Vaccine-preventable diseases screening and vaccination programs for healthcare professions students

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Letzgus ◽  
F De Nard ◽  
M Gaiazzi ◽  
S Rivolta ◽  
L Grimoldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Residents ◽  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vaccination History ◽  
Healthcare Professions

Abstract Background Students in Healthcare Professions (SHPs) present an increased risk of contracting and transmitting Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs). Our study aimed to investigate the organizational strategies (screening and immunization for VPDs and vaccination promotion among SHPs) implemented by the healthcare facilities accredited with the University of Milan. Methods we sent an e-survey by e-mail to medical residents and first- and last-year students in nursing, midwifery and healthcare assistance. Results among 3397 invited SHPs, 645 participated. We included in the analysis 522 SHPs, distributed in 24 facilities across the Lombardy region (mean age 27,4 years; 69,5% female; 69% medical residents, 28% nursing, 2% healthcare assistance, and 1% midwifery students). Although most participants underwent occupational health visit before the traineeship start (47,5%) or within 6 months (29,5%), others hadn't undergone yet (15,1%). The visits included the collection of vaccination history (72,6%; 64,6% from written documentation), serological tests for VPDs (hepatitis B 76,1%, measles and rubella 58,4%, varicella 54,4%), and screening for latent TB (69,7%). Vaccinations were recommended to 226 participants, but only 173 fully (76,5%) or partially (8%) complied. Full compliance was associated with nudges like in-hospital (Chisq. 18,7; p = 0.00) and free vaccinations (Chisq. 31; p = 0.00). Reported facility vaccination policies included campaigns (posters 37,4%, intranet 39,5%, social media 11,5%, general/personalized letters 30,3%/11,5%), time-off incentives (7,7%), on-site (30,5%) and opinion leaders' vaccinations (9,8%). However, SHPs were often unaware of those strategies (mean 48,6%), and intra-facility answers were sometimes discordant (agreement <70% for facilities with >30 respondents). Conclusions SHPs are often unaware or discordant regarding vaccination policies carried out by traineeship facilities, suggesting the need of inclusive communication strategies. Key messages About half of students in healthcare professions are screened for VPDs after the start of the traineeship. Students in healthcare professions are often unaware of vaccination promotion strategies.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis in Adult At-Risk Patients

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Lise Boey ◽  
Eline Bosmans ◽  
Liane Braz Ferreira ◽  
Nathalie Heyvaert ◽  
Melissa Nelen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Recent Infection ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Patients

Patients with chronic diseases are at increased risk of complications following infection. It remains, however, unknown to what extend they are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. We assessed seroprevalence of antibodies against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis to evaluate whether current vaccination programs in Belgium are adequate. Antibody titers were assessed with a bead-based multiplex assay in serum of 1052 adults with chronic diseases. We included patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) (n = 172), DM2 (n = 77), chronic kidney disease (n = 130), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 170), heart failure (n = 77), HIV (n = 196) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients (n = 230). Factors associated with seroprevalence were analysed with multiple logistic regression. We found seroprotective titers in 29% for diphtheria (≥0.1 IU/mL), in 83% for tetanus (≥0.1 IU/mL) and 22% had antibodies against pertussis (≥5 IU/mL). Seroprotection rates were higher (p < 0.001) when vaccinated within the last ten years. Furthermore, diphtheria seroprotection decreased with age (p < 0.001). Tetanus seroprotection was less reached in women (p < 0.001) and older age groups (p < 0.001). For pertussis, women had more often a titer suggestive of a recent infection or vaccination (≥100 IU/mL, p < 0.01). We conclude that except for tetanus, the vast majority of at-risk patients remains susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria and pertussis.

