Vaccination Cards Research Articles

Perceptions of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Other Adult Vaccinations in Malawi: A Qualitative Assessment.

In Malawi, various brands of the COVID-19 vaccine have been offered to the population, but factors including fear of side effects or other risks, uncertainty about benefits, and misinformation created hesitancy toward them. In early 2022, 4% of Malawians were fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Despite multiple promotion efforts, by August 2022, COVID-19 vaccination nationwide was around 15%. To increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake, the research team collected qualitative data in 4 districts with vaccine coverage levels ranging from 1% to 11%. This data collection happened during a cholera outbreak that began in March 2022 and the vaccination efforts to address it. Study participants included male and female members of the general population, social workers, people with comorbidities, health workers, and community leaders (224 participants total, 47% female). In focus group discussions (n=27) and in-depth interviews (n=17), participants compared COVID-19 vaccines with other adult vaccines, such as cholera and tetanus toxoid. A thematic analysis identified themes related to 3 research questions on COVID-19 vaccine concerns, confidence, and delivery affecting uptake. Differences in promotion, delivery (oral versus injection), COVID-19 vaccine card structure, the various brands and boosters, and vaccines being described as required or optional all played a role in distinguishing COVID-19 vaccines from other vaccines and creating suspicion or indifference. Barriers to vaccination in general, such as rumors or knowledge gaps, were amplified by how novel the COVID-19 vaccines were perceived to be and the changing guidance provided over time. By April 2023, more targeted campaign efforts helped increase vaccination rates to 28%. The findings contribute information about how individuals conceptualize and make decisions about adult vaccination, which can, in turn, inform strategies to integrate COVID-19 promotion and delivery with other disease responses in Malawi as well as routine health services in similar settings.

Missed opportunities for vaccination at point of care and their impact on coverage and urban–rural coverage inequity in the Gambia

IntroductionIdentifying actionable targets is crucial to improve overall and equity in vaccination coverage, and in line with the global Immunization Agenda 2030. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the prevalence of missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination (MOSVs) and their impact on vaccination coverage and urban–rural inequity in The Gambia. MethodsWe used data of children aged 12–23 months from The Gambia 2019/2020 demographic and health survey (weighted n = 1355) with seen vaccination cards. We analyzed: the frequency of MOSVs; percentage point coverage reduction attributable to MOSVs for 18 vaccine doses and full basic vaccination; and MOSVs' contribution to urban–rural coverage inequity through Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition. ResultsSixty percent of children experienced MOSVs, in both urban and rural areas, but urban MOSVs were more seldom corrected (35.9 % vs 45.3 %). All eighteen vaccine doses assessed could have achieved between one to eleven percentage points higher coverage if MOSVs had been avoided, with full basic vaccination gaining even more. While MOSV correction did not impact overall urban–rural coverage inequity, it did exacerbate (explained coefficient = -0.1007; P = 0.002) inequities among children who experienced MOSVs, explaining 95 % of the observed difference. ConclusionOur study highlights the prevalence and negative impact of MOSVs on overall vaccination coverage. Although MOSVs did not contribute significantly to the total urban–rural inequity in coverage, they have detrimental effects on vaccination coverage and urban–rural inequity among children who had experienced MOSVs. Addressing MOSVs, can enhance coverage and reduce the risk of under-vaccination, aligning with global initiatives.

Factors that interfere with belief in and adherence to non-pharmacological measures adopted to combat the pandemics - fac-tors against non-pharmacological measures for COVID-19

Non-pharmacological measures are fundamental to combat the pandemics. However, the population’s adherence is necessary in this process and, therefore, knowing their position and impressions about the effectiveness of these measures is fundamental to formulate public policies. Thus, the objective of this study was to collect the opinion of Brazilians about the non-pharmacological measures adopted to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. From March to May 2022, a cross-sectional study was carried out, of the opinion survey type, in which 703 people answered an online questionnaire containing 20 multiple-choice questions. Data were analyzed using BioEstat 5.3, Epi Info 7.2.5, and Open Epi 3.01 software. Being female, having low income, and being a public transport user were factors associated with the requirement of a vaccination card, while having a college degree, having higher income, and being a public transport user were associated with greater confidence in the non-pharmacological measures. On the other hand, not being vaccinated and having a low level of knowledge about the pandemic were factors associated with non-adherence. In the formulation of public policies aimed at controlling the pandemic, the responsible entities must emphasize the importance of non-pharmacological measures, expanding access to information in a safe, clear, and objective way for the Brazilian population.

