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Coyer L, Sogan-Ekinci A, Greutélaers B, Kuhn J, Saller FS, Hailer J, Böhm S, Brosch R, Wagner-Wiening C, Böhmer MM. Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors regarding Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination and Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases among Primary Care Physicians in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, May-September 2022. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040961. [PMID: 37110384 PMCID: PMC10146000 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, a record number of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases was reported in major endemic areas in Germany, i.e., the southern federal states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. Most cases were unvaccinated. Other tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including Lyme borreliosis and tularemia, are rising, too. Thus, strategies are needed to increase TBE vaccination uptake in risk areas and promote education on TBD prevention. Primary care physicians are key providers of both vaccinations and TBD education. The TBD-Prevention (TBD-Prev) study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of primary care physicians in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria with regard to TBE vaccination and prevention of TBDs and to derive strategies for increasing vaccination rates and improving knowledge about TBE and other TBDs in the population and among primary care physicians. We invited all primary care physicians (N = 14,046) in both states to participate by mail. Using standardized, self-administered questionnaires, available both on paper and online, we asked physicians anonymously about their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors with respect to TBE vaccination and TBD prevention and their need for further information/educational materials. A total of 2321 physicians participated between May and September 2022 (response rate 17%), of whom 1222 (53%) worked in Baden-Wuerttemberg and 1067 (46%) in Bavaria. Among the participating physicians, 56% were male, 71% were >50 years and 51% worked in an individual practice. Furthermore, 91% were aware of the German national vaccination guidelines, and 98% perceived their knowledge of the risks and benefits of vaccination as adequate. A total of 97% offer TBE vaccinations, 67% provide vaccination counselling during initial consultations with new patients and 64% actively remind patients about due vaccinations. In addition, 24% expressed a need for further information materials, mainly traditional, analogue media such as flyers (82%) and posters (50%), and named timeliness, quality assurance, easy comprehensibility and independence from the pharmaceutical industry as the most important characteristics of such materials. Almost all participating physicians reported offering TBE vaccinations and feeling well-informed about TBE vaccination and TBDs. However, active offering of vaccinations and education could be further improved, and additional, low-threshold information materials are needed. Based on these results, we will develop and provide various materials on TBE vaccination and TBDs, in particular flyers and posters, for use by physicians during consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Coyer
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), 80636 Munich, Germany
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology Path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 16 973 Solna, Sweden
| | - Aylin Sogan-Ekinci
- Department of Health Protection, Infection Control and Epidemiology, Baden-Wuerttemberg Federal State Health Office (LGA), Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Benedikt Greutélaers
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Kuhn
- Department of Health Protection, Infection Control and Epidemiology, Baden-Wuerttemberg Federal State Health Office (LGA), Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Franziska S Saller
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Jana Hailer
- District Health Office Reutlingen, 72764 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Böhm
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), 80636 Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Rainer Brosch
- Department of Health Protection, Infection Control and Epidemiology, Baden-Wuerttemberg Federal State Health Office (LGA), Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christiane Wagner-Wiening
- Department of Health Protection, Infection Control and Epidemiology, Baden-Wuerttemberg Federal State Health Office (LGA), Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Merle M Böhmer
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), 80636 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto-von-Guericke-University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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Huang J, Cheung CKM, Keung VMW, Lo ASC, Chan SC, Pang WS, Li QHY, Mui LWH, Lee A, Wong MCS. Factors Associated with Vaccination Uptake among Young Children: A Follow-Up Study of 1799 Toddlers. