scholarly journals Rubella in England, Scotland and Wales

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Tookey
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Notifiable Disease ◽  
Rubella Vaccine ◽  
Congenital Rubella ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Imported Infections ◽  
In Pregnancy

Rubella vaccine was offered to schoolgirls in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1970, with antenatal testing and postpartum vaccination for susceptible women introduced during the 1970s. Mass vaccination with MMR of children aged 12-15 months was introduced in 1988; schoolgirl vaccination was discontinued in 1996 and replaced by a second dose of MMR for pre-school children; postpartum vaccination of susceptible women identified through antenatal testing continues. Rubella was made a notifiable disease in 1988, and is monitored through clinical and laboratory reports; data are available on rubella associated terminations and congenital rubella syndrome(CRS) births, rubella susceptibility in population subgroups, and vaccine uptake. Reported cases of CRS declined from about 50 a year 1971-75 to just over 20 a year 1986-90, and rubella associated terminations from an average of 750 to 50 a year. About 40 infants with CRS have been reported since 1991; about a third of their mothers were infected abroad, most in their country of origin (imported infections), a third were born abroad but acquired infection in the UK, and a third were UK-born. Women living in the UK who were born abroad have much higher rubella susceptibility rates than UK-born women. Although there is currently very little rubella infection circulating, uptake of MMR has dropped by over 10% since 1995. If rubella starts to circulate again, immigrant women will be at increased risk of acquiring infection in pregnancy.

scholarly journals The development of a digital intervention to increase influenza vaccination amongst pregnant women

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205520762110121
Author(s):  
Joanne E Parsons ◽  
Katie V Newby ◽  
David P French ◽  
Elizabeth Bailey ◽  
Nadia Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Intervention Mapping ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Diverse Area ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
The Uk

Objective Pregnant women and unborn babies are at increased risk of complications from influenza, including pneumonia, yet in the UK, uptake of flu vaccination amongst this population remains <50%. Pregnant women hold beliefs about risks of flu and efficacy of vaccination that consistently predict them to decline vaccination. This study aimed to develop a theory and evidence-based intervention addressing these beliefs to promote flu vaccine uptake. Methods The intervention was developed by behavioural scientists, pregnant women, midwives, clinicians and Public Health professionals, informed by Intervention Mapping. Six predefined steps were performed in line with Intervention Mapping. Results The intervention is an animation addressing beliefs about risks of flu and efficacy of vaccination. Preliminary testing using qualitative methodology indicates the information within the animation is appropriate, and the animation is acceptable to pregnant women. Conclusions This is the first known intervention for pregnant women, aiming to increase flu vaccination through addressing risk and efficacy appraisals. It has been implemented within seasonal flu vaccination campaigns during 2018/19 and 2019/20 within one geographically and ethnically diverse area of the UK.

What factors influence measles, mumps and rubella vaccine hesitancy among parents? A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-152
Author(s):  
Jade Stewart ◽  
Lynn Sayer
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Parental Knowledge ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Rubella Vaccine ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Health Choices ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Free Status

Background The United Kingdom lost its measles free status in 2019 because of an increase in measles cases, resulting from lowered vaccination uptake. Aims This review aims to gather a deeper understanding about parents' health choices for their children related to this vaccination. Methods A systematic review was carried out with a literature search using CINHAL, MEDLINE and OVID databases to identify information published between September 2016 and February 2020. A critical appraisal of seven studies was completed and a mixed methods synthesis was used to explore the results. Results The review identified factors that contribute to a parent's decision to vaccinate their child against measles, mumps and rubella. Five themes emerged: parental knowledge, attitudes and beliefs; safety concerns; specific groups related to religion and natural lifestyles; socioeconomic factors; and the source of health information. Conclusions Ongoing health promotion is required for the UK to work towards regaining its measles free status.

scholarly journals Severity of COVID-19 in children with cancer: Report from the United Kingdom Paediatric Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard C. Millen ◽  
Roland Arnold ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Cazier ◽  
Helen Curley ◽  
Richard G. Feltbower ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Infection ◽  
Paediatric Population ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Active Care ◽  
Care Support

