Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage Research Articles

Women Suffered More Than Men Both During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cross-Sectional Study Among 29,079 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

To investigate the gender differences and the disparities between infected and noninfected patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) regarding patient-reported experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. Register study using questionnaires sent electronically to patients with T2D, June 2022. The questionnaire included 82 questions covering COVID-19 disease, symptoms, medications, comorbidities, hospital care, possibility of working from home and information received from health authorities. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the Norwegian diabetes registry for adults. A total of 29,079 T2D patients participated, of whom 38.1% were women. Patients infected with COVID-19 were younger, had shorter diabetes duration and less comorbidities than noninfected (p < 0.01). Women reported significantly more anxiety, depression and fear of not getting their diabetes medication than men did. Most patients were vaccinated against COVID-19 (98.3%), whereas approximately 60% had received seasonal flu vaccine, and only 27.2% the pneumococcal vaccine. Women described more vaccine adverse effects and long Covid symptoms. Overall, 14% experienced vaccine complications and 27.3% of infected individuals reported long Covid symptoms. 2.4% of the infected patients needed hospital admission. Patients were satisfied with the follow-up of their diabetes, and with information from the government during the pandemic. Female patients were more likely to experience a prolonged Covid course, and higher degree of adverse effects from the COVID-19 vaccine than male patients. Also, long Covid symptoms were significantly more often reported among female patients, while men were more prone to be hospitalised when infected. Hospitalised patients, both men and women, had significantly higher HbA1C than those who were not hospitalised. T2D patients had a surprisingly low pneumococcal vaccination coverage, despite recommendations in national guidelines.

Prevalence, spatial distribution and determinants of complete childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analyses

IntroductionPneumococcal disease is a serious global public health concern. The primary causative agent of severe illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, acute otitis media, and bacteremia is the pneumococcus bacterium. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is a key strategy to reduce the burden of pneumococcal disease. Understanding the spatial distribution of complete childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccine utilization and its associated factors is crucial for designing strategies to improve vaccination implementation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the spatial distribution of complete childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccination coverage and identify its determinants in Ethiopia.MethodA spatial and multilevel analysis was conducted using data from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis included a total of 2,055 weighted children. The association between the outcome variable and the explanatory variables was determined by calculating adjusted odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval. Explanatory variables were considered significantly associated with the outcome if the p-value was less than 0.05.ResultThe prevalence of complete childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in Ethiopia was 53.94% (95% CI: 51.77, 56.08). Higher complete childhood pneumococcal vaccination coverage was observed in the Addis Ababa, Tigray, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Oromia regions, while lower coverage was seen in the Afar, Somali, and SNNPR regions of Ethiopia. Factors significantly associated with complete childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccination included maternal age, antenatal care visits, place of delivery, region, community women’s literacy level, community poverty level, and community antenatal care utilization.ConclusionThe distribution of complete childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccination exhibited spatial variability across Ethiopia. Approximately half of children aged twelve to thirty-five months received the full dose of the childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the country. Several factors were identified as statistically significant determinants of complete childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccination, including maternal age, antenatal care visits, place of delivery, region, community women’s literacy level, community poverty level, and community ANC utilization. Therefore, policies and strategies aimed at combating pneumococcal disease should consider these determinants and address areas with low vaccination coverage.

Expert panel opinion on adult pneumococcal vaccination in the post-COVID era (NAP- EXPO Recommendations-2024).

