Immunogenicity and Safety of Adjuvanted Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Anti-Cellular Biologic Agents or JAK Inhibitors: A Prospective Observational Study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have an increased HZ risk compared to those on biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Recently, the Adjuvanted Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV) became available worldwide, showing good effectiveness in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Nevertheless, direct evidence of the immunogenicity of such a vaccine in those on JAKi or anti-cellular bDMARDs is still lacking. This prospective study aimed to assess RZV immunogenicity and safety in RA patients receiving JAKi or anti-cellular bDMARDs that are known to lead to impaired immune response. Patients with classified RA according to ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria on different JAKi or anti-cellular biologics (namely, abatacept and rituximab) followed at the RA clinic of our tertiary center were prospectively observed. Patients received two shots of the RZV. Treatments were not discontinued. At the first and second shots, and one month after the second shot, from all patients with RA, a sample was collected and RZV immunogenicity was assessed and compared between the treatment groups and healthy controls (HCs) receiving RZV for routine vaccination. We also kept track of disease activity at different follow-up times. Fifty-two consecutive RA patients, 44 females (84.61%), with an average age (±SD) of 57.46 ± 11.64 years and mean disease duration of 80.80 ± 73.06 months, underwent complete RZV vaccination between February and June 2022 at our center. At the time of the second shot (1-month follow-up from baseline), anti-VZV IgG titer increased significantly in both groups with similar magnitude (bDMARDs: 2258.76 ± 897.07 mIU/mL; JAKi: 2059.19 ± 876.62 mIU/mL, p < 0.001 for both from baseline). At one-month follow-up from the second shot, anti-VZV IgG titers remained stable in the bDMARDs group (2347.46 ± 975.47) and increased significantly in the JAKi group (2582.65 ± 821.59 mIU/mL, p = 0.03); still, no difference was observed between groups comparing IgG levels at this follow-up time. No RA flare was recorded. No significant difference was shown among treatment groups and HCs. RZV immunogenicity is not impaired in RA patients on JAKi or anti-cellular bDMARDs. A single shot of RZV can lead to an anti-VZV immune response similar to HCs without discontinuing DMARDs.

Mixed-dust pneumoconiosis in a dental technician: a multidisciplinary diagnosis case report.

BACKGROUND: In dental laboratories, exposure to crystalline silica can occur during procedures that generate suspended mineral dusts, e.g. dispersion of mixing powders, removal of castings from molds grinding, polishing of castings and porcelain, and use of silica sand for blasting. There is also a large list of toxic agents (acrylic resins, polymeric materials, etc.) used to produce removable and fixed prostheses, but also impression materials and more. Using personal protective equipment and other aids reduces the exposure to these potentially harmful agents. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 42-year-old male dental technician who began to suffer from a dry cough and exertional dyspnea after approximately 15 years of work. The operations he conducted for his job resulted in the generation of crystalline silica, aluminum, chromium and titanium dust. The worker did not regularly wear personal protective equipment and some of the above operations were not carried out in closed circuit systems. The Chest X-ray showed diffused micronodules in the pulmonary interstitium of the upper-middle lobes, bilaterally, and a modest left basal pleural effusion. Simple spirometry showed small airway obstruction in its initial stage. High Resolution Computerized Tomography of the chest showed bilateral micronodulation of a miliariform type, with greater profusion to the upper lobes, also present in the visceral pleura, bilaterally. Histological examination showed aggregates of pigment-laden macrophages forming perivascular macules or arranged in a radial pattern around a core of sclerohyalinosis. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry revealed several mineral particles, typically characterized by the presence of crystalline silica and metal aggregates. The environmental concentrations of total dust and its respirable fraction were all lower than the relative TLV-TWA-ACGIH, yet not negligible. CONCLUSIONS: The above findings and a multidisciplinary assessment led to the diagnosis of mixed dust pneumoconiosis s/q with 2/2 profusion of occupational origin. This diagnosis in a dental technician was supported for the first time in literature by environmental exposure analysis.

Evaluation of sucrose-enriched diet consumption in the development of risk factors associated to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a murine model.

