A case-control study to assess the effectiveness of pertussis vaccination during pregnancy on newborns, Valencian community, Spain, 1 March 2015 to 29 February 2016.

In the Valencian Community (Spain), the programme of maternal pertussis vaccination during pregnancy started in January 2015. The objective of this study was to estimate in this region the vaccine effectiveness (VE) in protecting newborns against laboratory-confirmed pertussis infection. A matched case-control study was undertaken in the period between 1 March 2015 and 29 February 2016. Twenty-two cases and 66 controls (+/- 15 days of age difference) were included in the study. Cases were non-vaccinated infants < 3 months of age at disease onset testing positive for pertussis by real-time PCR. For every case three unvaccinated controls were selected. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by multiple conditional logistic regression for association between maternal vaccination and infant pertussis. Other children in the household, as well as mother- and environmental covariates were taken into account. The VE was calculated as 1 - OR. Mothers of five cases (23%) and of 41 controls (62%) were vaccinated during pregnancy. The adjusted VE was 90.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 56.6 to 98.1). The only covariate in the final model was breastfeeding (protective effect). Our study provides evidence in favour of pertussis vaccination programmes for pregnant women in order to prevent whooping cough in infants aged less than 3 months.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccination Coverage Among Publicly Insured Pregnant Women, U.S., 2016-2019.

Introduction: Vaccination with tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine during pregnancy is highly effective against Bordetella pertussis in young infants. We aimed to evaluate the uptake of maternal tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccination during the recommended gestation period of 27 through 36 weeks among women enrolled in a public medical insurance plan in the U.S. Methods: In this analysis using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services insurance claims data, we identified women aged 15 through 49 years who delivered a live-born infant from 2016 through 2019. We identified claims for tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccination to calculate the proportion of women who were vaccinated during Weeks 27 through 36 of gestation in each calendar year. We also assessed the average annual maternal tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis coverage by age group, race and ethnicity, U.S. Census region of residence, and plan type. Data were analyzed in 2021. Results: Among 4,318,823 deliveries, the 4-year national average for tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccination was 26%, improving from 22% in 2016 to 31% in 2019 (p<0.001). Within subgroups, the lowest 4-year average coverage was among women aged 15 through 18 years (22%); Black, non-Hispanic (23%) and Hispanic women (24%); those residing in the South (18%); those enrolled in a Children's Health Insurance Program plan (22%); and those covered by a fee-for-service plan (19%). Coverage increased across all subgroups from 2016 through 2019. Conclusions: Although maternal tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis coverage among publicly insured women in the U.S. increased from 2016 through 2019, it remained considerably lower than estimated national coverage, with notable differences by race and ethnicity.

A Sensitive Public Health Issue-The Vaccine Acceptancy and the Anti-Pertussis Immune Status of Pregnant Women from a Romanian Metropolitan Area.

(1) Background: Immunization of pregnant women (PWs) against Bordetella pertussis infection is still a challenging health matter. (2) Methods: We gathered questionnaire data from 180 PWs regarding their expectancies and current opinion on infectious disease prevention. For the group of PWs who agreed to further investigations, the serum levels of Ig G anti-B. pertussis antibodies (IgG-PT) titer were measured and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 180 PWs completed the questionnaire and 98 (54.44%, study group) accepted to perform the laboratory tests. During the first two pregnancy trimesters, PWs were found to be more willing (compared with the control group) to test for identifying high-risk situations that could affect themselves and their future infant (p < 0.001). Most of the participating PWs (91, 91.9%) had low levels of anti-pertussis antibodies (values < 40 IU/mL). Declared vaccine coverage of the PWs newborn infants for DTaP-1 and Prevenar 13 (at 2 months) and DTaP-2 and Prevenar 13 (at 4 months) vaccination reached 100% in the study group, while in the control group only 30/82 (36.59%) PWs accepted to be vaccinated during pregnancy, none of them providing data on their infants' vaccine coverage. (4) Conclusions: Enrolled PWs faced a waning immunity against the B. pertussis infection. By raising maternal confidence in the protective role of vaccines against infectious diseases, better vaccine acceptance and better infant vaccine coverage can be achieved.

