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Mwangilwa K, Chileshe C, Simwanza J, Chipoya M, Simwaba D, Kapata N, Mazaba ML, Mbewe N, Muzala K, Sinyange N, Fwemba I, Chilengi R. Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on routine childhood immunizations coverage in Zambia. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003407. [PMID: 39078841 PMCID: PMC11288450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
There are growing concerns about the comeback of vaccine-preventable diseases. Epidemics exert shocks which affect other health performance indicators such as routine immunizations. Early model forecasts indicate decreased use of immunization services, which puts children at greater risk. Concerns about an increase in morbidity and mortality for illnesses other than COVID-19, particularly in children missing routine vaccinations, are of public health interest. In this study, we evaluate COVID-19 effects on the uptake of routine immunization in Zambia.This was an interrupted time series study. National data on routine immunization coverage between January 2017 and December 2022 were analyzed. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to quantify changes in immunization utilization. To determine if changes in the underlying patterns of utilization of immunization service were correlated with the commencement of COVID-19, seasonally adjusted segmented Poisson regression model was utilised.Utilization of health services was similar with historical levels prior to the first case of COVID-19. There was a significant drop in immunization coverage for measles dose two (RR, 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43-0.80). A decreased slope was observed in immunization coverage of Rotavirus dose one (RR, 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96-0.98) and Rotavirus dose two (RR, 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96-0.98). A growing slope was observed for Oral Poliovirus two (RR, 1.007; 95% CI: 1.004-1.011) and Oral Poliovirus three (RR, 1.007; 95% CI: 1.002-1011). We also observed a growing slope in BCG Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) (RR, 1.001; 95% CI: 1.000-1011) and Pentavalent one (RR, 1.00; 95% CI: 1.001-1008) and three (RR, 1.004; 95% CI: 1.001-1008).The COVID-19 pandemic has had a number of unintended consequences that have affected the use of immunization services. Ensuring continuity in the provision of health services, especially childhood immunization, during pandemics or epidemics is crucial. Therefore, Investing in robust healthcare infrastructure to withstand surges, training and retaining a skilled workforce capable of handling emergencies and routine services simultaneously is very cardinal to avoid vaccine-preventable diseases, causing long-term health effects especially child mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Simwanza
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Kabulonga, Lusaka
| | - Musole Chipoya
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Kabulonga, Lusaka
| | - Davie Simwaba
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Kabulonga, Lusaka
| | - Nathan Kapata
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Kabulonga, Lusaka
| | | | - Nyuma Mbewe
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Kabulonga, Lusaka
| | - Kapina Muzala
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Kabulonga, Lusaka
| | | | - Isaac Fwemba
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Kabulonga, Lusaka
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Biasio LR, Zanobini P, Lorini C, Bonaccorsi G. Perspectives in the Development of Tools to Assess Vaccine Literacy. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:422. [PMID: 38675804 PMCID: PMC11054371 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040422] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccine literacy (VL) is the ability to find, understand, and evaluate vaccination-related information to make appropriate decisions about immunization. The tools developed so far for its evaluation have produced consistent results. However, some dimensions may be underestimated due to the complexity of factors influencing VL. Moreover, the heterogeneity of methods used in studies employing these tools hinders a comprehensive understanding of its role even more. To overcome these limitations, a path has been sought to propose new instruments. This has necessitated updating earlier literature reviews on VL and related tools, exploring its relationship with vaccine hesitancy (VH), and examining associated variables like beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors towards immunization. Based on the current literature, and supported by the re-analysis of a dataset from an earlier study, we propose a theoretical framework to serve as the foundation for creating future assessment tools. These instruments should not only evaluate the psychological factors underlying the motivational aspect of VL, but also encompass knowledge and competencies. The positioning of VL in the framework at the intersection between sociodemographic antecedents and attitudes, leading to behaviors and outcomes, explains why and how VL can directly or indirectly influence vaccination decisions by countering VH and operating at personal, as well as at organizational and community levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizio Zanobini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (P.Z.); (C.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (P.Z.); (C.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (P.Z.); (C.L.); (G.B.)
