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.
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Social Media , Vaccination , Humans , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Vaccination/psychology , Vaccination Hesitancy/statistics & numerical data , Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data , World Health Organization , Health Education/methods , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Male , Female , Adult
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.
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.
Nursing homes (NH) conceptually should look as much like a home as possible. However NH have unquestionable similar ities with a nosocomium as they are places where many pa tients with underlying diseases and comorbidities accumulate. There is evidence of transmission of microorganisms between residents and between residents and caregivers. We have not found any recommendations specifically aimed at the prevention of nosocomial infections in NH by the major Public Health Agencies and, therefore, the Health Sciences Foundation (Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud) has convened a series of experts and 14 Spanish scientific societies to discuss recommendations that could guide NH personnel in establishing written programs for the control and reduction of these infections. The present document is the result of these deliberations and contains suggestions for establishing such control programs on a voluntary and flexible basis in NH. We also hope that the document can help the health authorities to encourage this control activity in the different territorial areas of Spain. In our opinion, it is necessary to draw up a written plan and establish the figure of a coordinator or person respon sible for implementing these projects. The document includes measures to be implemented and ways of quantifying the real ity of different problems and of monitoring the impact of the measures established (AU)
Las residencias de ancianos (NH) aunque conceptualmente deberían parecerse lo más posible a un hogar, tienen induda bles similitudes con un nosocomio ya que son lugares donde se acumulan muchos pacientes con enfermedades de base y comorbilidades y donde la transmisión de microorganismos en tre residentes y entre residentes y cuidadores es frecuente. No hemos encontrado recomendaciones específicamente dirigidas a la prevención de las infecciones nosocomiales en NH por parte de las principales Agencias de Salud Pública y, por ello, la Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud ha convocado a una serie de expertos y a 14 sociedades científicas españolas para de batir recomendaciones que puedan orientar al personal de las NH en el establecimiento de programas escritos para el control y reducción de estas infecciones. El presente documento es el resultado de estas deliberaciones y contiene sugerencias para establecer dichos programas de control de forma voluntaria y flexible. También esperamos que el documento pueda ayudar a las autoridades sanitarias a fomentar esta actividad de control en los distintos ámbitos territoriales de España. En nuestra opi nión, es necesario elaborar un plan por escrito y establecer la figura de un coordinador o responsable de la ejecución de estos proyectos. El documento incluye las medidas a implantar y las formas de cuantificar la realidad de los diferentes problemas y de monitorizar el impacto de las medidas establecidas (AU)
Humans , Nursing Homes/standards , Cross Infection/prevention & control , Risk Factors
Objectives. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is essential to mitigate the personal, social and global impact of the coro navirus disease (COVID-19) as we move from a pandemic to an endemic phase. Vaccines are now required that offer broad, long-lasting immunological protection from infection in addi tion to protection from severe illness and hospitalisation. Here we present a review of the evidence base for a new COVID-19 vaccine, PHH-1V (Bimervax®; HIPRA HUMAN HEALTH S.L.U), and the results of an expert consensus. Materials and methods. The expert committee consisted of Spanish experts in medicine, family medicine, paediatrics, immunology, microbiology, nursing, and veterinary medicine. Consensus was achieved using a 4-phase process consisting of a face-to-face meeting during which the scientific evidence base was reviewed, an online questionnaire to elicit opinions on the value of PHH-1V, a second face-to-face update meet ing to discuss the evolution of the epidemiological situation, vaccine programmes and the scientific evidence for PHH-1V and a final face-to-face meeting at which consensus was achieved. Results. The experts agreed that PHH-1V constitutes a valuable novel vaccine for the development of vaccination programmes aimed towards protecting the population from SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease. Consensus was based on evidence of broad-spectrum efficacy against established and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, a potent immunological re sponse, and a good safety profile. The physicochemical proper ties of the PHH-1V formulation facilitate handling and storage appropriate for global uptake. Conclusions- The physicochemical properties, formula tion, immunogenicity and low reactogenic profile of PHH-1V confirm the appropriateness of this new COVID-19 vaccine (AU)
