Surveillance for adverse events following immunization from 2008 to 2011 in Zhejiang Province, China

Assessment of adherence to pre-vaccination precautions and AEFI reporting practices during BCG vaccination in 4 hospitals in Ghana

The BCG vaccine, like all other vaccines, is associated with adverse events following immunization (AEFI). Reducing the incidence of AEFI is crucial in reposing confidence in BCG vaccination and reducing hesitancy associated with the vaccine. This requires safety precautions before and during vaccinations, as well as reporting AEFIs after vaccination. This study assessed the adherence of health-care professionals to pre-vaccination precautions and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reporting practices during BCG vaccination in four hospitals in Ghana. It is hoped that the findings of the study will serve as a baseline to identify gaps for further studies to generate a stronger evidence for policy formulation aimed at improving BCG vaccine safety in Ghana and other tuberculosis endemic countries. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences, IBM® SPSS version 25 (SPSS Inc. USA) software was used for analysis. Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests were used to test the association between categorical variables and predictors of adherence to pre-BCG vaccination precautions, respectively, and a p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. The AEFIs commonly reported by mothers included abscess, injection site pain, injection site redness, fever, rash, muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing and rhinitis. Ninety-three participants (73.2%) were adherent to pre-BCG vaccination precautions. Ninety-two participants (72.4%) informed mothers to report all AEFIs encountered. Adherence to pre-BCG vaccination precautions and AEFI reporting were generally good; however, there is still room for improvement.

Immunisation services in North-Eastern Nigeria: Perspectives of critical stakeholders to improve uptake and service delivery

We investigated the perspectives of parents, health workers (HWs) and traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) on immunisation advocacy, knowledge, attitudes and immunisation practice and ways of improving immunisation uptake in Borno State, North-eastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study analysing quantitative data from the three stakeholders' categories. It was conducted across 18 local government areas of Borno State. A representative sample of 4288 stakeholders (n=1763 parents, n=1707 TMPs, and n=818 HWs aged 20 to 59years, had complete data. The sample has more males: 57.8% (Parents); 71.8% (TMPs) and 57.3% (HWs). The awareness of immunisation schedule among the stakeholders ranged from 87.2 to 93.4%. The study showed that 67.9% of the parent and 57.1% of the health workers had participated in immunisation except the TMPs (27.8%). Across the stakeholders' categories, between 61.9 and 72.6% have children who had Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI). The most common AEFI was fever. Safety concerns, preference for herbs and charm, culture and religions, and vaccination perception as a western culture were the major barriers to immunisation uptake. While 63.6 to 95.7% of respondents indicated that community leaders, religious and spiritual leaders and TMPs should be involved in immunisation advocacy, 56.9-70.4% of them reported that community leaders should be involved in immunisation policy. Upscaling the critical stakeholders' involvement in advocacy, policy development and implementation of immunization activities may improve acceptance, create demand and engender ownership in vulnerable communities of Borno State, Nigeria. AEFI could be detrimental to immunisation access and utilization. Consequently, health education by health workers needs strengthening to minimise vaccine hesitancy.

Analysis of death cases in Shenyang City, China, for immunization adverse event surveillance, 2009-2021

Through the Chinese National Immunization Adverse Event Surveillance System (CNAEFIS), we collected reports of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) deaths in Shenyang from 2009 to 2021 with the aim of analyzing AEFI-related deaths and assessing the safety of vaccination. From 2009 to 2021, a total of 12 AEFI-related deaths were reported in Shenyang City, and autopsies were performed in 6 deaths. According to the assessment of the Expert Committee on Investigation and Diagnosis of AEFI 3 (25.0%) deaths were classified as severe vaccine reactions, 9 (75.0%) deaths were classified as coincidental events, and there were no immunization errors or psychological reactions. The overall estimated AEFI-related mortality rate was 0.12 per 100,000 vaccination doses. Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed no correlation between AEFI, severe vaccine reactions, and suspected vaccination-related deaths. Coincidental events are the most common type of death following vaccination, meaning that the risk of death following immunization is low, and ongoing AEFI surveillance and scientific causality assessment are essential to ensure the vaccine confidence. Detailed pre-vaccination health status questioning is also key to avoiding and reducing adverse events.

Surveillance of adverse events following immunization of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine among infants, in Zhejiang province, China

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) after its licensure.