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Wariri O, Utazi CE, Okomo U, Sowe A, Sogur M, Fofanna S, Ezeani E, Saidy L, Sarwar G, Dondeh BL, Murray KA, Grundy C, Kampmann B. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the coverage and timeliness of routine childhood vaccinations in the Gambia, 2015-2021. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e014225. [PMID: 38148110 PMCID: PMC10753753 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread morbidity and mortality and resulted in the biggest setback in routine vaccinations in three decades. Data on the impact of the pandemic on immunisation in Africa are limited, in part, due to low-quality routine or administrative data. This study examined coverage and timeliness of routine childhood immunisation during the pandemic in The Gambia, a country with an immunisation system considered robust. METHODS We obtained prospective birth cohort data of 57 286 children in over 300 communities in two health and demographic surveillance system sites, including data from the pre-pandemic period (January 2015-February 2020) and the three waves of the pandemic period (March 2020-December 2021). We determined monthly coverage and timeliness (early and delayed) of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB0) and the first dose of pentavalent vaccine (Penta1) during the different waves of the pandemic relative to the pre-pandemic period. We implemented a binomial interrupted time-series regression model. RESULT We observed no significant change in the coverage of HepB0 and Penta1 vaccinations from the pre-pandemic period up until the periods before the peaks of the first and second waves of the pandemic in 2020. However, there was an increase in HepB0 coverage before as well as after the peak of the third wave in 2021 compared with the pre-pandemic period (pre-third wave peak OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.14; post-third wave period OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.92). There was some evidence that vaccination timeliness changed during specific periods of the pandemic. Early Penta1 vaccination decreased by 70% (OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.78) in the period before the second wave, and delayed HepB0 vaccination decreased by 47% (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.97) after the peak of the third wave in 2021. CONCLUSION Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Gambia's routine vaccination programme has defied the setbacks witnessed in other settings and remained resilient, with coverage increasing and timeliness improving during the second and third waves. These findings highlight the importance of having adequate surveillance systems to monitor the impact of large shocks to vaccination coverage and timeliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oghenebrume Wariri
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chigozie Edson Utazi
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, , University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Uduak Okomo
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
- MARCH Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alieu Sowe
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Malick Sogur
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Sidat Fofanna
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Esu Ezeani
- Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Lamin Saidy
- Data Management & Architecture, MRC Unit The Gambia a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Golam Sarwar
- Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Bai-Lamin Dondeh
- Data Management & Architecture, MRC Unit The Gambia a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Kris A Murray
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, MRC Unit The Gambia at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Chris Grundy
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Beate Kampmann
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for Global Health, Charité Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Guay M, Maquiling A, Chen R, Lavergne V, Baysac DJ, Dubé È, MacDonald SE, Driedger SM, Gilbert NL. Racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccination in Canada: results from the cross-sectional Canadian Community Health Survey. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E1075-E1082. [PMID: 37989513 PMCID: PMC10681669 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20230026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage have been observed in Canada and in other countries. We aimed to compare vaccination coverage for at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine between First Nations people living off reserve and Métis, Black, Arab, Chinese, South Asian and White people. METHODS We used data collected between June 2021 and June 2022 by Statistics Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey, a large, nationally representative cross-sectional study. The analysis included 64 722 participants aged 18 years or older from the 10 provinces. We used a multiple logistic regression model to determine associations between vaccination status and race, controlling for collection period, region of residence, age, gender and education. RESULTS Nonvaccination against COVID-19 was more frequent in off-reserve First Nations people (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.7) and Black people (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6), and less frequent among South Asian people (adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.7) compared to White people. INTERPRETATION This analysis showed significant inequalities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake between racial/ethnic populations in Canada. Further research is needed to understand the sociocultural, structural and systemic facilitators of and barriers to vaccination across racial groups, and to identify strategies that may improve vaccination uptake among First Nations and Black people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille Guay
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.
