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Muhoza P, Shah MP, Amponsa-Achiano K, Gao H, Quaye P, Opare W, Okae C, Aboyinga PN, Opare JKL, Ehlman DC, Wardle MT, Wallace AS. Timeliness of Childhood Vaccinations Following Strengthening of the Second Year of Life (2YL) Immunization Platform and Introduction of Catch-Up Vaccination Policy in Ghana. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:716. [PMID: 39066354 PMCID: PMC11281534 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070716] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Strengthening routine immunization systems to successfully deliver childhood vaccines during the second year of life (2YL) is critical for vaccine-preventable disease control. In Ghana, the 18-month visit provides opportunities to deliver the second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine (MR2) and for healthcare workers to assess for and provide children with any missed vaccine doses. In 2016, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) revised its national immunization policies to include guidelines for catch-up vaccinations. This study assessed the change in the timely receipt of vaccinations per Ghana's Expanded Program on Immunizations (EPI) schedule, an important indicator of service quality, following the introduction of the catch-up policy and implementation of a multifaceted intervention package. Vaccination coverage was assessed from household surveys conducted in the Greater Accra, Northern, and Volta regions for 392 and 931 children aged 24-35 months with documented immunization history in 2016 and 2020, respectively. Age at receipt of childhood vaccines was compared to the recommended age, as per the EPI schedule. Cumulative days under-vaccinated during the first 24 months of life for each recommended dose were assessed. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the associations between child and caregiver characteristics and time to MR2 vaccination. From 2016 to 2020, the proportion of children receiving all recommended doses on schedule generally improved, the duration of under-vaccination was shortened for most doses, and higher coverage rates were achieved at earlier ages for the MR series. More timely infant doses and caregiver awareness of the 2YL visit were positively associated with MR2 vaccination. Fostering a well-supported cadre of vaccinators, building community demand for 2YL vaccination, sustaining service utilization through strengthened defaulter tracking and caregiver-reminder systems, and creating a favorable policy environment that promotes vaccination over the life course are critical to improving the timeliness of childhood vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Muhoza
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Monica P. Shah
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Kwame Amponsa-Achiano
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Hongjiang Gao
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Pamela Quaye
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - William Opare
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Charlotte Okae
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Philip-Neri Aboyinga
- Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, Disease Control and Prevention Department, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra P.O. Box M 44, Ghana
| | - Daniel C. Ehlman
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Melissa T. Wardle
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Aaron S. Wallace
- Global Immunization Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Solomon K, Aksnes BN, Woyessa AB, Geri C, Matanock AM, Shah MP, Samuel P, Tolera B, Kenate B, Bekele A, Deti T, Wako G, Shiferaw A, Tefera YL, Kokebie MA, Anbessie TB, Wubie HT, Wallace A, Sugerman CE, Kaba M. Qualitative Insights on Barriers to Receiving a Second Dose of Measles-Containing Vaccine (MCV2), Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:702. [PMID: 39066340 PMCID: PMC11281509 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070702] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Ethiopia introduced a second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) in 2019 to provide further protection against measles and further progress toward elimination. However, the sub-optimal coverage of both MCV1 and MCV2 suggest challenges with vaccine uptake. In this qualitative study, we explored barriers to the uptake of MCV2 among caregivers, community leaders, and healthcare workers (HCWs). Method: A qualitative study was conducted between mid-April and mid-May 2021. We selected ten woredas (districts) in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia, stratified by settlement type (urban/rural), MCV1 coverage (high ≥ 80%; low < 80%), and history of measles outbreaks between June 2019 and June 2020. Experiences surrounding barriers to MCV2 uptake were discussed via focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with caregivers of children 12-23 and 24-36 months and key informant interviews (KIIs) with HCWs who administer vaccines and with community leaders. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling. Recorded data were transcribed, translated to English, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti v.09. Results: Forty FGDs and 60 IDIs with caregivers, 60 IDIs with HCWs, and 30 KIIs with community leaders were conducted. Barriers among caregivers included lack of knowledge and awareness about MCV2 and the vaccination schedule, competing priorities, long wait times at health facilities, vaccine unavailability, negative interactions with HCWs, and transportation challenges. At the community level, trusted leaders felt they lacked adequate knowledge about MCV2 to address caretakers' questions and community misconceptions. HCWs felt additional training on MCV2 would prepare them to better respond to caretakers' concerns. Health system barriers identified included the lack of human, material, and financial resources to deliver vaccines and provide immunization outreach services, which caretakers reported as their preferred way of accessing immunization. Conclusions: Barriers to MCV2 uptake occur at multiple levels of immunization service delivery. Strategies to address these barriers include tools to help caretakers track appointments, enhanced community engagement, HCW training to improve provider-client interactions and MCV2 knowledge, and efforts to manage HCW workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalkidan Solomon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;