Overconsumption of sucrose, the main contributor of the total added sugar intake in the world, has been associated with negative metabolic effects related to non-communicable diseases. However, this relationship continues to be a controversial topic and further studies are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sucrose-enriched diet consumption in the development of risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a murine model. Sucrose-enriched diet-fed rats showed a decrease in food, lipids and protein intake as well as in serum total cholesterol levels, an increase in carbohydrates intake, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, VLDL-c and HDL-c levels and a greater degree of insulin resistance, steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Our results show that sucrose-enriched diet consumption during 25 weeks contribute to the development of risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in male Wistar rats.

Quality Indicators to Assure and Improve Cancer Care in Spain Using the Delphi Technique.

BACKGROUND: The quality of cancer care has become a priority for health care systems. The goal of this research was to develop a set of evidence-based quality indicators (QIs) for organization, palliative care, and colorectal, breast, and lung cancers for introducing a system of benchmarking in Spain. METHODS: A comprehensive evidence-based literature search was performed to identify potential QIs. An expert panel (the health care quality promotion group) of 9 oncologists identified indicators and evaluated them. A Delphi process involving 58 physicians was used to rank QIs by clinical relevance (validity). The expert panel then evaluated the selected indicators in terms of the feasibility of measuring them in Spanish hospitals, their usefulness for comparisons, their degree of clinical relevance, and their sensitivity to the impact of health care improvements. RESULTS: From the literature review, 99 potential QIs were identified. The Delphi process shortened the list to 72 QIs. A final set of 57 QIs was established by the health care quality promotion group: 12 related to organizational issues, 11 to colorectal cancer, 11 to breast cancer, 12 to lung cancer, and 11 to palliative care. This final set included structure (n=2), process (n=36), and outcome (n=19) indicators. CONCLUSIONS: A set of QIs has been developed using a validated Delphi method, meaning that we can be confident of their validity, feasibility, sensitivity, and acceptability. These QIs are to serve as the basis of a strategy for benchmarking across oncology services in Spanish hospitals and should enable us to assure and improve the quality of cancer care.

Safety profile of recombinant adjuvanted anti-herpes zoster vaccine (RZV) in high-risk groups: Data from active surveillance program. Puglia (Italy), 2021-23.

BACKGROUND: Since 2021 a recombinant adjuvanted anti-Herpes Zoster vaccine(Recombinant Zoster Vaccine, RZV) is offered in Italy to high-risk patients. Few real-life data about RZV safety are available in target populations. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates Adverse Events Following Immunization(AEFIs), baseline disease flare-ups, and Herpes Zoster (HZ) episodes occurring after RZV administration in a heterogeneous population of fragile patients to design its safety profile. METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based study. RZV-vaccinated patients at Bari Policlinico General Hospital vaccination clinic from October 1st, 2021, to March 31st, 2023, were enrolled. Subjects were screened for reason of RZV eligibility and baseline chronic pathologies. AEFIs occurred in the first 7-days post-vaccination period were collected, and baseline disease flare-ups and post-vaccination HZ episodes were assessed via a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Five-hundred-thirty-eight patients were included and total of 1,031 doses were administered. Most patients were vaccinated due to ongoing immunosuppressive therapy(54.65 %); onco-hematological and cardiovascular conditions were the most common chronic baseline pathologies. Out of 1,031 follow-ups, 441 AEFI cases were reported(42.7/100). The most common symptoms were injection site pain/itching(35.60/100), asthenia/malaise(11.44/100), and fever (10.09/100). Four serious AEFIs occurred(0.38/100). Older age, male sex, and history of cardiovascular diseases(OR:0.71; 95CI:0.52-0.98; p-value <0.05) were found to decrease AEFIs risk, while endocrine-metabolic illnesses(OR:1.61; 95CI:1.15-2.26; p-value <0.05) increased it. Twelve patients(2.23 %) reported a flare-up/worsening of their baseline chronic condition within the first three months after vaccination(mean interval 31.75 days, range 0-68 days). Patients with rheumatological illnesses had a higher risk of relapse(OR:16.56; 95CI:3.58-76.56; p-value <0.001), while male sex behaved as a protective factor. Twelve patients who completed the vaccination cycle(2.43%) had at least one HZ episode by the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates RZV safety in a significant number of high-risk patients. Hence, RZV should be actively offered as part of tailored vaccination programs to decrease the burden of HZ in fragile populations.

Advances in Quercus ilex L. breeding: the CRISPR/Cas9 technology via ribonucleoproteins.

The CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-mediated technology represents a fascinating tool for modifying gene expression or mutagenesis as this system allows for obtaining transgene-free plants, avoiding exogenous DNA integration. Holm oak (Quercus ilex) has an important social, economic, and ecological role in the Mediterranean climate zones of Western Europe and North Africa and is severely affected by oak decline syndrome. Here we report the first example of the application of the CRISPR/Cas9-RNP technology in holm oak. Firstly, we evaluated the protoplast isolation from both in vitro leaves and proembryogenic masses. Proembryogenic masses represented the best material to get high protoplast yield (11 x 106 protoplasts/ml) and viability. Secondly, the protoplast transfection ability was evaluated through a vector expressing green fluorescence protein as marker gene of transfection, reaching a transfection percentage of 62% after 24 hours. CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs were successfully delivered into protoplasts resulting in 5.6% ± 0.5% editing efficiency at phytoene desaturase (pds) target genomic region. Protoplasts were then cultured in semisolid media and, after 45 days in culture, developed embryogenic calli were observed in a Murashige and Skoog media with half concentration of NH4NO3 and KNO3 supplemented with 0.1 mg/L benzylaminopurine and 0.1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

Sequential measurement of conjugate variables as an alternative quantum state tomography.

It is shown how it is possible to reconstruct the initial state of a one-dimensional system by sequentially measuring two conjugate variables. The procedure relies on the quasicharacteristic function, the Fourier transform of the Wigner quasiprobability. The proper characteristic function obtained by Fourier transforming the experimentally accessible joint probability of observing "position" then "momentum" (or vice versa) can be expressed as a product of the quasicharacteristic function of the two detectors and that unknown of the quantum system. This allows state reconstruction through the sequence (1) data collection, (2) Fourier transform, (3) algebraic operation, and (4) inverse Fourier transform. The strength of the measurement should be intermediate for the procedure to work.

Correlations between detectors allow violation of the Heisenberg noise-disturbance principle for position and momentum measurements.

Heisenberg formulated a noise-disturbance principle stating that there is a tradeoff between noise and disturbance when a measurement of position and a measurement of momentum are performed sequentially, and another principle imposing a limitation on the product of the uncertainties in a joint measurement of position and momentum. We prove that the former, the Heisenberg sequential noise-disturbance principle, holds when the detectors are assumed to be initially uncorrelated from each other, but that it can be violated for some properly correlated initial preparations of the detectors.

Are we saying it right? Communication strategies for fighting vaccine hesitancy.

Vaccine hesitancy is a multi-faceted phenomenon, deeply rooted in cultural, socioeconomic and personal background. Communication is deemed fundamental in fighting vaccine hesitancy. Medical communication should be accessible, relying both on an emotional approach and accurate information. Trained professionals should curate communication with the public.

Effectiveness of on-site influenza vaccination strategy in Italian healthcare workers: a systematic review and statistical analysis.

INTRODUCTION: One of the main determinants of non-adherence to influenza vaccination among healthcare workers (HCWs) is lack of time to attend vaccination services. Therefore, international Public Health Organizations have recommended on-site influenza vaccination in order to improve vaccination coverage among HCWs. AREAS COVERED: We conducted a systematic narrative review of the relevant literature to evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy among HCWs in Italy. Fifteen studies, selected among scientific articles available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus and published from January 1st, 2018, to May 31st, 2022, were included. A significant relationship was evidenced between influenza vaccine uptake and adoption of an on-site outpatient clinic (OR = 2.06; 95%CI = 1.43-2.95). The review highlighted a significant increase in VC when on-site vaccination was implemented (even exceeding +150% compared to the previous season), among other measures. Nevertheless, none of the reported experiences proved to meet the minimum target of 75% VC among HCWs. EXPERT OPINION: Despite strategies to achieve greater willingness to immunize in this category, mandatory vaccination appears to be the only one that can guarantee protection for HCWs and the patients they care for.