METHODS

Review and describe the AEFI reported to national adverse event following immunization surveillance system (NAEFISS) in Zhejiang province from 2017 to 2020. Reporting rates of AEFI were calculated by age, city, severity of AEFI, categories of AEFI, and reaction categories. The data mining algorithm used in this study was reporting odds ratio (ROR). A value of ROR-1.96SE >1 (standard error [SE]) was considered as the positive signal.

RESULTS

NAEFISS received 3332 AEFI cases following PCV13, with a reporting rate of 17.58/10000 doses. Of the reported AEFI, 652 were serious AEFI cases and the reporting rate was 3.44 for serious AEFI. The reporting rate of fever was the highest among all the clinical diagnosis (7.39/10000 doses). The positive signals were obtained for injection site reaction (ROR-1.96SE: 1.55), hypotonic hyporesponsive episode (HHE) (ROR-1.96SE: 1.62) and febrile seizure (ROR-1.96SE: 1.52).

CONCLUSION

The present results supported previous observations that the PCV13 administered as the four-dose schedule was generally well tolerated in Chinese infants as we did not identify any new/unexpected safety concern from the NAEFISS during a four-year time period.

Adverse events following immunization associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines: A descriptive analysis from VigiAccess

This study assessed adverse events following immunizations (AEFIs) reported on COVID-19 vaccines in VigiAccess and determined the reporting trends across all continents of the world. The study was cross-sectional quantitative in design. VigiAccess was searched on 10 November 10 2021 for reported adverse events following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines. After entering the search term, "COVID-19 vaccines" in VigiAccess, AEFIs associated with nine approved brands of COVID-19 vaccines had been documented in the database. Data were captured among age groups, sex, and continents of the world and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Overall, 2,457,386 AEFIs had been reported in VigiAccess at the time of the search. No causal associations could be established between the vaccines and the AEFIs. The public accessing VigiAccess data should therefore be made aware of this in order to not falsely attribute AEFIs to COVID-19 vaccines when assessing the database.

Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) in Children: An Analysis of Reporting in VigiAccess

INTRODUCTION

It is an indubitable fact that vaccination has been instrumental in the eradication and prevention of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Continuous vaccine safety surveillance is helpful to counter the negative perception and thus allay the fear of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) in the general public. VigiAccess, the WHO global database of reported side effects of medicinal products, can be accessed by the public at large. The objective of this study is to assess the characteristics of AEFIs of the commonly used vaccines in children in VigiAccess.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VigiAccess was thoroughly explored for the categories, number, and types of AEFIs of commonly used vaccines among children that are reported in five continents between 2011 and 2021.

RESULTS

After a comprehensive analysis in VigiAccess, 27 kinds of AEFIs were discovered. For the nine vaccines, a total of 1,412,339 AEFIs were found. The most prevalent AEFIs were general disorder and administration site condition (436,199 or 30%). The majority of AEFIs are found in America, with Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Africa following closely behind. Girls of age from 27 days to 23 months had the highest number of AEFIs. The highest number of AEFIs was recorded in the year 2018.

CONCLUSION

America has the maximum, whilst Africa has the least AEFI. Few AEFIs were caused by the measles vaccination, while the majority were related to the general disorder and administration site condition. Data synchronization in VigiAccess needs to be enhanced to improve its dependability.

A Comparison with Adverse Events Following Immunization Associated with Sabin-Strains and Salk-Strains Inactivated Polio Vaccines in Zhejiang Province, China

OBJECTIVES

One dose of Sabin-strains inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) was introduced into the Chinese immunization program on 1 May 2016. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of Sabin-strains IPV and provide a comparison with conventional Salk-strains IPV.

METHODS

Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) records associated with Sabin-strains IPV and Salk-strains IPV were extracted from the national AEFI surveillance system (NAEFISS) from 1 May 2016 to 31 December 2020. The vaccination information on Sabin-strains IPV and Salk-strains IPV during the same period was obtained from the Zhejiang provincial immunization information system. Reporting rates of AEFI were calculated by age, city, severity of AEFI, categories of AEFI, and reaction categories and were compared between Sabin-strains IPV and Salk-strains IPV.

