scholarly journals Consultative meeting to discuss ways to promote the use of seasonal influenza vaccine among high-risk groups in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-97
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

scholarly journals Awareness and Preparedness of Field Epidemiology Training Program Graduates to Respond to COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/19047 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e19047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohannad Al Nsour ◽  
Yousef Khader ◽  
Abdulwahed Al Serouri ◽  
Haitham Bashier ◽  
Shahd Osman
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Field Epidemiology Training Program

Background The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is a 2-year training program in applied epidemiology. FETP graduates have contributed significantly to improvements in surveillance systems, control of infectious diseases, and outbreak investigations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Objective Considering the instrumental roles of FETP graduates during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, this study aimed to assess their awareness and preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in three EMR countries. Methods An online survey was sent to FETP graduates in the EMR in March 2020. The FETP graduates were contacted by email and requested to fill out an online survey. Sufficient number of responses were received from only three countries—Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen. A few responses were received from other countries, and therefore, they were excluded from the analysis. The questionnaire comprised a series of questions pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of the epidemiology of COVID-19, and preparedness to respond to COVID-19. Results This study included a total of 57 FETP graduates (20 from Jordan, 13 from Sudan, and 24 from Yemen). A total of 31 (54%) graduates had attended training on COVID-19, 29 (51%) were members of a rapid response team against COVID-19, and 54 (95%) had previous experience in response to disease outbreaks or health emergencies. The vast majority were aware of the main symptoms, mode of transmission, high-risk groups, and how to use personal protective equipment. A total of 46 (81%) respondents considered themselves well prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak, and 40 (70%) reported that they currently have a role in supporting the country’s efforts in the management of COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions The FETP graduates in Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen were fully aware of the epidemiology of COVID-19 and the safety measures required, and they are well positioned to investigate and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, they should be properly and efficiently utilized by the Ministries of Health to investigate and respond to the current COVID-19 crisis where the needs are vastly growing and access to outside experts is becoming limited.

scholarly journals 2741. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Timing in Children and Adults Hospitalized with Influenza in the United States, FluSurv-NET, 2013–2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S964-S965
Author(s):  
Julia C Haston ◽  
Shikha Garg ◽  
Angela P Campbell ◽  
Jill Ferdinands ◽  
Alissa O’Halloran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Hispanic Patients

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza vaccine may attenuate disease severity among people infected with influenza despite vaccination, but vaccine effectiveness may decrease with increasing time between vaccination and infection. Patient characteristics may play a role in the timing of vaccine receipt. Methods We used data from the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) and included patients ≥ 9 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza during October 1–April 30 of influenza seasons 2013–2014 through 2016–2017 who received seasonal influenza vaccine ≥ 14 days prior to admission. Vaccine history was obtained from vaccine registries, medical charts, and patient interviews. We defined “early vaccination” as vaccine receipt before October 15 and “late vaccination” as receipt after (date selected using typical season onset and median vaccination dates). Early and late groups were compared using Chi-square or Fisher exact tests. Results Among 21,751 vaccinated patients, 61% received vaccine before October 15, and distribution of vaccination date was similar across seasons (figure). Vaccination occurred earlier with increasing age (45% were vaccinated early among those 9–17 years but 65% in those ≥ 80 years, P < 0.01). White non-Hispanic patients were more likely to receive vaccine early compared with black non-Hispanic and Hispanic patients (63% vs. 55% and 54%; P < 0.01). Those with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and cancer were vaccinated earlier whereas those with HIV and liver disease were vaccinated later. Vaccine timing also varied by state (P < 0.01) but not by sex. Conclusion Among influenza-vaccinated older children and adults hospitalized with influenza, older age, white race, and certain medical conditions were associated with early receipt of influenza vaccination in unadjusted analysis. This may be due to frequent healthcare encounters and targeted public health strategies in high-risk groups. Understanding how timing of vaccine receipt varies among populations can provide insights into variables that must be controlled for in studying possible vaccine effectiveness waning and attenuation of disease among those who are infected despite vaccination. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Review of seasonal influenza vaccination in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Policies, use and barriers

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Zaraket ◽  
Nada Melhem ◽  
Mamunur Malik ◽  
Wasiq M. Khan ◽  
Ghassan Dbaibo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

scholarly journals Willingness of healthcare workers to recommend seasonal influenza vaccine to patients- Tunisia, 2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Cherif ◽  
G Kharroubi ◽  
L Bouabid ◽  
A Gharbi ◽  
A Boukthir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽  
History Of ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
Willingness To Recommend