Forensic examination of security features of the CDC-issued COVID-19 vaccination card and suggested improvements to minimize counterfeiting.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States released the CDC-issued vaccination card to document the status of immunizations. It eventually was used as a verification system to allow patrons to safely access public venues. This is/was apparently a simple printed piece of paper with minimal security features which made it an easy target for counterfeiters with little expertise required. Those unvaccinated who wished to enter areas that required proof of the COVID-19 vaccine were soon finding alternative illegal methods to do so which led to public health concerns. This research was divided into two parts. Part A aimed to forensically identify the security features with a video spectral comparator and a stereomicroscope. Ten "known" blank cards were collected directly from dispensaries that administered the vaccine and 68 "unknowns" from individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine. Part B aimed to evaluate the authentication systems employed by countries outside the United States to propose a model on how the vaccination card could be improved and what security features should be included for future instances requiring proof of immunization. The results revealed the CDC document was produced with minimal security features making the document prone to counterfeiting. Furthermore, based on the information collected from other countries' vaccination certificates, it is recommended to develop a dual authentication system, with digital and printable aspects, that contains a QR code linked to a database. Other security features may include a non-optical brightener substrate, security fibers, a watermarked logo, offset printing, and a geographical color-coded system.

Evaluating the hepatitis B vaccination impact in the Republic of Moldova: A nationwide representative serosurvey of children born in 2013

ObjectivesThe WHO European Region set targets for the control of hepatitis B through immunization, including prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at ≤0.5% in vaccinated cohorts. The Republic of Moldova implemented universal hepatitis B vaccination since 1995. We conducted a nationwide representative serosurvey to estimate HBsAg seroprevalence in children born in 2013 to validate hepatitis B control targets. MethodsWe used probability-based sampling and a two-stage cluster design. All children born in 2013 and registered in primary healthcare facilities were eligible for participation. We tested blood samples of all participants for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Anti-HBc-positive samples were tested for HBsAg and HBsAg-positive samples confirmed, using ELISA. We obtained information on hepatitis B vaccination from vaccination cards. ResultsOf 3352 sampled children, 3064 (91%) participated. Most participating children were 7 years old (n = 3030, 99%), 1426 (48%) were girls. The weighted, national seroprevalence estimate was 3.1% (95% confidence interval = 2.1-4.5) for anti-HBc and 0.21% (95% confidence interval = 0.08-0.53) for HBsAg. ConclusionThe study demonstrated the impact of hepatitis B vaccination and allowed the Republic of Moldova to validate regional hepatitis B control targets. Other countries with high vaccination coverage could use hepatitis B serosurveys and apply for validation. Sustained efforts in the Republic of Moldova will be crucial on the path to hepatitis B elimination.

Childhood immunization delay during the first wave of COVID-19 in an urban area of Sangli district from Maharashtra, India: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCOVID-19-related lockdowns had resulted in overburdening on health services. The lockdowns along with anxiety of the disease have resulted in delay in routine vaccination of many under-5 children. The current study was undertaken to understand the extent of the delay in under-5 vaccination during COVID-19-related lockdown in March-December 2020.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study conducted during January-December 2021. Study population was under five children due for vaccination during the first COVID-19 lockdown at March-December 2020. Vaccination cards were used to confirm the status of vaccination, and questionnaire was used to study the attitude of parents towards vaccination and reasons for delay in vaccination, if any. The calculated sample size was 1434. But cluster random sampling method was applied; hence, 2274 subjects were included in the study. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS-22™, using descriptive statistics and chi-squared test.ResultsPercentages of children with delayed vaccination ranged from lowest for “at birth dose” (12.47%) to highest for “9th month dose, i.e. MR vaccine” (54.29%). Majority of parents stated lockdown and risk of COVID-19 infection as to be reason of the delay in vaccination. There was no uniform association between vaccination delay and attitude of parents towards vaccination.ConclusionCOVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown are the reasons stated by majority of parents with delayed vaccination in their children. This could be important lesson to plan for such contingencies for developing health services in future.

