Comunicação de risco: caso suspeito de difteria / Risk communication: suspected case of diphtheria

A comunicação de risco tem como objetivo apoiar na divulgação rápida e eficaz de conhecimento às populações, parceiros e partes intervenientes possibilitando o acesso às informações fidedignas que possam apoiar nos diálogos para tomada de medidas de proteção e controle em situações de emergência em saúde pública. Em Goiás na SE 16/2022, foi notificado 01 caso suspeito de difteria, sexo feminino, 16 anos, do município de Santa Helena de Goiás, com histórico de 03 doses da vacina DTP+HIB (08/2010), não foi identificada doses de reforço, conforme preconizados pelo PNI

Risk communication aims to support the rapid and effective dissemination of knowledge to populations, partners and stakeholders, enabling access to reliable information that can support dialogues for taking protection and control measures in emergency situations in public health. In Goiás on SE 16/2022, 01 suspected case of diphtheria was reported, female, 16 years old, from the municipality of Santa Helena de Goiás, with a history of 03 doses of the DTP+HIB vaccine (08/2010), no doses were identified reinforcement, as recommended by the PNI

Leveraging serology to titrate immunisation programme functionality for diphtheria in Madagascar.

Diphtheria is a potentially devastating disease whose epidemiology remains poorly described in many settings, including Madagascar. Diphtheria vaccination is delivered in combination with pertussis and tetanus antigens and coverage of this vaccine is often used as a core measure of health system functioning. However, coverage is challenging to estimate due to the difficulty in translating numbers of doses delivered into numbers of children effectively immunised. Serology provides an alternative lens onto immunisation, but is complicated by challenges in discriminating between natural and vaccine-derived seropositivity. Here, we leverage known features of the serological profile of diphtheria to bound expectations for vaccine coverage for diphtheria, and further refine these using serology for pertussis. We measured diphtheria antibody titres in 185 children aged 6-11 months and 362 children aged 8-15 years and analysed them with pertussis antibody titres previously measured for each individual. Levels of diphtheria seronegativity varied among age groups (18.9% of children aged 6-11 months old and 11.3% of children aged 8-15 years old were seronegative) and also among the districts. We also find surprisingly elevated levels of individuals seropositive to diphtheria but not pertussis in the 6-11 month old age group suggesting that vaccination coverage or efficacy of the pertussis component of the DTP vaccine remains low or that natural infection of diphtheria may be playing a significant role in seropositivity in Madagascar.

Coverage for pertussis vaccination during pregnancy with 4 models of vaccine delivery: a quasiexperimental, multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination of pregnant people with a vaccine containing acellular pertussis (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis [Tdap]) has been recommended in Canada since 2018, and the evaluation of delivery models for efficient maternal Tdap administration is a priority for the Quebec Ministry of Health. We implemented 3 vaccine delivery models, in addition to the existing standard of practice model, and compared the vaccine coverage achieved by the 4 models in Quebec. METHODS: In this quasiexperimental, multicentre observational study, we recruited pregnant people at less than 21 weeks' gestation in 4 Quebec regions from April to October 2019. We compared 4 vaccine delivery models: local community service centres (centre local de services communautaires [CLSCs], baseline), family medicine groups (FMGs), obstetrics clinic and the oral glucose challenge test (OGCT). In addition to the CLSCs, 3 FMGs, 1 obstetric clinic and a hospital-based OGCT screening program participated. We determined vaccination status from a self-reported questionnaire, the Quebec Immunization Registry or medical charts. We compared model-specific (for participants recruited to a model and subsequently vaccinated within that model) and overall vaccine coverage (considering all vaccine delivery pathways) and used logistic regression to adjust for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Overall, 946 of 1000 recruited pregnant people were eligible for analyses. Vaccination via the FMGs achieved the highest model-specific vaccine coverage (67.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 60.5%-74.4%), but coverage was not significantly different from the CLSCs (63.8%, 95% CI 57.6%-69.6%). For overall vaccine coverage, the FMG (86.5%, 95% CI 80.6%-90.9%) and obstetrics models (85.9%, 95% CI 80.9%-89.7%) achieved significantly higher vaccine coverage than the CLSCs (66.3%, 95% CI 60.1%-71.9%). The OGCT model did not improve overall vaccine coverage (61.8%, 95% CI 56.1%-67.2%). INTERPRETATION: Compared with CLSCs, overall vaccine coverage was higher when Tdap was offered in FMGs or an obstetrics clinic providing prenatal care. Health professionals involved in pregnancy follow-up recommending and offering the vaccine may be a key factor in optimizing vaccine coverage.

