Vaccines

Research

14 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Students’ Perceptions Regarding Adolescent Vaccinations through a Before–After Study Conducted during the COVID-19 Pandemic: GIRASOLE Project Study

by Vincenzo Restivo, Alessandra Bruno, Giuseppa Minutolo, Alessia Pieri, Luca Riggio, Maurizio Zarcone, Stefania Candiloro, Rosalia Caldarella, Palmira Immordino, Emanuele Amodio and Alessandra Casuccio

Vaccines 2023, 11(10), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11101524 - 25 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1032

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in vaccination coverage for all age groups, especially in non-infant age. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an online intervention conducted among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in increasing knowledge [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in vaccination coverage for all age groups, especially in non-infant age. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an online intervention conducted among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in increasing knowledge and positive attitudes toward vaccinations. The study, which took place online from March to May 2021, involved 267 students from six lower secondary schools in Palermo city (Italy); they filled out the questionnaire before and after the intervention. The questionnaire was based on the protection motivation theory (PMT), which estimates the improvement in vaccination-related knowledge and attitudes. The pre- and post-intervention comparison showed a significant increase in the perception of the disease severity: strongly agree pre-intervention n = 150 (58.6%) and post-intervention n = 173 (67.6%, p < 0.001), rated on a five-point Likert scale. In a multivariate analysis, the factor associated with the improvement in the score after the intervention was the school dropout index (low vs. very high dropout index OR 4.5; p < 0.03). The educational intervention was more effective in schools with lower early school leaving rates, an indirect index of socio-economic status. The topic of vaccination has caught the adolescents’ attention, it is, therefore, important that interventions tackling teenagers are tailored to reduce their emotional tension about the perception of adverse effects and improve vaccination coverage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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15 pages, 1192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions and Intention to Get Vaccinated against Mpox among the LGBTIQ+ Community during the 2022 Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peru

by Julieta M. Araoz-Salinas, Brando Ortiz-Saavedra, Linda Ponce-Rosas, David R. Soriano-Moreno, Anderson N. Soriano-Moreno, Jorge Alave and Jose A. Gonzales-Zamora

Vaccines 2023, 11(5), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11051008 - 21 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Vaccination against mpox can control the outbreak by targeting high-risk groups such as the LGBTIQ+ community. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions and intentions to get vaccinated against mpox among the LGBTIQ+ community in Peru. We conducted a cross-sectional [...] Read more.

Vaccination against mpox can control the outbreak by targeting high-risk groups such as the LGBTIQ+ community. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions and intentions to get vaccinated against mpox among the LGBTIQ+ community in Peru. We conducted a cross-sectional study from 1 November 2022 to 17 January 2023 in Peru. We included individuals over 18 years old, belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community, and residing in the departments of Lima and Callao. To evaluate the factors associated with the intention to be vaccinated, we used Poisson regression with robust variance to create a multivariate model. The study comprised 373 individuals who self-identified as members of the LGBTIQ+ community. The participants had a mean age of 31 years (SD ± 9), with 85.0% males and 75.3% reporting to be homosexual men. The majority (88.5%) expressed their intention to receive the vaccine against mpox. Believing that the vaccine is safe was associated with a higher intention to be vaccinated (aPR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.50; p = 0.028). Our study population showed a high level of mpox vaccination intent. Educational campaigns reinforcing the concept of vaccine safety should be conducted to increase the intention and possibly the vaccination rate in the LGBTIQ+ community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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10 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of a Revised National Childhood Immunization Schedule on Vaccination Defaulters

by Ngiap Chuan Tan, Jeremy Pang and Eileen Koh

Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040859 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

Immunization schedules affect community vaccine uptake rates, especially in children who have defaulted on their regular immunization timelines. In 2020, Singapore revised its National Childhood Immunization Schedule (NCIS) to incorporate two new combination vaccines: the hexavalent hepatitis, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, tetanus (DTaP), hemophilus [...] Read more.

