Motivational interviewing and vaccine acceptance in children: The MOTIVE study

Background and ObjectiveVaccine coverage have been less than desired in young children in part due to parental vaccine hesitancy. Addressing health beliefs through patient-centered communication approaches such as motivational interviewing (MI) may improve vaccine confidence. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the difference in paediatric vaccination coverage rates based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended schedule in children 0–6 years of age after an educational intervention for providers and integration of an MI-based communication tool, MOTIVE (MOtivational Interviewing Tool to Improve Vaccine AcceptancE).MethodsPaediatric and family practice providers in a federally qualified health center in the United States completed an educational intervention regarding vaccine hesitancy and use of the MOTIVE tool. Providers then implemented the MOTIVE tool to address common health beliefs using strong, presumptive vaccine recommendations and an MI framework during encounters with patients 0–6 years of age. Data were collected from 1-year pre-educational intervention (July 2018-June 2019, N = 2504) and post-intervention (July 2019-March 2020, N = 1954) to examine differences in vaccination coverage rates and documented vaccine refusals.ResultsUse of the MOTIVE tool was associated with a statistically significant increase in IIV vaccination coverage rate in children 6 months to 6 years of age (32.4% versus 43.9%, p < 0.01). A significantly increased Hib vaccination coverage rate was observed in children 0–18 months of age. Patients with commercial insurance also had significantly higher vaccination coverage rates for the DTaP, IPV, and VAR vaccines during the intervention period. Use of the MOTIVE tool was associated with a decrease in documented vaccine refusals per 100 patients in children 0–6 years of age (31.5 versus 17.6, p < 0.01).ConclusionUse of an MI-based communication tool may decrease vaccine refusals and improve childhood vaccination coverage rates, particularly for IIV.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03934008, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03934008, deidentified individual participant data will not be made available.     

Vaccine timeliness and prevalence of undervaccination patterns in children ages 0–19 months,U.S., National Immunization Survey-Child 2017

ObjectivesTypically, early childhood vaccination coverage in the U.S. is measured as the proportion of children by age 24 months who completed recommended vaccine series. However, these measures do not reflect whether vaccine doses were received at the ages recommended by the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or whether children received vaccines concomitantly, per the ACIP recommended schedule. This study’s objective was to quantify vaccine timeliness and prevalence of specific patterns of undervaccination in U.S. children ages 0–19 months.MethodsUsing 2017 National Immunization Survey-Child data, we calculated days undervaccinated for the combined 7-vaccine series and distinguished undervaccination patterns indicative of parental vaccine hesitancy, such as spreading out vaccines across visits (“shot-limiting”) or starting some but not all recommended vaccine series (“selective vaccination”), from other non-hesitancy patterns, such as missing final vaccine doses or receiving all doses, with some or all late. We measured associations between demographic, socioeconomic and other characteristics with undervaccination patterns using multivariable log-linked binomial regression. Analyses accounted for the complex survey design.ResultsAmong n = 15,333 U.S. children, only 41.2% received all recommended vaccine doses on-time by age 19 months. Approximately 20.9% of children had an undervaccination pattern suggestive of parental vaccine hesitancy, and 36.2% had other undervaccination non-hesitancy patterns. Uninsured children and those with lower levels of maternal education were more likely to exhibit undervaccination patterns suggestive of parental hesitancy. Lower levels of maternal education were also associated with other non-hesitancy undervaccination patterns.ConclusionsMore than half of children in the U.S. are undervaccinated at some point by 19 months of age. Ongoing assessment of vaccine timeliness and immunization schedule adherence could facilitate timely and targeted public health interventions in populations with high levels of undervaccination.     

Quality and reliability of vaccination documentation in the routine childhood immunization program in Burkina Faso: Results from a cross-sectional survey