Vaccination and immunization status among healthcare students: results from the SAVES survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Rivolta ◽  
M Letzgus ◽  
F De Nard ◽  
M Gaiazzi ◽  
N Principi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Natural Immunity ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Immunization Status ◽  
Healthcare Professions ◽  
The University

Abstract Background Adequate vaccination coverage among healthcare workers, including students in healthcare professions (SHPs), is crucial in order to prevent spreading of infections within healthcare facilities. However, vaccination coverage among SHPs is often inadequate. We aimed to describe the vaccination/immunization status of SHPs of the University of Milan. Methods We spread an e-survey to the academic e-mail addresses of postgraduate medical residents and to first- and last-year undergraduate SHPs. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data (age, sex, education, municipality of residence, internship in high-risk wards) and the reported vaccination/immunization status for Influenza (previous flu season), Varicella, MPR and DTaP vaccines. Results Among 5743 invited SHPs, 884 participated in the survey. The study sample comprised 462 medical residents and 422 undergraduate SHPs (medicine 176, nursery 186, midwifery 4, healthcare assistance 32, prevention techniques 24). Median age was 27 years (IQR 7); 68.4% participants were female; 91.3% had attended high school in a lyceum, while others in a professional (2.9%) or technical (5.8%) institute; 36.7% lived in municipalities of &lt; 20.000 inhabitants, while 26.1% of &gt; 250.000. Traineeships took place in high-risk wards for 46% of participants. Reported vaccination coverage for Influenza was 33,7% (with higher coverage for pediatric nursing and midwifery students, medicine students and medical residents). Participants reported immunity (either vaccine or natural immunity) to Varicella in 93,3% cases. Declared vaccination coverage for Hepatitis B was 94,1%; 91,7% participants reportedly completed the MPR schedule, 76,2% the recommended DTaP booster. Conclusions Influenza vaccination coverage was suboptimal in our sample of SHPs, suggesting the need of specific educational programs and targeted vaccination campaigns, which may help shaping a positive vaccination attitude for future healthcare professionals. Key messages Immunization status for VPDs is suboptimal among Italian students in healthcare professions. The monitoring of the immunization status should include healthcare students actively involved in healthcare activities.

Immunity Against Infectious Diseases Predictive Value of Self-Reported History of Vaccination and Disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 564-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Trevisan ◽  
Clara Frasson ◽  
Marta Morandin ◽  
Michela Beggio ◽  
Alberto Bruno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Virus Surface ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Vaccination History ◽  
Previous Infection ◽  
History Of

Objective. To determine whether self-reported history of disease and/or vaccination is predictive of immunity against hepatitis B, varicella, rubella, mumps, and measles. Design. The seroprevalence of viral antibodies and the predictive value of a self-report questionnaire were determined for 616 paramedical students who matriculated into Padua Medical School (Padua, Italy) during 2003-2005. Results. The majority of subjects (86.9%) remembered being vaccinated against hepatitis B but had no recollection of disease. Among vaccinees, 1.5% showed markers of previous infection, 6.7% tested negative for anti-hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBsAg) antibodies, and 91.8% tested positive for anti-HBsAg. Self-reported vaccination history had a positive predictive value of 93.2% for test results positive for immunity against hepatitis B. Immunity against varicella (93.7% of subjects) and rubella (95.5%) was high, compared with immunity against mumps (79.9%) and measles (83.1%). In addition, results of tests for detection of immunity against mumps and measles were equivocal for more than 7% of subjects, probably because their vaccination regimen was not completed. Self-reported histories of varicella disease and rubella disease and vaccination had high positive predictive values (greater than 98% each) for testing positive for antiviral antibodies, compared with self-reported histories of mumps disease and vaccination and measles disease and vaccination; however, high positive predictive values were observed for self-reported histories of mumps only (92.0%) and measles only (94.7%). Conclusions. The self-report questionnaire used in this study did not accurately predict immunity against 5 transmittable but vaccine-preventable diseases. A complete serological evaluation of healthcare workers, followed by vaccination of those with negative or equivocal results of serological tests, is an appropriate measure to decrease the risk of infection in this population.

