Effectiveness of email-based reminders to increase vaccine uptake: a systematic review

Impact of interventions to improve HPV vaccination acceptance and uptake in school-based programs: Findings of a pilot project in Quebec

CONTEXT

Vaccination coverage against human papillomavirus (HPV) in school-based programs in Quebec, Canada, is suboptimal despite more than a decade of introduction. Three interventions to improve HPV vaccine acceptability and coverage in school-based programs were developed, implemented as part of a multicomponent strategy and evaluated.

METHOD

Sixty-four (64) schools were recruited, of which 32 received the interventions (pilot schools), and 32 received usual vaccination activities (control schools). Two approaches were used to assess the impact of the interventions. Pre-post questionnaires were completed by parents in both pilot and control schools. Quantitative analyses of vaccination coverage using the Quebec immunization registry were conducted.

RESULTS

Participating parents (n = 989 in the pre-intervention survey and n = 772 in the post-intervention one) were generally aware of HPV and HPV vaccination. Most parents were confident about vaccination, had little or no hesitation and had decided to have their child vaccinated. Parents in the pilot schools were less concerned about vaccine safety than those in the control schools after the interventions. Parents in the pilot schools were also more likely to have decided to have their child vaccinated. A statistically significant difference of 7.4 % in HPV vaccine coverage between pilot and control schools was observed (82.9 % vs 75.5 %, p <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Although school-based programs offer equitable access to vaccination and minimize access barriers, it remains crucial to identify effective interventions to improve vaccine uptake further and reach the WHO cervical cancer elimination goal. Our multicomponent strategy appears to have positively impacted HPV vaccine acceptability and coverage and could be adapted to other contexts where vaccination is delivered in school-based programs.

Development of Promising Interventions to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in a School-Based Program in Quebec, Canada: Results From a Formative Evaluation Using a Mixed Methods Design

BACKGROUND

Despite the availability of school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs, disparities in vaccine coverage persist. Barriers to HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake include parental attitudes, knowledge, beliefs, and system-level barriers. A total of 3 interventions were developed to address these barriers: an in-person presentation by school nurses, an email reminder with a web-based information and decision aid tool, and a telephone reminder using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques.

OBJECTIVE

Here we report on the development and formative evaluation of interventions to improve HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake among grade 4 students' parents in Quebec, Canada.

METHODS

In the summer of 2019, we conducted a formative evaluation of the interventions to assess the interventions' relevance, content, and format and to identify any unmet needs. We conducted 3 focus group discussions with parents of grade 3 students and nurses. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content using NVivo software (Lumivero). Nurses received training on MI techniques and we evaluated the effect on nurses' knowledge and skills using a pre-post questionnaire. Descriptive quantitative analyses were carried out on data from questionnaires relating to the training. Comparisons were made using the proportions of the results. Finally, we developed a patient decision aid using an iterative, user-centered design process. The iterative refinement process involved feedback from parents, nurses, and experts to ensure the tool's relevance and effectiveness. The evaluation protocol and data collection tools were approved by the CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de Québec Research Ethics Committee (MP-20-2019-4655, May 16, 2019).

RESULTS

The data collection was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021. Following feedback (n=28) from the 3 focus group discussions in June 2019, several changes were made to the in-person presentation intervention. Experts (n=27) and school nurses (n=29) recruited for the project appreciated the visual and simplified information on vaccination in it. The results of the MI training for school nurses conducted in August 2019 demonstrated an increase in the skills and knowledge of nurses (n=29). School nurses who took the web-based course (n=24) filled out a pretest and posttest questionnaire to evaluate their learning. The rating increased by 19% between the pretest and posttest questionnaires. Several changes were made between the first draft of the web-based decision-aid tool and the final version during the summer of 2019 after an expert consultation of experts (n=3), focus group participants (n=28), and parents in the iterative process (n=5). More information about HPV and vaccines was added, and users could click if more detail is desired.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and pilot-tested 3 interventions using an iterative process. The interventions were perceived as potentially effective to increase parents' knowledge and positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, and ultimately, vaccine acceptance. Future research will assess the effectiveness of these interventions on a larger scale.