IntroductionAccurate and timely vaccination data are important to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) to assess individual vaccination status and to monitor performance and vaccine coverage (VC). Since 2013, Burkina Faso introduced several new vaccines into the routine childhood immunization schedule. However, sustained efforts for a timely update and alignment of immunization home-based (HBRs) and health facility-based records (FBRs) with the evolving schedule were not implemented.MethodsIn 2016–17, we conducted a 6-week cross-sectional survey in 30 health facilities (HFs) across 10 health districts (HDs), targeting children aged < 24 months and their caregivers. Data collected included sociodemographics, availability of vaccination recording fields in HBRs, and vaccination dates. We evaluated the characteristics, completion patterns, and concordance of HBRs and FBRs to determine their reliability as data sources in estimating VC. A standard HBR was defined as one that had recording fields for all recommended 17 vaccine doses of the schedule, and discordance between HBR and FBR as having different vaccination dates recorded, or vaccination information missing in one of the records. We computed proportions and concordance statistics, and used logistic regression to explore predictors of discordance.ResultsWe recruited 619 children, including 74% (n = 458) aged 0–11 months. Half (50.6%) of HBRs were non-standard. About two-thirds (64.6%) of children were concerned with discordant information. Compared to HBRs, FBRs were generally associated with low negative predictive values (median: 0.41; IQR: 0.16–0.70). Multivariate logistic regression model showed that standard HBR was protectively associated with discordant information (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26–0.81, p = 0.010).ConclusionWe documented a lack of standardization of HBRs and frequent information discordance with FBRs. There is a pressing need to update and standardize vaccination recording tools and ensure their continuous availability in HFs to improve data quality in Burkina Faso.     

Effect of a vaccine information statement (VIS) on immunization status and parental knowledge,attitudes, and beliefs regarding infant immunization in Japan

BackgroundBecause of the overabundance of vaccination information on the internet, in the media, and on social media, providing clear and correct information on immunization is critical for parental decision-making. In 2018, the Japan Pediatric Society created and distributed a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to provide appropriate immunization information to caregivers. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effect of the VIS on immunization rates, adherence to schedule, and parental understanding of immunization in Japan.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 centers in 2 prefectures in Japan. Caregivers were assigned to an intervention group, which received the VIS and a questionnaire when their child reached the age of 1 month, and a control group, which received only the questionnaire. Using the self-reported questionnaires, we evaluated vaccination rates and schedule adherence at age 2 months, and parental knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding immunization. Three months later, the questionnaires were returned, and the findings were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsWe contacted 422 and 428 persons in the intervention and control groups, respectively, and 111/422 (26.3%) and 119/428 (27.8%) returned the surveys. Vaccination rates and adherence rates for the first dose of 4 recommended vaccines did not differ significantly (P > 0.25); however, there were some positive effects on items related to vaccine knowledge (P = 0.03), perceived benefits (P = 0.02), perceived barriers (P < 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (P = 0.01).ConclusionThe VIS improved parent comprehension of infant immunization. Future studies should examine if the effects of such an intervention persist and affect vaccine uptake throughout childhood.     

A behavior change model to address caregiver hesitancy around COVID-19 vaccination in pediatrics

IntroductionMany families express hesitancy around immunizing their children against COVID-19. We sought to better understand the perspectives of vaccine hesitant caregivers, and develop targeted recommendations for health care workers and policymakers to engage in more effective vaccine discussions.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 23 caregivers recruited from a pediatric infectious diseases clinic, including a subset of patients referred to discuss vaccine hesitancy. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified themes that were mapped using behavior change models to identify perceived barriers and facilitators towards COVID-19 immunization.ResultsBarriers and facilitators were mapped to the WHO (World Health Organization) 3C’s (confidence, complacency, convenience) model of vaccine hesitancy as well as the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation) behavior change model. Barriers included mistrust in authorities, misperception of the risk of COVID-19 in children, and perceived health contraindications and negative previous vaccine experiences. Facilitators included positive relationships with healthcare workers, the promise of a “return to normal”, and societal pressures to immunize.ConclusionsEfforts to increase vaccine uptake in the pediatric population must target specific barriers and facilitators to immunization expressed by caregivers. To address these concerns, we suggest: 1. Educating hesitant caregivers by highlighting the long-term pandemic effects on children and the threat of COVID-19 to children’s health, 2. Building on the trust caregivers have in healthcare workers by involving frontline workers in public health policy, and 3. Harnessing the power of peer pressure by mobilization of societal pressures and establishing COVID-19 vaccination as the norm in children.     

