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Scarso S, Marchetti G, Russo ML, D’Angelo F, Tosti ME, Bellini A, De Marchi C, Ferrari C, Gatta A, Caminada S, Papaevgeniou N, Dalma N, Karnaki P, Marceca M, Declich S. Access to Vaccination for Newly Arrived Migrants: Developing a General Conceptual Framework for Understanding How to Improve Vaccination Coverage in European Countries. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605580. [PMID: 37609078 PMCID: PMC10440383 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Access to vaccination for newly arrived migrants (NAMs) is a relevant concern that requires urgent attention in EU/EEA countries. This study aimed to develop a General Conceptual Framework (GCF) for understanding how to improve vaccination coverage for NAMs, by characterizing and critically analyzing system barriers and possible strategies to increase vaccination. Methods: A theoretical conceptualization of the GCF was hypothesized based on conceptual hubs in the immunization process. Barriers and solutions were identified through a non-systematic desktop literature review and qualitative research. The GCF guided the activities and facilitated the integration of results, thereby enriching the GCF with content. Results: The study explores the vaccination of NAMs and proposes strategies to overcome barriers in their vaccination process. It introduces a framework called GCF, which consists of five interconnected steps: entitlement, reachability, adherence, achievement, and evaluation of vaccination. The study also presents barriers and solutions identified through literature review and qualitative research, along with strategies to enhance professionals' knowledge, improve reachability, promote adherence, achieve vaccination coverage, and evaluate interventions. The study concludes by recommending strategies such as proximity, provider training, a migrant-sensitive approach, and data collection to improve vaccination outcomes for NAMs. Conclusion: Ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, including vaccination, is crucial not only from a humanitarian perspective but also for the overall public health of these countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Scarso
- National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Russo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Franca D’Angelo
- National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Tosti
- National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara De Marchi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Caterina Ferrari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Angela Gatta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Susanna Caminada
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Nikoletta Papaevgeniou
- Prolepsis Institute for Preventive Medicine and Environmental and Occupational Health, Marousi, Greece
| | - Nadia Dalma
- Prolepsis Institute for Preventive Medicine and Environmental and Occupational Health, Marousi, Greece
| | - Pania Karnaki
- Prolepsis Institute for Preventive Medicine and Environmental and Occupational Health, Marousi, Greece
| | - Maurizio Marceca
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Declich
- National Center for Global Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
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Ferrara P, Masuet-Aumatell C, Ramon-Torrell JM. Pre-travel health care attendance among migrant travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR): a 10-year retrospective analysis. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1397. [PMID: 31660916 PMCID: PMC6819640 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7722-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR) define a specific population of travellers exposed to higher risks for health and safety than tourists. The aim of this study was to assess differentials in pre-travel health care in VFR travellers compared to other travellers. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed including attendees of the Travel Medicine Clinic of the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain, between January 2007 and December 2017. Results Over the 10-year period, 47,022 subjects presented to the travel clinic for pre-travel health care, 13.7% of whom were VFR travellers. These showed higher rates of vaccination against yellow fever and meningococcus, but lower rates for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, cholera, polio, typhoid IM vaccine and tetanus vaccine boosters. Regarding malaria prevention measures, results highlighted that VFR travellers, when compared with tourists, were more likely to be prescribed with chemoprophylaxis, particularly with mefloquine, than with atovaquone/proguanil. Conclusions Findings from this large-scale study indicated differences in vaccination rates and completion, as well as in chemoprophylaxis for malaria, between VFR and non-VFR travellers, fostering specific interventions for promoting adherence to pre-travel health advice among migrant travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ferrara
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 5 Via Luciano Armanni, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Masuet-Aumatell
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain. .,Clinical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Josep Maria Ramon-Torrell
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.,Clinical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
