Vaccination against COVID-19: the view of Brazilian federal judges

The aim was to analyze the perception of Brazilian federal judges on the implications of COVID-19 vaccination. A study was carried out with Brazilian federal judges, who received a survey designed with multiple-choice questions on COVID-19 vaccination, covering topics such as its mandatory aspect, the application of coercive measures, hesitation to vaccinate, priority groups, the duties of Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa, acronym in Portuguese), the role of the Judiciary branch, and immunity passports. A total of 254 out of 1,300 federal judges from all states responded to the survey. Most respondents have a Bachelor's degree or a specialization (59.1%) and have been judges for more than 10 years (63.8%). A great majority of the judges (87.7%) agree with vaccine mandates for adults and for children and adolescents (66.1%). Over 75% of judges believe that all levels of government can impose sanctions on those who refuse to get vaccinated. The judges trust vaccination 93% of the time, 56.1% reject anti-vaccination movements, and 75.2% believe that Anvisa duties should be respected. The Judiciary branch actions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic are approved by 62.6% of judges, and 88.2% support immunity passports. There is a direct connection among mandatory vaccination, trust in the vaccine, and the adoption of immunity passports. Most federal judges agree with vaccine mandates for children and adults, support the application of sanctions for vaccination refusal, disapprove of anti-vaccination movements, agree with Anvisa's duties, and support judicial intervention in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevalence and underreporting of immunization errors in childhood vaccination: results of a household survey

OBJECTIVE

To investigate underreporting of immunization errors based on vaccination records from children under five years of age.

METHOD

An epidemiological, cross-sectional analytical study, carried out through a household survey with 453 children aged 6 months to 4 years in three municipalities in Minas Gerais in 2021. A descriptive analysis was carried out, and the prevalence of the error was calculated per 100 thousand doses applied between 2016 and 2021. The magnitude was estimated of the association between variables by prevalence and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI). To analyze underreporting, State reporting records were used.

RESULTS

A prevalence of immunization errors was found to be 41.9/100,000 doses applied (95%CI:32.2 - 51.6). The highest prevalence occurred between 2020 (50.0/100,000 doses applied) and 2021 (78.6/100,000 doses applied). The most frequent error was an inadequate interval between vaccines (47.2%) associated with adsorbed diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine (13.7/100,000) administration. Vaccination delay was related to immunization errors (7.55 95% CI:2.30 - 24.80), and the errors found were underreported.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of underreported errors points to a worrying scenario, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

La equidad en la campaña de vacunación COVID de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina): un análisis del Municipio de Quilmes

INTRODUCCIÓN

la pandemia de la COVID-19 ha acentuado las desigualdades sociales, económicas y relacionadas con la salud, afectando desproporcionadamente a las personas en situación de vulnerabilidad y perpetuando la inequidad en salud. En Argentina se implementó una campaña nacional gratuita de vacunación contra la COVID-19 con una perspectiva de equidad.

OBJETIVO

identificar desigualdades territoriales en el acceso a la vacunación contra la COVID-19 en Quilmes.

MÉTODOS

se analizó la información referida a la vacunación contra la COVID-19 de personas residentes en el Municipio. Se efectuó la georreferenciación de cada vacunatorio y de cada persona a partir del domicilio declarado en el momento de la vacunación. Para caracterizar el grado de vulnerabilidad de las personas vacunadas, a cada una se le asignó el índice de carencias múltiples (ICM) correspondiente al radio censal de residencia.

RESULTADOS

al menos el 82 % de la población completó el esquema primario de vacunación (dosis 1 y dosis 2), porcentaje que alcanzó el 97 % en los mayores de 65 años. Analizando la media de dosis aplicadas se observa algo similar con un gradiente hacia los quintiles más altos pero con una mínima diferencia entre sí, situación que también se corrobora en todos los grupos etarios.