Levels of vaccination coverage among HIV-exposed children in China: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is crucial for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed children because of their increased risk of morbidity and mortality from various vaccine-preventable diseases. However, studies have shown that they are at high risk of incomplete vaccination. Although China has developed prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programs substantially over the past decades, few studies have investigated the immunization levels of Chinese HIV-exposed children. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate vaccination coverage and its associated factors among HIV-exposed children in China during 2016‒2018. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort review of all cases of Chinese HIV-exposed children born between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018 recorded in the Chinese information system on PMTCT. The vaccination coverage indicators refer to the percentage of children who received recommended basic vaccines, including Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), hepatitis B (HepB), polio, measles-containing vaccine (MCV), and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing (DTP) vaccine. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses expressed as crude odds ratios (cORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs), each with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), were performed to compare the proportional differences of factors associated with vaccine coverage. RESULTS: Among the enrolled 10 033 children, the vaccination rate was 54.1% for BCG, 84.5% for complete HepB vaccination, 54.5% for complete polio vaccination, 51.3% for MCV, and 59.5% for complete DTP vaccination. Children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) were 2.46‒3.82 times less likely to be vaccinated than HIV-exposed uninfected children. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that children of Han ethnicity (aOR = 1.33‒2.04), children with early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV (aOR = 1.86‒3.17), and children whose mothers had better education (college or above, aOR = 1.63‒2.51) had higher odds of being vaccinated. Most of the deceased children (aOR = 4.28‒21.55) missed vaccination, and PHIV (aOR = 2.46‒3.82) significantly affected immunization. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese HIV-exposed children had low vaccination coverage, which is a serious health challenge that needs to be addressed thoroughly. Interventions should be developed with a focus on minority HIV-exposed children whose mothers do not have formal education. Particularly, more attention should be paid to EID to increase access to immunization.

Evolution between 2008 and 2018 of mothers' perception regarding vaccination and infant vaccine coverage in France.

OBJECTIVE: Monitoring of vaccination coverage rates (VCRs) is essential to assess the implementation of a country's vaccine policy and its effectiveness. Through the French Vaccinoscopy study, we measured the evolution of VCRs as well as mothers' opinion towards vaccination between 2008 and 2018, before and after implementation of infant mandatory vaccination extension. METHODS: This is a study based on an internet-standardised questionnaire. In 2018, a representative sample of 3000 mothers of infants 0 to 35 months of age answered on their opinion on vaccination and reported all vaccinations recorded in their child's health record. RESULTS: On the period considered, infant VCRs were stable and high for diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis and pneumococcus components and progressed for measles, mumps rubella, 2 doses at 24 months of age from 45.3% in 2008 to 81.0% in 2018, hepatitis B (HepB) complete primovaccination at 6 months of age from 45.9% in 2008 to 86.3% in 2017 and 95.5% in 2018, and meningococcus C (MenC) 1 dose at 6 months of age from 43.0% in 2017 to 74.2% in 2018. In 2018, 69.0% of mothers were in favour of vaccination while this rate dropped from 80.2% in 2012 to 64.0% in 2017, and 80.8 to 89.6% perceived HepB, MenC measles and pertussis vaccinations as useful/essential, percentages in progress versus 2017. CONCLUSION: Following the implementation of infant mandatory vaccination in 2018, proportion of mothers in favour of vaccination increased significantly. HepB and MenC VCRs significantly progressed between 2017 and 2018.