| | - Brooke N. Aksnes
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.N.A.); (A.M.M.); (M.P.S.); (A.W.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Abyot Bekele Woyessa
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.B.W.); (P.S.); (B.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Chala Geri
- Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (C.G.); (Y.L.T.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Almea M. Matanock
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.N.A.); (A.M.M.); (M.P.S.); (A.W.); (C.E.S.)
- Global Immunization Division, CDC-Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Monica P. Shah
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.N.A.); (A.M.M.); (M.P.S.); (A.W.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Paulos Samuel
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.B.W.); (P.S.); (B.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Bekana Tolera
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.B.W.); (P.S.); (B.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Birhanu Kenate
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.B.W.); (P.S.); (B.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Abebe Bekele
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.B.W.); (P.S.); (B.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Tesfaye Deti
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (A.B.W.); (P.S.); (B.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Getachew Wako
- United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (G.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Amsalu Shiferaw
- United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (G.W.); (A.S.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aaron Wallace
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.N.A.); (A.M.M.); (M.P.S.); (A.W.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Ciara E. Sugerman
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.N.A.); (A.M.M.); (M.P.S.); (A.W.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Mirgissa Kaba
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;
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Cooper S, Bicaba F, Tiendrebeogo CO, Bila A, Bicaba A, Druetz T. Vaccination coverage in rural Burkina Faso under the effects of COVID-19: evidence from a panel study in eight districts. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1016. [PMID: 37735414 PMCID: PMC10512531 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving infant immunization completion and promoting equitable vaccination coverage are crucial to reducing global under-5 childhood mortality. Although there have been hypotheses that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic would decrease the delivery of health services and immunization campaigns in low- and middle-income countries, the available evidence is still inconclusive. We conducted a study in rural Burkina Faso to assess changes in vaccination coverage during the pandemic. A secondary objective was to examine long-term trends in vaccination coverage throughout 2010-2021. METHODS Using a quasi-experimental approach, we conducted three rounds of surveys (2019, 2020, 2021) in rural Burkina Faso that we pooled with two previous rounds of demographic and household surveys (2010, 2015) to assess trends in vaccination coverage. The study population comprised infants aged 0-13 months from a sample of 325 households randomly selected in eight districts (n = 736). We assessed vaccination coverage by directly observing the infants' vaccination booklet. Effects of the pandemic on infant vaccination completion were analyzed using multi-level logistic regression models with random intercepts at the household and district levels. RESULTS A total of 736 child-year observations were included in the analysis. The proportion of children with age-appropriate complete vaccination was 69.76% in 2010, 55.38% in 2015, 50.47% in 2019-2020, and 64.75% in 2021. Analyses assessing changes in age-appropriate full-vaccination coverage before and during the pandemic show a significant increase (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.14-2.85). Our models also confirmed the presence of heterogeneity in full vaccination between health administrative districts. The pandemic could have increased inequities in infant vaccination completion between these districts. The analyses suggest no disruption in age-appropriate full vaccination due to COVID-19. Our findings from our sensitivity analyses to examine trends since 2010 did not show any steady trends. CONCLUSION Our findings in Burkina Faso do not support the predicted detrimental effects of COVID-19 on the immunization schedule for infants in low- and middle-income countries. Analyses comparing 2019 and 2021 show an improvement in age-appropriate full vaccination. Regardless of achieving and sustaining vaccination coverage levels in Burkina Faso, this should remain a priority for health systems and political agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cooper