DISCUSIÓN

no se observaron brechas significativas entre los diferentes niveles socioeconómicos. Si bien se observó un mínimo gradiente en el promedio de dosis recibidas, el tiempo de acceso a las diferentes vacunas y el porcentaje de esquemas primarios completos recibidos, las mismas tienen escasa relevancia clínica y sanitaria.

Prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults from Southern Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort

Most COVID-19 survivors have reported experiencing persistent symptoms after the infection - these types of cases are known as long COVID. Since Brazil was an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a high burden of long COVID is expected. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with long COVID in adults in Southern Brazil, analyzing data from the PAMPA cohort. Participants filled out a self-reported online questionnaire in June 2022. This study only included subjects who tested positive for COVID-19. Long COVID was defined by any symptoms that persisted for at least three months after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poisson's regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with long COVID; and results were reported as prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A total of 1,001 participants (77.4% women, mean age [SD] = 38.3 [11.9] years) were analyzed. The prevalence of long COVID among these patients was 77.4% (95%CI: 74.7; 79.9). The likelihood of long COVID was higher in unvaccinated participants (PR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06; 1.42), in those with chronic conditions (PR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04; 1.24), and in those who were hospitalized due to the COVID-19 infection (PR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.16; 1.32). This prevalence was also higher in women (PR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.09; 1.33) than in men. Physical activity was associated with a reduced likelihood of fatigue, neurological complications, coughing, and headaches as persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. It was found that three out of four adults in Southern Brazil experienced long COVID. Public policies aiming to reduce the burden of long COVID must be prioritized, especially in groups that are at higher risk of developing this harmful condition.

Differences and similarities between COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache. A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Headache is a frequent symptom at the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and also one of the most frequent adverse effects following vaccination. In both cases, headache pathophysiology seems linked to the host immune response and could have similarities. We aimed to compare the clinical phenotype and the frequency and associated onset symptoms in patients with COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A case-control study was conducted. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-vaccine recipients who experienced new-onset headache were included. A standardised questionnaire was administered, including demographic variables, prior history of headaches, associated symptoms and headache-related variables. Both groups were matched for age, sex, and prior history of headache. A multivariate regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients fulfilled eligibility criteria (143 patients with COVID-19 related-headache and 95 subjects experiencing COVID-19 vaccine related-headache). Patients with COVID-19 related-headache exhibited a higher frequency of arthralgia, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, chest pain, expectoration, anosmia, myalgia, odynophagia, rhinorrhoea, cough, and dysgeusia. Further, patients with COVID-19 related-headache had a more prolonged daily duration of headache and described the headache as the worst headache ever experienced. Patients with COVID-19 vaccine-related headache, experienced more frequently pain in the parietal region, phonophobia, and worsening of the headache by head movements or eye movements.

CONCLUSION

Headache caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination related-headache have more similarities than differences, supporting a shared pathophysiology, and the activation of the innate immune response. The main differences were related to associated symptoms.

Construction and validity of an educational video to prevent immunization errors

OBJECTIVE

to construct and validate an orientation video, based on a low-fidelity clinical simulation scenario, to prevent immunization errors.

METHODS

a methodological study with video construction, validated in two stages by different audiences. Content was selected based on a realistic simulation scenario of the vaccine administration process to a patient-actor. Items with concordance greater than 0.8 and 0.6 were considered valid, verified using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR), respectively.

RESULTS

judges' CVI had an average of 97.5%, and CVR, 0.9, and health professionals' CVI, 95.4%, and CVR, 0.8. Successes in administering vaccines were addressed, such as careful reading of labels, double-checking the vaccine, distractions/interruptions and error reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

the video was constructed and validated in terms of content, and can be used in training professionals working in vaccination.

Vaccination coverage in children under one year of age and associated socioeconomic factors: maps of spatial heterogeneity

OBJECTIVE

to analyze vaccination coverage spatial distribution in children under one year old and the socioeconomic factors associated with meeting the recommended goals in Minas Gerais.