Routine Childhood Vaccines Given From 1 through 18 Years of Age.

In addition to the vaccines due in the first year of life, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that children continue to receive vaccines regularly against a variety of infectious diseases. Starting at 12 to 15 months of life, these include the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine series and the two-dose varicella vaccine series. Also in the second year of life, infants should begin the two-dose hepatitis A vaccine series and complete the Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine series as well as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine series. Before 19 months of life, infants should receive the third dose of the poliovirus vaccine and the fourth dose of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. The final doses of poliovirus and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccines are both due at 4 to 6 years of life. Before each influenza season, every child should receive the influenza vaccine. Those less than 9 years of age who previously received less than two doses need two doses a month apart. At 11 to 12 years of life, all should get two doses of the human papillomavirus vaccine, the adolescent/adult version of the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine, and begin a two-dose series of meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Each of these vaccines is due when the vaccine works to protect against both an immediate risk as well as to provide long-term protection. Each vaccine-preventable disease varies in terms of the nature of exposure, the form of the morbidity, the risk of mortality, and potential to prevent or ameliorate its harm.

Progress towards measles elimination in Eritrea: 2003 - 2018.

INTRODUCTION: The Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI) has been operational in Eritrea since 1980. Eritrea has endorsed the resolution of the Regional Committee of the World Health Organisation African region, committing to a measles elimination goal for 2020 in the African Region. The country is implementing the recommended strategies. METHODS: We reviewed administrative coverage and WHO UNICEF coverage estimates for Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT) and measles routine vaccination, as well as for measles supplemental immunization activities. We reviewed national surveillance performance and analyzed the epidemiological trends of measles as reported in the case-based surveillance database. RESULTS: Eritrea has maintained more than 90% coverage with the first dose of measles vaccine at national level since 2001 and 88% MCV2 coverage from 2015 - 2017 according to the WHO-UNICEF coverage estimates. Since 2011, the country has not met the surveillance performance target of at least 80% districts reporting suspected measles cases with blood specimen. Measles incidence was between 16.8 - 24.7 cases per million population in the period 2015 - 2018. The mean and median age of confirmed measles cases was more than 10 years in 8 of the 14 years covered by the analysis. In 2017, Eritrea reported 1,199 cases of measles which differs significantly from the 185 suspected cases in the case based surveillance database for the same year. Eritrea has maintained high coverage for MCV1 and MCV2 and made progress towards measles elimination. However, the country has gaps in surveillance performance which may mask the true incidence of measles. CONCLUSION: In order to attain elimination of measles, Eritrea needs to implement measures to improve surveillance quality, to conduct regular risk assessment and implement targeted measures to close immunity gaps. In addition, setting up a national committee for the verification of measles elimination will help the country document progress and also to highlight and advocate for addressing issues related to data quality and performance gaps.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, and Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Homeless Children in the Paris Region in 2013: Results from the ENFAMS Survey.

Background: The number of homeless families has increased considerably since the 1990s in France. We aimed to estimate the homeless children vaccination coverage (VC) for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles-mumps-rubella and hepatitis B and identify factors associated with insufficient VC according to birthplace. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among homeless shelter families in the greater Paris area. A nurse conducted face-to-face interviews and collected vaccination records. We analyzed factors associated with insufficient VC, stratified by birthplace and vaccine, using robust Poisson regression. Results: The study included 214 children born in France and 236 born outside France. VC in French-born homeless children was high (>90% at 24 months for most vaccinations) and similar to levels observed in the general population, whereas VC in those born outside France was low (<50% at 24 months for all vaccines). Factors significantly associated with insufficient VC among children born outside France were age, parents with French-language difficulties, and changing residence at least twice in the previous year. Children in contact with the healthcare system at least once in the previous year had significantly higher VC, irrespective of vaccine and birthplace. Conclusion: Special attention should be paid to homeless children born outside France, with recent European and French recommendations confirming the need for catch-up vaccination in children with undocumented VC.