RESULTS

In total, 3,861,758 doses of Sabin-strains IPV and 1,018,604 doses of Salk-strains IPV were administered during the study period. The overall AEFI reporting rate for Sabin-strains IPV (3.96/10,000 doses) was significantly lower than that for Salk-strains IPV (5.03/10,000 doses) due to the reporting rate of the minor vaccine product-related reaction following Sabin-strains IPV was significantly lower than that for Salk-strains IPV (2.76/10,000 doses vs. 3.83/10,000 doses). The most frequently reported symptoms/signs were fever, induration/swelling, and rash/urticaria. The most frequently reported serious AEFI with a causal relationship was febrile convulsion, with the reporting rates of 0.10/10,000 doses for Sabin-strains IPV and 0.08/10,000 doses for Salk-strains IPV. No significant difference was found in the reporting rates of the other serious AEFI between the two types of IPV.

CONCLUSION

Most of the AEFI following Sabin-strains IPV and Salk-strains IPV were mild and common adverse reactions. The reporting rate of serious AEFI was not significantly different between Sabin-strains IPV and Salk-strains IPV. Sabin-strains IPV had a favorable safety profile and could be widely used.

Surveillance on the adverse events following immunization with the pentavalent vaccine in Zhejiang, China

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe the reporting rate of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with pentavalent vaccine: diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus-poliomyelitis-Haemophilus influenzae type b (DPT-IPV/Hib), and to determine whether the reporting rate of AEFI following DPT-IPV/Hib was higher than the average level of the other vaccines.

Methods

Review and describe the AEFI reported to national adverse event following immunization surveillance system (NAEFISS) in Zhejiang province from 2015 to 2020. Reporting rates of AEFI were calculated by age, city, severity of AEFI, categories of AEFI, and reaction categories. The data mining algorithm used in this study was reporting odds ratio (ROR). A value of ROR‑1.96SE >1 (standard error [SE]) was considered as positive signal.

Results

NAEFISS received 5726 AEFI reports following DTP-IPV/Hib, with a reporting rate of 20.01/10000 doses. Of the reported AEFI, 202 were serious vaccine product-related reactions, including two cases of anaphylactic shock, five cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) and two cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. The reporting rate of fever/redness/induration was the highest among all the clinical diagnosis (14.97/10000 doses). The positive signals were obtained for allergic rash (ROR-1.96SE: 1.36), febrile convulsion (ROR-1.96SE: 1.32) and GBS (ROR-1.96SE: 1.16).

Conclusion

The present findings bolstered that the DTP-IPV/Hib administered as the four-dose schedule was generally well tolerated in Chinese infants as we did not identify any new/unexpected safety concern from the NAEFISS during a six-year timespan.

Post-licensure safety monitoring of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine using the national adverse event following immunization surveillance system from Zhejiang province, 2018-2020

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the reporting rate of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (4vHPV) and to compare the reporting rate of AEFI following 4vHPV with those following other vaccines.

METHODS

Review and describe the AEFI reported to national adverse event following immunization surveillance system (NAEFISS) in Zhejiang province from 2018 to 2020. Reporting rates of AEFI were calculated by age, city, severity of AEFI, categories of AEFI, and reaction categories. The data mining algorithm used in this study was reporting odds ratio (ROR). A value of ROR‑1.96SE >1 (standard error [SE]) was considered as positive signal.

RESULTS

NAEFISS received 238 reports after receipt of 4vHPV and 899,282 doses of 4vHPV were administered during the study period, with a crude reporting rate of 2.7/10000 doses. Fever/redness/induration (101 reports) was the most common event reported (1.12/10000 doses). Two cases of anaphylactic shock, three cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome and two cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis were reported. ROR showed positive signals for seizure (ROR‑1.96SE: 2.1), syncope (ROR‑1.96SE: 1.3), allergic rash (ROR‑1.96SE: 1.6) and headache (ROR‑1.96SE: 2.1).

CONCLUSION

The present analysis did not identify new/unexpected safety concerns. Further epidemiological studies are required to systematically validate the data provided by NAEFISS.