METHODS

an ecological study, carried out in 853 municipalities in the state. Pentavalent, poliomyelitis, meningococcal conjugate, yellow fever, rotavirus, and 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination coverage were analyzed. Scan statistics and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify spatial clusters and factors associated with meeting coverage goals.

RESULTS

spatial analysis revealed clusters with risk of low coverage for all vaccines. Number of families with per capita income of up to 1/2 wage, Minas Gerais Social Responsibility Index and percentage of the poor or extremely poor population were associated with meeting the established goals.

CONCLUSIONS

the results are useful for designing interventions regarding the structuring of vaccination services and the implementation of actions to increase vaccination coverage in clusters with less propensity to vaccinate.

Changes in the epidemiological pattern of chronic B hepatitis amongst inmates in Catalonia: current prevalence and predictive variables

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Spain has changed due to migratory movements and the implementation of vaccination programs. The objective is to determine if prevalence has also changed amongst in Catalonia and the potential predictive variables of the infection.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Observational cross-sectional multi-centre study of CHB prevalence. Epidemiological and clinical variables were included, and their predictive capacity is analysed by means of a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 6508 prisoners were studied. CHB prevalence was 1.7%, much less than in studies carried out in previous years. In inmates from North Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa the CHB rate was 2.8, 4.2, 4.9 and 16.2 times higher, respectively, than amongst those born in Spain, which was 0.6%, the same as in the general population. CHB was associated with: a) being an immigrant [2.6%; OR: 4.18 (CI: 2.50-6.90; P <0.001); b) being unvaccinated (3.1%; OR: 0.13; CI: 0.06-0.26; P <0.001); and c) being infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [3.9%; OR: 3.23; CI: 1.24-8.40; P = 0.016].

CONCLUSION

Vaccination against HBV (hepatitis B virus) has greatly reduced CHB prevalence in inmates over the past 30 years but remains high in immigrants and those with HIV. We recommend: a) maintaining HBV screening amongst inmates; b) continuing with vaccination programmes; and c) referring CHB cases to specialized programs for further study and treatment if needed.

COVID-19 vaccination and case fatality rates: a case report in a Brazilian municipality

Vaccination campaigns played a crucial role in reducing the incidence of COVID-19. However, a scant number of studies evaluated the impact of vaccination on case fatality rates (CFRs), including in Brazil. Our study aimed to compare CFRs according to vaccination status among subjects living in Arapongas (Paraná State, Brazil), considering the age composition of the population. Several strategies adopted by the Arapongas City Hall to minimize the spread of the virus were also elaborated upon. We accessed the 2021 database of the Arapongas Municipal Health Department, in which a total of 16,437 confirmed cases and 425 deaths were reported. The CFR was calculated as the ratio between COVID-19 deaths and the number of confirmed cases. Differences in age composition between unvaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals were observed in our study. Considering that CFR is a crude indicator and is highly sensitive to the age composition of the population, we adopted the average age distribution of confirmed cases among the three vaccination statuses (unvaccinated, partially, and fully) as a standard age distribution. The age-standardized CFR for unvaccinated and fully vaccinated groups were 4.55% and 2.42%, respectively. Fully vaccinated individuals showed lower age-specific CFRs in all age groups above 60 years than unvaccinated populations. Our findings strengthen the role of vaccination as a critical measure for preventing deaths among infected people and is particularly important to the ongoing reassessment of public health interventions and policies.

Vaccines against monkeypox

The monkeypox virus is a virus that has 90% genomic homology with the human (smallpox), but it is naturally transmitted between different wild animal reservoirs and is considered a zoonosis. Throughout the 20th century, different vaccines based on the vaccinia poxvirus were developed and used for vaccination against smallpox. After the eradication of smallpox, these vaccines were no longer used. Current vaccines against monkeypox virus are classified by the WHO as replicative (ACAM2000), minimally replicative (LC16m8) and non-replicative (MVA-BN), the latter being the one currently used. The 2022 extra-African monkeypox virus epidemic has highlighted the lack of vaccines with proven efficacy and low reactogenicity. It is considered that the use of this vaccine in the current outbreak may play a role in the prevention or attenuation of the disease as pre-exposure prophylaxis in close contacts of confirmed cases.

