Vaccination Practices Research Articles

A field comparison study of two vaccine protocols against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in two types of swine breeds in Spain

Erysipelas still causes large economic losses to pig industry. Maternal immunity is critical to prevent erysipelas in young animals, thus, intensive vaccination protocols or practices focused on the improvement of the maternally derived immunity could provide substantial benefits. The present study evaluates potential changes in antibodies levels in sows and their offspring using two types of tests (commercial ELISA, Ingenasa or rSpaA415 ELISA) when two different vaccination programs (before farrowing or after farrowing) against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae were applied to sows from Iberian (A) or conventional Large White-Landrace (B) pig farms. The results showed a statistical correlation between titers found in sows and their one-week old piglets in both tests. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in farm B measured by the commercial ELISA test was significantly higher in pre-farrowing vaccinated sows compared to the post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0278). Additionally, using the rSpaA415 ELISA test, the overall mean of (log) antibody titers was significantly higher in pre-farrowing sows (p = 0.0056) compared to sows following post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0003) or non- vaccinated sows. None of the above-mentioned differences were found in farm A. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in piglets from the pre-farrowing vaccination protocol was significantly higher than piglets from the post-farrowing vaccination protocol in farm A (p = 0.0059; rSpaA415 ELISA) and farm B (p = 0.0168 and p = 0.0098 for the commercial and rSpaA415 ELISA data, respectively). Additionally, higher proportion of piglets from pre-farrowing vaccinated sows remained seropositive during the post-weaning period (days 42 to 84) compared to piglets from non-vaccinated or post-farrowing vaccinated groups in both farms A and B.

Recommendation discrepancies between vaccine licensureand vaccination practices: knowledge, practice, and attitude ofhealthcare providers

Recommendation discrepancies between vaccine licensureand vaccination practices: knowledge, practice, and attitude ofhealthcare providers

Global and Regional Burden of Vaccine-Associated Erythema Multiforme and Their Related Vaccines, 1967–2023: An In-Depth Analysis of the World Health Organization Pharmacovigilance Database

Objective: Vaccine-associated erythema multiforme (EM) remains under-researched, impacting global vaccine safety evaluations. This study examines the global and regional burden of EM and its association with specific vaccines to optimize vaccination strategies. Subject and Methods: We analyzed data from the WHO pharmacovigilance database on vaccine-associated EM from 1967 to 2023 (n = 131,255,418 reports). Reporting frequencies, reported odds ratios (RORs), and information components (IC) were calculated for 16 vaccines across 170 countries. Results: We identified 6,355 cases (males, n = 3,182 [50.07%]) of vaccine-associated EM from a total of 46,378 reports of all-cause EM. While vaccine-associated EM has been consistently reported, there has been a notable increase in reported incidence particularly in 2010 and 2020. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines had the highest association with vaccine-associated EM reports (ROR: 8.75 [95% confidence interval, 8.11–9.44]; IC, 3.10 [IC0.25, 2.97]), followed by hepatitis B (8.54 [7.66–9.51]; 3.06 [2.88]), hepatitis A (8.11 [7.01–9.39]; 2.98 [2.74]), typhoid (6.50 [4.75–8.90]; 2.60 [2.07]), encephalitis (5.86 [4.35–7.91]; 2.47 [1.96]), diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, pertussis, polio, and Hemophilus influenza type b (5.70 [5.42–5.99]; 2.46 [2.38]), pneumococcal (5.56 [5.11–6.06]; 2.45 [2.31]), rotavirus (4.96 [4.21–5.84]; 2.29 [2.01]), varicella-zoster (4.44 [3.99–4.95]; 2.13 [1.95]). Vaccine-associated EM reports were more strongly correlated with younger age groups and males. The overall fatality rate of vaccine-associated EM was 0.04%. Conclusions: The rise in vaccine-associated EM across multiple vaccines, especially in younger populations, highlights the need for closer monitoring and more informed vaccination practices to mitigate adverse reactions.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Tetanus Vaccination by Women of Childbearing Age in the Health District of Commune I of Bamako (Mali)

