Classificação de risco para transmissão de doenças imunopreveníveis em Minas Gerais, Brasil: dois anos desde o início da pandemia de COVID-19 / Transmission risk classification for vaccine-preventable diseases in Minas Gerais, Brazil: two years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo O objetivo é analisar a classificação de risco de transmissão de doenças imunopreveníveis nos 853 municípios de Minas Gerais (MG) após dois anos de início da pandemia de COVID-19. Estudo epidemiológico com dados secundários da cobertura vacinal e taxa de abandono de dez imunobiológicos recomendados para crianças menores de 2 anos, no ano de 2021, em MG. Em relação à taxa de abandono, este indicador foi avaliado somente para as vacinas multidoses. Após o cálculo de todos os indicadores, os municípios do estado foram classificados de acordo com o risco de transmissão de doenças imunopreveníveis em cinco estratos. Minas Gerais apresentou 80,9% dos municípios classificados como alto risco para transmissão de doenças imunopreveníveis. Em relação à homogeneidade das coberturas vacinais (HCV), os municípios de grande porte apresentaram a maior porcentagem de HCV classificada como muito baixa e 100% desses municípios foram classificados como de alto ou muito alto risco para transmissão de doenças imunopreveníveis, com significância estatística. A utilização de indicadores de imunização por município é efetiva para o delineamento do cenário de cada território e a proposição de políticas públicas em saúde visando o aumento das coberturas vacinais.

Abstract The scope of this study is to analyze the risk classification of transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in the 853 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais (MG) two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an epidemiological study with secondary data on vaccination coverage and dropout rate of ten immuno-biologicals recommended for under 2-year-old children in 2021 in MG. With respect to the dropout rate, this indicator was only evaluated for the multidose vaccines. After calculating all the indicators, the municipalities of the state were classified according to the transmission risk of VPDs into five categories: very low, low, medium, high, and very high risk. Minas Gerais had 80.9% of municipalities classified as high transmission risk for VPDs. Regarding the homogeneity of vaccination coverage (HCV), large municipalities had the highest percentage of HCV classified as very low, and 100% of these municipalities were classified as high or very high risk for transmission of VPDs, with statistical significance. The use of immunization indicators by municipality is effective for the classification of the scenario of each territory and the proposal of public policies seeking to increase vaccination coverage.

Causes & risk factors for unscheduled readmissions in the paediatric ward of a major public hospital

Background & objectives: Readmissions are often considered as an indicator of poor quality of care during previous hospitalization, although many of these are unavoidable or unrelated to the past admission. The identification of high-risk cases for readmissions and appropriate interventions will help not only reduce the hospital burden but also to establish the credibility of the hospital. So this study aimed to determine the readmission percentage in the paediatric wards of a tertiary care hospital and to identify the reasons and risk factors that can help minimize preventable re-hospitalizations. Methods: This prospective study from a public hospital included 563 hospitalized children, classified as first admission or readmissions. Readmissions were defined as one or more hospitalizations within preceding six months, excluding scheduled admissions for investigations or treatment. Reason-wise, the readmissions were classified into various categories, based on the opinion of three paediatricians. Results: The percentage of children getting readmitted within six, three and one month time from the index admission was 18.8, 11.1 and 6.4 per cent, respectively. Among readmissions, 61.2 per cent were disease-related, 16.5 per cent unrelated, 15.5 per cent patient-related, 3.8 per cent medication/procedure-related and 2.9 per cent physician-related causes. Patient- and physician-related causes were deemed preventable, contributing to 18.4 per cent. The proximity of residence, undernutrition, poor education of the caretaker and non-infectious diseases were associated with increased risk of readmission. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that readmissions pose a substantial burden on the hospital services. The primary disease process and certain sociodemographic factors are the major determinants for the increased risk of readmissions among paediatric patients.

The cost of managing congenital rubella syndrome in a tertiary government hospital in Northern Luzon, Philippines

Background@#Infants with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) often require multiple diagnostic procedures and interventions that include cataract surgery and procedures for congenital heart abnormalities. CRS is a vaccine preventable disease.@*Objective@#This study aimed to determine the costs incurred by the parents, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), hospital's medical social service (MSS), and non-governmental organization (NGO) in the management of CRS.@*Methods@#This is a costing study of five children diagnosed with probable CRS who were managed in a tertiary government hospital in Northern Luzon, Philippines. The parents or guardians of the patients were interviewed on the cost incurred particularly on non-medical related expenses during their outpatient department consultations and admissions. Hospital bills from our institutions and those from the previous institutions, if available, were retrieved. Expenses incurred from procedures or medical supplies relating to known complications of CRS were included in the computation.@*Results@#All five patients diagnosed with CRS had cardiac, ear, and eye manifestations. Two patients had postnatal complications. The average cost spent by the five patients' early years of life (mean age of patients was 16 ± 14 months) was ₱409,740.84. A quarter of the cost was out-of-pocket expenses while a third was covered by the hospital's MSS where the patients were seen. Another third was shouldered by an NGO. Most expenses were from the treatment of cardiac complications at 42% of the cost and had the highest average cost at ₱116,586.59. Case 1 had the highest financial cost at ₱833,514.24 mainly from the cardiac complications of CRS.@*Conclusion@#The cost of CRS in the early years of life is high. This is a significant financial burden to parents, PHIC, hospital's MSS, and NGO.