Understanding the gap between guidelines and influenza vaccination coverage in people with diabetes: a scoping review

Background

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, making them more vulnerable to infections, including seasonal influenza. It is therefore particularly important for those suffering from diabetes to be vaccinated against influenza each year. However, influenza vaccination coverage remains low in this population. This review primarily aims to identify the determinants of influenza vaccination in people with diabetes (T1D or T2D). Secondly, it aims to assess main recommendations for influenza vaccination, vaccine effectiveness, vaccination coverage, and how education and pharmacists can encourage uptake of the vaccine in the diabetic population.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in January 2022 to systematically review evidence on influenza vaccination in people with diabetes using data from PubMed, Science Direct, and EM Premium with terms such as "Diabetes mellitus," "Immunization Programs," "Vaccination," and "Influenza Vaccines." Quality assessment and data extraction were independently conducted by two authors. Disagreements between the authors were resolved through discussion and consensus, and if necessary, by consulting a third author.

Results

Of the 333 records identified, 55 studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. Influenza vaccination was recommended for people ≥6 months. Despite effectiveness evidence showing a reduction in mortality and hospitalizations in people with diabetes vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated ones, very few studies reported a coverage rate ≥ 75%, which is WHO's target objective. Determinants such as advanced age, presence of comorbidities and healthcare givers' advice were associated with increased vaccination uptake. On the contrary, fear of adverse reactions and concerns about vaccine effectiveness were significant barriers. Finally, education and pharmacists' intervention played a key role in promoting vaccination and increasing vaccination uptake.

Conclusion

Influenza vaccination coverage in people with diabetes remains low despite recommendations and evidence on vaccine effectiveness. Motivators and barriers as well as several socio-demographic and clinical factors have been identified to explain this trend. Efforts are now needed to increase the number of diabetics vaccinated against influenza, mainly through education and the involvement of healthcare givers.

E-mail as a way of communication during the ACWY meningococcal vaccination campaign in adolescents and young adults in the Region of Murcia

In 2019, ACWY meningococcal vaccination for people born between 2001 and 2007 was recommended. In Murcia, during the first 9 months, the coverage was 52.89%. This study is aimed to evaluate the effects of e-mail reminders on vaccination coverage. A longitudinal, prospective trial was performed on non-vaccinated individuals with e-mail addresses. An e-mail reminder was sent to people assigned to the intervention group (born in any month, except January and July), and 4 weeks later, the same was sent to the control group. Vaccination coverage was assessed before and 4 weeks after each intervention. After the first intervention, 5.15% of the participants in the intervention group were vaccinated (1.57% in the control group). The increased likelihood of being vaccinated if a person had been sent an e-mail was 1.033 (95% confidence interval, 1.019-1.047; p = 0.001). This study highlighted the impact of e-mail as an appropriate method of communication for vaccination programmes.

Interventions to increase vaccination against COVID-19, influenza and pertussis during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women and their babies face significant risks from three vaccine-preventable diseases: COVID-19, influenza and pertussis. However, despite these vaccines' proven safety and effectiveness, uptake during pregnancy remains low.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42023399488; January 2012-December 2022 following PRISMA guidelines) of interventions to increase COVID-19/influenza/pertussis vaccination in pregnancy. We searched nine databases, including grey literature. Two independent investigators extracted data; discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models to estimate pooled effect sizes. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics.

RESULTS

From 2681 articles, we identified 39 relevant studies (n = 168 262 participants) across nine countries. Fifteen studies (39%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs); the remainder were observational cohort, quality-improvement or cross-sectional studies. The quality of 18% (7/39) was strong. Pooled results of interventions to increase influenza vaccine uptake (18 effect estimates from 12 RCTs) showed the interventions were effective but had a small effect (risk ratio = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03, 1.13). However, pooled results of interventions to increase pertussis vaccine uptake (10 effect estimates from six RCTs) showed no clear benefit (risk ratio = 0.98, 95% CI 0.94, 1.03). There were no relevant RCTs for COVID-19. Interventions addressed the 'three Ps': patient-, provider- and policy-level strategies. At the patient level, clear recommendations from healthcare professionals backed by text reminders/written information were strongly associated with increased vaccine uptake, especially tailored face-to-face interventions, which addressed women's concerns, dispelled myths and highlighted benefits. Provider-level interventions included educating healthcare professionals about vaccines' safety and effectiveness and reminders to offer vaccinations routinely. Policy-level interventions included financial incentives, mandatory vaccination data fields in electronic health records and ensuring easy availability of vaccinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions had a small effect on increasing influenza vaccination. Training healthcare providers to promote vaccinations during pregnancy is crucial and could be enhanced by utilizing mobile health technologies.

