COVID-19 Infection and Previous BCG Vaccination Coverage in the Ecuadorian Population

The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is a well-known vaccine with almost a century of use, with the apparent capability to improve cytokine production and epigenetics changes that could develop a better response to pathogens. It has been postulated that BCG protection against SARS-CoV-2 has a potential role in the pandemic, through the presence of homologous amino acid sequences. To identify a possible link between BCG vaccination coverage and COVID-19 cases, we used official epidemic data and Ecuadorian Ministry of Health and Pan American Health Organization vaccination information. BCG information before 1979 was available only at a national level. Therefore, projections based on the last 20 years were performed, to compare by specific geographic units. We used a Mann–Kendall test to identify BCG coverage variations, and mapping was conducted with a free geographic information system (QGIS). Nine provinces where BCG vaccine coverage was lower than 74.25% show a significant statistical association (χ2 Pearson’s = 4.800, df = 1, p = 0.028), with a higher prevalence of cases for people aged 50 to 64 years than in younger people aged 20 to 49 years. Despite the availability of BCG vaccination data and the mathematical models needed to compare these data with COVID-19 cases, our results show that, in geographic areas where BCG coverage was low, 50% presented a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases that were young; thus, low-coverage years were more affected.

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Use of Simple Mobile Technology to Create an Electronic Vaccination Registry in Kenya

TEXILA INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH ◽

10.21522/tijph.2013.09.04.art012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 130-143

Author(s):

Samuel Juma

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Dropout Rate ◽

Developed Countries ◽

World Health ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Short Message ◽

Poor Access ◽

Health Organization ◽

Low Coverage

Vaccination is one of the high-impact public health interventions against the spread of disease. Over time, developed countries have been able to reduce the burden of disease through improving access to vaccination and achieving high vaccine coverage. In low-income countries, the situation is different as most countries still report low coverages of less than 90%, which is the global target recommended by the World Health Organization. The main reasons for this low coverage include poor access to vaccination, stock-outs, and poor documentation and targeting for vaccination services. To address these problems, we developed an electronic vaccine registry using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology that registered births, vaccines administered and sent short message reminders to mothers about their clinic dates. The study was conducted in Nyandarua County, Kenya, between June 2018 to March 2019. To participate in the study, mothers had to reside within the jurisdiction of the study site. Mothers who moved into the study site also had their children registered and previous vaccines updated. A total of 4,823 births and 20,515 vaccines administered were captured into the system. The system sent 12,554 short message reminders to mothers; 3 days before the due day and on the due day. Additionally, it generated a birth register, vaccination register, defaulter list, dropout rate report, vaccine coverage, and timeliness reports. The intervention improved vaccination coverage and timeliness of vaccination by up to 8.7%.

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An Internet-Based Survey of Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Healthcare Workers in China, 2018/2019 Season

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines8010006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Haitao Liu ◽

Yayun Tan ◽

Muli Zhang ◽

Zhibin Peng ◽

Jiandong Zheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

National Level ◽

Influence Factors ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Vaccine Uptake

Influenza vaccination coverage was low among healthcare workers (HCWs) in China. In October 2018, the National Health Commission of China began to require all hospitals to provide free influenza vaccination for HCWs to increase vaccine uptake, and no study on vaccine coverage among HCWs at the national level after the announcement of new policy. This evaluation aims to investigate self-reported influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs and factors that may affect vaccine receipt during the 2018/2019 influenza season. We delivered an opt-in internet panel survey among registered HCWs of DXY forum (the biggest online forum for HCWs in China). The survey was self-administered using a standard questionnaire to collect information on demographics, occupational characteristics, policy implementation, influenza vaccination and influence factors. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with receipt of influenza vaccine. The response rate of this online survey was 3.6%. The seasonal influenza vaccine coverage reported among HCWs surveyed during the 2018/2019 season was 11.6% (472/4078). Only 19.0% (774/4078) of HCWs surveyed reported free policy in their workplace. Combing free policy and workplace requirement proved to be effective to improve influenza vaccination coverage in HCWs (PR = 6.90, 95% CI: 6.03–7.65). The influenza vaccination coverage among surveyed HCWs in China was low during the 2018/2019 season. To increase future vaccination uptake, we recommend a multi-faceted strategy that include free policy, workplace requirement and promotion, on-site vaccination, and monitoring.