The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tetanus vaccination among women of childbearing age. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical purpose that took place from May to July 2021 in the health district of Commune I. It targeted 258 DPFs. The data collection used observation, documentary exploitation, individual interviews and focus groups as a technique. Results: We observed that vaccination coverage in TAV2 and above among FAPs was 63.9% but 72.3% of these women had received their doses during antenatal consultations and 61.24% of them were between 14-24 years old. The majority of the FAPs surveyed (95.7%) were not aware of the vaccination schedule. 78.4% were unaware of the required doses. Among the women surveyed, 15.2% had not received any dose of VAT and 87.3% of them said they were unaware of the importance of vaccination. Conclusion: the lack of information, awareness and the age of FAPs are the main reasons for the lack of knowledge of the vaccination schedule, the number of doses required and the need for VAT.

Abstract B113: Cervical cancer stigma in the Caribbean: Implications for prevention

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer is still a major threat in the Caribbean region. Stigma may be a contributor to low screening and HPV vaccination practices, but it has been understudied in the region. The study aims to assess stigma among a Caribbean non- patient population in Jamaica, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1207 participants was conducted using a trans-created Cancer Stigma Scale for the Caribbean context and additional measures on cervical cancer and HPV vaccine knowledge and beliefs were added. Cancer stigma was assessed across six sub-domains Severity, Personal Responsibility, Awkwardness, Avoidance, Policy Opposition and Financial Discrimination. The data were collected online between October 2022 and March 2023. Descriptive statistics for characteristics of socio- demographic and variables associated with cancer stigma were run. ANOVA tests compared factor scores with multi categorised variables using SPSS. Results: Levels of cancer stigma were low but varied across the six domains with the severity domain showing high scores (40.1%-77.4%). The majority of the participants disagreed with banks refusing to give loans to people with cancer (85.1%). Under policy opposition (93.0%) agreed that more government funding should be spent on cancer care and treatment. Social rejection was significantly higher in Grenada when compared to both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. More than a third of the participants (35.6%) agreed that the fear of family reaction and rejection may discourage women from getting a further diagnosis after an abnormal Pap smear. Younger participants showed less stigma than older participants. Those aged 18-25 also differed from those aged 26-35 and 56-65 for the factors of Policy Opposition and Severity respectively. In all cases the older age group had higher mean scores. Social impact factors of shame and social rejection are predictors of cancer stigma with p < 0.001 and p = 0.050 respectively. Married/cohabiting individuals had more negative responses than divorced persons across all three factors of Shame, Social Rejection and Social Isolation. The majority of our participants were female 81.4% and fell between the ages of 18-35 years (56.8%). Discussion: Cancer stigma is understudied in the Americas. Our results show that cancer stigma varies by several important factors including stigma domain, and participant demographics e.g. age and gender. The findings indicate that interventions and educational efforts targeting cancer stigma ought to be included in cancer prevention and control efforts. Targeted evidenced-based strategies for reducing stigma include featuring cancer survivors especially prominent survivors like celebrities, and employing mass media public health campaigns. A reduction in cancer stigma may lead to increased prevention, screening, and treatment of cervical cancer. Citation Format: Diadrey-Anne Sealy, Kamilah Thomas- Purcell, Althea Bailey, Gaole Song, Kimlin Ashing. Cervical cancer stigma in the Caribbean: Implications for prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B113.

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic experiences on attitudes towards vaccinations: on the social, cultural and political determinants of preferred vaccination organization models in Poland

BackgroundThe article describes attitudes towards vaccinations in Poland in relation to issues such as voluntary versus compulsory vaccinations, the method of financing vaccinations, the method of organizing and carrying out vaccinations, the cognitive and educational aspect of vaccines (how to obtain knowledge about vaccines) and the preferred model of work and research on new vaccines. Taking into account these issues, the authors have created four ideal models of preferred vaccination policies: (a) the market model; (b) the state model; (c) the vaccine hesitancy model; and (d) the civic–social model. This perspective makes it possible to better understand and learn about the various motives behind the attitudes of anti-vaccination movements, as well as to notice cracks and divisions among vaccination supporters and their attitudes towards the financing and organization of vaccinations.MethodsThe study was carried out using the CATI method on a representative random-quota sample of Polish society of 1000 people aged 18 and over. The study took age, sex, education and the size of the place of residence into account.Additionally, in the Socio-demographic factors influencing attitudes towards vaccination practices in Poland section, we used the chi-squared test and regression analysis of factors influencing vaccination practices in Poland. PASW Statistics 18 (a version of SPSS) software was used for statistical analysis. Significant correlations were demonstrated at a significance level of 0.05% Pearson.ResultsThis article has shown that attitudes towards vaccinations are embedded in broader divisions and orientations related to the vision of the social order: the role of the state, the organization of healthcare and payments for vaccinations and medical services, as well as preferred ways of knowledge production in society and work on new vaccines. The political sympathies and the age of the respondents were the most important variables influencing vaccination behaviour. The education of the respondents was less important.ConclusionsA few years after the peak of the pandemic, the scope of anti-vaccination attitudes in Polish society ranges from 20% of the population (dogmatic anti-vaxxers) to 30% (vaccine hesitancy occurring depending on attitudes towards vaccinations).

