Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Malak Alame, Malak Kaddoura, Samer Kharroubi, Fatima Ezzeddine, Ghadir Hassan, Marwa Diab El-Harakeh, Lubna Al Ariqi, Abdinasir Abubaker, Hassan Zaraket
Summary: Despite positive attitudes towards the influenza vaccine, the vaccination rate among healthcare workers in Lebanon remains low. Factors such as self, family, and community protection are key enablers for vaccination, while concerns about viral evolution, vaccine efficacy and side effects, and cost are major barriers to vaccination.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zachary J. Madewell, Rafael Chacon-Fuentes, Jorge Jara, Homer Mejia-Santos, Ida-Berenice Molina, Juan Pablo Alvis-Estrada, Rosa Coello-Licona, Belinda Montejo
Summary: Influenza vaccination was well accepted among postpartum women in Honduras, with 78.1% receiving the vaccine. Factors associated with higher vaccination rates included receiving recommendations from healthcare workers during prenatal check-ups, having concurrent chronic diseases, and having other children in the household vaccinated. Main reasons for vaccination included perceived benefits for both mother and infant and easy access, while reasons for non-vaccination included vaccine not being offered and fear of side effects or harm to the infant. Increasing clinician recommendations and ensuring vaccine availability during prenatal visits may help increase vaccination rates.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zachary J. Madewell, Rafael Chacon-Fuentes, Jorge Jara, Homer Mejia-Santos, Ida-Berenice Molina, Juan Pablo Alvis-Estrada, Maria-Renee Ortiz, Rosa Coello-Licona, Belinda Montejo
Summary: This study in Honduras evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding seasonal influenza vaccination. Findings showed that only a small percentage of healthcare workers understood the composition of the vaccine and many believed it could cause flu-like symptoms. Despite availability and legal requirement of influenza vaccination in Honduras, coverage among healthcare workers was low in 2018 due to misconceptions.
Article
Immunology
Giulia Dallagiacoma, Agnese Allora, Stefano Salvati, Giulia Cocciolo, Michele Capraro, Anna Lamberti, Sabrina Senatore, Leandro Gentile, Vincenza Gianfredi, Andrea Laurenzi, Chiara Molinari, Amelia Caretto, Marino Faccini, Carlo Signorelli, Marina Scavini, Anna Odone
Summary: The study found that seasonal influenza vaccination coverage was low among patients with type 1 diabetes, with different attitudes and practices towards vaccination. Diabetes specialists were considered the most trusted source of information on vaccines and should be more actively involved in preventive interventions.
Article
Immunology
Ivan Martinez-Baz, Ana Navascues, Maria Eugenia Portillo, Itziar Casado, Ujue Fresan, Carmen Ezpeleta, Jesus Castilla
Summary: The study estimated the average effect of influenza vaccination on preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalization in diabetic patients, showing that influenza vaccination can significantly reduce the probability of hospitalization for diabetic patients and that vaccination in prior seasons also maintained a notable protective effect.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Laura Sanchez-de Prada, Ivan Sanz-Munoz, Raul Ortiz de Lejarazu, Jose Maria Eiros, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Teresa Aydillo
Summary: Current influenza vaccines induce humoral immune responses against the HA protein, with Sb and Ca2 antigenic sites showing high immunodominance. Elderly individuals have lower pre-vaccination antibody levels, while young adults have lower levels only at the Sb and Ca2 sites. After vaccination, ATIV reduces humoral responses to all viruses, while QIV only reduces responses to Sb and Ca2.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chrysoula Taskou, Antigoni Sarantaki, Apostolos Beloukas, Vasiliki E. Georgakopoulou, Georgios Daskalakis, Petros Papalexis, Aikaterini Lykeridou
Summary: Immunizations during pregnancy are vital for perinatal care, yet the rates of influenza vaccination among pregnant women are low due to a lack of clear recommendations from healthcare providers. This study aims to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards influenza vaccination and their recommendations during the perinatal period.
