scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-66
Author(s):  
Patrizia Parodi ◽  
Francesco Maraglino ◽  
Anna Caraglia
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Primary Series ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
Awareness Raising ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 has led to disruption in routine immunization programs around the globe. In Italy, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on immunization activities using a questionnaire to explore reasons for decrease in vaccination and measures implemented. Sixteen Regional Health Services over 21 answered (76.1%). A decrease in immunization activities was mostly recorded after the notification of the first local cases in Italy and during the peak of the epidemic. About one-fourth (28%) of immunization centres suspended their activities and more than 33% of health workers in immunization centres were shifted to the COVID-19 response. Specific training on COVID-19 was generally reported. Children above 1 year of age until adolescence were the most affected by disruption of immunization services followed by adults indicating that primary series vaccination were prioritized. Several measures were implemented, such as immunization only under appointment, give priority to some immunization/ subjects and extend the hours of work to avoid overcrowding; telephone call to families; developing a list of children who have missed their vaccine doses; preparing a targeted action plan to ensure rapid catch up of children who are not up to date with their vaccination. Information and awareness raising activities were also indicated, even if in a lesser extent. The results of the survey were used to collect and disseminate best practices in order to minimizing the effect of the pandemic on vaccine preventable diseases. Keywords: COVID-19, routine immunization, immunization catch-up activities, vaccination services, Italy

scholarly journals Routine immunization services in the light of COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 2867
Author(s):  
Chinnu Sara Varughese ◽  
Anuradha Kunal Shah
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Mass Vaccination ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
The World ◽  
Form Part ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
Delivery Strategies ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns

World immunisation week is observed every year in the last week of 24th April to 30th April. Many parts of the world are still reeling under the threats of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and the importance of vaccination cannot be understated even in times of any other crisis. Worldwide, millions of children are saved from the grip of infectious diseases like polio and measles, and annually, around 2 to 3 million deaths are being averted. Routine immunization services, mass vaccination campaigns, catch up, and mop up sessions through outreach activities form part of the vaccine delivery strategies.

scholarly journals Covid-19 and Routine Vaccination Programme: Did it Affect Badly?

2021 ◽  
pp. 89-95
Author(s):  
Jaigam Abbas ◽  
Ashvani Kumar ◽  
Mohammad Saif ◽  
Rishabh Malhotra ◽  
Mohammad Arif Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Care Delivery ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
Baby Clinic ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Care Delivery Systems ◽  
The Impact

Background: The impact of COVID-19 on general health care delivery systems has been huge including the immunization services. Several measures were taken by most of the government all over the world to prevent the spread of infection such as lockdown, wearing masks, social distancing, etc. People have suffered a lot during the pandemic, not only due to the burden of the disease but have also faced difficulties in other domains of life. One of the important concerns is the interruption of routine immunization services. The consequences of interrupted immunization services may be life-threatening, as chances of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) in susceptible children could be high. Aim:  To find out delay in routine immunization services during covid-19 and also to determine the factors associated with delay in immunization. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional hospital-based observational study at Career Institute Of Medical Sciences And Hospital, Lucknow, India. We collected the vaccination record after lockdown from Well-Baby Clinic and telephonically from the parents, starting from 1st June 2020 till 31st December 2020. We checked the records of vaccination of infants to find out delay in the vaccinations, as per the National Immunization Schedule. The records of a total of 265 infants were enrolled. Out of which, 33 did not fit the inclusion criteria and therefore were excluded from this study. Results: Findings of our study pointed that there was significant delay in routine immunization among infants. The factors responsible for delay in different vaccination observed in this study were, Phobia of COVID-19- 20%, lockdown- 22%, interruption of routine health services-15%, social myths-8%, poor transport facility- 10%, illness of child- 8%, did not notice- 3% and multiple factors- 13%. Conclusion: COVID -19 pandemic has affected the routine immunization services that results in delay of different vaccines at different ages which may lead to outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases, so it is need of the hour to intervene at the earliest to prevent such outbreaks among children.