Pediatric Oncology Providers' HPV Vaccine Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy, and Practice after Communication Training: A Comparison with a National Survey.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations prevent HPV infection and related cancers. Despite being at higher risk of secondary cancers linked to HPV, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are undervaccinated. This study aimed to compare pediatric oncology providers' knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and practices regarding HPV vaccination among those who participated in a multilevel educational HPV vaccine program with those of a national sample of oncology providers. Between February and March 2023, 39 providers from five pediatric oncology clinics in Texas completed online surveys, assessing knowledge about CCS risk for HPV-related cancers, attitudes towards the HPV vaccine, and confidence in recommending the vaccine to CCS. The results were compared with a national survey of providers conducted in 2019 (n = 195). The findings showed that providers who participated in our program had greater knowledge of CCS increased risk for HPV-related cancers (96% vs. 38%; p < 0.001); greater confidence in discussing and recommending the HPV vaccine (100% vs. 66%, p < 0.001) and addressing parental concerns (100% vs. 69%, p < 0.001); and a more positive attitude about oncology providers than general pediatricians, recommending (96% vs. 71%; p = 0.006) and administering the HPV vaccine to CCS (96% vs. 53%, p < 0.001). This study underscores the importance of educating oncology providers about the increased risk of CCS and improving their self-efficacy to recommend the HPV vaccine, promoting vaccination in the oncology setting.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in a privately funded program in Ghana: A qualitative case study

ABSTRACT HPV vaccination is one of the safest and most effective interventions against HPV-related cancers. From 2013 to 2018, HPV vaccination was piloted in Ghana in preparation for a national program. Yet, at the time of this study, there was no publicly funded HPV vaccination program in Ghana. We explored an existing privately funded HPV vaccination program in Ghana to identify challenges and gaps and to gather insights to inform vaccination practice and national policy. This study used a qualitative case study research design. We conducted semi-structured interviews on experiences, barriers, and challenges in HPV vaccination at the Greater-Accra Regional Hospital between October 1 and November 26, 2023. Participants (N = 16) included HPV vaccinators (n = 8) and program/policy leaders (n = 8). Our thematic analysis focused on HPV vaccination processes, practice challenges, and policy interests. Four main themes emerged from our analyses. Our findings revealed many challenges faced by the HPV vaccination program. These include a lack of guiding policy/framework for the HPV vaccination program, an emphasis on sexual history, cervical screening, and HPV DNA test in determining vaccination eligibility by vaccinators, and a lack of formal provider and recipient HPV education programs. Although many vaccinators advocated for a universal HPV program, some policy/program leaders were reluctant to prioritize HPV vaccination advocacy due to their focus on acute health concerns. A vaccination program without a policy can be limited in quality and efficiency, as there will be no accountability and sustainability measures. We recommend the need to develop standardized guidelines to support evidence-based HPV vaccination practice.

Edward Jenner's Discovery of Vaccination: Impact and Legacy.

Edward Jenner's pioneering work in the late 18th century, particularly his development of the smallpox vaccine, marked a transformative moment in medical history. This review meticulously examines Jenner's groundbreaking discovery and its profound impact on modern immunology and public health. By analyzing a comprehensive range of peer-reviewed studies and historical accounts, this review provides an in-depth exploration of Jenner's experimental methodology, the scientific and ethical controversies that surrounded his work, and the subsequent adoption of vaccination practices. Jenner's rigorous approach to scientific inquiry, the broader implications of his work on public health strategies, and its enduring relevance in addressing contemporary health challenges are also highlighted. This comprehensive analysis underscores Jenner's legacy as a cornerstone of modern medicine and public health.