Serological and vaccine evaluation for hepatitis B among Community Health Workers

OBJECTIVE

to identify the vaccination and serological status against hepatitis B among community health workers; to vaccinate against hepatitis B virus and to evaluate the immune response of susceptible workers.

METHOD

phase I, cross-sectional and descriptive study, among community health workers in a capital city of the Midwest region, through a self-administered questionnaire, checking of vaccination cards, and blood collection for testing of serological markers for hepatitis B. Phase II, cohort study carried out in vaccinated non-immune workers identified in phase I. They received one dose of vaccine (challenge dose) and serological testing.

RESULTS

a total of 109 workers participated in the study. Most had vaccination record (97; 89.0%) and vaccination completeness (75; 77.3%), while the isolated anti-HBs (Antibodies against hepatitis B virus) marker was detected in 78 (71.6%) workers. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus exposure was 8.2%. Of the ten non-immune vaccinated workers, after challenge dose, one remained susceptible.

CONCLUSION

although most workers are vaccinated and show immunological response to hepatitis B, susceptibility after challenge dose was identified. Therefore, it is necessary to have a surveillance program of the vaccination situation and serological status for this virus, to promote these workers' safety.

Mass vaccinations against COVID-19 through the use of technologies for the management of appointment scheduling and data of large volumes of vaccinated

Mass vaccination against COVID-19 using technologies to manage appointment scheduling and data in large volumes of vaccinated people Abstract Mass vaccination poses a challenge for health authorities due to the high volume of people who need to be vaccinated in a short period of time. Manual processes in vaccination centres to record and control vaccinations where the data is entered on paper result in delays in the timely input of information rendering the vaccination process inefficient. The proposed prototype, as a strategy for mass COVID-19 vaccination, to generate appointments, record, and control entry to vaccination centres, uses mobile technology, QR codes, and cloud computing to automate these data-driven processes. Technology-based processes help people by giving them the flexibility to choose the most convenient vaccination centre and provide health authorities with data-driven tools for management, control, and real-time decision-making.

Comparación de 2 brotes de COVID-19 acaecidos antes y después de la vacunación de usuarios y trabajadores de una residencia geriátrica

Las residencias geriátricas han sufrido los efectos del COVID-19, especialmente antes de la vacunación de los usuarios. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las características epidemiológicas de 2 brotes, declarados antes y después de la campaña de vacunación en una residencia geriátrica.

Métodos

Se definió como brote la presencia de uno o más casos de usuarios vinculados a una secuencia temporal y espacial en la residencia. El primer brote sucedió en el año 2020 y el segundo en el año 2022. La población de estudio fue de 109 usuarios y trabajadores en ambos brotes. La campaña de vacunación se realizó durante el año 2021. La cobertura de vacunación fue de 63/64 (98,44%) de usuarios y 42/45 (93,33%) de trabajadores con 3 dosis de vacuna de ARNm.

Resultados

La incidencia, casos sintomáticos, casos ingresados y mortalidad de ambos brotes se resume en la tabla 1. En el segundo brote los síntomas generalmente fueron más leves. Se constató una reducción de la mortalidad del 91,31% en el segundo brote respecto al primero.Unlabelled Image

Conclusiones

La campaña de vacunación pudo haber influido en la disminución de la mortalidad, número de ingresos y gravedad de los síntomas en el segundo brote. La elevada incidencia del segundo brote podría explicarse por la elevada transmisibilidad asociada a la variante ómicron de SARS-CoV-2, predominante en el momento de producirse el brote.