Analysis of adverse events following immunization in Zhejiang, China, 2019: a retrospective cross-sectional study based on the passive surveillance system

Objectives: This study summarizes passive surveillance data for adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in Zhejiang province.Methods: The AEFI reports and number of doses on all vaccines used were extracted from the national AEFI surveillance system and the immunization information system of Zhejiang province (ZJIIS). Reporting rates of AEFI were calculated by age, city, severity of AEFI, categories of AEFI, vaccine types, and reaction categories.Results: A total of 13,079 AEFI records were reported and 23,091,401 vaccine doses were administered, with a reporting rate of 56.64/100,000 doses for AEFI. The highest reporting rate of AEFI was observed among the infants <1 year of age (108.61/100,000 doses) and the lowest rate was observed among recipients aged ≥60 years. Most of the AEFI reports were vaccine product-related reactions (48.81/100,000 doses), and the lowest was vaccination errors (0.02/100,000 doses). The most frequently reported individual vaccine was DTP and Hib combined vaccine, with a reporting rate of 426.62/100,000 doses. The most frequently reported AEFI was fever/redness/induration (48.82/100,000 doses).Conclusion: Our findings illustrated the high level of vaccine safety since the majority of those reported were not serious, or coincidentally associated with vaccination. Furthermore, the national AEFI surveillance system should be continuously used as a surveillance tool for monitoring of AEFI.

Analysis of the adverse events following immunization with inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine from 2018 to 2020 in Zhejiang province, with a comparison to trivalent influenza vaccine

OBJECTIVES

To summarize reports to the national adverse event following immunization surveillance system (NAEFISS) following inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) in Zhejiang province from 2018 to 2020.

METHODS

We analyzed adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reports following QIV, with a comparison, with the AEFI reports following inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV). Reporting rates of AEFI were calculated by age, severity of AEFI, categories of AEFI, and reaction categories. The data mining algorithm used in this study was reporting odds ratio (ROR). A value of ROR‑1.96SE >1 (standard error [SE]) was considered as positive signal. These reporting rates between vaccine types were compared through chi-square tests.

RESULTS

NAEFISS received 514 AEFI reports following QIV and 536 reports following TIV, with a reporting rate of 13.66/100,000 100,000 doses/100,000 doses (χ² = 7.11, P> .05). Of the 514 reports following QIV, 410 were vaccine product-related reactions and 51 were severe AEFI. Fever/redness/induration was the most frequent clinical diagnosis of the QIV AEFI, with a reporting rate of 12.42/100,000 doses in the age group of 3-17 years, and 12.44/100,000 doses in the age group of ≥18 years. The positive signal of QIV AEFI was observed for the allergic rash and asthma/wheezing.

CONCLUSION

The present analysis did not identify any new/unexpected safety concerns. We suggested that NAEFISS continue to monitor the safety of QIV.

Evaluating the vaccination coverage: validity of household-hold vaccination booklet and caregiver's recall

BACKGROUND

We compared results from household data sources to medical record sources by using data from a vaccination coverage survey.

METHODS

Vaccination coverage (VC) was calculated based on parental recall, household vaccination booklet, and Zhejiang provincial immunization information system (ZJIIS). We evaluated the accuracy of VC based on household sources (vaccination booklet and recall) assuming the medical record was accurate. Concordance, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were estimated as well as the Kappa statistic was also used to evaluate the agreement between data sources.

RESULTS

Among the 1,800 children identified in the household survey, all were registered in ZJIIS. VC estimated using the vaccination booklet alone was substantially lower than that based on medical records (net bias 3.4-16.7% in different age groups). VC based on parental recall ranged from 2.5% below (among children aged 1 year) to 16.7% points above (among children aged 6 years) than those based on medical records. Concordance was lowest for card estimates (32.5-45.5%). Sensitivity was <60% for all household sources, except for recall source. Specificity was lowest for recall estimates (14.5-42.6%). Positive predictive value was >75%, while negative predictive value was <50%, for all household sources. Kappa statistics generally indicated poor agreement between household and medical record sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Household-retained vaccination booklets and parental recall were insufficient sources for evaluating the VC. Our findings emphasized the importance of taking interventions to make the vaccination booklet more consistent with the records from medical resource.

