Vaccination Schedule For Children Research Articles

How safe is Autheem therapy for young Saudi infants? A question worth asking.

In Saudi Arabia, a traditional therapy for a folk labeled problem known as "Autheem - " is often offered to infants. The procedure involves manipulating an infant's soft palate to alleviate pain associated with infant colic and poor feeding. However, concerns remain about this procedure's impact on infant health and its potential to transmit infections. This study focused on perceptions that Saudi mothers hold about Autheem therapy. A descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted via an online platform to reach Saudi mothers in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Five hundred and thirty-six Saudi mothers participated; half were older than 30 years of age. Despite a high rate of college degree attainment, the majority of mothers relied on their elders as a source of information (88.4%). Autheem was viewed to be a stand-alone disease by 86.5% of respondents; 71.4% believed it could not be treated with modern medicine. Most infants were under six months of age when they received Autheem therapy (72%). Roughly 13% of mothers found that their infant had a fever after the therapy; we found an association between Autheem therapy and viral illnesses. About 13% of mothers altered their child's vaccination schedule after Autheem therapy. Older mothers have more positive attitudes towards and stronger beliefs in Autheem therapy than younger mothers. The therapy's strong association with viral illnesses and its negative impact on vaccination schedules are major public health concerns.

Adapting group care to the postpartum period using a human-centered design approach in Malawi

BackgroundResponsive and resilient strategies to reduce high rates of maternal and infant mortality and clinician shortages are needed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Malawi has some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates globally. Group healthcare is a service delivery model that integrates these strategies. Although primarily implemented during the prenatal period, its potential for improving both maternal and infant health outcomes during the postpartum period has not been realized. The purpose of this study was to adapt and co-design the prototype for an evidence-based group care model for the postpartum period using a human-centered design approach with key stakeholders in Malawi.MethodsWe completed steps of a framework guiding the use of human-centered design: 1) define the problem and assemble a team; 2) gather information through evidence and inspiration; 3) synthesize; and 4) intervention design: guiding principles and ideation. Qualitative methods were used to complete steps 2–4. In-depth interviews (n = 24), and incubator sessions (n = 6) that employed free listing, pile sorting and ranking were completed with key stakeholders. Data analysis consisted of content analysis of interviews and framework analysis for incubator sessions to produce the integrated group postpartum and well-child care model prototype. The fifth step is detailed in a separate paper.ResultsAll stakeholders reported a desire to participate in and offer group care in the postpartum period. Stakeholders worked collaboratively to co-create the prototype that included a curriculum of health promotion topics and interactive activities and the service delivery structure. Health promotion topic priorities were hygiene, breastfeeding, family planning, nutrition, and mental health. The recommended schedule included 6 sessions corresponding with the child vaccination schedule over the 12-month postpartum period.ConclusionsUsing a human-centered design approach to adapt an evidence-based group care model in an LMIC, specifically Malawi, is feasible and acceptable to key stakeholders and resulted in a prototype curriculum and practical strategies for clinic implementation.

The wake of the triple epidemic (Tripledemic): does it emphasizes the COVID-19 vaccine as a routine immunization for children? - A cross-sectional study.

Many countries, including the USA, are currently confronting a triple epidemic in children as COVID-19 cases increase and new strains emerge which urge COVID-19 vaccination for children. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the CDC unanimously approved the inclusion of the COVID-19 vaccine (C19V) in the recommended immunizations. As healthcare professionals (HCPs) and parents are significant players in changing the trend of the triple epidemic by giving the C19V, the present study was done to determine awareness and perception of HCPs and parents on the tripledemic and the need for inclusion of C19V in vaccination schedules for children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 HCPs and 200 parents to assess their knowledge and perception of tripledemic and the need for the inclusion of C19V. Noticeably, half of the participants had either recent personal (36.2%) or family (21.8%) exposure to some of the tripledemic like RSV, Flu, or COVID-19. On perceived awareness, 42% were concerned about tripledemic, and 35% thought that regular C19V may prevent or reduce tripledemic. Ironically, 11% were not willing to give C19V to their children. The logistic regression model for positive perception of tripledemic and regular C19V identified significant relationships with education (OR 2.19, CI 1.48-3.81), gender (OR 0.9, CI 01.02-2.63), recent personal or family exposure to any of the tripledemic (OR 0.239, CI 0.87-1.63) and presence of children in the family (OR 0.71, CI 1.4-1.96). The reason for favorable perception was preventing self and family from tripledemic. The findings may give insight to the policymakers for a strategic plan to include C19V in the routine schedule to combat the pandemic and tripledemic by improving herd immunity.

