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Programme costs for introducing age/gestation-based universal influenza vaccine schedules for young children and pregnant women in Hong Kong. Vaccine 2021; 39:6762-6780. [PMID: 34743828 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hong Kong experiences year-round influenza activity with winter and summer peaks. The government's Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) provides vaccine to high-risk groups prior to the larger winter peak. The VSS is predominantly administered through the private sector. This study aimed to cost the two theoretical routine influenza vaccination schedules using both northern and southern hemisphere vaccines, administered according to child's age and women's gestation, from a governmental perspective; and compare these costs to the costs of government's seasonal VSS assuming equivalent coverage estimates to determine the budget impacts of these influenza vaccination programmes in Hong Kong. METHODS We used the World Health Organization's Flutool Plus to estimate the incremental annual costs for immunising young children aged 6 months to 2 years and pregnant women with influenza vaccine during 2021, assuming the latter group accesses the public system for some antenatal care. Inputs were based on literature review, publicly available data and expert opinions. Sensitivity analyses were done with various coverage rates and vaccine costs. RESULTS The annual incremental cost (including vaccine price) to vaccinate young children with three doses of influenza vaccine during the first two years of life was estimated at USD 1,175,146 (per-dose-cost of USD 10.55) at 75% coverage while that to vaccinate pregnant women with one dose at 60% coverage was estimated at USD 398,555 (per-dose-cost of USD 13.39). Across a range of sensitivity analyses we predict that routine year-round schedules could be cost-saving to the government compared to the VSS. Implementing routine immunisation to both risk groups equates to USD 1,573,701, i.e., 0.012% of Hong Kong's annual healthcare spending. CONCLUSION Proposed year-round universal schedules providing influenza immunisation according to the child's age or the woman's gestation are predicted to be cost-saving compared to the current seasonally administered subsidised vaccine programme.
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Dang TKNS, Rivero Cabrera R, Yeung KHT, van der Putten IM, Nelson EAS. Feasibility of age- and gestation-based routine universal influenza vaccines schedules for children aged 6 months - 2 years and pregnant women. Vaccine 2021; 39:6754-6761. [PMID: 34674893 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hong Kong's seasonal influenza schedule follows the World Health Organization's northern hemisphere vaccine composition recommendations but with year-round influenza activity there is the potential to implement routine age- and gestation-based schedules utilising both northern and southern hemisphere vaccines for children aged 6 months to 2 years and for pregnant women. This study assessed the potential feasibility of such schedules. METHODS A literature review was conducted and in-depth interviews with vaccine experts, policy makers and nurses were undertaken. RESULTS The following schedules were proposed and assessed for perceived feasibility: 1) a four-dose schedule in the first two years of life requiring an additional unscheduled clinic visit at 7 months; 2) a three-dose schedule excluding the 4-week booster after the first dose; 3) a two-dose schedule for pregnant women involving a dose at the booking visit and a dose with pertussis vaccine at 7 months gestation; and 4) a one-dose schedule at 7 months gestation. CONCLUSIONS Age- and gestation-based routine influenza vaccination schedules are theoretically feasible for both young children and pregnant women. The three-dose paediatric and one-dose obstetric schedules were assessed in interviews with vaccine experts, policy makers and nurses to be most acceptable. Further clinical studies are required to determine whether such schedules are non-inferior to current seasonal-based schedules in terms of vaccine effectiveness and vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K N Sandra Dang
- CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Romén Rivero Cabrera
- CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Ingeborg M van der Putten
- CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - E Anthony S Nelson
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Regan AK, Munoz FM. Efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy: realizing the potential of maternal influenza immunization. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:649-660. [PMID: 33832397 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1915138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications following influenza infection compared to the general population. Influenza vaccination during pregnancy can offer direct protection to pregnant women and passive immunity to infants up to 6 months of age via maternal antibodies. Pregnant women are a high priority group for influenza immunization.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the basis for recommending influenza vaccine to pregnant women, current immunization policies, the evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of maternal vaccination, and future research needed. We conducted a search of PubMed for articles describing the safety or efficacy of influenza vaccines administered during pregnancy. Published articles from inception to 17 November 2020 were reviewed.Expert opinion: Experimental and observational evidence support the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of influenza immunization during pregnancy. These data support the continued provision of inactivated influenza vaccine to pregnant women, as recommended by global immunization policies. To achieve success with maternal influenza immunization programs, further work is needed to inform policy development in low- and middle-income settings and implementation and promotion in high-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette K Regan