Immunizations and vaccines: a decade of successes and reversals, and a call for ‘vaccine diplomacy’

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 331-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J Hotez
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Health Gains ◽  
Potential Development ◽  
Respiratory Virus Infections ◽  
New Vaccines

Abstract Over the last decade we have seen extraordinary public health gains due to expansions in global vaccination programs led by United Nations (UN) agencies, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and the WHO. These initiatives have reduced childhood deaths from measles, tetanus and other vaccine-preventable diseases by almost one half. There is additional excitement over the potential development and introduction of new vaccines to prevent highly lethal respiratory virus infections, as well as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS and several neglected tropical diseases. However, these successes are under threat due to political instability, conflict and an accelerating antivaccine movement. New initiatives in vaccine diplomacy will be required to combat these challenges.

scholarly journals Verification of Healthcare Personnel Immunity as a Strategy for Measles Preparedness

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s431-s432
Author(s):  
Rachael Snyders ◽  
Hilary Babcock ◽  
Christopher Blank
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Preparedness Plan ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Measles Outbreaks ◽  
Centralized Database

Background: Immunization resistance is fueling a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States, where several large measles outbreaks and 1,282 measles cases were reported in 2019. Concern about these measles outbreaks prompted a large healthcare organization to develop a preparedness plan to limit healthcare-associated transmission. Verification of employee rubeola immunity and immunization when necessary was prioritized because of transmission risk to nonimmune employees and role of the healthcare personnel in responding to measles cases. Methods: The organization employs ∼31,000 people in diverse settings. A multidisciplinary team was formed by infection prevention, infectious diseases, occupational health, and nursing departments to develop the preparedness plan. Immunity was monitored using a centralized database. Employees without evidence of immunity were asked to provide proof of vaccination, defined by the CDC as 2 appropriately timed doses of rubeola-containing vaccine, or laboratory confirmation of immunity. Employees were given 30 days to provide documentation or to obtain a titer at the organization’s expense. Staff with negative titers were given 2 weeks to coordinate with the occupational heath department for vaccination. Requests for medical or religious accommodations were evaluated by occupational heath staff, the occupational heath medical director, and the human resources department. All employees were included, though patient-interfacing employees in departments considered higher risk were prioritized. These areas were the emergency, dermatology, infectious diseases, labor and delivery, obstetrics, and pediatrics departments. Results: At the onset of the initiative in June 2019, 4,009 employees lacked evidence of immunity. As of November 2019, evidence of immunity had been obtained for 3,709 employees (92.5%): serological evidence of immunity was obtained for 2,856 (71.2%), vaccine was administered to 584 (14.6%), and evidence of previous vaccination was provided by 269 (6.7%). Evidence of immunity has not been documented for 300 (7.5%). The organization administered 3,626 serological tests and provided 997 vaccines, costing ∼$132,000. Disposition by serological testing is summarized in Table 1. Conclusions: A measles preparedness strategy should include proactive assessment of employees’ immune status. It is possible to expediently assess a large number of employees using a multidisciplinary team with access to a centralized database. Consideration may be given to prioritization of high-risk departments and patient-interfacing roles to manage workload.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals A reasoned action approach to understand vaccination intention among healthcare professions students

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F De Nard ◽  
S Rivolta ◽  
M Letzgus ◽  
M Gaiazzi ◽  
D Carnevali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reasoned Action ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Reasoned Action Approach ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Behavior ◽  
Healthcare Professions ◽  
Prevention Techniques ◽  
Vaccination Knowledge