Non-compliance causes with the vaccination schedule in children under 5 years of age

Background: The immunization is a very important process for the organism of the human body, since in this process the body becomes resistant to various pathologies caused by viruses and bacteria. Vaccines are administered from the first days of life to acquire defenses in the body and fight diseases successfully. Objective: Analyze the causes of non-compliance with the vaccination schedule of children under 5 years in San Bartolomé de Pinllo. Methods: A quantitative approach of descriptive scope of cross-sectional design was used, with a sample of 45 parents or caretakers of children. A questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was used with a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.99%. Results: The incomplete vaccination schedule in children under 5 years in San Bartolomé de Pinllo was determined due to sociodemographic, institutional, and cognitive causes. Conclusions: This investigation allowed us to determine the percentage of children under 5 years who have an incomplete vaccination schedule and the reasons for non-compliance. However, it is necessary to provide information to the children's caretakers about the importance of vaccinations.

Building on Success Serving the Nation: Codifying Key Pharmacy Practice Authorities Beyond COVID-19.

Building on Success Serving the Nation: Codifying Key Pharmacy Practice Authorities Beyond COVID-19.

THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON CHILD HEALTH CARE

Objective: Identify the vulnerabilities that occurred to the detriment of the COVID-19 pandemic in child health care. Method: An integrative literature review based on the guiding question: What were the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on child health care? Then, a search for articles was carried out in the SCIELO, LILACS, BDENF and BVS databases, between August and November 2022, and five articles were found, using the following descriptors: “pandemic”, “child health care in Brazil” and “covid-19 and child health”, using the Boolean operator AND. The inclusion criteria were: articles available for free and literature reviews published in Portuguese between 2015 and 2022, which delimited Brazil as a study scenario and whose sample involved nurses working in child health care during the pandemic period. Theses, monographs and dissertations were excluded from the study. Results: Due to the large scale contamination by the covid-19 virus, health system took emergency measures to contain the virus, causing health systems to readjust their care model. Because of this, there was a big impact on child heath care, especially with regard to monitoring the child’s growth and development and compliance with child vaccination schedule, bringing deficit effects to the child’s health in a long term. Conclusion: It is necessary to reinforce the lines of care for child health care, as well as the active search for newborns during this period to remedy possible deficits in follow up. In addition to strengthening continuing health education, to reaffirm the partnership between partners or guardians and the health system.

Child vaccination schedule: changes, concerns and how to tackle hesitancy

Child vaccination schedule: changes, concerns and how to tackle hesitancy

PREVENTION OF SEPSIS IN CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTS TO HEALTH

The first step to prevent SEPSE is to follow the vaccination schedule for children and adults is to avoid the exaggerated use of antibiotics and self-medication, not forgetting proper hand hygiene. Sepsis can develop through exposure to etiological agents present in the environment in which the individual lives on a daily basis, which settle down and trigger a reaction in the body, according to the person’s physiological particularities. ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency) has created programs for the implementation, monitoring and provision of technical materials so that HAIs are reduced at all levels of assistance in the health network.

Child vaccination schedule: new risks and tackling hesitancy

Uptake of childhood vaccines shows a worrying fall due to several factors, but nurses can answer parents’ questions and allay vaccination fears

Evaluation of a Mobile-Based Immunization Decision Support System for Scheduling Age-Appropriate Vaccine Schedules for Children Younger Than 2 Years in Pakistan and Bangladesh: Lessons From a Multisite, Mixed Methods Study.