| | - Aubrey Maquiling
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Ruoke Chen
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Valérie Lavergne
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Donalyne-Joy Baysac
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Ève Dubé
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Shannon E MacDonald
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - S Michelle Driedger
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
| | - Nicolas L Gilbert
- Public Health Agency of Canada (Guay, Maquiling, Chen, Lavergne, Baysac, Gilbert), Ottawa, Ont.; Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Dubé); Département d'anthropologie (Dubé), Université Laval, Québec, Que.; Faculty of Nursing (MacDonald) and School of Public Health (MacDonald), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Driedger), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; École de santé publique (Gilbert), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que
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Wariri O, Utazi CE, Okomo U, Metcalf CJE, Sogur M, Fofana S, Murray KA, Grundy C, Kampmann B. Mapping the timeliness of routine childhood vaccination in The Gambia: A spatial modelling study. Vaccine 2023; 41:5696-5705. [PMID: 37563051 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Timeliness of routine vaccination shapes childhood infection risk and thus is an important public health metric. Estimates of indicators of the timeliness of vaccination are usually produced at the national or regional level, which may conceal epidemiologically relevant local heterogeneities and makeitdifficultto identify pockets of vulnerabilities that could benefit from targeted interventions. Here, we demonstrate the utility of geospatial modelling techniques in generating high-resolution maps of the prevalence of delayed childhood vaccination in The Gambia. To guide local immunisation policy and prioritize key interventions, we also identified the districts with a combination of high estimated prevalence and a significant population of affected infants. METHODS We used the birth dose of the hepatitis-B vaccine (HepB0), third-dose of the pentavalent vaccine (PENTA3), and the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) as examples to map delayed vaccination nationally at a resolution of 1 × 1-km2 pixel. We utilized cluster-level childhood vaccination data from The Gambia 2019-20 Demographic and Health Survey. We adopted a fully Bayesian geostatistical model incorporating publicly available geospatial covariates to aid predictive accuracy. The model was implemented using the integrated nested Laplace approximation-stochastic partial differential equation (INLA-SPDE) approach. RESULTS We found significant subnational heterogeneity in delayed HepB0, PENTA3 and MCV1 vaccinations. Specificdistricts in the central and eastern regions of The Gambia consistentlyexhibited the highest prevalence of delayed vaccination, while the coastal districts showed alower prevalence forallthree vaccines. We also found that districts in the eastern, central, as well as in coastal parts of The Gambia had a combination of high estimated prevalence of delayed HepB0, PENTA3 and MCV1 and a significant population of affected infants. CONCLUSIONS Our approach provides decision-makers with a valuable tool to better understand local patterns of untimely childhood vaccination and identify districts where strengthening vaccine delivery systems could have the greatest impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oghenebrume Wariri
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Chigozie Edson Utazi
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Uduak Okomo
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia; MARCH Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Jessica E Metcalf
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Malick Sogur
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, The Gambia, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Sidat Fofana
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, The Gambia, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Kris A Murray
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, MRC Unit The Gambia at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia
| | - Chris Grundy
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beate Kampmann
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia; Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Global Health, Charité Universitatsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
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Wariri O, Utazi CE, Okomo U, Sogur M, Murray KA, Grundy C, Fofanna S, Kampmann B. Timeliness of routine childhood vaccination among 12-35 months old children in The Gambia: Analysis of national immunisation survey data, 2019-2020. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288741. [PMID: 37478124 PMCID: PMC10361478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gambia's routine childhood vaccination programme is highly successful, however, many vaccinations are delayed, with potential implications for disease outbreaks. We adopted a multi-dimensional approach to determine the timeliness of vaccination (i.e., timely, early, delayed, and untimely interval vaccination). We utilised data for 3,248 children from The Gambia 2019-2020 Demographic and Health Survey. Nine tracer vaccines administered at birth and at two, three, four, and nine months of life were included. Timeliness was defined according to the recommended national vaccination windows and reported as both categorical and continuous variables. Routine coverage was high (above 90%), but also a high rate of untimely vaccination. First-dose pentavalent vaccine (PENTA1) and oral polio vaccine (OPV1) had the highest timely coverage that ranged from 71.8% (95% CI = 68.7-74.8%) to 74.4% (95% CI = 71.7-77.1%). Delayed vaccination was the commonest dimension of untimely vaccination and ranged from 17.5% (95% CI = 14.5-20.4%) to 91.1% (95% CI = 88.9-93.4%), with median delays ranging from 11 days (IQR = 5, 19.5 days) to 28 days (IQR = 11, 57 days) across all vaccines. The birth-dose of Hepatitis B vaccine had the highest delay and this was more common in the 24-35 months age group (91.1% [95% CI = 88.9-93.4%], median delays = 17 days [IQR = 10, 28 days]) compared to the 12-23 months age-group (84.9% [95% CI = 81.9-87.9%], median delays = 16 days [IQR = 9, 26 days]). Early vaccination was the least common and ranged from 4.9% (95% CI = 3.2-6.7%) to 10.7% (95% CI = 8.3-13.1%) for all vaccines. The Gambia's childhood immunization system requires urgent implementation of effective strategies to reduce untimely vaccination in order to optimize its quality, even though it already has impressive coverage rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oghenebrume Wariri
