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Stefanizzi P, Di Lorenzo A, Capodiferro L, Moscara L, Noviello C, Vimercati L, De Maria L, Tafuri S. Increasing vaccination coverage among healthcare workers: Active call and mandatory laws. Data from a large general hospital in Southern Italy. Vaccine 2024; 42:126098. [PMID: 39013692 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are respiratory pathogens which significantly impact healthcare systems. Seasonal vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers (HCWs) to reduce the risk for both operators and patients. Puglia, a region in Southern Italy, has been enforcing since 2018 a law mandating influenza vaccination in healthcare workers. However, vaccination coverages for this category have always been suboptimal. Our study tests the effectiveness of an active recall intervention on vaccination coverage for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in the HCWs of a large Apulian hospital (Southern Italy). During the 2023-2024 influenza vaccination season, unvaccinated HCWs of Bari's Policlinico General Hospital were contacted. The e-mail reminded them of a regional law mandating influenza vaccination to all HCWs and offered an appointment for vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was also offered. In 2022-2023, 43.16 % of HCWs were vaccinated against influenza and 21.87 % against SARS-CoV-2. Coverage changed during the 2023-2024 season to 54.11 % and 13.58 %, respectively. A regression model showed that vaccination uptake's increase was associated with the e-mail reception and with the operator being a physician vs. non-medical personnel. On the contrary, subjects who received the e-mail did not show an increased SARS-CoV-2 vaccination uptake, which was on the contrary influenced by the worker's age, sex, job title, and area of risk. Our soft-mandate intervention was effective in increasing vaccination uptake by HCWs. Communication with a trained specialist was probably useful, and the possibility to access vaccination services with dedicated appointments increased convenience. Mandatory vaccination policies and active recall seem to synergically impact vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Luca Capodiferro
- Bari Policlinico General University Hospital, Board of Medical Directors, Control Room Program Unit, Italy
| | - Lorenza Moscara
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Chiara Noviello
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Bari Aldo Moro University, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Italy
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[Expert recommendations for the prevention of common respiratory viral infections in neonates]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2024; 26:789-794. [PMID: 39148381 PMCID: PMC11334544 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2405078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Neonates, particularly preterm infants, are a susceptible population to respiratory viral infections. Currently, aside from influenza, there are no antiviral medications specifically approved for the treatment of respiratory viral infections in neonates; therefore, prevention of these viral infections is particularly crucial for neonates. The Neonatal HealthCare Committee of Chinese Maternal and Child Health Association, based on domestic and international clinical evidence and combined with clinical practice experience, and after thorough discussion by relevant experts, has developed eight expert recommendations. These include preventive strategies against influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections, intended for reference in clinical practice.
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de Koning R, Gonzalez Utrilla M, Spanaus E, Moore M, Lomazzi M. Strategies used to improve vaccine uptake among healthcare providers: A systematic review. Vaccine X 2024; 19:100519. [PMID: 39105135 PMCID: PMC11299578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination is one of the most effective available public health tools, preventing infectious diseases to safeguard public health and save millions of lives annually. However, in recent years vaccine hesitancy has increased among all populations, including healthcare workers. Healthcare providers are central to vaccination efforts due to their increased exposure to disease and vulnerable patients, and their role in patient confidence and decision-making. These decreasing uptake rates highlight a critical need to address specific barriers within this target group. This systematic review aims to explore the strategies used to improve vaccine uptake among healthcare providers. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases, alongside a grey literature search, to identify studies describing interventions to improve vaccine uptake among healthcare providers. This was followed by de-duplication and double-blinded screening processes using Rayyan. Data extraction and thematic analysis focused on categorising interventions and identifying frequencies of use, to develop recommendations for further interventions tailored to target regions. Results 60 studies were identified, predominantly concerning influenza vaccination. Interventions included educational initiatives, reminders, incentives, access solutions, feedback, and policy implementation. Key strategies included targeted educational lectures, posters, and pamphlets; mobile vaccination units; extended vaccination hours; and leadership engagement. The findings underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach combining educational efforts, enhanced accessibility, and motivational incentives to improve vaccination rates within the healthcare providers, especially where mandatory vaccination is controversial. Conclusions This review evaluates tailored strategies to enhance vaccine confidence and uptake among healthcare providers, advocating for a holistic approach that includes educational initiatives, reminder systems, incentives, improved access, feedback mechanisms, and policy enactment to effectively address hesitancy and promote public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaline de Koning