Missed opportunities for vaccination (MOVs), that is, when children interact with the health system but fail to receive age-eligible vaccines, pose a crucial challenge for equitable and universal immunization coverage. Inaccurate interpretations of complex catch-up schedules by health workers contribute to MOVs. We assessed the feasibility of a mobile-based immunization decision support system (iDSS) to automatically construct age-appropriate vaccination schedules for children and to prevent MOVs. A sequential exploratory mixed methods study was conducted at 6 immunization centers in Pakistan and Bangladesh. An android-based iDSS that is packaged in the form of an application programming interface constructed age-appropriate immunization schedules for eligible children. The diagnostic accuracy of the iDSS was measured by comparing the schedules constructed by the iDSS with the gold standard of evaluation (World Health Organization-recommended Expanded Programme on Immunization schedule constructed by a vaccines expert). Preliminary estimates were collected on the number of MOVs among visiting children (caused by inaccurate vaccination scheduling by vaccinators) that could be reduced through iDSS by comparing the manual schedules constructed by vaccinators with the gold standard. Finally, the vaccinators' understanding, perceived usability, and acceptability of the iDSS were determined through interviews with key informants. From July 5, 2019, to April 11, 2020, a total of 6241 immunization visits were recorded from 4613 eligible children. Data were collected for 17,961 immunization doses for all antigens. The iDSS correctly scheduled 99.8% (17,932/17,961) of all age-appropriate immunization doses compared with the gold standard. In comparison, vaccinators correctly scheduled 96.8% (17,378/17,961) of all immunization doses. A total of 3.2% (583/17,961) of all due doses (across antigens) were missed in age-eligible children by the vaccinators across both countries. Vaccinators reported positively on the usefulness of iDSS, as well as the understanding and benefits of the technology. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a mobile-based iDSS to accurately construct age-appropriate vaccination schedules for children aged 0 to 23 months across multicountry and low- and middle-income country settings, and underscores its potential to increase immunization coverage and timeliness by eliminating MOVs.

Vaccine Schedule Disparities Exist for Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Sickle cell centers and pediatricians often work together to ensure appropriate vaccination of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients with SCD are at high risk for serious infections with encapsulated bacteria, such as Neisseria menigitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae; thus, vaccine recommendations for pediatric patients with SCD differ from those for the general population. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center (UAB) encompasses four care locations: the academic center in Birmingham and three satellite clinics (Montgomery, Opelika, Tuscaloosa). Unlike the academic center where providers are reliant on pediatricians to ensure adherence to recommended vaccines (with the exception of PPSV23), patients seen in the satellite clinics are provided with a prescription for PPSV23 and instructed to obtain it through their pediatrician. Data from prior studies suggest that pediatric patients with SCD may have lower vaccination rates than the general population. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine adherence to recommended SCD-specific vaccination schedules among pediatric patients cared for at UAB , by: 1) determining the mean age at initiation of the HPV, MenACWY, Men B, and PPSV23 vaccines among UAB pediatric patients, compared with SCD-specific recommendations for initiation of each of these vaccines; and 2) comparing vaccination rates for HPV, MenACWY, and Men B among UAB pediatric patients age 13-17 years vs. general population peers. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of clinic notes and the Alabama state vaccine registry (Immunization Patient Registry with Integrated Technology [ImmPRINT]) for records of UAB patients, to determine the age at vaccine initiation and number of doses received for HPV, MenACWY, Men B, and PPSV23 vaccines for all 870 UAB patients aged 3-22 years. We calculated the mean age at which the UAB patients initiated each vaccine, the proportion of patients completing each vaccine series, and (for PPSV23) whether patients were vaccinated at UAB or at another location. We used CDC published vaccination rates for HPV, MenACWY, and MenB from 13-17-year-olds in the general population (Pingali et al., MMWR Morb Wkly Rep 2021) to compare with rates from UAB patient peers. Results: The 870 UAB patients were an average age of 12.1 ± 5.4 years; 51.5% were male and 33.9% received most of their care at satellite clinics. HPV vaccination: Mean ±SD age at HPV vaccine initiation was 11.3±1.2 years (recommended age at first dose=11 years, there are no SCD-specific guidelines for HPV vaccination); coverage for HPV vaccine series initiation and completion among 13-17-year-old UAB patients vs. general population peers was 77.8% vs. 75.1% and 58.2% vs. 58.6%, respectively (Table). Meningococcal [MenACWY] vaccination: Mean±SD age at MenACWY initiation was 11.2±1.8 years (recommended age for patients with SCD is 2 months (MenACWY Menveo) or 24 months (MenACWY Menactra); recommended age for general population is 11 years). We found that patients with SCD were 32 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22-47) times more likely to receive MenACWY after age 11 years. Meningococcal B [MenB] vaccination: Mean age at MenB initiation was 13.5±2.3 years (recommended age for SCD patients is 10 years; vaccine is optional for general population); coverage for ≥1 MenB dose among 13-17-year-old UAB patients vs. general population peers was 17.5% vs. 28.4%, respectively. PPSV23 vaccination: Overall PPSV23 coverage for UAB patients was 70.6%; patients seen at the academic medical center were 1.5 (95%CI, 1.1-2.0) times more likely to receive PPSV23 than patients seen at a satellite clinic (75.2% vs. 59.6%, respectively). Conclusion: Adherence to SCD-specific vaccination age recommendations is poor. We found that patients with SCD were more likely to receive vaccines according to the general population vaccine schedule rather than the SCD-specific vaccine schedule. In addition, reliance on pediatricians to provide PPSV23 for satellite clinic patients resulted in lower PPSV23 vaccination rates among these patients. These data suggest a disparity in adherence to SCD-specific vaccination schedules and suggest the need to develop and test a healthcare provider-focused intervention aimed at improving adherence to the SCD-specific vaccination schedule for children with SCD. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Systematic review of immunogenicity and duration of immunity of currently licensed pertussis wP vaccines in children

