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Martinelli D, Quattrone F, Fortunato F, Di Maggio E, Filia A, Rota MC, Lopalco PL, Prato R. Role of the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups in 13 European countries in the decision-making process on vaccine recommendations. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300131. [PMID: 37883041 PMCID: PMC10604541 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.43.2300131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) were established in most countries to promote evidence-informed decision-making in introducing new or improved vaccines or changing recommendations for existing ones. Still, the role, activities and outcomes of NITAGs have not been optimally implemented across Europe. Within the European Joint Action on Vaccination (EU-JAV), we conducted a survey to collect information on decision-making process including the main criteria for the introduction of new vaccines or changes to recommendations on their use. Between December 2021 and January 2022, 13 of the 28 European countries invited participated in an online survey. The criteria ranked as most relevant were disease burden and availability of financial resources. Only one country specified that the NITAG recommendations were binding for the government or the health authority. Vaccinations more often reported for introduction or recommendation changes were those against herpes zoster, influenza, human papillomavirus infection, pneumococcal and meningococcal disease. The planned changes will mainly address children and adolescents (2-18 years) and adults (≥ 45-65 years). Our findings show potential overlaps in the activities of NITAGs between countries; and therefore, collaboration between NITAGs may lead to optimisation of the workload and better use of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Martinelli
- Hygiene Unit, Policlinico Foggia Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Filippo Quattrone
- Management and Healthcare Laboratory, Institute of Management and Department EMbeDS, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortunato
- Hygiene Unit, Policlinico Foggia Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Elisa Di Maggio
- Hygiene Unit, Policlinico Foggia Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonietta Filia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Rota
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Lopalco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Rosa Prato
- Hygiene Unit, Policlinico Foggia Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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2
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Marziali E, Lontano A, Regazzi L, Paladini A, Villani L, Calabrò GE, Damiani G, Laurenti P, Ricciardi W, Cadeddu C. Factors Influencing the Choice to Advise for or against COVID-19 Vaccination in the Physicians and Dentists of an Italian Region. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1793. [PMID: 36366302 PMCID: PMC9696475 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly physicians, are a relevant and trusted source of information for patients, especially when health-related choices such as vaccination are concerned. Between July and November 2022, we administered a web-based survey to physicians and dentists living in the Latio region of Italy to explore whether their background might affect their willingness to recommend the COVID-19 vaccination to their patients (RCVtoPat) and their relatives (RCVtoRel). We performed a multivariable logistic regression to study the association between the two outcomes (RCVtoPat and RCVtoRel) and their potential determinants in our sample (n = 1464). We found that being a dentist, an increasing fear of COVID-19, and having been previously vaccinated against flu are positively associated with both RCVtoPat and RCVtoRel, while a better self-rated knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines is associated only with RCVtoRel. No role was found for age, sex, civil status, education level, information sources, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and chronic diseases. A sub-group analysis of physicians alone (n = 1305) demonstrated a positive association with RCVtoRel of being specialized in diagnostic/therapeutic services and a negative effect on RCVtoPat of being trained in general practice. We provide useful insights about the factors that should be addressed to ensure HCWs exert a positive influence on their patients and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marziali
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Paladini
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Villani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisa Calabrò
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Children and Public Health—Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Children and Public Health—Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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3
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COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Barriers and Facilitators in Healthcare Workers: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study on 2500 Employees at LMU University Hospital in Munich, Germany. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081231. [PMID: 36016119 PMCID: PMC9412572 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the role of healthcare workers (HCW) in promoting vaccine uptake and previously recorded hesitancy among HCW, we aim to examine the COVID-19 vaccination intent and status of HCW through a cross-sectional anonymous online survey at LMU University Hospital in Munich. Data collection was informed by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and focused on vaccination intent, status and on potential factors affecting the decision-making process. In total, 2555 employees completed the questionnaire. Our data showed that an approving attitude towards recommended vaccines and having received an influenza vaccine in the previous winter were strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccination intent. Further, a positive COVID-19 vaccination status was associated with a higher likelihood of approving the extension of the validity of non-pharmaceutical interventions at the workplace. Our HBM-analysis demonstrated strong associations between the perceived benefits and barriers and COVID-19 vaccination intent. Unchanged or low perceived susceptibility and severity were associated with refusal or indecisiveness. Our findings highlight the factors associated with the decision regarding a COVID-19 vaccine and indicate a pattern-like behavior in the acceptance of novel vaccines by HCW. These insights can help inform the communication aims of vaccination campaigns among HCW within similar organizational contexts or in future outbreaks.