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Flor M Munoz
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Buchy P, Badur S, Kassianos G, Preiss S, Tam JS. Vaccinating pregnant women against influenza needs to be a priority for all countries: An expert commentary. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 92:1-12. [PMID: 31863875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2012, the World Health Organization recommended influenza vaccination for all pregnant women worldwide and the prioritisation of pregnant women in national influenza vaccination programmes. Nevertheless, vaccination rates in pregnant women often remain much lower than national targets. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and risks associated with influenza infection and vaccination during pregnancy, and to consider obstacles that work against influenza vaccine uptake during pregnancy. RESULTS There is strong evidence that maternal and foetal outcomes can be compromised if women develop influenza infections during pregnancy. Influenza vaccines have been administered to millions of pregnant women and have demonstrated benefits in terms of disease prevention in mothers and their infants. There is a consensus amongst several recommending authorities that influenza vaccines may be safely administered during all stages of pregnancy. Healthcare professionals are recognised as the most important influencers of vaccine uptake, being well placed to recommend vaccination and directly address safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS Despite data supporting the value of influenza vaccination during pregnancy, vaccine uptake remains low globally. Low uptake appears to be largely due to ineffective communication with pregnant women about the risks and benefits of influenza vaccination. A graphical abstract is available online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Selim Badur
- GSK, Büyükdere Caddesi No:173 1. Levent Plaza B Blok, 34394 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - George Kassianos
- President of the British Global & Travel Health Association, Chairman of RAISE Pan- European Committee on Influenza, National Immunisation Lead Royal College of General Practitioners, United Kingdom, Board Director of the European Working Group on Influenza
| | | | - John S Tam
- Chairman of the Asia Pacific Alliance for the control of influenza (APACI); Adjunct Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Rd, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
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Yeung KHT, Tarrant M, Chan KCC, Tam WH, Nelson EAS. Increasing influenza vaccine uptake in children: A randomised controlled trial. Vaccine 2018; 36:5524-5535. [PMID: 30078745 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.07.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza vaccine is not included in the Hong Kong Government's universal Childhood Immunisation Programme but eligible children can receive subsidised vaccine through the private sector using the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS). This study examined whether a simple intervention package can increase influenza vaccine uptake in Hong Kong children. METHODS Two study samples were enrolled: families of children who had participated in a previous knowledge, attitudes and practices study; and mother-infant pairs recruited from postnatal wards. Control groups received publicly available leaflets about VSS. Intervention groups additionally received: (1) a concise information sheet about influenza and its vaccine; (2) semi-completed forms to utilise the subsidy; (3) contacts of VSS clinics that did not charge above the subsidy; and (4) text message reminders for vaccination. Enrolled mothers were contacted when children were approximately 1 and 2 years old to determine influenza vaccination status of the families and their plan to vaccinate their children. Mothers' attitudes towards influenza vaccine were assessed at enrolment and at the end of the study. RESULTS A total of 833 eligible mother-infant pairs were enrolled from the two samples. The intervention package improved influenza vaccine uptake by 22% at one year and 25% at two years of age. Maternal influenza vaccine uptake in intervention group was higher during this two-year period in those who had never been previously vaccinated. Mothers' self-efficacy regarding the use of influenza vaccine in her child i.e. belief and confidence in her own ability to make a good decision, was also improved with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS A four-component intervention package could improve influenza vaccine uptake in Hong Kong children and their mothers during the first two years of life and depending on vaccine effectiveness could potentially reduce influenza-associated hospital admissions in children below 2 years old by 13-24%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karene Hoi Ting Yeung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Marie Tarrant