Developing communication tools on rotavirus vaccination to support family paediatricians in Italy

BackgroundUniversal rotavirus (RV) vaccination for newborns was introduced in Italy in 2018, but national vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. Effective communication between the family paediatrician (FP) and parents/caregivers is essential to promote vaccination acceptance. This project aimed to support FPs in communicating RV vaccination to parents/caregivers through the development and implementation of demonstrative videos and training modules.MethodsA working group composed of two FPs, two communication professionals, a medical expert from GSK and a clinical psychologist, was formed to establish the key scientific information to be communicated to parents/caregivers and develop the demonstrative videos. Four videos depicting four communication styles (I to IV) were developed based on the Social Styles Theory. Thirty FPs were then asked to pilot test the videos and provide feedback. In addition, two training modules with scientific information were developed to learn how to respond to parents’/caregivers’ objections.ResultsA total of 23 FPs provided feedback after using one or more videos at least five times. Twenty FPs (87.0 %) used mostly-one style, and most (60.0 %) used Style IV. Overall, the feedback was positive, as the majority of FPs (82.6 %, n = 19/23) indicated that the proposed videos were ‘useful’ or ‘extremely useful’ for introducing the RV vaccination to parents/caregivers in their actual practice. Based on this feedback, shorter versions of each video were also produced, and two training modules were developed to support FPs in responding to parental objections. Most FPs 75 % (n = 9/12) found Module 1 ‘very useful’, and all found Module 2 ‘very useful’ (100 %, n = 12/12).ConclusionsThe communication tools developed were well appreciated by the FPs and are expected to support FPs in communicating RV vaccination thereby increasing its coverage. Practicing RV communication may also prove beneficial for FPs to communicate other critical topics to parents/caregivers.     

Varicella-zoster-virus vaccination of immunosuppressed children with inflammatory bowel disease or autoimmune hepatitis: A prospective observational study

Background and aimsChildren with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) receiving immunosuppressive treatment are at risk for severe varicella zoster virus (VZV)-induced disease. This study evaluated vaccination of susceptible patients with stable disease and documented immunoreactivity without interruption of their current immunosuppression (IS).MethodsThis prospective multicentre observational study used a prevaccination checklist to select patients with low-intensity and high-intensity IS for VZV vaccination. Tolerability and safety after immunization were assessed by questionnaire. The immune response was measured by the VZV-IgG concentration, relative avidity index (RAI), and specific lymphocyte proliferative response.ResultsA total of 29 VZV vaccinations were performed in 17 seronegative patients aged 3–16 years (IBD n = 15, AIH n = 2). Eight patients received high-intensity immunosuppression, another six low-intensity immunosuppression, and three patients interrupted IS before VZV vaccination.All 29 vaccinations were well tolerated; only minor side effects such as fever and abdominal pain, were reported in two patients. One patient experienced a flare of Crohn’s disease the day after vaccination.The VZV-IgG-concentration increased significantly (p = 0.018) after vaccination, and a specific lymphocyte response towards VZV in vitro was detected in all tested patients which correlated with the RAI (r = 0.489; p = 0.078).ConclusionsVZV vaccination was well tolerated, safe and immunogenic in children receiving ongoing IS due to IBD and AIH. Ensuring immunoreactivity by clinical and laboratory parameters, rather than the type and dosage of IS, is a reasonable approach to decide on live-attenuated virus vaccinations in immunosuppressed children (German clinical trials DRKS00016357).     

Acute reactions after a homologous primary COVID-19 vaccination series: Analysis of Taiwan V-Watch data

IntroductionThe ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (ChAd), mRNA-1273 (m1273), MVC-COV1901 (MVC), and BNT162b2 (BNT) COVID-19 vaccines received authorization for emergency use in Taiwan beginning in February 2021. We investigated acute reactions to homologous primary COVID-19 vaccination series in adults aged ≥ 18 years.MethodsIn this prospective observational study based on smartphone data (Taiwan V-Watch), we calculated the frequencies of self-reported local and systemic acute reactions within 7 days of a COVID-19 vaccination, and the health effects up to 3 weeks after each dose. Those who reported adverse reactions after both doses were assessed by the McNemar test.ResultsDuring 22 March 2021–13 December 2021, 77,468 adults were enrolled; 59.0 % were female and 77.8 % were aged 18–49 years. For both doses of all four vaccines, the local and systemic reactions were minor in severity and highest on days 1 and 2 after vaccination, and declined markedly until day 7. For 65,367 participants who provided data after the first and second doses, systemic reactions were more frequent after dose 2 of the BNT and m1273 vaccines (McNemar tests: both p < 0.001), while local reactions were more frequent after dose 2 of the m1273 and MVC vaccines (both p < 0.001), compared with dose 1 of the homologous vaccine. Among the participants aged 18–49 years, the percentage who missed work on the day after vaccination was slightly higher among women (9.3 %) than among men (7.0 %).ConclusionsAcute reactogenicity and impact of work absenteeism for the four COVID vaccines in the V-Watch survey were mild and of short duration.     