scholarly journals Structure and Process Evaluation of Cold Chain Management and Routine Immunization Services in Rural Western Gujarat

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-74
Author(s):  
Pithadia Pradeep R ◽  
Shah Viral R ◽  
Makwana Naresh R ◽  
Parmar Dipesh
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Immunization Program ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Immunization Services

Maintenance of cold chain points are vital for preserving potency of vaccines for immunization of children and thereby averting vaccine preventable diseases in the community. Cold chain handlers should have sufficient knowledge and skills related to cold chain equipment handling and immunization practices.  The present study aims to evaluate maintenance of cold chain facilities at primary health care centers (PHCs), related logistics and observation of Mamta Day (Immunization Day). The observations include knowledge and practice of health workers about immunization activities, their communication skills, training status etc. Methods: There are total 31 Primary Health Centers in Jamnagar district, out of which, we decided to include 50% (15) of primary health centers and observed their cold chain, and Immunization day at a subcentre or Anganwadi centre of the selected PHC to assess the quality of immunization services. We included equal number of cold chain points from each block of the district to make it representative of entire district. Results:  Average population served by a cold chain point is 21985. Vaccine related logistics like cold boxes, vaccine carriers etc. were adequate in all facilities. All cold chain equipments were placed as per standard guidelines. The posts of medical officers and pharmacists were vacant in almost one fourth of cold chain points and they were run on deputation from other facilities. The knowledge and skills of health workers related to immunization practices were found to be satisfactory. Conclusion:  We observed that routine immunization program was implementing in the district satisfactorily. The posts of medical officers and pharmacists need to be filled up at the earliest for smooth functioning of immunization program in primary health centres.

scholarly journals COVID-19-related disruptions to routine vaccination services in India: perspectives from pediatricians

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Shet ◽  
Baldeep Dhaliwal ◽  
Preetika Banerjee ◽  
Kelly Carr ◽  
Andrea DeLuca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Routine Vaccination ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
Tertiary Healthcare ◽  
Catch Up

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions to routine immunization programs in India and around the world, setting the stage for potentially serious outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.MethodsWe surveyed pediatric healthcare providers in India in 2 rounds in April-June and September 2020 to understand how COVID-19 control measures may have impacted routine vaccination.ResultsRespondents were predominantly pediatricians working in primary, secondary or tertiary healthcare centers, across 21 Indian states and two union territories. Among the 424 (survey 1) and 141 (survey 2) respondents, 33.4% and 7.8%, respectively, reported near complete suspension of vaccination services due to COVID-19. A 50% or greater drop in vaccination services was reported by 83.1% of respondents in June, followed by 32.6% four months later, indicating slow recovery of services. By September 2020, 83.6% were aware of updated guidelines on safe provision of immunization services, although awareness of specific catch-up vaccination plans was low, and 76.6% expressed concern about a vaccine coverage gap that could potentially lead to increased non-COVID-19 illnesses and deaths.ConclusionsPandemic-related disruptions to vaccination services were reported by pediatricians across India. Concerted efforts are needed from governing and academic groups to ensure that routine immunization and catch-up programs are implemented during this pandemic, which can sustain gains in vaccination coverage and provide a robust blueprint for the national roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood immunisation services post lockdown in a tertiary care centre in Meerut district of western U.P.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
Archana D. Agrawal ◽  
Gaurav Gupta ◽  
Ashu Bhasin ◽  
Abhishek Singh ◽  
Alpa Rathi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Immunization Coverage ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Care Centre ◽  
Tertiary Care Centre ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Birth Dose ◽  
The Impact