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kate Ching Ching Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wing Hung Tam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - E Anthony S Nelson
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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6
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Influenza vaccine effectiveness in hospitalised Hong Kong children: Feasibility of estimates from routine surveillance data. Vaccine 2018; 36:3477-3485. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.04.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Fell DB, Johnson J, Mor Z, Katz MA, Skidmore B, Neuzil KM, Ortiz JR, Bhat N. Incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza disease among infants under 6 months of age: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016526. [PMID: 28882916 PMCID: PMC5595206 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this systematic review was to assess incidence rates of laboratory-confirmed influenza (LCI) outcomes among infants under 6 months of age. DESIGN Systematic literature search and review of indexed studies in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL Plus from inception to 19 April 2017. SETTING Population-based estimates from community or hospital settings. PARTICIPANTS Infants under 6 months of age. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES LCI illness in ambulatory care settings, LCI hospitalisation, LCI intensive care unit admission and LCI death. Only studies with population-based incidence data were included. RESULTS We identified 27 primary studies, 11 of which were from the USA, four were from other non-US high-income settings and the remaining were from lower-middle-income or upper-middle-income countries. Most studies (n=23) assessed incidence of LCI hospitalisation, but meta-analysis to pool study-specific rates was not possible due to high statistical and methodological heterogeneity. Among US studies, the reported incidence of LCI hospitalisation ranged from 9.3 to 91.2 per 10 000 infants under 6 months for seasonal influenza, while the only US-based estimate for pandemic H1N1 influenza was 20.2 per 10 000 infants. Reported rates for LCI hospitalisation for seasonal influenza from other countries ranged from 6.2 to 73.0 per 10 000 infants under 6 months, with the exception of one study with an estimated rate of 250 per 10 000 infants. No events were reported in five of the nine studies that evaluated LCI death among infants under 6 months. CONCLUSION Our review of published studies found limited data on LCI outcomes for infants under 6 months, particularly from non-US settings. Globally representative and reliable incidence data are necessary to fully evaluate influenza disease burden and the potential impact of maternal influenza immunisation programme on morbidity and mortality in young infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deshayne B Fell
- University of Ottawa and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeanene Johnson
- Independent Epidemiology Consultant, Los Gatos, California, USA
| | - Zohar Mor
- Tel Aviv Department of Health, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mark A Katz
- Medical School for International Health and Department of Health Systems Management, Ben Gurion University in the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Becky Skidmore
- Independent Information Specialist, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathleen M Neuzil
- Department of Medicine, Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justin R Ortiz
- Initiative for Vaccine Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Niranjan Bhat
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Millman AJ, Reed C, Kirley PD, Aragon D, Meek J, Farley MM, Ryan P, Collins J, Lynfield R, Baumbach J, Zansky S, Bennett NM, Fowler B, Thomas A, Lindegren ML, Atkinson A, Finelli L, Chaves SS. Improving Accuracy of Influenza-Associated Hospitalization Rate Estimates. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 21:1595-601. [PMID: 26292017 PMCID: PMC4550134 DOI: 10.3201/eid2109.141665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adjusting for diagnostic test sensitivity enables more accurate and timely comparisons over time. Diagnostic test sensitivity affects rate estimates for laboratory-confirmed influenza–associated hospitalizations. We used data from FluSurv-NET, a national population-based surveillance system for laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalizations, to capture diagnostic test type by patient age and influenza season. We calculated observed rates by age group and adjusted rates by test sensitivity. Test sensitivity was lowest in adults >65 years of age. For all ages, reverse transcription PCR was the most sensitive test, and use increased from <10% during 2003–2008 to ≈70% during 2009–2013. Observed hospitalization rates per 100,000 persons varied by season: 7.3–50.5 for children <18 years of age, 3.0–30.3 for adults 18–64 years, and 13.6–181.8 for adults >65 years. After 2009, hospitalization rates adjusted by test sensitivity were ≈15% higher for children <18 years, ≈20% higher for adults 18–64 years, and ≈55% for adults >65 years of age. Test sensitivity adjustments improve the accuracy of hospitalization rate estimates.