An innovative housing-related measure for individual socioeconomic status and human papillomavirus vaccination coverage: A population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is a known cause of anogenital (eg, cervical) and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite availability of effective HPV vaccines, US vaccination-completion rates remain low. Evidence is conflicting regarding the association of socioeconomic status (SES) and HPV vaccination rates. We assessed the association between SES, defined by an individual validated Housing-based Index of Socioeconomic Status (HOUSES), and HPV vaccination status.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of children/adolescents 9–17 years as of December 31, 2016, living in southeastern Minnesota by using a health-record linkage system to identify study-eligible children/adolescents, vaccination dates, and home addresses matched to HOUSES data. We analyzed the relationship between HPV vaccination status and HOUSES using multivariable Poisson regression models stratifying by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and county.ResultsOf 20,087 study-eligible children/adolescents, 19,363 (96.4%) were geocoded and HOUSES measures determined. In this cohort, 57.9% did not receive HPV vaccination, 15.8% initiated (only), and 26.3% completed the series. HPV vaccination-initiation and completion rates increased over higher SES HOUSES quartiles (P < .001). Rates of HPV vaccination initiation versus unvaccinated increased across HOUSES quartiles in multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and county (1st quartile, referent; 2nd quartile, 0.97 [0.87–1.09]; 3rd quartile, 1.05 [0.94–1.17]; 4th quartile, 1.15 [1.03–1.28]; test for trend, P = .002). HOUSES was a stronger predictor of HPV vaccination completion versus unvaccinated (1st quartile referent; 2nd quartile, 1.06 [0.96–1.16]; 3rd quartile, 1.12 [1.03–1.23]; 4th quartile, 1.32 [1.21–1.44]; test for trend, P < .001). Significant interactions were shown for HPV vaccination initiation by HOUSES for sex (P = .009) and age (P = .006).ConclusionThe study showed disparities in HPV vaccination by SES, with the highest HOUSES quartiles associated with increased rates of initiating and even greater likelihood of completing the series. HOUSES data may be used to target and tailor HPV vaccination interventions to undervaccinated populations.     

Effects of measles-containing vaccination in children with severe underlying neurologic disease

BackgroundMeasles outbreaks pose significant risk for those unvaccinated.Patients and methodsMeasles-containing vaccine was offered to unvaccinated children with severe neurologic diseases during a measles outbreak. Vaccination adverse events were reported by parents 30 days following vaccination. Long term effects were evaluated 12 months post vaccination.ResultsTwenty-seven children were vaccinated (36 doses given). Half of parents (51.8%) reported no adverse events following immunization. Adverse events included afebrile seizures (6/36), fever alone (5/36) and febrile seizures (5/36). Two children required hospitalization. Quadrivalent measles-containing vaccine combined with varicella was associated with febrile seizures (p = 0.04). No child needed adjustment of the anti-epileptic treatment or exhibited developmental regression.ConclusionIn a series of children with prior severe neurologic disease, the safety-tolerability profile of vaccines containing a measles vaccine component suggests that vaccination is justified. Main side effect was seizure aggravation in children with known epileptic disease.     

Efficacy,immunogenicity, and safety of available vaccines in children on biologics: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Vaccinations are essential for preventing infectious diseases in children with chronic diseases as they have increased risk of infection from frequent use of biologics. Response to immunizations in this group is not well known.ObjectiveA systematic review was performed to evaluate three primary outcomes: efficacy; immunogenicity; and safety of vaccines in children with chronic conditions treated with biologics.MethodsThe protocol for our systematic review and meta-analysis was registered and published with PROSPERO. We searched electronic bibliographic databases for studies published from 2009 to 2019, focusing on vaccinations in children with chronic conditions treated with biologics.ResultsWe retrieved 532 records. Thirty-one full-text articles were selected, and 14 were included in the meta-analysis. No significant publication bias was found. Efficacy: limited data are available regarding the efficacy of vaccination, as most studies have focused on immunogenicity as surrogate outcome for efficacy. Immunogenicity: patients receiving anti-TNF-alpha therapy had a statistically significant risk of poor seroconversion (p = 0.028) and seroprotection by the serotype B influenza vaccine [inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) p = 0.013; juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) p = 0.004]. We found adequate responses with H1N1 and H3N2 serotypes. Few studies existed for pneumococcal, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, varicella-zoster virus, Measles Mumps Rubella virus, and multiple vaccine administration. Safety: vaccine administration was not associated with serious side effects, but JIA patients on anti-TNF alpha therapy had a statistically significant risk of presenting with myalgia or arthralgia postinfluenza vaccine (p = 0.014).ConclusionsMore evidence concerning efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of vaccinations is needed to guide physicians in the vaccine decision process for this pediatric population.     

