Early estimates of nirsevimab immunoprophylaxis effectiveness against hospital admission for respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections in infants, Spain, October 2023 to January 2024.

The monoclonal antibody nirsevimab was at least 70% effective in preventing hospitalisations in infants with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Spain (Oct 2023-Jan 2024), where a universal immunisation programme began late September (coverage range: 79-99%). High protection was confirmed by two methodological designs (screening and test-negative) in a multicentre active surveillance in nine hospitals in three regions. No protection against RSV-negative LRTI-hospitalisations was shown. These interim results could guide public-health decision-making.

Adverse events in pregnant women with the tetravalent influenza vaccine obtained from cell cultures.

Influenza vaccination in pregnant women shows a clear benefit/risk ratio. Influenza vaccines are currently being developed using new platforms. It is essential to analyse the safety of these new vaccines in this population group, underrepresented in clinical trials. In the 2019-2020 season, a vaccine obtained in cell culture was recommended to pregnant women in two autonomous communities. Information is collected from the vaccination and pharmacovigilance centres of both communities. The reporting rate of adverse events (AEs) after vaccination in pregnant women was 4.02/100,000 doses administered, and in non-pregnant women aged 18-64 years it was 5.9/100,000 doses administered. The rate of AE reported was 8.04 and 17.74 respectively. No spontaneous abortions, prematurity or foetal malformations were reported. This analysis suggests the safety in pregnant women of the influenza vaccine obtained from cell cultures.

Trends of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Reports of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in the Valencian Community-Spain (2008-2018).

Vaccine safety surveillance is essential in vaccination programs. We accomplished a descriptive study of surveillance AEFI-reporting rate in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine administered in the Valencian Community, Spain. Data were obtained from Spanish Pharmacovigilance Adverse Reactions Data (FEDRA). Reporting rates were calculated using local net doses distributed as the denominator. Trends were assessed using joinpoint regression with annual percent change (APC) reported. The AEFI-reports decreased between 2008 and 2018 in two periods, a fast decreasing rate from 2009 to 2011 (from 192.2 to 24.93 per 100000 doses; APC, -54.9%; 95%CI [-75.2; -17.7]), followed by a stable trend (-13% APC, 95%CI [-26.1; 2.4]). For the age group analysis, only the group aged 14-15 years old followed the same trend with -58.4% (95%CI [-73.9; -33.8]) APC during 2008-2011, and -8.8% (95%CI [-27.7; 15]) APC during 2011-2018. The majority of the reports (73.82%) were nonserious, involving reactions at or near the vaccination site, headache, and dizziness events. No death was reported. AEFI-reporting rates for HPV immunization in the Valencian Community have decreased considerably with two trend periods observed for girls aged 14-15 years old. Currently, the AEFI reporting rate shows a decreasing trend, perhaps following the Weber effect, and it could also be affected by media attention and coverage.

[Activities to catch up and Vaccinate the Susceptible Population in Valencian Community, Spain]. / Actividades para captar y vacunar a la población susceptible en la Comunidad Valenciana.

Eliminating measles and rubella and preventing congenital rubella infection plan of WHO highlighted the need to assess vaccination coverage and develop strategies to improve it and eliminate pockets of low immunization coverage. It exists evidence about the potential role of immunization information systems to improve coverage. The aim of this article is to describe the actions taken from the Vaccine Information System of Valencian Community addressed to improve the vaccination coverage. The Vaccine Information System is a comprehensive information system that allows the management of vaccination programs. It is connected to other systems so that decisions related to vaccinations as clinical and epidemiological management is facilitated. Regarding the role in improving vaccination coverage, the Vaccine Information System facilitates the implementation of all alternatives that have been proven effective: calculate coverage and feedback of results, active recruitment, cooperate with the epidemiological surveillance and logistics management of vaccines. We can conclude, therefore, that the Vaccine Information System is a useful tool to improve vaccination coverage and thus contribute to the elimination of measles and rubella.