Article
Immunology
Piotr Samel-Kowalik, Mateusz Jankowski, Mira Lisiecka-Bielanowicz, Aurelia Ostrowska, Mariusz Gujski, Bartosz Kobuszewski, Jaroslaw Pinkas, Filip Raciborski
Summary: In Poland, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, both the percentage of adults who have received the flu vaccine and the willingness to do so for the 2020/2021 season remain low. This is especially true for high-risk groups.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dong-Hwa Lee, Bumhee Yang, Seonhye Gu, Eung-Gook Kim, Youlim Kim, Hyung Koo Kang, Yeong Hun Choe, Hyun Jeong Jeon, Seungyong Park, Hyun Lee
Summary: This study investigated the yearly trend of influenza vaccination and factors associated with being unvaccinated for influenza in subjects with diabetes over the past decade. The results showed that the prevalence of influenza vaccination in subjects with diabetes tended to increase every year, reaching almost 60% in 2019. Younger age, males, smoking, low-income status, high education level, and poor glycemic control were associated with being unvaccinated.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Andria Papazachariou, Constantinos Tsioutis, Theodore Lytras, Onoufrios Malikides, Maria Stamatelatou, Nektaria Vasilaki, Athanasia Milioni, Maria Dasenaki, Nikolaos Spernovasilis
Summary: Promoting COVID-19 vaccination, especially among high-risk groups, is crucial for reducing severe disease and death. Previous influenza vaccination was strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccination, and age, proximity to healthcare facilities, and specific comorbidities influenced vaccine acceptance.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lara I. Brewer, Mark J. Ommerborn, Augustina Le Nguyen, Cheryl R. Clark
Summary: Structural inequities contribute to low influenza vaccination rates in the United States, with non-Hispanic White and Asian individuals having higher vaccination rates. Lack of health insurance, regular access to primary care, and delaying medical care due to cost were predictive factors for lower vaccination rates.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sally Adel Hakim, Wagdy Amin, Mohamed Farouk Allam, Asmaa M. Fathy, Amira Mohsen
Summary: The study revealed a positive attitude towards influenza vaccine among Egyptian healthcare workers, but vaccination coverage was suboptimal, especially among those working in university hospitals. Educational messages and ensuring vaccine availability were the main suggestions by healthcare workers to improve vaccine uptake, which are needed for optimizing vaccine uptake.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shahira Shahid, Shafi Kalhoro, Hajra Khwaja, Mohammad Asif Hussainyar, Junaid Mehmood, Muhammad Farrukh Qazi, Abdinasir Abubakar, Shaza Mohamed, Wasiq Khan, Fyezah Jehan, Muhammad Imran Nisar
Summary: Despite WHO's recommendation, influenza vaccination coverage among high-risk groups remains suboptimal in Afghanistan. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among pregnant women and healthcare workers. Findings showed low awareness among pregnant women but a significant intention to receive the vaccine, while healthcare workers had a high level of vaccine intention but low vaccination rates. Accessibility, cost, and fear of side effects were identified as barriers. Efforts should be made to address knowledge gaps, improve accessibility, and address cost-related issues to increase vaccination coverage among priority groups in Afghanistan.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Ty J. Skyles, Harlan P. Stevens, Acelan M. Obray, Jamie L. Jensen, Dashiell S. Miner, Ruth J. Bodily, Bryce U. Nielson, Brian D. Poole
Summary: This study examined changes in factors and barriers to flu vaccination among college students over the past 16 years. Data from 440 students were collected through a survey and compared to previous data from the same university. Respondents were also asked about their experiences with Covid-19 and its impact on their intent to vaccinate. The study found that vaccination rates had increased from 12.4% to 30.5%. While some barriers to vaccination, such as expense and fear of side effects, had decreased, time, convenience, and perceived risk remained significant obstacles. Both healthcare providers and parents were found to play a role in encouraging vaccination, although their influence has diminished. The Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine fatigue were identified as important factors affecting vaccine attitudes. Furthermore, political affiliation and shift in motivation from personal safety to public safety were found to impact flu vaccine uptake among college students.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