Vaccination coverage of triple viral and poliomyelitis in Brazil, 2011-2021: temporal trend and spatial dependency / Cobertura vacinal da tríplice viral e poliomielite no Brasil, 2011-2021: tendência temporal e dependência espacial

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the coverage of MMR and polio vaccines, the temporal trend and spatial dependence, in children up to one year of age in Brazil, between 2011 and 2021. Methods: Ecological study with secondary data on vaccination coverage rates, made available by the National Immunization Program Information System. Trend analysis was carried out using the joinpoint method, according to geographic regions, estimating the annual percentage change (APC) and its respective confidence interval (95%CI). Choropleth maps of distribution by health region were constructed and, subsequently, the spatial dependence was verified using Moran's statistics. Results: Between 2011 and 2021, vaccination coverage declined in Brazil, both for MMR (APC: −6.4%; 95%CI −9.0; −3.8) and for poliomyelitis (APC: −4. 5%; 95%CI −5.5; −3.6). There was a decline in coverage of both vaccines in all geographic regions over the years of the study, except in the South and Midwest for the MMR vaccine. Since 2015, few health regions in the country have achieved adequate vaccination coverage (≥95.0% to <120.0%). The North and Northeast health regions showed low-low clusters in the univariate analysis for both immunobiological. Conclusions: It is urgent to consider studies like this one for the planning of more effective strategies for immunizing children, especially in areas with higher falls. In this way, barriers to access to immunization can be broken, given Brazil's heterogeneity, and access to reliable information that increases confidence in vaccine efficacy can be expanded.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a cobertura das vacinas tríplice viral e contra poliomielite, a tendência temporal e a dependência espacial em crianças de até um ano no Brasil, entre 2011 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com dados secundários das taxas de cobertura vacinal (CV), disponibilizadas pelo Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunização. A análise de tendência ocorreu pelo método joinpoint, segundo regiões geográficas, estimando a variação percentual anual (APC) e seu respectivo intervalo de confiança (IC95%). Foram construídos mapas coropléticos de distribuição por região de saúde e, posteriormente, verificou-se a dependência espacial pela estatística de Moran. Resultados: Entre 2011 e 2021, as coberturas vacinais apresentaram queda no Brasil, tanto para tríplice viral (APC: −6,4%; IC95%: −9,0; −3,8) quanto para poliomielite (APC: −4,5%; IC95% −5,5; −3,6). Houve declínio da cobertura de ambas as vacinas em todas as regiões geográficas ao longo dos anos de estudo, exceto no Sul e no Centro-Oeste para a vacina tríplice viral. Desde 2015, poucas regionais de saúde do país atingiram a CV adequada (≥95 a <120%). As regiões sanitárias do Norte e do Nordeste apresentaram clusters do tipo baixo-baixo na análise univariada para ambos os imunobiológicos. Conclusão: É premente considerar estudos como este para o planejamento de estratégias mais eficazes à imunização de crianças, sobretudo em áreas de maior queda. Desse modo, pode-se romper as barreiras do acesso à imunização, dada a heterogeneidade brasileira, e ampliar o acesso a informações fidedignas que aumentem a confiança na eficácia vacinal.

The role of a genetically stable, novel oral type 2 poliovirus vaccine in the poliomyelitis endgame / Utilidad de una nueva vacuna antipoliomielítica oral del serotipo 2 genéticamente estable contra el poliovirus de tipo 2 en la erradicación de la poliomielitis / O papel de uma nova vacina oral contra o poliovírus tipo 2, geneticamente estável, no estágio final da eliminação da poliomielite

ABSTRACT Poliovirus infection causes paralysis in up to 1 in 200 infected persons. The use of safe and effective inactivated poliovirus vaccines and live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccines (OPVs) means that only two pockets of wild-type poliovirus type 1 remain, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, OPVs can revert to virulence, causing outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). During 2020-2022, cVDPV type 2 (cVDPV2) was responsible for 97-99% of poliomyelitis cases, mainly in Africa. Between January and August 2022, cVDPV2 was detected in sewage samples in Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, where a case of acute flaccid paralysis caused by cVDPV2 also occurred. The Pan American Health Organization has warned that Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Peru are at very high risk for the reintroduction of poliovirus and an additional eight countries in Latin America are at high risk, following dropping vaccination rates (average 80% coverage in 2022). Sabin type 2 monovalent OPV has been used to control VDPV2 outbreaks, but its use could also lead to outbreaks. To address this issue, a more genetically stable, novel OPV2 (nOPV2) was developed against cVDPV2 and in 2020 was granted World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing. Rolling out a novel vaccine under the Emergency Use Listing in mass settings to contain outbreaks requires unique local regulatory and operational preparedness.