IR-7936. Características epidemiológicas de las reinfecciones por COVID-19 en los trabajadores sanitarios

Objetivos

Métodos

Resultados

Conclusiones

IE-7971. Perfil clínico y demográfico de los pacientes candidatos a recibir Evusheld® para la prevención de la COVID-19 grave, en un hospital de tercer nivel

Evusheld®, anticuerpos monoclonales cilgavimab y tixagevimab, están indicados para los pacientes con condiciones de riesgo que cursan con inmunosupresión e inadecuada respuesta a la vacunación o contraindicación de la misma, presentando alto riesgo de la enfermedad grave por SARS-CoV-2. Describir las características de los pacientes con serología negativa tras la vacunación completa según la estrategia de vacunación frente a la COVID-19 en España, es una condición necesaria para recibir Evusheld®.

Métodos

Estudio descriptivo de pacientes mayores de 17 años con serología negativa antiproteína S, extraída entre el 31/03/2022 y el 10/06/2022, tras la administración de la tercera o la cuarta dosis de vacuna frente a la COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Las variables cuantitativas se evaluaron mediante media ± desviación estándar y las cualitativas mediante porcentajes. Se utilizó el estadístico de la U de Mann Whitney.

Resultados

De las 3.103 serologías realizadas, 155 fueron negativas (5,0%). El 47,7% (74) fueron mujeres, y un 52,3% (81) hombres. La edad media fue de 62,7 ± 11,8 años, 65,3 ± 10,3 en los hombres y 60,9 ± 13,1 en las mujeres (p = 0,114). El 32,9% de los pacientes que no respondieron a la vacunación eran pacientes tratados con inmunosupresores o inmunomoduladores biológicos y el 51,6% (80) eran pacientes trasplantados, siendo 72 (46,5%) receptores de trasplante de órgano sólido (TOS) y un 5,2% (8) de trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos. De los receptores de TOS, un 20,2% (34) eran renales y un 12,5% (21) pulmonares.

Conclusiones

Los pacientes que no respondieron adecuadamente a la vacunación frente a la COVID-19 fueron, en su mayoría, receptores de TOS o tratados con inmunosupresores o inmunomoduladores biológicos, siendo por tanto candidatos potenciales para recibir Evusheld®^.

The situation of vaccines for the prevention of infections in adults: An opinion paper on the situation in Spain

The childhood immunization schedule is well known and generally well implemented in developed countries. For various reasons, the same is not true of vaccines aimed at preventing infections in adults, in which vaccination coverage is incomplete and generally very deficient. In order to assess the situation of adult vaccination in Spain, the Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud has brought together a series of experts in different fields, including doctors, nurses, representatives of patient associations, health managers and economists, health authorities and journalists to deal with this issue. The format was that of a round table in which a series of questions previously formulated by the coordinators were to be answered and debated. The document presented is not an exhaustive review of the topic, nor is it intended to make recommendations, but only to give a multidisciplinary opinion on topics that could be particularly debatable or controversial. The paper reviews the main vaccine-preventable adult diseases, their clinical and economic impact, the possibilities of reducing them with vaccination programmes and the difficulties in carrying them out. The role of nursing, pharmacy services, patient associations and the health administration itself in changing the current situation was discussed. Prospects for new vaccines were discussed and we speculated on the future in this field. Finally, particularly relevant ethical aspects in decision-making regarding vaccination were discussed, which must be faced by both individuals and states. We have tried to summarize, at the end of the presentation of each question, the environment of opinion that was agreed with all the members of the table.

[Austrian syndrome: A rare manifestation of invasive pneumococcal disease. A case report and bibliographic review]

The Austrian syndrome is a pathology caused by disseminated Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and characterized for the triad of pneumonia, endocarditis and meningitis. It has an estimated incidence of 0.9-7.8 cases per ten millions people each year, and a mortality of 32%. Alcohol abuse, as the main risk factor, appears only in four out of ten patients. Moreover, 14% of patientes do not have any risk factor. Two out of three patients are males and it occurs in the middle aged of life. It is more frequently on native valve, aortic valve is injured in the half of the cases. Severe regurgitation occurs in two per three patients. Appropriate antimicrobial treatment and early endocarditis surgery decrease mortality. It is possible that Austrian syndrome epidemiology is changing by the introduction of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine in the children´s calendar.