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frank Bicaba
- Société d'Études et de Recherches en Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, University Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Cheick Oumar Tiendrebeogo
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alice Bila
- Société d'Études et de Recherches en Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Abel Bicaba
- Société d'Études et de Recherches en Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Thomas Druetz
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Escoffery C, Ogutu EA, Sakas Z, Hester KA, Ellis A, Rodriguez K, Jaishwal C, Yang C, Dixit S, Bose A, Sarr M, Kilembe W, Bednarczyk RA, Freeman MC. Drivers of early childhood vaccination success in Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia: a multiple case study analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:109. [PMID: 37667374 PMCID: PMC10478385 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00489-1] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The fundamental components of a vaccine delivery system are well-documented, but robust evidence is needed on how the related processes and implementation strategies - including the facilitators and barriers - contribute to improvements in childhood vaccination coverage. The purpose of this study was to identify critical facilitators and barriers to the implementation of common interventions across three countries that have dramatically increased coverage of early childhood vaccination over the past 20 years, and to qualify common or divergent themes in their success. METHODS We conducted 278 key informant interviews and focus group discussions with public health leaders at the regional, district, and local levels and community members in Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia to identify intervention activities and the facilitators and barriers to implementation. We used thematic analysis grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs of inner and outer settings to identify immunization program key facilitators and barriers. RESULTS We found that the common facilitators to program implementation across the countries were the CFIR inner setting constructs of (1) networks and communications, (2) goals and feedback, (3) relative priority, and (4) readiness for implementation and outer setting constructs of (5) cosmopolitanism and (6) external policies and mandates. The common barriers were incentives and rewards, available resources, access to knowledge and information, and patients' needs and resources. Critical to the success of these national immunization programs were prioritization and codification of health as a human right, clear chain of command and shared ownership of immunization, communication of program goals and feedback, offering of incentives at multiple levels, training of staff central to vaccination education, the provision of resources to support the program, key partnerships and guidance on implementation and adoption of vaccination policies. CONCLUSION Adequate organizational commitment, resources, communication, training, and partnerships were the most critical facilitators for these countries to improve childhood vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cam Escoffery
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Zoe Sakas
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyra A Hester
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Ellis
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katie Rodriguez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chandni Jaishwal
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chenmua Yang
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sameer Dixit
- Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Anindya Bose
- WHO Nepal Immunization Preventable Disease Division, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Moussa Sarr
- Institut de Recherche en Santé de Surveillance Epidemiologique Et de Formation (IRESSEF), Dakar, Senegal
| | - William Kilembe
- Center for Family, Health Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Matthew C Freeman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Arji G, Ahmadi H, Avazpoor P, Hemmat M. Identifying resilience strategies for disruption management in the healthcare supply chain during COVID-19 by digital innovations: A systematic literature review. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2023; 38:101199. [PMID: 36873583 PMCID: PMC9957975 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2023.101199] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide spread of the COVID-19 disease has had a catastrophic effect on healthcare supply chains. The current manuscript systematically analyzes existing studies mitigating strategies for disruption management in the healthcare supply chain during COVID-19. Using a systematic approach, we recognized 35 related papers. Artificial intelligence (AI), block chain, big data analytics, and simulation are the most important technologies employed in supply chain management in healthcare. The findings reveal that the published research has concentrated mainly on generating resilience plans for the management of COVID-19 impacts. Furthermore, the vulnerability of healthcare supply chains and the necessity of establishing better resilience methods are emphasized in most of the research. However, the practical application of these emerging tools for managing disturbance and warranting resilience in the supply chain has been examined only rarely. This article provides directions for additional research, which can guide researchers to develop and conduct impressive studies related to the healthcare supply chain for different disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goli Arji
