Predictors of tetanus,diphtheria, acellular pertussis and influenza vaccination during pregnancy among full-term deliveries in a medically underserved population

ObjectiveTo evaluate predictors of vaccination among women who received tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination (Tdap), influenza vaccination, and Tdap and influenza vaccinations.Study DesignIn a retrospective cohort study of all full-term (≥37 weeks gestation) deliveries between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018 at a single, safety-net institution, we used multinomial logistic regression models to compare predictors of vaccination among women who received Tdap only, influenza only, and both Tdap and influenza vaccines.ResultsAmong 3132 full-term deliveries, women were primarily non-Hispanic black (67.5%), between the ages of 21–34 (65.3%), and multiparous (76.0%). The rates of only influenza or Tdap vaccination were 10.3% and 21.6%, respectively; 43.3% of women received both vaccines, and 24.9% of women did not receive either vaccine. In the adjusted models, Hispanic ethnicity was positively associated with receipt of all types of vaccination and non-Spanish language interpreter use was positively associated with receipt of Tdap vaccination and Tdap and influenza vaccination. A parity of greater than three and inadequate and unknown prenatal care adequacy were negative predictors of all types of vaccination. Pre-existing hypertension was negatively associated with Tdap vaccination, and HIV-positive status was negatively associated with influenza vaccination and Tdap and influenza vaccination.ConclusionCompared to the national rate of both Tdap and influenza vaccination (32.8%), a higher proportion of women received both vaccines in our study population. Vaccine uptake may be affected by race/ethnicity, use of interpreter services, parity, pre-existing comorbidities, and prenatal care adequacy. The lower rate of influenza vaccination compared to Tdap vaccination suggests that other factors, such as vaccine hesitancy and mistrust, may be differentially impacting influenza vaccination uptake in our predominantly minority population. Future provider and public health approaches to vaccine promotion should incorporate culturally appropriate strategies that address vaccine-related beliefs and misconceptions.     

Safety profile of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine: Pooled analysis of two large randomised phase 3 trials

Background

The ZOE-50 (NCT01165177) and ZOE-70 (NCT01165229) phase 3 clinical trials showed that the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) was ≥90% efficacious in preventing herpes zoster in adults. Here we present a comprehensive overview of the safety data from these studies.

Status of vaccine research and development of vaccines for herpes simplex virus

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and -2 (HSV-2) are highly prevalent global pathogens which commonly cause recurrent oral and genital ulcerations. Less common but more serious complications include meningitis, encephalitis, neonatal infection, and keratitis. HSV-2 infection is a significant driver of the HIV epidemic, increasing the risk of HIV acquisition 3 fold. As current control strategies for genital HSV-2 infection, including antiviral therapy and condom use, are only partially effective, vaccines will be required to reduce infection. Both preventive and therapeutic vaccines for HSV-2 are being pursued and are in various stages of development. We will provide an overview of efforts to develop HSV-2 vaccines, including a discussion of the clinical need for an HSV vaccine, and status of research and development with an emphasis on recent insights from trials of vaccine candidates in clinical testing. In addition, we will touch upon aspects of HSV vaccine development relevant to low and middle income countries.     

Intranasal immunization with protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis induces a long-term immunological memory response

Although intranasal vaccination has been shown to be effective for the protection against inhalational anthrax, establishment of long-term immunity has yet to be achieved. Here, we investigated whether intranasal immunization with recombinant protective antigen (rPA) of Bacillus anthracis induces immunological memory responses in the mucosal and systemic compartments. Intranasal immunization with rPA plus cholera toxin (CT) sustained PA-specific antibody responses for 6 months in lung, nasal washes, and vaginal washes as well as serum. A significant induction of PA-specific memory B cells was observed in spleen, cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) and lung after booster immunization. Furthermore, intranasal immunization with rPA plus CT remarkably generated effector memory CD4⁺ T cells in the lung. PA-specific CD4⁺ T cells preferentially increased the expression of Th1- and Th17-type cytokines in lung, but not in spleen or CLNs. Collectively, the intranasal immunization with rPA plus CT promoted immunologic memory responses in the mucosal and systemic compartments, providing long-term immunity.     

Durability of humoral immune responses to rubella following MMR vaccination

BackgroundWhile administration of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR-II®) vaccine has been effective at preventing rubella infection in the United States, the durability of humoral immunity to the rubella component of MMR vaccine has not been widely studied among older adolescents and adults.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, we sought to assess the durability of rubella virus (RV)-specific humoral immunity in a healthy population (n = 98) of adolescents and young adults at two timepoints: ~7 and ~17 years after two doses of MMR-II® vaccination. Levels of circulating antibodies specific to RV were measured by ELISA and an immune-colorimetric neutralization assay. RV-specific memory B cell responses were also measured by ELISpot.ResultsRubella-specific IgG antibody titers, neutralizing antibody titers, and memory B cell responses declined with increasing time since vaccination; however, these decreases were relatively moderate. Memory B cell responses exhibited a greater decline in men compared to women.ConclusionsCollectively, rubella-specific humoral immunity declines following vaccination, although subjects’ antibody titers remain well above the currently recognized threshold for protective immunity. Clinical correlates of protection based on neutralizing antibody titer and memory B cell ELISpot response should be defined.     

Immunogenicity of the hepatitis A vaccine 20 years after infant immunization

To determine the duration of immunity provided by the Hepatitis A vaccination (HepA), we evaluated a cohort of participants in Alaska 20 years after being immunized as infants. At recruitment, participants received two doses of inactivated HepA vaccine on one of three schedules. We conducted hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV) testing for participants at the 20-year time-point. Seventy-five of the original 183 participants (41%) were available for follow-up. The overall anti-HAV geometric mean concentration was 29.9 mIU/mL (95% CI 22.4 mIU/mL, 39.7 mIU/mL) and 50 participants (68%) remained seropositive (titer ≥ 20 mIU/mL). Using a fractional polynomial model, the predicted percent seropositive at 25 years was 55.3%, 49.8% at 30 years and 45.7% at 35 years, suggesting that the percent sero-positive could drop below 50% earlier than previously expected. Further research is necessary to understand if protection continues after seropositivity diminishes or if a HepA booster dose may become necessary.