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Regan AK, Mak DB, Hauck YL, Gibbs R, Tracey L, Effler PV. Trends in seasonal influenza vaccine uptake during pregnancy in Western Australia: Implications for midwives. Women Birth 2016; 29:423-429. [PMID: 26879102 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal influenza vaccination is an important public health intervention for preventing serious illness in mothers and newborns, yet uptake remains low. AIM To evaluate trends in seasonal influenza vaccine coverage and identify determinants for vaccination among pregnant women in Western Australia. METHODS We conducted an annual telephone survey in a random sample of post-partum women who delivered a baby in Western Australia between 2012 and 2014. Women were asked whether influenza vaccination was recommended and/or received during their most recent pregnancy; women were also asked why or why they were not immunised. FINDINGS Between 2012 and 2014, influenza vaccine coverage increased from 22.9% to 41.4%. Women who reported receiving the majority of their antenatal care from a private obstetrician were significantly more likely to have influenza vaccination recommended to them than those receiving the majority of their care from a public antenatal hospital or general practitioner (p<0.001). In 2014, the most common reason women reported for accepting influenza vaccination was to protect the baby (92.8%) and the most common reason for being unimmunised was lack of a healthcare provider recommendation (48.5%). DISCUSSION Antenatal influenza vaccination uptake is increasing, but coverage remains below 50%. A recommendation from the principal care provider is an important predictor of maternal influenza vaccination. CONCLUSION Antenatal care providers, including midwives, have a key role in providing appropriate information and evidence-based recommendations to pregnant women to ensure they are making informed decisions. Consistent recommendations from antenatal care providers are critical to improving influenza vaccine coverage in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette K Regan
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australia Department of Health, Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Donna B Mak
- Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australia Department of Health, Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yvonne L Hauck
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robyn Gibbs
- Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australia Department of Health, Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren Tracey
- Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australia Department of Health, Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul V Effler
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australia Department of Health, Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia
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10
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Yuen CYS, Dodgson JE, Tarrant M. Perceptions of Hong Kong Chinese women toward influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccine 2015; 34:33-40. [PMID: 26616554 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women are the highest priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination. However, their vaccination uptake remains suboptimal. The purpose of this study is to explore Hong Kong women's perceptions of the threat of influenza infection during pregnancy, the risks and benefits of influenza vaccination, and their decision-making processes. METHODS We used a qualitative descriptive design and recruited women who had just given births to a live infant from April to June 2011. Participants were recruited from a large teaching hospital in Hong Kong and were interviewed in the immediate postpartum period. RESULTS A total of 32 postpartum women were interviewed, and two had been vaccinated during pregnancy. Following thematic analysis, three themes emerged: perceived risk of influenza infection, perceived risk of influenza vaccine, and decision-making cues. Overall, participants held negative impressions about influenza vaccination during pregnancy, and they underestimated the threat of influenza to themselves and their fetus. They were also confused about the safety and efficacy of the influenza vaccine and the differences between preventive strategies and treatment for influenza. Most participants reported that their health care providers (HCPs) did not offer or recommend vaccination. Because of negative media reports about vaccination, participants were hesitant to receive the vaccine. Motivating forces for vaccine acceptance were a perceived high prevalence of circulating influenza during their pregnancy and HCP recommendations and reassurances that the vaccination was safe, effective, and beneficial for the fetus. CONCLUSION Vaccination promotion strategies need to focus on encouraging HCPs to take the initiative to discuss vaccination with their pregnant clients and provide accurate and unbiased information about the risks of influenza and the benefits of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Y S Yuen
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - Joan E Dodgson
- College of Nursing & Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
| | - Marie Tarrant
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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Wong VWY, Lok KYW, Tarrant M. Interventions to increase the uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination among pregnant women: A systematic review. Vaccine 2015; 34:20-32. [PMID: 26602267 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women and their infants under 6 months of age infected with influenza have a high risk of serious morbidity and mortality. Influenza vaccine during pregnancy offers 3-for-1 benefits to pregnant women, fetuses and newborn infants. Current vaccination uptake rates during pregnancy, however, are often lower than other high-risk groups and the general population. METHODS We systematically reviewed evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve influenza vaccination coverage in pregnant women. Risk differences (RDs) were calculated from the included studies. RESULTS Eleven studies were included in the review, of which four were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Three cohort studies assessed provider-focused interventions while four RCTs and one cohort study evaluated pregnant women-focused interventions. Two cohort studies and a prospective intervention study assessed the effectiveness of bundled interventions. No study solely assessed the effectiveness of interventions to enhance access to influenza vaccination. One moderate quality RCT showed that an influenza pamphlet, with or without a verbalized benefit statement, improved the vaccination rate (RD=0.26; RD=0.39). The other reviewed RCTs showed discordant results, with RDs ranging from -0.15 to 0.03. Although all observational studies significantly improved vaccination rates (RDs ranged from 0.03 to 0.44), the quality of the evidence varied. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of effective interventions to increase the influenza vaccination rate in pregnant women. Based on the existing research, we recommend that clinicians provide influenza pamphlets to pregnant women with a verbalized statement about the benefits of influenza vaccine to newborns. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to develop successful maternal influenza vaccination programs. Increased clarity in reporting the content of interventions would help to improve the comparability and generalizability of the published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie W Y Wong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Kris Y W Lok
