COVID-19 InfoVaccines: A WHO-supported educational project to promote COVID-19 vaccination information among professionals and the general population.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake varied across countries, in part due to vaccine hesitancy fueled by a lack of trustworthy information. To help health workers provide evidence-based answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, and thereby, assist individuals´ decisions on vaccine acceptance, COVID-19 InfoVaccines, a joint WHO-EU project, was launched in February 2021 to support COVID-19 vaccine rollout in 6 Eastern European countries. COVID-19 InfoVaccines was made available in seven languages and shared on social media networks. A total of 262,592 users accessed COVID-19 InfoVaccines.com between February 11, 2021, and January 31st, 2023. The users were most interested in: general questions; vaccine efficacy and duration of protection; vaccine safety; vaccine co-administration, and dose-interval and interchangeability; though the interest in a specific theme varied in function of the epidemiological situation. A total of 118,510 (45.1%) and 46,644 (17.7%) users scrolled up to 35% and 75% of the COVID-19 InfoVaccines webpage, respectively. The average engagement rate was 71.61%. The users accessed COVID-19 InfoVaccines from 231 countries and territories, but the majority were in Ukraine (N = 38,404; 14.6%), Spain (N = 23,327; 8.9%), and Argentina (N = 21,167; 8.1%). Older Facebook users were more interested in COVID-19 information than younger individuals (X2 p-value < .0001). Two hundred twenty-eight videos were shared on YouTube. The average Click-Through-Rate on Facebook was 7.82%, and that on YouTube was 4.4%, with 60 videos having a Click-Through-Rate >5%, falling in the range of average YouTube video Click-Through-Rate (2% - 10%). As misinformation about vaccines and vaccination spreads easily and can negatively impact health-related decisions, initiatives like COVID-19 InfoVaccines are crucial to facilitate access to reliable information.

Evaluation of a catch-up strategy for the vaccination in patients with hepatitis C virus.

Vaccination in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) is an essential part of their comprehensive healthcare. These individuals may have impaired phagocytic function and diminished production of opsonizing antibodies, resulting in increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, particularly pneumococcal pneumonia. Similarly, there is an increased risk of fulminant hepatitis due to hepatitis A and B viruses. The Ministry of Health updated specific vaccination recommendations for this group in 2018.

[Tixagevimab-cilgavimab as pre-exposure prophylactic treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplantation patients]. / Tixagevimab-cilgavimab como tratamiento profiláctico preexposición frente a SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes trasplantados renales.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that after vaccination with RNAm or viral vectors from SARS-CoV-2 a significant number of solid organ transplant recipients do not develop an effective immune response. In this scenario, the use of tixagevimab-cilgavimab was approved by the European Medicines Agency for COVID-19 prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients in March 2022. We present our experience with a group of kidney transplant recipients who received prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study from a cohort of kidney transplant recipients who had been previously vaccinated with 4 doses and did not achieve a satisfactory immune response to vaccination, presenting antibody titers lower than 260 BAU/mL when measured by ELISA. A total of 55 patients who received a single dose of 150mg of tixagevimab and 150mg of cilgavimab between May and September of 2022 were included in this study. RESULTS: No immediate or severe adverse reactions, including worsening of kidney function, were observed after administering the drug or during follow up. All patients who had received the drug 3 months prior presented positive antibody titers (>260 BAU/mL). Seven patients were diagnosed with COVID, and one of those patients had to be admitted to the hospital and died 5 days later from infectious complications and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial coinfection. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, all kidney transplant recipients reached antibody titers higher than 260 BAU/mL 3 months after receiving prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab with no severe or irreversible adverse reactions.

[Tixagevimab-cilgavimab as pre-exposure prophylactic treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplantation patients]. / Tixagevimab-cilgavimab como tratamiento profiláctico preexposición frente a SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes trasplantados renales.

Introduction: It has been reported that after vaccination with RNAm or viral vectors from SARS-CoV-2 a significant number of solid organ transplant recipients do not develop an effective immune response. In this scenario, the use of tixagevimab-cilgavimab was approved by the European Medicines Agency for COVID-19 prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients in March 2022. We present our experience with a group of kidney transplant recipients who received prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab. Material and methods: Prospective study from a cohort of kidney transplant recipients who had been previously vaccinated with 4 doses and did not achieve a satisfactory immune response to vaccination, presenting antibody titers lower than 260 BAU/mL when measured by ELISA. A total of 55 patients who received a single dose of 150 mg of tixagevimab and 150 mg of cilgavimab between May and September of 2022 were included in this study. Results: No immediate or severe adverse reactions, including worsening of kidney function, were observed after administering the drug or during follow up. All patients who had received the drug 3 months prior presented positive antibody titers (> 260 BAU/mL). Seven patients were diagnosed with COVID, and one of those patients had to be admitted to the hospital and died 5 days later from infectious complications and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial coinfection. Conclusions: In our experience, all kidney transplant recipients reached antibody titers higher than 260 BAU/mL 3 months after receiving prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab with no severe or irreversible adverse reactions.