Study of dog population dynamics and rabies awareness in Thailand using a school-based participatory research approach

Rabies is a neglected disease primarily related to dog-mediated transmission to humans. Accurate dog demographic and dynamic data are essential for effectively planning and evaluating population management strategies when designing interventions to prevent rabies. However, in Thailand, longitudinal survey data regarding dog population size are scarce. A school-based participatory research (SBPR) approach was conducted to survey owned dogs for one year in four high-risk provinces (Chiang Rai, Surin, Chonburi, and Songkhla) of Thailand, aiming to understand dog population dynamics and raise awareness about rabies. ‘Pupify’ mobile application was developed to collect data on dog population and observe the long-term population dynamics in this study. At the end of the data collection period, telephone interviews were conducted to gain insight into contextual perceptions and awareness regarding both animal and human rabies, as well as the social responsibility of dog owners in disease prevention and control. Among 303 high school students who registered in our study, 218 students reported at least one update of their dog information throughout the one-year period. Of 322 owned dogs from our survey, the updates of dog status over one year showed approximately 7.5 newborns per 100-dog-year, while deaths and missing dogs were 6.2 and 2.7 per 100-dog-year, respectively. The male to female ratio was approximately 1.8:1. Twenty-three students (10%) voluntarily participated and were interviewed in the qualitative study. The levels of rabies awareness and precautions among high-school students were relatively low. The high dropout rate of the survey was due to discontinuity in communication between the researcher and the students over the year. In conclusion, this study focused on using the SBPR approach via mobile application to collect data informing dog population dynamics and raising awareness regarding rabies in Thailand Other engaging platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other popular applications) is necessary to enhance communication and engagement, thereby sustaining and maintaining data collection. Further health education on rabies vaccination and animal-care practices via social media platforms would be highly beneficial. For sustainable disease control, engaging communities to raise awareness of rabies and increase dog owners’ understanding of their responsibilities should be encouraged.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Bungkulan Buleleng Village Communities Related to the Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccination

Background: The contribution of the community through their knowledge, attitudes, and practices are essential to control COVID-19 through vaccination.Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community related to implementing the COVID-19 vaccine.Methods: This observational study with a cross-sectional design was carried out from June to July 2023. Samples of 155 respondents were obtained through convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria include the community domiciled in Bungkulan Village, aged ≥18 years, and is willing to be involved in research, while respondents who didn’t fill in the complete questionnaire are excluded from research. Data was collected using self-developed offline questionnaire. The relationship of knowledge, attitudes, and practices was analyzed by multiple linier regression and Spearman-rho test (95% CI).Results: Findings showed that the majority of respondents were aged 25-29 years old (30.32%), male (76.13%), graduated from high school (65.16%), worked (89.68%), didn’t experience comorbidities (96.13%) and AESI (87.10%), lack of knowledge (53.29 ± 23.24) but has a good attitude (75.18 ± 11.55) and practices (84.06 ± 16.17) related to the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination. There is a significant relationship between knowledge with attitudes (r = 0.352; p = &lt;0.001) and attitudes with practices (r = 0.257; p = &lt;0.001), also knowledge and attitudes simultaneously influence the practice of Covid-19 vaccination (p=&lt;0.001).Conclusion: A person's attitudes and practices in a positive direction tend to begin with good knowledge. Strong sources of public health information and communication are necessary to develop good knowledge.

Pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Experiences, Practices, and Attitudes in Rural Primary Care Clinicians

ObjectivePediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates remain low in rural areas. A strong clinician recommendation improves vaccine uptake, but the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine recommendation practices of rural primary care clinicians have not been reported. Our objectives were to describe, among rural Colorado pediatric clinicians: 1) recommendation practices for COVID-19 vaccine compared to influenza and school-entry required vaccines, and 2) personal attitudes. MethodsFrom July to October 2023, surveys were distributed to clinicians in rural Colorado identified as pediatric vaccine providers in counties designated as rural through the Colorado Immunization Information System using mail and email. ResultsOf 89 survey respondents, 37% of clinicians strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months–5 years old, compared to 79% for influenza (P = 0.05) and 92% for school-entry required vaccines (P = 0.04). For children 6–11 and 12–17 years old, 43% and 44% of clinicians strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccines, respectively, compared to 71% and 70% for influenza (P < 0.01), and 91% for school-entry required vaccines (P < 0.01). Forty four percent of clinicians agreed that COVID-19 vaccines are important for pediatric patients. The most common clinician-perceived challenges to discussing pediatric COVID-19 vaccines included a lack of parent interest in more information (76% “somewhat” or “strongly” agree), lack of ability to change parents’ minds (71%), and concerns that the vaccines are too political (40%). ConclusionsMost rural Colorado clinicians do not strongly recommend pediatric COVID-19 vaccines compared to influenza and school-entry required vaccines. Efforts to improve pediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake should aim to strengthen clinicians’ recommendations of these vaccines.

Seroprevalence and age-related susceptibility of TORCH infections in childbearing age women: A 5-year cross-sectional retrospective study and a literature review

BackgroundSerodiagnosis of TORCH infections should be performed in pre-pregnancy and reproductive-age women to prevent vertical transmission. Herein, we conducted a 5-year cross-sectional retrospective study in childbearing age women to provide prevalence data. Also, stratifying the cohort into three age groups, we identified those most susceptible to acute TORCH infections. MethodsBetween 2019 and 2023, serum samples from 2286 childbearing age women attending the “R. Dulbecco” University Hospital of Catanzaro were collected. Screening for TORCH pathogens, such as: Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Rubella Virus (RUB), Parvovirus B19 (ParvoB19), Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2) and Treponema pallidum was carried out using serological tests. Chemiluminescent immunoassay was performed to detect TOX, CMV and ParvoB19 Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, while Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay was performed to detect RUB IgM and IgG antibodies and CMV and TOX IgG Avidity. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay was performed to detect HSV1 IgG, HSV2 IgG, HSV1/2 IgM, T. pallidum total antibodies and RUB IgG Avidity. Binomial logistic regression models were developed to compare seroprevalence rates among different age groups. ResultsThe highest immunological protection was observed for RUB infection (87 %), probably associated with vaccination practice, followed by HSV1 and CMV (82 % and 63 %). The 16–25 year age group results as the most susceptible to acute infections as demonstrated by odds of CMV IgM positivity (primary infection) which decreased with age. ConclusionsThe TORCH serological screening program should be implemented in women before pregnancy to formulate strategies for serological screening of childbearing age women and guiding clinicians in making decisions.

Treatment of Behçet Uveitis in Türkiye.

Behçet uveitis (BU) is a potentially blinding disorder. The main determinant of visual prognosis is early and appropriate treatment that provides rapid suppression of inflammatory attacks, control of subclinical inflammation, and prevention of new attacks. Our study aimed to determine the Turkish uveitis specialists' approach regarding the treatment choices and management of special situations such as pregnancy, vaccination, and surgical planning in BU patients, and to increase information sharing and raise awareness of issues where knowledge is lacking. A web-based survey including 16 questions about the treatment approach in ocular involvement of Behçet's disease was sent via e-mail to uveitis specialists in Türkiye. Based on the answers of 49 ophthalmologists who responded to the survey, we evaluated the approaches of uveitis specialists in our country to initiating treatment, selecting therapeutic agents, monitoring, switching and stopping treatment, and special situations such as surgical planning, vaccination, and pregnancy in BU patients. Uveitis specialists in our country mostly act in accordance with the guidelines in the decision to start treatment, selection of therapeutic agents, and monitoring the safety of treatment in BU. However, there is a lack of information about the therapeutic approach in pregnancy and vaccination practices. It was also observed that there is no consensus on the precautions to be taken before cataract surgery. Our study has shown that there is a need for more detailed and widespread information sharing on treatment in preparation for ocular surgery, safety monitoring, drug use during pregnancy, and vaccination in BU patients.

Vaccine practices, literacy, and hesitancy among parents in the United Arab Emirates.