Vaccination of Adults and the Older Population against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tick-Borne Encephalitis: The Importance of Booster Vaccinations throughout Life.

Immunization strategies for the elderly are frequently perceived as comprising only vaccines against influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and herpes zoster. However, besides these vaccines, which are recommended specifically for the elderly, regular booster vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, and in some cases pertussis and polio, are recommended in many countries for adults including the elderly. Vaccination recommendations for adults differ greatly between individual countries and coverage data are scarce. A substantial proportion of adults, and particularly of the older age groups, do not have protective antibody concentrations against diphtheria, whereas tetanus-specific antibody concentrations are generally higher. Protection against pertussis is unsatisfactory in all adults, and development of improved vaccines is ongoing. Future vaccination strategies should include regular and well-documented booster shots throughout life, as post-booster antibody concentrations correlate with pre-booster antibody concentrations.

Family Health Days program contributions in vaccination of unreached and under-immunized children during routine vaccinations in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: We explored the contributions of the Family Health Days (FHDs) concept, which was developed by the Uganda Ministry of Health (MOH) and UNICEF as a supplementary quarterly outreach program in addition to strengthening the routine expanded program for immunization (EPI), with the aim to increase coverage, through improved access to the unimmunized or unreached and under-immunized children under 5 years. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study of the Uganda MOH, Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) and UNICEF in house FHDs data was conducted covering six quarterly implementations of the program between April 2012 and December 2013. The FHDs program was implemented in 31 priority districts with low routine vaccination coverage from seven sub-regions in Uganda in a phased manner using places of worship for service delivery. RESULTS: During the six rounds of FHDs in the 31 districts, a total of 178,709 and 191,223 children received measles and Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT3) vaccinations, respectively. The FHDs' contributions were 126% and 144% for measles and 103% and 122% for DPT3 in 2012 and 2013, respectively of the estimated unreached annual target populations. All implementing sub-regions after two rounds in 2012 attained over and above the desired target for DPT3 (85%) and measles (90%). The same was true in 2013 after four rounds, except for Karamoja and West Nile sub-regions, where in some districts a substantial proportion of children remained unimmunized. The administrative data for both DPT3 and measles immunization showed prominent and noticeable increase in coverage trend in FHDS regions for the months when the program was implemented. CONCLUSION: The FHDs program improved vaccination equity by reaching the unreached and hard-to-reach children and bridging the gap in immunization coverage, and fast tracking the achievement of targets recommended by the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) for measles and DPT3 (85% and 90% respectively) in implementing sub-regions and districts. The FHDs is an innovative program to supplement routine immunizations designed to reach the unreached and under immunized children.

Global Epidemiology of Diphtheria, 2000-20171.

In 2017, a total of 8,819 cases of diphtheria were reported worldwide, the most since 2004. However, recent diphtheria epidemiology has not been well described. We analyzed incidence data and data from the literature to describe diphtheria epidemiology. World Health Organization surveillance data were 81% complete; completeness varied by region, indicating underreporting. As national diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) 3 coverage increased, the proportion of case-patients <15 years of age decreased, indicating increased protection of young children. In countries with higher case counts, 66% of case-patients were unvaccinated and 63% were <15 years of age. In countries with sporadic cases, 32% of case-patients were unvaccinated and 66% were >15 years of age, consistent with waning vaccine immunity. Global DTP3 coverage is suboptimal. Attaining high DTP3 coverage and implementing recommended booster doses are necessary to decrease diphtheria incidence. Collection and use of data on subnational and booster dose coverage, enhanced laboratory capacity, and case-based surveillance would improve data quality.

