Effectiveness of nirsevimab introduction against respiratory syncytial virus in the Valencian Community: A preliminary assessment.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a high burden of disease in children and the primary cause of hospitalization, especially in children under 1 year old. In the Valencian Community (Spain), nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, was introduced for the RSV 2023-2024 season as a universal pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk children and those under 6 months old. This study examines its impact, coverage, and effectiveness. The campaign achieved 88.5 % coverage and 73.7 % of effectiveness. Analysis of over 27,000 susceptible children (over 24,000 immunized), showed that those immunized exhibited a threefold reduction in RSV incidence compared to non-immunized ones. To prevent one case, the number needed to immunize (NNI) was 63. Hospitalizations due to acute respiratory infections were almost two times lower in immunized children compared to non-immunized ones (0.9 % vs 1.6 %, respectively). These first results showcase the preliminary positive impact of this public health intervention.

Enhanced Timeliness and Co-Administration of Meningitis B Vaccination in Children: Impact of Funding in Valencian Community, Spain.

Public funding of vaccines may enhance vaccination rates, co-administration, and timeliness. The impacts of including the serogroup B meningococcus vaccine (MenB) into the national immunisation schedule on vaccination rates, co-administration rates, and timeliness were assessed using a population-based pre-funding (2022) and post-funding (2023) study design. MenB vaccination rates improved after funding and were in line with previously funded vaccines. Co-administration rates also increased significantly. Timely administration increased, protecting children at an early age. Public funding has a positive impact on vaccine accessibility and early protection. Consistent population characteristics highlight the role of funding.

Erradicación de la poliomielitis en España: ¿qué ha pasado en la última década? / Eradication of poliomyelitis in Spain: What has happened in the last decade?

Al cumplirse sesenta años desde el inicio de la campaña de vacunación frente a la poliomielitis en España, se destaca el importante hito en el control de la enfermedad que ha supuesto el cambio desde una incidencia de más de 2.000 casos anuales en la década de los 60 a una ausencia mantenida de poliovirus (PV) salvaje desde 1988. A pesar del impacto negativo observado en las coberturas de vacunación de poliomielitis al inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19, estas se fueron recuperando, alcanzando un 98,2% en la primovacunación en 2022. En la última década, se han identificado dos elementos esenciales para mantener el objetivo de eliminación de la poliomielitis y que, además, refuerzan la importancia de mantener altas coberturas de vacunación: los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica robustos y la respuesta rápida a las alertas para proteger a la población vulnerable y evitar la circulación del virus. Es crucial interrumpir la transmisión a nivel internacional para lograr la erradicación, manteniendo una vigilancia continua de alta calidad y una coordinación efectiva entre los diferentes niveles frente a cualquier detección de PV, ya sea salvaje o derivado de la vacuna.(AU)

On the 60th anniversary of the initiation of the polio vaccination campaign in Spain, the significant milestone in achieving disease control is highlighted. There has been a shift from an incidence of over 2,000 yearly cases in the 1960s to a sustained absence of wild poliovirus (WPV) since 1988. Despite the observed negative impact on polio vaccination coverage at the onset of the COVID-19 pan-demic, these rates gradually recovered, reaching 98.2% in primary vaccination in 2022. Over the past decade, two essential elements have been identified to maintain the goal of polio elimination and that reinforces the importance of sustaining high vaccination co-verage: robust epidemiological surveillance systems and a swift response to alerts to protect the vulnerable population and prevent virus reintroduction. In order to achieve eradication, it is crucial to interrupt international transmission and maintain continuous high-quality surveillance and effective coordination across different levels in response to any detection of PV, wild or vaccine derived.This article aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the polio eradication situation in Spain, focusing on the key events that occu-rred in the last decade and the present and future challenges.(AU)

[Eradication of poliomyelitis in Spain: What has happened in the last decade?] / Erradicación de la poliomielitis en España: ¿qué ha pasado en la última década?

On the 60th anniversary of the initiation of the polio vaccination campaign in Spain, the significant milestone in achieving disease control is highlighted. There has been a shift from an incidence of over 2,000 yearly cases in the 1960s to a sustained absence of wild poliovirus (WPV) since 1988. Despite the observed negative impact on polio vaccination coverage at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these rates gradually recovered, reaching 98.2% in primary vaccination in 2022. Over the past decade, two essential elements have been identified to maintain the goal of polio elimination and that reinforces the importance of sustaining high vaccination coverage: robust epidemiological surveillance systems and a swift response to alerts to protect the vulnerable population and prevent virus reintroduction. In order to achieve eradication, it is crucial to interrupt international transmission and maintain continuous high-quality surveillance and effective coordination across different levels in response to any detection of PV, wild or vaccine derived. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the polio eradication situation in Spain, focusing on the key events that occurred in the last decade and the present and future challenges.

hito en el control de la enfermedad que ha supuesto el cambio desde una incidencia de más de 2.000 casos anuales en la década de los 60 a una ausencia mantenida de poliovirus (PV) salvaje desde 1988. A pesar del impacto negativo observado en las coberturas de vacunación de poliomielitis al inicio de la pandemia de la COVID-19, estas se fueron recuperando, alcanzando un 98,2% en la primovacunación en 2022. En la última década se han identificado dos elementos esenciales para mantener el objetivo de eliminación de la poliomielitis y que, además, refuerzan la importancia de mantener altas coberturas de vacunación: los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica robustos y la respuesta rápida a las alertas para proteger a la población vulnerable y evitar la circulación del virus. Es crucial interrumpir la transmisión a nivel internacional para lograr la erradicación, manteniendo una vigilancia continua de alta calidad y una coordinación efectiva entre los diferentes niveles frente a cualquier detección de PV, ya sea salvaje o derivado de la vacuna. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo proporcionar una visión integral sobre la situación de erradicación de la poliomielitis en España, centrándose en los eventos clave ocurridos en la última década y en los retos presentes y futuros.