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Turbat B, Sharavyn B, Tsai FJ. Attitudes towards Mandatory Occupational Vaccination and Intention to Get COVID-19 Vaccine during the First Pandemic Wave among Mongolian Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:329. [PMID: 35010589 PMCID: PMC8751197 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mandatory occupational vaccination for health care workers (HCWs) is a debatable issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine Mongolian HCWs' attitudes towards mandatory occupational vaccination, the intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and the associated factors. A cross-sectional study based on an online survey with a convenience sampling strategy was conducted from February to April 2021 among 238 Mongolia HCWs. Chi-square and logistic regression were performed for analysis. While only 39.9% of HCWs were aware of recommended occupational vaccinations, they highly agreed with the mandatory occupational vaccination on HCWs (93.7%). The agreement rate is significantly higher than their attitude toward general vaccination (93.7% vs. 77.8%). HCW's willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine was high (67.2%). HCWs aged 26-35 years old who worked in tertiary level hospitals had less willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine (50%). Participants with lower confidence in the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine (ORs = 15.659) and less positive attitudes toward general vaccination (ORs = 5.288) were less likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Mongolian HCWs' agreement rate of mandatory occupational vaccination is higher than other countries. Their intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine is high and associated with confidence in the effectiveness of the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Battsetseg Turbat
- Ph.D. Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Nursing, Mongolian University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 18130, Mongolia
| | - Bold Sharavyn
- Department of Traditional Medicine, International School of Mongolian Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia;
| | - Feng-Jen Tsai
- Ph.D. Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Master’s Program in Global Health and Development, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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D'Amato S, Pellicanò GF, Nunnari G, Fedele F, Squeri R, Mazzitelli F, D'Andrea F, Maisano D, Squeri R, Genovese C. Management care improvement of people living with HIV: definition of a targeted clinical pathway in a University Hospital of South Italy. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2021; 92:e2021244. [PMID: 34487078 PMCID: PMC8477122 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92i4.11425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim: In the world 37,9 billions live with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and, despite the availability of retroviral therapy, they have an higher risk to acquire other infectious diseases and to develop severe complications. According to several guidelines their immunization is crucial but only some center have developed a specific scheduled pathway and vaccination coverage is very low. Aim of this study is: a) incentivize the active and free of charge offer of vaccines and increase of immunization coverage; b) application and implementation of a shared clinical pathway avoiding reluctance, embarrassment or shame by patients for their condition; d) instauration of an empathic relationship between doctor and patient; e) evaluation of side effects. Methods: A prospective study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 at the University Hospital G. Martino of Messina. Inclusion criteria were: age over 18; absence of other diseases; absence of immunization against HBV or HAV; CD4 count for live attenuated viral vaccines of 350/uL and for other vaccine 200/uL. A specific scheduled pathway was adopted for every patient. Statistical analysis was performed with Excel software. Results: 86 patients were enrolled (74.4% were males, 79.1% were Italian; mean age=40±13.3 SD). An increase in administration was observed between 2018 and 2019 (+164.3% for flu and for other vaccines +370%). The higher increase was observed for HPV one. No-one received DTpa, MMRV or Zoster vaccine. Conclusions: The undertook clinical pathway showed the relevance of specific management of these patients and the need to increase the vaccination offer. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Smeralda D'Amato
- Postgraduate Medical School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | | | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Franco Fedele
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy.
| | | | - Francesco Mazzitelli
- Postgraduate Medical School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Flavia D'Andrea
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Daniele Maisano
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Squeri
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy.
| | - Cristina Genovese
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy.
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Holzmann-Littig C, Braunisch MC, Kranke P, Popp M, Seeber C, Fichtner F, Littig B, Carbajo-Lozoya J, Allwang C, Frank T, Meerpohl JJ, Haller B, Schmaderer C. COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance and Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in Germany. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:777. [PMID: 34358193 PMCID: PMC8310090 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination hesitancy is a threat to herd immunity. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a key role in promoting Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in the general population. We therefore aimed to provide data on COVID-19 vaccination acceptance/hesitancy among German HCWs. For this exploratory, cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted in February 2021. The survey included 54 items on demographics; previous vaccination behavior; trust in vaccines, physicians, the pharmaceutical industry and health politics; fear of adverse effects; assumptions regarding the consequences of COVID-19; knowledge about vaccines; and information seeking behavior. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and chi-square tests were performed. Four thousand five hundred surveys were analyzed. The overall vaccination acceptance was 91.7%. The age group ≤20 years showed the lowest vaccination acceptance. Factors associated with vaccination hesitancy were lack of trust in authorities and pharmaceutical companies. Attitudes among acquaintances were associated with vaccination hesitancy too. Participants with vaccination hesitancy more often obtained information about COVID-19 vaccines via messenger services or online video platforms and underperformed in the knowledge test. We found high acceptance amongst German HCWs. Several factors associated with vaccination hesitancy were identified which could be targeted in HCW vaccination campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Holzmann-Littig
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.C.B.); (B.L.); (J.C.-L.); (C.S.)
- TUM Medical Education Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Christoph Braunisch
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.C.B.); (B.L.); (J.C.-L.); (C.S.)
| | - Peter Kranke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Popp
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Christian Seeber
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (C.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Falk Fichtner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (C.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Bianca Littig
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.C.B.); (B.L.); (J.C.-L.); (C.S.)
| | - Javier Carbajo-Lozoya
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.C.B.); (B.L.); (J.C.-L.); (C.S.)
| | - Christine Allwang
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, 81675 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Tamara Frank
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, 81675 Munich, Germany; (C.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Joerg Johannes Meerpohl
- Medical Center & Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Evidence in Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Haller
- Institute of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Statistics and Epidemiology, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Christoph Schmaderer
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.C.B.); (B.L.); (J.C.-L.); (C.S.)