Ten years of vaccinovigilance in Italy: an overview of the pharmacovigilance data from 2008 to 2017

Reporting and analysis of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs) are the cornerstones of vaccine safety surveillance prompting causality assessment and signal detection. This paper describes the impact of the Italian Pharmacovigilance System of vaccines over a 10-year period (2008–2017). The reporting rate (RR) per all distributed dose was calculated. Serious AEFIs and causality assessments for fatal cases were described. The main results from signal detection were reported. During the study period, 46,430 AEFIs were reported with an overall RR of 17.2 per 100,000 distributed doses. Italy showed the highest number of reports among European countries. Only 4.4% of the reports came from citizens. Of the total, 12.7% were classified as serious with a RR over the study period of 2.20 per 100,000 distributed doses. They were mainly related to hyperpyrexia and usually had a positive outcome. Fatal outcomes were reported in 0.3% of the cases and were primarily associated with the influenza vaccine in elderly patients. None of these outcomes had a consistent causal association with the vaccination. Febrile convulsions by the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines and intussusception by the rotavirus vaccine were among the highlighted signals. The reporting rate and the analysis of serious events from 10 years support the good risk/benefit profiles of vaccines.

The intentions to get vaccinated against influenza and actual vaccine uptake among diabetic patients in Ningbo, China: identifying motivators and barriers

BACKGROUND

Health authorities recommend influenza vaccination to diabetic patients. Nevertheless, the vaccination coverage of adults was low in China. This study aimed to estimate influenza vaccination intentions and actual uptake among diabetic patients in China and identify the motivators and barriers associated with vaccination.

METHODS

During Nov 2016-Jan 2017, 1960 diabetic patients were invited to participate in the investigation about influenza vaccination based on health belief model (HBM). To link vaccination intention to behavior, a follow-up survey was conducted to collect vaccination records of the 2016-2017 season. Predictors of the motivation to obtain influenza vaccination were assessed using logistic regressions.

RESULTS

1914 diabetic patients completed the survey. 46.13% participants reported intentions to be vaccinated against influenza and 7.84% actually received vaccination. In the multivariate models, while all the domains of HBM constructs were associated with intentions, age, increasing numbers of comorbidity, urban residents, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, free vaccination, and vaccination history displayed positive associations with vaccine uptake while increasing income and perceptions of barriers were negative predictors of vaccine uptake. Besides, interactions between perceived susceptibility and healthcare workers' (HCW's) recommendation, perceived severity and benefits, perceived severity and health-seeking behaviors, perceived benefits, and influence of family/friends had a significant positive effect modification on the vaccine uptake.

CONCLUSION

To improve diabetic patients' influenza vaccination and close the intention-behavior gap, multipronged strategies are required not only to increase vaccination intention by promoting HCW's recommendation to improve perceptions about influenza vaccination but also facilitate a follow through on initial intentions by implementing free influenza vaccination program funded by the government.

Active surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFI): a prospective 3-year vaccine safety study

BACKGROUND

Vaccines used in national immunization programs are considered safe and effective but immunization safety has become as important as the efficacy of vaccination programs. The objective of the study was to detect adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) to all vaccines administered to a pediatric population in India.

METHODS

The prospective active vaccine safety surveillance study enrolled eligible children in the age group 0-5 years receiving vaccination from the immunization center at JSS Hospital, Mysuru. Study participants were monitored at the site for 30 min following vaccination and a telephonic survey was made after 8 days to identify all AEFIs. Causality assessment of the AEFIs were done using a new algorithm developed by the safety and vigilance department of the World Health Organization.

RESULTS

The incidence of reported AEFIs was 13.7%. The most frequently reported AEFI was fever (n = 3095, 93.2%) with an incidence of 109.7 per 1000 doses of vaccine administered, followed by persistent crying (n = 69, 2.4 per 1000 doses of vaccine) and diarrhea (n = 57, 2.0 per 1000 doses of vaccine). The majorly implicated vaccine for AEFIs was Pentavac® followed by BCG. Consistent causal association to immunization was observed in 93.4% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A high incidence rate of AEFI was observed in our study population when compared with previous published studies. AEFI surveillance studies help to detect changes in the frequency of adverse events, which may be an alert to consider vaccine quality or identify a specific risk among the local population.

Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) reports from the Zimbabwe expanded programme on immunisation (ZEPI): an analysis of spontaneous reports in Vigibase® from 1997 to 2017

BACKGROUND

Vaccine safety surveillance is an essential requirement in vaccination programmes. It supports signal identification, hypothesis generation, and the identification and rectification of gaps in vaccine pharmacovigilance systems. The objectives of this study were to determine the characteristics and trends of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) and to assess the performance of the Zimbabwe Expanded Immunisation Programme safety surveillance system.