- World Federation of Public Health Associations, Ch des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Anthropology, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Emma Spanaus
- World Federation of Public Health Associations, Ch des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany
| | - Michael Moore
- World Federation of Public Health Associations, Ch des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- University of Canberra, 11 Kirinari St, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Marta Lomazzi
- World Federation of Public Health Associations, Ch des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Global Health Institute, University of Geneva, Ch des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Cuscianna E, Riformato G, Di Lorenzo A, Giordano P, Germinario CA, Tafuri S. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Italian parents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2171185. [PMID: 36698309 PMCID: PMC10012888 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2171185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In May 2021, the Italian government extended the COVID-19 vaccination campaign to 12- to 18-year-old subjects and, starting December 2021, vaccines were also offered to children between 5 and 11 years-old. Despite these efforts, suboptimal vaccination coverages are reported. The purpose of this review is to estimate the proportion of parents/caregivers of children and adolescents expressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Italy. The vaccine hesitation rate among parents of minors was 55.1% (95%CI: 43.8-66.1%). A higher value was evidenced in studies focusing on children (59.9%; 95%CI = 43.7-75.1%) compared to the ones focusing on adolescents (51.3%; 95%CI = 34.5-68.0%). The main reasons for unwillingness were the belief that the vaccine was unsafe or ineffective, fear of adverse events, and considering COVID-19 a non-threatening disease. The implementation of effective communication campaigns and health educational programs on safe pediatric vaccinations is essential to support strategies to bolster vaccination confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eustachio Cuscianna
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Riformato
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Giordano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Tafuri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Bianchi FP, Losito F, Labarile N, Shahini E, Cozzolongo R. Prevention of influenza complications in patients with liver disease: a retrospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1288126. [PMID: 38186701 PMCID: PMC10771385 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1288126] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with chronic liver disease are highly prone to acquiring influenza infection diseases and experiencing associated complications. National and international guidelines recommend the influenza vaccine for patients with liver disorders to reduce the risk of influenza complications. Our study aims to evaluate the risk of flu complications faced by patients with liver disease and assess influenza vaccination coverage. Methods The archive of hospital discharge forms was used to define the list of Apulian patients with liver disease, considering data from 2017 through 2022. The vaccination status of these patients was assessed via data collected from the Regional Immunization Database. We focused on influenza vaccine shots administered during the 2020/21, 2021/22, and 2022/23 flu seasons. Results A declining trend across the flu seasons was observed, with a VC of 49.5% in the 2020/21 flu season, 48.1% in the 2021/22 season, and 45.0% in the 2022/23 season. Subjects with multiple comorbidities have higher vaccination rates. Additionally, the multivariate models demonstrate that vaccination compliance increases with age and is strongly associated with having received a previous influenza vaccine shot. Conclusion The VC rates reported in our study are unsatisfactory and did not reach the minimum achievable goal (75%) the Italian Ministry of Health set. A multifactorial approach is required to raise the immunization rates and therefore protect the patients from the influenza-associated risk of collateral liver damage; the role of gastroenterologists and hepatologists is crucial, as their responsibilities should extend beyond patient care to the prevention of complications after infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Losito
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS S. De Bellis, Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Nunzia Labarile
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS S. De Bellis, Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Endrit Shahini
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS S. De Bellis, Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Raffaele Cozzolongo
