Measuring vaccine acceptance and knowledge within health professions education

Increased adherence to influenza vaccination among Palermo family pediatricians: a study on safety and compliance of qLAIV vaccination

BACKGROUND

Influenza represents a serious public health threat, especially for the management of severe cases and complications of the disease, requiring the implementation of control measures. We aimed to assess the acceptance and impact of qLAIV vaccination among a representative sample of family paediatricians (FPs) operating in Palermo Local Health Authority (LHA). To this end we evaluated vaccination coverage rates, comparing it with that observed in Sicilian context, while actively monitoring possible adverse reactions and their severity.

METHODS

An observational descriptive non-controlled study was conducted in two phases, from September 2022 to June 2023. The first phase involved a formative and educational intervention with a pre-intervention questionnaire to assess the knowledge and attitudes of FPs on paediatric influenza vaccination. The second phase consisted of an active surveillance on qLAIV safety and acceptance among the paediatric population assisted by the participating FPs, from October 2022 to April 2023. Frequencies, chi-squared tests, and comparisons statistics were performed using Stata/MP 14.1.

RESULTS

The overall coverage rate among the paediatric population involved in the intervention was 13.2%, with an I.M./qLAIV ratio of vaccine administered of 1/4.25. This coverage rate was significantly higher (p-value <0.001) when compared to the average values reported in the population under the Palermo Local Health Authority (LHA) (6.7%) and in the entire Sicily (5.9%). Adverse events in the qLAIV group were mild, with only 3.3% experiencing them, primarily presenting as a feverish rise (3.2%). No severe adverse reaction was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The educational intervention significantly raised paediatric influenza vaccination rates among the participating FPs, and in general improved influenza vaccination coverage rates in the Palermo's LHU. Minimal, non-serious adverse events underscored the vaccine's safety. Training sessions ensured paediatricians stayed informed, enabling them to provide comprehensive information to parents for secure and informed vaccination decisions in their practices.

Assessment of adherence to routine vaccination schedules in oncology patients

INTRODUCTION

Patients diagnosed with cancer are at an increased risk of infection. Vaccines remain one of the most critical public health strategies in limiting infectious diseases, with a heightened importance in cancer patients. Data across the general US population indicates that vaccine adherence rates are suboptimal across all adult vaccine schedules. This study aims to define vaccine adherence rates within the oncology population.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study includes adult patients with a new cancer diagnosis. Vaccine administrations for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (TDaP), herpes zoster (RZV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B (hepB) were assessed. The primary outcome was complete vaccine adherence.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-three oncology patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 63 years old, and most subjects were females (60%). The two most common malignancies were gastrointestinal and breast cancer at 26.5% and 15.2%, respectively. Suboptimal vaccine adherence rates were observed across the entire oncology population. Complete adherence was observed in only 1.4% of patients. Vaccine specific adherence rates were as follows, SARS-CoV-2: 38.9%; influenza: 11.4%; pneumococcal: 12.7%; TDaP: 13.1%; RZV: 3.5%; HPV: 0%; and hepB: 34%. Among the vaccine schedules assessed, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates were the highest with 38.9% of patients being fully adherent and 73% receiving at least one dose.

CONCLUSION

Lower vaccine adherence rates were observed in oncology patients compared to currently published rates. Providers and pharmacists can play a role in assessing and counseling patients on the importance of vaccine adherence before chemotherapy is initiated and after a remission is obtained.

Measuring vaccine acceptance and knowledge within health professions education

BACKGROUND

Recent rises in the incidence of vaccine-preventable illnesses and suboptimal vaccine acceptance are considered a consequence of accumulating misinformation. Evidence-based approaches to patient-provider communication are key to addressing vaccine hesitancy.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess vaccination attitudes and foundational knowledge among healthcare professions students.

METHODS

A 72-item survey was developed to assess vaccine attitudes and knowledge about vaccination among health professions students. The survey incorporated 14 demographics questions, 41 attitude questions, and 17 knowledge questions. 16 of the attitude questions, derived from a set of core questions used to diagnose vaccine hesitancy from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) Vaccine Hesitancy Matrix, were analyzed together to derive a vaccine acceptance score.

RESULTS

295 anonymous survey responses were collected between July 2019 and November 2020. Respondents represented students enrolled in medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, and biomedical science health professions programs. Respondents scored 82.0% ± 0.8% (mean ± standard error of the mean) on questions that gauged vaccine acceptance. The mean vaccine acceptance score was 85.4% ± 1.0% for medical students and 88.0% ± 1.6% for biomedical science students. The mean knowledge score across all programs was 67.7% ± 1.1%. The greatest proficiency in knowledge scores was seen amongst medical students (79.0% ± 1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Amongst the different health professions, students in the fields of medicine and biomedical sciences had the highest levels of vaccine acceptance attitudes and knowledge. The vaccine acceptance score can be utilized by health professions educators to guide vaccine education for future health professionals to better prepare them to address vaccine hesitancy and educate patients on vaccination.