METHODS

We carried out a descriptive study of passively collected vaccine-related Individual Case Safety Report (ICSR) data submitted to the World Health Organization global adverse drug reaction database (VigiBase®) from Zimbabwe during the period 1997 to 2017. We extracted AEFI/ICSR data using VigiLyze® for analysis with respect to the demographic distribution, AEFI characteristics, reporting trends over time, ICSR timeliness and case completeness.

RESULTS

A total of 272 vaccine-related ICSRs were included in the analyses with a median completeness score of 0.90 interquartile range, IQR (0.63; 0.90). The overall annual reporting rate was 0.58 per 100,000 vaccine doses and the AEFI reporting ratio ranged between 0 and 30.2 AEFI reports per 100,000 surviving infants. The majority of ICSRs were male (55.3%; p value = 0.641) and the median age was 12 (0-168) months. The majority of ICSRs were reported in children who had received measles (n = 133; 48.9%) and OPV/DTP-Hib-HepB (n = 107; 39.3%) vaccines. Of the 387 observed AEFIs, 301 (77.8%) were systemic events and 86 (22.2%) were local reactions. Systemic events were more frequently reported with doses containing the measles antigen (n = 190; 49.1%) while local events were associated with the multiple antigen OPV/DTP-Hib-HepB (n = 62; 16.0%). The multiple antigen OPV/DTP-Hib-HepB was associated with higher rates for injection site abscess (n = 57), pyrexia (n = 27), diarrhea (n = 15), vomiting (n = 12), and seizures (n = 6). The measles antigen was associated with higher rates for rash (n = 44), ocular disorders (n = 26), pyrexia (n = 26), urticaria (n = 22), diarrhea (n = 8), and vomiting (n = 12).

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the ICSRs were associated with measles and OPV/DTP-Hib-HepB vaccines. Zimbabwe's vaccine safety surveillance system is still developing and is not yet fully functional. However, the current system provides a reference point for the monitoring of the ongoing AEFI reporting trends and characteristics.

Countering vaccine hesitancy through immunization information systems, a narrative review

Immunization is one of the most important public health interventions to contrast infectious disease; however, many people nowadays refuse vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is due to several factors that influence the complex decision-making process. Information technology tools might play an important role in vaccination programs. In particular, immunization information systems (IISs) have the potential to improve performance of vaccination programs and to increase vaccine uptake. This review aimed to present IIS functionalities in order to counter VH. In detail, we analyzed the automatic reminder/recall system, the interoperability of the system, the decision support system, the web page interface and the possibility to record adverse events following immunization. IIS could concretely represent a valid instrument to increase vaccine confidence, especially trust in both health-care workers and decision makers. There are not enough trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy of IIS to counter VH. Further researches might focalize on this aspect.

Anaphylaxis after vaccination reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2016

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis, a rare and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction, can occur after vaccination.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe reports of anaphylaxis after vaccination made to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) during 1990-2016.

METHODS

We identified domestic reports of anaphylaxis within VAERS using a combination of Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activity queries and Preferred Terms. We performed a descriptive analysis, including history of hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, respiratory allergies, and drug allergies) and vaccines given. We reviewed all serious reports and all nonserious reports with available medical records to determine if they met the Brighton Collaboration case definition for anaphylaxis or received a physician's diagnosis.

RESULTS

During the analytic period, VAERS received 467,960 total reports; 828 met the Brighton Collaboration case definition or received a physician's diagnosis of anaphylaxis: 654 (79%) were classified as serious, and 669 (81%) had medical records available. Of 478 reports in children aged less than 19 years, 65% were male; childhood vaccines were most commonly reported. Of 350 reports in persons aged 19 years or greater, 80% were female, and influenza vaccines were most frequently reported. Overall, 41% of reports described persons with no history of hypersensitivity. We identified 8 deaths, 4 among persons with no history of hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Anaphylaxis after vaccination is rare in the United States and can occur among persons with no history of hypersensitivity. Most persons recover fully with treatment, but serious complications, including death, can occur.