RESUMEN La infección por poliovirus ocasiona parálisis en hasta 1 de cada 200 personas infectadas. La utilización de vacunas con poliovirus inactivados y de vacunas antipoliomielíticas orales con poliovirus vivos atenuados (OPV) seguras y eficaces ha logrado que solo queden dos focos de poliovirus salvaje de tipo 1, en Afganistán y Pakistán. Sin embargo, las vacunas con OPV pueden revertir a la virulencia y producir brotes de poliovirus circulantes de origen vacunal (cVDPV). Durante el período 2020-2022, el cVDPV de tipo 2 (cVDPV2) fue la causa del 97-99% de los casos de poliomielitis, sobre todo en África. Entre enero y agosto del 2022, se encontró el cVDPV2 en muestras de aguas residuales en Estados Unidos de América, donde se produjo un caso de parálisis flácida aguda por el cVDPV2, Israel y Reino Unido y. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud ha advertido que, tras la caída de las tasas de vacunación (con una cobertura promedio del 80% en el 2022), Brasil, Haití, Perú y República Dominicana corren un riesgo muy alto de reintroducción del poliovirus, en tanto que otros ocho países de América Latina se encuentran en una situación de alto riesgo. La OPV monovalente de tipo 2 de Sabin se ha utilizado para controlar los brotes de VDPV2, pero su empleo también podría ocasionar brotes. Para hacer frente a este problema, se creó una nueva OPV2 (nOPV2) contra el cVDPV2, genéticamente más estable, que en el 2020 se incluyó en la lista de uso en emergencias de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. El despliegue a gran escala de una nueva vacuna incluida en la lista de uso en emergencias con el fin de contener los brotes exige una extraordinaria preparación regulatoria y operativa local.

RESUMO A infecção pelo poliovírus causa paralisia em 1 de cada 200 pessoas infectadas. O uso de vacinas seguras e eficazes, tanto vacinas inativadas contra o poliovírus quanto vacinas orais contendo poliovírus atenuado (VOP), significa que restam apenas dois bolsões de poliovírus selvagem tipo 1, um no Afeganistão e outro no Paquistão. No entanto, a VOP pode reverter à virulência, causando surtos de poliovírus circulante derivado de vacina (cPVDV). No período 2020-2022, o cPVDV tipo 2 (cPVDV2) foi responsável por 97% a 99% dos casos de poliomielite, principalmente na África. Entre janeiro e agosto de 2022, o cPVDV2 foi detectado em amostras de esgoto em Israel, no Reino Unido e nos Estados Unidos da América, onde também houve um caso de paralisia flácida aguda causada pelo cPVDV2. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde alertou que, devido à queda nas taxas de vacinação (cobertura média de 80% em 2022), o Brasil, o Haiti, o Peru e a República Dominicana correm um risco muito alto de reintrodução do poliovírus e outros oito países da América Latina correm um risco alto. A VOP monovalente Sabin tipo 2 tem sido usada para controlar surtos de PVDV2, mas seu uso também pode levar a surtos. Para resolver esse problema, foi desenvolvida uma nova VOP2 (nVOP2), mais estável geneticamente, para combater o cPVDV2. Em 2020, a nVOP2 entrou na Lista de Uso Emergencial da Organização Mundial da Saúde. A distribuição de uma nova vacina incluída na Lista de Uso Emergencial em contextos de massa para conter surtos requer medidas originais de preparação operacional e regulatória em âmbito local.

Recommendations for modernizing infant vaccination schedules with combination vaccines in Colombia and Peru / Recomendaciones para modernizar los calendarios de vacunación infantil con vacunas combinadas en Colombia y Perú / Recomendações para modernizar os esquemas de vacinação infantil com vacinas combinadas na Colômbia e no Peru

ABSTRACT The objective of this article was to consider the vaccination challenges in Colombia and Peru and the role of pediatric combination vaccines in overcoming these challenges. Barriers to including new vaccines with more antigens remain apparent in parts of these countries, where vaccine-preventable diseases in infants continue to be a major problem. The challenges include the heterogeneity of vaccine coverage within each country and in neighboring countries, which can contribute to poor rates of vaccination coverage; the adverse impact of the inward migration of unvaccinated individuals, which has favored the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases; vaccine shortages; and the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and the associated shifts in health care resources. To improve the coverage of pediatric vaccines in Colombia and Peru, it will be necessary to ensure the widespread integration into vaccine schedules of combination vaccines containing diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B antigens with a three-dose primary series delivered at 2, 4 and 6 months of age followed by a booster at 18 months of age. Such vaccines play important roles in preventing diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; eradicating polio; and providing boosting against H. influenzae type b.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este artículo es considerar los desafíos que se enfrentan en Colombia y Perú con respecto a la vacunación y el papel de las vacunas combinadas pediátricas para superar estos desafíos. Los obstáculos para incluir vacunas nuevas con más antígenos siguen siendo evidentes en algunos lugares de estos países, donde las enfermedades prevenibles por vacunación en menores de 1 año continúan siendo un grave problema. Entre los desafíos se incluye la heterogeneidad de la cobertura de vacunación en cada país y en los países vecinos, lo que puede contribuir con que se registren tasas bajas de cobertura de vacunación; el impacto adverso de la migración interna de personas no vacunadas, lo que ha favorecido la reaparición de enfermedades prevenibles por vacunación; la escasez de vacunas, y el impacto de la pandemia del coronavirus de tipo 2 causante del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) y los consiguientes cambios en los recursos de atención médica. Para mejorar la cobertura de las vacunas pediátricas en Colombia y Perú será necesario integrar de manera generalizada en los calendarios de vacunación vacunas combinadas con antígenos de difteria, tétanos, tos ferina acelular, poliovirus inactivados, Haemophilus influenzae tipo b y hepatitis B con una serie primaria de tres dosis administradas a los 2, 4 y 6 meses de edad, seguida de un refuerzo a los 18 meses de edad. Esas vacunas desempeñan un papel esencial en la prevención de la difteria, el tétanos y la tos ferina; la erradicación de la polio; y el refuerzo contra H. influenzae tipo b.