Interventions for improving coverage of childhood immunisation in low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Immunisation plays a major role in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Getting children immunised against potentially fatal and debilitating vaccine-preventable diseases remains a challenge despite the availability of efficacious vaccines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. With the introduction of new vaccines, this becomes increasingly difficult. There is therefore a current need to synthesise the available evidence on the strategies used to bridge this gap. This is a second update of the Cochrane Review first published in 2011 and updated in 2016, and it focuses on interventions for improving childhood immunisation coverage in low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies to boost demand and supply of childhood vaccines, and sustain high childhood immunisation coverage in low- and middle-income countries.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Global Index Medicus (11 July 2022). We searched Embase, LILACS, and Sociological Abstracts (2 September 2014). We searched WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov (11 July 2022). In addition, we screened reference lists of relevant systematic reviews for potentially eligible studies, and carried out a citation search for 14 of the included studies (19 February 2020).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised RCTs (nRCTs), controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series conducted in low- and middle-income countries involving children that were under five years of age, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We independently screened the search output, reviewed full texts of potentially eligible articles, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data in duplicate, resolving discrepancies by consensus. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses and used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-one studies involving 100,747 participants are included in the review. Twenty studies were cluster-randomised and 15 studies were individually randomised controlled trials. Six studies were quasi-randomised. The studies were conducted in four upper-middle-income countries (China, Georgia, Mexico, Guatemala), 11 lower-middle-income countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Zimbabwe), and three lower-income countries (Afghanistan, Mali, Rwanda). The interventions evaluated in the studies were health education (seven studies), patient reminders (13 studies), digital register (two studies), household incentives (three studies), regular immunisation outreach sessions (two studies), home visits (one study), supportive supervision (two studies), integration of immunisation services with intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (one study), payment for performance (two studies), engagement of community leaders (one study), training on interpersonal communication skills (one study), and logistic support to health facilities (one study). We judged nine of the included studies to have low risk of bias; the risk of bias in eight studies was unclear and 24 studies had high risk of bias. We found low-certainty evidence that health education (risk ratio (RR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 1.62; 6 studies, 4375 participants) and home-based records (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.75; 3 studies, 4019 participants) may improve coverage with DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine. Phone calls/short messages may have little or no effect on DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine uptake (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.25; 6 studies, 3869 participants; low-certainty evidence); wearable reminders probably have little or no effect on DTP3/Penta 3 uptake (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.07; 2 studies, 1567 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Use of community leaders in combination with provider intervention probably increases the uptake of DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.69; 1 study, 2020 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of immunisation outreach on DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine uptake in children under two years of age (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.56; 1 study, 541 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are also uncertain about the following interventions improving full vaccination of children under two years of age: training of health providers on interpersonal communication skills (RR 5.65, 95% CI 3.62 to 8.83; 1 study, 420 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and home visits (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.45; 1 study, 419 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The same applies to the effect of training of health providers on interpersonal communication skills on the uptake of DTP3/Penta 3 by one year of age (very low-certainty evidence). The integration of immunisation with other services may, however, improve full vaccination (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.44; 1 study, 1700 participants; low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Health education, home-based records, a combination of involvement of community leaders with health provider intervention, and integration of immunisation services may improve vaccine uptake. The certainty of the evidence for the included interventions ranged from moderate to very low. Low certainty of the evidence implies that the true effect of the interventions might be markedly different from the estimated effect. Further, more rigorous RCTs are, therefore, required to generate high-certainty evidence to inform policy and practice.