Did the New Italian Law on Mandatory Vaccines Affect Adverse Event Following Immunization's Reporting? A Pharmacovigilance Study in Southern Italy

Despite the well-recognized role of vaccines, coverage is far from optimal especially in children, representing a growing concern also in Italy. In order to reverse this emergency, the Italian Ministry approved in July 2017 the Law 119/2017, which renders mandatory and free of charge 10 vaccinations for patients aged 0–16. We aim to investigate the effects of the new Law 119/2017 on the reporting of adverse events following immunization related to mandatory vaccines into the Italian Pharmacovigilance database (Rete Nazionale di Farmacovigilanza – RNF). Therefore, we analyzed the spontaneous reports of suspected adverse events following immunization recorded in Campania Region (South of Italy) from December 1, 2016, to March 31, 2018. During the study period, 69 reports, covering 179 AEFIs, related to mandatory vaccines were sent to Campania Pharmacovigilance Regional Center. A substantial increase in AEFIs reporting was observed after the adoption of Law 119/2017. Out of 69 reports, 62% reported AEFIs that were considered as not serious and 78% had a favorable outcome. Out of 179 AEFIs, more than half referred to the following SOC: “general disorders and administration site conditions,” “nervous system disorders,” and “psychiatric disorders.” The highest number of reports came from patient/citizen. After the adoption of the Law 119/2017, there was an increase in the number of reports (18 before the adoption of the Law vs. 51 after). According to reported AEFIs during the entire period, no worrying safety data have emerged. In our opinion, the increase in the number of AEFIs’ reports should be related to the increase in vaccination coverage as well as to the intense debate that has followed the new Law. In this context, the continuous monitoring of vaccine safety and the fully implementation of vaccine–vigilance programs play a key role in achieving higher confidence in immunization programs and optimal vaccination coverage rate.

Determinants of healthcare workers' willingness to recommend the seasonal influenza vaccine to diabetic patients: A cross-sectional survey in Ningbo, China

Background: Seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among diabetic patients is low in China. Recent studies showed healthcare workers'(HCWs') recommendation is an effective way to promote influenza vaccination. This study aimed to assess HCWs' willingness to recommend influenza vaccine to diabetic patients and identify the predictors of this willingness. Methods: During Dec 2016-Jan 2017, a self-administered questionnaire on perceptions, attitudes and practices related to influenza vaccination for diabetic patients was distributed to 1370 HCWs in 20 hospitals and 20 community health centers in Ningbo. Predictors of HCWs' willingness to recommend influenza vaccine were analyzed by logistic regressions. Results: Of 1340 HCWs who completed the survey, 58.13%(779/1340) participants reported willingness to recommend influenza vaccine to diabetic patients. Factors positively associated with the recommendation willingness included awareness of national influenza vaccination guideline(OR: 6.33; 95%CI: 4.66-8.60) and regional reimbursement policy(OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.19-2.20), training on influenza and diabetes (OR: 1.65; 95%CI: 1.21-2.23), influenza vaccination history(OR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.01-1.79), beliefs in vaccine effects on reducing serious consequences(OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.01-1.91), reduction in hospitalization costs(OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.05-1.94) caused by influenza, and more than 10 years of practitioner experience(OR: 1.60; 95%CI: 1.04-2.46). Worries about side-effects of influenza vaccine were identified as the barriers of recommendation. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that knowledge about national guideline and reimbursement policies, training programs, perceptions about effectiveness and safety of influenza vaccine increase HCWs' willingness to recommend the influenza vaccination to diabetic patients. These measures should be taken to ensure HCWs' role in the administration of influenza vaccination among diabetic patients.

Adverse events following immunization with pentavalent vaccine: experiences of newly introduced vaccine in Iran

BACKGROUND

The most important factors that affect the incidence of vaccine-related complications are the constituent biological components of the vaccine, injection site reactions, age and sex. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence rate of adverse events following immunization with pentavalent vaccine (DTPw-Hep B-Hib (PRP-T) vaccine (pentavac) (adsorbed) is manufactured by Serum Institute of India ltd), which was introduced in Iran in November 2014. It is important to monitor vaccine-related adverse events because of the role of vaccine safety in immunization program success.