The frequency of allergic reactions to the triple viral vaccine in 94 patients with egg allergy

Introduction: Vaccination is the most effective public health intervention of all times, reducing the death and morbidity rates derived from multiple infectious diseases. In many cases, the administration and reception of vaccines is delayed due to the fear of allergic reactions; this is frequent among patients with allergy to egg who need the triple viral vaccine. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of reactions after the administration of triple viral vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella, MMR) in an egg-allergic population. Materials and methods: We conducted a multi-center retrospective study (2014-2016) including patients with egg allergy who visited an allergology center and required the administration of the triple viral vaccine. Results: A total of 94 patients met the selection criteria. From these patients, 68.2% had cutaneous symptoms, 22.3% had an anaphylactic reaction, 5.3% had gastrointestinal symptoms, and 4.2% had respiratory egg-related symptoms. Regardless of the severity of their reaction to egg, all patients received the triple viral vaccine and in 100% of the cases, it was well tolerated. Conclusion: Although egg allergy is common in childhood, the risk of allergic reactions during the MMR vaccination in this population was similar to that in the general population, therefore, its use should not be deferred even in patients with a history of severe egg-related allergic reactions.

Vaccination of pregnant women in the Valencian Community during the 2014-15 influenza season: a multicentre study

OBJECTIVE

To study influenza vaccination uptake in pregnant women from three Health Departments in the Valencian Community (Spain) during the 2014-15 flu season, to identify degree of knowledge, sources of information and attitudes toward immunization against influenza.

METHODS

Multicentre cross-sectional descriptive study during the 2014-15 vaccination campaign. Vaccine coverage was determined using the Nominal Vaccination Registry (NVR). Subsequently, a telephone survey was carried out on a sample of vaccinated and unvaccinated postpartum women.

RESULTS

The NVR had information on 934 (59.5%) out of 1,569 postpartum women; distribution per Health Departments was: 420 (44.9%), 161 (17.2%) and 353 (37.8%) in La Ribera, Torrevieja and Elx-Crevillent respectively. Vaccine uptake was 27.9% (n = 261). According to the "Country of Origin" variable, 77.5% (n = 724) of women were Spanish, with a vaccination rate of 26.7% (n = 193), compared to 22.5% (n = 210) who were non-Spanish, with a rate of 32.4% (n = 68). The main source of information was midwives for 83.7% (n = 159) of vaccinated pregnant women and for 44.6% (n = 127) of non-vaccinated women. The main reasons for vaccine refusal were lack of awareness (29.5%, n = 84) and not considering it necessary (25.6%, n = 73).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their high willingness to be vaccinated after receiving information about the flu vaccine, the vaccination coverage in pregnant women studied is still low and can be improved. Health professionals need new information strategies to extend vaccine uptake to a larger number of pregnant women in Spain. Midwife advice plays an essential role in transmitting information on influenza vaccination in pregnant women and has a significant impact on uptake.

[Economic and Health impact of influenza vaccination with adjuvant MF59 in population over 64 years in Spain]

OBJECTIVE

Influenza is an important health problem due to the mortality it can cause directly or indirectly as well as the complications and the economic and social costs it produces. Influenza epidemics are being addressed through vaccination campaigns aimed at preventing cases and complications, and the vaccine is officially recommended, as in the case of Spain, for certain risk groups, such as older people, chronic diseases and institutionalized population. The adjuvanted influenza vaccine with MF59, indicated for population over 65 years, has been shown to be more immunogenic than conventional influenza vaccines. The objective of this study is to assess the impact on the national and regional budget of the seasonal vaccination campaigns carried out in Spain using the MF59 adjuvanted vaccine compared to a conventional vaccine in a population older than 65 years.