Out-of-sequence DTP and measles vaccinations and child mortality in Guinea-Bissau: a reanalysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the sequence of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP) and measles vaccine (MV) was associated with child survival in a dataset previously used to assess non-specific effects of vaccines with no consideration of vaccination sequence. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study analysed using the landmark approach. SETTING: Bandim Health Project's Health and Demographic Surveillance System covering 100 village clusters in rural Guinea-Bissau. The recommended vaccination schedule was BCG and oral polio vaccine (OPV) at birth, DTP and OPV at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, MV at 9 months and booster DTP and OPV at 18 months of age. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 9-17 months (main analysis) and 18-35 months (secondary analysis: age of booster DTP) with vaccination status assessed between April 1991 and April 1996. METHODS: Survival during the 6 months after assessing vaccination status was compared by vaccination sequence in Cox-proportional hazards models with age as underlying time. Analyses were stratified by sex and village cluster. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mortality rate ratio (MRR) for out-of-sequence vaccinations compared with in-sequence vaccinations. RESULTS: Among children aged 9-17 months, 60% of observations (3574/5937) were from children who had received both MV and DTP. Among these, 1590 observations were classified as in-sequence vaccinations (last DTP before MV), and 1984 observations were out-of-sequence vaccinations (1491: MV with DTP and 493: MV before DTP). Out-of-sequence vaccinations were associated with higher mortality than in-sequence vaccinations (MRR 2.10, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.11); the MRR was 2.30 (95% CI 1.15 to 4.58) for MV with DTP and 1.45 (95% CI 0.50 to 4.22) for DTP after MV. Associations were similar for boys and girls (p=0.77). Between 18 and 35 months the mortality rate increased among children vaccinated in-sequence and the differential effect of out-of-sequence vaccinations disappeared. CONCLUSION: Out-of-sequence vaccinations may increase child mortality. Hence, sequence of vaccinations should be considered when planning vaccination programmes or introducing new vaccines into the current vaccination schedule.

Vaccine hesitancy and (fake) news: Quasi-experimental evidence from Italy.

The spread of fake news and misinformation on social media is blamed as a primary cause of vaccine hesitancy, which is one of the major threats to global health, according to the World Health Organization. This paper studies the effect of the diffusion of misinformation on immunization rates in Italy by exploiting a quasi-experiment that occurred in 2012, when the Court of Rimini officially recognized a causal link between the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism and awarded injury compensation. To this end, we exploit the virality of misinformation following the 2012 Italian court's ruling, along with the intensity of exposure to nontraditional media driven by regional infrastructural differences in Internet broadband coverage. Using a Difference-in-Differences regression on regional panel data, we show that the spread of this news resulted in a decrease in child immunization rates for all types of vaccines.

DTaP-IPV-HepB-Hib Vaccine (Hexyon®): An Updated Review of its Use in Primary and Booster Vaccination.

Hexyon® is a fully-liquid, ready-to-use, hexavalent vaccine approved in the EU since 2013 for primary and booster vaccination in infants and toddlers from age 6 weeks against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B (HB), poliomyelitis, and invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). While the source of HB antigen in Hexyon® is different from other vaccines, the rest of its valences have been extensively used in other approved vaccines. Hexyon® is highly immunogenic for all its component toxoids/antigens when used as primary and booster vaccine in infants and toddlers, irrespective of vaccination schedule. It provides durable protection against hepatitis B. Hexyon® can be used for a mixed primary series of hexavalent-pentavalent-hexavalent vaccines or as a booster in infants primed with Infanrix hexa™ or pentavalent (whole-cell or acellular pertussis) vaccines. Coadministration of Hexyon® with other common childhood vaccines did not affect immune response to any vaccines. Hexyon® has a good reactogenicity/safety profile. The immunogenicity and safety profile of Hexyon® was similar to that of several approved vaccines, including Infanrix hexa™. However, Hexyon® offers the convenience of full-liquid, ready-to-use formulation, which may minimize vaccination errors and preparation time. Thus, Hexyon® is a convenient, useful option for vaccination against childhood diseases caused by six major pathogens.