Pneumococcal diseases pose a significant public health concern in India, with substantial morbidity and mortality, with the elderly and those with coexisting medical conditions being most at risk. Pneumococcus was also seen to be one of the main reasons for co-infection, pneumonia and complications in COVID. Current guidelines recommend vaccination for specific adult populations, but there is a lack of uniformity and guidance on risk stratification, prioritisation and optimal timing. Nation Against Pneumococcal Infections - Expert Panel Opinion (NAP-EXPO) is a panel convened to review and update recommendations for adult pneumococcal vaccination in India. The panel of 23 experts from various medical specialties engaged in discussions and evidence-based reviews, discussed appropriate age for vaccination, risk stratification for COPD and asthma patients, vaccination strategies for post-COVID patients, smokers and diabetics, as well as methods to improve vaccine awareness and uptake. The NAP-EXPO recommends the following for adults: All healthy individuals 60 years of age and above should receive the pneumococcal vaccine; all COPD patients, regardless of severity, high-risk asthma patients, post-COVID cases with lung fibrosis or significant lung damage, should be vaccinated with the pneumococcal vaccine; all current smokers and passive smokers should be educated and offered the pneumococcal vaccine, regardless of their age or health condition; all diabetic individuals should receive the pneumococcal vaccine, irrespective of their diabetes control. Strategies to improve vaccine awareness and uptake should involve general practitioners (GPs), primary health physicians (PHPs) and physicians treating patients at high risk of pneumococcal disease. Advocacy campaigns should involve media, including social media platforms. These recommendations aim to enhance pneumococcal vaccination coverage among high-risk populations in India in order to ensure a reduction in the burden of pneumococcal diseases, in the post-COVID era. There is a need to create more evidence and data to support the recommendations that the vaccine will be useful to a wider range of populations, as suggested in our consensus.

Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: As heart failure (HF) patients face increased vulnerability to respiratory infections, optimizing pneumococcal and influenza vaccination coverage becomes pivotal for mitigating additional health risks and reducing hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality rates within this population. In this specific subpopulation of patients, vaccination coverage for pneumococcal and influenza holds heightened significance compared to other vaccines due to their susceptibility to respiratory infections, which can exacerbate existing cardiovascular conditions and lead to severe complications or even death. However, despite the recognized benefits, vaccination coverage among HF patients remains below expectations. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the vaccination coverage for influenza and pneumococcus in HF patients from 2005 to 2023 and the vaccination's effects on survival and hospitalizations. Methods: The authors developed the protocol of the review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, and the search was performed in databases including PubMed and Scopus. After the initial search, 851 studies were found in PubMed Library and 1961 in Scopus (total of 2812 studies). Results: After the initial evaluation, 23 publications were finally included in the analysis. The total study population consisted of 6,093,497 participants. Regarding the influenza vaccine, vaccination coverage ranged from low rates of 2.5% to very high rates of 97%, while the respective pneumococcal vaccination coverage ranged from 20% to 84.6%. Most studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of vaccination on survival and hospitalizations. Conclusions: The present systematic review study showed a wide variety of vaccination coverage among patients with heart failure.

Pneumococcal vaccine uptake among high-risk adults and children in Italy: results from the OBVIOUS project survey

BackgroundStreptococcus pneumoniae infections, including Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases (IPDs), pose a substantial public health challenge, causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially among children and older adults. Vaccination campaigns have played a vital role in reducing pneumococcal-related deaths. However, obstacles related to accessibility and awareness might impede optimal vaccine adoption. This study aims to provide comprehensive data on pneumococcal vaccine coverage and attitudes within at-risk groups in Italy, with the goal of informing public health strategies and addressing vaccination barriers.MethodsBetween April 11 and May 29, 2022, a questionnaire investigating vaccine uptake and attitudes toward several vaccinations was administered to 10,000 Italian adults, chosen through population-based sampling. Respondents who were targets of the campaign according to the 2017–2019 National Vaccination Plan, accessed questions regarding pneumococcal vaccination. Data on uptake, awareness of having the right to free vaccination, opinion on vaccine safety, concern with pneumococcal disease, and ease of access to vaccination services were summarized and presented based on statistical regions. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors influencing vaccine uptake.ResultsOut of 2357 eligible adult respondents (42.6% women; mean age: 58.1 ± 15.7), 39.5% received pneumococcal vaccination. Uptake differed among at-risk groups: respondents aged ≥65 (33.7%), with lung disease (48.4%), cardiovascular disease (46.6%), and diabetes (53.7%). Predictors of not being vaccinated and unwilling to included female gender, residing in rural areas, lower education, low concern about pneumococcal disease, vaccine safety concerns, and associations with vaccine-opposed acquaintances. Health access issues predicted willingness to be vaccinated despite non-vaccination. Pneumopathy, heart disease, diabetes, and living in Northeastern or Central Italy were linked to higher uptake. Among the 1064 parents of eligible children, uptake was 79.1%. Parental unawareness of children’s free vaccination eligibility was a predictor of non-vaccination. Vaccine safety concerns correlated with reluctance to vaccinate children, while perceived healthcare access challenges were associated with wanting but not having received vaccination.ConclusionsPneumococcal vaccination uptake within prioritized groups and children in Italy remains inadequate. Scarce awareness of vaccine availability and obstacles in accessing vaccinations emerge as principal barriers influencing this scenario.