Background: Currently recommended whole cell pertussis (wP) vaccination schedule for children includes a 3-dose primary schedule, and at least one booster dose. When estimating the impact of additional strategies to reduce pertussis burden through modelling, duration of immunity conferred by childhood immunization is among the parameters models are most sensitive to. We aim to assess the duration of immunity of currently available wP vaccines in children and the additional protection conferred by booster doses. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of published studies of current commercially available vaccines indexed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Lilacs, SciELO and Central until September 2021. We included clinical trials, observational longitudinal, and cross-sectional studies. Citation screening, data extraction, and risk of bias and methodological quality assessment were done in duplicate by independent reviewers, following the study protocol registered in PROSPERO. Studies were included if they reported primary data on the protection, immunity, or duration of immunity conferred by ≥3 doses of wP vaccine in healthy children, without restriction to time or location of the study. Outcomes included clinical events or serological evidence of protection. Results: We included 12 studies conducted from 2007-2020 with heterogeneous methodological quality. Studies report on 5 of the 18 currently available wP vaccines in use. After primary immunization, geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-pertussis toxin ranged from 9.1 EU/mL (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 8.1-10.2) to 50.9 (95%CI: 45.9-56.4). Prior to the 1st booster, GMC titers were low ranging from 4.7 to 10 EU/mL, and after the 1st booster averaged around 42 EU/mL. Conclusions: The limited available evidence on immunogenicity of currently available wP vaccines reinforces the need for booster doses and suggests that the duration of wP immunity is short, probably <5 years. This is important information for vaccination policy makers, investigators and modelers. PROSPERO registration: CRD42018107309

An investigation on serum antibody level of varicella-zoster virus in healthy population in Beijing

Objective: To assess the level and trend of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody among healthy population in Beijing in 2017, after the five-year implementation of the two doses varicella vaccination strategy in 2012, and to provide evidence for scientific evaluation of immunization strategy. Methods: A total of 2 144 subjects in ten age groups from 8 districts of Beijing city were recruited in this study using cross-sectional survey based on multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Serum samples were collected and VZV antibody was detected by ELISA. The influencing factors of antibody concentration and positive rate were analyzed and compared with the study in 2012. The antibody concentration and antibody positive rate were analyzed by nonparametric test and χ² test respectively. Results: The ratio of subjects with registered residence in Beijing city to other provinces was 1∶1. The ratio of male to female was 1∶1.08. The median concentration of VZV antibody was 341.4 (78.6, 1 497.8) mIU/ml, and the total antibody positive rate was 71.1% (1 524/2 144). There were significant differences in antibody positive rate (χ²=736.39, P<0.01) and antibody concentration (χ²=740.34, P<0.01) among different age groups. The antibody positive rate generally increased with age (χ²trend=7.32, Ptrend<0.01). Among 862 children under 14 years old, the antibody positive rate of two doses vaccination 72.8% (182/250) was significantly higher than that of one dose vaccination 51.9% (154/297) (χ²=25.14, P<0.01). There was significant difference between 1-4 years old group (χ²=11.71, P<0.01) and 10-14 years old group (χ²=5.95, P=0.02), but not in 5-9 years old group (χ²=3.00, P=0.07). Compared with the study in 2012, the antibody positive rate increased in 5-9 years old group (χ²=14.35, P<0.01) and decreased in 1-4 years old group (χ²=11.51, P=0.01) in 2017. Conclusion: The recommended varicella booster vaccination has significantly improved the VZV antibody level of children in Beijing city. In the future, it is necessary to explore a more optimized two doses varicella vaccination schedule for children in combination with epidemiological evidence.