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030535. [PMID: 36992119 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood vaccination is crucial to protect young children from harmful infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the recent childhood immunization rate of recommended and additional vaccinations and identify the factors affecting the vaccination uptake of young children in Hong Kong. The self-administrated questionnaires were distributed to parents of toddlers aged 2 to 5. They were asked to provide information on (1) socioeconomic demographic factors; (2) experiences during pregnancy; and (3) the medical history of the toddler. A total of 1799 responses were collected. Children were more likely to be fully vaccinated when they were at a younger age (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.78, p < 0.001), the first child in the family (aOR second-born = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48–0.81, p < 0.001; aOR third-born = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.19–0.55, p < 0.001), had a higher household income (aOR HKD 15,000–HKD 29,999 = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.27–2.55, p = 0.001; aOR ≥ HKD 30,000 = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.39–4.90, p < 0.001; compared with <HKD 15,000), or with mothers in older age groups (aOR 35–39 years old = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.22–4.93, p = 0.012; aOR ≥ 40 = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.24–6.77, p = 0.014; compared with ≤ age 24). The uptake of any additional vaccination was 71%. Children who were older (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02–1.70, p = 0.036), the first child in the family (aOR second-born = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56–0.99, p = 0.043; aOR third-born = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32–0.96, p = 0.034), with higher household income (aOR ≥ HKD 30,000 = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.10–2.37, p = 0.016), were exposed to second-hand smoke from the father (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08–2.07, p = 0.016), experienced hospitalization (twice or more—aOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04–1.99, p = 0.027), or were fully vaccinated (aOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 2.12–3.60, p < 0.001) were associated with a higher chance of taking an additional vaccine. To encourage the vaccination rate, more attention should be given to families with more children, low-income families, and younger mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Huang
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Calvin K M Cheung
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vera M W Keung
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amelia S C Lo
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze Chai Chan
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Sze Pang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Queenie H Y Li
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lancelot W H Mui
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin C S Wong
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- The School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- The School of Public Health, The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and The Peking Union Medical Colleges, Beijing 100006, China
- The School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Social clustering of unvaccinated children in schools in the Netherlands. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e200. [PMID: 36093608 PMCID: PMC9987017 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the World Health Organization-recommended coverage for herd protection is 95% for measles and 80% for rubella and mumps. However, a national vaccine coverage does not reflect social clustering of unvaccinated children, e.g. in schools of Orthodox Protestant or Anthroposophic identity in The Netherlands. To fully characterise this clustering, we estimated one-dose MMR vaccination coverages at all schools in the Netherlands. By combining postcode catchment areas of schools and school feeder data, each child in the Netherlands was characterised by residential postcode, primary and secondary school (referred to as school career). Postcode-level vaccination data were used to estimate vaccination coverages per school career. These were translated to coverages per school, stratified by school identity. Most schools had vaccine coverages over 99%, but major exceptions were Orthodox Protestant schools (63% in primary and 58% in secondary schools) and Anthroposophic schools (67% and 78%). School-level vaccine coverage estimates reveal strong clustering of unvaccinated children. The school feeder data reveal strongly connected Orthodox Protestant and Anthroposophic communities, but separated from one another. This suggests that even at a national one-dose MMR coverage of 97.5%, thousands of children per cohort are not protected by herd immunity.
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Trerotoli P, Tafuri S. Sex and age as determinants of the seroprevalence of anti-measles IgG among European healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 2022; 40:3127-3141. [PMID: 35491343 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The international literature shows good evidence of a significant rate of measles susceptibility among healthcare workers (HCWs). As such, they are an important public health issue. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of susceptible HCWs in EU/EEA countries and in the UK and to explore the characteristics (sex and age differences) and management of those found to be susceptible. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of measles-susceptible HCWs was 13.3% (95 %CI: 10.0-17.0%). In a comparison of serosusceptible female vs. male HCWs, the RR was 0.92 (95 %CI = 0.83-1.03), and in a comparison of age classes (born after vs. before 1980) the RR was 2.78 (95 %CI = 2.20-3.50). The most recent studies proposed the mandatory vaccination of HCWs. DISCUSSION According to our meta-analysis, the prevalence of serosusceptible European HCWs is 13%; HCWs born in the post-vaccination era seem to be at higher risk. Healthcare professionals susceptible to measles are a serious epidemiological concern. Greater efforts should therefore be made to identify those who have yet to be vaccinated and actively encourage their vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Trerotoli
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy.