Immunogenicity and safety of a liquid Pentavalent (DTwP-Hb-Hib) combination vaccine manufactured by Human Biologicals Institute in 6-8 weeks old healthy infants: A phase III, randomized, single blind, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: A liquid Pentavalent (DTwP-Hb-Hib) combination vaccine, developed by Human Biologicals Institute, underwent a Phase III clinical study in India. In this randomized, single blind, non-inferiority study, the immunogenicity and safety of this Investigational vaccine was compared with Pentavac SD® vaccine in 6-8 weeks old healthy infants. METHODS: A total of 405 healthy infants aged 6-8 weeks old were randomized in 2:1 ratio to receive three doses of either the Investigational liquid Pentavalent (DTwP-Hb-Hib) combination vaccine or Pentavac SD® vaccine at four to six weeks interval. Immunogenicity was compared by estimation of antibody titers before the first dose and 4-6 weeks after the third dose of vaccination. Safety of each vaccine was assessed and compared by collection of data on solicited and unsolicited adverse events throughout the study period. RESULTS: Out of a total of 405 enrolled subjects, 387 subjects completed the study. The seroconversion rates, seroprotection rates and geometric mean titres of the Investigational liquid Pentavalent (DTwP-Hb-Hib) combination vaccine group were found to be comparable and non-inferior to the Pentavac SD® vaccine group at 4-6 weeks after the third dose of vaccination. Pain, erythema and swelling at the site of injection were found to be the most common local adverse events whereas fever, irritability and unusual crying were found to be the most common systemic adverse events in both the vaccine groups. No vaccine related serious adverse event was reported. In this study, both the Investigational vaccine as well as the Comparator vaccine were found to be immunogenic and well tolerated. CONCLUSION: After assessment of the results of the study it was concluded that the Investigational liquid Pentavalent (DTwP-Hb-Hib) combination vaccine developed by Human Biologicals Institute was immunogenic and safe when administered to infants aged 6-8 weeks and was non-inferior in immunogenicity and safety to Pentavac SD® vaccine. Clinical Trial Registry of India Identifier: CTRI/2016/01/006541.

Assessing the quality and accuracy of national immunization program reported target population estimates from 2000 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: A common means of vaccination coverage measurement is the administrative method, done by dividing the aggregated number of doses administered over a set period (numerator) by the target population (denominator). To assess the quality of national target populations, we defined nine potential denominator data inconsistencies or flags that would warrant further exploration and examination of data reported by Member States to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF between 2000 and 2016. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We used the denominator reported to calculate national coverage for BCG, a tuberculosis vaccine, and for the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing (DTP3) vaccines, usually live births (LB) and surviving infants (SI), respectively. Out of 2,565 possible reporting events (data points for countries using administrative coverage with the vaccine in the schedule and year) for BCG and 2,939 possible reporting events for DTP3, 194 and 274 reporting events were missing, respectively. Reported coverage exceeding 100% was seen in 11% of all reporting events for BCG and in 6% for DTP3. Of all year-to-year percent differences in reported denominators, 12% and 11% exceeded 10% for reported LB and SI, respectively. The implied infant mortality rate, based on the country's reported LB and SI, would be negative in 9% of all reporting events i.e., the country reported more SI than LB for the same year. Overall, reported LB and SI tended to be lower than the UN Population Division 2017 estimates, which would lead to overestimation of coverage, but this difference seems to be decreasing over time. Other inconsistencies were identified using the nine proposed criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a set of criteria to assess reported target populations used to estimate administrative vaccination coverage can flag potential quality issues related to the national denominators and may be useful to help monitor ongoing efforts to improve the quality of vaccination coverage estimates.