Immunization schedules affect community vaccine uptake rates, especially in children who have defaulted on their regular immunization timelines. In 2020, Singapore revised its National Childhood Immunization Schedule (NCIS) to incorporate two new combination vaccines: the hexavalent hepatitis, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, tetanus (DTaP), hemophilus influenzae b (Hib), inactivated poliovirus (IPV) (6-in-1), and the quadrivalent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccines, thus reducing the mean number of clinic visits and vaccine doses by two. Our database study aims to evaluate the impact of the 2020 NCIS on catch-up vaccination uptake rates in children at 18 and 24 months of age and the catch-up immunization rates of individual vaccines at two years. Vaccination data from two cohorts, in 2018 (n = 11,371) and in 2019 (n = 11,719), were extracted from the Electronic Medical Records. Catch-up vaccination rates increased by 5.2% and 2.6% in children on the new NCIS at 18 and 24 months, respectively. The uptake of individual 5-in-1 (DTaP, IPV, Hib), MMR, and pneumococcal vaccines increased by 3.7%, 4.1%, and 1.9% at 18 months. Reduced vaccination doses and visits in the new NCIS bring direct and indirect benefits to parents and promote vaccination adherence for their children. These findings highlight the importance of timelines in improving catch-up vaccination rates in any NCIS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

11 pages, 429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Awareness and Knowledge of Pneumococcal Vaccination in Cardiology Outpatient Clinics and the Impact of Physicians’ Recommendations on Vaccination Rates

by Tuba Ekin, Mehmet Kış, Fatih Güngören, Onur Akhan, Adem Atıcı, Ayşegül Ülgen Kunak, Deniz Mutlu, Fahrettin Katkat, Mevlüt Demir, İbrahim Saraç, Elton Soydan, Dilay Karabulut, Medeni Karaduman, Çağlar Alp, Lütfü Bekar, Ferit Böyük, Mehmet Şahin Adıyaman, Mehmet Kaplan, İsmet Zengin, Serhat Çalışkan, Tarık Kıvrak, Ahmet Öz, Hayati Eren, Murat Bayrak, Umut Karabulut, Selvi Öztaş, Ramazan Düz, Ömer Uluuysal, Ahmet Balun, Gurur Nar Sağır, Hasan Kudat, Hilal Erken Pamukçu, Özge Özcan Abacıoğlu, Ömer Görkem Göldağ, Çağlar Özmen, Şeyda Günay, Mehdi Zoghi and Asım Oktay Ergene Show full author list Hide full author list

Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040772 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the awareness of pneumococcal vaccination (PCV13, PPSV23) in general cardiology outpatient clinics and impact of physicians’ recommendations on vaccination rates. Methods: This was a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study. Patients over the age of 18 from 40 hospitals [...] Read more.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the awareness of pneumococcal vaccination (PCV13, PPSV23) in general cardiology outpatient clinics and impact of physicians’ recommendations on vaccination rates. Methods: This was a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study. Patients over the age of 18 from 40 hospitals in different regions of Turkey who applied to the cardiology outpatient clinic between September 2022 and August 2021 participated. The vaccination rates were calculated within three months of follow-up from the admitting of the patient to cardiology clinics. Results: The 403 (18.2%) patients with previous pneumococcal vaccination were excluded from the study. The mean age of study population (n = 1808) was 61.9 ± 12.1 years and 55.4% were male. The 58.7% had coronary artery disease, hypertension (74.1%) was the most common risk factor, and 32.7% of the patients had never been vaccinated although they had information about vaccination before. The main differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were related to education level and ejection fraction. The physicians’ recommendations were positively correlated with vaccination intention and behavior in our participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between vaccination and female sex [OR = 1.55 (95% CI = 1.25–1.92), p < 0.001], higher education level [OR = 1.49 (95% CI = 1.15–1.92), p = 0.002] patients’ knowledge [OR = 1.93 (95% CI = 1.56–2.40), p < 0.001], and their physician’s recommendation [OR = 5.12 (95% CI = 1.92–13.68), p = 0.001]. Conclusion: To increase adult immunization rates, especially among those with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is essential to understand each of these factors. Even if during COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased awareness about vaccination, the vaccine acceptance level is not enough, still. Further studies and interventions are needed to improve public vaccination rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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16 pages, 1246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Voice-Annotated Digital Decision Aid to Promote Child Influenza Vaccination: A Feasibility Study

by Shih Ying Gun, Aminath Shiwaza Moosa, Chen Wei Poh, Sherryl Lei Ng and Ngiap Chuan Tan