William A. Fisher, Vladimir Gilca, Michelle Murti, Alison Orth, Hartley Garfield, Paul Roumeliotis, Emmanouil Rampakakis, Vivien Brown, John Yaremko, Paul Van Buynder, Constantina Boikos, James A. Mansi
Summary: The attitudes and intentions of parents to vaccinate their infants with adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine are strongly correlated with their perception of vaccine safety, efficacy, and importance. The strength of clinician recommendation and social support also influence parental intentions to vaccinate. These findings are crucial for clinician education to ensure optimal seasonal pediatric influenza vaccination.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Edison Johannes Mavundza, Duduzile Ndwandwe, Charles Shey Wiysonge
Summary: The article discusses the potential impact of a march led by EFF leader Julius Malema in South Africa on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake. The endorsement of COVID-19 vaccines by Malema may have convinced some vaccine-hesitant individuals in South Africa to change their minds. Therefore, the suggestion is made to have influential individuals endorse vaccines as a strategy to increase uptake.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth O. Oduwole, Christina A. Laurenzi, Hassan Mahomed, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: This study investigated the challenges faced by vaccinators in Cape Town's Metropolitan District and reported on their current and proposed efforts to combat these challenges. Challenges in both the demand and supply side of routine vaccination were reported, as well as contextual challenges such as community safety issues. The vaccinators provided insightful recommendations to positively influence childhood vaccination uptake in the area.
Article
Immunology
Chukwudi A. Nnaji, Charles S. Wiysonge, Abdu A. Adamu, Maia Lesosky, Hassan Mahomed, Duduzile Ndwandwe
Summary: Major gaps in immunisation coverage remain among children in Cape Town, South Africa, with missed opportunities for vaccination influenced by factors such as caregivers' level of education, receipt of immunisation messages, shared decision making by both parents, and health facility staff number. Improving the quality of immunisation services and implementing broader strategies should address these individual and contextual factors.
Article
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Saahier Parker, Nancy Coulson, Nirvana Pillay, Sara Cooper, Anelisa Jaca, Edison Mavundza, Gregory Houston, Candice Groenewald, Zaynab Essack, Jane Simmonds, Londiwe Deborah Shandu, Marilyn Couch, Nonkululeko Khuzwayo, Nobukhosi Ncube, Phelele Bhengu, Heidi van Rooyen, Charles Shey Wiysonge
Summary: South Africa launched a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign and conducted a population-based survey to determine predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The survey identified concerns about side effects, lack of access to online registration platform, distrust of government, belief in conspiracy theories, no monthly income, and dependence on others for vaccination decision as independent predictors of vaccine hesitancy. These factors should be addressed through tailored communication and effective strategies to improve vaccine literacy, reach low-income households, and foster confidence in the government.
Article
Immunology
Samuel M. Alobwede, Elvis B. Kidzeru, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Sara Cooper, Rene Goliath, Amanda Jackson, Charles S. Wiysonge, Muki S. Shey
Summary: This study investigated influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in South Africa. It found that mistrust in the safety of influenza vaccines was a key factor contributing to hesitancy. Age and occupation, specifically being a physician, were associated with higher acceptance rates. Tailored education programs targeting younger healthcare workers could be effective in improving vaccine uptake.
Review
Immunology
Elizabeth O. Oduwole, Elizabeth D. Pienaar, Hassan Mahomed, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of vaccine tools and measures from 2010 to 2019, highlighting the need for contextually relevant tools in the African region. Additionally, the critical role of vaccination in controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is emphasized.