Assessment of immunization data management practices in Cameroon: unveiling potential barriers to immunization data quality

BackgroundOne crucial obstacle to attaining universal immunization coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa is the paucity of timely and high-quality data. This challenge, in part, stems from the fact that many frontline immunization staff in this part of the world are commonly overburdened with multiple data-related responsibilities that often compete with their clinical tasks, which in turn could affect their data collection practices. This study assessed the data management practices of immunization staff and unveiled potential barriers impacting immunization data quality in Cameroon.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, involving health districts and health facilities in all 10 regions in Cameroon selected by a multi-stage sampling scheme. Structured questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect data from Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) staff, and data were analyzed using STATA VERSION 13.0 (StataCorp LP. 2015. College Station, TX).ResultsA total of 265 facilities in 68 health districts were assessed. There was limited availability of some data recording tools like vaccination cards (43%), maintenance registers (8%), and stock cards (57%) in most health facilities. Core data collection tools were incompletely filled in a significant proportion of facilities (37% for registers and 81% for tally sheets). Almost every health facility (89%) did not adhere to the recommendation of filling tally sheets during vaccination; the filling was instead done either before (51% of facilities) or after (25% of facilities) vaccinating several children. Moreso, about 8% of facilities did not collect data on vaccine administration. About a third of facilities did not collect data on stock levels (35%), vaccine storage temperatures (21%), and vaccine wastage (39%).ConclusionOur findings unveil important gaps in data collection practices at the facility level that could adversely affect Cameroon’s immunization data quality. It highlights the urgent need for systematic capacity building of frontline immunization staff on data management capacity, standardizing data management processes, and building systems that ensure constant availability of data recording tools at the facility level.

Urban-rural disparities in immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months in Ethiopia: multivariate decomposition analysis

BackgroundImmunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for improving children’s health and survival. In Ethiopia, low immunization coverage and disparity across residences are major public health problems. However, the factors that contributed to the urban-rural disparity have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the change and contributing factors in full immunization coverage across geographic locations (urban-rural) in Ethiopia.MethodsWe analyzed data on children aged 12 to 23 months obtained from the 2019 mini-Ethiopian demographic and health survey. A total of 996 weighted samples (299 in urban and 697 in rural areas) were included in the analysis. A multivariate decomposition analysis technique was used to determine the disparity and identify factors that contribute to the disparity across geographical locations. Statistical significance was defined at a 95% confidence interval with a p-value of less than 0.05.ResultsThe percentage of children aged 12–23 months who received full immunization increased from 36.84% (95% CI:31.59, 42.41) in rural areas to 64.59% (95% CI:47.10, 78.89) in urban areas. The decomposition analysis showed that the observed urban-rural disparity was attributed to a change in the effect of population characteristics (coefficient) across residences. Specifically, receiving 1–3 (β = 0.0895, 95% CI: 0.0241, 0.1550) and 4 or more (β = 0.1212, 95% CI: 0.0224, 0.2199) antenatal care visits, delivering at a health facility (β = 0.1350, 95% CI: 0.0227, 0.2472), and the source of information about immunization status from vaccination cards (β = 0.2666, 95% CI:0.1763, 0.3569) significantly contributed to the widening urban-rural disparity. On the other hand, being of high wealth status (β=-0.141, 95% CI: -0.1945, -0.0876), receiving postnatal care (β=-0.0697, 95% CI: -0.1344, -0.0051), and having four or more living children (β=-0.1774, 95% CI: -0.2971, -0.0577) significantly contributed to narrowing the urban-rural disparity.ConclusionsThere was a significant urban-rural disparity in immunization coverage in Ethiopia, with urban children more likely to complete immunization. The change in the composition of population characteristics was not significant for the observed disparity. The observed disparity in full immunization coverage was mainly driven by the coefficients related to maternal healthcare utilization, household wealth status, the number of living children, and the source of immunization information. Therefore, strengthening maternal health services utilization, encouraging mothers to maintain their children’s immunization records, and addressing economic inequality, particularly in rural areas, may narrow the urban-rural disparity and enhance immunization coverage nationwide.