Increasing Influenza Vaccination Uptake by Sending Reminders: A Representative Cross-Sectional Study on the Preferences of Italian Adults

Evidence from countries that achieved a high seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) coverage suggests that reminders to get vaccinated may increase SIV uptake. The goal of this study was to explore the experience and attitudes of Italian adults toward an active invitation to receive SIV, triggered by different sources and delivered via different communication channels, and to assess the projected benefits of this strategy. A cross-sectional survey on a representative sample of Italian adults was conducted by using computer-assisted web interviewing. Responses from 2513 subjects were analyzed. A total of 52.2% of individuals previously received invitations to undergo SIV and compared with people who did not receive any reminder were three times more likely (68.2% vs. 22.2%) to be vaccinated in the last season. Compared with other sources, reminders sent by general practitioners (GPs) were perceived as the most attractive. As for communication channels, most participants preferred text/instant messaging (24.6%) or email (27.2%), suggesting an acceleration in the Italian digital transformation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, traditional postal letters or phone calls were preferred by only 17.0% and 8.6% of respondents, respectively. Reminders sent by GPs via text/instant messages or email are a valuable option for increasing SIV uptake among Italian adults.

Impact of a dTcaP booster vaccine awareness campaign initiated by the French national health insurance for adults aged 25 years in 2021

BACKGROUND

Vaccination schedules differ from country to country. In France, the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis (dTcaP) booster vaccine coverage for adults aged 25 has been lower than those recommended. We evaluated the impact of an awareness campaign undertaken by the French national health insurance system in 2021.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled study with adults residing in the Ardennes region was conducted to evaluate the effect on vaccine coverage of the booster vaccine reminder campaign carried out via letter and/or email and/or SMS. The randomization unit was the municipal administrative area (canton). Ten cantons were grouped into the intervention group (INT) and nine were the control group (CON). Outcomes were the booster vaccine delivery and the consultation of a general practitioner (GP) within 12 months (since the French national health insurance running the campaign suggested patients to consult their GP).

RESULTS

A total of 1,975 adults were included (INT: 67.3% vs. CON: 32.7%). Of them, 331 received a booster vaccine (INT: 17.4% vs. CON: 15.5%; p = 0.29), and 1,442 consulted a GP (INT: 73.7% vs. CON: 76.8%; p = 0.14). Those who consulted a GP had more frequent vaccine delivery (INT: 19.1% vs. CON: 10.5%; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the awareness campaign run by the French national health insurance did not improve the uptake of the dTcaP booster and that there was a low rate of vaccinated adults aged 25 years. A GP consultation was associated with dTcaP booster vaccine delivery which may show that there is a need of involving GPs in vaccination follow-ups. Patients recognize GPs as providers of credible information and they may play a key role in individualized preventive healthcare actions. Systematic consultations with GPs for follow-up could be proposed to insured adults aged 25 years in the future.

Understanding Diversity of Policies, Functionalities, and Operationalization of Immunization Information Systems and Their Impact: A Targeted Review of the Literature

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on the use of immunization information systems (IIS) to record and consolidate immunization records from a variety of sources to generate comprehensive patient immunization histories. Operationalization of IIS in the United States is decentralized, and as such, there are over 60 different IIS with wide variations in enabling policies and functionalities. As such, the policies that inform the development and operation of those sub-national IIS exist at the state and sometimes city levels. A targeted literature review was conducted to identify IIS policies and functionalities and assess their impact. The authors identified articles published from 2012 to 2022 that discussed or evaluated IIS policies and functionalities and screened titles, abstracts, and full text for inclusion. When selected for inclusion, authors extracted IIS policy/functionality characteristics and qualitative or quantitative outcomes of their implementation, where applicable. The search terms yielded 86 articles, of which 39 were included in the analysis. The articles were heterogeneous with respect to study design, interventions, outcomes, and effect measures. Out of the 17 IIS policies and functional components identified in the targeted literature review, the most commonly evaluated were provider-based patient reminder/recall, IIS-based centralized reminder/recall, and clinical decision support. Patient reminder/recall had the most published research and was associated with increased vaccination rates and vaccine knowledge. Despite the lack of quantitative evidence, there is a consensus that immunization data interoperability is critical to supporting IIS data quality, access, and exchange. Significant evidence gaps remain about the effectiveness of IIS functionalities and policies. Future research should evaluate the impact of policies and functionalities to guide improved utilization of IIS, increase national interoperability and standardization, and ultimately improve vaccination coverage and population health.