Objetivos. La vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2 es funda mental para mitigar el impacto personal, social y global de la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) a medida que pasa mos de una fase pandémica a una endémica. Actualmente se requieren vacunas que ofrezcan una protección inmunológi ca amplia y duradera contra la infección, además de proteger de la enfermedad grave y la hospitalización. En este artículo se presenta una revisión de la evidencia científica para una nueva vacuna COVID-19, PHH-1V (Bimervax®; HIPRA HUMAN HEALTH S.L.U) y los resultados de un consenso de expertos. Material y métodos. El comité de expertos incluyó ex pertos españoles en medicina, medicina de familia, pediatría, inmunología, microbiología, enfermería y veterinaria. El con senso se logró mediante un proceso de 4 fases que constó de una reunión presencial durante la cual se revisó la evidencia científica, un cuestionario en remoto para obtener opinions sobre el valor de PHH-1V, una segunda reunión presencial de actualización y discusión sobre la evolución de la situación epidemiológica, los programas de vacunas y la evidencia cien tífica para PHH-1V y una última reunión presencial en la que se obtuvo el consenso. Resultados. Los expertos coincidieron en que PHH-1V constituye una vacuna novedosa y valiosa para el desarrollo de programas de vacunación destinados a proteger a la población de la infección y enfermedad por SARS-CoV-2. El consenso se basó en la evidencia del amplio espectro de eficacia contra las variantes establecidas y emergentes del SARS-CoV-2, una res puesta inmunológica potente y un buen perfil de seguridad. Las propiedades fisicoquímicas de la formulación de PHH-1V facilitan la manipulación y el almacenamiento apropiados para la absorción global. Conclusiones. Las propiedades fisicoquímicas, formula ción, inmunogenicidad y bajo perfil reactogénico de PHH-1V confirman la idoneidad de esta nueva vacuna COVID-19 (AU)
Humans , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage , Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage , Drugs, Investigational
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.
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.(AU)
El virus de la gripe ha acompañado al ser humano desde tiempo inmemorial, en forma de epidemias anuales y pandemias ocasionales. Se trata de una infección respiratoria con múltiples repercusiones sobre la vida de las personas a nivel individual y social, así como una importante sobrecarga para el sistema sanitario. El presente documento de consenso surge de la colaboración de diversas sociedades científicas españolas implicadas en la atención de la infección por virus de la gripe. Las conclusiones extraídas se han fundamentado en las evidencias de mayor calidad disponibles en la literatura científica y, en su defecto, en la opinión de los expertos convocados. En el documento de consenso se abordan los aspectos clínicos, microbiológicos, terapéuticos y preventivos (respecto de la prevención de la transmisión y con relación a la vacunación) de la gripe, tanto para población pediátrica como para adultos. Este documento de consenso pretende ayudar a facilitar el abordaje clínico, microbiológico y preventivo de la infección por virus de la gripe y, consecuentemente, a disminuir sus importantes consecuencias sobre la morbimortalidad de la población.(AU)
Humans , Influenza, Human/diagnosis , Influenza, Human/drug therapy , Influenza Vaccines , Vaccination , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Consensus , Consensus Development Conferences as Topic , Spain , Respiratory Tract Infections
Humans , Male , Female , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Patient Safety , Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Immunocompromised Host , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Neutralizing/administration & dosage , Drug Combinations
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.
Communicable Diseases , Influenza, Human , Orthomyxoviridae , Adult , Child , Humans , Influenza, Human/diagnosis , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Public Health , Community Medicine , Vaccinology
El virus de la gripe ha acompañado al ser humano desde tiempo inmemorial, en forma de epidemias anuales y pandemias ocasionales. Se trata de una infección respiratoria con múltiples repercusiones sobre la vida de las personas a nivel individual y social y supone una importante sobrecarga para el sistema sanitario. El presente documento de consenso surge de la colaboración de diversas sociedades científicas españolas implicadas en la atención de la infección por el virus de la gripe. Las conclusiones extraídas se han fundamentado en las evidencias de mayor calidad disponibles en la literatura científica y, en su defecto, en la opinión de los expertos convocados. En el documento de consenso se abordan los aspectos clínicos, microbiológicos, terapéuticos y preventivos (respecto de la prevención de la transmisión y en relación con la vacunación) de la gripe, tanto en población pediátrica como en adultos. Este documento de consenso aspira a contribuir a facilitar el abordaje clínico, microbiológico y preventivo de la infección por el virus de la gripe y, consecuentemente, a disminuir sus importantes consecuencias sobre la morbimortalidad de la población. (AU)
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. (AU)
Humans , Antibiotic Prophylaxis , Influenza, Human/diagnosis , Influenza, Human/drug therapy , Spain , Societies
The inï¬uenza 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 signiï¬cant burden on the health system. This Consensus Document arises from the collaboration of various Spanish scientiï¬c societies involved in inï¬uenza virus infection. The conclusions drawn are based on the highest quality evidence available in the scientiï¬c 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 inï¬uenza, for both adult and pediatric populations. This Consensus Document aims to help facilitate the clinical, microbiological, and preventive approach to inï¬uenza virus infection and, consequently, to reduce its important consequences on the morbidity and mortality of the population.