Transfixing Penetrating Trauma of the Oropharynx Caused by an Unusual Strange Body

Objective: Oropharyngeal trauma is a common emergency in children. Our work aimed to expose a case of transfixing trauma of the oropharynx caused by an unusual foreign body and to review our behavior in the management of these traumas. Observation: The authors report a case of trauma to the oropharynx caused by a long tip of a hair straightener that occurred in a 06-year-old child. the mechanism of occurrence was a fall during play while the child was holding the tip in his mouth. The initial symptomatology was marked by endobuccal bleeding, hypersalivation, limitation of mouth opening and corticollis. The entrance orifice was located on the left anterior pillar and the penetrating end of the tip protruded subcutaneously at the level of the left retroauricular region. Enhanced head and neck computed tomography revealed a metallic, serrated density body transfixing from the oropharynx through the pre- and retrostylian spaces in contact with and below the jugular vein and internal carotid artery and terminates in position subcutaneously in the mastoid region. The preoperative hemoglobin level was 13g/dl, the coagulation assessments were normal. As the child's vaccination schedule was not up to date, we administered a dose of serum and tetanus vaccine concomitantly. The exploratory cervicotomy allowed us to extract a tip approximately 20 cm long which grazed the jugulocarotidian bundle without detectable lesions. The postoperative course was simple, healing of the wound occurred around the 10th day.

Vaccination Schedules

First vaccines and vaccination schedules were based on “trial and error” and on immunogenicity data (serology). Latest since the 1990s, vaccination schedules are based on well-defined phase 1–3 development programs as basis for licensure of any new product. Vaccination schedules must bear in mind the epidemiology of the targeted disease; the biology of available vaccine product(s); local opportunities to vaccinate; monitoring for the desired outcome. There are 4 basic primary vaccination schedules for children, based on historical development and local needs. Birth doses are recommended with BCG and hepatitis B vaccine. Dosing in the 2nd year of life is usually needed for long term-protection induced by polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines. Live vaccines (MMR, VZV) are usually given as of 9 months of age – later dosing may induce improved immune responses; a second dose is needed before school entry for optimal protection. In addition to “general regular schedules” vaccines and schedules emerge for pregnant women, international travelers, persons above 60 or 65 years, immunocompromised hosts.

The Characteristic of Measles Epidemic Process in Kyrgyz Republic

The Characteristic of Measles Epidemic Process in Kyrgyz Republic

The preferred method for reminding a child's vaccination schedule among Iranian parents.

The most important reason for vaccination delay is the unawareness of the parents of vaccination schedule. The use of reminders can result in better vaccination coverage. This study aimed to determine the preferred method of receiving vaccination reminders from the parents' perspective. Cross-sectional study. We studied the parents of under 7-year-old children who visited one of the six urban health centres in Mashhad for vaccination of their children in 2017. Three hundred parents were participated based on the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of five sections. Five Medical Informatics specialists confirmed the validity of the questionnaire. The data were analysed by descriptive-inferential statistics and the significance level was set at p<0.05. Around 94% of the participants wanted to be reminded about their children's vaccination schedule. Most of them (74.3%) preferred to receive reminders by short text messaging (SMS) and 42% preferred to be reminded 1 day before the vaccination date (n=42%). The tendency to receive reminders and the preferred method had no significant correlation with participants' age, education degree and residential area. The preferred reminder method from the parents' perspective was SMS. Despite the growth of information technology as well as people's access to the Internet, it seems that use of other methods such as SMS to remind and specifically educate parents in this respect is more common.