The Role of Health Information Technology in Improving Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among U.S. Adults

Objective: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines prevent cancer-causing HPV infections and cervical precancers, there is suboptimal awareness and limited global accessibility of HPV and HPV vaccine. Emerging evidence suggests that health information technology (HIT) may influence HPV-related awareness and improve vaccine adoption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the link between HIT and HPV-related awareness Methods: Data were obtained from 1,866 U.S. adults aged 18-45 years who completed the 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Results: Awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine were 72.7% and 67.5%, respectively. Participants who used electronic means to look up health information (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.05; p = 0.001), communicate with health care provider (aOR = 1.68; p = 0.026), look up test results (aOR = 1.94; p = 0.005), and track health costs (aOR = 1.65; p = 0.04) were more likely to report HPV awareness than those who did not. Participants who used an electronic device to look up health information (aOR = 3.10; p = 0.003), communicate with clinicians (aOR = 1.72; p = 0.008), look up test results (aOR = 1.63; p = 0.021), and track health care charges (aOR = 1.90; p = 0.006) were more likely to report HPV vaccine awareness than those who did not. Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings suggest a positive association between HIT utilization and HPV-related awareness. Given the rapid and exponential increase in mobile technology access globally, these results are encouraging and offer a potential opportunity to leverage digital technology in primary cancer prevention for HPV-related cancers, especially in low- and middle-income countries with unsophisticated health infrastructures.

Using Technology to Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy

Technology holds great potential to address many vaccine hesitancy determinants and support vaccine uptake given its ability to amplify positive messages, support knowledge, and enhance providers' recommendations. Modalities previously implemented with variable success have included automated reminder systems, decision support for clinicians, online education programs, social media campaigns, and virtual reality curricula. Further research is needed to identify the optimal uses of technology at the patient/parent and provider levels to overcome vaccine hesitancy. The most effective interventions will likely be multipronged providing patients, parents, and providers with information related to vaccine status.

Preliminary evaluation of an inter-professional e-consultation on vaccines

The aim of this study was to assess the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of an inter-professional e-consultation on vaccines. We used a quasi-experimental design to introduce an application in electronic health records that allowed primary health providers to launch e-consults to the hospital vaccines unit. A total of 135 e-consults were received during 10 months. E-consults were more frequently about subjects with chronic diseases (82.2%). Most of the e-consults were global (60.7%), that is, to revise a patient's complete vaccination schedule, whereas 39.3% were specific, that is, to request information regarding a concrete vaccine or serology, with hepatitis vaccines leading the ranking (42.9%). The e-consultation avoided hospital referral in 85.4% of the global e-consults and in 100% of the specific e-consults. Indicators of acceptability were all above nine points (10 points indicated the maximum). The best-rated aspect was the level of recommendation (9.7 ± 0.68 points). In summary, linking primary health-care providers with specialists in vaccines through an e-consultation tool is effective and well-accepted by users.

Parental Reminder Strategies and the Cost Implication for Improved Immunisation Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Getting children vaccinated amidst prevailing barriers to immunisation has been challenging in both developed and developing countries. To address these problems, studies on parental reminder strategies were conducted to improve immunisation outcomes in children. These led to the development of different parental reminder interventions. This review systematically reviews different parental interventions and their cost implication for improved immunisations. Five online databases; Medline Complete, the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Academic search premier, SPORTDiscus, and Health Source Nursing/Academic were searched using search terms. A total of 24 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Studies that provided sufficient information were included for meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version three, while narrative synthesis was used for the other studies. Results indicate that a heterogeneous and low-quality certainty of evidence on parental voice calls (OR 4.752, 95% CI 1.846-12.231, p = 0.001) exists in improving immunisation coverage. Regarding immunisation timeliness, a high-quality certainty of evidence on Short Message Services (SMS)-delivered health education messages (OR 2.711 95% CI 1.387-5.299, p = 0.004) had more effect on timely immunisation uptake. The average cost of SMS-delivered parental reminder interventions for improved immunisation outcomes was USD 0.50. The study concludes that mobile technology is a promising, cost-effective strategy for improved immunisation outcomes.