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS CoV-2) disease pandemic has been a threat to public health and health care system world-wide including routine immunization which has been greatly disrupted putting children at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). A study with an aim to analyse the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization coverage post lockdown at a tertiary care centre of western UP.Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted at LLRM Medical College, Meerut comparing 3 periods of year 2020, each of 4 weeks viz: 1-28th of February, 1-28 of August and 1-28 of December.Results: Total number of vaccine beneficiaries decreased significantly post lockdown from 646 in February to 275 and 419 in August and December respectively. The percent reduction was maximally seen in booster vaccines while birth dose group was least affected. There was 76.2% and 39.3% reduction in number of children receiving primary doses of combination vaccines in August and December period respectively as compared to February 2020. We found 68.42% and 54.39 % reduction in MR-1 beneficiaries in August and December respectively as compared to February 2020.Conclusions: Significant reduction is found in total number of children receiving immunization during un-lockdown period, compared to pre-COVID level. This difference was more significant in booster doses compared to birth doses. We did not find any significant catch up in vaccine beneficiaries by December 2020 despite 7 months of un-lockdown raising significant concern for public health.

scholarly journals Vaccination status of migrant populations in EU/EEA countries and implications for VPD control

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Hargreaves ◽  
J Himmels ◽  
L B Nellums ◽  
E McGuire ◽  
J S Friedland
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Haemophilus Influenzae Type ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Priority Group ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Catch Up

Abstract Background Migrant populations in the EU/EEA are increasingly being associated with outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), including the large-scale measles outbreak currently ongoing across Europe; however, it is unclear to what extent migrants represent an under-immunised group in the European context and implications for VPD control. Ensuring high levels of vaccination coverage is a key priority for all countries through the European Vaccine Action Plan, with EU/EEA Member States committed to eliminating measles and rubella, sustaining polio-free status, and controlling hepatitis B infection. We synthesised existing EU/EEA data to assess under-immunisation in migrants (defined as foreign born) residing in EU/EEA countries. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42018103666) in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were primary research studies pertaining to vaccination status (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib]) in migrants residing in all EU/EEA countries. Pooled prevalence (95% CIs) were calculated for the meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results 56 studies met our criteria (14 EU/EEA countries); 36 studies, which included data from 80,432 migrants, were included in the meta-analysis. Vaccination status of migrants for key VPDs varied substantially, with pooled immunisation coverage well below the herd immunity threshold (HIT) targets for measles 80% (95% CI: 73-87%; HIT 92-95%), mumps 65% (95% CI: 48-82%; HIT 75-86%), and diphtheria 51% (95% CI: 29-73%; HIT 83-86%). Polio type 1 and 2 coverage was high (97% [95% CI: 95-98%]; 95 [95% CI: 92-97%], respectively). Conclusions Migrants represent an under-immunised group in Europe, thus a high priority group for catch-up vaccination. Innovative strategies to engage them in vaccine uptake will be critical if we are to make European targets for the elimination and/or control of key VPDs. Key messages Migrants represent an under-immunised group in Europe and a high priority group for catch-up vaccination campaigns. Innovative strategies to engage them in vaccine uptake will be critical if we are to make European targets for the elimination and control of vaccine-preventable diseases.