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030565 - 1 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

(1) Background: Child influenza vaccine uptake is suboptimal due partly to vaccine hesitancy. A voice-annotated digital decision aid, Flu Learning Object (FLO), was developed to facilitate parental decision-making. This study assessed parental views on FLO’s usability and utility and determined its preliminary effectiveness [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Child influenza vaccine uptake is suboptimal due partly to vaccine hesitancy. A voice-annotated digital decision aid, Flu Learning Object (FLO), was developed to facilitate parental decision-making. This study assessed parental views on FLO’s usability and utility and determined its preliminary effectiveness in increasing vaccine intention and uptake; (2) Methods: A single-center mixed method study was conducted in a public primary care clinic in Singapore. Parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years who were unvaccinated in the preceding year were recruited. In-depth interviews explored their views of using FLO. Pre- and post-FLO questionnaires assessed their vaccine intention and perceived usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS); (3) Results: 18 parents were recruited. They became more aware of benefits and potential complications, distinguished influenza from the common cold, and recognized recommendations by National Childhood Immunisation Schedule. FLO addressed parents’ concerns and supported their decision-making process. FLO has good usability with a mean SUS score of 79.3, ranked at approximately the 85th percentile. The usage of FLO significantly increased vaccine intention from 55.6% to 94.4% (p = 0.016) with an actual vaccine uptake rate of 50%; (4) Conclusions: Parents generally accepted FLO, which positively influenced their intention to vaccinate their child against influenza. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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14 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Korea

by Boyeon Kim and Eunyoung Kim

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030512 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1170

Abstract

Pregnant women are vulnerable to developing influenza complications. Influenza vaccination during pregnancy is crucial to avoid infection. The COVID-19 pandemic might exacerbate fear and anxiety in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on [...] Read more.

Pregnant women are vulnerable to developing influenza complications. Influenza vaccination during pregnancy is crucial to avoid infection. The COVID-19 pandemic might exacerbate fear and anxiety in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccination and determine the factors associated with influenza vaccine acceptance among pregnant women in Korea. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey in Korea. A survey questionnaire was distributed among pregnant or postpartum women within 1 year after delivery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with influenza vaccination among pregnant women. A total of 351 women were included in this study. Of them, 51.0% and 20.2% were vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 during pregnancy, respectively. The majority of participants who had a history of influenza vaccination reported that the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect (52.3%, n = 171) or increased the importance (38.5%, n = 126) of their acceptance of the influenza vaccine. Factors associated with influenza vaccine acceptance were knowledge of influenza vaccine (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.09, 1.35), trust in healthcare providers (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.43, 4.65), and COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy (OR 6.11, 95% CI 2.86, 13.01). Participants were more likely to accept the influenza vaccine when they received a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, but the rate of influenza vaccination was not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic did not influence influenza vaccine uptake in the majority of pregnant women in Korea. The results emphasize the necessity of appropriate education for pregnant women to enhance awareness of vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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24 pages, 776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Critical Factors Associated with Completion of Childhood Immunisation in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

by Marwa Alabadi, Tawfiq Alashoor, Omran Aldawood, Zainab Qanbar and Zakariya Aldawood

Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122147 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1428

Abstract

(1) Background: surveillance data from the Saudi Ministry of Health shows that the Kingdom’s large-scale immunisation programme has significantly reduced the mortality and morbidity of the target diseases among children. In this study, we review relevant literature and test a number of hypotheses [...] Read more.