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chigozie Edson Utazi
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Uduak Okomo
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- MARCH Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malick Sogur
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Kris A. Murray
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, MRC Unit The Gambia at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Chris Grundy
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sidat Fofanna
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Beate Kampmann
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Centre for Global Health, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Seal AJ, Mohamed HA, Stokes-Walter R, Mohamed S, Abdille AM, Yakowenko E, Sheikh Omar M, Jelle M. Use of an adapted participatory learning and action cycle to increase knowledge and uptake of child vaccination in internally displaced persons camps (IVACS): A cluster-randomised controlled trial. Vaccine 2023; 41:3038-3046. [PMID: 36906409 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.016] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination is a key public health intervention that can reduce excess mortality in humanitarian contexts. Vaccine hesitancy is thought to be a significant problem requiring demand side interventions. Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) approaches have proven effective in reducing perinatal mortality in low income settings and we aimed to apply an adapted approach in Somalia. METHODS A randomised cluster trial was implemented in camps for internally displaced people near Mogadishu, from June to October 2021. An adapted PLA approach (hPLA) was used in partnership with indigenous 'Abaay-Abaay' women's social groups. Trained facilitators ran 6 meeting cycles that addressed topics of child health and vaccination, analysed challenges, and planned and implemented potential solutions. Solutions included a stakeholder exchange meeting involving Abaay-Abaay group members and services providers from humanitarian organisations. Data was collected at baseline and after completion of the 3 month intervention cycle. RESULTS Overall, 64.6% of mothers were group members at baseline and this increased in both arms during the intervention (p = 0.016). Maternal preference for getting young children vaccinated was >95% at baseline and did not change. The hPLA intervention improved the adjusted maternal/caregiver knowledge score by 7.9 points (maximum possible score 21) compared to the control (95% CI 6.93, 8.85; p < 0.0001). Coverage of both measles vaccination (MCV1) (aOR 2.43 95% CI 1.96, 3.01; p < 0.001) and completion of the pentavalent vaccination series (aOR 2.45 95% CI 1.27, 4.74; p = 0.008) also improved. However, adherence to timely vaccination did not (aOR 1.12 95% CI 0.39, 3.26; p = 0.828). Possession of a home-based, child health record card increased in the intervention arm from 18 to 35% (aOR 2.86 95% CI 1.35, 6.06; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION A hPLA approach, run in partnership with indigenous social groups, can achieve important changes in public health knowledge and practice in a humanitarian context. Further work to scale up the approach and address other vaccines and population groups is warranted.
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School immunization coverage in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study. Vaccine 2023; 41:1333-1341. [PMID: 36642632 PMCID: PMC9826994 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on immunization coverage for adolescents, and little is known about how coverage has changed throughout the pandemic. We aimed to: (1) assess the change in coverage for school-based vaccines in Alberta, Canada resulting from the pandemic; (2) determine whether coverage differed by geographic health zone and school type; and (3) ascertain whether coverage has returned to pre-pandemic levels. METHODS Using a retrospective cohort design, we used administrative health data to compare coverage for human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal conjugate A, C, Y, W-135 (MenC-ACYW) vaccines between pre-pandemic (2017-2018 school year) and pandemic (2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years) cohorts (N = 289,420). Coverage was also compared by health zone and authority type. The 2019-2020 cohort was followed over one year to assess catch-up. RESULTS Compared to 2017-2018, immunization coverage for HPV was significantly lower in the 2019-2020 (absolute difference: 60.8%; 95% CI: 60.4-61.3%) and 2020-2021 cohorts (absolute difference: 59.9%; 95% CI: 59.4-60.3%). There was a smaller, significant decline in MenC-ACYW coverage comparing 2017-2018 to 2019-2020 (absolute difference: 6.1%; 95% CI: 5.6-6.5%) and 2020-2021 (absolute difference: 32.2%; 95% CI: 31.6-32.7%). Private schools had low coverage overall, while coverage fluctuated by zone. During follow-up of the 2019-2020 cohort, coverage for HPV and MenC-ACYW increased from 5.6% to 50.2%, and 80.7% to 83.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION There was a substantial decrease in school-based immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and coverage has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting further catch-up is needed.