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Marie Tarrant
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Chan PKS, Tam WWS, Lee TC, Hon KL, Lee N, Chan MCW, Mok HY, Wong MCS, Leung TF, Lai RWM, Yeung ACM, Ho WCS, Nelson EAS, Hui DSC. Hospitalization Incidence, Mortality, and Seasonality of Common Respiratory Viruses Over a Period of 15 Years in a Developed Subtropical City. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e2024. [PMID: 26579810 PMCID: PMC4652819 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on respiratory viruses in subtropical region is limited.Incidence, mortality, and seasonality of influenza (Flu) A/B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), and parainfluenza viruses (PIV) 1/2/3 in hospitalized patients were assessed over a 15-year period (1998-2012) in Hong Kong.Male predominance and laterally transversed J-shaped distribution in age-specific incidence was observed. Incidence of Flu A, RSV, and PIV decreased sharply from infants to toddlers; whereas Flu B and ADV increased slowly. RSV conferred higher fatality than Flu, and was the second killer among hospitalized elderly. ADV and PIV were uncommon, but had the highest fatality. RSV, PIV 2/3 admissions increased over the 15 years, whereas ADV had decreased significantly. A "high season," mainly contributed by Flu, was observed in late-winter/early-spring (February-March). The "medium season" in spring/summer (April-August) was due to Flu and RSV. The "low season" in late autumn/winter (October-December) was due to PIV and ADV. Seasonality varied between viruses, but predictable distinctive pattern for each virus existed, and temperature was the most important associating meteorological variable.Respiratory viruses exhibit strong sex- and age-predilection, and with predictable seasonality allowing strategic preparedness planning. Hospital-based surveillance is crucial for real-time assessment on severity of new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K S Chan
- Department of Microbiology (PKSC, MCWC, RWML, ACMY, WCSH), Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (PKSC, NL, DSCH), Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore (WWST); Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care (WWST, MCSW), Department of Pediatrics (KLH, TFL, EASN) and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics (NL, DSCH), Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Observatory, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (TCL, HYM)
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Feng L, Yang P, Zhang T, Yang J, Fu C, Qin Y, Zhang Y, Ma C, Liu Z, Wang Q, Zhao G, Yu H. Technical guidelines for the application of seasonal influenza vaccine in China (2014-2015). Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 11:2077-101. [PMID: 26042462 PMCID: PMC4635867 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1027470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza, caused by the influenza virus, is a respiratory infectious disease that can severely affect human health. Influenza viruses undergo frequent antigenic changes, thus could spread quickly. Influenza causes seasonal epidemics and outbreaks in public gatherings such as schools, kindergartens, and nursing homes. Certain populations are at risk for severe illness from influenza, including pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people in any ages with certain chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzhao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease; Division of Infectious Disease; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Public Health; Fudan University; Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease; Division of Infectious Disease; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
| | - Chuanxi Fu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Qin
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease; Division of Infectious Disease; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
| | - Chunna Ma
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqiu Liu
- Hua Xin Hospital; First Hospital of Tsinghua University; Beijing, China
| | - Quanyi Wang
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
| | - Genming Zhao
- School of Public Health; Fudan University; Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease; Division of Infectious Disease; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, China
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Abstract
The environmental drivers of influenza outbreaks are largely unknown. Despite more than 50 years of research, there are conflicting lines of evidence on the role of the environment in influenza A virus (IAV) survival, stability, and transmissibility. With the increasing and looming threat of pandemic influenza, it is important to understand these factors for early intervention and long-term control strategies. The factors that dictate the severity and spread of influenza would include the virus, natural and acquired hosts, virus-host interactions, environmental persistence, virus stability and transmissibility, and anthropogenic interventions. Virus persistence in different environments is subject to minor variations in temperature, humidity, pH, salinity, air pollution, and solar radiations. Seasonality of influenza is largely dictated by temperature and humidity, with cool-dry conditions enhancing IAV survival and transmissibility in temperate climates in high latitudes, whereas humid-rainy conditions favor outbreaks in low latitudes, as seen in tropical and subtropical zones. In mid-latitudes, semiannual outbreaks result from alternating cool-dry and humid-rainy conditions. The mechanism of virus survival in the cool-dry or humid-rainy conditions is largely determined by the presence of salts and proteins in the respiratory droplets. Social determinants of heath, including health equity, vaccine acceptance, and age-related illness, may play a role in influenza occurrence and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harini Sooryanarain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061;
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