Accuracy and quality of immunization data in Iran: findings from data quality self-assessment survey in 2017.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and quality of immunization data on the pentavalent (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)) and MMR vaccines as the administrative data of the expanded program on immunization (EPI) in Iran. METHODS: We conducted a Data Quality Self-assessment (DQS) survey from October to December 2017. Standardized DQS tools were used to assess the accuracy of reported immunizations data and quality of the immunization monitoring system at the provincial level of the healthcare system including health houses, health posts, rural and urban health centers and district health centers. Multistage cluster random sampling with proportional to size (PPS) weights was used to select target provinces and related health units. Accuracy ratio, quality index (QI), completeness and relevant quality indices of first dose of MMR (MMR1) and third dose of pentavalent vaccines were reported. Corresponding period of the survey was limited to reported administrative immunization data during the first 6 months of 2016. RESULTS: In relation to accuracy ratio, there was some evidence of under reporting of pentavalent (3rd dose) and MMR1 vaccines in health house units which were 100.94 and 101.1%, respectively. Completeness of reporting for both vaccines at different provincial levels was near 100%. However, the corresponding value for pentavalent (3rd dose) and MMR1 vaccines at the level of urban health centers was 96.67 and 94.17% respectively. Among the five components of a monitoring system data usage and core output had the lowest QI scores in either rural or urban as well as district healthcare centers. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our DQS survey reveals that administrative reporting of the immunization data was adequate at provincial and district levels of the healthcare centers. Although, addressing the existing concerns regarding timelines of the reporting by health authorities and staffs of EPI is warranted.

Evaluation of Educational Interventions to Enhance Adolescent Specific Vaccination Coverage.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed impact of two educational interventions designed to increase coverage of three vaccines recommended during adolescence among Georgia middle and high school students (tetanus diphtheria pertussis [Tdap], meningococcal [MenACWY], and human papillomavirus [HPV] vaccines). METHODS: We randomized 11 middle and high schools in one school district into one of three arms: (1) control; (2) educational intervention for parents only (P only); and (3) multicomponent educational intervention for parents and adolescents (P + A), which consisted of educational brochures for parents about vaccines recommended during adolescence and a vaccine-focused curriculum delivered to adolescents by science teachers. We obtained vaccination coverage data during intervention years from the state immunization registry. RESULTS: Odds of receiving at least one vaccine during the study were higher among adolescents in P + A arm compared to control (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.4; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.1-2.0). Adolescents in P + A arm had greater odds of receiving at least one vaccine compared with those in P only arm (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: A multicomponent educational intervention for adolescents and parents increased adolescent vaccination uptake. Results suggest similar interventions can increase awareness and demand for vaccines among parents and adolescents.

Mapping diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine coverage in Africa, 2000-2016: a spatial and temporal modelling study.

BACKGROUND: Routine childhood vaccination is among the most cost-effective, successful public health interventions available. Amid substantial investments to expand vaccine delivery throughout Africa and strengthen administrative reporting systems, most countries still require robust measures of local routine vaccine coverage and changes in geographical inequalities over time. METHODS: This analysis drew from 183 surveys done between 2000 and 2016, including data from 881 268 children in 49 African countries. We used a Bayesian geostatistical model calibrated to results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017, to produce annual estimates with high-spatial resolution (5 ×    5 km) of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine coverage and dropout for children aged 12-23 months in 52 African countries from 2000 to 2016. FINDINGS: Estimated third-dose (DPT3) coverage increased in 72·3% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 64·6-80·3) of second-level administrative units in Africa from 2000 to 2016, but substantial geographical inequalities in DPT coverage remained across and within African countries. In 2016, DPT3 coverage at the second administrative (ie, district) level varied by more than 25% in 29 of 52 countries, with only two (Morocco and Rwanda) of 52 countries meeting the Global Vaccine Action Plan target of 80% DPT3 coverage or higher in all second-level administrative units with high confidence (posterior probability ≥95%). Large areas of low DPT3 coverage (≤50%) were identified in the Sahel, Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, and in Angola. Low first-dose (DPT1) coverage (≤50%) and high relative dropout (≥30%) together drove low DPT3 coverage across the Sahel, Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, Guinea, and Angola. INTERPRETATION: Despite substantial progress in Africa, marked national and subnational inequalities in DPT coverage persist throughout the continent. These results can help identify areas of low coverage and vaccine delivery system vulnerabilities and can ultimately support more precise targeting of resources to improve vaccine coverage and health outcomes for African children. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.