[News items on human papillomavirus and its vaccine in the Valencian press (2006-2011)]. / Noticias sobre el virus del papiloma humano y su vacuna en la prensa valenciana (2006-2011).

The process of introducing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine aimed at teenage girls has not been entirely without controversy in Spain. This vaccine was originally hyped as a preventive measure in the fight against cervical cancer but the resulting euphoria was tempered by a message calling for evidence. During administration of the second dose of the vaccine in February 2009, an unexpected turn of events attracted vast media coverage when two teenagers experienced adverse effects after immunization in Valencia (Spain). This study analyzes the scope and content of news items on HPV, immunization and cervical cancer published between 2006 and 2011 in two widely disseminated regional newspapers in Valencia. We also discuss the extent to which the messages transmitted may have influenced acceptability of the vaccine.

[Variability in the reporting of adverse reactions to the pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccine: seasons 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Valencian community, Spain]. / Variabilidad en la notificación de reacciones adversas a las vacunas de la gripe pandémica y estacional: Temporadas 2009-2010 y 2010-2011, Comunitat Valenciana.

BACKGROUND: The loss of confidence in the safety of vaccines derived from alarm conditions, as in the case of the flu pandemic may affect both vaccination coverage and the sensitivity to the reporting of suspected adverse reactions associated vaccines (SRAAV). The aim of the study is to describe the adverse effects reported to the vaccine against pandemic influenza in the 2009-2010 season and against seasonal influenza in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, by type of vaccine, risk groups and by age group in the Valencian Community (CV). METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study has been made of the individuals presenting suspected adverse reactions to the influenza vaccine reported through the Vaccine Information System during the seasons 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 in the Valencian Community. 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: During the period 2009-2010 the reporting rate of suspected reactions for seasonal influenza vaccine was 0.020 per thousand doses administered, for the pandemic vaccine 0.95. The reporting rate for seasonal influenza vaccine in the period 2010-2011 was 0.04 per thousand. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in the number of reported suspected adverse reactions to the pandemic vaccines compared with the rest of influenza vaccines, during the seasons. The highest suspected adverse reaction reporting rate was for the group of health professionals partner for both vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza.

Pharmacoeconomic assessment of implementing a universal PCV-13 vaccination programme in the Valencian public health system (Spain).

BACKGROUND: Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) was licensed to provide immunity against pneumococcal disease caused by seven serotypes of S. pneumoniae. Thirteen-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) includes 6 additional serotypes for preventing invasive pneumococcal disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate the potential health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of vaccination with PCV-13 in the Community of Valencia and to generate valuable information for policy makers at regional and country levels. METHODS: A decision tree was designed to determine the health and economic outcomes in hypothetical cohorts of vaccinated and unvaccinated children followed over their lifetime. Information about disease incidence and serotype distribution were gathered from local databases and from published and unpublished local records. PCV-13 effectiveness was extrapolated from PCV-7 efficacy data. A 5% of herd effect and a serotype replacement of 25% were considered for the base case scenario. Only direct costs were taken into account and results were expressed in terms of life-years gained (LYG) and quality adjusted life years (QALY). RESULTS: Implementing a universal PCV-13 vaccination program in the Community of Valencia would decrease the number of hospital admitted pneumonia to less than 4571 cases while avoiding 310 cases of IPD and 82,596 cases of AOM throughout the cohort lifetime. A total of 190 S. pneumoniae related deaths would be averted over the same period. Total medical costs of non-vaccinating the cohort of newborns would reach up to 403,850.859€ compared to 438,762.712€ that would represent vaccinating the cohort. The incremental cost of vaccinating the children was estimated in 12,794€/LYG and 10,407€/QALY, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A universal PCV-13 vaccination program in the Community of Valencia would be a cost-effective intervention from the payer perspective after preventing for pneumococcal infections and for decreasing its associated mortality and morbidity.