A quality improvement study: Optimizing pneumococcal vaccination rates in children with cochlear implants

Children with cochlear implants are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, with national and international guidelines recommending additional pneumococcal vaccines for these children. This study aimed to examine the pneumococcal immunization status and rate of invasive pneumococcal disease in children with cochlear implants at a tertiary paediatric hospital over a 12-year period. Additionally, the impacts of vaccination reminders and a dedicated immunization clinic on pneumococcal vaccination rates were assessed. This quality improvement study included 200 children who had received a cochlear implant through the Children's Hearing Implant Program at a tertiary paediatric hospital servicing the state of Western Australia. The majority of children (88%) were not up to date with additionally recommended pneumococcal vaccinations. Over the 12-year study period, 2% of children developed invasive pneumococcal disease associated with cochlear implant infections. Generic and personalized electronic immunization reminders improved pneumococcal vaccine up-take in this paediatric cochlear implant setting from 12% (19/153) at baseline to 49% (75/153, p < 0.0001) post implementation. The value of a nurse-led dedicated immunization clinic was also demonstrated with all children (42/42, 100%) up to date with Prevenar13 and the majority (34/42, 81%) up to date with Pneumovax23 post initiation of this referral pathway. These data support the expansion of this model to other medically-at-risk paediatric groups that have been highlighted consistently to be under-vaccinated.

Childhood Immunisation Coverage during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Italy

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected national healthcare systems worldwide, with around 282 million cumulative confirmed cases reported in over 220 countries and territories as of the end of 2021. The Italian National Health System was heavily affected, with detrimental impacts on preventive service delivery. Routine vaccination services were disrupted across the country during the first months of the pandemic, and both access to and demand for vaccines have decreased during the pandemic. In many cases, parents preferred to postpone scheduled appointments for routine paediatric vaccinations because of stay-at-home orders or fear of COVID-19 infection when accessing care. The objective of the current study was to assess the routine childhood vaccine coverage (VC) rates during the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy. We compared 2020 and 2019 VC by age group and vaccine type. The Italian Ministry of Health collected anonymised and aggregated immunisation national data through the local health authorities (LHAs). Results were considered statistically significant at a two-tailed p-value ≤ 0.05. VC rates for mandatory vaccinations decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 (range of VC rate decrease: -1% to -2.7%), while chicken pox increased (+2.2%) in 7-year-old children. Recommended vaccinations were moderately affected (range of VC rate decrease in 2020 vs. 2019: -1.4% to -8.5%), with the exception of anti-HPV in males, Men ACWY, and anti-rotavirus vaccination (VC increase 2020 vs. 2019: +1.8%, +4.7% and +9.4%, respectively). In the COVID-19 era, the implementation of coherent, transparent, and effective communication campaigns and educational programs on safe childhood vaccinations, together with the increase in the number of healthcare staff employed, is essential to support strategies to reinforce vaccination confidence and behaviour, thus avoiding health threats due to VPD during and beyond COVID-19 times.

A meta-analysis of influenza vaccination following correspondence: Considerations for COVID-19

Background

High vaccination rates are needed to protect against influenza and to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Health authorities need to know if supplementing mass communications with direct correspondence to the community would increase uptake.

Objectives

The primary objective is to determine if sending a single written message directly to individuals increases influenza vaccine uptake, and a secondary objective is to identify any identified content shown to increase influenza vaccine uptake.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and PubMed were searched for RCTs testing a single correspondence for members of the community in OECD countries to obtain influenza vaccination. A meta-analysis with inverse-variance, random-effects modelling was used to estimate a mean, weighted risk ratio effect size measure of vaccine uptake. Studies were quality assessed and analysis was undertaken to account for potential publication bias.

Results

Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials were included, covering 45 interventions. Of the 45 interventions, 37 (82.2%) report an increase in influenza vaccination rates. A formal meta-analysis shows that sending a single written message increased influenza vaccine uptake by 16%, relative to the no contact comparator group (RR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.13-1.20], Z = 9.25, p < .001). Analysis shows that the intervention is effective across correspondence type, age group, time, and location, and after allowing for risk of publication bias.

Limitations

The generalizability of results across the OECD may be questioned.

Conclusions and implications

The implication for public health authorities organizing vaccination programs for influenza, and arguably also for COVID-19, is that sending written vaccination correspondence to members of the community is likely to increase uptake. Keywords: vaccine uptake, COVID-19, influenza, direct correspondence, meta-analysis.

This study is pre-registered on osf.io; details can be found at https://osf.io/98mr7

Understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy in the context of COVID-19: development of a digital intervention

OBJECTIVES

Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in late 2019, spreading to over 200 countries and resulting in almost two million deaths worldwide. The emergence of safe and effective vaccines provides a route out of the pandemic, with vaccination uptake of 75-90% needed to achieve population protection. Vaccine hesitancy is problematic for vaccine rollout; global reports suggest only 73% of the population may agree to being vaccinated. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop equitable and accessible interventions to address vaccine hesitancy at the population level.