Vaccine coverage for recommended vaccines among splenectomised patients in Apulia, South Italy: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Splenectomised/asplenic patients have a 10-50 fold higher risk than the general population of developing overwhelming postsplenectomy infection. To control this risk, these patients have to receive a specific immunisation schedule, before or in the 2 weeks after the surgical intervention. The study aims to estimate vaccine coverage (VC) for recommended vaccines among splenectomised patients in Apulia (South Italy), and to define the determinants of vaccination uptake in this population. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Apulia, Southern Italy. PARTICIPANTS: 1576 splenectomised patients. METHODS: The Apulian regional archive of hospital discharge forms (SDOs) was used to define the splenectomised Apulian inhabitants. The study period went from 2015 to 2020. The vaccination status for Streptococcus pneumoniae (13-valent conjugate anti-pneumococcal vaccine+PPSV23), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib; one dose), Neisseria meningitidis ACYW135 (two doses), Neisseria meningitidis B (two doses) and influenza (at least one dose of influenza vaccine before an influenza season after splenectomy) was assessed via data collected from the Regional Immunisation Database (GIAVA). In order to define a subject as fully immunised, we considered the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention guidelines to define the optimal immunisation status. RESULTS: Since 2015, 1576 Apulian inhabitants have undergone splenectomy; the VC for anti-Neisseria meningitidis B vaccine was 30.9%, for anti-Neisseria meningitidis ACYW135 was 27.7%, for anti-Streptococcus pneumoniae was 27.0%, for anti-Hib was 30.1%, and 49.2% received at least one dose of influenza vaccine before an influenza season after splenectomy. None of the patients splenectomised in 2015 and 2016 had received the recommended MenACYW135 and PPSV23 booster doses 5 years after completing the basal cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study highlight low VC values among Apulian splenectomised patients. The task of public health institutions is to implement new strategies aimed at increasing VC in this population, implementing educational measures for patients and families, training for general practitioners and specialists, and ad hoc communication campaigns.

Adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) with anti-meningococcus type B vaccine (4CMenB): Data of post-marketing active surveillance program. Apulia Region (Italy), 2019-2023.

The four-component recombinant-DNA anti-meningococcus B vaccine (4CMenB) has been approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2013. In Italy, 4CMenB is recommended since 2017 for use in infants under one year of age. Due to the strong evidence of increased risk of fever after administration, surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) is a priority for 4CMenB. This cross-sectional prospective study aims at investigating 4CMenB's safety profile. The study population is represented by infants under twelve months of age vaccinated with 4CMenB in selected ambulatories in Apulia, a region in South-Eastern Italy, from October 1st, 2020, to March 31st, 2023. Parents were provided with a post-vaccination diary covering up to seven days after immunization and were contacted one week after the vaccination day. Information about AEFIs was collected, and reactions were classified following World Health Organization guidelines. For serious AEFIs, causality assessment was carried out. AEFI risk determinants were investigated via logistic regression. A total of 4,773 diaries were completed, with 78.13 % of them (3,729/4,773) containing one or more AEFI reports. Systemic reactions such as malaise, drowsiness/insomnia and fatigue were the most common ones, followed by fever and local pain, tenderness, redness and swelling. Twenty-three cases of serious AEFIs were reported. Following causality assessment, 78.26 % of serious adverse events (18/23) were deemed to have a consistent causal association with the administration of 4CMenB (reporting rate: 0.38 %). Three infants were hospitalized following vaccination, but no cases of death or permanent/severe impairment were reported. Prophylactic paracetamol administration showed a significant protective effect against the risk of manifesting fever within the first 24 h after administration (OR: 0.75; p < 0.005). Our data confirms existing evidence regarding the safety of 4CMenB vaccination in babies under 2 years of age, but also highlight a significant risk of fever after vaccination. Prophylactic paracetamol administration could represent a protective factor against fever, especially during the first 24 h after vaccination.

Influenza vaccine coverage in 6months-64 years-old patients affected by chronic diseases: A retrospective cohort study in Italy.

At the beginning of each flu season, the Italian Ministry of Health defines the categories at higher risk of influenza complications, for which vaccination is actively and freely offered. The vaccine coverage (VC) of the influenza vaccine in subjects from 6 months to 64 years of age suffering from diseases that increase the risk of complications from influenza during the 2020-2021 season was evaluated. Our study wants to evaluate the VCs of the influenza vaccine in these subjects during the 2020/2021 season in Apulia. The digital archives relative to the Apulian population were used. A retrospective cohort study design was performed. 484,636 Apulian residents aged between 6 months and 64 years suffered from at least one chronic disease; 139,222 of 484,636 subjects received the influenza vaccine (VC: 28.7%) from October 2020 to January 2021. Considering the single comorbidities, the greatest values are found for pathologies for which major surgical interventions are planned and chronic renal failure/adrenal insufficiency patients, while the worst for chronic liver diseases and pathologies for which major surgical interventions are planned. In any case, it would seem that better VC is achieved in subjects with more than one chronic condition. Influenza vaccination must be promoted as a central public health measure, also because by reducing the burden on hospitals, it can greatly benefit the management of COVID-19 patients. Greater efforts by public health institutions must be implemented in order to achieve better VC in the target categories, including chronic patients.

A Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, Acceptance, and Hesitancy of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women towards the COVID-19 Vaccine.

The anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is recommended for pregnant women due to the high risk of complications. However, pregnancy has been associated with vaccine hesitancy. Our review aims at summarizing the existing literature about anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy in pregnant and lactating women. The research was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, ExcerptaMedica Database (EMBASE), and Scopus, according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles regarding the COVID-19 vaccine's acceptance and/or refusal by pregnant and lactating women were selected. Only observational, population-based studies were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tools were employed. A total of 496 articles were retrieved, and after the selection process, 21 papers were included in the current analysis. All the included studies were cross-sectional, mostly from Europe and North America. The sample sizes ranged between 72 and 25,111 subjects. All of them included pregnant subjects, except one that focused on breastfeeding women only. Vaccine hesitancy rates ranged from 26% to 57% among different studies. Fear of adverse events and lack of knowledge were shown to be the main drivers of hesitancy. Approximately half of the studies (11/21) were classified as low quality, the remaining (9/21) were classified as moderate, and only one study was classified as high quality. Primigravidae were also shown to be more likely to accept anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Our findings confirm significant anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women. Information gaps should be addressed to contain concerns related to adverse events.

The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on post-secondary students: A longitudinal study.

This prospective longitudinal study measured sex-specific changes in depression, anxiety, and stress scores using, validated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) in a cohort of 1445 post-secondary students (500 males, 945 females) assessed at three time points from December 2020 to January 2022. Participants were ascertained from a population of 15,585 students with in-person activities on campus at baseline and recruited from December 2020 to January 2021. We also assessed how sociodemographic characteristics influenced students' mental health outcomes. Inverse probability weighting was used to account for missing data and attrition. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze the relationship between the mental health scores in each questionnaire, demographic and academic data, and public health stringency measured by the local stringency index. No change was observed in questionnaire scores over time for males and females, but the stringency index was significantly associated with increased stress. Being in a non-health-related-field or being white affected males and females differently for stress and anxiety, but not depression. Demographics tended to be more influential on females' mental health than males. In conclusion, mental health resource allocation in time of emerging pandemic could benefit from targeted interventions.

Allergic adverse events following immunization: Data from post-marketing surveillance in Apulia region (South of Italy).

Introduction: Among adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), allergic reactions elicit the most concern, as they are often unpredictable and can be life-threatening. Their estimates range from one in 1,000,000 to one in 50,000 vaccine doses. This report describes allergic events following immunization reported from 2020 to 2021 in Puglia, a region in the South-East of Italy with around 4 million inhabitants. Its main objective is to describe the allergic safety profile of currently employed vaccines. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective observational study. The study period spanned from January 2020 to December 2021, and the whole Apulian population was included in the study. Information regarding AEFIs reported in Puglia during the study period was gathered from the Italian Drug Authority's pharmacovigilance database (National Pharmacovigilance Network, RNF). The overall number of vaccine doses administered was extrapolated by the Apulian online immunization database (GIAVA). Reporting rates were calculated as AEFIs reported during a certain time span/number of vaccine doses administered during the same period. Results: 10,834,913 vaccine doses were administered during the study period and 95 reports of allergic AEFIs were submitted to the RNF (reporting rate 0.88/100,000 doses). 27.4% of the reported events (26/95) were classified as serious (reporting rate 0.24/100,000 doses). 68 out of 95 (71.6%) adverse events were at least partially resolved by the time of reporting and none of them resulted in the subject's death. Conclusions: Allergic reactions following vaccination were rare events, thus confirming the favourable risks/benefits ratio for currently marketed vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Italian parents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In May 2021, the Italian government extended the COVID-19 vaccination campaign to 12- to 18-year-old subjects and, starting December 2021, vaccines were also offered to children between 5 and 11 years-old. Despite these efforts, suboptimal vaccination coverages are reported. The purpose of this review is to estimate the proportion of parents/caregivers of children and adolescents expressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Italy. The vaccine hesitation rate among parents of minors was 55.1% (95%CI: 43.8-66.1%). A higher value was evidenced in studies focusing on children (59.9%; 95%CI = 43.7-75.1%) compared to the ones focusing on adolescents (51.3%; 95%CI = 34.5-68.0%). The main reasons for unwillingness were the belief that the vaccine was unsafe or ineffective, fear of adverse events, and considering COVID-19 a non-threatening disease. The implementation of effective communication campaigns and health educational programs on safe pediatric vaccinations is essential to support strategies to bolster vaccination confidence.

