COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travellers at Lomé International airport (Togo), in 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic management leads to new health policies including the requirement of a vaccination pass or a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR)test for cross-border flights. The objective of this study was to estimate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travelers, as well as factors associated with a full vaccination. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2022 at the Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport (LFW) in Lomé. Travellers met at LFW, aged 12 years or above, and who agreed to participate in the study have been submitted a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with full vaccination defined as having received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine according to a validated vaccine schedule. Results: A total of847travellerswere included. 67% were menThe median age was 40 years, Interquartile Range [31-48]. The main health document presented by travellers was the vaccination pass(69.1%). The majority (84.4%) of travellershad received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 63.9% had received at least two doses. Being 40 years of age or above(aOR=1.42;p=0.046), and travellingfrom a country outside Africa (aOR=2.18, p=0.003), were positively associated with full vaccination. Conclusion: Vaccination coverage among travellers at the LFWwas relatively high. Travellersfrom a region outside Africa and aged40 years or above were more likely to be full vaccinated. Better communication and strengthening of the vaccination strategiesin Africa could help reduce these gaps.

Attitudes and practices of travelers regarding COVID-19 vaccine and adverse reactions

Objective.In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines were made available to different countries. This study aimed to assess travelers' attitudes and practices toward the COVID vaccine and adverse events. Methods. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire from April 1 to June 30, 2021, among travelers who came for their COVID-19 test at the Institut Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire.Results. A total of 527 travelers agreed to participate in this study, including 336 men and 161 women. Overall, 26% of respondents had already received their COVID-19 vaccine, while 76% of respondents responded they did not want to be vaccinated. The age of those most vaccinated (116) ranged from 25 to 64 years with a small proportion for those over 65 years (0.8%). Travelers (41) to France were the most vaccinated. All vaccinated persons (135) had a high level of education and were either Christian (89 persons), Muslim (45 persons) or animist (1 person). Adverse events related to the COVID vaccination were reported in seven individuals. These included muscle pain, fever and nausea. Conclusion.Negative attitudes towards vaccines are a major public health concern. In view of these results, for awareness raising, vaccination campaign may be focused on youthand people over 65 years of age. Public health messages containing information about vaccine safety should be tailored to address this vaccine hesitancy