Experts' Opinion for Improving Pertussis Vaccination Rates in Adolescents and Adults: A Call to Action.

This article highlights the importance of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (with reduced antigen content, dTap) vaccination in preventing pertussis, a respiratory infection that is still widespread and easily transmitted. In particular, it highlights the need to receive a booster vaccination throughout life to maintain high antibody levels, which decrease through time. This document collects the opinions that emerged from the comparison between major Italian experts in the field of vaccination. This working group was created to promote a "call to action", aimed at raising awareness among all institutions, public health authorities, and health workers involved in the vaccination process, about the importance of dTap vaccine administration and with the mindset of implementing the strategic vaccination plan provided by the National Vaccine Plan (NVP). In fact, despite this vaccine being included in the NVP, there are some issues attributable to the practice of vaccination (local health authorities, vaccination centers, occupational health services, gynecology centers, societies of work). Therefore, it is necessary that the Ministry defines the vaccination coverage objectives, identifies the groups of subjects who should receive the booster vaccine (subjects exposed to greater risk of infection, subjects over 60, pregnant women), and applies all the necessary measures to encourage the implementation of this practice.

Development of effective messages to promote maternal immunization in Kenya.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated messages and communication approaches for maternal immunization uptake in Kenya. We identified persuasive communication aspects that would inform maternal immunization attitudes, intent, and vaccine uptake. METHODS: We conducted a two-phased mixed methods study with pregnant women and their male partners in three regions of Kenya. Discussions were conducted in English and Swahili languages by trained focus group moderators. Baseline measures included a survey and discussions about potential messages and accompanying visuals. Follow-up focus groups with the same participants included a survey about previously discussed messages, visuals, and communication impressions. The second round of focus groups focused on message preferences developed from the first round, along with rank order discussion for final message selection. Following transcription of focus group discussions, we conducted analyses using NVivo software. Quantitative data analyses included frequencies, factor analyses, reliability assessment, regression modeling, and comparative assessment of rank order. RESULTS: The sample (N = 118) included pregnant women (n = 91) and their partners (n = 27) from diverse Kenyan regions (Bondo/Lwak/Siaya, Mombasa, and Nairobi). A four-factor solution resulted from factor analyses that included subscales "positive ad attitudes" (n = 5 items, α = 0.82), "negative ad attitudes" (n = 4 items, α = 0.75), "ad indifference" (n = 2 items, α = 0.52), and "ad motivation" (n = 4 items, α = 0.71). Overall, the positive ad attitudes factor (ß = 0.61, p = 0.03) was the only significant component in the overall model examining message selections (χ2(6) = 262.87, p = 0.17). Among the tested concepts, we found that source and situational cues had a strong influence on women's attitude formation and intention to obtain recommended maternal vaccinations. With self-acknowledged variations in knowledge, participants were particularly attuned to images of relatable women, providers, and depictions in realistic or actual Kenyan clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that positive attitudes were shaped by incorporating highly relatable factors in messages. Implications for subsequent campaigns and research directions are discussed.

Pertussis vaccine for adults: Knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine receipt among adults with children in the household.

BACKGROUND: Pertussis is a highly contagious vaccine preventable disease resulting in significant infant morbidity and mortality. Despite the recommendations for pertussis vaccine (Tdap) in adults, coverage rates in this age group remain suboptimal. We sought to determine factors associated with Tdap receipt among adults with children in the household who live in central New York. METHODS: The study team surveyed Tdap immunization status of adults who accessed medical services for their children provided by Golisano Children's Hospital, Syracuse, New York. Adults who did not know their Tdap vaccine status were excluded. Each participant was asked a standard set of questions to determine factors associated with Tdap receipt. Logistic regression was used to calculate simple and adjusted odds ratios for Tdap receipt in relation to adults' demographic characteristics, knowledge of Tdap and physician recommendations. RESULTS: Eight hundred twenty four participants were included in this study; 34% had received Tdap in the past 5 years; 58% reported that their provider or child's pediatrician recommended adult Tdap vaccination. Tdap receipt was associated with knowing the symptoms of pertussis infection, female gender, younger age, and provider recommendation (p<0.05). Participants whose provider recommended Tdap vaccine were 24.6 times more likely to receive vaccine when compared to those whose providers did not recommend vaccine (95% CI: 16.3, 37.2, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tdap coverage rates are low among this study population, with provider recommendation most strongly associated with Tdap receipt. Future steps to improve vaccine coverage should include both increasing community awareness and determining barriers to provider recommendation.