Factors associated with full vaccination and zero vaccine dose in children aged 12–59 months in 6 health districts of Cameroon

BackgroundRoutine immunisation coverage in Cameroon is still below the target of the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), with only 42% of children fully immunised according to Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) report in 2018. The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with full immunisation and zero-dose in Cameroonian children.MethodsA two-stage cross-sectional cluster survey was conducted in Yaoundé in November 2021, targeting children aged 12–59 months. The clusters were chosen with probability proportionate to population size (PPS), and households selected by restricted sampling technique. Data were collected from the vaccination card of the child or from parents’ recall, if the card was not available, using electronic forms with tablets. Using R (version 4.1.0.), the proportion of fully immunised children was calculated. The household wealth index was described using principal component analysis, and factors associated with full immunisation assessed with multiple logistics regression. The threshold of statistical significance was set at 5%.FindingsA total, 273 children aged 12–59 months enrolled; 37% of participants were fully immunised, and 16% had never received any vaccine. Mother’s level of education: Primary (OR = 3.59, p = 0.0200), high school (OR = 3.68, p = 0.0400*), and higher education (OR = 8.25, p = 0.0018), and sharing household with biological father (OR = 2.11, p = 0.0305) were significantly associated with full vaccination. Living in a richer (3rd-5th wealth quintiles) household (OR = 0.25, p = 0.0053); mother’s education: Primary (OR = 0.07, p = 0.0271) and Higher education (OR = 0.10, p = 0.0419), living with the mother (OR = 0.05, p = < 0.0001) and living with the father (OR = 0.22, p = 0.0253) had significant negative association with zero-dose in children.ConclusionThe proportion of fully vaccinated children in Yaounde is lower than the national average. Children from poor homes and those borne by uneducated mother have higher odds of not being vaccinated. Immunisation programmes in Yaounde need to be stepped up to improve coverage. Equally, there is a need to reconsider how the poor can the better reached with immunisation services.

Evaluation of Intussusception Following Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine (RotaTeq) Administration in 5 African Countries.

A low-level risk of intussusception following rotavirus vaccination has been observed in some settings and may vary by vaccine type. We examined the association between RotaTeq vaccination and intussusception in low-income settings in a pooled analysis from 5 African countries that introduced RotaTeq into their national immunization program. Active surveillance was conducted at 20 hospitals to identify intussusception cases. A standard case report form was completed for each enrolled child, and vaccination status was determined by review of the child's vaccination card. The pseudo-likelihood adaptation of self-controlled case-series method was used to assess the association between RotaTeq administration and intussusception in the 1-7, 8-21, and 1-21 day periods after each vaccine dose in infants aged 28-245 days. Data from 318 infants with confirmed rotavirus vaccination status were analyzed. No clustering of cases occurred in any of the risk windows after any of the vaccine doses. Compared with the background risk of naturally occurring intussusception, no increased risk was observed after dose 1 in the 1-7 day (relative incidence = 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47-8.03) or the 8-21 day window (relative incidence = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.0-2.69). Similarly, no increased risk of intussusception was observed in any risk window after dose 2 or 3. RotaTeq vaccination was not associated with increased risk of intussusception in this analysis from 5 African countries. This finding mirrors results from similar analyses with other rotavirus vaccines in low-income settings and highlights the need for vaccine-specific and setting-specific risk monitoring.

Timeliness in the uptake of hepatitis B birth dose among Indian children under age five: A population-based study

ObjectiveTo assess the timeliness and risk factors for the delay in the uptake of the hepatitis B birth dose among Indian children aged 0–59 months. Information regarding whether the children received the birth dose and the time of receiving it was recorded based on the vaccination card available at the time of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). MethodsUsing data from the fourth and fifth round of India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the percentage of uptake and timely receipt of the hepatitis B birth dose were obtained by background characteristics and at the sub-national level (state). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the risk factors. This study further performed a negative binomial regression estimation to predict the probability of receiving the birth dose at each day within a multivariable framework. ResultsIt was found that approximately 34 % of the children who received the birth dose and the timing of receiving the birth dose was made available through the vaccination card were administered the dose within 24-hours during 2015–16. However, the percentage increased to 51.91 % during 2019–21. During 2019–21, Ladakh had the highest proportion (85.03 %) of children receiving the dose within 24-hours, followed by Jammu & Kashmir with 78 %, and Arunachal Pradesh with 68 %. Mother’s education, economic status of the child’s family and region (children belong from) were found to be significant predictors in delay of receiving the birth dose within 24 hours. ConclusionResults indicated a need for targeted interventions to improve the coverage and timeliness in the uptake of this critical vaccine dose in the country. These interventions could include strategies such as strengthening the healthcare system, improving awareness among parents and healthcare providers, addressing logistical challenges in vaccine delivery, and promoting community engagement and education on importance of timely vaccination.