Article
Immunology
Tene-Alima Essoh, Gbadebo Collins Adeyanju, Abdu A. Adamu, Alain Komi Ahawo, Desquith Aka, Haoua Tall, Aristide Aplogan, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: This study highlights the impact of the pandemic on childhood immunization services in Nigeria, including difficulties in accessibility, declining immunization demand and uptake, and erosion of vaccine confidence. The findings provide important insights for interventions to address these issues.
Review
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Mireille A. M. Kakubu, Jacques L. L. Tamuzi, Amanda S. S. Brand, Adaeze Ayuk, Liliane N. N. Byamungu, Charles S. S. Wiysonge, Glenda Gray
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine in immunocompromised adolescents and young adults through a meta-analysis of post-marketing studies. The results showed that the BNT162b2 vaccine is safe and effective in immunocompromised individuals, although the evidence quality is low to moderate due to bias risk.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marilyn A. Couch, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Samuel Fikiri Cinini, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: Concerns about COVID-19 vaccination safety have led to hesitancy and decreased uptake worldwide. Vaccine hesitancy varies across continents, countries, ethnic groups, and age groups, resulting in global inequities. Africa has the lowest COVID-19 coverage globally, with only 22% of its population fully vaccinated. Misinformation on social media, especially regarding depopulating Africa, may have contributed to vaccine acceptance challenges in the region. This study explores determinants of low vaccination coverage that have received limited attention in primary research and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure trust and convince individuals of the benefits of vaccination.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Liliane N. Byamungu, Amanda S. Brand, Jacques L. Tamuzi, Mireille A. M. Kakubu, Charles S. Wiysonge, Glenda Gray
Summary: Myocarditis and pericarditis occur at a low rate in adolescents after receiving the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine, with a higher risk after the second dose in males. National programs are advised to use a causality framework to reduce overreporting and extend the inter-dose interval policy to decrease the occurrence of myocarditis/pericarditis.
Review
Immunology
Edison J. Mavundza, Sara Cooper, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: Cooper and colleagues conducted a Cochrane review to explore the factors influencing caregivers' views and practices on routine childhood vaccines worldwide. In this review, they included 27 studies conducted in Africa and found that parents' views and practices in Africa were influenced by various factors, categorized into five themes. This finding suggests that addressing the lack of knowledge and information can help promote vaccine acceptance and uptake in Africa.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdu A. Adamu, Tene-Alima Essoh, Rabiu Jalo, Charles S. Wiysonge
Summary: There is a pressing need for African countries to allocate more domestic financial resources to immunization in order to achieve self-reliance in national immunization programs. Political economy analysis (PEA) can assist in guiding policy influencers to advocate for sustainable immunization financing. Applying a systems thinking lens can enhance the usefulness of PEA by considering the complexity of resource allocation and implementation within social systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sara Cooper, Charles S. S. Wiysonge
Summary: Vaccine hesitancy has been the focus of attention in public health worldwide. Over the past decade, various qualitative studies have been conducted to better understand this complex phenomenon. These studies have provided insights into the relationship between vaccine knowledge and hesitancy, the socio-political forces driving vaccine hesitancy, and the multiple dimensions of vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Immunology
Chidozie Declan Iwu, Chinwe Iwu-Jaja, Anelisa Jaca, Charles Shey Wiysonge
Summary: This study used bibliometric analysis to explore the research on vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in children in sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade. The results showed an overall increase in scientific production, followed by a decline in the past two years. South Africa had the highest number of VPD studies, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were commonly studied pathogens.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Evelyn N. Lumngwena, Dipolelo Mokaila, Olukayode Aremu, Patrick D. M. C. Katoto, Jonathan Blackburn, Peter Zilla, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Ntobeko Ntusi
Summary: Socioeconomic factors in low- and middle-income countries may contribute to the recurrence of rheumatic fever and modify trends in rheumatic heart disease. Limited studies suggest a potential association between HIV infection and the occurrence and impact of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