Impact of patient and provider nudges on addressing herpes zoster vaccine series completion

ObjectivesTo determine the combined impact of provider-facing and text message-based, patient nudges on herpes zoster vaccine series completion.MethodsFollowing a period during which Kroger Health implemented provider facing nudges, select US patients that initiated herpes zoster vaccination were randomized to receive timed text messages when the second dose was due and available as part of a quality improvement exercise. Main comparisons were between patients intervened by provider nudge only and those intervened by both provider and patient nudges. Data were assessed by GEE-based logistic and linear regression, controlling for available patient- and store-level characteristics, and geospatial analyses.ResultsDuring the baseline period, 100,627 adults received at least one HZ vaccine dose and 83.9% completed the series within 6 months over 88.6 days (SD: 26.53) on average. In the intervention period, 120,339 adults were vaccinated at least once and series completion was 88.3% (both provider nudges and text messaging) and 85.3% (not texted) during this observation window (both p < 0.0001). Time between doses was shorter for those who received text messages compared to both the baseline period and those in the intervention period that were not texted (both p < 0.001). Controlling for multiple characteristics, the odds of completion improved in the intervention period compared to baseline (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.033–1.111), but a noticeably higher completion odds was observed amongst patients who received a text message in the intervention period (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.286–1.414). Adjusting for patient and pharmacy factors, those who were texted received their second herpes zoster vaccine dose 8.6 days sooner (95% CI: ?9.08 - ?8.17, p < 0.0001) compared to those intervened by the provider nudge only.ConclusionThe combined use of clinical and patient-focused nudges is a simple mechanism by which pharmacies and other health care access points can address the multi-dose vaccine needs of diverse patient populations.     

Survey of influenza vaccine knowledge,attitudes, and beliefs among pregnant women in the 2016–17 season

ObjectivesInfluenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women in the United States is suboptimal. We surveyed women who were pregnant during the 2016–17 influenza season to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza vaccination.MethodsWe identified and sampled pregnant women to include approximately equal numbers of vaccinated and unvaccinated women from strata defined by vaccination status and trimester from four integrated health systems in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). Potential participants were contacted via mail and telephone to complete a standardized survey. Characteristics and responses of women vaccinated and unvaccinated during pregnancy were compared.ResultsThe survey was completed by 510 (48%) of 1062 contacted women; 500 were included in the analysis. Vaccine receipt while pregnant was associated with primigravida status (p = 0.02), college degree (p = 0.01), employment in health care (p < 0.01), and history of routine annual influenza vaccination (p < 0.01). Among 330 vaccinated women, the primary reasons for vaccination included protection of self and baby from influenza (n = 233, 71%), and medical professional recommendation (n = 46, 14%). Multiple reasons were given for nonvaccination, but concern about ‘negative effects’ was cited most often (n = 44, 29%). Vaccinated women were significantly more likely to believe that influenza vaccines are safe and effective, and to recognize the potential for harm from influenza infection. Nearly all women reported receiving at least one influenza vaccination recommendation from a healthcare provider.ConclusionsVaccinated pregnant women were more likely to receive routine annual influenza vaccine compared to those not vaccinated. Recommendations by obstetric providers should be supplemented with efforts to encourage women of childbearing age to receive annual vaccination.     