Situación epidemiológica de coqueluche y estrategias para su control: Argentina, 2002-2011 / Epidemiological situation of pertussis and strategies to control it: Argentina, 2002-2011

Introducción. Coqueluche constituye un problema de salud pública. Objetivos: Describir la morbimortalidad y coberturas de vacunación entre 2002 y 2011, el perfil de los casos de 2011 y las estrategias de control implementadas por el Ministerio de Salud (MSN). Métodos. Estudio descriptivo de vigilancia epidemiológica. Los datos de morbilidad se tomaron del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia, y los de mortalidad, de la Dirección de Estadística e Información en Salud del MSN y de los informes oficiales de las jurisdicciones. Se utilizó la cobertura administrativa de vacunación a partir de datos provistos por las jurisdicciones al MSN. Se analizó con Epiinfo 7.1.2. Resultados. Entre 2002 y 2011, la notificación de casos de coqueluche y de fallecimientos se incrementó y alcanzó los mayores valores en 2011: tasa de 16 x 100 000 habitantes y 76 fallecidos. Las muertes ocurrieron mayoritariamente en <1 año y las coberturas nacionales de vacunación para 3ra dosis e ingreso escolar fueron >90% y para el primer refuerzo, 80-90%. En 2011, se notificaron 2821 casos confirmados (incidencia 7 x 100 000 hab.): 84% <1 año; 76 fallecidos: 97% <1 año (60,5% <2 meses). Entre las estrategias implementadas, se consolidaron 906 nodos clínicos y 405 de laboratorio; se implementaron la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa como método diagnóstico y la clasificación diferencial de los casos, y se incorporaron dosis adicionales de vacunación. Conclusiones . Entre 2002 y 2011, aumentaron los casos de coqueluche; la mayor morbimortalidad fue en <1 año, con coberturas de vacunación de 80 y 90%. . El mayor número de fallecidos por coqueluche fue en el año 2011. . El MSN fortaleció la vigilancia epidemiológica y orientó las medidas de control.(AU)

Introduction. Pertussis is a challenge for public health. Objectives: To describe pertussis-related morbidity and mortality and immunization coverage for the 2002-2011 period, profile of cases for 2011, and control strategies implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Argentina. Methods. Descriptive, epidemiological surveillance study. Morbidity data were obtained from the National Health Surveillance System, while mortality data were obtained from the MoHs Health Statistics and Information Department and official jurisdictional reports. Administrative immunization coverage was used based on the data provided by the MoHs jurisdictions. The Epi Info software, version 7.1.2, was used for analysis. Results. The number of reported cases of pertussis increased between 2002 and 2011, reaching its peak in 2011: an incidence of 16 x 100 000 inhabitants, and 76 deaths. Most deaths occurred in infants younger than 1 year old. Immunization coverage achieved at a national level with the third dose and the dose administered at the time of starting primary education was >90%, while the coverage achieved with the first booster dose was 80%-90%. In 2011, 2821 confirmed cases were reported (incidence of 7 x 100 000 inhabitants): 84% in infants <1 year old; 76 deaths: 97% in infants <1 year old (60.5% in infants <2 months old). Among the strategies that were deployed, a total of 906 clinical nodes and 405 laboratory nodes were consolidated; the use of the polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic method and the differential classification of cases were implemented, and additional vaccine doses were administered. Conclusions . The number of pertussis cases increased between2002 and 2011; the highest morbidity and mortality occurred ininfants younger than 1 year old; immunization coverage reached 80%-90%. . The highest number of pertussis-related deaths was recorded in 2011. . The MoH strengthened the epidemiological surveillance and set guidelines for control measures.(AU)

