Leveraging serology to titrate immunization program functionality for diphtheria in Madagascar

Universal immunization of children against common vaccine preventable diseases is the most important aspect of childcare programs. It has long been a goal of the Universal Immunization Program. National Population Policy, 2000 has also stressed on development of Indian Immunization Program, as India is one of the largest in the world, in terms of quantities of vaccines used, numbers of beneficiaries, and the numbers of immunization sessions organized. This program is spread all across the country and seven vaccines are used to protect children and pregnant mothers against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertusis, polio, measles tetanus and hepatitis-B. Some other supplements like vitamin A and iron tablets have also been added with this delivery mechanism to support overall nutritional level of children and their mothers. To assess the grassroot level condition, this study has tried to explore and compare the different parameters related to routine vaccination and supplement distribution in some selected districts. Role of ASHAs and ANMs is very important for this whole immunization program and to enhance the coverage in qualitative manner, certain evaluation parameters must be established like how many households are aware of sanitation, hygiene, preventive health and healthy lifestyle through ASHA and ANM work.

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Scaling up public health interventions: case study of the polio immunization program in Indonesia

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10647-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Utsamani Cintyamena ◽

Luthfi Azizatunnisa’ ◽

Riris Andono Ahmad ◽

Yodi Mahendradhata

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Role Model ◽

Local Area ◽

Scaling Up ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Cold Chain ◽

Public Health Interventions ◽

Immunization Program ◽

Integrated Health ◽

Polio Immunization

Abstract Background The scaling up of public health interventions has received greater attention in recent years; however, there remains paucity of systematic investigations of the scaling up processes. We aim to investigate the overall process, actors and contexts of polio immunization scaling up in Indonesia from 1988 until 2018. Methods A mixed method study with sequential explanatory design was conducted. We carried out a quantitative survey of 323 actors involved in the polio program at national and sub-national levels, followed by Key Informant Interviews (KII)s. Document review was also carried out to construct a timeline of the polio eradication program with milestones. We carried out descriptive statistical analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results The scaling up of polio immunization in Indonesia started as a vertical expansion approach led by the Ministry of Health within a centralized health system. The coverage of immunization increased dramatically from 5% in the earlier 80s to 67.5% in 1987; incremental increases followed until achieving Universal Child Immunization (UCI) in 1990 and subsequently 95% coverage in 1995. Engagement of stakeholders and funding made the scaling up of polio immunization a priority. There was also substantial multisector involvement, including institutions and communities. Local area monitoring (LAM) and integrated health posts (Posyandu) were key to the polio immunization implementation strategy. Challenges for scaling up during this centralized period included cold chain infrastructure and limited experience in carrying out mass campaigns. Scaling up during the decentralized era was slower due to expansion in the number of provinces and districts. Moreover, there were challenges such as the negative perception of immunization side-effects, staff turnover, and the unsmooth transition of centralization towards decentralization. Conclusion Vertical scaling up of polio immunization program intervention was successful during the centralized era, with involvement of the president as a role model and the engine of multi sector actors. Posyandu (integrated health posts) played an important role, yet its revitalization after the reform-decentralization era has not been optimum.

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Impact of a two-dose varicella immunization program on the incidence of varicella: A multi-year observational study in Shanghai, China

Expert Review of Vaccines ◽

10.1080/14760584.2021.1963236 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zhi Li ◽

Ye Yao ◽

Xinyue Lu ◽

Jiechen Liu ◽

Zhuoying Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Immunization Program

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Hepatitis A virus knowledge and immunization attitudes and practices in the United Arab Emirates community

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-80089-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kamel A. Samara ◽

Hiba J. Barqawi ◽

Basant H. Aboelsoud ◽

Moza A. AlZaabi ◽

Fay T. Alraddawi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United Arab Emirates ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis A Virus ◽

Immunization Schedule ◽

National Immunization Program ◽

Immunization Program ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

National Immunization

AbstractAnnually, 1.5 million cases of hepatitis A infection occur worldwide. The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) has seen a decrease in infection rates and seroprevalence coupled with an increase in the average age of infection. This study aimed to assess the U.A.E. society’s hepatitis A knowledge, and attitudes and vaccination practices, with the applicability of its introduction into the local immunization schedule. A self-administered, 50-item questionnaire was used to collect data from the four most populous cities in the U.A.E., between January and March 2020. A total of 458 responses were collected and analysed using IBM-SPSS-26, R-4.0.0 and Matplotlib-v3.2.1. Females had better attitudes (P = 0.036), practices (P < 0.0005), immunization schedule knowledge (AOR = 3.019; CI 1.482–6.678), and appreciation of the immunization schedule (AOR = 2.141; CI 1.310–3.499). A higher level of perceived knowledge was associated with an actual better knowledge (P < 0.0005), better practices (P = 0.011), and increased willingness to get vaccinated (AOR = 1.988; CI 1.032–3.828). Respondents were more likely to vaccinate their children against HAV if the vaccine were introduced into the National Immunization Program (P < 0.0005). Overall, disease knowledge was lacking but with positive attitudes and poor practices. There is high trust in the National Immunization Program and a potential for improving poor practices through local awareness campaigns.

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