Executive summary - Diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of influenza virus infection - Consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP), the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC) and the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Health Management (SEMPSPGS).

The influenza virus has accompanied humans since time immemorial, in the form of annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. It is a respiratory infection with multiple repercussions on people's lives at an individual and social level, as well as representing a significant burden on the health system. This Consensus Document arises from the collaboration of various Spanish scientific societies involved in influenza virus infection. The conclusions drawn are based on the highest quality evidence available in the scientific literature and, failing that, on the opinion of the experts convened. The Consensus Document addresses the clinical, microbiological, therapeutic, and preventive aspects (with respect to the prevention of transmission and in relation to vaccination) of influenza, for both adult and pediatric populations. This Consensus Document aims to help facilitate the clinical, microbiological, and preventive approach to influenza virus infection and, consequently, to reduce its important consequences on the morbidity and mortality of the population.

Executive summary. Diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of influenza virus infection. Consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP), the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC) and the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Health Management (SEMPSPGS).

The influenza virus has accompanied humans since time immemorial, in the form of annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. It is a respiratory infection with multiple repercussions on people's lives at an individual and social level, as well as representing a significant burden on the health system. This Consensus Document arises from the collaboration of various Spanish scientific societies involved in influenza virus infection. The conclusions drawn are based on the highest quality evidence available in the scientific literature and, failing that, on the opinion of the experts convened. The Consensus Document addresses the clinical, microbiological, therapeutic, and preventive aspects (with respect to the prevention of transmission and in relation to vaccination) of influenza, for both adult and pediatric populations. This Consensus Document aims to help facilitate the clinical, microbiological, and preventive approach to influenza virus infection and, consequently, to reduce its important consequences on the morbidity and mortality of the population.

Executive summary. Diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of influenza virus infection. Consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP), the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC) and the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Health Management (SEMPSPGS).

The influenza virus has accompanied humans since time immemorial, in the form of annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. It is a respiratory infection with multiple repercussions on people's lives at an individual and social level, as well as representing a significant burden on the health system. This Consensus Document arises from the collaboration of various Spanish scientific societies involved in influenza virus infection. The conclusions drawn are based on the highest quality evidence available in the scientific literature and, failing that, on the opinion of the experts convened. The Consensus Document addresses the clinical, microbiological, therapeutic, and preventive aspects (with respect to the prevention of transmission and in relation to vaccination) of influenza, for both adult and pediatric populations. This Consensus Document aims to help facilitate the clinical, microbiological, and preventive approach to influenza virus infection and, consequently, to reduce its important consequences on the morbidity and mortality of the population.

Preliminary evaluation of an inter-professional e-consultation on vaccines.

The aim of this study was to assess the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of an inter-professional e-consultation on vaccines. We used a quasi-experimental design to introduce an application in electronic health records that allowed primary health providers to launch e-consults to the hospital vaccines unit. A total of 135 e-consults were received during 10 months. E-consults were more frequently about subjects with chronic diseases (82.2%). Most of the e-consults were global (60.7%), that is, to revise a patient's complete vaccination schedule, whereas 39.3% were specific, that is, to request information regarding a concrete vaccine or serology, with hepatitis vaccines leading the ranking (42.9%). The e-consultation avoided hospital referral in 85.4% of the global e-consults and in 100% of the specific e-consults. Indicators of acceptability were all above nine points (10 points indicated the maximum). The best-rated aspect was the level of recommendation (9.7 ± 0.68 points). In summary, linking primary health-care providers with specialists in vaccines through an e-consultation tool is effective and well-accepted by users.

Personal and vaccination history as factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: SARS-CoV-2 has been and is a major global Public Health challenge. Since the beginning of the pandemic, different comorbidities have been postulated and associated with spectra of increased severity and mortality. The objectives of this research are: 1) to analyse the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) in a health area in northern Spain; 2) to understand the possible role of influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination in the development of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A test-negative case-control study was conducted. Variables related to personal and vaccination history were considered. Although the epidemiological definition of the case varied over time, the reference definition was that corresponding to 31/01/2020 in Spain. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The sample included 188 patients, of which 63 were cases and 125 controls. The results show that obesity increases the risk 2.4-fold of suffering this infection (IC 95% 1,301-4,521) and ARA-2 increases it 2.2-fold (95% CI 1,256-6,982). On the other hand, anti-pneumococcal vaccination of 13 serotypes showed results close to statistical significance (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.170-1,006). CONCLUSION: Obesity and the use of ARA-2 increases the risk of COVID-19. Scientific knowledge about factors associated with COVID-19 should be expanded. The authors consider that the present research raises the need further investigate the role of vaccines in this infection and their possible heterologous properties.