[Public health service prescriptions of vaccines not included in systematic vaccination programs in Valencian community, Spain, during the period 2004-2009]. / Prescripción de vacunas no incluidas en el calendario vacunal en la Comunitat Valenciana durante el período 2004-2009.

BACKGROUND: In the context of the policies of rational use of medicine, and in order to achieve an efficient management of the vaccinations programs, we expect to know the number of packings and cost of prescribed vaccines not included in the vaccination programs of Valencian Community and its departments during 2009 and to analyze its evolution since 2004, focusing on an analysis of Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children under two years old. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study to analyze the prescriptions of vaccines in Valencian Community during 2009 and its evolution since 2004. VARIABLES: vaccine availability, number of packings, group of beneficiary (actives/pensioners), department, and cost of prescriptions. DATA SOURCES: Gestor de Prestación Farmacéutica (GAIA) and Sistema Información Poblacional (SIP). RESULTS: In 2009 prescribed vaccines on official national health system prescription forms that are not included in vaccination programs, supposed a cost of 683.445,71 € corresponding to 17.353 packings (87% of the total prescribed vaccines). Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine generated 72% of the total cost of vaccines not included in the vaccination programs. The trend from 2004 to 2009 shows an increase in expenditure of 735.334 € (24,66%) in 2005 from which there takes place a marked and gradual decrease that reaches 1.562.650,67 € (-228.64%). The cost by departments of prescriptions per 1000 children under two years old of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ranges between 17.377 and 324 €. CONCLUSIONS: The declining trend of prescriptions, mainly of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, continues during 2009. A great interdepartmental variability is observed, nevertheless, in rates of prescription that should be corrected.

Incidence of and risk factors for cat bites: a first step in prevention and treatment of feline aggression.

Feline aggression towards people has a smaller incidence than canine aggression, but also represents an important public health problem. The aim of this work was to analyse feline aggression reported towards people, to estimate its incidence and to assess the risk factors involved. The information was obtained from the Public Health Centres in the Valencian Region (Spain). A total of 936 acts of feline aggression were analysed. Cats inflicted 8% of all animal bites reported. The annual average was 6.36 feline aggression incidents per 100,000 people. Most aggressive incidents occurred during the summer months. Children (0-14 years old) and women were more likely to be bitten. Wounds were mainly punctures, single, and mild, and were located mostly on the hands. In children, the head and neck areas were affected much more than in adults. The cats involved in incidents were mostly Siamese, female and owned; these cats mainly attacked their owners. Most occurrences were a defensive response by the cat.

[Incidence of pneumococcal pneumonias in hospital settings in the autonomous Community of Valencia throughout the 1995-2001 period. Spain]. / Incidencia de las neumonías neumocócicas en el ámbito hospitalario en la Comunidad Valenciana durante el período 1995-2001.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal pneumonias comprise a major health problem. This study is aimed at ascertaining the evolution of pneumococcal pneumonias in hospital settings within the Autonomous Community of Valencia throughout the 1995-2001 period. METHODS: The cases of pneumococcal pneumonias were selected from the Minimum Basic Data Set. The confidence interval (95%) and ANOVA were calculated using the SPSS program, the incidence and evolution over the course of time, in addition to the interactions with the gender, age and province variables were calculated. The average length of hospital stay was also calculated. RESULTS: The incidence for the period under study was that of 29 cases/100,000, having dropped since 1996 and stabilizing during the final years of the study. Among individuals over age 65, the incidence was that of 101/100,000, whilst among those under five years of age, it was 76/100,000. The incidence among females was 22/100,000 and 37/100,000 among males. The incidence by provinces wits 31 for Valencia, 21 for Alicante and 24 for Castellón; tending to stabilize in Valencia and Alicante, while rising in Castellón. The average length of stay was 10.6+9 days, being 12.5 days for the 45-64 age range. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal pneumonias are more frequent among either the very young or very old and affect males more, especially those over age 65. A different evolution was found in the province of Calstellón. The average length of stay varies according to age, there being no significant difference between genders or age groups.