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar os desafios da vacinação na Colômbia e no Peru e o papel das vacinas pediátricas combinadas na superação de tais desafios. Os obstáculos para incluir novas vacinas com mais antígenos permanecem visíveis em partes desses países, onde doenças imunopreveníveis em lactentes continuam a ser um grande problema. Os desafios incluem a heterogeneidade da cobertura vacinal dentro de cada país e nos países vizinhos, o que pode contribuir para baixas taxas de cobertura vacinal; o impacto adverso da migração interna de pessoas não vacinadas, o que favoreceu o ressurgimento de doenças imunopreveníveis; a escassez de vacinas; e o impacto da pandemia de síndrome respiratória aguda grave do coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) e mudanças relacionadas nos recursos de atenção à saúde. Para melhorar a cobertura das vacinas pediátricas na Colômbia e no Peru, será necessário assegurar sua integração generalizada em esquemas de vacinas combinadas contendo antígenos de difteria, tétano, pertussis acelular, poliovírus inativado, Haemophilus influenzae tipo B e hepatite B, com uma série primária de três doses aplicadas aos 2, 4 e 6 meses de idade seguidas de um reforço aos 18 meses de idade. Tais vacinas desempenham papéis importantes na prevenção da difteria, tétano e coqueluche; na erradicação da poliomielite; e no reforço contra H. influenzae tipo b.

Cobertura vacinal: uma análise comparativa entre os estados da região nordeste do Brasil com ênfase no estado do Maranhão / Vaccination coverage: a comparative analysis between the states of the northeast region of Brazil with emphasis on the state of Maranhão / Cobertura de vacunación: un análisis comparativo entre los estados de la región nordeste de Brasil con énfasis en el estado de Maranhão

Introdução: Devido à escassez de pesquisas voltadas para a situação da cobertura vacinal no Nordeste, sobretudo no Maranhão, apresenta-se a necessidade de realizar uma análise comparativa entre os estados da região nordeste do Brasil. Objetivo: Analisar a cobertura vacinal entre os estados na Região Nordeste do Brasil entre 2017 a 2021, por meio da análise de dados secundários provenientes de sistemas de informação em saúde. Metodologia: trata-se de estudo ecológico de série temporal, com uso de dados secundários provenientes de sistemas de informação em saúde. Foi realizado por meio da coleta de dados disponibilizados pelo TABNET do Departamento de Informação e Informática do SUS (DATASUS), referentes ao período entre 2017 e 2021, nos estados da Região Nordeste do Brasil. Resultados: No período de 2017 a 2021 a cobertura vacinal na Região Nordeste do Brasil foi de 64,48%, sendo uma das piores do país, perdendo apenas para Região Norte (63,30%). Cabe salientar que a média no país em todo o período analisado foi de 68,57%, estando bem abaixo do ideal (entorno de 90% a 95% a depender do imunizante). E entre os anos de 2019 a 2020 houve um declínio de 12,05% e em 2021 14,87% da cobertura vacinal na região nordeste do país. Conclusão: Este estudo permitiu realizar uma análise comparativa entre os estados da região nordeste do Brasil com ênfase no estado do maranhão quanto à cobertura vacinal, onde foi observado que, o estado do Maranhão apresenta umas das menores taxas de vacinação em comparação com outros estados da região nordeste.

Introduction: Due to the lack of research focused on the situation of vaccination coverage in the Northeast, especially in Maranhão, there is a need to carry out a comparative analysis between the states of the northeast region of Brazil. Objective: To analyze vaccination coverage among states in the Northeast Region of Brazil between 2017 and 2021, through the analysis of secondary data from health information systems. Methodology: this is an ecological time series study, using secondary data from health information systems. It was carried out by collecting data provided by the TABNET of the Department of Information and Informatics of the SUS (DATASUS), referring to the period between 2017 and 2021, in the states of the Northeast Region of Brazil. Results: In the period from 2017 to 2021, vaccination coverage in the Northeast Region of Brazil was 64.48%, being one of the worst in the country, second only to the North Region (63.30%). It should be noted that the average in the country throughout the analyzed period was 68.57%, well below the ideal (around 90% to 95% depending on the immunizer). And between the years 2019 to 2020 there was a decline of 12.05% and in 2021 14.87% of vaccination coverage in the northeast region of the country. Conclusion: This study made it possible to carry out a comparative analysis between the states of the northeast region of Brazil, with emphasis on the state of maranhão regarding vaccination coverage, where it was observed that the state of Maranhão has one of the lowest vaccination rates compared to other states in the region. northeast region.