Abstract Background Children with cancer are frequently immunocompromised. While children are generally thought to be at less risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults, comprehensive population-based evidence for the risk in children with cancer is unavailable. We aimed to produce evidence of the incidence and outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 in children with cancer attending all hospitals treating this population across the UK. Methods Retrospective and prospective observational study of all children in the UK under 16 diagnosed with cancer through data collection from all hospitals providing cancer care to this population. Eligible patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The primary end-point was death, discharge or end of active care for COVID-19 for those remaining in hospital. Results Between 12 March 2020 and 31 July 2020, 54 cases were identified: 15 (28%) were asymptomatic, 34 (63%) had mild infections and 5 (10%) moderate, severe or critical infections. No patients died and only three patients required intensive care support due to COVID-19. Estimated incidence of hospital identified SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer under 16 was 3%. Conclusions Children with cancer with SARS-CoV-2 infection do not appear at increased risk of severe infection compared to the general paediatric population. This is reassuring and supports the continued delivery of standard treatment.

scholarly journals Improving Vitamin D Intake in Young Children—Can an Infographic Help Parents and Carers Understand the Recommendations?

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3140
Author(s):  
Ailsa Brogan-Hewitt ◽  
Tanefa A Apekey ◽  
Meaghan Sarah Christian ◽  
Rhiannon Eleanor Day
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk

Vitamin D deficiency is a serious public health issue in the United Kingdom. Those at increased risk, such as pregnant women, children under 5 years and people from ethnic groups with dark skin, are not all achieving their recommended vitamin D. Effective vitamin D education is warranted. A qualitative study was undertaken to evaluate the acceptability and understanding of a vitamin D infographic, developed using recommendations from previous research. Fifteen parents/carers, recruited through local playgroups and adverts on popular parent websites, participated in focus groups and telephone interviews. The majority were female, White British and educated to degree level. A thematic analysis methodology was applied. The findings indicated that understanding and acceptability of the infographic were satisfactory, but improvements were recommended to aid interpretation and create more accessible information. These included additional content (what vitamin D is; other sources; its health benefits; methods/doses for administration and scientific symbols used) and improved presentation (eye-catching, less text, simpler language, more images and a logo). Once finalized, the infographic could be a useful tool to educate families around vitamin D supplementation guidelines, support the UK Healthy Start vitamins scheme and help improve vitamin D status for pregnant and lactating women and young children.

scholarly journals Congenital rubella and prevention in Europe

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Tookey
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Rubella Infection ◽  
Congenital Rubella ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
In Pregnancy

A case of congenital rubella (CR) reported in the Lancet reminds us of the devastating effects of rubella infection in pregnancy (1). This infant was born in London to a Bangladeshi woman who arrived in the United Kingdom (UK) at 20 weeks of pregnancy. Although the baby was born prematurely at 31 weeks, CR was not suspected until bilateral cataracts were noted at two months.

scholarly journals Obesity in pregnancy: risks and management

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate J Fitzsimons ◽  
Jo Modder ◽  
Ian A Greer
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Obesity ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fetal Complications ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Obesity In Pregnancy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Pregnancy Weight ◽  
In Pregnancy

Maternal obesity is now considered one of the most commonly occurring risk factors seen in obstetric practice. Compared with women with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight, women with obesity are at increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, venous thromboembolism, induced labour, caesarean section, anaesthetic complications and wound infections, and they are less likely to initiate or maintain breastfeeding. Babies of obese mothers are at increased risk of stillbirth, congenital anomalies, prematurity, macrosomia and neonatal death. Intrauterine exposure to obesity is also associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and metabolic disorders in childhood. This article reviews the prevalence of obesity in pregnancy and the associated maternal and fetal complications. Recommendations and suggestions for pre-conception, antenatal and postnatal care of women with obesity are presented, and current research in the UK and future research priorities are considered.