- Health Information Management, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Hossein Ahmadi
- Centre for Health Technology, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Pejman Avazpoor
- Department of Agriculture Economics, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
| | - Morteza Hemmat
- Health Information Management, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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Balgovind P, Mohammadnezhad M. Factors affecting childhood immunization: Thematic analysis of parents and healthcare workers' perceptions. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2137338. [PMID: 36494999 PMCID: PMC9746479 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2137338] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunization against common childhood diseases is an important strategy as it is critical for reducing the global child morbidity and mortality. This review explores the perceptions of parents and HCWs toward childhood immunization. The PRISMA guideline was used to search and include the studies. Relevant electronic databases were systemically searched for the years ranging from 2000 to 2021 to identify studies reported in English. Themes were then identified using thematic analysis. A total of 44 studies met the review criteria and were summarized and categorized into 4 themes: barriers to immunization, parental knowledge, attitude and behavior (KAB), health system factors and HCWs' KAB. This review found that immunization decision-making is a complex process. Parental KAB leads to immunization decisions. HCWs were also noted to be the trusted sources of immunization information. Further research can be conducted on how to improve parents' perceptions of immunization and immunization practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Balgovind
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands
| | - Masoud Mohammadnezhad
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK,CONTACT Masoud Mohammadnezhad School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, University of Bradford, Bradford, West YorkshireBD7 1DP, UK
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Adeshina OO, Nyame S, Milner J, Milojevic A, Asante KP. Barriers and facilitators to nationwide implementation of the malaria vaccine in Ghana. Health Policy Plan 2022; 38:28-37. [PMID: 36083007 PMCID: PMC9825729 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Interventions such as antimalarial drugs, bed nets and insecticides have helped curb the burden of malaria in the past decade, yet malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children below the age of 5 years. In 2019, Ghana, Malawi and Kenya in sub-Saharan Africa (countries with moderate to high transmission areas of malaria and deaths) started piloting the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine in selected regions. Using qualitative methods, this study examined the main factors (forces) that will influence or hinder the nationwide implementation of the malaria vaccine, if approved, in Ghana. We conducted in-depth interviews with 12 key individuals (national, research/academia and programme implementing partners) in the public health sector in Ghana from October 2018 to February 2019. Results were analysed using Kurt Lewin's force field analysis to understand how organizations interact with their external environment in the delivery of health policies such as the implementation of the malaria vaccine. We found that the disease burden of malaria deaths in Ghana, the efficacy of the vaccine, stakeholder involvement and evidence for the feasibility of vaccine delivery generated by the consortium of researchers (body of researchers) that can track the implementation were the driving forces to scale up the vaccine into a routine health system. On the other hand, the needed logistics, funding, administration of the four-dose vaccine and follow-up were identified as potential barriers. The most influential force collectively highlighted by the respondents was the disease burden, and the most influential barrier was the logistics of delivering the vaccine. Our findings provide decision makers with key barriers and facilitators to guide policy and decision-making for malaria control in Ghana and other similar settings in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omolola Oyinkan Adeshina
- *Corresponding author. Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK. E-mail:
| | - Solomon Nyame
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, P.O. Box 200, Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana
| | - James Milner
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK,Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Ai Milojevic
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK,Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, P.O. Box 200, Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana,Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Aksnes BN, Walldorf JA, Nkwenkeu SF, Zoma RL, Mirza I, Tarbangdo F, Fall S, Hien S, Ky C, Kambou L, Diallo AO, Aké FH, Hatcher C, Patel JC, Novak RT, Hyde TB, Medah I, Soeters HM, Jalloh MF. Vaccination information, motivations, and barriers in the context of meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine introduction: A qualitative assessment among caregivers in Burkina Faso, 2018. Vaccine 2021; 39:6370-6377. [PMID: 34579975 PMCID: PMC8519392 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2017, Burkina Faso introduced meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) into the Expanded Programme on Immunization. MACV is administered to children aged 15-18 months, concomitantly with the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2). One year