(1) Background: surveillance data from the Saudi Ministry of Health shows that the Kingdom’s large-scale immunisation programme has significantly reduced the mortality and morbidity of the target diseases among children. In this study, we review relevant literature and test a number of hypotheses related to the association between demographic, socio-economic, clinic-related, and parents-related variables and completion of childhood immunisation. In doing so, this study identifies critical factors associated with completion of childhood immunisation and presents important implications to healthcare practitioners, particularly in Saudi Arabia; (2) Literature review: a systematic literature review was conducted to understand what is currently published concerning parents’ immunisation compliance in Saudi Arabia and the factors associated with immunisation compliance. (3) Methods: from March to May 2022, an online survey was administered to parents attending one of the 27 primary health care (PHC) centres in Qatif. Data from parents (n = 353) were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, correlation, and a series of OLS and logistic regression models; (4) Results: parental (child) age was negatively (positively) associated with the completion status of childhood immunisation (both p < 0.05). Parents with positive attitudes, social norms, perceptions towards immunisation, and those working in private companies were more likely to immunise their children (all p < 0.05). Conversely, living in an apartment building, walking to PHCs, waiting longer at PHCs, and having higher knowledge of immunisation were negatively associated with the completion of childhood immunisation (all p < 0.05); (5) Conclusions: several factors that positively or negatively influence the completion of childhood immunisation have been identified. Future studies may investigate the causal link between these factors and parental decision-making regarding childhood immunisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

21 pages, 1075 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Meningococcal Vaccination Awareness, Delivery, and Coverage in Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review

by Catherine Masaquel, Katharina Schley, Kelly Wright, Josephine Mauskopf, Ronika Alexander Parrish, Jessica Vespa Presa and Dial Hewlett, Jr.

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020256 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

Vaccines remain a fundamental intervention for preventing illness and death. In the United States, suboptimal vaccine uptake in adolescents and young adults has been observed for meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines, particularly among marginalized communities, despite current recommendations by [...] Read more.

Vaccines remain a fundamental intervention for preventing illness and death. In the United States, suboptimal vaccine uptake in adolescents and young adults has been observed for meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines, particularly among marginalized communities, despite current recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. A systematic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE and MEDLINE In-Process, Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases to identify both drivers of, and barriers to, MenACWY and MenB vaccine uptake in adolescents and young adults. A total of 34 of 46 eligible studies that presented outcomes stratified by race/ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status were selected for review. Results showed MenACWY and MenB vaccination coverage in adolescents and young adults is impacted by racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities. Gaps also exist in insurance for, or access to, these vaccines in adolescents and young adults. Moreover, there was variability in the understanding and implementation of the shared decision-making recommendations for the MenB vaccine. Disease awareness campaigns, increased clarity in accessing all meningococcal vaccines, and further research on the relationships between measures of marginalization and its impact on vaccine coverage in adolescents and young adults are needed to reduce the incidence of severe infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Critical Elements of an Mpox Vaccination Model at the Largest Public Health Hospital System in the United States

by Anthony J. Lo Piccolo, Justin Chan, Gabriel M. Cohen, Ofole Mgbako, Robert A. Pitts, Radu Postelnicu, Andrew Wallach and Vikramjit Mukherjee

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071138 - 23 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1523

Abstract

In the spring of 2022, mpox spread to non-endemic countries, including the United States. In New York City (NYC), vaccine demand grew as quickly as case counts. With the leadership of the Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC) at NYC Health and [...] Read more.

In the spring of 2022, mpox spread to non-endemic countries, including the United States. In New York City (NYC), vaccine demand grew as quickly as case counts. With the leadership of the Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC) at NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue (NYC H+H)—part of the largest public hospital system in the United States—an innovative vaccination model was established that overcame challenges involving health inequities, inadequate access, and lack of vaccine uptake, to successfully administer JYNNEOS vaccines to over 12,000 patients. Transmission has slowed since its peak in August 2022, which has been attributed to successful vaccination campaigns, infection-induced immunity, and behavioral changes among those at highest risk; however, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessment released on 4 April 2023 suggests jurisdictions with low vaccination levels (<35%) remain at risk for an mpox resurgence. Here, we summarize the critical aspects of our mpox vaccination model in NYC, which include integration into routine clinical care, prioritization of health equity, and reutilization of COVID-19 vaccination systems, to provide valuable insights for healthcare institutions as we move into the next stage of this ongoing outbreak. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines Uptakes and Public Health)

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