An evaluation of influenza vaccine uptake in UK medical students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gray ◽  
J Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all front-line healthcare workers in the UK and is a crucial way of reducing mortality for vulnerable patient groups. However, to date the UK government has never explicitly monitored influenza vaccine uptake in medical students. This is important to ascertain, as students regularly move between clinical areas and are both a perfect vector for the spread of influenza and at an increased risk of contracting influenza themselves. Aims This service evaluation was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an influenza vaccination programme in one UK medical school and make recommendations to increase vaccination rates in the future. Methods This service evaluation collected data about medical student uptake of influenza vaccination in one UK medical school. Two hundred and fifty-one students at different course stages completed questionnaires, answering questions on vaccination status and Likert-scale ‘belief’ questions to assess the subjective reasons behind vaccine refusal. Results There was a substantial difference between year group cohorts (~20%), with significantly higher vaccination rates in the preclinical year group. Two significant negative predictors of vaccination were found (P &lt; 0.001), related to scepticism over the effectiveness of the vaccine and lack of convenient access to the vaccination. Results indicated that integrating information about the influenza vaccine into the curriculum would reduce lack of knowledge over the efficacy of the vaccine. The centralization of vaccination programmes at mandatory university-based learning events would mitigate against the problem of diversity of vaccination locations and lack of central accountability. Conclusions The results of this service evaluation provide significant predictors of vaccination status for medical students and potential occupational health interventions to improve vaccine uptake in this group.

SARS-CoV-2: Possible Factors Contributing to Serious Consequences of COVID-19?

2021 ◽  
Vol 02 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui ◽  
Mohammad Ridwane Mungroo ◽  
Mohamed Yehia Abouleish ◽  
Naveed A. Khan
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
Ethnic Diversity ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Potential Therapeutics

Background and Objectives: The recently discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has infected over 170 million people (as of 31th May 2021) since it was elucidated in December 2019. The number of SARS-CoV-2 cases and mortality rates vary from country to country, and unfortunately, the United Kingdom ranks in the top 5 countries with the most deaths as of 31th May 2021. Methods: A literature review was conducted during May 2021 to examine if factors such as gut microbiome, ethnic diversity, high cancer rates, obesity and alcohol consumption may have contributed to the higher number of cases and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 in the UK. Results: The western diet is associated with a less diverse gut microbiome, as well as obesity, and contributes to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, people belonging to Black and South Asian ethnic groups in the UK have an increased risk of death due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the high number of cancer patients in the UK, as well as excess consumption of alcohol, higher mortality rates were observed, most likely due to people possessing a less diverse gut microbiome and/or weakened immune system. Conclusion: Targeting the gut microbiome in developing potential therapeutics against SARS-COV-2 is of value, and further studies are needed to understand the specific role of the gut microbiome.

scholarly journals Rubella in the United States: toward a strategy for disease control and elimination

1991 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Herrmann
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Fetal Death ◽  
The United States ◽  
Therapeutic Abortion ◽  
Notifiable Disease ◽  
Rubella Vaccine ◽  
Congenital Rubella ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
Teratogenic Potential

More than 25 years have passed since the last rubella epidemic in the United States. The rubella pandemic of 1964–5 demonstrated clearly the extraordinary teratogenic potential of the rubella virus. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 12500000 cases of rubella occurred during the winter and spring of 1964–5. Congenital rubella infection occurred in an estimated 30000 pregnancies, 10000 resulting in fetal death or therapeutic abortion and 20000 resulting in infants born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) [1]. In contrast, during 1988, only 225 cases of rubella were reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the lowest annual total since rubella became a nationally notifiable disease in 1966 [2]. However, in 1989, this downward trend of reported cases was interrupted, with the number of reported rubella cases in the United States increasing nearly twofold, and in 1990, the total increased another threefold (to more than 1000 cases) [3]. Although the 1990 reports represent the highest total since 1982, the overall incidence of rubella in the United States has still declined by more than 98% since 1969, the year rubella vaccine was licensed (Fig. 1).

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