Evaluation of a vaccine passport to improve vaccine coverage in people living with HIV

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1190-1193
Author(s):  
DR Chadwick ◽  
K Corbett ◽  
S Mann ◽  
B Teruzzi ◽  
S Horner

An increased risk of vaccine-preventable infections (VPIs) is seen in people living with HIV (PLWH), and current vaccine coverage and immunity is variable. Vaccine passports have the potential to improve vaccine coverage. The objective was to assess how successful a vaccine passport was in improving vaccine coverage in PLWH. Baseline immunity to VPIs was established in PLWH attending a single HIV clinic and vaccinations required were determined based on the BHIVA Vaccination Guidelines (2015). The passport was completed and the PLWH informed about additional vaccines they should obtain from primary care. After 6–9 months the passport was reviewed including confirmation if vaccines were given. PLWH satisfaction with the system was evaluated by a survey. Seventy-three PLWH provided sufficient data for analysis. At baseline significant proportions of PLWH were not immune/unvaccinated to the main VPIs, especially human papillomavirus, pneumococcus and measles. After the passport was applied immunity improved significantly (56% overall, p < 0.01) for most VPIs; however, full coverage was not achieved. The system was popular with PLWH. The passport was successful in increasing vaccination coverage although full or near-full coverage was not achieved. A more successful service would probably be achieved by commissioning English HIV clinics to provide all vaccines.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S132-S133
Author(s):  
Deborah A Kahal ◽  
Christopher James ◽  
Brian Wharton ◽  
Sherine Eaddy ◽  
Elizabeth Gaines ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza vaccination decreases individual and population-level morbidity and mortality, mitigates risk of acquiring influenza-like illness, and prevents healthcare system overburdening. Vaccination is important for people living with HIV (PLWH) who have increased risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and poor outcomes. Moreover, influenza vaccination has been associated with decreased COVID-19 mortality in older patients. Historical annual adult influenza vaccinations rates at the study site were 65%, exceeding local and national benchmarks. Amidst COVID-19, we recognized a need to increase influenza vaccination rates. Methods A multifaceted, bundled quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to achieve ≥ 80% influenza vaccination coverage for the 2020-21 season in PLWH ≥18 years of age at our Wilmington site (N=750). Stakeholders were identified, and a voluntary multidisciplinary team formed to lead the initiative (Fig. 1). Fishbone diagram outlined clear, rapidly implementable, and reproducible levers for change (Fig. 2). Physical and virtual space changes included: diverse clinical displays (visuals, patient materials), phone messaging, and virtual platform use. Staff education and updates were consistently provided by the team. Institutional Review Board exemption was received, and electronic medical record and CareWare data were extracted from 1 Oct 2020 through 31 March 2021. All external vaccinations were confirmed. Overall and eligible in-clinic vaccination rates were updated and displayed weekly. Results 86% vaccination coverage was achieved (Fig. 3) with a median weekly in-clinic vaccination rate of 67% (Fig. 4). Conclusion A QI project to improve 2020-21 influenza vaccination rates exceeded our goal in adult PLWH at an urban mid-Atlantic HIV clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multidisciplinary approach that engaged stakeholders was vital to success. Rapid roll-out of changes was challenging, requiring flexibility and clear communication. Data collection was consistent, albeit imperfect, and needs enhancement. Elucidating the effects of each change and the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination rates is not yet known. Lessons learned may be applicable to other ambulatory settings and will inform future vaccination efforts. Disclosures Deborah A. Kahal, MD,MPH, FACP, Gilead (Speaker’s Bureau)Viiv (Speaker’s Bureau)


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7
Author(s):  
Muhammad Naveed Noor

This commentary foregrounds the need to examine how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated conditions may be affecting the lives of people living with HIV (PLWH) in a developing country context like Pakistan. It raises some important questions on medical care and updated information regarding PLWH in the time of COVID-19. Since PLWH are at an increased risk of developing comorbid conditions – something that makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19 – it is critical that timely research and evidence-based actions are undertaken to protect their health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajendra Bhati ◽  
Pramendra Sirohi ◽  
Bharat Sejoo ◽  
Deepak Kumar ◽  
Gopal K Bohra ◽  
...  

