Japanese encephalitis vaccine cost: a major reason to be vaccinated in Bali

Travellers, especially long term and repeat, are increasingly opting to receive vaccines in destination countries. This report summarizes the high cost of Japanese encephalitis vaccination in their home country as a barrier to pre-travel uptake.

An exploratory study of undergraduate healthcare student perspectives regarding human papillomavirus and vaccine intent in India

Objective: Safe and effective human papillomavirus vaccines are available against cervical cancer and other human papillomavirus–associated diseases. Vaccine uptake is low in India given lack of universal vaccination programme. This exploratory study describes the medical, dental and nursing undergraduate student perspectives about human papillomavirus and intentions to receive the vaccine. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, explorative study design, we conducted two focus group discussions among a convenience sample of male (n = 11) and female (n = 9) student group aged ⩾18 years, respectively, at a medical college in South India. The focus group discussion sessions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Over half of the students showed adequate knowledge of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus. Medical students had much in-depth knowledge of cervical cancer, vaccine cost and its side effects compared to dental and nursing students. Human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge was relatively less among males compared to females; most male participants were unaware of the availability of the human papillomavirus vaccine. Intention to receive the vaccine was higher among females than males. All the participants had positive attitude in creating awareness in the community and making the vaccine cost-effective. Cultural concerns and high vaccine cost were cited major barriers for vaccine uptake. Suggestion of physician recommendation in promotion of human papillomavirus vaccine uptake was an emerging theme. Conclusion: Educating male students and those enrolled in dental and nursing courses about human papillomavirus vaccine, addressing cultural concerns and advocating provider recommendation for promoting vaccine uptake are potential strategies to improve future human papillomavirus vaccine intent among students and recommendations to patients in their role as future healthcare provider.

Low uptake of Japanese encephalitis vaccination among Australian travellers

Highlight Less than a third of Australian travellers who attended a travel medicine specialist prior to a trip to a Japanese encephalitis (JE) risk area opted to be vaccinated. Perception of low risk of the disease and vaccine cost were possible drivers for the low uptake. Cheaper vaccination alternatives for travellers at risk of JE may increase the uptake.