Real-World Coverage With Influenza, Pneumococcal, and Herpes Zoster Vaccines Among Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in a Nationwide Healthcare Plan.

Vaccination against preventable infections is important for the management of rheumatic diseases (RDs). This study assessed the vaccination coverage and predictors among patients with RDs using real-world data from Israel. This retrospective cross-sectional study, based on a Maccabi Healthcare Services database, included adult patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as of April 30, 2019. Age-specific vaccination coverage for influenza (past year), pneumococcal (23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine [PPSV23] and/or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV13]), and live-attenuated herpes zoster (HZ) vaccines (past 5 years) was reported. Logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of vaccination. The study included 14,528 patients (RA: n = 6932; PsA: n = 4395; SLE: n = 1951; > 1 condition: n = 1250). Influenza vaccine coverage among patients with RA, PsA, and SLE was 45.1%, 36.2%, and 33.7%, respectively. For PPSV23, corresponding rates were 19.6%, 16.2%, and 12.6%, respectively. In the elderly population (≥ 65 years), 63.2% had influenza vaccine in the past year and 83.4% had a PPSV23 vaccine in the past 5 years or at age ≥ 65. For PCV13 and HZ, coverage in the overall study population was low at 4.8% and 3.6%, respectively. Central residence and treatment with corticosteroids and biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs within the past 5 years were significant predictors of vaccination coverage across all vaccines (P < 0.05). Other predictors varied by vaccine, including female sex (influenza, PPSV23, PCV13), age (influenza, PPSV23), chronic comorbidities (influenza, PPSV23, PCV13), shorter disease duration (PCV13), and high socioeconomic status (PCV13, HZ). This study demonstrated suboptimal coverage of influenza, pneumococcal, and HZ vaccination in patients with RA, PsA, and SLE, in particular among younger adults in Israel.

Potentially inappropriate prescriptions and potential prescription omissions in older people living with HIV.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) and potential prescription omissions (PPOs) in a Spanish cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH) aged ≥65 years and to identify risk factors for the presence of PIPs and PPOs. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted across 10 public hospitals in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain. Clinical and demographic data were cross-checked against hospital and community pharmacy dispensation registries. PIPs and PPOs were assessed using the American Geriatrics Society (AGS)/Beers and Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP)/Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria. Risk factors for PIPs and PPOs and agreement between AGS/Beers and STOPP/START criteria were statistically analysed. This study included 313 PLWH (median age 72 years), of whom 80.5% were men. PIP prevalence rates were 29.4% and 44.4% based on the AGS/Beers and STOPP criteria, respectively. The concordance between AGS/Beers and STOPP criteria was moderate. Benzodiazepines and proton pump inhibitors were the chronic comedications most commonly involved in PIPs. PPOs were observed in 61.4% of the patients. The leading omissions were insufficient influenza and pneumococcal vaccine coverage and inadequate bone health-related treatments. The number of chronic comedications, female sex, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cancer diagnosis were risk factors for PIPs, whereas osteopenia and osteoporosis were risk factors for PPOs. A high prevalence of PIPs and PPOs was observed in our cohort of older PLWH. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive medication reviews in this population to reduce inappropriate medication use and address their specific and underserved therapeutic needs.

