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Perera SM, Garbern SC, Mbong EN, Fleming MK, Muhayangabo RF, Ombeni AB, Kulkarni S, Tchoualeu DD, Kallay R, Song E, Powell J, Gainey M, Glenn B, Mutumwa RM, Mustafa SHB, Earle-Richardson G, Fukunaga R, Abad N, Soke GN, Prybylski D, Fitter DL, Levine AC, Doshi RH. Perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and correlates of vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002566. [PMID: 38236844 PMCID: PMC10796044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The tenth Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak (2018-2020, North Kivu, Ituri, South Kivu) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was the second-largest EVD outbreak in history. During this outbreak, Ebola vaccination was an integral part of the EVD response. We evaluated community perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and identified correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, DRC. In March 2021, a cross-sectional survey among adults was implemented in three health zones. We employed a sampling approach mimicking ring vaccination, targeting EVD survivors, their household members, and their neighbors. Outbreak experiences and perceptions toward the Ebola vaccine were assessed, and modified Poisson regression was used to identify correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among those offered vaccination. Among the 631 individuals surveyed, most (90.2%) reported a high perceived risk of EVD and 71.6% believed that the vaccine could reduce EVD severity; however, 63.7% believed the vaccine had serious side effects. Among the 474 individuals who had been offered vaccination, 397 (83.8%) received the vaccine, 180 (45.3%) of those vaccinated received the vaccine after two or more offers. Correlates positively associated with vaccine uptake included having heard positive information about the vaccine (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.60), the belief that the vaccine could prevent EVD (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.39), and reporting that religion influenced all decisions (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.25). Ebola vaccine uptake was high in this population, although mixed attitudes and vaccine delays were common. Communicating positive vaccine information, emphasizing the efficacy of the Ebola vaccine, and engaging religious leaders to promote vaccination may aid in increasing Ebola vaccine uptake during future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiromi M. Perera
- International Medical Corps, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chow Garbern
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Eta Ngole Mbong
- International Medical Corps, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Monica K. Fleming
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Shibani Kulkarni
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dieula Delissaint Tchoualeu
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ruth Kallay
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Song
- Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Jasmine Powell
- Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Monique Gainey
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Bailey Glenn
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- James A. Ferguson Infectious Disease Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Giulia Earle-Richardson
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rena Fukunaga
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Neetu Abad
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gnakub Norbert Soke
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Dimitri Prybylski
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David L. Fitter
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Adam C. Levine
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Reena H. Doshi
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Wassenaar M, Fombah AE, Chen H, Owusu-Kyei K, Williams J, Sunders JHC, Llach M, Quinto L, Sesay T, Samai M, Menéndez C, González R. Immunisation coverage and factors associated with incomplete immunisation in children under two during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:143. [PMID: 38200476 PMCID: PMC10777622 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17534-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine childhood immunisation is one of the most important life-saving public health interventions. However, many children still have inadequate access to these vaccines and millions remain (partially) unvaccinated globally. As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems worldwide, its effects on immunisation have become apparent. This study aimed to estimate routine immunisation coverage among children under two in Sierra Leone and to identify factors associated with incomplete immunisation during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in three districts in Sierra Leone: Bombali, Tonkolili and Port Loko. A three-stage cluster sampling method was followed to enrol children aged 10-23 months. Information regarding immunisation status was based on vaccination cards or caretaker's recall. Using WHO's definition, a fully immunised child received one BCG dose, three oral polio vaccine doses, three pentavalent vaccine doses and one measles-containing vaccine dose. Following the national schedule, full immunisation status can be achieved at 9 months of age. Data were weighted to reflect the survey's sampling design. Associations between incomplete immunisation and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed through multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 720 children were enrolled between November and December 2021. Full vaccination coverage was estimated at 65.8% (95% CI 60.3%-71.0%). Coverage estimates were highest for vaccines administered at birth and decreased with doses administered subsequently. Adjusting for age, the lowest estimated coverage was 40.7% (95% CI 34.5%-47.2%) for the second dose of the measles-containing vaccine. Factors found to be associated with incomplete immunisation status were: living in Port Loko district (aOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 2.00-6.06; p-value < 0.001), the interviewed caretaker being Muslim (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.25-3.02; p-value = 0.015) and the interviewed caretaker being male (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.03-3.59, p-value = 0.039). CONCLUSION Though full immunisation coverage at district level improved compared with pre-pandemic district estimates from 2019, around one in three surveyed children had missed at least one basic routine vaccination and over half of eligible children had not received the recommended two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. These findings highlight the need to strengthen health systems to improve vaccination uptake in Sierra Leone, and to further explore barriers that may jeopardise equitable access to these life-saving interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrte Wassenaar
