Vaccines and Prevention of Infections in Early Life

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Vaccines and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 9676

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Mother and Child, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: innate immunity; paediatrics; infectious diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Early-life infections can have severe consequences later in life. Fetuses, neonates, and young infants are vulnerable to a range of infectious agents during pregnancy, delivery, and the early post-natal period. Although significant progress has been made towards preventing infections in early life, many challenges remain to be overcome. Pathogens such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Group B Streptococcus continue to burden neonates and young infants significantly. Further research on the epidemiology of early-life infections, screening strategies, and preventive measures is crucial for reducing instances of diseases in this population. This Special Issue invites new research studies relevant to vaccines that may also address epidemiology, pathogenesis, screening strategies, diagnostics, management, and prevention of infections in early life.

Dr. Eleni Vergadi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • pediatric infection
  • pediatric vaccines
  • childhood immunization
  • pediatric infection control

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2015 KiB  
Article
Access to DTP-Based Combination Vaccines in Asia–Pacific Countries between 2019 and 2022
by Jiyan Ma, Yinuo Sun, Yuxuan Cui, Jingya Dong and Yangmu Huang
Vaccines 2024, 12(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12010033 - 28 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1558
Abstract
The Asia–Pacific countries are highly diverse in health and economic conditions that may impact vaccine access and uptake. Our study aimed to characterize patterns of health access to DTP-based combination vaccines in 10 countries from 2019 to 2022 using the IQVIA-MIDAS database. The [...] Read more.
The Asia–Pacific countries are highly diverse in health and economic conditions that may impact vaccine access and uptake. Our study aimed to characterize patterns of health access to DTP-based combination vaccines in 10 countries from 2019 to 2022 using the IQVIA-MIDAS database. The availability, affordability, and accessibility were compared across countries by national health and economic performance indicators using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Our findings showed that the three aspects of access to DTP-based vaccines varied substantially in the Asia–Pacific region, with higher levels in countries with better health and economic performance. Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine accessibility fluctuates significantly in lower-income countries, with DTP coverage rates falling by more than 14% in the Philippines and Indonesia between 2019 and 2021. For availability and affordability, Singapore and Malaysia from high-income groups were largely affected, which may be related to health expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product (Coefficient = 0.39, p = 0.03). Our study indicates that greater attention needs to be paid to national health expenditure and routine immunization services to improve vaccine disparities and increase the robustness and resilience of the vaccine supply chain during public health emergencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Prevention of Infections in Early Life)
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12 pages, 1047 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Introducing Free Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae on the Uptake of Recommended Vaccination in Poland
by Wojciech Malchrzak, Mateusz Babicki, Dagmara Pokorna-Kałwak and Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121838 - 11 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1467
Abstract
Since 2017, pneumococcal vaccination has evolved from a recommended chargeable vaccination to a mandatory, and therefore free, vaccination for all children. While a 10-valent vaccine is commonly used, parents have the option to use a 13-valent vaccine for a fee. This study aimed [...] Read more.
Since 2017, pneumococcal vaccination has evolved from a recommended chargeable vaccination to a mandatory, and therefore free, vaccination for all children. While a 10-valent vaccine is commonly used, parents have the option to use a 13-valent vaccine for a fee. This study aimed to investigate whether and how the introduction of free pneumococcal vaccination affected the uptake of recommended vaccination and to assess the association of chargeable pneumococcal vaccination with recommended vaccination. Data from 1595 vaccination record cards kept by six primary care clinics in urban and rural areas of Poland were collected and analyzed for children born between 2015 and 2018. Belonging to the clinic and the year of birth were the only inclusion criteria. Following the introduction of free universal pneumococcal vaccination, more children were vaccinated with the recommended vaccination (61.2% vs. 66.6%, p = 0.026). The most significant change was in vaccination against rotavirus (48.5% vs. 54.4%, p = 0.018) and against meningococcal B bacteria (4.8% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001). Children who received chargeable pneumococcal vaccination were also significantly more likely to be vaccinated with recommended vaccines (54.6% vs. 75.9%, p < 0.001). In particular, this was the case for multivalent vaccinations—against rotavirus, chickenpox, and meningococcal C bacteria. Reducing the impact of the economic factor, for example, by introducing free vaccinations, should have a positive impact on the uptake of other recommended vaccinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Prevention of Infections in Early Life)
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Review