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Vojtek I, Larson H, Plotkin S, Van Damme P. Evolving measles status and immunization policy development in six European countries. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2031776. [PMID: 35180372 PMCID: PMC9009904 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2031776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing and implementing new immunization policies in response to shifting epidemiology is a critical public health component. We adopted a mixed-methods approach (via narrative literature review [101 articles] and 9 semi-structured interviews) to evaluate policy development in response to shifting measles epidemiology in six European countries (Italy, Belgium, Germany, Romania, UK, and Ukraine); where policies and strategies have evolved in response to country-specific disease and vaccination patterns. Periodic outbreaks have occurred in all countries against a background of declining measles-containing-vaccine (MCV) uptake and increasing public vaccine hesitancy (with substantial regional or social differences in measles burden and vaccine uptake). Health-care worker (HCW) vaccine skepticism is also seen. While many outbreaks arise or involve specific susceptible populations (e.g., minority/migrant communities), the broader pattern is spread to the wider (and generally older) population; often among incompletely/non-vaccinated individuals as a legacy of previous low uptake. Immunization policy and strategic responses are influenced by political and social factors, where public mistrust contributes to vaccine hesitancy. A strong centralized immunization framework (allied with effective regional implementation and coherent political commitment) can effectively increase uptake. Mandatory vaccination has increased childhood MCV uptake in Italy, and similar benefits could be anticipated for other countries considering vaccine mandates. Although possible elsewhere, socio-political considerations render mandating impractical in other countries, where targeted immunization activities to bolster routine uptake are more important. Addressing HCW skepticism, knowledge gaps, improving access and increasing public/community engagement and education to address vaccine hesitancy/mistrust (especially in communities with specific unmet needs) is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stanley Plotkin
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Vaxconsult, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Horváth A. Acceptance of varicella vaccination. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:1699-1702. [PMID: 33326320 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1843337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicella is a common vaccine-preventable disease that usually presents in children as a mild infection; however, severe complications also occur. The burden of varicella is significant in the terms of incidence, complication, and hospitalization rate related to varicella and economic disease burden. Despite the evidence of overall positive effects of varicella vaccination, there are great differences in the implementation of varicella vaccination and in the uptake of the vaccine from country to country. Improving acceptance of varicella vaccination on the national and on the individual level would decrease the burden of the disease on the health of children and on health-care resources. In studies determining factors of parental acceptance of varicella vaccination questions specific for varicella vaccination were highlighted. Addressing these issues with open, evidence based communication is important to improve and maintain the trust of the public in varicella vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Horváth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Kauffmann F, Bechini A, Bonanni P, Casabona G, Wutzler P. Varicella vaccination in Italy and Germany – different routes to success: a systematic review. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:843-869. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1825947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Bechini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Peter Wutzler
- Section of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University-Hospital Jena, Germany
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CELLA PAOLA, VOGLINO GIANLUCA, BARBERIS ILARIA, ALAGNA ENRICO, ALESSANDRONI CLAUDIA, CUDA ALESSANDRO, D’ALOISIO FRANCESCO, DALLAGIACOMA GIULIA, DE NITTO SARA, DI GASPARE FRANCESCA, GALLIPOLI ORIANA, GENTILE LEANDRO, KUNDISOV LUCIA, NAVARO MONICA, PROVENZANO SANDRO, SANTANGELO OMARENZO, STEFANIZZI PASQUALE, GIANFREDI VINCENZA. Resources for assessing parents' vaccine hesitancy: a systematic review of the literature. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E340-E373. [PMID: 33150224 PMCID: PMC7595070 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.3.1448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The concept of Vaccine Hesitancy has begun to appear in the scientific landscape, referring to the reluctance of a growing proportion of people to accept the vaccination offer. A variety of factors were identified as being associated with vaccine hesitancy but there was no universal algorithm and currently there aren’t any established metrics to assess either the presence or impact of vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to systematically review the published questionnaires evaluating parental vaccine hesitancy, to highlight the differences among these surveys and offer a general overview on this matter. This study offers a deeper perspective on the available questionnaires, helping future researches to identify the most suitable one according to their own aim and study setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- PAOLA CELLA
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - GIANLUCA VOGLINO
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Turin, Italy
| | - ILARIA BARBERIS
- Health Science Department, University of Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: Ilaria Barberis, Health Science Department, University of Genoa, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Pad. 3 San Martino Hospital, Italy - Tel./Fax +39 010 3538502 - E-mail:
| | - ENRICO ALAGNA
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - CLAUDIA ALESSANDRONI
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - ALESSANDRO CUDA
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - FRANCESCO D’ALOISIO
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - GIULIA DALLAGIACOMA
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - SARA DE NITTO