Long-term impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for children on adult pneumococcal pneumonia in Japan: Two multicenter observational studies from 2011 to 2020

BackgroundPediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) introduction has directly and indirectly reduced pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive disease caused by PCV-covered serotypes among children and adults globally. In Japan, both PCV7 and PCV13 were introduced into the national immunization program (NIP) for children in 2013. However, the long-term impact of PCV use in children on adult pneumococcal pneumonia in Japan remains unclear.MethodsWe assessed serotypes isolated from adult pneumococcal pneumonia patients (in- and outpatients) in two multicenter observational studies in Japan: 2011–2014 and 2016–2020. The latter study period was divided into two periods to evaluate changes after PCV introduction in children. The Quellung reaction was used to determine serotypes. We evaluated trends of individual and vaccine-covered serotypes over three periods and assessed the difference in changes by patient group before and after the introduction of pediatric PCVs.ResultsA total of 650 patients were enrolled: 224, 322, and 104 in 2011–2014, 2016–2017, and 2018–2020, respectively. The median age was 73 years; 59.7% (388/650) were male; 86.9% (565/650) had comorbidities; and 10.2% (66/650) were nursing-home residents. The proportion of PCV13 serotypes decreased from 52.7% in 2011–2014 to 30.4% in 2016–2017 (p <0.001) after PCV13 introduction for children. However, PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20 serotypes still accounted for 38.5, 43.3, and 59.6% of total pneumococcal pneumonia in 2018–2020, respectively. Decline of PCV13 serotypes was more marked in patients aged ≥65 (-23.5%; p <0.001) than those aged <65 (-12.3%; p = 0.104) from 2011–2014 to 2016–2020. The proportion of PPSV23 non-PCV13 serotypes didn’t change over time.ConclusionsThe proportion of adult pneumococcal pneumonia caused by PCV13 serotypes in Japan declined after pediatric PCVs introduction into NIP, possibly due to indirect effects of pediatric PCVs. However, use of new PCVs in Japanese adults may potentially prevent additional pneumococcal pneumonia cases. Now, pneumococcal vaccination strategy for older adults requires discussion.     

COVID-19 vaccination coverage in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – A cross-sectional study in Hungary

IntroductionCoronavirus infection is a particular risk for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), because they are much more likely to become severely ill due to oxygen supply problems. Primary prevention, including COVID-19 vaccination is of paramount importance in this disease group. The aim of our study was to assess COVID-19 vaccination coverage in COPD patients during the first vaccination campaign of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study (CHANCE) has been conducted in COPD patients in the eastern, western and central regions of Hungary from 15th November 2021. The anthropometric, respiratory function test results and vaccination status of 1,511 randomly selected patients were recorded who were aged 35 years and older.ResultsThe median age was 67 (61–72) years, for men: 67 (62–73) and for women: 66 (60–72) years, with 47.98 % men and 52.02 % women in our sample. The prevalence of vaccination coverage for the first COVID-19 vaccine dose was 88.62 %, whereas 86.57 % of the patients received the second vaccine dose. When unvaccinated (n = 172) and double vaccinated (n = 1308) patients were compared, the difference was significant both in quality of life (CAT: 17 (12–23) vs 14 (10–19); p < 0.001) and severity of dyspnea (mMRC: 2 (2–2) vs 2 (1–2); p = 0.048). The COVID-19 infection rate between double vaccinated and unvaccinated patients was 1.61 % vs 22.67 %; p < 0.001 six months after vaccination. The difference between unvaccinated and vaccinated patients was significant (8.14 % vs 0.08 %; p < 0.001) among those with acute COVID-19 infection hospitalized. In terms of post-COVID symptoms, single or double vaccinated patients had significantly fewer outpatient hospital admissions than unvaccinated patients (7.56 vs 0 %; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe COVID-19 vaccination coverage was satisfactory in our sample. The uptake of COVID-19 vaccines by patients with COPD is of utmost importance because they are much more likely to develop severe complications.     

Long-term effectiveness of pentavalent and monovalent rotavirus vaccines against hospitalization in Taiwan children

