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.

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.

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.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis after vaccination in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are likely to receive immunomodulation treatment and therefore, should be properly vaccinated. Despite their proven safety, vaccines are not exempt from adverse reactions. The clinical case was a young female with ulcerative colitis under mesalazine treatment, who developed leukocytoclastic vasculitis following vaccination for pneumococci, varicella and hepatitis A. This adverse reaction after the previously mentioned vaccines is barely described in the literature and has never been reported in a patient with an underlying condition.

Evaluation of the Bundle "Zero Surgical Site Infection" to Prevent Surgical Site Infection in Vascular Surgery.

BACKGROUND: To compare the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) before and after the implementation of a bundle of care called "Zero Surgical Site Infection." Secondary goals included estimating measures of association and their potential impact, determining care management indicators in vascular surgery, and evaluating the level of compliance with the bundle. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study with a historic control group. The bundle included (1) removal of body hair with clippers; (2) preoperative showering with chlorhexidine soap; (3) preparation of the surgical field with alcoholic chlorhexidine 2%; (4) adequacy of antimicrobial prophylaxis; (5) intraoperative and (6) postoperative glycemic and central temperature control. Student's t-test and chi-squared test were performed. Relative risk, attributable risk, number needed to treat, and preventable fraction were used as association and impact measures. RESULTS: In total, 192 patients were included. The overall incidence of SSI was 8.85%; the preventive fraction was 59.1%. The rate of incidence of SSI for clean surgery was reduced from 4.9% to 0% (P = 0.127), whereas the average hospital stay decreased from 22.38 to 13.70 days (P = 0.002). Concerning contaminated surgery, significant differences were found in the rate of incidence of SSI (33.3% vs. 13.9%, P = 0.035). Compliance with the bundle of preoperative and intraoperative measures exceeded 95% and almost reached 50%, respectively. Compliance with the bundle of postoperative measures reached 25%. CONCLUSIONS: This bundle has demonstrated to be effective in reducing the incidence of SSI in vascular surgery. The publication of these initial results should encourage the implementation of this bundle at national level.

Psychosocial risks and stress as predictors of burnout in junior doctors performing emergency guards / Riesgos psicosociales y estrés como predictores del burnout en médicos internos residentes en el Servicio de Urgencias

Objective: To study the stress, the psychosocial risks associated to the job and the burnout, in a group of junior doctors working at the emergency ward; and to analyze what of those variables could predict and are better related with burnout. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with a sample of 42 junior doctors which are on duty in the emergency ward of the University Hospital San Cecilio, Granada (Spain). The Spanish adapted version of the Perceived Stress Scale was used to evaluate stress, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to evaluate the professional burnout and the adapted and scaled questionnaire for the self-evaluation of psychosocial risks at work (CopSoQ-ISTAS21). Results: 78% of the junior doctors are in the unfavorable or intermediate range for all CopSoQ-ISTAS21 dimensions, being particularly relevant that 90% of them display unfavorable score in psychological demands. In addition, MBI results show that 45% of our population presents high emotional exhaustion simultaneously to high depersonalization. ISTAS21 psychological demands dimensions (ß = 0.393; p < 0.003) and stress scores (ß = 0.451; p < 0.001) significantly predict emotional exhaustion (r2 = 0.443). Finally, 38% of junior doctors experienced a threat/aggression during their work in the emergency ward urgencies. Conclusion: Junior doctors develop its professional activity under adverse circumstances probably due to the high psychosocial risk associated to the job. Psychological demands are suggested as the main predicting factor of burnout. These results indicate the need of psychological and structural interventions in order to improve the professional performance of junior doctors at the emergency ward.

Objetivo: Evaluar el estrés, los riesgos psicosociales asociados al puesto de trabajo y el burnout en un grupo de residentes en el servicio de urgencias; y analizar qué variables se relacionan y predicen mejor el burnout. Método: Estudio analítico y trans- versal en el que han participado 42 médicos internos residentes que hacen guardias en el servicio de urgencias del Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada. Se han utilizado la versión adaptada al español de la Perceived Stress Scale para evaluar el estrés, el Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) para valorar el desgaste profesional, y el cuestionario adaptado y baremado para la autoevaluación de riesgos psicosociales en el trabajo (CopSoQ-ISTAS21). Resultados: El 78% de los residentes evaluados se encuentra en la categoría desfavorable o intermedia en todas las dimensiones del CopSoQ-ISTAS21, y destaca que el 90% presenta una puntuación desfavorable en exigencias psicológicas. Además, en el MBI el 45% presenta conjuntamente un alto agotamiento emocional y una elevada despersonalización. La dimensión de exigencias psicológicas del ISTAS21 (ß = 0.393; p < 0.003) y las puntuaciones de estrés (ß = 0.451; p < 0.001) predicen significativamente el agotamiento emocional (r2 = 0.443). Por último, el 38% ha sufrido una amenaza/agresión en el servicio de urgencias. Conclusión: La situación de los residentes parece perjudicial para su desempeño profesional debido a los altos riesgos psicosociales asociados al puesto de trabajo. Las exigencias psicológicas se proponen como un importante predictor del burnout. Se recomiendan intervenciones psicológicas y estructurales con las que mejorar la situación de los residentes que realizan guardias en el servicio de urgencias.

Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: Analysis and Narrative Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines. / Prevención de la infección de sitio quirúrgico: análisis y revisión narrativa de las guías de práctica clínica.

Surgical site infection is one of the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections and presents a considerable morbidity. The aim of this comprehensive narrative review is to describe the evidence and grade of recommendation of the preventive measures developed in the three phases of the surgical process (preoperative, perioperative and postoperative phases), as well as coincidences and divergences between selected Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG). Four preventive measures were recommended with similar high grade evidence in all CPG: Hair removal, antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical site preparation and normothermia. However, critical points, new preventive measures and bundle implementations by surgical process are under discussion. These results represent a significant progress toward improving programs to prevent surgical site infection and they should be taken into account for improved future interventions in this area.

Cochlear implantation in patients with inner ear bone malformations with posterior labyrinth involvement: an exploratory study.

Inner ear bone malformations are one cause of profound sensorineural hearing loss. This investigation focused on those affecting the posterior labyrinth, especially enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome, which is associated with fluctuating and progressive hearing loss. The objectives of this study were to analyze the behavior of the electrical stimulation, auditory functionality and linguistic development in patients with inner ear malformations involving the posterior labyrinth. The study included ten patients undergoing cochlear implantation (cases: five with enlarged vestibular aqueduct, two with vestibular aqueduct stenosis/aplasia, and three with semicircular canal disorders). Post-implantation, data were gathered on the electrical stimulation threshold and maximum comfort levels and on the number of functioning electrodes. Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech (EARS) subtests were used to assess auditory functionality and language acquisition at 6, 12, and 24 months post-implantation. Results were compared with findings in a control group of 28 cochlear implantation patients without these malformations. No significant differences were found between case and control groups in electrical stimulation parameters; auditory functionality subtest scores were lower in cases than controls, although the difference was only statistically significant for some subtests. In conclusion, cochlear implantation patients with posterior labyrinth bone malformations and profound hearing loss, including those with enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome, showed no significant difference in electrical stimulation threshold with controls. Although some auditory functionality test results were lower in cases than in controls, cochlear implantation appears to be beneficial for all patients with these malformations.

[Gender influence on health related quality of life among resident physicians working in an emergency department]. / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en una muestra de médicos internos residentes que realizan guardias en un Servicio de Urgencias: una perspectiva de género.

BACKGROUND: The high emotional burden of physicians working in emergency departments may affect their quality of life perception. AIM: To evaluate health related quality of life among resident physicians performing shifts at an emergency department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy one physicians aged 26,3 ± 1,7 years (47 women), working as residents in an emergency department, answered the short version of the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36®). This questionnaire analyses eight domains: physical function, body pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role and mental health. RESULTS: Women had a significantly worse perception than a reference population in four dimensions of the SF-36, especially mental health and social functioning. Men had scores similar to the reference population. Among women, vitality is the best predictor of mental health and social functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Women working as residents in an emergency department have a worse perception of their quality of life than men performing the same job.

[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.

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.

[Quality of information in the process of informed consent for anesthesia]. / Calidad de la información en el proceso del consentimiento informado para anestesia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of the information that patients receive in the informed consent document signed prior to surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a sample of cancer patients admitted for surgery at the University Hospital San Cecilio of Granada in 2011. After checking the inclusion criteria and obtaining their consent, demographic data were collected and procedure data, and a questionnaire «ad hoc¼ to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of the information provided in the informed consent. RESULTS: 150 patients were studied. The majority (109 over 150) said they had received sufficient information, in appropriate language, and had the opportunity to ask questions, but only 44.7% correctly answered three or more issues related to anesthesia. University education level, knowledge of the intervention, information about the anesthesia problems and appropriate language were associated. CONCLUSIONS: Although systematic informed consent was performed, half of the patients did not comprehend the anesthesia risks. Variables primarily related to the information received were associated with the quality of the response, but not with patient characteristics.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

[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.