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - FRANCESCA DI GASPARE
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - ORIANA GALLIPOLI
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - LEANDRO GENTILE
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - LUCIA KUNDISOV
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Italy
| | - MONICA NAVARO
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Italy
| | - SANDRO PROVENZANO
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - OMAR ENZO SANTANGELO
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - PASQUALE STEFANIZZI
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - VINCENZA GIANFREDI
- Post Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Hattori F, Kozawa K, Miura H, Kawamura Y, Higashimoto Y, Yoshikawa A, Ihira M, Yoshikawa T. Trend in varicella patients 4 years after implementation of universal two-dose varicella vaccination in Japan. Vaccine 2020; 38:7331-7336. [PMID: 33008671 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the trend and clinical spectrum of virologically diagnosed varicella patients after implementation of universal vaccination as a national immunization program in Japan. PATIENTS AND METHODS Study subjects were patients suspected of varicella, less than 15 years of age, who visited 14 pediatric clinics in the Nagoya VZV Study Group from September 2015 to August 2019. Practitioners collected patient samples and information such as backgrounds, clinical symptoms, and previous immunization status. All patients were confirmed as having varicella based on molecular diagnostic assays. RESULTS Varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA was detected in swab samples from 506 (83.1%) of the 609 suspected patients. The 455 varicella patients for whom vaccination status was available were divided into two groups: 180 universal vaccination targets and 275 non-targets. Numbers of monthly varicella patients decreased gradually during the observation period. In the 2016/17 season, the seasonal epidemic of varicella became undetectable in the universal vaccination target group, and starting in the 2017/18 season, it was obscured even in the non-target group. The median age of patients was significantly lower in the universal vaccination target group (3 years) than the non-target group (7 years) (P < 0.001). Vaccination status differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.001). Most varicella patients were in the non-target group, especially those who had been vaccinated once (60.4%). Frequency of fever (P < 0.001) and number of skin rashes at the time of the first hospital visit (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in the non-target group. CONCLUSIONS Although the number of childhood varicella patients declined after implementation of national immunization with two doses of varicella vaccination, sporadic outbreaks still occurred, mainly in the non-universal vaccination target group. Insufficient vaccination of members of this group is likely to be a major reason for small local outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Hattori
- Department of Pediatrics, Kariya Toyota General Hospital, Kariya, Aichi 448-8505, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Kei Kozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Miura
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kawamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuki Higashimoto
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akiko Yoshikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihira
- Faculty of Clinical Engineering, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Yoshikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Huber A, Gazder J, Dobay O, Mészner Z, Horváth A. Attitudes towards varicella vaccination in parents and paediatric healthcare providers in Hungary. Vaccine 2020; 38:5249-5255. [PMID: 32546413 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.05.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella vaccination is important in prevention of childhood infection. Aim of this cross-sectional study was to survey attitudes and determinants of support or refusal of varicella vaccination in parents and in paediatric healthcare professionals, mainly health visitors in Hungary prior to the introduction of this vaccine in National Immunization Program in 2019. METHODS Between October 2018 and February 2019, 1042 parents and 198 healthcare professionals completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire regarding sociodemographic background, knowledge and attitudes towards varicella vaccination, and reasons for non-vaccination. RESULTS From the participating parents 53.3% have vaccinated at least one of their children. Vaccination rate was significantly higher in families with <3 children, living in the capital, among those who have seen complications of varicella and among parents with university degree. Most important positive determinant was recommendation of the vaccine by healthcare professionals: 77.8% of parents accepted vaccination when recommended by the paediatrician, despite the cost of the vaccine, whereas only 17.3% of parents vaccinated their children when the vaccine was not recommended by paediatrician. Most important reasons for non-vaccination was finding the vaccine unnecessary, concerns regarding side effects, and not believing in the vaccine's effectiveness. Among paediatric healthcare professionals, support rate of universal varicella vaccination was 76.3%. Support rate was higher among those who have seen complications of varicella more often and those who consider varicella a severe infection. Reasons of professionals who do not support universal varicella vaccination were similar to those of vaccine hesitant parents. Practice of intentional exposure of non-immune child to infected ones still exist. CONCLUSIONS Educational programs are needed for parents and health visitors to address concerns regarding vaccination. Paediatricians are the most trusted source of information for parents hence they have a significant responsibility and parents likely follow their recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamária Huber
- Semmelweis University, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Gazder
- Health Visitor Service, Municipality of Tatabánya City, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Dobay
- Semmelweis University, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Mészner
- Heim Pál National Paediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Horváth
- Semmelweis University, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Budapest, Hungary.