The impact of comorbidities and sociodemographic predictors on pneumococcal vaccination coverage in adults with coronary heart disease.

Aim: Coronary heart disease (CHD) increases the risk of adverse outcomes from invasive pneumococcal disease. Methods: Using the 2020 and 2021 data from the national health interview survey, we identified adults with CHD. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to examine factors that influence vaccination status. Results: There were 2675 participants aged 41 and above with CHD. Participants were predominantly white people (82.5%) and males (60.1%). The odds of receiving the pneumococcal vaccine increased with stepwise increase in comorbidities from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3. Among individuals with ≥2 comorbidities, black people were less likely to be vaccinated compared with white people. Conclusion: Pneumococcal vaccine uptake among adults with CHD is determined by cumulative comorbidities and ethnicity.

Fusion of PspA to detoxified pneumolysin enhances pneumococcal vaccine coverage

Despite the implementation of conjugate vaccines in several countries, S. pneumoniae continues to pose a great burden worldwide, causing around 1 million annual deaths. Pneumococcal proteins have long been investigated as serotype-independent vaccines against this pathogen, with promising results. However, it is a consensus that one antigen alone will not be sufficient to provide long-term protection with wide coverage. Amongst the most well studied pneumococcal proteins are PspA and pneumolysin (Ply), two major virulence factors required by the bacterium for successful invasion of host tissues. PspA is highly immunogenic and protective, but it is structurally variable; pneumolysin is conserved among different pneumococci, but it is toxic to the host. To overcome these limitations, N-terminal PspA fragments have been genetically fused to non-toxic pneumolysin derivatives (PlD) to create PspA_PlD chimeras. Mouse immunization with these fusions confers protection against pneumococcal strains expressing heterologous PspAs, which correlates with antibody-induced complement C3 deposition on the surface of multiple pneumococcal strains. Analysis of mutant strains lacking PspA or Pneumolysin shows that both proteins contribute to the antibody-mediated enhancement in complement deposition induced by the fusion. These results expand previous data evaluating PspA_PlD and demonstrate that the fusion combines the protective traits of both proteins, inducing antibodies that efficiently promote complement deposition on multiple strains and cross-protection.

Pneumococcal vaccination coverage and vaccination-related factors among older adults in Japan: LIFE Study

PurposeTo investigate individual and environmental vaccination-related factors among the older adults in Japan, using administrative data. MethodsWe conducted a cohort study and included people who reached the relevant age (≥65 years) for routine pneumococcal vaccination of older adults between April 2015 and March 2020. Monthly data of residents in the two municipalities from April 2014 to March 2020 and vaccination records from April 2015 to March 2020 were used. We defined five cohorts according to the year in which routine vaccinations were available. Each cohort was followed for a total of two years, with the first year being the “baseline period” and second year being the “vaccine follow-up period.” Pneumococcal vaccination data was extracted from vaccination records at “first dose.” Age, sex, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, hospital visit history, hospitalization history, Specific Health Check-ups participation, and information on contracted hospitals for pneumococcal vaccination were used as covariates. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between pneumococcal vaccination and vaccination-related factors. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were calculated. ResultsAnalysis included 17,991 patients. Vaccination coverage was 33.6 % for all subjects. Multivariate analysis found the following as significant vaccination-related factors: female (OR: 1.18, 95 % CI: 1.11–1.26), not low income (1.76, 1.17–2.76), hospital visits: ≥once/month (1.27, 1.19–1.35), and Specific Health Check-ups participation (2.10, 1.95–2.27). No significant results were found for hospitals that contracted pneumococcal vaccination. ConclusionsIndividual factors, such as sex and Specific Health Check-ups participation, were found to be important factors affecting pneumococcal vaccination among older adults in Japan. Environmental factors, such as the characteristics of residential areas, should be evaluated in further investigations.