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Evaluation of conditional cash transfers and mHealth audio messaging in reduction of risk factors for childhood malnutrition in internally displaced persons camps in Somalia: A 2 × 2 factorial cluster-randomised controlled trial. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004180. [PMID: 36848361 PMCID: PMC9970051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cash transfer programmes are increasingly used in humanitarian contexts to help address people's needs across multiple sectors. However, their impact on the key objectives of reducing malnutrition and excess mortality remains unclear. mHealth interventions show great promise in many areas of public health, but evidence for their impact on reducing the risk factors for malnutrition is uncertain. We therefore implemented a trial to determine the impacts of 2 interventions in a protracted humanitarian context, a cash transfer conditionality and mHealth audio messages. METHODS AND FINDINGS A 2 × 2 factorial cluster-randomised trial was implemented in camps for internally displaced people (IDP) near Mogadishu, Somalia, starting in January 2019. The main study outcomes were assessed at midline and endline and included coverage of measles vaccination and the pentavalent immunisation series, timely vaccination, caregiver's health knowledge, and child diet diversity. Twenty-three clusters (camps) were randomised to receive or not receive conditional cash transfers (CCTs) and an mHealth intervention, and 1,430 households were followed up over 9 months. All camps received cash transfers made at emergency humanitarian level (US$70/household/month) for 3 months followed by a further 6 months at a safety net level (US$35). To be eligible to receive cash, households in camps receiving CCT were required to take their children <5 years age to attend a single health screening at a local clinic and were issued with a home-based child health record card. Participants in camps receiving the mHealth intervention were asked (but not required) to listen to a series of audio messages about health and nutrition that were broadcast to their mobile phone twice a week for 9 months. Participants and investigators were not blinded. Adherence to both interventions was monitored monthly and found to be high (>85%). We conducted intention-to-treat analysis. During the humanitarian intervention phase, the CCT improved coverage of measles vaccination (MCV1) from 39.2% to 77.5% (aOR 11.7, 95% CI [5.2, 26.1]; p < 0.001) and completion of the pentavalent series from 44.2% to 77.5% (aOR 8.9, 95% CI [2.6, 29.8]; p = < 0.001). By the end of the safety net phase, coverage remained elevated from baseline at 82.2% and 86.8%, respectively (aOR 28.2, 95% CI [13.9, 57.0]; p < 0.001 and aOR 33.8, 95% CI [11.0, 103.4]; p < 0.001). However, adherence to timely vaccination did not improve. There was no change in the incidence of mortality, acute malnutrition, diarrhoea, or measles infection over the 9 months of follow-up. Although there was no evidence that mHealth increased Mother's knowledge score (aOR 1.32, 95% CI [0.25, 7.11]; p = 0.746) household dietary diversity increased from a mean of 7.0 to 9.4 (aOR 3.75, 95% CI [2.04, 6.88]; p < 0.001). However, this was not reflected by a significant increase in child diet diversity score, which changed from 3.19 to 3.63 (aOR 2.1, 95% CI [1.0, 4.6]; p = 0.05). The intervention did not improve measles vaccination, pentavalent series completion, or timely vaccination, and there was no change in the incidence of acute malnutrition, diarrhoea, measles infection, exclusive breastfeeding, or child mortality. No significant interactions between the interventions were found. Study limitations included the limited time available to develop and test the mHealth audio messages and the necessity to conduct multiple statistical tests due to the complexity of the study design. CONCLUSIONS A carefully designed conditionality can help achieve important public health benefits in humanitarian cash transfer programmes by substantially increasing the uptake of child vaccination services and, potentially, other life-saving interventions. While mHealth audio messages increased household diet diversity, they failed to achieve any reductions in child morbidity, malnutrition, or mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN24757827. Registered November 5, 2018.