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Current burden of cervical cancer in Bulgaria - epidemiological study

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1091 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Karcheva ◽

A Iordanov ◽

S Tzvetkova

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Primary Prevention ◽

Mortality Rate ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

National Level ◽

Annual Reports ◽

Cancer Registration ◽

Preventive Strategy ◽

Incidence And Mortality

Abstract Background The risk factors of cervical cancer are well established and the disease is preventable through vaccination and early detection by screening. The disease ranks as leading cause of female cancer in Bulgaria. The objective of the research was to describe the current burden of cervical cancer in Bulgaria and medical decisions to improve women's health. Methods The information were summarized at the national level on the basis of official on-line database from the annual reports of the of the immunoprophylaxis activities of the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), National Center for Public Health and Analyzes (NCPHA). Data for morbidity and mortality rate and vaccine coverage were analyzed and presented in tables and figures. Results Cancer registration has been compulsory in Bulgaria since 1952. National program for the primary prevention of cervical cancer was applied in 2012 (2012-2016, 2017-2020). From the same year was uses immunization against HPVs for 12 -year-old girls. Through these measures, the state guarantees the right of citizens to affordable primary prevention without imposing obligations. Despite the preventive strategy, the expected results are not observed. In 2018, the total number of registered malignancies of the cervix was 15759. The incidence of 100,000 population was 435.8. Of these, the number of newly diagnosed cases were 850, the incidence was 23.5 per 100,000 population. HPV vaccination coverage in girls by birth cohort was 15.1% - 1st dose and 14.3% - 2nd dose for 12-year-old girls and 7% - 1st dose for 13-year-old girls. Conclusions Bulgaria has a leading position in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer among European countries, requiring mandatory screening and immunization against the Human Papilloma viruses. Key messages Cervical cancer, incidence rate, mortality rate. Vaccination coverage, HPVs, Bulgaria.

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An investigation of the resurgence of yellow fever outbreak in Kwara State, Nigeria, 2018

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20214616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 6064

Author(s):

Oladayo D. Awoyale ◽

Olayinka S. Ilesanmi ◽

Aanuoluwapo A. Afolabi ◽

Oluwatosin E. Fakayode

Keyword(s):

Yellow Fever ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Rapid Response Team ◽

World Health ◽

Response Team ◽

History Of ◽

Laboratory Investigations ◽

The Government ◽

Health Organization

The frequent occurrence of yellow fever (YF) outbreaks in Nigeria affirms that YF is a re-emerging public health threat. This case report therefore aimed to provide a description of a confirmed case of in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State between January and December 2018. We conducted an outbreak investigation of YF in Kwara state, Nigeria. On 18th December 2018, a 25-year-old man (Mr. A) suspected for YF was reported from Agunjin ward of Ifelodun LGA in Kwara State. Mr. A presented with a history of fever and jaundice. Laboratory investigations were conducted, and Mr. A was confirmed positive to YF Immunoglobin M from the regional World Health Organization laboratory in Dakar, Senegal, but survived the YF illness. Community survey revealed nearly 53% YF vaccination coverage using both card and history. The rapid response team in Kwara State paid courtesy visits to the palace of the Alagunjin of Agunjin who assured of the community’s cooperation. Active case search was encouraged for all healthcare workers who participated in the vaccination activity, and on-the-job trainings were conducted. To ensure 100% YF vaccine coverage in Agunjin and neighboring settlements, a mop-up vaccination program, was conducted, and all persons who received the vaccine were each issued a yellow card. To forestall a recurrence of YF outbreaks, increasing YF vaccination coverage in community settings should be promoted. Increased commitment of the government at all levels towards improving YF surveillance and providing logistics support should be prioritized.

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Influenza vaccination coverage in a population-based cohort of Australian-born Aboriginal and non-Indigenous older adults

Communicable Diseases Intelligence ◽

10.33321/cdi.2019.43.30 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

Author(s):

Amalie Dyda ◽

Surendra Karki ◽

Marlene Kong ◽

Heather F Gidding ◽

John M Kaldor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Torres Strait Islander ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