scholarly journals PROFIL CAPAIAN IMUNISASI DASAR ATAU LANJUTAN PADA BADUTA SEBELUM DAN SELAMA PANDEMI COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Wiyarni Pambudi ◽  
Sari M.D Nataprawira ◽  
Zita Atzmardina ◽  
Sylvia Regina
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Weak Correlation ◽  
Childhood Immunization ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Immunization Service ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Perubahan global dari pandemi penyakit coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) dapat mengganggu layanan penyelamatan hidup yang kritis seperti imunisasi rutin, sehingga meningkatkan kerentanan populasi terhadap wabah Penyakit yang Dapat Dicegah Dengan Imunisasi (PD3I). Ketika kasus COVID-19 meningkat dan pemerintah menerapkan pembatasan sosial, kunjungan pasien rawat jalan menurun secara signifikan. Hal ini mengakibatkan penurunan angka imunisasi anak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui profil capaian imunisasi dasar dan imunisasi lanjutan sebelum dan selama pandemi COVID-19, profil capaian imunisasi rutin di 34 provinsi serta hubungannya dengan status zona risiko pandemi. Data yang dianalisis pada studi observasional deskriptif dengan desain potong lintang ini adalah laporan rutin pelayanan imunisasi Sub Direktorat Imunisasi, Kementerian Kesehatan RI. Kajian terhadap capaian imunisasi 34 provinsi menunjukkan terjadi penurunan praktik pelayanan imunisasi dasar sebesar -17,0% (p < 0,0005) dan imunisasi lanjutan -12,9% (p < 0,0005) dibandingkan sebelum masa pandemi. Uji statistik menyatakan profil capaian imunisasi dasar memiliki hubungan yang bermakna secara statistik (p < 0,05) terhadap peningkatan kasus di suatu wilayah, namun berkorelasi lemah berlawanan (-0,5 < r < -0,3). Penurunan cakupan imunisasi lanjutan yang terjadi selama pandemi COVID-19 berkorelasi sangat lemah berlawanan (r > -0,3) dan tidak memiliki hubungan yang bermakna secara statistik (p > 0,05) dengan zona risiko pandemi. Dalam situasi pandemi, petugas kesehatan dihadapkan pada tantangan tambahan untuk mempertahankan dan memperkuat imunisasi rutin seperti kondsi sebelum pandemi. Peningkatan upaya komunikasi mengenai pentingnya vaksinasi akan bermanfaat, karena efek pandemi COVID-19 telah menyoroti ancaman penyakit menular dan meningkatkan kesadaran akan praktik imunisasi rutin.  The global progression of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may disrupt critical life-saving services such as routine immunization, thus increasing the susceptibility of population to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). As COVID-19 cases increased and government implemented stay-at-home orders, outpatient visits declined significantly. This condition may decrease the rates of childhood immunization. This study aims to determine the profile of basic immunization and follow-up immunization achievements before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the profile of routine immunization outcomes in 34 provinces and their relationship to the pandemic risk zone status. The data analyzed in this descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design were routine reports on immunization services at Sub Directorate of Immunization, MoH. Profile on immunization coverages showed a decrease in basic immunization service practices by -17.0% (p <0.0005) and advanced immunization -12.9% (p <0.0005) compared to before the pandemic period. Statistical test showed that the basic immunization achievement profile had a statistically significant relationship (p <0.05) with the increase in cases in a region, but had a weak correlation (-0.5 <r <-0.3). The decrease in advanced immunization had a very weak correlation (r> -0.3) and had no statistically significant relationship (p> 0.05) with an increase in COVID-19 cases. During pandemic situation, health providers are presented with the additional challenge of maintaining and strengthening routine vaccination as previously done before pandemic. Increasing communication efforts regarding the importance of vaccination will be worthwhile, as the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the threat of an infectious disease and has increased awareness of the routine immuization practices.

scholarly journals Routine immunization services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2 (Supp)) ◽  
pp. 236-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranjitha Ranganathan ◽  
Amir Maroof Khan
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Direct Proportion ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Informed Decisions ◽  
Immunization Services

Routine immunizations (RI) keep the infectious diseases under control in the community. However, during the coronavirus pandemic, to prevent the associated exponential rise in the number of cases, it became necessary to stop routine health services across the country. Routine Immunization also had to be discontinued. It is to be realized however that the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases is gradually increasing in direct proportion to the delay in administering vaccinations to eligible children. It’s likely that we will face outbreaks of VPD if we keep RI halted for weeks together. Various dimensions of RI need to be examined from the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic ranging from vaccine hesitancy to operationalization of services. In this article, we highlight this hidden problem, which has the potential to further challenge our already challenged health and healthcare-related situation. The domains which deserve careful consideration are discussed to supporting policymakers in making informed decisions in this regard.