Introducción: Debido a la falta de investigaciones centradas en la situación de las coberturas de vacunación en el Nordeste, especialmente en Maranhão, surge la necesidad de realizar un análisis comparativo entre los estados de la región Nordeste de Brasil. Objetivo: Analizar las coberturas de vacunación entre los estados de la Región Nordeste de Brasil entre 2017 y 2021, a través del análisis de datos secundarios de los sistemas de información en salud. Metodología: se trata de un estudio de series temporales ecológicas, utilizando datos secundarios de los sistemas de información en salud. Fue realizado a partir de la recopilación de datos facilitados por el TABNET del Departamento de Información e Informática del SUS (DATASUS), referentes al período comprendido entre 2017 y 2021, en los estados de la Región Nordeste de Brasil. Resultados: En el período de 2017 a 2021, la cobertura de vacunación en la Región Nordeste de Brasil fue del 64,48%, siendo una de las peores del país, superada solo por la Región Norte (63,30%). Cabe señalar que el promedio en el país durante todo el período analizado fue de 68,57%, muy por debajo del ideal (alrededor de 90% a 95% dependiendo del inmunizador). Y entre los años 2019 a 2020 hubo un descenso de 12,05% y en 2021 de 14,87% de las coberturas de vacunación en la región nororiental del país. región nordeste. PALABRAS CLAVE: Cobertura de Vacunación; Vacunas; Enfermedades Prevenibles por Vacunas.

Hospitalizaciones inadecuadas prevenibles en la atención primaria de salud: desafío actual como problema social / Preventable inadequate hospitalizations in primary health care: current challenge as a social problem

RESUMEN La hospitalización inadecuada implica costos innecesarios a la familia del paciente y al centro de salud, congestión de los servicios hospitalarios y disminución del beneficio social, pudiendo llegar a exponer al paciente a riesgos como infecciones intrahospitalarias y a períodos de estrés. Asimismo, representa un problema social, debido a deficiencias en la formación de residentes en Medicina General Integral ante patologías que son de adecuado diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento a nivel primario -que socavan la calidad e intersectorialidad entre el nivel secundario y el primario de atención-, y al uso racional de recursos en el sector de la salud. Este trabajo pretende abordar la situación de las hospitalizaciones inadecuadas, que se pueden solucionar a nivel de la atención primaria. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de artículos científicos relacionados con la temática, publicados en SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, EBSCO y Google Académico, lo cual contribuyó a recopilar textos con los más recientes aportes. Se necesita, a nivel primario, para la disminución de las hospitalizaciones evitables, reforzar acciones organizativas y un desempeño profesional de calidad, con estrategias dirigidas a la solución de las problemáticas de la población. Las deficiencias o irregularidades en la capacidad resolutiva del sistema de atención primaria, repercuten negativamente en la cantidad de atenciones hospitalarias a situaciones de salud prevenibles y, por ende, en la reducción de los costos hospitalarios.

ABSTRACT Inadequate hospitalization implies unnecessary costs to the patient's family and the health center, congestion of hospital services and reduction of social benefit, and may expose the patient to risks such as nosocomial infections and periods of stress. It also represents a social problem, due to deficiencies in the training of residents in Comprehensive General Medicine in pathologies that are adequately diagnosed, treated and monitored at the primary level-which undermine the quality and intersectorality between the secondary and primary levels of care-, and the rational use of resources in the health sector. This work aims to address the situation of inadequate hospitalizations, which can be solved at the primary care level. A bibliographic review was carried out of scientific articles related to the subject, published in SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, EBSCO and Google Scholar, which contributed to compile texts with the most recent contributions. In order to reduce preventable hospitalizations, it is necessary to reinforce organizational actions and quality professional performance at the primary level, with strategies aimed at solving the problems of the population. Deficiencies or irregularities in the resolution capacity of the primary care system have a negative impact on the amount of hospital care for preventable health situations and, therefore, on the reduction of hospital costs.