P Value ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Medical Risk ◽

Torres Strait

Background: There is limited information on vaccination coverage and characteristics associated with vaccine uptake in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults. We aimed to provide more current estimates of influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal adults. Methods: Self-reported vaccination status (n=559 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants, n=80,655 non-Indigenous participants) from the 45 and Up Study, a large cohort of adults aged 45 years or older, was used to compare influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults with coverage in non-Indigenous adults. Results: Of Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged 49 to <65 years, age-standardised influenza coverage was respectively 45.2% (95% CI 39.5–50.9%) and 38.5%, (37.9–39.0%), p-value for heterogeneity=0.02. Coverage for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged ≥65 years was respectively 67.3% (59.9–74.7%) and 72.6% (72.2–73.0%), p-heterogeneity=0.16. Among Aboriginal adults, coverage was higher in obese than in healthy weight participants (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.38, 95%CI 1.44–3.94); in those aged <65 years with a medical risk factor than in those without medical risk factors (aOR=2.13, 1.37–3.30); and in those who rated their health as fair/poor compared to those who rated it excellent (aOR=2.57, 1.26–5.20). Similar associations were found among non-Indigenous adults. Conclusions: In this sample of adults ≥65 years, self-reported influenza vaccine coverage was not significantly different between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous adults whereas in those <65 years, coverage was higher among Aboriginal adults. Overall, coverage in the whole cohort was suboptimal. If these findings are replicated in other samples and in the Australian Immunisation Register, it suggests that measures to improve uptake, such as communication about the importance of influenza vaccine and more effective reminder systems, are needed among adults.

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A(H1N1)v cases of the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 influenza seasons in the Medical and Health Sciences Centre of Debrecen University

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/oh.2012.29329 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 153 (17) ◽

pp. 649-654

Author(s):

Piroska Orosi ◽

Judit Szidor ◽

Tünde Tóthné Tóth ◽

József Kónya

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Influenza Season ◽

National Level ◽

Organ Transplant ◽

High Risk Patient ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Health Sciences ◽

World Health ◽

Transplant Patients ◽

Health Organization

The swine-origin new influenza variant A(H1N1) emerged in 2009 and changed the epidemiology of the 2009/2010 influenza season globally and at national level. Aims: The aim of the authors was to analyse the cases of two influenza seasons. Methods: The Medical and Health Sciences Centre of Debrecen University has 1690 beds with 85 000 patients admitted per year. The diagnosis of influenza was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction in the microbiological laboratories of the University and the National Epidemiological Centre, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Results: The incidence of influenza was not higher than that observed in the previous season, but two high-risk patient groups were identified: pregnant women and patients with immunodeficiency (oncohematological and organ transplant patients). The influenza vaccine, which is free for high-risk groups and health care workers in Hungary, appeared to be effective for prevention, because in the 2010/2011 influenza season none of the 58 patients who were administered the vaccination developed influenza. Conclusion: It is an important task to protect oncohematological and organ transplant patients. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 649–654.

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Defining Preterm Birth and Stillbirth in the Western Pacific: A Systematic Review

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/10105395211026099 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 101053952110260

Author(s):

Mairead Connolly ◽

Laura Phung ◽

Elise Farrington ◽

Michelle J. L. Scoullar ◽

Alyce N. Wilson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preterm Birth ◽

National Level ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Western Pacific ◽

World Health ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Definition Of ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact

Preterm birth and stillbirth are important global perinatal health indicators. Definitions of these indicators can differ between countries, affecting comparability of preterm birth and stillbirth rates across countries. This study aimed to document national-level adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of preterm birth and stillbirth in the WHO Western Pacific region. A systematic search of government health websites and 4 electronic databases was conducted. Any official report or published study describing the national definition of preterm birth or stillbirth published between 2000 and 2020 was eligible for inclusion. A total of 58 data sources from 21 countries were identified. There was considerable variation in how preterm birth and stillbirth was defined across the region. The most frequently used lower gestational age threshold for viability of preterm birth was 28 weeks gestation (range 20-28 weeks), and stillbirth was most frequently classified from 20 weeks gestation (range 12-28 weeks). High-income countries more frequently used earlier gestational ages for preterm birth and stillbirth compared with low- to middle-income countries. The findings highlight the importance of clear, standardized, internationally comparable definitions for perinatal indicators. Further research is needed to determine the impact on regional preterm birth and stillbirth rates.

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Country-level determinants of the severity of the first global wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an ecological study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e042034

Author(s):

Tiberiu A Pana ◽

Sohinee Bhattacharya ◽

David T Gamble ◽

Zahra Pasdar ◽

Weronika A Szlachetka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Ecological Study ◽