scholarly journals PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION: THE ROLE OF CAREGIVER CHARACTERISTICS ON ADOPTION OF ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION SERVICES OF CHILDREN AGED 0-5 YEARS IN BOMET COUNTY

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60
Author(s):  
Mary Amatu ◽  
Professor Hellen Mberia ◽  
Dr. Kyalo Wa Ngula
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Routine Immunization ◽  
Persuasive Communication ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Primary Level ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Purpose: An estimated two to three million annual deaths from Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) are preventable through immunization. Currently about 19.5 million infants miss out on routine immunization globally. The study examined the role of caregiver characteristics in persuasive communication on adoption of routine immunization of children aged 0-5 years in Bomet County – Kenya. Methodology: This study self-funded, was a cross-sectional hospital based study, employing a mixed method research design. A sample of 384 caregivers participated in the study.Cronbach's alpha and confirmatory factor analysis tests was conducted to ascertain the reliability and validity of study instruments. Chi-square test was done to establish the relationship between caregiver characteristics and adoption of routine immunization. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires and KII guide. Findings: The response rate was 95.1% with majority of the respondents in the age bracket of 19-25 at 42.2% and 61.4% were married with 36.9 % of the respondents reporting to be housewives. Majority of the respondent had primary level of education at 53.7 %, followed by secondary level those had attained only primary level of education with only 8.8% having attained tertiary level of education and those who had no level of education were 1.9%. On caregiver knowledge, 93.4% did not know any vaccines given to children. However, out of those that had knowledge on the vaccines, 66.3% agreed vaccines have side effects, though majorly they were mythical. Caregiver attitude on routine immunization was found to be negative. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: The optimal model indicated that for every unit of Caregiver characteristic, the value of adoption changed by 0.386. The study concluded that caregiver characteristics had positive influence on adoption of routine immunization. The study recommended that routine immunization messages be made frequently available, targeted and tailored to the caregivers. Secondly, the community should be involved in advocacy towards adoption of routine immunization, to create ownership and adoption sustainability. Additionally, health workers should be motivated towards good practices in Healthworker-client communication specifically, persuasive communication to build trust from the caregivers. Contribution to practice and policy: Adoption of the study findings by the policy makers, will contribute to achieving the recommended 90%, fully immunized coverage. This in turn will reduce vaccine preventable diseases both in the study area and can be generalizing to settings with similar challenges in adoption of routine immunization.

scholarly journals Dampak COVID-19 Terhadap Pelayanan KIA di Kota Cilegon

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulfa Kevaladandra ◽  
Evi Martha
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Maternal And Child Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Child Health Services ◽  
Live Streaming ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City ◽  
And Child Health

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged maternal and child health services in all regions of Indonesia, including the city of Cilegon. Various efforts have been made by the Cilegon City Health Office to suppress the decline in MCH services. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on MCH services in Cilegon City.Methods: This article used a qualitative descriptive method by collecting data through focus group discussions (FGD) in the second week of October 2020. The informants of this study collected by purposive sampling with the number of informants. 4 informants, including the Head of the Cilegon City Health Office, the Head of the Family Health Section (Kesga), and 2 Kesga staff.Results: The results showed that there were 7 indicators affected by COVID-19 in the city of Cilegon, including K1 coverage, K4 coverage, delivery assistance at health facilities, maternal mortality rate (MMR), neonatal visits, complete basic immunization services, and monitoring of toddler growth and development. The cause of the obstruction of MCH services was the existence of the PSBB policy and the concerns of the public and health workers of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Conclusion: Several inovasions made by the Cilegon City Health Office include implementing health protocols in health services outside buildings, making appointments for antenatal and immunization services, conducting home visits, conducting classes for pregnant women and toddlers through live streaming, and providing isolation places for OTGs. It can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a challenges in MCH services. However, various efforts have also been made to increase the coverage of MCH services and improve maternal and child health in the city of Cilegon. 

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