after MACV introduction, we assessed the sources and content of immunization information available to caregivers and explored motivations and barriers that influence their decision to seek MACV for their children. METHODS Twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with caregivers of children eligible for MACV and MCV2. Data collection occurred in February-March 2018 in four purposively selected districts, each from a separate geographic region; within each district, caregivers were stratified into groups based on whether their children were unvaccinated or vaccinated with MACV. FGDs were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS We identified many different sources and content of information about MACV and MCV2 available to caregivers. Healthcare workers were most commonly cited as the main sources of information; caregivers also received information from other caregivers in the community. Caregivers' motivations to seek MACV for their children were driven by personal awareness, engagements with trusted messengers, and perceived protective benefits of MACV against meningitis. Barriers to MACV and MCV2 uptake were linked to the unavailability of vaccines, immunization personnel not providing doses, knowledge gaps about the 15-18 month visit, practical constraints, past negative experiences, sociocultural influences, and misinformation, including misunderstanding about the need for MCV2. CONCLUSIONS MACV and MCV2 uptake may be enhanced by addressing vaccination barriers and effectively communicating vaccination information and benefits through trusted messengers such as healthcare workers and other caregivers in the community. Educating healthcare workers to avoid withholding vaccines, likely due to fear of wastage, may help reduce missed opportunities for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny A Walldorf
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | | | - Robert L Zoma
- Institut National de Statistique et Démographie, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | | | - Cesaire Ky
- Ministère de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Cynthia Hatcher
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Jaymin C Patel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Ryan T Novak
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Terri B Hyde
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Isaïe Medah
- Ministère de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Heidi M Soeters
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Mohamed F Jalloh
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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9
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Collins J, Westerveld R, Nelson KA, Rohan H, Bower H, Lazenby S, Ikilezi G, Bartlein R, Bausch DG, Kennedy DS. 'Learn from the lessons and don't forget them': identifying transferable lessons for COVID-19 from meningitis A, yellow fever and Ebola virus disease vaccination campaigns. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006951. [PMID: 34535490 PMCID: PMC8450956 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 vaccines are now being distributed to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with global urgency surrounding national vaccination plans. LMICs have significant experience implementing vaccination campaigns to respond to epidemic threats but are often hindered by chronic health system challenges. We sought to identify transferable lessons for COVID-19 vaccination from the rollout of three vaccines that targeted adult groups in Africa and South America: MenAfriVac (meningitis A); 17D (yellow fever) and rVSV-ZEBOV (Ebola virus disease). METHODS We conducted a rapid literature review and 24 semi-structured interviews with technical experts who had direct implementation experience with the selected vaccines in Africa and South America. We identified barriers, enablers, and key lessons from the literature and from participants' experiences. Interview data were analysed thematically according to seven implementation domains. RESULTS Participants highlighted multiple components of vaccination campaigns that are instrumental for achieving high coverage. Community engagement is an essential and effective tool, requiring dedicated time, funding and workforce. Involving local health workers is a key enabler, as is collaborating with community leaders to map social groups and tailor vaccination strategies to their needs. Vaccination team recruitment and training strategies need to be enhanced to support vaccination campaigns. Although recognised as challenging, integrating vaccination campaigns with other routine health services can be highly beneficial if well planned and coordinated across health programmes and with communities. CONCLUSION As supplies of COVID-19 vaccines become available to LMICs, countries need to prepare to efficiently roll out the vaccine, encourage uptake among eligible groups and respond to potential community concerns. Lessons from the implementation of these three vaccines that targeted adults in LMICs can be used to inform best practice for COVID-19 and other epidemic vaccination campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Collins
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Rosie Westerveld
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kate A Nelson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hana Rohan
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Hilary Bower
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Daniel G Bausch
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/Public Health England, London, UK
| | - David S Kennedy
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine/Public Health England, London, UK
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