Communicable Diseases , Influenza, Human , Orthomyxoviridae , Child , Adult , Humans , Influenza, Human/diagnosis , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Public Health , Community Medicine , Vaccinology
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.
Communicable Diseases , Influenza, Human , Orthomyxoviridae , Adult , Child , Humans , Influenza, Human/diagnosis , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Influenza, Human/drug therapy , Public Health , Community Medicine , Vaccinology
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.(AU)
El virus de la gripe ha acompañado al ser humano desde tiempo inmemorial, en forma de epidemias anuales y pandemias ocasionales. Se trata de una infección respiratoria con múltiples repercusiones sobre la vida de las personas a nivel individual y social, así como una importante sobrecarga para el sistema sanitario. El presente documento de consenso surge de la colaboración de diversas sociedades científicas españolas implicadas en la atención de la infección por virus de la gripe. Las conclusiones extraídas se han fundamentado en las evidencias de mayor calidad disponibles en la literatura científica y, en su defecto, en la opinión de los expertos convocados. En el documento de consenso se abordan los aspectos clínicos, microbiológicos, terapéuticos y preventivos (respecto de la prevención de la transmisión y en relación con la vacunación) de la gripe, tanto para población pediátrica como para adultos. Este documento de consenso pretende ayudar a facilitar el abordaje clínico, microbiológico y preventivo de la infección por virus de la gripe y, consecuentemente, a disminuir sus importantes consecuencias sobre la morbimortalidad de la población.(AU)
Humans , Influenza A virus , Influenza, Human , Diagnosis , Therapeutics , Disease Prevention , Influenza Vaccines , Communicable Diseases , Spain , Consensus
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.
Referral and Consultation , Vaccines , Humans , Electronic Health Records , Specialization
Objetivo: exponer los beneficios de la vacunación antigripal desde diferentes perspectivas y abordajes en base a la evidenciacientífica más actual y relevante.Método: se ha realizado una revisión de la literatura sobre algunas indicaciones de vacunación frente a gripe, como son:embarazada, población infantil, inmunosenescencia en las personas de edad avanzada y nuevos fármacos dirigidos a enfermedadesinflamatorias mediadas por el sistema inmune.Principales resultados: la vacunación de la embarazada logra un doble beneficio: evita complicaciones y hospitalizaciones en lagestante, y protege también al feto y al recién nacido en sus primeros meses de vida. Los niños desempeñan un papel fundamentalen la transmisión de la gripe, ya que son los principales diseminadores del virus en la comunidad. El envejecimiento se asociaa un mayor número y más gravedad de las infecciones, y una peor respuesta a las vacunas. En los pacientes con enfermedadesinflamatorias medidas por el sistema inmune se observa menor inmunogenicidad y efectividad vacunal.Conclusiones: la vacunación antigripal representa un reto para la Salud Pública española. Especialmente, el aumento de lalongevidad de los españoles y los avances en tecnologías sanitarias y nuevas terapias hace que el planteamiento de inversión ensalud a través de la vacunación cobre especial protagonismo e interés para las autoridades sanitarias.(AU)
Objective: to present the benefits of influenza vaccination from different perspectives and approaches based on the most currentand relevant scientific evidence.Methods: a review of the literature has been carried out on some indications for vaccination against influenza, such as: pregnantwomen, children, immunosenescence in the elderly and new drugs targeting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.Main results: vaccination of pregnant women achieves a double benefit: it prevents complications and hospitalisations in pregnantwomen, and also protects the foetus and newborn in their first months of life. Children play a key role in influenza transmission,as they are the main spreaders of the virus in the community. Ageing is associated with a higher number and severity of infections,and a poorer response to vaccines. In patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, lower immunogenicity and vaccineeffectiveness is observed.Conclusion: influenza vaccination represents a challenge for Spanish public health authority. In particular, the increase in thelongevity of Spanish people and the advances in health technologies and new therapies mean that the approach of investing inhealth through vaccination takes on special importance and interest for the health authorities.(AU)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Vaccination , Influenza Vaccines , Vaccines , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Public Health , Preventive Medicine , Spain