EPH159 Evaluation of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage in a Hospital of Spain

EPH159 Evaluation of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage in a Hospital of Spain

Pneumococcal vaccination coverage in the elderly in Latin America

Objetivos: Este artículo tiene por objetivo realizar una revisión sistemática de publicaciones científicas acerca del nivel de cobertura de vacunación contra el neumococo en adultos mayores en Latinoamérica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática mediante la búsqueda de artículos científicos relacionados con el tema. Se utilizó la pregunta PEO: ¿Cuál es el nivel de cobertura de vacunación contra neumococo en adultos mayores en Latinoamérica? Las fuentes de búsqueda fueron PubMed, Scielo y Google Scholar. Las palabras clave fueron: “Aged”, en combinación con “Pneumococcal Vaccines”, “Vaccination Coverage”; “adulto mayor”, “Vacunas Neumocócicas” junto con “Cobertura de Vacunación”. Se seleccionaron los artículos publicados desde el 1 de enero de 2017 hasta el 31 de diciembre del 2022. Resultados: De los 571 artículos encontrados en la revisión, 559 fueron prescindidos por no cumplir con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, quedando 5 artículos para esta revisión. Basado en 5 artículos revisados, se evidenció que el porcentaje de cobertura de vacunación en adultos mayores en Latinoamérica es deficiente. Conclusiones: Se evidencia una baja cobertura de vacunación y tasa de incidencia alta de neumonía en adultos mayores, a causa de la insuficiente programación de actividades de prevención por el establecimiento de salud, insuficientes campañas de difusión a la población objetivo, limitado acceso a servicios de salud de la población vulnerable lo que predispone a una baja sensibilización y vacunación de este vulnerable, grupo etario; resultando en un incremento directamente proporcional de casos de neumonía con la mayor edad.

2574. Serotype Distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage in Adults in Turkey between 2019 and 2022

Abstract Background Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are challenging due to pneumococci having more than 100 serotypes. This ongoing study is aimed to evaluate serotype distribution of S. pneumoniae causing pneumococcal infections in adults ( &amp;gt;18 years) and to provide a perspective regarding serotype coverage of both current and future pneumococcal vaccines. Methods Pneumococcal strains were collected from 22 centers between January 2019 and December 2022. Serogrouping was performed using latex particle agglutination, and serotyping was performed by the conventional Quellung reaction using commercial type-specific antisera (Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark). Results During the study period, 212 pneumococcal strains (156 males [73.6%] and 56 females [26.4%]) were collected from adults over 18 years of age. Of the isolates, 114 (53.8%) were from patients &amp;lt; 65 years old and 98 (46.2%) were from patients ≥65 years old. The majority of isolates were obtained from blood (n=123, 58%) followed by bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] (n=38, 17.9%) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (n=25, 11.7%). The most frequently isolated serotypes were 3, 9N and 8. The vaccine coverage for PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, and PPV23 was 36.3%, 36.7%, 50.9%, and 56. 1%, respectively, in all isolates. The vaccine serotype coverage rates in the study group are shown in Table-1. Conclusion It has been observed in time that while vaccine serotypes are decreasing, serotypes not covered by vaccines are increasing. Accordingly, surveillance is essential to determine vaccination policy. Disclosures Mehmet Ceyhan, n/a, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Istanbul, Turkey: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Istanbul, Turkey: Grant/Research Support

An evaluation of influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination coverage in Australian aged care residents, 2018 to 2022.