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: El SARS-CoV-2 ha supuesto un importante reto de salud pública. Desde el inicio de la pandemia, se han postulado diferentes comorbilidades que se han asociado con espectros de mayor gravedad y mortalidad. Los objetivos de la presente investigación son: 1) analizar los factores asociados a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) en un área sanitaria del norte de España; 2) conocer el posible papel de la vacunación antigripal y antineumocócica en el desarrollo de la COVID-19. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un estudio de casos y controles de test negativo. Se tuvieron en cuenta variables relacionadas con los antecedentes personales y vacunales. A pesar de que la definición epidemiológica de caso fue variando a lo largo del tiempo, se tuvo como referencia la correspondiente al 31 de enero del 2020 en España. Se efectuó un análisis bivariante y multivariante. RESULTADOS: La muestra incluyó a 188 pacientes, de los cuales 63 fueron casos y 125 controles. Los resultados muestran que la obesidad aumenta 2,4 veces el riesgo de padecer esta infección (IC 95% 1.301 a 4.521) y los antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina II (ARA-2) lo aumentan 2,2 veces (IC 95% 1.256 a 6.982). Por otro lado, la vacunación antineumocócica conjugada de 13 serotipos mostró resultados cercanos a la significación estadística (OR = 0,4; IC 95% 0,170 a 1.006). CONCLUSIONES: La obesidad y el uso de fármacos ARA-2 aumentan el riesgo de la COVID-19. El conocimiento científico sobre los factores asociados a la COVID-19 debe seguir ampliándose. La presente investigación plantea la necesidad de profundizar en el papel de las vacunas sobre esta infección y sus posibles propiedades heterólogas.

[Improvement of flu vaccination coverage in people over 65 years old. Strategy developed in a health area of Asturias.] / Mejora de la cobertura de vacunación antigripal en persona mayores de 65 años. Estrategia desarrollada en un área de salud de Asturias.

OBJECTIVE: Influenza vaccination rates among adults over 65 years have not reached the minimum levels recommended by the health authorities in Asturias during previous vaccination campaigns. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of an influenza vaccination strategy and its effectiveness. METHODS: Strategy developed during the 2019-2020 influenza vaccination campaign in the Área Sanitaria VII in the Servicio de Salud of the Principado de Asturias. The target population were people over 65 years. The strategy consisted of training sessions for professionals and the general population, information dissemination through the media, overt recommendations for the vaccination of hospital personnel and social recognition of the professionals involved. The vaccination rates were described and a two-tailed hypothesis test was used to determine the differences in the vaccination percentages. RESULTS: The percentage of vaccination in the Área Sanitaria VII went from 56.29% in the 2018-2019 campaign to 65.82% in the 2019-2020 campaign (+9.53; p<0.001). During the same campaign, the percentage of vaccination in Asturias was 57,38%, that is, 8,44% less than in the intervened Área Sanitaria. CONCLUSIONS: The strategy proved effective in increasing the rates of influenza vaccination among adults over 65 years in the Área Sanitaria VII of the Principado de Asturias.

OBJETIVO: La vacunación de la gripe en población mayor de 65 años en Asturias no ha alcanzado el mínimo recomendado por las autoridades sanitarias españolas en las últimas campañas de vacunación. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en presentar las características de una estrategia de vacunación frente a la gripe y su efectividad. METODOS: Estrategia desarrollada en la campaña de vacunación 2019-2020, en el Área Sanitaria VII del Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias. Su población objeto fueron las personas mayores de 65 años. Incluyó sesiones formativas a profesionales y población, información a la población a través de medios de comunicación, recomendación activa de la vacunación en el ámbito hospitalario y reconocimiento social a los profesionales implicados. Se realizó la descripción de las tasas de vacunación y, para determinar las diferencias en los porcentajes de vacunación, se utilizó un contraste de hipótesis para proporciones de dos colas. RESULTADOS: El porcentaje de vacunación en el Área Sanitaria VII pasó de un 56,29% en la campaña 2018-2019 a un 65,82% en la 2019-2020 (+9,53; p<0,001). Esa misma campaña el porcentaje de vacunación en Asturias fue 57,38%, es decir un 8,44% menor que en Área Sanitaria intervenida. CONCLUSIONES: La estrategia ha mostrado ser efectiva para aumentar el porcentaje de vacunación frente a la gripe en población mayor de 65 años en el Área Sanitaria VII del Principado de Asturias.

