de Salud Indígena (DISEI), pero con dificultades, como las inherentes al flujo migratorio. Cabe destacar que el flujo migratorio es uno de los desafíos en el contexto de la inmunización, la atención primaria de salud y el DISEI, dificultad que se ve agravada por la polarización entre los servicios (inmunización, atención primaria de salud y el DISEI), lo que supone un reto para la integración de los sectores. Por lo que respecta al análisis de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación llevado a cabo después de realizar los talleres, se administró un total de 50 977 dosis a la población general en las 33 ciudades hermanas de Brasil. Hubo un aumento de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación de menores de hasta un año de edad en los lugares evaluados después de la intervención, lo que puede ser importante para aumentar las tasas de cobertura de Brasil. Conclusión: Después de la intervención hubo un aumento de las tasas de cobertura de vacunación de menores de hasta un año de edad en los lugares evaluados, lo cual influyó en el incremento de las tasas de cobertura de Brasil.

Coverage of BCG Vaccination for children aged until 7 years old and its determinants in French Guiana.

INTRODUCTION: The overall incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in France is low; thus, BCG vaccination is no longer mandatory. In French Guiana - a French overseas territory - BCG vaccination is strongly recommended because the incidence of TB is high in the context of mass immigration from endemic countries with low BCG vaccination rates. Thus, it is important to assess Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination coverage and its predictors. METHODS: We used data from the 2014 French Guiana Yellow Fever survey, which was conducted by the Observatoire Régional de la Santé de Guyane. Demographic and immunization data from eligible children and their families were collected using a questionnaire. Children who had an immunization card and who were no older than 7 years of age at the time of the survey were eligible. The Coverage for BCG and other mandatory vaccines were estimated; the delay in BCG vaccination was also computed. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified predictors associated with BCG immunization and BCG delayed immunization (after 2 months of age). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Overall, 469 children were eligible for this study. The total BCG coverage was 79.5 %, and the proportion of children vaccinated with delay was 50.7 %. The multivariate analysis indicated that BCVA was significantly greater among children younger than 3 years of age, whose household head was employed and whose education level was greater. None of the predictors were associated with the delay of BCG vaccination.

Maintaining the Region of the Americas free of polio: best practices for incident management support teams.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and its Member States have been leading the efforts to eradicate wild poliovirus in the Region of Americas since smallpox's successful elimination in 1971. The region became the first to be certified free of wild poliovirus in 1994. However, in July 2022, an unvaccinated patient with no recent travel history was diagnosed with poliomyelitis in the United States of America. In response to the emergence of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the United States, PAHO established the Polio Incident Management Support Team. This team has been coordinating response efforts, focusing on: coordination, planning, and monitoring; risk communication and community engagement; surveillance and case investigation; vaccination; and rapid response. In this paper, we identified and documented best practices observed following establishment of the Incident Management Support Team (September 2022-2023) through a comprehensive review and analysis of various data sources and country-specific data from the polio surveillance dashboard. The aim was to share these best practices, highlighting technical support and implementation of polio measures by Member States. Despite several challenges, the Americas region remains polio-free. Polio risk is declining, with a July 2023 assessment showing fewer countries at medium, high, and very high risk. This progress reflects improved immunization coverage, surveillance, containment, health determinants, and outbreak preparedness and response. The PAHO Polio Incident Management Support Team has played a key role in supporting these efforts.

La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) y sus Estados Miembros han liderado los esfuerzos para erradicar el poliovirus salvaje en la Región de las Américas desde la eliminación exitosa de la viruela en 1971. En 1994, la Región fue la primera en obtener la certificación de libre del poliovirus salvaje. Sin embargo, en julio del 2022, se diagnosticó poliomielitis a un paciente de Estados Unidos de América no vacunado y sin antecedentes de viajes recientes. Para responder a la aparición de un poliovirus circulante derivado de la vacuna en ese país, la OPS creó el equipo de apoyo a la gestión de incidentes de poliomielitis. Este equipo ha asumido la coordinación de los esfuerzos de respuesta y se ha centrado en la coordinación, la planificación y seguimiento; la comunicación de riesgos y la participación de la comunidad; la vigilancia e investigación de casos; la vacunación; y la respuesta rápida. En este artículo, se determinan y documentan las mejores prácticas observadas después de la creación del equipo de apoyo a la gestión de incidentes (septiembre del 2022-2023) mediante una revisión y un análisis pormenorizados de datos procedentes de diversas fuentes y de datos específicos de los países del panel de vigilancia de la poliomielitis. El objetivo fue poner en común estas mejores prácticas y resaltar el apoyo técnico y la aplicación de medidas contra la poliomielitis por parte de los Estados Miembros. A pesar de los diversos desafíos, la Región de las Américas se mantiene libre de poliomielitis. El riesgo de esta enfermedad es cada vez menor, y la evaluación de julio del 2023 muestra una disminución del número de países con un riesgo medio, alto o muy alto. Este progreso refleja la mejora de la cobertura de inmunización, la vigilancia, la contención, los determinantes de la salud y la preparación y respuesta ante brotes. El equipo de apoyo a la gestión de incidentes relacionados con la poliomielitis de la OPS ha desempeñado un papel fundamental para brindar apoyo a estas iniciativas.