For older persons, vaccination mitigates the harmful impact of vaccine preventable infections. Our study objectives were to evaluate in the Victorian public sector residential aged care services (PSRACS) (1) the existence of local vaccination policies and admission assessment practices, (2) the current documented status of resident influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination uptake and (3) changes in documented resident vaccination uptake over time. Standardised data were annually reported by all PSRACS between 2018 and 2022. The influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination status of each resident was classified as vaccinated, declined, contraindicated or unknown. Annual trends in vaccination status were assessed using Spearman's correlation. In 2022, most PSRACS reported an influenza immunisation policy existed (87.1%) and new residents were assessed for their influenza vaccination status (97.2%); fewer PSRACS reported the same for pneumococcal disease (73.1% and 78.9%) and herpes zoster (69.3% and 75.6%). The median resident influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster (70-79 years old) vaccination uptake was 86.8%, 32.8% and 19.3% respectively. The median unknown status was 6.9%, 63.0% and 76.0% respectively. Statistical evidence of an increase in annual uptake was observed for the herpes zoster (all resident) surveillance module (rs=0.900, p=0.037). Our study showed local influenza vaccination policies and practices exist and influenza vaccination uptake was consistently high. Pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination uptake were lower. Quality improvement strategies that at least determine the status of those residents classified as unknown are required.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Coverage Rates (VCRs) Among Persons with Vaccine-Relevant Underlying Conditions and Persons Aged 60 Years and Older - An Analysis of Secondary Data from the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) System

In addition to standard vaccination for patients aged 60 and older, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends immunization against pneumococci for anyone at increased risk, including patients with chronic vaccine-relevant underlying conditions. In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) regularly publishes vaccination coverage rates (VCRs) for these patient groups, without stratifying by other parameters. This study examines VCRs of patients with underlying chronic diseases, stratified by disease groups and entities, the re-vaccination rate, and VCRs in patients aged 60 years and older. This descriptive retrospective cohort study is based on a sample of about 4 million SHI-insured patients aged 16 years and older for the years 2014 to 2019, from the Institute for Applied Health Research (InGef) database. The sample is representative of age and sex distribution in the German population. Extrapolated to the total SHI-population, the overall pneumococcal VCR in patients aged 60 years and older was 45.9 % (of n= InGef standard vaccination cohort: 1 009 763). Among all at-risk patients aged 16 years and older with chronic underlying diseases, only 17.1 % had received an indicated vaccination (InGef indicated vaccination cohort: 1 379 680). Stratified by disease entity, those with underlying pulmonary emphysema had the highest VCR, at 39.0 % (of n= 28 121). Of those who received a vaccination due to an underlying chronic disease, only 23.9 % were re-vaccinated after 6 years (InGef re-vaccination cohort: 12 328). Across all vaccination cohorts, VCRs increased with age. The recommendations made by STIKO for pneumococcal vaccination based on age or an underlying chronic condition are not being implemented adequately in Germany. Although STIKO explicitly recommends vaccination from 60 years of age, the 60 to 64-year-old age group had a strikingly low VCR (13.0 % of n=268 862). Fewer than one in five patients aged 16 years and older with an underlying chronic condition had received the recommended indicated vaccination. To adequately prevent potential disease, higher vaccination rates should be targeted. This could probably be achieved through more stringent vaccination management, appropriate software solutions with vaccination reminders, monetary incentives for achieving higher vaccination rates and documentation of vaccination status in disease management programs.