Abstract Background Understanding the predictors of vaccination intention among healthcare workers, including students in healthcare professions (SHPs), is crucial for policy making and for the development of evidence-driven training programs. The reasoned action approach (RAA) model includes three components to predict intention: attitude (experiential/instrumental), perceived norm (injunctive/descriptive), and perceived behavioral control (capacity/autonomy). We aimed to investigate the predictors of seasonal Flu vaccination intention among SHPs of the University of Milan. Methods We spread an e-survey to all medical residents and first- and last-year SHPs (medicine, nursery, midwifery, healthcare assistance and prevention techniques). The strength of association between measures of RAA components (as well as sociodemographic data, past vaccination behavior, vaccination knowledge, and perceived vaccination facilitation strategies), and vaccination intention was estimated using uni- and multivariate logistic regression models. Results Among 5743 invited SHPs, 884 participated in the survey and were included in the descriptive analyses (52,3% medical residents, 19,9% medicine, 21,1% nursing, 3,6% healthcare assistance, 2,7% prevention techniques and 0,5% midwifery students). Twenty-nine psycho-attitudinal items with an overall Cronbach alpha &gt;0.7 were included in the analyses. The regression analyses were performed on 751 subjects who filled in completely the survey. Past vaccination behavior, vaccination knowledge, experiential attitudes, and perceived vaccination facilitation strategies were positive predictors of Flu vaccination intention (OR 8.16, 2.42, 1.96 and 1.15 respectively, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Our results indicated knowledge, experiential attitudes and facilitation strategies as modifiable predictors of vaccination intention among SHPs. Targeted and lasting interventions are needed in order to pursue a change in the strongest predictor, past vaccination behavior. Key messages Past vaccination is the strongest predictor of vaccination intention among students in healthcare professions. Knowledge, attitudes and perceived facilitators predict vaccine propensity among students in healthcare professions.

Effect of COVID-19 on vaccination coverage in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelle Moura Silveira ◽  
Neida Lucia Conrad ◽  
Fábio Pereira Leivas Leite
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Disease Notification ◽  
Notification System ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Antigen Vaccine ◽  
Restricted Mobility ◽  
Consistent Information ◽  
The Impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic, recommendations for maintaining physical distance, restricted mobility measures, as well as fear of mass transmission by going to health centers have significantly contributed to the general vaccination coverage, which by and large is decreasing worldwide; thus, favoring the potential re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases. In this study, we have used the existing data on vaccination coverage during the pre-pandemic (2019) as well as the pandemic (2020) period to evaluate the impact of coronavirus outbreaks during the vaccination drive in Brazil. Furthermore, we have accumulated data since 2015 among the different regions of the country to acquire more consistent information. The various vaccines analyzed in our study were meningococcal C conjugate, Triple antigen vaccine, 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate, and BCG; subsequently, the data were obtained from the National Disease Notification System. This study revealed that the ongoing immunization drive saw a steep decline of around 10 to 20% during the (2019–2020) pandemic period in Brazil. These results provide strong evidence towards the decreasing trends following the vaccination programs during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil. Furthermore, our results also highlight the importance of adopting widespread multi-component interventions to improve vaccination uptake rates.

Vaccinations in Infants Born Preterm: An Update

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-155
Author(s):  
Areti Aphrodite Sioriki ◽  
Despoina Gkentzi ◽  
Evangelia Papadimitriou ◽  
Gabriel Dimitriou ◽  
Ageliki Karatza
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Protective Antibodies

Infants born prematurely (before completion of 37 weeks of gestation) are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases, mostly because of their immunological immaturity and failure of transfer of maternal protective antibodies. Despite their great need of being vaccinated, concerns on vaccine safety and efficacy, constitute the main reasons for which vaccinations are often delayed in this group. In this review we summarize the latest evidence on vaccine safety, efficacy and immunogenicity in preterm infants which is similar to full-term infants. Therefore there is no reason for delaying vaccination in this population.