Objective: Cryptococcal meningitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals. In the era of universal antiretroviral therapy incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) related cryptococcal meningitis has increased. Detection of serum cryptococcal antigen in asymptomatic PLHIV (People Living With HIV) and pre-emptive treatment with fluconazole can decrease the burden of cryptococcal disease. We conducted this study to find the prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in India and its correlation with mortality in PLHIV. Method and material: This was a prospective observational study. HIV infected ART naïve patients with age of ≥ 18 years who had CD4 counts ≤ 100 /µL were included and serum cryptococcal antigen test was done. These patients were followed for six months to look for the development of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality. Results: A total of 116 patients were analysed. Asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was detected in 5.17% patients and it correlated with increased risk of cryptococcal meningitis and mortality on follow-up in PLHIV. Conclusion: Serum cryptococcal positivity is correlated with increased risk of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality in PLHIV. We recommend the screening of asymptomatic PLHIV with CD4 ≤ 100/µL for serum cryptococcal antigen, so that pre-emptive treatment can be initiated to reduce morbidity and mortality.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2047
Author(s):  
Davide Fiore Bavaro ◽  
Paola Laghetti ◽  
Mariacristina Poliseno ◽  
Nicolò De Gennaro ◽  
Francesco Di Gennaro ◽  
...  

The quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH) has remarkably increased thanks to the introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy. Still, PLWH are exposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease. Hence, the purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about diagnosis and nutritional management with specific indication of macro and micronutrients intake for the main comorbidities of PLWH. In fact, a prompt diagnosis and management of lifestyle behaviors are fundamental steps to reach the “fourth 90”. To achieve an early diagnosis of these comorbidities, clinicians have at their disposal algorithms such as the Framingham Score to assess cardiovascular risk; transient elastography and liver biopsy to detect NAFLD and NASH; and markers such as the oral glucose tolerance test and GFR to identify glucose impairment and renal failure, respectively. Furthermore, maintenance of ideal body weight is the goal for reducing cardiovascular risk and to improve diabetes, steatosis and fibrosis; while Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets are the dietetic approaches proposed for cardioprotective effects and for glycemic control, respectively. Conversely, diet management of chronic kidney disease requires different nutritional assessment, especially regarding protein intake, according to disease stage and eventually concomitant diabetes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S509-S509
Author(s):  
Shiven Chabria ◽  
Stephane De Wit ◽  
Amy Pierce ◽  
Bronagh M Shepherd ◽  
Michael Warwick-Sanders ◽  
...  

Abstract Background BRIGHTE is an ongoing global study evaluating the gp120 attachment inhibitor fostemsavir (FTR) in heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) adults with multidrug resistant (MDR) HIV-1 unable to form a viable antiretroviral (ARV) regimen. An estimated 2 million people living with HIV-1 have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Those with HIV viremia and/or low CD4+ counts are at increased risk of serious adverse outcome. We describe the reported COVID cases in a clinical trial population of people living with MDR HIV and immune suppression. Methods At the start of the COVID pandemic, all ongoing BRIGHTE subjects had achieved ≥ 192 weeks on FTR and optimized background ARVs; results through Week 96 were presented previously. Investigators used WHO guidelines for COVID diagnosis and reported exposure, testing results and symptom presence. Figure 1. BRIGHTE Study Design Results 371 subjects [272 Randomized Cohort (RC), 99 Non-Randomized Cohort (NC)] were enrolled; 44% were ≥ 50 years of age and 86% had an AIDS history. Median CD4+ count at study start of was 80 cells/mm3 (IQR 11–202); 30% with ≤ 20 cells/mm3. 250 subjects remained in BRIGHTE at pandemic start. By April 2021, 17 subjects (14 RC, 3 NC) had confirmed COVID infection (positive PCR test). Severity was Grade 1-3, all cases resolved with no deaths. Six subjects were hospitalized (Table 1); most recent CD4+ count prior to COVID were 293-1641 cells/mm3 and 5/6 subjects were virologically suppressed. Treatments often included prophylactic anticoagulants and supplemental oxygen; no cART changes were made. The remaining 11/17 confirmed cases were managed outpatient. Five more subjects had suspect COVID not confirmed by PCR and 2 subjects had negative PCR tests. Table 1. Characterization of Participants with Serious AEs of Confirmed COVID-19 Infections – All Hospitalizations Conclusion A total of 22/250 COVID-19 cases (17 confirmed, 5 unconfirmed) have been reported in BRIGHTE. Outcomes were reassuring with no deaths or known persistent sequelae, despite having advanced HIV and comorbid diseases at baseline associated with poorer COVID outcomes. Outcomes may have benefitted from immunologic improvement during the trial. Disclosures Shiven Chabria, MD, Viiv Healthcare (Employee) Stephane De Wit, MD, Gilead (Grant/Research Support)Janssen (Grant/Research Support)Merck Sharpe & Dohme (Grant/Research Support)ViiV Healthcare (Grant/Research Support) Amy Pierce, BS, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Bronagh M. Shepherd, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder) Michael Warwick-Sanders, BM BSc DPM MFPM, GSK (Employee) Marcia Wang, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder) Andrew Clark, MD, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Peter Ackerman, MD, GSK/ViiV Healthcare (Employee, Shareholder)


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1458
Author(s):  
Ying Liu ◽  
Junyan Han ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Danying Chen ◽  
Xuesen Zhao ◽  
...  