Disease Burden of Meningitis Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae Among Under-Fives in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of meningitis, with a case fatality of up to about 50%. Children younger than 5 years are at greater risk for pneumococcal meningitis compared with other populations. It is of significant importance to provide a comprehensive understanding of the burden of pneumococcal meningitis among under-fives in the low pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) coverage period in China. A systematic review was conducted. We searched both English (PubMed, Ovid-EMBASE, Biosis, Web of Science, and Cochrane) and Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, and ViP) databases for studies on bacterial meningitis in China published between January 1980 and July 2022. Ineligible studies were excluded based on study design and data integrity. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and estimates of bacterial meningitis morbidity and mortality were pooled using random-effects models. Subgroup analysis was conducted to trace the source of the heterogeneity and summarize average estimates. A total of 13,082 studies were identified in the literature, and 56 studies were finally included for data analysis. The estimated incidence of pneumococcal meningitis was 2.10 cases per 100,000 children younger than 5 years each year (95% CI: 0.59-7.46), with a pooled case fatality rate of 24.59% (95%CI: 19.35-30.28%) in China. It was estimated that 1617.16 (95% CI: 454.35-5744.78) pneumococcal meningitis cases and 548.86 (95% CI: 474.80-627.62) deaths occurred among under-fives in China in 2020. Streptococcus pneumoniae played an important role in the etiology of confirmed bacterial meningitis cases, with a pooled proportion of 22.05% (95% CI: 17.83-26.27%). The most prevalent serotypes were 6B, 14, 19F, 19A, and 23F, which were preventable with a vaccine. Pneumococcal meningitis remains one of the most important health problems among children younger than 5 years in China. Immunization programs should be promoted to avoid preventable cases and deaths.

Analysis on the vaccination coverage of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in China from 2017 to 2021

Objective: To explore the vaccination coverage of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in China from 2017 to 2021. Methods: Using the reported number of PCV13 administrated doses from 2017 to 2021 and the population data from 31 provinces in China, which were collected by the Immunization Program Information System and summarized data at different levels (prefecture, provincial, and national). Collecting batch release data of PCV13 during the same period through the official website of the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control. The average coverage level of PCV13 was calculated by comparing the number of PCV13 vaccinations reported annually to the number of births in that year, and the spatial auto-correlation analysis was conducted in 2021 at the prefecture level. The coverage of PCV13 vaccination was estimated by the total vaccine doses administered each year divided by the number of newborn in the year, as of the administrated dose number per 100 people. Results: From March 2017 to December 2020, the total batch release of PCV13 was 20.06 million, with a total of 71.54, 384.75, 475.45, and 10.8886 million doses each year. During the same period, PCV13 reported doses were 20.2369 million and the vaccination doses from 2017 to 2021 were 4.08, 170.46, 407.52, 599.77, and 8.4185 million doses, respectively. From 2017 to 2021, the ratio of PCV13 doses administrated per 100 infants in each year was 0.25, 10.26, 23.81, 38.16, and 69.90 doses per 100 people, respectively. The range of the ratio in each province increased from 3.85 doses in 2017 to 264.41 doses per 100 people in 2021. The spatial auto-correlation analysis results showed that based on prefecture-level cities, there was spatial clustering in a certain area of PCV13 coverage from 2017 to 2021, and the spatial correlation in 2021 was the highest. The hotspot analysis showed that the hotspot areas with high coverage levels of PCV13 were concentrated in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Fujian and their surrounding areas. The cold spots with low vaccine coverage were concentrated in Yunnan, Qinghai, Tibet, and their surrounding areas. Conclusion: The average coverage level of PCV13 is low in China with significant regional differences.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes among sick and healthy children in northern India: A case-control study

BackgroundStreptococcus pneumoniae is leading bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia and according to World Health Organization, responsible for 14 % death in children. There is effective vaccine available against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hence the primary objective was to isolate Streptococcus pneumoniae from nasopharyngeal swabs in children aged 2–59 months with and without community acquired pneumonia and to assess their serotypes. MethodsThis case-control study was conducted in tertiary teaching institutes in northern India. Hospitalized children, aged 2–59 months, with World Health Organization-defined community acquired pneumonia were included as cases. Age matched healthy controls were recruited from immunization clinic. All enrolments were done after written informed parental consent. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from both cases and controls, and were cultured on 5 % sheep blood agar with gentamycin plate for growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae and incubated in a jar at 370 for 18–24 hrs. Quellung reaction test was used for serotyping. ResultsFrom March 2017 to December 2022, 2693 children (1910 cases and 783 controls), were recruited. The median age of cases was 7 months and controls 10 months. Almost all the cases had received antibiotics prior to hospitalization. Streptococcus pneumoniae positivity in nasopharyngeal swab was 8.1 % in cases, of which 56.8 % were vaccine serotypes and 23.6 % in controls, of which 37.8 % were vaccine serotypes. Adjusted odds ratio of isolating vaccine serotypes among cases as compared to controls was 1.77 (95 % CI, 1.09–2.88). ConclusionStreptococcus pneumoniae isolation from nasopharyngeal was found to be in lower proportion in cases as compared to control, though colonization with vaccine serotypes was higher in cases as compared to control. Therefore, pneumococcal vaccine coverage must be increased to prevent community acquired pneumonia.