Desde a eliminação bem-sucedida da varíola em 1971, a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) e seus Estados Membros têm estado à frente de iniciativas para erradicar o poliovírus selvagem na Região das Américas. Em 1994, a região foi a primeira do mundo a ser certificada como livre do poliovírus selvagem. Entretanto, em julho de 2022, um paciente não vacinado e sem histórico de viagens recentes foi diagnosticado com poliomielite nos Estados Unidos da América. Em resposta ao surgimento de um poliovírus derivado de vacina circulante nos Estados Unidos, a OPAS criou a Equipe de Apoio à Gestão de Incidentes de Poliomielite. A equipe vem administrando os esforços de resposta, concentrando-se em: coordenação, planejamento e monitoramento; comunicação de risco e envolvimento da comunidade; vigilância e investigação de casos; vacinação; e resposta rápida. Neste documento, identificamos e documentamos as melhores práticas observadas após a criação da Equipe de Apoio à Gestão de Incidentes (setembro de 2022 a 2023) por meio de uma revisão e análise abrangentes de diversas fontes de dados e dados específicos de cada país fornecidos por meio do painel de vigilância da poliomielite. O objetivo foi compartilhar essas melhores práticas, destacando o apoio técnico e a implementação de medidas contra a poliomielite pelos Estados Membros. Apesar de vários desafios, a Região das Américas continua livre da poliomielite. Um levantamento de julho de 2023 demonstrou que o risco da poliomielite vem diminuindo, com menos países com risco médio, alto ou muito alto. Essa evolução é resultado de melhoras na cobertura vacinal, vigilância, contenção, preparação, determinantes de saúde e resposta a surtos. A Equipe de Apoio à Gestão de Incidentes de Poliomielite da OPAS foi fundamental para apoiar esses esforços.

Enhancing routine immunization efforts for older adults and frail individuals: Good practices during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italy.

Infectious diseases pose a significant burden on the general population, particularly older adults who are more susceptible to severe complications. Immunization plays a crucial role in preventing infections and securing a healthier aging, but actual vaccination rates among older adults and frail individuals (OAFs) remains far from recommended targets. This study aims to collect and share good practices implemented in several Italian local health districts during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to ease routine immunization for OAFs. A 28-items questionnaire has been developed to collect information on organization aspect of immunization services and local good practices implemented before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Twelve Public Health managers representative of 9 Italian Regions were further interviewed between January and March 2021. Despite literature suggests several effective interventions to increase vaccine demand, improve vaccine access, and enhance healthcare providers' performance, our survey highlighted substantial heterogeneity in their implementation at local level. Seven good local practices have been identified and described: mass vaccination centers; vaccination mobile units; drive-through vaccination; co-administration; tailored pathways; cooperation among providers involved in vaccination; digitization. Our survey pointed out valuable strategies for enhancing routine immunization for OAFs. Providers should combine effective interventions adequate to their specific context and share good practices.

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online three-wave survey study of US adults.

BACKGROUND: To effectively promote vaccine uptake, it is important to understand which people are most and least inclined to be vaccinated and why. In this study, we examined predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and reasons for non-vaccination. METHODS: We conducted an online English-language survey study in December-2020, January-2021, and March-2021. A total of 930 US respondents completed all surveys. Multiple logistic regression models were run to test whether the early vaccine eligibility, demographic factors, and psychological factors predict getting at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination in January-2021 and in March-2021. RESULTS: The proportion of respondents who received ≥ 1-dose of a COVID-19 vaccine increased from 18% (January) to 67% (March). Older age predicted vaccine uptake in January (OR = 2.02[95%CI = 1.14-3.78], p < .001) and March (10.92[6.76-18.05], p < .001). In January, additional predictors were higher numeracy (1.48[1.20-1.86], p < .001), COVID-19 risk perceptions (1.35[1.03-1.78], p = .029), and believing it is important adults get the COVID-19 vaccine (1.66[1.05-2.66], p = .033). In March, additional predictors of uptake were believing it is important adults get the COVID-19 vaccine (1.63[1.15-2.34], p = .006), prior COVID-19 vaccine intentions (1.37[1.10-1.72], p = .006), and belief in science (0.84[0.72-0.99], p = .041). Concerns about side effects and the development process were the most common reasons for non-vaccination. Unvaccinated respondents with no interest in getting a COVID-19 vaccine were younger (0.27[0.09-0.77], p = .016), held negative views about COVID-19 vaccines for adults (0.15[0.08-0.26], p < .001), had lower trust in healthcare (0.59[0.36-0.95], p = .032), and preferred to watch and wait in clinically ambiguous medical situations (0.66[0.48-0.89], p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence that attitudes and intentions towards COVID-19 vaccines were important predictors of uptake provides validation for studies using these measures and reinforces the need to develop strategies for addressing safety and development concerns which remain at the forefront of vaccine hesitancy.