STUDY DESIGN

& Method: We report the development of a scalable digital intervention seeking to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and enhance uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the United Kingdom. Guided by motivational interviewing (MI) principles, the intervention includes a series of therapeutic dialogues addressing 10 key concerns of vaccine-hesitant individuals. Development of the intervention occurred linearly across four stages. During stage 1, we identified common reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy through analysis of existing survey data, a rapid systematic literature review, and public engagement workshops. Stage 2 comprised qualitative interviews with medical, immunological, and public health experts. Rapid content and thematic analysis of the data provided evidence-based responses to common vaccine concerns. Stage 3 involved the development of therapeutic dialogues through workshops with psychological and digital behaviour change experts. Dialogues were developed to address concerns using MI principles, including embracing resistance and supporting self-efficacy. Finally, stage 4 involved digitisation of the dialogues and pilot testing with members of the public.

DISCUSSION

The digital intervention provides an evidence-based approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy through MI principles. The dialogues are user-selected, allowing exploration of relevant issues associated with hesitancy in a non-judgmental context. The text-based content and digital format allow for rapid modification to changing information and scalability for wider dissemination.

The Use of Digital Technologies to Support Vaccination Programmes in Europe: State of the Art and Best Practices from Experts' Interviews

Digitalisation offers great potential to improve vaccine uptake, supporting the need for effective life-course immunisation services. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with public health experts from 10 Western European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom) to assess the current level of digitalisation in immunisation programmes and retrieve data on interventions and best practices. Interviews were performed using an ad hoc questionnaire, piloted on a sample of national experts. We report a mixed level of digital technologies deployment within vaccination services across Europe: Some countries are currently developing eHealth strategies, while others have already put in place robust programmes. Institutional websites, educational videos, and electronic immunisation records are the most frequently adopted digital tools. Webinars and dashboards represent valuable resources to train and support healthcare professionals in immunisation services organisation. Text messages, email-based communication, and smartphone apps use is scattered across Europe. The main reported barrier to the implementation of digital-based programmes is the lack of resources and shared standards. Our study offers a comprehensive picture of the European context and shows the need for robust collaboration between states and international institutions to share best practices and inform the planning of digital intervention models with the aim of countering vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake.

Current understandings of the impact of mandatory vaccination laws in Europe

Vaccinations are among the most successful preventive tools to protect collective health. In response to alarming vaccines preventable diseases (VPDs) outbreaks resurgence, decreased vaccination coverage and vaccine refusal, several European countries have recently revised their vaccination policies introducing or extending mandatory vaccinations. This review examines the health, political and ethical aspects of mandatory vaccination.The authors first clarify terms and definitions and propose a conceptual framework of mandatory policies. Second, they describe the current status of mandatory childhood immunization programmes in Europe, assessing selected mandatory laws. Third, as the authors conduct a systematic review of the literature (retrieving from Medline 17 relevant records between 2010 and 2020), they take an analytical approach to measure the impact of mandatory vaccination policies on both VPDs control and immunization coverage, but also on population attitudes toward vaccines. 40% of European countries currently have mandatory vaccination policies; however, policies vary widely and, although there is evidence of increased vaccine uptake, their impact on informed adherence to preventive behaviors is scant.Although mandatory vaccination policies might be needed to protect collective health in times of emergency, public health goals of VPD prevention and health promotion should primarily be pursued through health education and population empowerment.

A qualitative interview study with parents to identify barriers and drivers to childhood vaccination and inform public health interventions