Knowledge, Attitude and Uptake of Vaccination among Under-Five Children in a Semi-urban Community in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Objective: Nigeria at large has a high burden of infant mortality and under-five deaths. Some of these deaths are caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. This research aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers on childhood vaccination and also determine the uptake of vaccination among their under-five children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 440 women of reproductive age who had under-five children living in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State. They were selected via a multi-stage sampling technique and data was obtained with the aid of a pre-tested interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. The child's vaccination card was also assessed. Data were analyzed using the computer software IBM SPSS version 21.0. Results: Almost all (432, 98.2%) of the respondents were aware of childhood vaccination. A little over half (238, 54.0%) were knowledgeable that vaccinations should begin from the first day of life, however, most were informed that vaccines prevent infectious diseases (426, 96.8%) and reduce the rate of death and disabilities (421, 95.7%). A large number (431, 98.0%) thought that distance, timing of the clinic, travel and waiting time, as well as cost, should not prevent the vaccination of a child. The majority (409, 93.0%) of the children were adequately vaccinated for age, however, only one-third (132, 30.0%) of the respondents had their vaccination cards available for sighting. Conclusion: Most of the mothers were knowledgeable and had a positive attitude towards vaccination with a high vaccination uptake, however, the card retention rate was very low.

Timeliness and missed opportunities for vaccination among children aged 0 to 23 months in Dschang health district, West region, Cameroon: A cross-sectional survey.

Missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) reflect quality of immunization service. The objective of this study was to assess vaccination timeliness, prevalence, and characteristics of MOVs among children aged 0-23 months, as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of health workers towards immunization. An exit interview method was used to select caregivers and health personnel. Selection took place in 26 health facilities within 14 health areas in the Dshcang Health district. Data were collected using two face-to-face questionnaires adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) tools. We conducted an evaluation of all free vaccines in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). We studied timeliness, assessed MOV, and knowledge, behaviour and attitude of health workers on immunization. Basic statistical tests were used to study the association between MOV and socio demographic characteristics. A total of 363 children aged 0 to 23 months were surveyed. A total of 88 (91.66%) of health personnel agreed to participate in our study. A total of 298 (82.1%) children had vaccination cards with dates, leading to 18% not completely vaccinated. Vaccination timeliness ranged from 20% to 77%. Overall MOV estimated was 23.83%, range from 0% to 16.4% among all vaccines. Among health workers, 70.45% (62/88) had insufficient knowledge on vaccination, 73.86% assessed the vaccination status of children during any routine visit and 74% ask parents to bring the child's vaccination record to any health facility visit. The study highlighted presence of MOV among children. Strategies for remedying this includes strengthening parents' knowledge, organizing refresher courses for health workers on vaccination, and systematically assessing children's vaccination status.

Mandatory immunizations for health students in Lyon (France), overview and evaluation

To establish an overview of vaccination amongst health students in Lyon 1 University and to evaluate the implementation of a new verification system of immunization obligations with an electronic vaccination card (EVC) from the &#8220;MesVaccins.net&#8221; website. A questionnaire was sent by the Lyon 1 University Student Health Service (SHS) to the first-year health studies students over the age of 18 in Lyon in 2020-2021 who shared their EVC; exploitation of these EVCs&#8217; data. Amongst all students, 67.4% transmitted their information to the SHS. They reported organizational difficulties in updating (33.3%) and certifying their EVC with a healthcare professional (55.9%). Global satisfaction of the students was 78.0%. This study highlighted many differences between Lyon Est and Lyon Sud campuses, especially about general knowledge of the SHS, visibility of the promotion campaign, rate of students who transmitted their information to the SHS and rate of up-to-date students. Regarding mandatory immunization, 83.4% of the students were up-to-date with diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis, 56.8% with hepatitis B, and 64.7% had done a tuberculin intradermal test; 43.4% of the students were simultaneously up-to-date with these three immunizations. The rate of up-to-date students is insufficient. This study stresses the necessity of an early campaign of immunizations promotion, with better access to healthcare professionals able to certify EVCs.