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- University Medical Center Utrecht - Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Augustin E Fombah
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Ministry of Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Haily Chen
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julian Williams
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joe-Henry C Sunders
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mireia Llach
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Llorenç Quinto
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Tom Sesay
- Directorate of Reproductive Child Health, Ministry of Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mohamed Samai
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Directorate of Research and Training, Ministry of Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Clara Menéndez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Raquel González
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
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Pujol FH, Toyé RM, Loureiro CL, Jaspe RC, Chemin I. Hepatitis B eradication: vaccine as a key player. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:4971-4983. [PMID: 37692960 PMCID: PMC10492071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the availability of a highly effective and safe vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection for 40 years, still almost 300 million persons are estimated to be chronically infected by this virus worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a plan for hepatitis elimination by 2030. However, several factors, such as the reduction and limitation in vaccination campaigns or vaccine hesitancy (VH) in some regions of the World, might have played a role in limiting the worldwide coverage of hepatitis B prophylaxis. This review aims to describe which factors, such as VH, may be hampering the WHO 2030 goal for hepatitis B eradication. METHODS The review describes the development and characteristics of the HBV vaccine, from the first plasma-derived to the recombinant one. Eventual limitations in its effectiveness and particularly VH were reviewed. RESULTS The apparent pitfalls of the HBV vaccine, such as long-term effectiveness, vaccine-escape mutants, and adverse effects, were proven not to be a concern for this vaccine. However, VH persists and was even intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Many barriers still exist, such as vaccine availability, lack of awareness of the benefits of HBV vaccination, and VH. HBV VH seems to be eventually overcome in many settings with active education campaigns and information, stressing the importance of developing these strategies to achieve the 2030 goal of the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor Helene Pujol
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular (CMBC), Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC)1020A Caracas, Venezuela
- Collegium de Lyon, Institut d’Etudes Avancées, Université Lyon 269003 Lyon, France
| | - Rayana Maryse Toyé
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL)151 Cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Carmen Luisa Loureiro
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular (CMBC), Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC)1020A Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rossana Celeste Jaspe
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular (CMBC), Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC)1020A Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Isabelle Chemin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL)151 Cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France
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Hijazi R, Gesser-Edelsburg A, Mesch GS. The Common Way in Which the Ministry of Health Conveys Information to the Public: A Simulation Among Israeli Parents with Different Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Vaccination During a Measles Outbreak in Israel. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e451. [PMID: 37580996 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.105] [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] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite several empirical studies that have emphasized the problematic and ineffective way in which health organizations 'correct' information which does not come from them, they have not yet found ways to properly address vaccine hesitancy. OBJECTIVES (1) Examining the responses of groups with different attitudes/ behaviors regarding vaccination; (2) Examining the effect of the common methods of correcting information regarding the response of subgroups, while examining issues of reliability, satisfaction, and information seeking, as well as how health organization tools aid the decision-making process regarding vaccines. METHODS A simulation study that included 150 parents of kindergarten children was carried out. RESULTS Significant difference was found among the various groups (with respect to vaccination behavior) regarding the extent of their trust in the Ministry of Health (χ2(3) = 46.33; P < 0.0001), the reliability of the Ministry of Health's response (χ2(3) = 31.56; P < 0.0001), satisfaction with the Ministry of Health's response (χ2(3) = 25.25; P < 0.0001), and the level of help they felt the Ministry of Health's tools provided them regarding vaccine-related decision making (χ2(3) = 27.76; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION It is important for health organizations to gain the public's trust, especially that of pro-vaccination groups with hesitant attitudes, while addressing the public's fears and concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Hijazi
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Anat Gesser-Edelsburg
- Health Promotion Program, School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
- Health and Risk Communication Lab, School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gustavo S Mesch
- Department of Sociology, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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