Vaccination coverage in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been declining since 2014. This qualitative study aimed to identify barriers and drivers to childhood vaccination for parents. The COM-B (capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior) model was the underpinning theoretical framework. Face-to-face interviews with 22 parents of fully (n = 6), delayed/partially vaccinated (n = 9) and unvaccinated (n = 7) children were conducted. Interviews explored individual factors (capability-knowledge and skills; motivation-attitudes, confidence and trust) and context factors (physical opportunity-information, access, health systems; and social opportunity - social support, norms). Data were analyzed in NVivo using content analysis exploring differences in COM factors by vaccination status and location. Parents of fully vaccinated children typically reported individual and context drivers to vaccination. They accepted vaccination, trusted health workers, and were content with services. Parents of delayed/partially vaccinated children fell into two subgroups: (1) Those who accepted vaccination and attributed delays to their organizational skills or frustration with appointment times. (2) Those fitting the profile of "vaccine hesitant" - generally valuing vaccination and health worker advice, yet with concerns often triggered by media/social media. Parents of unvaccinated children mentioned individual and context barriers to vaccination, notably significant concerns about safety, some distrust of health workers and resentment of mandatory vaccination. Urban/rural differences included urban parents being more likely to report experiences with vaccine shortages and very few had received information leaflets. The study identified complex and inter-related barriers and drivers to parents' childhood vaccination behaviors. These insights have informed the development of tailored interventions to improve coverage.

What Is the State-of-the-Art in Clinical Trials on Vaccine Hesitancy 2015-2020?

BACKGROUND

Vaccine hesitancy is related to a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination.

AIM

to perform a systematic review of clinical trials on vaccine hesitancy (2015-2020).

METHODS

a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria (PRISMA). Five databases were screened-PubMed, Cochrane Library, DOAJ, SciELO and b-on-which comprise multiple resources.

KEYWORDS

"Vaccine hesitancy" and ("randomized controlled trial" or "clinical trial").

INCLUSION CRITERIA

trials about "vaccine hesitancy" enrolling patients and/or health professionals (2015-2020).

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

studies about other topics, repeated and qualitative studies, reviews and papers written in languages other than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish.

RESULTS

a total of 35 trials out of 90 were selected (19 PubMed, 14 Cochrane Library, 0 DOAJ, 0 SciELO and 2 b-on). Selected trials were classified into five topics: children/pediatric (n = 5); online or electronic information (n = 5); vaccination against a specific disease (n = 15) (e.g., influenza or COVID-2019); miscellaneous (n = 4); and educational strategies (n = 6).

CONCLUSION

the provision of online or electronic information (e.g., through virtual reality, social websites of experts, or apps), communication-based interventions and training of health professionals, residents or subjects seemed to improve vaccine hesitancy.

A Select Bibliography of Actions to Promote Vaccine Literacy: A Resource for Health Communication

In this bibliography, the researchers provide an introduction to the available evidence base of actions to promote vaccine literacy. The research team organized interventions to create a tool that can inform health communicators and practitioners seeking a resource focused on strategy and implementation design for actions that support vaccine literacy. This scoping bibliography is honed specifically to respond to the urgency of the current pandemic, when supporting and increasing vaccine literacy offers promise for achieving the critically needed high levels of vaccination. Over the course of the coming months and year, this bibliography will be a dynamic and "living" document hosted and maintained on vaccineliteracy.com.

Does the use of personal electronic health records increase vaccine uptake? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Although Personal Electronic Health Records (PEHR) have been identified as innovative tools enabling the provision of patient-centered care and prevention, evidence on the impact of their use is scant. With PEHRs being more and more marketed as easily implementable and cost-effective instruments to provide people with direct control on their health, the question on whether their use might be associated with the priority to improve vaccine coverage arises.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines to retrieve, quantitatively pool and critically appraise the effectiveness of PEHR access on vaccine uptake. Analysis on PEHR effectiveness were carried out for the following comparison strata: i) PEHR access vs no intervention (standard care, no access to PEHR), ii) PEHR access only vs access to PEHR with additional features (e.g. health education materials, active reminders).

RESULTS

Of 3114 identified citations, 8 studies were included, the majority published in the US and before 2015; 62% were randomized trials, the rest having an observational study design. Evidence suggests a moderate positive impact of PEHR access in increasing vaccine uptake, with data available for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, diabetic patients and childhood immunization. Pooled data report the addition of digital communication features, i.e. the delivery of educational messages, reminders and availability of scheduling features might increase vaccine uptake, as compared to PEHR access alone. However, evidence is not conclusive.

CONCLUSION

While immunization programs are struggling to achieve optimal coverage targets, it seems the potential of PEHRSs supporting informed adherence to vaccines recommendations is neither fully exploited nor explored. Which factors mediate the association between PEHRs access and vaccine uptake? Which PEHRs' design and functional components can maximize their impact? On which target populations? Which PEHR models works better for high-risk populations? Our findings can only partially answer those questions and further experimental research is needed.