[Personal and vaccination history as factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection]. / Antecedentes personales y vacunales como factores asociados a la infección por SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: SARS-CoV-2 has been and is a major global Public Health challenge. Since the beginning of the pandemic, different comorbidities have been postulated and associated with spectra of increased severity and mortality. The objectives of this research are: 1) to analyse the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) in a health area in northern Spain; 2) to understand the possible role of influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination in the development of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A test-negative case-control study was conducted. Variables related to personal and vaccination history were considered. Although the epidemiological definition of the case varied over time, the reference definition was that corresponding to 31/01/2020 in Spain. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The sample included 188 patients, of which 63 were cases and 125 controls. The results show that obesity increases the risk 2.4-fold of suffering this infection (IC 95% 1,301-4,521) and ARA-2 increases it 2.2-fold (95% CI 1,256-6,982). On the other hand, anti-pneumococcal vaccination of 13 serotypes showed results close to statistical significance (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.170-1,006). CONCLUSION: Obesity and the use of ARA-2 increases the risk of COVID-19. Scientific knowledge about factors associated with COVID-19 should be expanded. The authors consider that the present research raises the need further investigate the role of vaccines in this infection and their possible heterologous properties.

Acute onset supraclavicular lymphadenopathy coinciding with intramuscular mRNA vaccination against COVID-19 may be related to vaccine injection technique, Spain, January and February 2021.

Monitoring adverse reactions following immunisation is essential, particularly for new vaccines such as those against COVID-19. We describe 20 cases of acute onset of a single supraclavicular lymphadenopathy manifesting between 24 h and 9 days after ipsilateral intramuscular administration of an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, referred to our WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine Safety. Our results indicate that the swelling of supraclavicular lymph nodes following immunisation may constitute a benign and self-limited condition, related to a higher than recommended injection site.

[SEPAR Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With Respiratory Diseases]. / Recomendaciones SEPAR sobre la vacuna COVID-19 en las enfermedades respiratorias.

The Spanish Society of Pneumonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) has elaborated this document of recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with respiratory diseases aimed to help healthcare personnel make decisions about how to act in case of COVID-19 vaccination in these patients.The recommendations have been developed by a group of experts in this field after reviewing the materials published up to March 7, 2021, the information provided by different scientific societies, drug agencies and the strategies of the governmental bodies up to this date.We can conclude that COVID-19 vaccines are not only safe and effective, but also prior in vulnerable patients with chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, an active involvement of healthcare professionals, who manage these diseases, in the vaccination strategy is the key to achieve good adherence and high vaccination coverage.

[Quo vadis in vaccines: From the empirical approach to the new wave of technology]. / Quo vadis en vacunas: desde la aproximación empírica a la nueva oleada tecnológica.

The development of vaccines is a multifactorial process that has evolved and expanded, particularly over the last decades. The search for immunogenic vaccines that are also acceptably safe and tolerable enacted continuous technological advances in this field. In this regard, the technology applied to vaccines can historically be divided into 3 approaches: the empirical approach, the modern approach, and the new technological wave. The empirical approach for vaccine development includes whole micro-organisms, attenuation, inactivation, cell cultures and sub-unit vaccines. The modern approach contributed to leaps and bounds to vaccine development using chemical conjugation, as well as recombinant protein DNA technology and reverse vaccinology. Lastly, the new technological wave includes, among others, bioconjugation, viral vectors, synthetic biology, self-amplification of messenger RNA, generalized modules for membrane antigens, structural vaccinology and the new adjuvants.

Evaluation of pneumococcal and influenza vaccination coverage in rheumatology patients receiving biological therapy in a regional referral hospital. / Evaluación de las coberturas de vacunación antineumocócica y antigripal en pacientes reumatológicos con terapia biológica de un hospital autonómico de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: Vaccination coverage for seasonal influenza and pneumococcus in rheumatology patients receiving biological treatment. To identify variables that predict vaccination adherence. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The study involved rheumatology patients who initiated biological therapy between 01/01/2016 and 12/31/2016 in a regional referral hospital. Variables included sociodemographic information, diagnostic data, treating physician, referral to the vaccine unit and vaccination against pneumococcus with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), as well as seasonal influenza (2016/17). Univariate, bivariate (Chi-square) and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) were performed. The differences were considered significant (P<.05) and the PASW v.18 software package was used. RESULTS: In all, 222 patients were included. Vaccination coverage was: PCV13, 80.2%; PPSV23, 77.9%; influenza 2016/17, 78.8%; PCV13+PPSV23, 75.2%; PCV13+PPSV23+influenza 2016/17, 68.9%. Axial spondylitis had the highest coverage (>80%) for pneumococcal vaccination and combination of pneumococcal with influenza. Overall, 27% of the patients were not referred to the unit. The treating physician was associated with statistical significance in each vaccine alone or combined, but referral to the vaccine unit was independently associated with the highest vaccination coverage (P<.001) in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the scientific literature, we consider that the coverage of our patients against pneumococcus and influenza is high. Referral of these patients to the vaccine unit is the key to guarantee a correct immunization and to minimize some of the possible infectious adverse effects of biological therapies.