Immunisation is one of public health's greatest success stories, yet, annually, 20 million children miss out entirely or partially on routine immunisation. National immunisation estimates have the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lagging behind with 4% of children under the age of 1 not having received any vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy is considered one of the biggest barriers to vaccination. This study aims to evaluate the UAE's parents' vaccination attitudes and practices as well as estimate vaccine hesitancy's prevalence and determinants. This cross-sectional, descriptive study collected data from parents across the UAE during the months of March and April 2024. The 60-item questionnaire included the Parental Attitudes towards Childhood Vaccines scale (PACV), the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale, and the Digital Vaccine Literacy (DVL) scale. Univariate, bivariate (chi-squared test), and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were conducted. A total of 550 responses were retained. 84.55% of participants were female (n = 465/550), half were middle-aged (31-45 years old), and 21.09% (n = 116/550) were healthcare workers. 94.36% (n = 519/550) had their child/children receive all mandated vaccines. Only 39.82% (n = 219/550) found their level of knowledge about childhood vaccinations to be good/excellent. 70.11% (n = 386/550) of participants had high digital vaccine literacy. More than 95% had positive attitudes towards measles, meningitis, and pertussis vaccines. 14.00% (n = 77/550) were identified as vaccine-hesitant according to the PACV. Overall, using general practitioner/ paediatrician as a knowledge source, digital vaccine literacy, perceived children's vaccine knowledge, and nationality were associated with lower vaccine hesitancy status. Vaccine hesitancy exists and is prevalent in the UAE; however, the majority of participants reported high trust in vaccines, the local healthcare systems and physicians. Vaccine hesitancy can be tackled but will require tailored solutions and proactive healthcare workers.

Influenza Vaccination of Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study of Uptake, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Greece.

Influenza immunization includes a yearly repeated vaccine offered to every healthcare worker, including nursing students, with a high risk of contracting this viral disease. This study aimed to investigate the vaccination coverage, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing students against influenza in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Attica region between September 2022 and July 2023, with the use of an anonymous reference questionnaire. Data from 1261 nursing students were recorded (response rate: 68.6%). The study found that 23% of the sample were vaccinated against influenza for the flu season 2022-2023, and 42% were vaccinated for the previous flu season. Knowledge scores regarding influenza ranged from 0% to 100%, with a mean value of 55 (SD = 18.8%). A higher level of knowledge about influenza was associated with more appropriate attitudes and practices toward the disease (p < 0.001). Notably, participants in their second, third, or fourth year of study and beyond exhibited more suitable attitudes and practices towards the flu compared to those in their first year of study (p < 0.05). The emergence of low vaccination coverage identifies the need for departments of nursing studies to proceed with the design of educational and intervention programs on infection control.

Influenza Vaccination Practices and Perceptions Among Young Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece.

Influenza vaccination among athletes is a crucial area in sports medicine. This descriptive, cross-sectional study aims to explore the vaccination practices and intentions regarding influenza vaccines among young athletes. A structured, questionnaire-based study was conducted among students from the National School of Sports in Greece. The survey was conducted over the period of April to May 2023. Overall, 138 participants participated in the study. More than half of the participants had received a flu vaccine in the past, but only 12.3% were vaccinated against influenza for 2022-2023. The main reasons seemed to be the lack of time (40.6%) and the idea that influenza does not lead to any serious health threats for the participants (36.2%). The main factor that affected their decision to get the flu vaccine or not was the need for more information regarding influenza vaccination (79%). The recent study showed low vaccination coverage among people of young age participating in sports activities. The qualitative views of the participants highlighted the significance of the lackof a well-organized information program provided by health professionals and coaches.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of adult vaccine among the staff of vaccination units in Shandong Province