The administration of COVID-19 vaccines is the primary strategy used to prevent further infections by COVID-19, especially in people living with HIV (PLWH), who are at increased risk for severe symptoms and mortality. However, the vaccine hesitancy, safety, and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines among PLWH have not been fully characterized. We estimated vaccine hesitancy and status of COVID-19 vaccination in Chinese PLWH, explored the safety and impact on antiviral therapy (ART) efficacy and compared the immunogenicity of an inactivated vaccine between PLWH and healthy controls (HC). In total, 27.5% (104/378) of PLWH hesitated to take the vaccine. The barriers included concerns about safety and efficacy, and physician counselling might help patients overcome this vaccine hesitancy. A COVID-19 vaccination did not cause severe side effects and had no negative impact on CD4+ T cell counts and HIV RNA viral load. Comparable spike receptor binding domain IgG titer were elicited in PLWH and HC after a second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine, but antibody responses were lower in poor immunological responders (CD4+ T cell counts < 350 cells/µL) compared with immunological responders (CD4+ T cell counts ≥ 350 cells/µL). These data showed that PLWH have comparable safety and immune response following inactivated COVID-19 vaccination compared with HC, but the poor immunological response in PLWH is associated with impaired humoral response.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. e244983
Author(s):  
Leigh Cervino ◽  
Jillian Raybould ◽  
Patricia Fulco

Current literature suggests an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in people living with HIV (PLWH) with poorly controlled viraemia and immunodeficiency. VTE treatment guidelines do not specifically address anticoagulation management in PLWH. We report a case of a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with an unprovoked pulmonary embolism (PE) and deemed protein S deficient. Three years later, she was diagnosed with AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was promptly initiated with viral suppression and immune reconstitution within 12 months. Eight years after her initial PE, the patient self-discontinued warfarin. Multiple repeat protein S values were normal. ART without anticoagulation has continued for 3 years with no thrombotic events. This case describes a patient with VTE presumably secondary to undiagnosed HIV with possible consequent acquired protein S deficiency. Additional research is needed to understand the characteristics of PLWH with VTE who may warrant long-term anticoagulation as opposed to shorter courses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Yiying Wang ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Michael M. Gaisa ◽  
Keith Sigel ◽  
Wenxin Zheng ◽  
...  

Objectives. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have an increased incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma. Since high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is the primary cause, hrHPV DNA testing may play an important role in anal cancer screening. This study aims to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of hrHPV testing in PLWHA as well as factors that may lead to false-negative results. Methods. Anal swabs were collected for cytology and Cobas® 4800 HPV test for 14 hrHPV types. Patients underwent concomitant high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) examination and biopsy. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL, synonymous with anal intraepithelial neoplasia AIN2 and 3) detected in Cobas-negative patients were genotyped for 22 HPV types using BioPerfectus Multiplex Real-time PCR. Results. 156 PLWHA tested negative for hrHPV on anal swab samples (i.e., Cobas-negative). HRA-guided biopsy detected HSIL/AIN3 in 13 patients (8%, NPV 92%), HSIL/AIN2 in 5 patients (3%), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 82 (LSIL, 53%), or benign findings in 56 (36%). No cancer was found. The HSIL group was similar to the LSIL/benign group regarding age, gender, race/ethnicity, clinical HIV parameters, cytological diagnoses, history of receptive anal sex, and smoking (p≥0.02). Genotyping HSIL tissue derived from Cobas-negative patients revealed hrHPV (n=7), possibly carcinogenic HPV53, 67, 73, 82 (n=12), or absence of hrHPV (n=4). Conclusions. In this series, anal hrHPV DNA testing offered 92% NPV for PLWHA; in other words, a 8% risk of occult precancer remains for those who test hrHPV negative on anal swab samples.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 432-439
Author(s):  
Jasantha Odayar ◽  
Landon Myer

Abstract The burden of chronic conditions is increasing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Chronic conditions require long-term and continuous care, including for patients transferring between facilities. Patient transfer is particularly important in the context of health service decentralization, which has led to increasing numbers of primary care facilities at which patients can access care, and high levels of migration, which suggest that patients might require care at multiple facilities. This article provides a critical review of existing evidence regarding transfer of stable patients receiving primary care for chronic conditions. Patient transfer has received limited consideration in people living with HIV, with growing concern that patients who transfer are at risk of poor outcomes; this appears similar for people with TB, although studies are few. There are minimal data on transfer of patients with non-communicable diseases, including diabetes. Patient transfer for chronic conditions has thus received surprisingly little attention from researchers; considering the potential risks, more research is urgently required regarding reasons for and outcomes of transfers, transfer processes and interventions to optimize transfers, for different chronic conditions. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of health systems to facilitate successful transfers, and this issue requires increased attention from researchers and policy-makers.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document