Socio-economic substantiation of expediency of seasonal influenza vaccine prophylaxis among medical workers

The purpose of this study is to determine the socio-economic effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine prophylaxis among health professionals based on the analysis of the morbidity with temporal disability (MTD) and the financial benefits of this preventive measure. The study included the collection and analysis of information on MTD and direct and indirect costs of influenza treatment compared to vaccine prophylaxis in “Dnipropetrovsk Regional Perinatal Center with Hospital” Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council” (ME “DRPC with Hospital” DRC”) during 2017-2020 (3 epidemic seasons). To assess the consequences of vaccine prophylaxis, the analysis of MTD indicators was performed, and the index and coefficient of anti-epidemic effectiveness were used. The economic effect was determined on the basis of the cost-benefit method using the analysis algorithm in the form of a “decision tree”. The information base for the analysis was the accounting and reporting and financial and economic documentation of the health care institution (HCI). The analysis of influenza MTD during the observation period revealed that all studied morbidity rates (number of cases per 100 employees; number of days per 100 employees; average case duration) were statistically significantly lower in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated (p<0.001). Precautionary number of cases of MTD for influenza in the last year of observation (2019-2020) was 11.07 (95% CI 6.68-15.46) per 100 employees; days – 96.23 (95% CI 81.86-110.60) per 100 employees. The index of anti-epidemic efficiency during the study increased by 2.37 (95% CI 1.95-2.79), the coefficient of anti-epidemic effectiveness – by 15.16% (95% CI 11.17-18.01). The economic efficiency of vaccination of 69.44% of employees for one epidemic season (2019-2020) amounted to a total of UAH 248,976 or UAH 494 (56%) benefits per employee. The study proved the high medical, social and economic effectiveness of vaccine prophylaxis in HCI. Medical efficiency consists in a significant reduction in the morbidity with temporary disability, high levels and a tendency to increase the indicators of anti-epidemic efficiency. The economic effect is defined as the available monetary benefit from the vaccine prophylaxis. The resulting savings are the basis for optimizing the use of resources of the medical institution, including labor.

Influenza vaccine during the 2019–2020 season and COVID-19 risk: A case-control study in Québec

Background: We carried out a case-control study that examined whether receipt of the inactivated influenza vaccine during the 2019–2020 season impacted on the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as there was a concern that the vaccine could be detrimental through viral interference. Methods: A total of 920 cases with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (diagnosed between March and October 2020) and 2,123 uninfected controls were recruited from those who were born in Québec between 1956 and 1976 and who had received diagnostic services at two hospitals (Montréal and Sherbrooke, Québec). After obtaining consent, a questionnaire was administered by phone. Data were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: Among healthcare workers, inactivated influenza vaccine received during the previous influenza season was not associated with increased COVID-19 risk (AOR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.69–1.41). Among participants who were not healthcare workers, influenza vaccination was associated with lower odds of COVID-19 (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.96). Conclusion: We found no evidence that seasonal influenza vaccine increased the risk of developing COVID-19.

1238Estimating the non-specific effects of seasonal influenza vaccine on RSV-hospitalisations in children

Background Seasonal influenza vaccine is effective against influenza hospitalisations, but little is known about non-specific effects on other respiratory pathogens with similar seasonal patterns. We aimed to assess the causal impact of seasonal influenza vaccine on laboratory-confirmed hospitalisations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children using an instrumental variable (IV) strategy. Methods We used population-based probabilistically linked data on births, childhood immunisations, deaths, hospitalisations, perinatal and statewide microbiology data (2000-2013) in Western Australia (WA). Our analysis cohort included children up to age 7 years. We exploited WA’s unique preschool influenza vaccination policy commencing in 2008 and used this as an instrument for vaccination status. We estimated a system of two simultaneous probit equations: determinants of influenza vaccine uptake, and determinants of RSV-confirmed hospitalisation. Results Influenza vaccine coverage was low prior to 2008 but increased to 33.7% in children aged 6-23 months in 2009. RSV-hospitalisations ranged from 3.5/1000 children (12-23 months) to 6.4/1000 (6-12 months). Receipt of seasonal influenza vaccine reduced RSV-hospitalisations in the population cohort of children aged &lt;2 years by an average of 0.21% in the same year (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first analysis utilising an IV estimation strategy to assess the impact of influenza vaccine on RSV-hospitalisations. We estimated a small, but highly statistically significant impact that warrants further investigation using contemporary data. Key messages RSV is a leading cause of childhood morbidity. The role of influenza vaccine offering cross protection to RSV could be further explored prior to RSV vaccines being commercially available.

Beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination among the general population in Saudi Arabia

Background Developing a vaccine against COVID-19 is considered a key strategy to end the pandemic. However, public acceptance is reliant on beliefs and perception toward the vaccine. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination among the Saudi population. Methods An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed across the main regions of Saudi Arabia on May 2020. The questionnaire addressed the socio-demographic variables, beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccination, and potential barriers that may prevent participants from being vaccinated. The association between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and sociodemographic variables were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predicting variables of vaccine acceptance. Results Out of 3101 participants, 44.7% were accepting of COVID-19 vaccination if available, whereas 55.3% admitted hesitancy. Younger, male, who received seasonal influenza vaccine were more likely to accept taking the vaccine. The study found that concerns about side effects were the key barrier for vaccine acceptance. Furthermore, the majority of refusers may accept the vaccine if additional studies confirmed safety and effectiveness. Conclusion Results can be utilized in planning vaccination campaigns while waiting for vaccine development.