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS S. De Bellis, Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Di Lorenzo A, De Waure C, Boccia S, Daleno A, Migliore G, Tafuri S. Attitudes toward influenza vaccination in healthcare workers in Italy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2265587. [PMID: 37849235 PMCID: PMC10586073 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2265587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the at-risk groups for whom influenza vaccination is strongly recommended. To assess the proportion of Italian HCWs with positive attitudes toward influenza vaccination, we conducted a systematic review of relevant literature and a meta-analysis. Our focus was on the influenza seasons from 2017/18 to 2021/22. The prevalence of favorable attitudes toward vaccination varied, ranging from 12% during the 2017/18 influenza season to 59% in the 2020/21 season. The significant increase in the 2020/21 season can be attributed to adaptations necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021/22 influenza season, there was a decline in vaccination coverage (37%), likely due to the absence of a robust preventive culture. Various strategies have been employed to enhance HCWs' attitudes to achieve higher vaccination rates, but none of them have demonstrated satisfactory results. Policymakers should consider implementing a policy of mandatory vaccination to ensure elevated vaccination coverage among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paolo Bianchi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Health Direction, University-General Hospital Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara De Waure
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, University Cattolica of Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health - Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Daleno
- Health Direction, University-General Hospital Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Migliore
- Health Direction, University-General Hospital Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Health Direction, University-General Hospital Policlinico, Bari, Italy
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Bianchi FP, Donghia R, Tatoli R, Bonfiglio C. COVID-19 Immunization Rates in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1523. [PMID: 37896927 PMCID: PMC10611173 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are characterized by an increased vulnerability to complications stemming from infectious diseases. While these patients do not inherently face a heightened risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population, their vulnerability to severe COVID-19 complications and subsequent hospitalization is notably increased. The objective of our study is to quantitatively assess the global coverage of COVID-19 vaccination among individuals with IBD, achieved through a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review. Thirteen studies were systematically selected from scientific articles available in the MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases, spanning from 1 January 2021 to 25 July 2023. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake was estimated at 72% (95%CI = 59-83%) for at least one dose, 81% (95%CI = 68-91%) for the complete vaccination regimen, and 71% (95%CI = 46-91%) for the third dose. Analysis of the determinants influencing vaccination uptake revealed several significant associations. These encompassed Caucasian ethnicity, female sex, absence of immunosuppressive therapy, advanced age, prior receipt of the anti-influenza vaccine, absence of a history of COVID-19 infection, and the provision of advice from gastroenterologists, all linked to improved compliance. Our study underscores a noteworthy yet not entirely optimal COVID-19 vaccination coverage among individuals with IBD. A multifaceted approach is warranted to enhance vaccination rates. Within this context, the role of gastroenterologists extends beyond direct patient care, encompassing a pivotal responsibility in preventing complications stemming from post-infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rossella Donghia
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS S. De Bellis, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (R.D.); (R.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Rossella Tatoli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS S. De Bellis, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (R.D.); (R.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Caterina Bonfiglio
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS S. De Bellis, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (R.D.); (R.T.); (C.B.)
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Su Y, Guo Z, Gu X, Sun S, Wang K, Xie S, Zhao S. Influenza vaccine effectiveness against influenza A during the delayed 2022/23 epidemic in Shihezi, China. Vaccine 2023; 41:5683-5686. [PMID: 37604724 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
After the temporary end of COVID-19 in China in February 2023, the influenza epidemic peaked in March across many Chinese places. We recruited a total of 258 all-age subjects presenting influenza-like illness (ILI) in Shihezi city, China from January 1 to March 16, 2023, and tested for influenza virus infection. Using a test-negative design, we assessed influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 56.3% (95% CrI: 13.6, 73.6) against medically attended, influenza illness during the delayed 2022/23 influenza epidemic. The findings contributed to the continuous monitoring of the influenza vaccine performance across the world, especially in the "post-COVID" pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinxia Su
- Department of Medical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China.
| | - Zihao Guo
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Xiu Gu
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China.
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Medical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China.
| | - Songsong Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China.