A real-world perspective from Indian pediatricians on typhoid vaccination perceptions and preferences

Background: Typhoid vaccines are not a part of national immunization schedule in India, current survey aimed to evaluate pediatricians’ perception, recommendation patterns, and preference regarding typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) in children and adults. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional survey amongst 500 pediatricians practicing at various healthcare setups/clinics/hospitals located across India. The perception, recommendation patterns, and preference of pediatricians regarding TCV were assessed using a pre-defined, structured, and self-administered questionnaire which consisted of 25 open- and close-ended questions. Results: TCV was highly recommended in children aged 9-24 months (61%), with only 57% of the recommended age group being vaccinated. The lowest TCV recommendations were observed in the age groups 5-12 years (35%) and 12-18 years (25%). The predominant barriers for parents who are not getting their &gt;12 years old children vaccinated include lack of parent’s awareness that TCV can be given to adolescents (61%) and wrong assumption of parents that their child was vaccinated when young (56%). The top key factors influencing parents in getting their children vaccinated included advice of doctors, mention in the vaccination card, previous vaccination of elder sibling, and children suffering from typhoid. Conclusions: Overall pediatrician recommendations and parent acceptance rates of TCV for their children is low. Pediatricians included in the study believe that 2 doses of TCV are necessary for paediatric age group. Advice of the doctor, mention of TCV in vaccination card and awareness activities by pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in improving the typhoid immunization rates with TCV.

Post-Recovery Relapse of Children Treated with a Simplified, Combined Nutrition Treatment Protocol in Mali: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The present study aimed to determine the 6-month incidence of relapse and associated factors among children who recovered from acute malnutrition (AM) following mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)-based simplified combined treatment using the ComPAS protocol. A prospective cohort of 420 children who had reached a MUAC ≥ 125 mm for two consecutive measures was monitored between December 2020 and October 2021. Children were seen at home fortnightly for 6 months. The overall 6-month cumulative incidence of relapse [95%CI] into MUAC < 125 mm and/or edema was 26.1% [21.7; 30.8] and 1.7% [0.6; 3.6] to MUAC < 115 mm and/or edema. Relapse was similar among children initially admitted to treatment with a MUAC < 115 mm and/or oedema and among those with a MUAC ≥ 115 mm but <125 mm. Relapse was predicted by lower anthropometry both at admission to and discharge from treatment, and a higher number of illness episodes per month of follow-up. Having a vaccination card, using an improved water source, having agriculture as the main source of income, and increases in caregiver workload during follow-up all protected from relapse. Children discharged as recovered from AM remain at risk of relapsing into AM. To achieve reduction in relapse, recovery criteria may need to be revised and post-discharge strategies tested.

Halting vaccine-derived poliovirus circulation: the novel type 2 oral vaccine might not be enough

Halting vaccine-derived poliovirus circulation: the novel type 2 oral vaccine might not be enough

COVID-19를 주제로 한 고등학생 대상 ICT 활용 생물정보학 프로그램 개발 및 적용

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of the students' knowledge and information processing capabilities and scientific interest by developing and applying ICT (Information &amp; Communication Technology) bioinformatics program for high school students under the theme of COVID-19.&#x0D; Methods The 15th class program consisted of 5 topics was developed based on the appropriate teaching and learning types using ICT. The completed program was received internal validity from seven incumbent science teachers with more than eight years of educational experience. The developed program was applied to six first-year students in a special winter vacation class at G High School in G City in January 2022. In order to confirm the effect of the program, pre-post-test and semi-structural interviews were conducted on knowledge information processing capabilities and scientific interest. The pre-post test results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test method. And the interview contents were transcribed and classified by sub-factors of knowledge information processing capacity and scientific interest to derive meaning.&#x0D; Results The program consists of the experiments of ACE(angiotensin I converting enzyme) gene which is the homolog of the coronavirus receptor, ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2), and COVID-19 vaccine and medicine card news production, bioinformatics card news production, and ACE and coronavirus gene analysis using NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). As a result of conducting a pre-post test of knowledge information processing capability and scientific interest, it was confirmed that the pre-post difference was statistically significant (p&lt;.05). As a result of the pre-post inspection by sub-factor of knowledge information processing capability, the average of the sub-factor ‘information analysis’ is the most improved. In addition, as a result of the pre-post-test for each sub-factor of scientific interest, the average of the sub-factors ‘interest and enjoyment in science’ was improved the most. As a result of the interview, it was confirmed that students showed a positive effect on improving their ability to produce various outputs and internal interest in science through the ICT-based bioinformatics program under the theme of COVID-19.&#x0D; Conclusions This study is consisted of classes applicable to the general high school level and can be provided as various forms of basic teaching-learning guidance in classes related to bioinformatics, and is expected to be referred to in future bioinformatics-related educational research. In addition, it can be used as basic data for ICT utilization classes suitable for the digital age in science subjects.