BackgroundTwo rotavirus vaccines (RV1 and RV5) are available on the private market in Taiwan, not included in national immunization program. Scanty reports evaluated the rotavirus vaccine effectiveness (VE) in Asian countries.MethodsFrom February 2014-July 2017, we conducted a prospective case-control study in ten hospitals in Taiwan. Case-patients included children aged 8–59 months, and hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (AGE). For each case patient, up to four controls, rotavirus-negative AGE or non-AGE illnesses, respectively, were matched by gender, age and enrolled date. Vaccination history was confirmed through vaccination card or hospital record. VE was calculated as (1 − odds ratio of vaccination) × 100%.ResultsTotally 4248 AGE patients and 2242 non-AGE controls were enrolled. A total of 330 case-patients with rotavirus AGE, 1226 rotavirus-negative AGE controls and 1122 non-AGE controls were included for analysis. Unvaccinated rate was 85.15% for rotavirus-positive cases, 42.9% for rotavirus-negative controls, and 34.31% for non-AGE controls. VE of two-dose RV1 was 84.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]:77.7%, 90.1%) for rotavirus-negative AGE and 88.9% (95% CI: 83.4%, 92.8%) for non-AGE controls, while VE of three-dose RV5 was 92.5% (95% CI: 85.1%, 96.7%) and 96.4% (95% CI: 91.9%, 98.6%), respectively. For respective vaccine, VEs were not significantly different in term of rotavirus genotypes. VEs of both vaccines declined <80% in children aged three years by combined controls.ConclusionsBoth vaccines provided excellent and sustained protection against rotavirus AGE hospitalization in children in Taiwan, but the effectiveness declined slightly in children aged three years.     

A detailed analysis of possible efficacy signals of NTHi-Mcat vaccine against severe COPD exacerbations in a previously reported randomised phase 2b trial

BackgroundAn investigational vaccine containing non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat) surface proteins did not show vaccine efficacy (VE) against combined moderate and severe (moderate/severe) exacerbations in a randomised, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, observations on rates of severe exacerbations and hospitalisations encouraged further evaluation.MethodsPatients with stable COPD (moderate to very severe airflow limitation, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] stage 2–4), 40–80 years and at least one moderate/severe exacerbation in the last year received two doses of NTHi-Mcat vaccine or placebo plus standard care. Secondary analyses were conducted on VE against exacerbations according to severity. Potential predictive factors at baseline for VE against severe exacerbations were explored in post-hoc analyses.ResultsOf 606 patients enrolled, 571 were included in the efficacy analysis (279 in NTHi-Mcat vaccine group, 292 in placebo group). VE against severe acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) in various subgroups was 52.11 % (p = 0.015; frequent exacerbators), 65.43 % (p = 0.015; baseline GOLD grade 4), 38.24 % (p = 0.034; previous pneumococcal and/or influenza vaccination). VE was 52.49 % (p = 0.044) for the 6–12 months period after 1 month post-dose 2. Multivariable analysis identified two factors (frequent exacerbator status plus inhaled corticosteroid use at baseline) associated with significant VE against severe AECOPD; in this subpopulation, VE was 74.99 % (p < 0.001).ConclusionResults suggest potential efficacy with the NTHi-Mcat vaccine against severe exacerbations in certain patients with COPD, in particular those who have frequent exacerbations and use inhaled corticosteroids. This potential signal requires confirmation in an appropriately designed prospective clinical trial.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03281876.     

Vaccine coverage among children with epilepsy in two Canadian provinces: A Canadian immunization research network study

ObjectivesChildren with epilepsy are at increased risk of complications from vaccine-preventable infections, yet information on vaccine coverage in these children is scarce. We aimed to compare vaccine coverage among children with epilepsy to children without epilepsy.Study designWe conducted a retrospective cohort study including all 2005–2013 births in Manitoba and Ontario, Canada, creating two cohorts: 2-year-olds and 7-year-olds (followed to age 2 and 7 years). We split each cohort into epilepsy and non-epilepsy subcohorts. We assessed vaccination coverage based on provincial schedules and determined timeliness of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) dose 1 (recommended at 12 months) and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) dose 4 (recommended at 18 months). We used logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of the association between epilepsy and vaccination, combining both provincial estimates using random effects meta-analysis.ResultsWe included 16,558 2-year-olds (Manitoba, 653; Ontario, 15,905) and 13,004 7-year-olds (Manitoba, 483; Ontario, 12,521) with epilepsy. At age 2 years, the aOR for up-to-date vaccination among children with versus without epilepsy was 0.9 (95% confidence interval 0.8–1.1); at age 7 years it was 1.0 (0.9–1.1). Infants diagnosed with epilepsy before age 6 months were less likely to be up-to-date at age 2 years (0.9; 0.8–0.9), although this difference disappeared by age 7 years. Vaccine timeliness was similar between children with and without epilepsy for MMR dose 1 and DTaP dose 4.ConclusionsOverall, this study suggests that children with epilepsy are not significantly under-vaccinated compared to their peers without epilepsy. As children with epilepsy are at a higher risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination in children with epilepsy should be optimized, especially early in life, as these children may not be able to rely on herd protection.