Adverse Events Related to COVID-19 Vaccines Reported in Pregnant Women in Brazil / Eventos adversos pós-vacina contra COVID-19 em gestantes no Brasil

Abstract Regulations for the vaccination of pregnant women in Brazil occurred in March 2021. Despite the absence of robust data in the literature on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations in pregnant women, it is understood that the benefit-risk ratio tends to be favorable when considering the pandemic and the high burden of the disease. However, it is still important to monitor for Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization (ESAVI) and to draw safety profiles of the different platforms used in pregnant and postpartum women. The present study aims to describe the main characteristics of ESAVIs related to COVID-19 vaccines occurring in pregnant women in the first months of the vaccination campaign in Brazil. During the evaluation period, 1,674 notifications of ESAVIs in pregnant women were recorded, and 582 notifications were included for the analysis. Of the 582 ESAVIs identified, 481 (82%) were classified as non-serious adverse events and 101 (17%) as serious adverse events. Ten deaths were identified, including one death which was considered to be causally related to the vaccine. The other nine maternal deaths had causality C, that is, without causal relationship with the vaccine, and most were due to complications inherent to pregnancy, such as pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder (PSHD) in 4 cases and 3 due to COVID-19. Despite some limitations in our study, we believe it brings new insights into COVID-19 vaccines in this group and will add to the available evidence.

Resumo As determinações vacinação nas gestantes foram estabelecidas em março de 2021, no Brasil. Apesar da ausência de dados robustos na literatura da vacinação contra coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nesse grupo, entende-se que a relação de benefício versus risco tende a ser favorável considerando a situação pandêmica e a elevada carga de doença, tendo justificado o uso dessas vacinas em ampla escala nas gestantes de todo o mundo. Entretanto, o monitoramento dos eventos adversos pós vacinação (EAPVs) torna-se ainda mais importante para traçar um perfil de segurança das diferentes plataformas nas gestantes e puérperas. O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever as principais características dos EAPVs contra COVID-19 ocorridos nas gestantes nos primeiros meses de campanha da vacinação no Brasil. Foram identificadas 1.674 notificações em gestantes, com a inclusão de 582 EAPVs analisados. Dos 582 EAPVs identificados, 481 (82%) foram classificados como eventos adversos não-graves e 101 (17%) como eventos adversos graves, sendo 10 (9,9%) destes referentes aos óbitos. Apenas um caso de óbito materno teve relação causal com a vacinação comprovada (causalidade A1), e foi secundário à síndrome trombocitopênica trombótica (TTS) após a vacina AstraZeneca/Fiocruz. Os outros nove óbitos maternos tiveram causalidade C, ou seja, sem relação causal com a vacina, e a maioria por complicações inerentes à gravidez, como a doença hipertensiva específica da gestação (DHEG) e COVID-19. Apesar de algumas limitações em nosso estudo, acreditamos que ele traz dados importantes sobre as vacinas COVID-19 neste grupo aumentando as evidências disponíveis.

Analysis of the time series of pertussis in Brazil from 2010 to 2019 / Análise da série temporal da coqueluche no Brasil no período de 2010 a 2019

Abstract Objectives: to analyze a decade of spatio-temporal behavior of pertussis in Brazil and its epidemiological characteristics. Methods: ecological time series study of pertussis cases and deaths from the Notifable Diseases Information System in Brazil (2010-2019). The method of generalized linear analysis of Prais-Winsten and the Kernel analysis were used. Results: 32,849 cases were reported, of which 466 (1.42%) evolved to death, with a prevalence of 1.63/100,000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 0.023/100,000 inhabitants. In the temporal analysis, the cyclical behavior of pertussis was evidenced, with trend variations in the period in 2014. Most cases occurred in children under 1 year of age (60.16%, p<0.01), sex female (55.28%, p=0.066) and white (48.42%, p=0.14). The largest share of deaths was in children aged <1 year (98.07, p<0.01), females (56.01%, p=0.066) and whites (43.78%, p=0.14). In the Kernel of prevalence, the South, Southeast and Northeast regions stood out with high density; while for mortality, the Southeast and Northeast stood out. Conclusions: the cyclical behavior of pertussis was observed, with a decreasing trend in recent years and the concentration of cases in children. This reinforces the importance of strengthening the population's immunization process.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar uma década do comportamento espaço-temporal da coqueluche no Brasil e as suas características epidemiológicas. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal dos casos e óbitos por coqueluche do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação no Brasil (2010-2019). Utilizou-se o método de análise linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten e a análise de Kernel. Resultados: notificaram-se 32.849 casos, desses 466 (1,42%) evoluíram para óbito, com prevalência de 1,63/100.000 habitantes e coeficiente de mortalidade de 0,023/100.000 habitantes. Na análise temporal, evidenciou-se o comportamento cíclico da coqueluche com variações de tendência no período em 2014. A maioria dos casos ocorreu em menores de 1 ano (60,16%, p<0,01), sexo feminino (55,28%, p=0,066) e brancos (48,42%, p=0,14). A maior parcela dos óbitos foi em crianças <1 ano (98,07, p<0,01), sexo feminino (56,01%, p=0,066) e brancos (43,78%, p=0,14). No Kernel da prevalência, destacaram-se as regiões Sul, Sudeste e Nordeste com alta densidade; enquanto para mortalidade, sobressaíram-se Sudeste e Nordeste. Conclusão: observou-se o comportamento cíclico da coqueluche, com tendência de decréscimo nos últimos anos e a concentração de casos no público infantil. O que reforça a importância de fortalecer o processo de imunização da população.