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Hargreaves S, Nellums LB, Ravensbergen SJ, Friedland JS, Stienstra Y. Divergent approaches in the vaccination of recently arrived migrants to Europe: a survey of national experts from 32 countries, 2017. Euro Surveill 2018; 23:1700772. [PMID: 30326996 PMCID: PMC6194906 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.41.1700772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMigrants within the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) may be underimmunised and lack documentation on previous vaccinations. We investigated approaches to vaccination in recently arrived adult and child migrants, and guideline availability and implementation. Methods: Between March and May 2017, a national vaccination expert from every EU/EEA country and Switzerland completed an electronic questionnaire. We used descriptive analyses to calculate percentages, and framework analysis to synthesise free-text responses. Results: We approached 32 countries (response rate 100%). Although 28 experts reported vaccination guidance at national level, specific guidelines for recently arrived migrants were only available in six countries and not consistently implemented. Twenty-three countries administered vaccinations during on-arrival health checks. Most experts recommended multiple vaccination opportunities be made available: at point of entry (n = 13) or at holding level (reception centres, migrant camps, detention centres) (n = 21). In 30 countries, child migrants without evidence of previous vaccination were re-vaccinated according to the national schedule. Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus and polio vaccinations were given to migrant children in all countries, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) in 31 countries, hepatitis B vaccination in 25. Low levels of catch-up vaccination were reported in adult migrants, with only 13 countries offering MMR and 10 countries charging fees. Conclusion: Existing guidance is often not migrant-specific and may not be applied in practice; clarification is needed on which vaccines should be given. Strategies are needed specifically for catch-up vaccination in adult migrants. Vaccinations should be offered in multiple settings, free of charge, with sufficient guidance and training provided to front-line healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Hargreaves
- These authors are joint first authors
- The Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- The International Health Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura B Nellums
- These authors are joint first authors
- The Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- The International Health Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofanne J Ravensbergen
- These authors are joint first authors
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jon S Friedland
- The Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- The International Health Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Giambi C, Del Manso M, Dalla Zuanna T, Riccardo F, Bella A, Caporali MG, Baka A, Caks-Jager N, Melillo T, Mexia R, Petrović G, Declich S. National immunization strategies targeting migrants in six European countries. Vaccine 2018; 37:4610-4617. [PMID: 29426661 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Over the last three years an unprecedented flow of migrants arrived in Europe. There is evidence that vaccine preventable diseases have caused outbreaks in migrant holding centres. These outbreaks can be favored by a combination of factors including low immunization coverage, bad conditions that migrants face during their exhausting journey and overcrowding within holding facilities. In 2017, we conducted an online survey in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia to explore the national immunization strategies targeting irregular migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. All countries stated that a national regulation supporting vaccination offer to migrants is available. Croatia, Italy, Portugal and Slovenia offer to migrant children and adolescents all vaccinations included in the National Immunization Plan; Greece and Malta offer only certain vaccinations, including those against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, poliomyelitis and measles-mumps-rubella. Croatia, Italy, Malta and Portugal also extend the vaccination offer to adults. All countries deliver vaccinations in holding centres and/or community health services, no one delivers vaccinations at entry site. Operating procedures that guarantee the migrants' access to vaccination at the community level are available only in Portugal. Data on administered vaccines is available at the national level in four countries: individual data in Malta and Croatia, aggregated data in Greece and Portugal. Data on vaccination uptake among migrants is available at national level only in Malta. Concluding, although diversified, strategies for migrant vaccination are in place in all the surveyed countries and generally in line with WHO and ECDC indications. Development of procedures to keep track of migrants' immunization data across countries, development of strategies to facilitate and monitor migrants' access to vaccinations at the community level and collection of data on vaccination uptake among migrants should be promoted to meet existing gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Giambi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Del Manso
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Teresa Dalla Zuanna
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Loredan, 18, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Flavia Riccardo
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonino Bella
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Agoritsa Baka
- Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3-5, Agrafon Str, 151 23 Maroussi, Attica, Greece.
| | - Nuska Caks-Jager
- National Institute of Public Health, Zaloška 29, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tanya Melillo
- Ministry for Health, Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit, 58, The Emporium, C. Debrockdorff Street, Msida, Malta.
| | - Ricardo Mexia
- Instituto Nacional de Saude Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Goranka Petrović
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova 7, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Silvia Declich
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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