Abstract Background Most countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region have low influenza vaccination coverage mainly among high risk groups. Advice to receive the influenza vaccine by healthcare workers (hcws) seems to be an important motivator for vaccine acceptance among patients. In this study, we aimed to describe the willingness of Tunisian hcws to recommend the seasonal influenza vaccine to patients and to assess its determinants. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Tunisian primary and secondary healthcare facilities during the 2018-2019 influenza season. A multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with the willingness of hcws to recommend the influenza vaccine to patients. Results In the present study, 1231 hcws were included with a mean age of 44.5±9.3 and a sex ratio (Male/Female) equal to 0.25. Among respondents, more than three quarter (79.1%, 95% CI: [76.7-81.3]) declared their willingness to recommend the influenza vaccine to patients if available. In multivariate analysis, belief that influenza vaccine is a severe illness that may lead to death (adj.OR = 2.9, 95% CI: [1.9-4.1]) and previous influenza vaccine uptake among health professionals (adj.OR = 2.4, 95% CI: [1.5-3.9]) were independently associated with the willingness of hcws to recommend the flu vaccine to patients. Conclusions This study showed that hcws with a history of influenza immunization and those who were aware of influenza severity were more likely to be willing to recommend the influenza vaccine to patients. These findings should be considered in future educational programs to enhance hcws' recommendation of influenza vaccine. Key messages Majority of Tunisian healthcare workers declared their willingness to recommend the influenza vaccine to patients. Healthcare workers’ awareness of influenza severity and history of influenza vaccine uptake were associated with a higher willingness to recommend the flu vaccine.

scholarly journals Awareness and Preparedness of Field Epidemiology Training Program Graduates to Respond to COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohannad Al Nsour ◽  
Yousef Khader ◽  
Abdulwahed Al Serouri ◽  
Haitham Bashier ◽  
Shahd Osman
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Field Epidemiology Training Program

BACKGROUND The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is a 2-year training program in applied epidemiology. FETP graduates have contributed significantly to improvements in surveillance systems, control of infectious diseases, and outbreak investigations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). OBJECTIVE Considering the instrumental roles of FETP graduates during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, this study aimed to assess their awareness and preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in three EMR countries. METHODS An online survey was sent to FETP graduates in the EMR in March 2020. The FETP graduates were contacted by email and requested to fill out an online survey. Sufficient number of responses were received from only three countries—Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen. A few responses were received from other countries, and therefore, they were excluded from the analysis. The questionnaire comprised a series of questions pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of the epidemiology of COVID-19, and preparedness to respond to COVID-19. RESULTS This study included a total of 57 FETP graduates (20 from Jordan, 13 from Sudan, and 24 from Yemen). A total of 31 (54%) graduates had attended training on COVID-19, 29 (51%) were members of a rapid response team against COVID-19, and 54 (95%) had previous experience in response to disease outbreaks or health emergencies. The vast majority were aware of the main symptoms, mode of transmission, high-risk groups, and how to use personal protective equipment. A total of 46 (81%) respondents considered themselves well prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak, and 40 (70%) reported that they currently have a role in supporting the country’s efforts in the management of COVID-19 outbreak. CONCLUSIONS The FETP graduates in Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen were fully aware of the epidemiology of COVID-19 and the safety measures required, and they are well positioned to investigate and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, they should be properly and efficiently utilized by the Ministries of Health to investigate and respond to the current COVID-19 crisis where the needs are vastly growing and access to outside experts is becoming limited.

scholarly journals Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Saudi Children: Parental Barriers and Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Alolayan ◽  
Bdoor Almotairi ◽  
Shouq Alshammari ◽  
Malak Alhearri ◽  
Mohammed Alsuhaibani
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Severe Condition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection. It is a contagious viral illness which can cause moderate to severe symptoms. However, high-risk groups, including children, can develop a severe condition requiring hospitalization that may, in severe cases, result in death. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi parents toward the influenza vaccine and identify potential barriers to receiving the influenza vaccination. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire comprising 27 validated questions to assess parental awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward the influenza vaccine. The overall attitude of the participants was positive (94.7%). However, their knowledge was generally poor (61.7%). Most participants were aware of the seasonal influenza vaccine (85.5%) and their children were up-to-date with the child national vaccination program vaccines (92.7%). Medical staff and awareness campaigns were the commonest sources of vaccine information. Significant predictors for knowledge about and attitudes toward the influenza vaccine included educational level, working in the medical field, monthly income, awareness of the seasonal influenza vaccine, having received the vaccine as parent, and having a child already vaccinated. Adherence to the influenza vaccination regimen for parents and their children was low. More educational campaigns are needed to increase knowledge about the vaccine.

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