Process Evaluation of the Universal Immunization Program in Imphal-East District of Manipur: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Various strategies have been made to make vaccines universally available including to most hard-to-reach and vulnerable population. However, change in coverage level never reached upto expected level in spite of giving so much effort by the Govt. of India and World bodies. Therefore, there is the need to look beyond. Hence, the process evaluation of Universal Immunization Program (UIP) was conducted to evaluate the process of UIP using selected variables. Methods: A cross-sectional observation was done during the period from May 2017 to April 2020 among the 14 health?care facilities and 36 selected session sites, and interview was done to 48 health?care providers working at different levels, located in Imphal East district of Manipur. Both checklist and pretested semi-structured questioners were used for collection of data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, proportion, and percentage were used. Results: Ice-lined refrigerator and Deep-freezer were found to be present in working condition in 11 (100%) centers. The use of vaccine carrier was found in all 36 (100%) centers. Way of vaccine administration was found to be correct in 26 (72.2%) centers. Availability of up?to?date microplan was found in 18 (78.3%) centers. Conclusions: Barriers in the UIP were not uniform throughout the villages and districts. Hence, area?specific measures need to be taken up for overcoming the barriers and challenges.

Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination observed by officers of national immunization programs in South America countries with contrasting coverage rates / Barreras y facilitadores de la vacuna contra la gripe observados por funcionarios de los programas nacionales de inmunización en países de Suramérica con niveles de cobertura contrastantes / Barreiras e facilitadores da vacinação contra influenza observados por funcionários dos programas nacionais de imunização em países Sul-Americanos com diferentes níveis de cobertura

Influenza is a severe, vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination programs across Latin American countries show contrasting coverage rates, from 29% in Paraguay to 89% in Brazil. This study explores how national influenza vaccination programs in the chosen South American countries address vaccine confidence and convenience, as well as complacency toward the disease. Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination programs in their relation to vaccine hesitancy were observed by documentary analysis and interviews with 38 national immunization program officers in high- (Brazil and Chile) and low-performing (Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay) countries. Influenza vaccination policies, financing, purchasing, coordination, and accessibility are considered good or acceptable. National communication strategies focus on vaccine availability during campaigns. In Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, anti-vaccine propaganda was mentioned as a problem. Programming and implementation face human resource shortages across most countries. Statistical information, health information systems, and nominal risk-group records are available, with limitations in Peru and Paraguay. Health promotion, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation are perceived as opportunities to address confidence and complacency. Influenza vaccination programs identify and act on most barriers and facilitators affecting influenza vaccine hesitancy via supply-side strategies which mostly address vaccine convenience. Confidence and complacency are insufficiently addressed, except for Uruguay. Programs have the opportunity to develop integral supply and demand-side approaches.

La gripe es una enfermedad grave, prevenible mediante vacunas con sus correspondientes programas en países latinoamericanos, informando sobre tasas contrastadas de cobertura, desde el 29% en Paraguay al 89% en Brasil. Este artículo investiga cómo los programas nacionales contra la gripe en países seleccionados de Suramérica abordan la confianza en la vacuna y su conveniencia, así como también la complacencia hacia la enfermedad. Las barreras y facilitadores del programa de vacunación de la gripe, en su relación con la vacilación hacia la vacuna, se observaron mediante análisis documental y entrevistas a 38 a cargo de los programas nacionales de inmunización en países con alto (Brasil y Chile) y bajo desempeño (Paraguay, Perú y Uruguay). Políticas de vacunación contra la gripe, financiamiento, compras coordinación y accesibilidad fueron consideradas como buenas o aceptables. Las estrategias nacionales de comunicación se centran en la disponibilidad de la vacuna durante las campañas. En Chile, Paraguay y Uruguay la propaganda antivacunas fue mencionada como un problema. La planificación e implementación enfrentan escasez de recursos humanos en la mayoría de países a través de la mayoría de países. Los sistemas de información en salud, estadísticas y registros nominales por grupos de riesgo se encuentran disponibles con limitaciones en Perú y Paraguay. La promoción de la salud, supervisión, monitoreo y evaluación son percibidos como oportunidades para abordar la confianza y complacencia. Los programas de vacunación contra la gripe actúan principalmente sobre las barreras y facilitadores que afectan la vacilación a vacunarse mediante estrategias del lado de la demanda, las cuales en su mayor parte van dirigidas a contrarestar la conveniencia. La confianza y complacencia son insuficientemente abordadas en todos los países, excepto en Uruguay. Los programas tienen la oportunidad de desarrollar estrategias que aborden tanto el lado de la oferta como de la demanda.