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Squeri R, Levita A, Intelisano R, Costa GB, Mancuso G, Grasso L, D'Amato S, Mazzitelli F, Squeri A, Midiri A, Biondo C, Alesci D, Bonaccorso V, Bitto A, Genovese C. Correct management and low rate of contagiousness of healthcare workers in a University Hospital in Southern Italy: from contact tracing to serological investigation. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:79-86. [PMID: 32701920 PMCID: PMC8023094 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i9-s.10118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic, which began in Wuhan in December 2019, quickly spread all over the world, leading in a few months to a high number of deaths also in healthcare workers. The purpose of the study is to a) describe the importance of a correct management of SARS-CoV-2 infections; b) report the number of positive healthcare workers after the epidemic phase and to describe their socio-characteristics data, the main methods of transmission and the symptoms; c) to report the seroconversion rate of healthcare workers (HCWs). The study was conducted from March 9, 2020 to June 19, 2020 in three phases:1) in a first phase, we implemented the guidelines to be followed for patient care in our hospital; 2) in a second phase, we provided the epidemiological investigation/contact tracing of HCWs; 3) we collected swabs on all healthcare workers and we also performed serological investigation. The number of healthcare workers under surveillance is of 2611 subjects and, of these, only 0.65% contracted COVID-19. In particular, 70.6% of these have been infected in the healthcare setting, 11, 8% in the family and 17.6% returning from high risk areas. Ultimately, only 0.1% of HCWs dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19 patients contracted the infection (one was asymptomatic). Only 2% of HCWS were positive for serological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Squeri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | | | | | - Gaetano Bruno Costa
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Mancuso
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Loredana Grasso
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Smeralda D'Amato
- Postgraduate Medical School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Mazzitelli
- Postgraduate Medical School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Andrea Squeri
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Angelina Midiri
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Carmelo Biondo
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenica Alesci
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Vincen Bonaccorso
- Department of Human Pathology of the adult and developmental age Gaetano Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, Messina, 98125, Italy.
| | - Cristina Genovese
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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8
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Panatto D, Lai PL, Mosca S, Lecini E, Orsi A, Signori A, Castaldi S, Pariani E, Pellegrinelli L, Galli C, Anselmi G, Icardi G. Influenza Vaccination in Italian Healthcare Workers (2018-2019 Season): Strengths and Weaknesses. Results of a Cohort Study in Two Large Italian Hospitals. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E119. [PMID: 32150801 PMCID: PMC7157508 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annual vaccination is the most effective way to combat influenza. As influenza viruses evolve, seasonal vaccines are updated annually. Within the European project Development of Robust and Innovative Vaccine Effectiveness (DRIVE), a cohort study involving Italian healthcare workers (HCWs) was carried out during the 2018-2019 season. Two aims were defined: to measure influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) against laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and to conduct an awareness-raising campaign to increase vaccination coverage. METHODS Each subject enrolled was followed up from enrollment to the end of the study. Each HCW who developed ILI was swabbed for laboratory confirmation of influenza. Influenza viruses were identified by molecular assays. A Cox regression analysis, crude and adjusted for confounding variables, was performed to estimate the IVE. RESULTS Among the 4483 HCWs enrolled, vaccination coverage was 32.5%, and 308 ILI cases were collected: 23.4% were positive for influenza (54.2% A(H1N1) pdm09; 45.8% A(H3N2)). No influenza B viruses were detected. No overall IVE was observed. Analyzing the subtypes of influenza A viruses, the IVE was estimated as 45% (95% CI: -59 to 81) for A(H1N1) pdm09. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination coverage among HCWs increased. Study difficulties and the circulation of drifted variants of A(H3N2) could partly explain the observed IVE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Panatto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.L.); (E.L.); (A.O.); (A.S.); (G.I.)
- Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Piero Luigi Lai
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.L.); (E.L.); (A.O.); (A.S.); (G.I.)
- Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Stefano Mosca
- Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Elvina Lecini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.L.); (E.L.); (A.O.); (A.S.); (G.I.)
| | - Andrea Orsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.L.); (E.L.); (A.O.); (A.S.); (G.I.)
- Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.L.); (E.L.); (A.O.); (A.S.); (G.I.)
| | - Silvana Castaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.G.); (G.A.)
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Via F. Sforza 28, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Pariani
- Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.M.); (E.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.G.); (G.A.)
| | - Laura Pellegrinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.G.); (G.A.)
| | - Cristina Galli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.G.); (G.A.)
| | - Giovanni Anselmi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.G.); (G.A.)
| | - Giancarlo Icardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.L.); (E.L.); (A.O.); (A.S.); (G.I.)
- Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.M.); (E.P.)
| | - CIRI-IT Team
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.L.); (E.L.); (A.O.); (A.S.); (G.I.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (L.P.); (C.G.); (G.A.)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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