| | - Shi Zhao
- Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
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Boyer J, König E, Friedl H, Pux C, Uhlmann M, Schippinger W, Krause R, Zollner-Schwetz I. Sustained Increase in Very Low Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Residents and Healthcare Workers of Long-Term Care Facilities in Austria after Educational Interventions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1066. [PMID: 37376455 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are particularly at risk for influenza infections. We aimed to improve influenza vaccination coverage among residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) in four LTCFs by implementing educational programs and enhanced vaccination services. We compared vaccination coverage before and after the interventions (2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons). Data on vaccination adherence were recorded during a four-year observational period (2019/20 to 2022/23 seasons). Following the interventions, vaccination coverage increased significantly from 5.8% (22/377) to 19.1% (71/371) in residents and from 1.3% (3/234) to 19.7% (46/233) in HCWs (p < 0.001). During the observational period (2019/20 to 2022/23 seasons), vaccination coverage remained high in residents but decreased in HCWs. Vaccination adherence was significantly higher in residents and HCWs in LTCF 1 compared to the other three LTCFs. Our study suggests that a bundle of educational interventions and enhanced vaccination services can be an effective method for improving influenza vaccination coverage in LTCFs in both residents and HCWs. However, vaccination rates are still well below the recommended targets and further efforts are needed to increase vaccine coverage in our LTCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Boyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth König
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Herwig Friedl
- Institute of Statistics, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Pux
- Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz, 8020 Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Uhlmann
- Geriatric Health Centers of the City of Graz, 8020 Graz, Austria
| | | | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Ines Zollner-Schwetz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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Bianchi FP, Cuscianna E, Rizzi D, Signorile N, Daleno A, Migliore G, Tafuri S. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on flu vaccine uptake in healthcare workers in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:777-784. [PMID: 37605528 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2250437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Influenza immunization policies in Europe primarily target at-risk and vulnerable subjects. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a key focus of vaccination campaigns. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the role of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccine uptake among HCWs since the 2020/21 influenza season. AREAS COVERED Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis and systematic review, selected from scientific articles available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases between 1 January 2021 and 15 January 2023 The analysis revealed a significant relationship between influenza vaccine uptake and COVID-19 related determinants, such as willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, fear of COVID-19, and differentiating between influenza and COVID-19 symptoms (OR = 5.70; 95%CI = 2.08-15.60). Several studies reported higher vaccination coverages in the 2020/21 season compared to previous seasons, with VC values ranging from + 17% to + 38% compared to the 2019/20 season. The included studies identified a shift in HCWs' attitudes toward influenza vaccination, attributed to increased awareness due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EXPERT OPINION Vaccine hesitancy is common among HCWs in Europe, necessitating mutual strategies across all European countries. So far, mandatory vaccination policies have shown the most potential in achieving high and sustainable influenza vaccination rates among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paolo Bianchi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Bari Policlinico General-University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Eustachio Cuscianna
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Donato Rizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Noemi Signorile
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Daleno
- Bari Policlinico General-University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Tafuri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Regazzi L, Marziali E, Lontano A, Villani L, Paladini A, Calabrò GE, Laurenti P, Ricciardi W, Cadeddu C. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of Italian healthcare workers. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2116206. [PMID: 36197125 PMCID: PMC9746397 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2116206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers (HCWs) has been studied for various contagious diseases, but there is still insufficient knowledge about this phenomenon for COVID-19. We developed and validated a knowledge, attitude, and practice survey of 39 questions to assess Italian HCWs' hesitancy toward vaccination in general (general hesitancy), COVID-19 vaccination (COVID-19 hesitancy), and public health injunctive measures (refusal of obligations). The survey was administered through a web platform between July and November 2021. Three multivariable logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the association between the explored dimensions of hesitancy and the potential determinants investigated. Out of 2,132 respondents with complete answers, 17.0% showed to be generally hesitancy toward vaccination, 32.3% were hesitant on COVID-19 vaccination, while 18.8% were categorized as refusing obligations. A significant protective effect against all three dimensions of hesitancy was found for increasing fear of COVID-19, advising COVID-19 vaccination to relatives and patients, having received flu vaccination in the previous year and having higher levels of education. Better self-rated knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and reading up institutional sources were significantly protective against general and COVID-19 hesitancy, while being a physician rather than another healthcare professional was protective only against COVID-19 hesitancy. Conversely, increasing age and referring to colleagues to expand knowledge about COVID-19 were positively associated with COVID-19 hesitancy. The determinants of general hesitancy, COVID-19 hesitancy and the refusal of obligations are mostly overlapping. Given the great influence they exert on patients and communities, it is pivotal to limit HCWs vaccine hesitancy through appropriate training activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Regazzi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Villani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Paladini
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisa Calabrò
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Children and Public Health — Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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