Environmental Parameters ◽

The Philippines ◽

International Travel ◽

Bcg Vaccination ◽

Country Level ◽

The Mean

ObjectiveWe aimed to identify the country-level determinants of the severity of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignEcological study of publicly available data. Countries reporting >25 COVID-19 related deaths until 8 June 2020 were included. The outcome was log mean mortality rate from COVID-19, an estimate of the country-level daily increase in reported deaths during the ascending phase of the epidemic curve. Potential determinants assessed were most recently published demographic parameters (population and population density, percentage population living in urban areas, population >65 years, average body mass index and smoking prevalence); economic parameters (gross domestic product per capita); environmental parameters (pollution levels and mean temperature (January–May); comorbidities (prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and cancer); health system parameters (WHO Health Index and hospital beds per 10 000 population); international arrivals; the stringency index, as a measure of country-level response to COVID-19; BCG vaccination coverage; UV radiation exposure; and testing capacity. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyse the data.Primary outcomeCountry-level mean mortality rate: the mean slope of the COVID-19 mortality curve during its ascending phase.ParticipantsThirty-seven countries were included: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK and the USA.ResultsOf all country-level determinants included in the multivariable model, total number of international arrivals (beta 0.033 (95% CI 0.012 to 0.054)) and BCG vaccination coverage (−0.018 (95% CI −0.034 to –0.002)), were significantly associated with the natural logarithm of the mean death rate.ConclusionsInternational travel was directly associated with the mortality slope and thus potentially the spread of COVID-19. Very early restrictions on international travel should be considered to control COVID-19 outbreaks and prevent related deaths.

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Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Sleep and Self-Regulation in Spanish Preschoolers during the COVID-19 Lockdown

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020693 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 693

Author(s):

Alicia M. Alonso-Martínez ◽

Robinson Ramírez-Vélez ◽

Yesenia García-Alonso ◽

Mikel Izquierdo ◽

Antonio García-Hermoso

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Self Regulation ◽

National Level ◽

Global Strategy ◽

World Health ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Health Organization

Background: A better understanding of the effects of the lockdown on lifestyle behaviors may help to guide the public health response to COVID-19 at a national level and to update the global strategy to respond COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on device-measured physical activity (PA), sedentary time, sleep and self-regulation; and to determine whether PA and sleep are related to self-regulation problems during the lockdown. Methods: PA, sedentary time and sleep were assessed using accelerometry in the week in which the Spanish national state of alarm was declared (n = 21). Parents reported preschooler’s self-regulation difficulties (internalizing and externalizing) before (n = 268) and during the lockdown (n = 157) by a validated questionnaire. Results: Preschoolers showed a decrease in total PA (mean difference [MD] = −43.3 min per day, 95% CI −68.1 to −18.5), sleep efficiency (MD = −2.09%, 95% CI −4.12 to −0.05), an increase in sedentary time (MD = 50.2 min per day, 95% CI 17.1 to 83.3) internalizing (MD = 0.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.28) and externalizing (MD = 0.33, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.44) problems. Preschoolers who met the World Health Organization recommendations for PA had lower internalizing scores than non-active peers (MD = −1.28, 95% CI −2.53 to −0.03). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of meeting PA recommendations to reduce psychosocial difficulties during a lockdown situation.

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Uganda’s increasing dependence on development partner’s support for immunization – a five year resource tracking study (2012 – 2016)

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10178-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Carol Kamya ◽

Christabel Abewe ◽

Peter Waiswa ◽

Gilbert Asiimwe ◽

Faith Namugaya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Coverage ◽

National Level ◽

Health Financing ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Development Partner ◽

National Medical ◽

External Sources ◽

Lower Health ◽

Health Accounts ◽

The Government

Abstract Background In Uganda, there are persistent weaknesses in obtaining accurate, reliable and complete data on local and external investments in immunization to guide planning, financing, and resource mobilization. This study aimed to measure and describe the financial envelope for immunization from 2012 to 2016 and analyze expenditures at sub-national level. Methods The Systems of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011 methodology was used to quantify and map the resource envelope for immunization. Data was collected at national and sub-national levels from public and external sources of immunization. Data were coded, categorized and disaggregated by expenditure on immunization activities using the SHA 2011. Results Over the five-year period, funding for immunization increased fourfold from US$20.4 million in 2012 to US$ 85.6 million in 2016. The Ugandan government was the main contributor (55%) to immunization resources from 2012 to 2014 however, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance contributed the majority (59%) of the resources to immunization in 2015 and 2016. Majority (66%) of the funds were managed by the National Medical Stores. Over the five-year period, 80% of the funds allocated to immunization activities were spent on facility based routine immunization (expenditure on human resources and outreaches). At sub-national level, districts allocated 15% of their total annual resources to immunization to support supervision of lower health facilities and distribution of vaccines. Health facilities spent 5.5% of their total annual resources on immunization to support outreaches. Conclusion Development partner support has aided the improvement of vaccine coverage and increased access to vaccines however, there is an increasing dependence on this support for a critical national program raising sustainability concerns alongside other challenges like being off-budget and unpredictable. To ensure financial sustainability, there is need to operationalize the immunization fund, advocate and mobilize additional resources for immunization from the Government of Uganda and the private sector, increase the reliability of resources for immunization as well as leverage on health financing reforms like the National Health Insurance.

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