Health Care Provider Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Adult Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Recommendations - United States, September 28-October 10, 2022.

Despite the availability of effective vaccines against pneumococcal disease, pneumococcus is a common bacterial cause of pneumonia, causing approximately 100,000 hospitalizations among U.S. adults per year. In addition, approximately 30,000 invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases and 3,000 IPD deaths occur among U.S. adults each year. Previous health care provider surveys identified gaps in provider knowledge about and understanding of the adult pneumococcal vaccine recommendations, and pneumococcal vaccine coverage remains suboptimal. To assess the feasibility and acceptability domains of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Evidence to Recommendations (EtR) framework, a health care provider knowledge and attitudes survey was conducted during September 28-October 10, 2022, by the Healthcare and Public Perceptions of Immunizations Survey Collaborative before the October 2022 ACIP meeting. Among 751 provider respondents, two thirds agreed or strongly agreed with the policy option under consideration to expand the recommendations for the new 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) to adults who had only received the previously recommended 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Gaps in providers' knowledge and perceived challenges to implementing recommendations were identified and were included in ACIP's EtR framework discussions in late October 2022 when ACIP updated the recommendations for PCV20 use in adults. Currently, use of PCV20 is recommended for certain adults who have previously received PCV13, in addition to those who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The survey findings indicate a need to increase provider awareness and implementation of pneumococcal vaccination recommendations and to provide tools to assist with patient-specific vaccination guidance. Resources available to address the challenges to implementing pneumococcal vaccination recommendations include the PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor mobile app and other CDC-developed tools, including summary documents and overviews of vaccination schedules and CDC's strategic framework to increase confidence in vaccines and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases, Vaccinate with Confidence.

Population-Level Risk Factors Related to Measles Case Fatality: A Conceptual Framework Based on Expert Consultation and Literature Review.

A better understanding of population-level factors related to measles case fatality is needed to estimate measles mortality burden and impact of interventions such as vaccination. This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework of mechanisms associated with measles case fatality ratios (CFRs) and assess the scope of evidence available for related indicators. Using expert consultation, we developed a conceptual framework of mechanisms associated with measles CFR and identified population-level indicators potentially associated with each mechanism. We conducted a literature review by searching PubMed on 31 October 2021 to determine the scope of evidence for the expert-identified indicators. Studies were included if they contained evidence of an association between an indicator and CFR and were excluded if they were from non-human studies or reported non-original data. Included studies were assessed for study quality. Expert consultation identified five mechanisms in a conceptual framework of factors related to measles CFR. We identified 3772 studies for review and found 49 studies showing at least one significant association with CFR for 15 indicators (average household size, educational attainment, first- and second-dose coverage of measles-containing vaccine, human immunodeficiency virus prevalence, level of health care available, stunting prevalence, surrounding conflict, travel time to major city or settlement, travel time to nearest health care facility, under-five mortality rate, underweight prevalence, vitamin A deficiency prevalence, vitamin A treatment, and general malnutrition) and only non-significant associations for five indicators (antibiotic use for measles-related pneumonia, malaria prevalence, percent living in urban settings, pneumococcal conjugate vaccination coverage, vitamin A supplementation). Our study used expert consultation and a literature review to provide additional insights and a summary of the available evidence of these underlying mechanisms and indicators that could inform future measles CFR estimations.