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Dhungana M, Hoben M, O’Brien C, MacDonald SE. Immunization status of children at kindergarten entry in Alberta, Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2022; 114:82-92. [PMID: 35864307 PMCID: PMC9849539 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about immunization coverage among kindergarten-aged children in jurisdictions that do not require children's immunization records to be provided at school entry. Thus, we assessed immunization coverage and associated characteristics of a 2008 birth cohort of Alberta children at kindergarten entry as compared with at the end of grade one. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used population-based administrative health data for childhood vaccines in Alberta, Canada. We categorized and compared immunization status of children as follows: (a) complete at kindergarten entry; (b) incomplete at kindergarten entry but complete at the end of grade one; and (c) still incomplete at the end of grade one. To assess factors associated with immunization status, we used multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Immunization coverage for the complete vaccine series for children (N = 41,515) at kindergarten entry was suboptimal (44.5%, 95% CI 44.0-45.0) and substantially lower than for children at the end of grade one (74.8%, 95% CI 74.3-75.2). Young maternal age, not living with a partner, and having > 1 child in a household were associated with incomplete immunization status at kindergarten entry. Midwife-assisted hospital and home delivery was strongly associated with incomplete immunization status at the end of grade one. CONCLUSION Immunization coverage at kindergarten entry was strikingly low. Risk factors for incomplete immunization status were identified that require particular attention when addressing immunization coverage. The school-based catch-up immunization program in grade one seems to have substantially improved coverage among children, suggesting a potential benefit of shifting the catch-up program from grade one to kindergarten entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Dhungana
- Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9 Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9 Canada
| | - Celine O’Brien
- Immunization & Communicable Disease Control, Alberta Health, Edmonton, Alberta Canada
| | - Shannon E. MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405-87 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9 Canada
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Kirwin E, MacDonald S, Simmonds K. Profiles in Epidemiology: Dr. Larry Svenson. Am J Epidemiol 2022. [PMID: 34850825 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Ji C, Piché-Renaud PP, Apajee J, Stephenson E, Forte M, Friedman JN, Science M, Zlotkin S, Morris SK, Tu K. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization coverage in children under 2 years old in Ontario, Canada: A retrospective cohort study. Vaccine 2022; 40:1790-1798. [PMID: 35164987 PMCID: PMC8824235 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a disruption in childhood immunization coverage around the world. This study aimed to determine the change in immunization coverage for children under 2 years old in Ontario, Canada, comparing time periods pre-pandemic to during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS Observational retrospective open cohort study, using primary care electronic medical record data from the University of Toronto Practice-Based Research Network (UTOPIAN) database, from January 2019 to December 2020. Children under 2 years old who had at least 2 visits recorded in UTOPIAN were included. We measured up-to-date (UTD) immunization coverage rates, overall and by type of vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib, PCV13, Rota, Men-C-C, MMR, Var), and on-time immunization coverage rates by age milestone (2, 4, 6, 12, 15, 18 months). We compared average coverage rates over 3 periods of time: January 2019-March 2020 (T1); March-July 2020 (T2); and August-December 2020 (T3). RESULTS 12,313 children were included. Overall UTD coverage for all children was 71.0% in T1, dropped by 5.7% (95% CI: -6.2, -5.1) in T2, slightly increased in T3 but remained lower than in T1. MMR vaccine UTD coverage slightly decreased in T2 and T3 by approximately 2%. The largest decreases were seen at ages 15-month and 18-month old, with drops in on-time coverage of 14.7% (95% CI: -18.7, -10.6) and 16.4% (95% CI: -20.0, -12.8) respectively during T2. When stratified by sociodemographic characteristics, no specific subgroup of children was found to have been differentially impacted by the pandemic. CONCLUSION Childhood immunization coverage rates for children under 2 years in Ontario decreased significantly during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic and only partially recovered during the rest of 2020. Public health and educational interventions for providers and parents are needed to ensure adequate catch-up of delayed/missed immunizations to prevent potential outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Ji
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada; Toronto Western Family Health Team, University Health Network, 440 Bathurst Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S6, Canada.