COVID-19 Vaccine Knowledge, Attitude, Acceptance and Hesitancy among Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Systematic Review of Hospital-Based Studies.

The risk of unfavourable outcomes for SARS-CoV-2 infection is significant during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vaccination is a safe and effective measure to lower this risk. This study aims at reviewing the literature concerning the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine's acceptance/hesitancy among pregnant and breastfeeding women attending hospital facilities. A systematic review of literature was carried out. Hospital-based observational studies related to vaccination acceptance, hesitancy, knowledge and attitude among pregnant and breastfeeding women were included. Determinants of acceptance and hesitancy were investigated in detail. Quality assessment was done via the Johann Briggs Institute quality assessment tools. After literature search, 43 studies were included, 30 of which only focused on pregnant women (total sample 25,862 subjects). Sample size ranged from 109 to 7017 people. Acceptance of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ranged from 16% to 78.52%; vaccine hesitancy ranged between 91.4% and 24.5%. Fear of adverse events for either the woman, the child, or both, was the main driver for hesitancy. Other determinants of hesitancy included religious concerns, socioeconomic factors, inadequate information regarding the vaccine and lack of trust towards institutions. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy in hospitalized pregnant women appears to be significant, and efforts for a more effective communication to these subjects are required.

Determinants of compliance to influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of solid organ transplant patients in Puglia, Southern Italy (2017-2022).

Influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination are recommended in both solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates and recipients. In Puglia, Southern Italy, an active vaccination offer program has been activated targeting these patients. This study aims at investigating vaccination coverage (VC) for both vaccines in a SOT patients' cohort, as well as at identifying the vaccination compliance determinant. This is a retrospective, population-based study. The study population consists of the SOT patients who accessed Bari's "Policlinico" General Hospital during 2017-2022. Patients were contacted and, after providing their consent, asked their immunization status regarding influenza and COVID-19 and whether they had already undergone transplant or were waiting to do so. Regression models were fitted to investigate the determinants of VCs for influenza vaccination (2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons) and for COVID-19 vaccination (three-dose base cycle, first and second booster doses). Three-hundred and ten SOT patients were identified; 85.2% (264/310) had already undergone SOT. VCs were suboptimal, especially for constant yearly influenza vaccination (17.7%) and COVID-19 vaccination's second booster (1.94%). Logistic regression highlighted that influenza VCs are higher for SOT recipients than SOT candidates, as well as for older patients, although when considering both vaccination seasons only age significantly impact the vaccination uptake. Older age was the only influential variable for COVID-19 VC. VCs for SOT patients seem to be unsatisfying. Stronger interventions are required.

Attitudes toward influenza vaccination in healthcare workers in Italy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the at-risk groups for whom influenza vaccination is strongly recommended. To assess the proportion of Italian HCWs with positive attitudes toward influenza vaccination, we conducted a systematic review of relevant literature and a meta-analysis. Our focus was on the influenza seasons from 2017/18 to 2021/22. The prevalence of favorable attitudes toward vaccination varied, ranging from 12% during the 2017/18 influenza season to 59% in the 2020/21 season. The significant increase in the 2020/21 season can be attributed to adaptations necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021/22 influenza season, there was a decline in vaccination coverage (37%), likely due to the absence of a robust preventive culture. Various strategies have been employed to enhance HCWs' attitudes to achieve higher vaccination rates, but none of them have demonstrated satisfactory results. Policymakers should consider implementing a policy of mandatory vaccination to ensure elevated vaccination coverage among HCWs.