In order to understand the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of vaccination against influenza, pneumonia, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes zoster (HZ), COVID-19, and hepatitis B among staff of vaccination units in Shandong Province, a sample survey was conducted among 797 staffs of adult vaccination units in 12 counties (cities and districts) of Shandong Province from August to September 2022. The results showed that the respondents had the highest total score of knowledge and attitude for the COVID-19 vaccine, with the M (Q1, Q3) of 23 (20, 25) and 10 (10, 10), respectively, and had the lowest score of knowledge and attitude for the herpes zoster vaccine, with the M (Q1, Q3) of 19 (15, 22) and 8 (8, 10), respectively. The vaccine-related knowledge point"vaccine applicable population"had the highest score, with the M (Q1,Q3) of 26 (23, 30). The "contraindications/adverse reactions" and "adverse reaction management" had the lowest score, with the M (Q1, Q3) of 24 (20, 29) and 24 (20, 28), respectively. About 89.71% of respondents received one adult vaccine within two years at least. The principal driver for vaccination of 53.58% of recipients was their understanding of vaccines, which was"it was necessary to receive the vaccine". About 66.00% of respondents who had not received any adult vaccine in the past two years had insufficient awareness of the necessity of vaccination and believed that they were in good health and did not need to receive it. In summary, the staff of adult vaccination units in Shandong Province have a poor understanding of the herpes zoster vaccine in terms of vaccines and a relatively poor understanding of"contraindications/adverse reaction and management"in adult vaccination knowledge points.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Vaccination Practices Regarding the New RSV Vaccine among Health Professionals in Greece.

The introduction of a new vaccine into immunization programs represents a significant advancement in the global effort to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. Data from the World Health Organization support that immunization prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths each year across various diseases, underscoring its pivotal role in global health. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and anticipated vaccination practices among health professionals in Central Greece in response to the potential introduction of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination guidelines by the National Vaccines Committee. Among the 450 health professionals solicited for the study, 219 provided responses, yielding a response rate of approximately 55%. A substantial majority (70.3%) accurately identified the vaccine's current availability, and 62.1% were aware of the current recommendation for RSV vaccination in pregnant women. In response to whether health professionals support the inclusion of an RSV vaccine in the national vaccination program if it becomes commercially available and is recommended by the Greek National Immunization Program, general practitioners showed the most support, with an average score of 4.86 (95% CI, 4.69-5.00), followed by pediatricians at 4.76 (95% CI, 4.63-4.89), pulmonologists at 4.68 (95% CI, 4.36-5.00), and obstetricians at 4.33 (95% CI, 3.95-4.71). Concerning general opinions on vaccinations, a high level of agreement was noted among the majority of health professionals, excluding nurses. Pharmacists recorded the highest agreement, with a perfect score of 5 (CI, 5.00-5.00), followed closely by pediatricians at 4.99 (CI, 4.97-5.00), GPs at 4.95 (CI, 4.85-5.00), pulmonologists at 4.93 (CI, 4.83-5.00), obstetricians at 4.74 (CI, 4.42-5.00), and nurses at 3.80 (CI, 3.06-4.54). A tailored approach to education is needed to ensure that healthcare professionals can communicate more effectively about RSV risks and vaccination benefits, fostering a proactive stance towards disease prevention and patient care. In essence, our study underscores the importance of knowledge in shaping a compassionate and responsive healthcare environment, ready to meet the challenges of RSV head-on.

Live Vaccine and Varicella Postexposure Prophylaxis in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients: A Survey of Practice in Australia and New Zealand.

Administration of live vaccines following liver transplant (LT) has historically not been recommended due to concerns regarding risk of vaccine-attenuated disease. However, there is evidence suggesting that in select transplant recipients live vaccinations can be administered safely. Studies in other regions have indicated that despite this evidence many clinicians remain hesitant to administer live vaccinations. A REDCap survey was distributed to gastroenterologists, pediatricians, and infectious diseases physicians at pediatric centers across Australia and New Zealand via email between September and November 2023. The survey included a series of questions regarding live vaccine and varicella postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) practices in pediatric LT recipients and barriers to live vaccine administration in this cohort. There was a total of 16 responses to the survey, from 10 different pediatric centers, including 10/11 pediatric gastroenterology centers and all four pediatric LT centers in the region. Only 31% (5/16) of respondents (from 3/10 different centers) offer live vaccines. The main barrier to live vaccine administration was clinician reluctance and the main reason for not offering live vaccines was insufficient safety data. Sixty-nine percent (11/16) of respondents take vaccination status and/or serology into account when deciding whether to offer varicella PEP to this cohort. Respondents universally offer varicella zoster immunoglobulin as PEP, though 31% (5/16) also offer antiviral medication. Many clinicians in our region remain hesitant to provide live vaccines to pediatric LT recipients, with concerns regarding insufficient safety data. Updated local guidelines may help to address this.