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Robert A, Kucharski AJ, Gastañaduy PA, Paul P, Funk S. Probabilistic reconstruction of measles transmission clusters from routinely collected surveillance data. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200084. [PMID: 32603651 PMCID: PMC7423430 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pockets of susceptibility resulting from spatial or social heterogeneity in vaccine coverage can drive measles outbreaks, as cases imported into such pockets are likely to cause further transmission and lead to large transmission clusters. Characterizing the dynamics of transmission is essential for identifying which individuals and regions might be most at risk. As data from detailed contact-tracing investigations are not available in many settings, we developed an R package called o2geosocial to reconstruct the transmission clusters and the importation status of the cases from their age, location, genotype and onset date. We compared our inferred cluster size distributions to 737 transmission clusters identified through detailed contact-tracing in the USA between 2001 and 2016. We were able to reconstruct the importation status of the cases and found good agreement between the inferred and reference clusters. The results were improved when the contact-tracing investigations were used to set the importation status before running the model. Spatial heterogeneity in vaccine coverage is difficult to measure directly. Our approach was able to highlight areas with potential for local transmission using a minimal number of variables and could be applied to assess the intensity of ongoing transmission in a region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Robert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Adam J. Kucharski
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Paul A. Gastañaduy
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Prabasaj Paul
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sebastian Funk
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Sugishita Y, Kurita J, Akagi T, Sugawara T, Ohkusa Y. Determinants of Vaccination Coverage for the Second Dose of Measles-Rubella Vaccine in Tokyo, Japan. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2020; 249:265-273. [PMID: 31852852 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.249.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In Japan, some measles outbreaks were initiated by a tourist from oversea and foreign workers recently. Moreover, rubella outbreak emerged since July 2018 mainly in the South Kanto, and the outbreak is currently ongoing in 2019. It is important to maintain a high measles-rubella combined vaccine (MR) coverage for measles-rubella control. Vaccination coverage for the second dose of MR (MR2) is 90.8% in Tokyo in 2016, which was the third worst among all prefectures in Japan. The purpose of this study was to clarify determinant factors of vaccination coverage for MR2 in Tokyo. Data were obtained for 49 wards and cities in Tokyo in 2016. We regressed vaccination coverage of MR2 on the times of notification by mail, the proportion of households receiving welfare payments, and the proportion of non-Japanese elementary school students. In addition to the simplest specification, five factors were included separately as explanatory variables: the proportion of public health nurses; the ratio of the number of pediatric medical facilities to the number of preschool and elementary school children; the moving-in rate; the proportion of households with a single parent; and the proportion of households with husband and wife both working. Results show that a high proportion of households receiving welfare payments, notification by two or more letters, and moving-in rate or a lower proportion of non-Japanese elementary school students improve coverage. In conclusion, the health authorities can exert efforts to reduce burden of time spent for vaccination and provide sufficient information to improve coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Sugishita
- Infectious Disease Control Section, Health and Safety Division, Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.,National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Junko Kurita
- Center for Medical Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences
| | - Takanobu Akagi
- Infectious Disease Control Section, Health and Safety Division, Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