[Ranking of immunization programs in Latin America, 2020Ranking dos programas de vacinação na América Latina, 2020]. / Ranking de los programas de vacunación en América Latina, 2020.

Objective: Construct a ranking of national immunization programs in Latin America in 2020 and compare it with the previous year. Methods: Eighteen national immunization programs were evaluated on the basis of public information obtained from official sites of the countries' ministries of health, the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and local sources. The ranking was based on the 2020 vaccination schedule for different life stages, special situations, vaccination against influenza, 2019 vaccination coverage, and programmatic aspects. Results: Vaccination coverage decreased in most countries. The average regional declined in 2020, as did the scores for most countries, except Chile and Colombia. Chile leads the ranking, followed by Uruguay, Panama, and Costa Rica. Chile stands out for its full calendar, higher vaccination coverage rates, and programmatic achievements. Conclusions: The lower overall score in 2020 highlights the need to recover the Region's vaccination coverage rates. This analysis seeks to motivate countries to address pending challenges.

Objetivo: Construir e comparar o ranking dos programas nacionais de imunização (PNIs) na América Latina em 2020 com o ano anterior. Métodos: Foram avaliados 18 PNIs com base em informações públicas obtidas de sites oficiais dos ministérios da Saúde dos países, da Organização Mundial da Saúde, da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, do Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância e de fontes locais. O ranking foi compilado com base no calendário de vacinação de 2020 para diferentes fases da vida, situações especiais, vacinação contra a gripe, cobertura vacinal (CV) de 2019 e aspectos programáticos. Resultados: As CVs diminuíram na maioria dos países. A pontuação média regional e a pontuação da maioria dos países também caíram em 2020, exceto no Chile e na Colômbia. O Chile lidera o ranking, seguido do Uruguai, do Panamá e da Costa Rica, e se destaca por ter um calendário completo, maiores CVs e êxitos programáticos. Conclusões: A pontuação global mais baixa em 2020 destaca a necessidade de recuperar a CV da região. Esta análise busca motivar os países a enfrentar os desafios pendentes.

Using big data to analyze the vaccination status of children with congenital heart disease in Yinzhou District, China.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a significant population warranting particular attention concerning vaccination coverage. To comprehend the vaccination status of CHD within Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, China, and to facilitate the formulation of preventive, control, and immunization strategies against vaccine-preventable diseases in children with congenital heart conditions. Using the China Yinzhou Electronic Health Record Study (CHERRY) database, we analyzed the vaccination coverage of children with CHD born between January 1, 2016 and September 20, 2021, and analyzed the influencing factors associated with the level of vaccination coverage. This study involved 762 children diagnosed with CHD at the age of 12 months, revealing that 86.74% of these children had received at least one dose of the National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccines. The coverage for non-NIP vaccines, such as the rotavirus vaccine, influenza vaccine, Influenza Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Conjugate Vaccine, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), and inactivated enterovirus type 71 vaccine (EV71), stood at 27.30%, 7.74%, 63.25%, 33.76%, and 34.51%, respectively. The completion coverage for the entire vaccination schedule were 27.30%, 5.51%, 55.77%, 34.25%, and 25.59%, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between vaccination coverage in classification of diagnostic medical institutions and the types of diagnosed diseases. Compared to their typically developing counterparts, 12-month-old children afflicted with CHD exhibit a slightly diminished vaccination coverage, alongside a discernible inclination toward delayed vaccination. Notably, the determination to undergo vaccinations seems predominantly influenced by the classification of diagnostic medical institutions. In practical terms, proactive measures involving early diagnosis, comprehensive health assessments, and timely interventions ought to be implemented to enhance vaccination rates while prioritizing safety.

Vaccination coverage among people who inject drugs: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs may be at excess risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases and negative associated health outcomes, but experience barriers to vaccination. We aimed to determine vaccination coverage among people who inject drugs globally. METHODOLOGY: We conducted systematic searches of the peer-reviewed and grey literature, date limited from January 2008 to August 2023, focusing on diseases for which people who inject drugs are at elevated risk for and for which an adult vaccination dose is recommended (COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, influenza, pneumococcal disease, tetanus). To summarise available data, we conducted a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: We included 78 studies/reports comprising 117 estimates of vaccination coverage across 36 countries. Most estimates were obtained from high income countries (80%, n=94). We located estimates for hepatitis B vaccination in 33 countries, which included 18 countries with data on serological evidence of vaccine-derived hepatitis B immunity (range: 6-53%) and 22 countries with self-report data for vaccine uptake (<1-96%). Data for other vaccines were scarcer: reported hepatitis A vaccination coverage ranged 3-89% (five countries), COVID-19 ranged 4-84% (five countries), while we located estimates from fewer than five countries for influenza, tetanus, pneumococcal disease, and human papillomavirus. CONCLUSION: Estimates were sparse but where available indicative of suboptimal vaccination coverage among people who inject drugs. Improving the consistency, timeliness, and geographic coverage of vaccine uptake data among this population is essential to inform efforts to increase uptake.