Humoral response after a BNT162b2 heterologous third dose of COVID-19 vaccine following two doses of BBIBP-CorV among healthcare personnel in Peru

BackgroundThe inactivated virus vaccine, BBIBP-CorV, was principally distributed across low- and middle-income countries as primary vaccination strategy to prevent poor COVID-19 outcomes. Limited information is available regarding its effect on heterologous boosting. We aim to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a third booster dose of BNT162b2 following a double BBIBP-CorV regime. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among healthcare providers from several healthcare facilities of the Seguro Social de Salud del Perú - ESSALUD. We included participants two-dose BBIBP-CorV vaccinated who presented a three-dose vaccination card at least 21 days passed since the vaccinees received their third dose and were willing to provide written informed consent. Antibodies were determined using LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG (DiaSorin Inc., Stillwater, USA). Factors potentially associated with immunogenicity, and adverse events, were considered. We used a multivariable fractional polynomial modeling approach to estimate the association between anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies’ geometric mean (GM) ratios and related predictors. ResultsWe included 595 subjects receiving a third dose with a median (IQR) age of 46 [37,54], from which 40% reported previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overall geometric mean (IQR) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 8,410 (5,115 – 13,000) BAU/mL. Prior SARS-CoV-2 history and full/part-time in-person working modality were significantly associated with greater GM. Conversely, time from boosting to IgG measure was associated with lower GM levels. We found 81% of reactogenicity in the study population; younger age and being a nurse were associated with a lower incidence of adverse events. ConclusionsAmong healthcare providers, a booster dose of BNT162b2 following a full BBIBP-CorV regime provided high humoral immune protection. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 previous exposure and working in person displayed as determinants that increase anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies.

Complete childhood vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Dabat demographic and health survey site, Ethiopia, 2022

IntroductionChildhood immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies to prevent children’s mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, but the Covid-19 pandemic and associated disruptions have strained health systems, and worldwide 25 million children missing out on vaccination in 2021. Of the 25 million, more than 60% of these children live in 10 countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess complete childhood vaccination coverage and associated factors in the Dabat district.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021Gregorian Calendar. The data for this study was extracted from information collected for the assessment of maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health and health services utilization in the Dabat demographic and health survey site. Vaccine-related data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the presence and the direction of the association.ResultsBased on vaccination cards and mothers/caretakers’ recall 30.9% (95%CI: 27.9-34.1%) of children aged 12–23 months in the Dabat district were completely immunized. Urban residency [AOR 1.813, 95% CI: (1.143, 2.878)], delivered in the health facility [AOR = 5.925, 95% CI: (3.680, 9.540)], ANC follow-up during their pregnancy [AOR 2.023, 95% CI: (1.352, 3.027)], rich wealth index [AOR = 2.392, 95% CI: (1.296, 4.415)], and parity [AOR 2.737, 95% CI: (1.664, 4.500)] were significantly associated with complete child vaccination.Recommendation and conclusionComplete vaccination coverage among children aged 12–23 months in the Dabat district was lower than the Global vaccine plan and Ethiopian ministry of health goal in 2020. Therefore, Health care providers and other stakeholders should mobilize the community to improve mothers’ health-seeking behavior toward pregnancy follow-up and health facility delivery to improve childhood vaccination. Besides, expanding the service to remote areas are necessary to increase the immunization access.