Modeling the Long-term Antibody Response and Duration of Immune Protection Induced by an Inactivated, Preservative-free Hepatitis A Vaccine (Healive) in Children

ObjectiveLong-term seroprotection via the hepatitis A vaccine is essential for the prevention of disease from the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Due to documented difficulties during decade-long follow-ups after receiving vaccines, statistical-modeling approaches have been applied to predict the duration of immune protection. MethodsBased on five-year follow-up data from a randomized positive-controlled trial among Chinese children (1–8 years old) following a 0, 6 months vaccination schedule, a power-law model accounting for the kinetics of B-cell turnover, as well as a modified power-law model considering a memory-B-cell subpopulation, were fitted to predict the long-term immune responses induced by HAV vaccination (Healive or Havrix). Anti-HAV levels of each individual and seroconversion rates up to 30 years after vaccination were predicted. ResultsA total of 375 participants who completed the two-dose vaccination were included in the analysis. Both models predicted that, over a life-long period, participants vaccinated with Healive would have close but slightly higher antibody titers than those of participants vaccinated with Havrix. Additionally, consistent with previous studies, more than 90% of participants were predicted to maintain seroconversion for at least 30 years. Moreover, the modified power-law model predicted that the antibody titers would reach a plateau level after nearly 15 years post-vaccination. ConclusionsBased on the results of our modeling, Healive may adequately induce long-term immune responses following a 0, 6 months vaccination schedule in children via induction of memory B cells to provide stable and durable immune protection.

Vaccine uptake and associated factors in an irregular urban settlement in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGlobally, childhood immunization saves the lives of 2–3 million children annually by protecting them against vaccine-preventable diseases. In 2017, 116.2 million children were vaccinated worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Nevertheless, figures suggest that 19.5 million children around the world fail to receive the benefits of complete immunization.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed vaccine uptake and the factors associated with incomplete vaccination schedule in children of up to 36 months of age assisted by the family health strategy in an irregular settlement located in a state capital city in northeastern Brazil. This study was nested within a larger study entitled “Health, nutrition and healthcare services in an urban slum population in Recife, Pernambuco”, conducted in 2015. A census included 309 children, with vaccination data obtained, exclusively, from their vaccination cards records. An ad hoc database was constructed with variables of interest. Absolute and relative values were calculated for the socioeconomic, demographic, obstetric and biological data. To identify possible factors associated with incomplete vaccination schedule, crude and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were performed, and conducted in accordance with the forward selection method with robust variance and the adjusted prevalence ratio was calculated with the 95% CI. Variables with p-values < 0.20 in the unadjusted stage were included in the multivariable analysis. The statistical significance of each variable was evaluated using the Wald test, with p-values < 0.05.ResultsJust half of the children (52,1%) was classified as complete vaccination schedule. In the final model, the factors associated with incomplete vaccination schedule were age 12–36 months and the mother who did not complete high school.ConclusionThe percentage of vaccine uptake found was far below the recommendation of the National Childhood Immunization Schedule and was associated with child’s age and mother’s education level. Based on these findings, the family healthcare teams may elaborate vaccination strategies aimed at reaching the coverage rates established by the national immunization program. Optimizing coverage will ultimately prevent the resurgence, at epidemic level, of infectious diseases that are already under control in this country.

Epidemiological Study of Influenza A, Influenza B, Enterovirus 71, and Coxsackievirus A16 Among Children in the Central Region of Zhejiang Province, China.

Influenza A virus (IAV), influenza B virus (IBV), enterovirus 71 (EV71), and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) are common pathogens for viral infection in children. In order to investigate the epidemiology of these four viral infections in the central region of Zhejiang province, China, 10,638 respiratory secretion samples previously tested for IAV and IBV, and 6427 whole blood samples previously tested for EV71 and CVA16 detection were analyzed retrospectively. The present data shows that viral infections with these four viruses featured with distinct seasonal patterns. Both IAV and IBV infections more frequently occurred in winter, while infections with the two enteroviruses peaked in summer with high positive rates in other months. The most susceptible ages for IAV, IBV, EV71, and CVA16 were 2-7years old, 4-6years old, 1-3years old, and 1-2years old, respectively. It was recommended that children in the central region of Zhejiang Province should be vaccinated for influenza by the end of October every year, especially between the ages of 2 and 7years old and children in age from 1 to 3years old should be paid more attention all year round for EV71 and CVA16 infection. Moreover, the female gender appeared to be a risk factor only for IBV infection, while CVA16 inflicted more infection in young children. This study revealed that season, age, and gender should be taken into consideration when devising vaccination schedules for children in the central region of Zhejiang.