METHODS

This study was a mixed cohort study that included 1119 children less than 1 year of age. In 2015, the children were referred to Hamadan health centers to receive pentavalent vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The data were collected from the parents of the children using a questionnaire that was administered either face-to-face or by telephone. The cumulative incidence of side effects and risk ratio was reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Chi-squared tests and logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between the variables.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence rate of pentavalent-related adverse events during 48 h following immunization was estimated to be 15.8% for swelling, 10.9% for redness, 44.2% for pain, 12.6% for mild fever, 0.1% for high fever, 20.0% for drowsiness, 15.0% for loss of appetite, 32.9% for irritability, 4.6% for vomiting and 5.5% for persistent crying. There is no evidence for the occurrence of convulsion and encephalopathy among children who receive pentavalent vaccines.

CONCLUSION

Further large studies with long time follow up are required to address rare events include convulsions, encephalopathy or persistent crying. However, Findings urge immunization programs to use pentavalent vaccinations and to continue implementing the current immunization program in children under 1 year of age.

Parental Approach to the Prevention and Management of Fever and Pain Following Childhood Immunizations: A Survey Study

Antipyretic analgesics are commonly used to prevent and treat adverse events following immunizations. Current practice discourages routine use due to possible blunting of vaccine immune responses. We surveyed 150 parents/caregivers of recently vaccinated 6- and 15-month-old children to determine the prevalence of and beliefs regarding antipyretic analgesics use around vaccinations. 11% used them prophylactically, before vaccination. Use in the first 48 hours after vaccination was 64%, primarily to prevent and/or treat fever and pain. Acetaminophen was administered 2.6 times more frequently than ibuprofen. Ibuprofen was used more in the 15-month compared with the 6-month-old children (28% vs 7.4%, respectively, P = .001). The majority of caregivers disagreed with their use for fever (53%) or pain (59%). Antipyretic analgesic use, including prophylaxis, around vaccinations was common in our study population. Effective interventions are needed to target parents/caregivers to eliminate unnecessary antipyretic analgesic use around vaccination time and foster nonmedication alternatives.

Active surveillance study of adverse events following immunisation of children in the Czech Republic

Background

Despite the undisputed public health benefits of routine vaccination, adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) remain a concern. As most adverse events are mild, they may be under-reported; this may underlie the wide range of AEFI rates reported in the literature. We investigated the rates of AEFI related to routine vaccination of children 0–10 years old in the Czech Republic.

Methods

The study reviewed patients’ records in a sample of 49 paediatric GP practices covering all 12 administrative regions of the Czech Republic between 2011 and 2013. Adverse events following routine immunisation of children aged 0–10 years were identified and recorded.

Results

The overall rate of AEFI was 209/100,000 doses; this was 6 times higher than the rate reported to the Czech State Institute for Drug Control (34/100,000 doses). Over two fifths (44%) of all AEFI occurred after the booster dose of the combined diphteria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine in 5-year old children. The vast majority of AEFI were non-serious local events (e.g. redness) and fever. Most AEFI occurred the second day after the immunisation, lasted 4 days on average, and were treated by cold therapy, antipyretics and analgesics.

Conclusions

The rate of AEFI identified in this study was considerably higher than the officially reported rate. Although the vast majority of AEFI were non-serious, health care providers and the public should be educated and encouraged to report AEFI to address the issue of underreporting, to increase the safety profile of vaccines, and to improve public confidence in immunisation programmes.

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practice of Nurses on Surveillance of Adverse Events following Childhood Immunization in Nairobi, Kenya

Background. Although vaccines currently approved for routine childhood immunization are safe and effective, frequent adverse events following immunization often cause illnesses and sometimes loss of public trust in immunization programs. Nurses are essential in this surveillance system. Objective. To determine nurses' knowledge, perception, and practice towards surveillance of postimmunization adverse events within Nairobi County health centers, Kenya. Methods. This is a cross-sectional survey involving nurses (n = 274). Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Differences in proportions of categorical variables were compared between groups using chi-square tests. Binary logistic regression model was used to compute independent predictors of outcome. Results. 29.2%, 32.1%, and 45.3% of the respondents had good knowledge, good practices, and good perceptions on AEFI surveillance, respectively. Respondents with diploma or degree nursing training level were 1.8 times and 2.5 times more likely to have good knowledge and good perception in AEFI surveillance, respectively. Nurses with previous AEFI training were 9.7 times and 1.8 times more likely to have good AEFI knowledge and practices, respectively. Conclusion. There is a need to train and mentor nurses on AEFI surveillance. Findings of this study will be valuable in informing policy review on childhood immunization programs.