Situación epidemiológica de coqueluche y estrategias para su control: Argentina, 2002-2011 / Epidemiological situation of pertussis and strategies to control it: Argentina, 2002-2011

Introducción. Coqueluche constituye un problema de salud pública. Objetivos: Describir la morbimortalidad y coberturas de vacunación entre 2002 y 2011, el perfil de los casos de 2011 y las estrategias de control implementadas por el Ministerio de Salud (MSN). Métodos. Estudio descriptivo de vigilancia epidemiológica. Los datos de morbilidad se tomaron del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia, y los de mortalidad, de la Dirección de Estadística e Información en Salud del MSN y de los informes oficiales de las jurisdicciones. Se utilizó la cobertura administrativa de vacunación a partir de datos provistos por las jurisdicciones al MSN. Se analizó con Epiinfo 7.1.2. Resultados. Entre 2002 y 2011, la notificación de casos de coqueluche y de fallecimientos se incrementó y alcanzó los mayores valores en 2011: tasa de 16 x 100 000 habitantes y 76 fallecidos. Las muertes ocurrieron mayoritariamente en <1 año y las coberturas nacionales de vacunación para 3ra dosis e ingreso escolar fueron >90% y para el primer refuerzo, 80-90%. En 2011, se notificaron 2821 casos confirmados (incidencia 7 x 100 000 hab.): 84% <1 año; 76 fallecidos: 97% <1 año (60,5% <2 meses). Entre las estrategias implementadas, se consolidaron 906 nodos clínicos y 405 de laboratorio; se implementaron la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa como método diagnóstico y la clasificación diferencial de los casos, y se incorporaron dosis adicionales de vacunación. Conclusiones . Entre 2002 y 2011, aumentaron los casos de coqueluche; la mayor morbimortalidad fue en <1 año, con coberturas de vacunación de 80 y 90%. . El mayor número de fallecidos por coqueluche fue en el año 2011. . El MSN fortaleció la vigilancia epidemiológica y orientó las medidas de control.

Introduction. Pertussis is a challenge for public health. Objectives: To describe pertussis-related morbidity and mortality and immunization coverage for the 2002-2011 period, profile of cases for 2011, and control strategies implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Argentina. Methods. Descriptive, epidemiological surveillance study. Morbidity data were obtained from the National Health Surveillance System, while mortality data were obtained from the MoH's Health Statistics and Information Department and official jurisdictional reports. Administrative immunization coverage was used based on the data provided by the MoH's jurisdictions. The Epi Info software, version 7.1.2, was used for analysis. Results. The number of reported cases of pertussis increased between 2002 and 2011, reaching its peak in 2011: an incidence of 16 x 100 000 inhabitants, and 76 deaths. Most deaths occurred in infants younger than 1 year old. Immunization coverage achieved at a national level with the third dose and the dose administered at the time of starting primary education was >90%, while the coverage achieved with the first booster dose was 80%-90%. In 2011, 2821 confirmed cases were reported (incidence of 7 x 100 000 inhabitants): 84% in infants <1 year old; 76 deaths: 97% in infants <1 year old (60.5% in infants <2 months old). Among the strategies that were deployed, a total of 906 clinical nodes and 405 laboratory nodes were consolidated; the use of the polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic method and the differential classification of cases were implemented, and additional vaccine doses were administered. Conclusions . The number of pertussis cases increased between2002 and 2011; the highest morbidity and mortality occurred ininfants younger than 1 year old; immunization coverage reached 80%-90%. . The highest number of pertussis-related deaths was recorded in 2011. . The MoH strengthened the epidemiological surveillance and set guidelines for control measures.