METHODS

We analyzed the budgetary impact of the use of the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine in the national territory and by Autonomous Communities through a modeling of two alternatives, conventional vaccination versus adjuvant vaccination with MF59 in a population older than 65 years. The cases of avoided influenza, avoided complications and avoided costs, as well as the economic impact of the vaccination program have been calculated.

RESULTS

With the available information, the budgetary impact of using the influenza vaccine with MF59 in all the over 65 years, amounts to 6,967,288.10 €, avoiding for the national set a cost of 89.5 million Euros, which represents a potential savings of 82 million Euros and a cost-benefit ratio of 12.83.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the influenza vaccine with the MF59 adjuvant to all those over 65 years would mean an increase in the efficiency of the vaccination programs currently proposed in all the Autonomous Communities and in the Spanish state.

[Community outbreak of hepatitis A in a marginal population. Vaccination for its control and acceptance of the measure]

OBJECTIVE

To study a community outbreak of hepatitis A in a marginal population and the public health response in order to bring it under control.

DESIGN

Descriptive study of the outbreak that occurred in February-June, 2004. An epidemiological survey was conducted to detect prior cases and active vigilance was set up. Case and susceptibility definitions were established.

SETTING

A gypsy population in Madrid, Spain. They had basic provision of sewerage, water supply and waste disposal.

PARTICIPANTS

A population of 550 in census; estimated population, 800. 70% were under 40 and 55% were illiterate.

INTERVENTIONS

Control measures were: a) health education activities to strengthen habits of hygiene, and b) immunisation of susceptible individuals. A total of 646 people were vaccinated, with the active help of staff from the Institute of Rehousing and Integration into Society.

RESULTS

The outbreak affected 26 people, with an average age of 8 (95% CI, 6.2-9.8), similar distribution by sex and 3.3% attack rate. Fourteen cases were students at state schools, not all in the same classes. There were 7 pairs of siblings among the cases. The diagnosis was conformed by serology in 17 cases. Five needed hospital admission.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemic curve suggested person-person transmission. All those affected were under 20 years old. Vaccination was seen to be effective in controlling the outbreak. Interventions were assisted by intermediaries in order to respect the gypsies' cultural context and were well accepted.

[Pneumococcal vaccine effectiveness in the elderly. Systematic review and meta-analysis]

AIM

Estimate pneumococcal vaccine effectiveness in preventing Streptococcus pneumoniae illness in the elderly.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCE. MEDLINE, years 1964 to the 2000; EMBASE, from 1988 to the 2000; Cochrane Library, identified studies and previously published systematic reviews citations peruse, and contacts with field experts.

STUDY SELECTION

Clinical trials, cohort and case-control studies, published in Spanish, English or French, that estimated pneumococcal disease rates in vaccinated or not vaccinated elderly.

DATA EXTRACTION

The studies were valued independently by four investigators with predefined criteria of validity, such as results comparing rates of disease caused by serotypes included in the vaccine, random allocation, double blind design, included subjects pertaining to the same study base, and losses of less than 10% in clinical trials and 20% in observational studies.

RESULTS

Eight clinical trials considered the relative risk (RR) of pneumococcal pneumonia, three did not make estimations on pneumonia originated by serotypes included in the vaccine and only one study fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. Vaccinated versus not vaccinated pneumococcal pneumonia RR was 0.86 (95%CI, 0.24 to 2.99). Vaccine effectiveness was 14% (95%CI, -199 to 76%). Ten studies performed estimations on the effectiveness of the vaccine on invasive disease by vaccine serotypes. Of these, two clinical trials and two observational studies fulfilled the required quality criteria. RR of invasive disease was of 0.68 (95%CI, 0.39-1.18); vaccine effectiveness was 32% (95%CI, 18-61%).

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence was found supporting pneumococcal vaccine effectiveness to reduce or avoid S. pneumoniae disease in the elderly.