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10 pages, 369 KiB  
Review
Live-Attenuated Vaccines in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant
by Christopher Hartley, Tina Thomas, Sara Kathryn Smith and Wikrom Karnsakul
Vaccines 2024, 12(4), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12040376 - 1 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1983
Abstract
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella incidence rates have increased due to the delayed vaccination schedules of children secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased herd immunity creates a risk for immunocompetent children and immunocompromised individuals in the community. Historically, live-attenuated vaccines (MMR and [...] Read more.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella incidence rates have increased due to the delayed vaccination schedules of children secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased herd immunity creates a risk for immunocompetent children and immunocompromised individuals in the community. Historically, live-attenuated vaccines (MMR and varicella) were recommended before solid organ transplants. The amount of time before transplant when this is appropriate is often debated, as is the utility of vaccine titers. MMR and varicella vaccines previously were not recommended in immunocompromised patients post-solid organ transplant due to the undue risk of transmission and posed infection risk. The new literature on live-attenuated vaccines in post-transplant pediatric patients provides more insight into the vaccines’ safety and efficacy. The present article aims to provide guidance on live-attenuated vaccines (MMR and varicella) in the pre-transplant and post-operative solid organ transplant phases of care in pediatric patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Prevention of Infections in Early Life)
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16 pages, 340 KiB  
Review
Coping Strategies for Pertussis Resurgence
by Xuanxuan Nian, Hongbo Liu, Mengyao Cai, Kai Duan and Xiaoming Yang
Vaccines 2023, 11(5), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11050889 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3469 | Correction
Abstract
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a respiratory disease caused primarily by Bordetella pertussis, a Gram-negative bacteria. Pertussis is a relatively contagious infectious disease in people of all ages, mainly affecting newborns and infants under 2 months of age. Pertussis is undergoing a resurgence [...] Read more.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a respiratory disease caused primarily by Bordetella pertussis, a Gram-negative bacteria. Pertussis is a relatively contagious infectious disease in people of all ages, mainly affecting newborns and infants under 2 months of age. Pertussis is undergoing a resurgence despite decades of high rates of vaccination. To better cope with the challenge of pertussis resurgence, we evaluated its possible causes and potential countermeasures in the narrative review. Expanded vaccination coverage, optimized vaccination strategies, and the development of a new pertussis vaccine may contribute to the control of pertussis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Prevention of Infections in Early Life)

Other

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12 pages, 673 KiB  
Systematic Review
Local Lidocaine–Prilocaine for Immunisation in Infants
by Claudia-Felicia Pop, Petronela Coblișan, Valentina Sas, Cătălina Drugă and Paraschiva Cherecheș-Panța
Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121329 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Introduction: Lidocaine–prilocaine cream effectively reduces vaccination pain, improving vaccination adherence and advocating for its routine use in healthcare settings. Methods: This review used PRISMA guidelines and the PICOT format to structure the analysis. The focus was on paediatric patients aged 0–12 [...] Read more.
Introduction: Lidocaine–prilocaine cream effectively reduces vaccination pain, improving vaccination adherence and advocating for its routine use in healthcare settings. Methods: This review used PRISMA guidelines and the PICOT format to structure the analysis. The focus was on paediatric patients aged 0–12 months requiring intramuscular vaccinations, comparing the application of lidocaine–prilocaine cream to other interventions or no treatment. Data sources included MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, BMC, Research GATE, and Cochrane Library. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with data extracted regarding participant demographics, pain assessment scales, and study conclusions. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool assessed study quality, while statistical analyses evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: Fifty studies were identified, with nine ultimately included in the analysis, involving 704 participants. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of lidocaine–prilocaine cream in reducing pain after vaccinations. Results showed a significant mean difference of −1.719 in pain scores for infants treated with lidocaine–prilocaine compared to those receiving other interventions. Behavioural indicators, such as crying duration and latency to the first cry, favoured the lidocaine–prilocaine group. Conclusions: Lidocaine–prilocaine cream effectively reduces vaccination pain, supporting its routine use in healthcare settings. Engaging parents can enhance vaccination adherence. Training healthcare professionals on lidocaine–prilocaine cream application and pain scales is vital for improving patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of lidocaine–prilocaine cream on vaccination experiences and infant behavioural health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Prevention of Infections in Early Life)
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