| | - Pierre-Philippe Piché-Renaud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8
| | - Jemisha Apajee
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Ellen Stephenson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Milena Forte
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada; Mount Sinai Academic Family Health Team, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3L9, Canada
| | - Jeremy N Friedman
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8; Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Michelle Science
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8
| | - Stanley Zlotkin
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8; Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; Centre for Global Child Health and the SickKids Research Institute, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay Street, 11th Floor, Suite 11.9805, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Shaun K Morris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8; Centre for Global Child Health and the SickKids Research Institute, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay Street, 11th Floor, Suite 11.9805, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada; Toronto Western Family Health Team, University Health Network, 440 Bathurst Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S6, Canada; North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1, Canada
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MacDonald SE, Palichuk A, Slater L, Tripp H, Reifferscheid L, Burton C. Gaps in knowledge about the vaccine coverage of immunocompromised children: a scoping review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 18:1-16. [PMID: 34270376 PMCID: PMC8920240 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1935169] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocompromised children are at increased risk of severe illness from vaccine-preventable infections. However, inadequate vaccine coverage remains a concern. This scoping review sought to determine the current state of knowledge regarding vaccine coverage of immunocompromised children. Bibliographic databases were searched for primary research from any year. Data were analyzed quantitatively and narratively. Ninety-seven studies met inclusion criteria. The most commonly studied vaccines were pneumococcal (n = 46), influenza (n = 44), diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis/poliomyelitis/Haemophilus influenzae type B/hepatitis B-containing (n = 36), and measles- and/or mumps- and/or rubella-containing (n = 29). Immunocompromising conditions studied included cancer/stem cell transplants (n = 24), solid organ transplants (n = 23), sickle cell disease (n = 21), immunosuppressive therapy (n = 14), human immunodeficiency virus (n = 12), splenectomy (n = 4), and primary immunodeficiency (n = 2). As more children are treated with immunosuppressive therapies, it is critical to identify whether they are being appropriately vaccinated for age and condition. We identified gaps in the current state of knowledge for specific vaccine types in specific immunocompromised populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linda Slater
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Hailey Tripp
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Catherine Burton
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Hara M, Koshida R, Araki K, Kondo M, Hirota Y. Determinants of self-paid rotavirus vaccination status in Kanazawa, Japan, including socioeconomic factors, parents' perception, and children's characteristics. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:712. [PMID: 32993511 PMCID: PMC7526161 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Japan’s National Immunization Program does not cover rotavirus vaccine and no government subsidies are available. This study aimed to measure the uptake of and determinants that influenced self-paid rotavirus vaccination, including socioeconomic status and relative poverty. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at health check-ups for all children aged 18 months in Kanazawa, Japan, between December 2017 and July 2018. Community nurses collected information on self-paid vaccination history, parents’ perceptions of and recommendations for rotavirus vaccine, and socioeconomic status in interviews using a unified questionnaire. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess vaccine uptake and possible determinants. Results In total, 1282 participants were enrolled. The estimated rotavirus vaccine coverage was 72.9%. Perceptions that rotavirus gastroenteritis was serious and that the rotavirus vaccine was effective, pediatricians’ recommendations, information from the city office, magazine and Internet articles, and higher parental education level were associated with higher rotavirus vaccine uptake. Lower household income was associated with decreased rotavirus vaccine uptake. Vaccine expense, fear of adverse reactions to the vaccine, number of household members and siblings, and children’s characteristics were not correlated with rotavirus vaccination. Poverty was associated with decreased rotavirus vaccine uptake, even after adjustment for other determinants (adjusted odds ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.26–0.90). Conclusion Parents’ perceptions, socioeconomic status, relative poverty, and pediatricians’ recommendations are determinants of vaccination. This study suggests that appropriate information about rotavirus vaccine, subsidies for those of lower socioeconomic status, and national recommendations are necessary to achieve higher coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Hara
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Rie Koshida
- Health Affairs Department, Kanazawa City, 1-1-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8577, Japan
| | - Kaoru Araki
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University , 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Masahide Kondo
- Department of Health Care Policy and Health Economics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenmoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hirota
- College of Healthcare Management, 960-4, Takayanagi, Setaka-machi, Miyama-shi, Fukuoka, 835-0018, Japan.,Clinical Epidemiology Research Center, Medical Co. LTA, 3-5-1 Kashii-Teriha Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 813-0017, Japan
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Dolan SB, Carnahan E, Shearer JC, Beylerian EN, Thompson J, Gilbert SS, Werner L, Ryman TK. Redefining vaccination coverage and timeliness measures using electronic immunization registry data in low- and middle-income countries. Vaccine 2019; 37:1859-1867. [PMID: 30808566 PMCID: PMC6420680 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine coverage is routinely used as a performance indicator for immunization programs both at local and global levels. For many national immunization programs, there are challenges with accurately estimating vaccination coverage based on available data sources, however an increasing number of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have begun implementing electronic immunization registries to replace health facilities’ paper-based tools and aggregate reporting systems. These systems allow for more efficient capture and use of routinely reported individual-level data that can be used to calculate dose-specific and cohort vaccination coverage, replacing the commonly used aggregate routine health information system data. With these individual-level data immunization programs have the opportunity to redefine performance measures to enhance programmatic decision-making at all levels of the health system. In this commentary, we discuss how measures for assessing vaccination status and program performance can be redefined and recalculated using these data when generated at the health facility level and the implications of the use and availability of electronic individual-level data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha B Dolan
- Dolan Consulting LLC; PATH, Seattle, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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