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Hagemann C, Krämer A, Grote V, Liese JG, Streng A. Specific Varicella-Related Complications and Their Decrease in Hospitalized Children after the Introduction of General Varicella Vaccination: Results from a Multicenter Pediatric Hospital Surveillance Study in Bavaria (Germany). Infect Dis Ther 2019; 8:597-611. [PMID: 31674000 PMCID: PMC6856245 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-019-00273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal varicella vaccination (UVV) for children introduced in Germany in 2004 resulted in a significant overall decline of varicella-related hospitalizations (VRHs). We investigated the incidence of specific types of varicella-related complications (VRCs) in hospitalized children and the impact of UVV on VRCs during the first 7 years of UVV. METHODS Children < 17 years of age hospitalized with an ICD-10-based (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) discharge diagnosis of varicella were identified as VRH in pediatric hospitals in Bavaria by annual standardized data queries of the hospital databases (2005-2011). For each VRH, the hospitals reported basic demographic data, duration of hospital stay, all diagnostic and procedural codes, and outcome. VRCs were reported overall, per year, and by immune status. Complication rates were calculated as mean number per complication category per hospital and per year; VRC trends over time were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS Between 78% (2005) and 61% (2011) of Bavarian hospitals participated and reported a total of 1263 VRHs. Specific VRCs were reported in 954 (76%) children. Complication rates per hospital and year decreased from 6.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.1-8.3] in 2005 to 1.5 (95% CI: 0.8-2.3) in 2011, with the strongest reduction of 90% in children < 5 years of age from 5.3 (95% CI: 4.0-6.6) in 2005 to 0.5 (95% CI: 0.1-0.9) in 2011. Significant decreases were observed for children with upper respiratory tract (URT, by 97%), lower respiratory tract (LRT, by 90%), skin (by 81%), gastrointestinal (by 78%), and neurologic (by 65%) VRCs. Forty-eight children with VRCs were immunocompromised; their annual rate decreased by 87%. DISCUSSION Corresponding to increasing varicella vaccination coverage in the population, the incidence of VRC decreased by 77% from 2005 to 2011, with the most substantial decrease in the target group for UVV. CONCLUSION Within 7 years, UVV in Germany led to a decrease of about 77% of all types of VRCs, with the highest reductions observed for VRCs of the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hagemann
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alexander Krämer
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Veit Grote
- Dr. von Haunersches Children's Hospital, University of Munich, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes G Liese
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Streng
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Can Flanders resist the measles outbreak? Assessing vaccination coverage in different age groups among Flemish residents. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:1043-1047. [PMID: 29716667 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818000985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Belgian strategic plan to eliminate measles contains several vaccination strategies including routine immunisation programmes and catch-up campaigns. A new expanded programme on immunisation-based survey (2016) assessed the uptake of the recommended measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in three different cohorts: toddlers, adolescents and parents of toddlers. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 875 toddlers (age 18-24 months) and 1250 adolescents (born in 2000) from 107 municipalities in Flanders. After consent of the parent(s), 746 (85.2%) families of toddlers and 1012 (81.0%) families of adolescents were interviewed at home. Measles vaccination coverage was high at 18-24 months (96.2%) and 81.5% were vaccinated at recommended age. Toddlers who had two siblings or a non-working mother or changed vaccinator were more at risk for not being vaccinated. Coverage of the teenager dose reached 93.5% and was lower in adolescents with educational underachievement or whose mother was part-time working or with a non-Belgian background. Only 56.0% of mothers and 48.3% of fathers remembered having received at least one measles-containing vaccine. Although measles vaccination coverage in toddlers meets the required standards for elimination, administration of the teenager dose of MMR vaccine and parent compliance to the recent measles catch-up campaign in Flanders leave room for improvement.
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