Reasons for Vaccine Rejection in 0 to 2 Years Old Children Registered to Family Health Centers in Konya

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 074-079
Author(s):  
Hasan Kucukkendirci ◽  
Fatih Kara ◽  
Gulsum Gulperi Turgut
Keyword(s):  
Health Personnel ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractObjective According to the 2017 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), ∼1.5 million people die from vaccine preventable diseases. The WHO is working to generate and popularize effective vaccination programs. However, the concept of “vaccine rejection,” which first started in Europe and United States, has started to make an impact in Turkey during the past 10 years. It is therefore seen as a growing danger in future. This study was conducted to determine, detect, and prevent the reasons of vaccine rejection that have increased in recent years.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December at 2015. In all districts of Konya (n = 31), it was aimed to reach all 242 families who rejected vaccination to their 0 to 2 years old babies. Families having more than one child refused to vaccinate all of their children. A questionnaire consisting of 47 questions was prepared by the researchers, using the standard trainings of the Ministry of Health and the literature. A total of 172 families agreed to participate in this study. The questionnaire was applied to the parents using the telephone interview technique. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation and percentage.Results About 41.3% (n = 71) of the mothers were high school graduates, 50.6% (n = 87) of their fathers were university graduates. About 82.6% (n = 142) of the participants received examination, treatment and follow-up services from family physicians and family health personnel. About 20.9% (n = 36) of the children were the only children of the family. About 55.8% (n = 96) of the families also refused the vaccination for other children. About 83.7% (n = 144) of the unvaccinated children had infants/children follow-up care. While all participants stated that vaccines had side effects, 31.4% (n = 54) of these believed that vaccines cause autism or paralysis in infants. About 62.2% (n = 107) of their mothers did not receive tetanus vaccine during pregnancy. The highest rate of nonvaccination was with the second dose of hepatitis A vaccine, which 96.5% (n = 166) refused. The most accepted vaccine was the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine, which was refused by 18.0% (n = 31). About 79.7% (n = 137) of the participants did not know the reason for the vaccination and 95.9% (n = 165) thought that the vaccines were not required. All participants received information from the health personnel about the vaccines. While 9.9% (n = 17) of the families thought that vaccines cause infertility, 44.8% (n = 77) did not receive vaccination because the vaccines were produced abroad.Conclusion A growing number of families refuse to have their babies vaccinated. The production of vaccines abroad is a major cause of insecurity. There are also beliefs that vaccines cause infertility. Vaccine production in Turkey should be accelerated and public education about vaccines should be reviewed. Training provided to families about vaccines should also be reviewed.

INAHTA IMPACT STORY: LEGISLATIVE AND ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICE-BASED SURGERY IN AUSTRALIA

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Tivey ◽  
Ning Ma ◽  
Joanna Duncan ◽  
Yasoba Atukorale ◽  
Robyn Lambert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Day Surgery ◽  
Accreditation Process ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Regulatory Oversight ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Government Web Sites ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Reimbursement Scheme

Background:There is growing trend for some surgical procedures previously performed in hospitals to be done in alternative settings, including office-based facilities. There has been some safety concerns reported in the media, which document serious adverse events following procedures performed in an office-based setting. To understand the current regulatory oversight of surgery in this setting ASERNIP-S conducted a review of the legislative and accreditation process governing these facilities in Australia.Methods:Using rapid review methodology, internet searches targeted government Web sites for relevant publicly-available documents. Use of consolidated versions of legislative instruments ensured currency of information. Standards were sourced directly from the issuing authorities or those that oversee the accreditation process.Results:Within Australia, healthcare facilities for surgery and their licensing are defined by each state and territory, which results in significant jurisdictional variation. These variations relate to the need for anesthesia beyond conscious sedation and listing of procedures in legislative instruments. In 2013, Australia adopted National Safety and Quality Health Service standards (NSQHS standards) for the accreditation of hospitals and day surgery centers; however, there is no NSQHS standard for office-based facilities. The main legislative driver for compliance is access to reimbursement schemes for service delivery.Conclusions:The legislative and accreditation framework creates a situation whereby healthcare facilities that provide services outside the various legal definitions of surgery and those not covered by a reimbursement scheme, can operate without licensing and accreditation oversight. This situation exposes patients to potential increased risk of harm when receiving treatment in such unregulated facilities.

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