A influenza é uma doença grave, imunoprevenível, para a qual os programas de vacinação nos países latino-americanos apresentam taxas de cobertura contrastantes, desde 29% no Paraguai até 89% no Brasil. O artigo explora de que maneira os programas nacionais de influenza em países selecionados da América do Sul lidam com a confiança e a conveniência da vacina, assim como, a acomodação em relação à doença. As barreiras e facilitadores dos programas de vacinação contra influenza foram observados em relação à hesitação vacinal, através de análise documental e entrevistas com 38 autoridades de programas nacionais de imunização em países com desempenho alto (Brasil e Chile) e baixo (Paraguai, Peru e Uruguai). As políticas de vacinação contra influenza, financiamento da compra de vacinas, coordenação e acessibilidade são consideradas boas ou aceitáveis. As estratégias nacionais de comunicação estão concentradas na disponibilidade durante campanhas. No Chile, Paraguai e Uruguay, a propaganda antivacina foi mencionada enquanto problema. A programação e a implementação enfrentam escassez de recursos humanos na maioria dos países. Dados estatísticos, sistemas de informação em saúde e registros nominais de grupos de risco estão disponíveis, com limitações no Peru e no Paraguai. A promoção da saúde, supervisão, monitoramento e avaliação foram percebidas como oportunidades para tratar da confiança e da acomodação. Os programas de vacinação contra influenza identificam e agem sobre a maioria das barreiras e facilitadores que afetam a hesitação vacinal através de estratégias do lado da oferta, tratando principalmente da conveniência da vacina. A confiança e a acomodação não são tratadas de maneira suficiente, com exceção notável do Uruguai. Os programas têm a oportunidade de desenvolver abordagens que integram os lados da oferta e da procura.

Analysis of vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vitória, Brazil / Análise da cobertura vacinal durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em Vitória, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: with the current situation of measles outbreak in Brazil and the sharp drop in immunization coverage nationwide, it is necessary to think about ways to intervene in the face of so many difficulties, since the expansion of immunization coverage is the most effective and safe for the control of infectious diseases OBJECTIVE: to analyze vaccine coverage of two National Campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vitória/ES. METHODS: a descriptive experience report on the implementation of an intervention plan to expand vaccination coverage of two National Vaccination Campaigns in 2020 in a Family Health Unit (FHU) during the Curricular Internship I (EC-I). It was based on the Situational Strategic Planning. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyzes were performed RESULTS: there was an increase of 5.79 times in the vaccination coverage of the National Measles Vaccination Campaign 2020 in the territory, from 0.86% (vaccination coverage of the triple viral before the start of EC-I) to 4.98% at the end of EC-I (p = 0.438). When comparing the vaccination coverage of the National Multivaccination Campaign 2020 of immunobiologicals administered before and after the EC-I period at the FHU, we observed that there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0049). CONCLUSION: the proposed and implemented intervention plan had a positive outcome on the FHU, as the vaccination coverage of the two campaigns were expanded, despite all the challenges of the pandemic

INTRODUÇÃO: com a conjuntura atual do sarampo no Brasil, além da queda acentuada da cobertura vacinal em âmbito nacional, faz-se necessário pensar sobre as formas de intervir frente a tantos desafios, compreendendo que a ampliação da cobertura vacinal é a forma mais efetiva e segura para o controle de doenças infectocontagiosas. OBJETIVO: analisar a cobertura vacinal de duas Campanhas Nacionais durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em Vitória/ES. MÉTODO: relato de experiência descritivo, sobre a implementação de um plano de intervenção de ampliação de cobertura vacinal de duas Campanhas Nacionais de Vacinação em 2020 em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) durante a Disciplina de Estágio Curricular I (EC-I). O plano de intervenção foi alicerçado no Planejamento Estratégico Situacional. Análises estatísticas descritivas e bivariadas foram realizadas. RESULTADOS: houve um aumento de 5,79 vezes da cobertura vacinal da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação contra o Sarampo 2020, passando de 0,86% (em março de 2020) para 4,98% no final de outubro de 2020 (p=0,438). Ao comparar a cobertura da Campanha Nacional Multivacinação 2020 dos imunobiológicos administrados antes e após o plano de intervenção, observamos que houve uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,0049). CONCLUSÃO: verificou-se um aumento nas coberturas vacinais da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação contra o Sarampo 2020 e da Campanha Nacional Multivacinação 2020. O plano de intervenção proposto e implementado surtiu efeito positivo na USF, pois, foi ampliado a cobertura vacinal das duas Campanhas, mesmo com todos os desafios da pandemia.

A Descriptive Observational Study of Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Routine Immunization in Children at Tertiary Health Care Centre

Background:Immunization has crucial role in protecting a child from vaccine preventable infections. But during last year 2020, Due to ?COVID-19?pandemic, Routine& supplementary immunization and the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases have beenimpacted in many countries. This may lead to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. So, wehave opted this study to see impact of Covid 19 on routine immunization at vaccination centre of a tertiary care hospital. Aims: To assess effect of covid 19 pandemic on routine immunization. Material And Methods:This study was retrospective observational study, conducted at vaccination centre of tertiary care hospital of Ahmedabad. Data was retrieved from January 2019 to December 2020 from register of vaccination centre and entered in excel sheet and analysed individual month and vaccine wise. Result:Number of immunised children was lower in 2020 as compared to 2019. The result was significant at p<0.05 by Mann Whity test. Inj Td of 10 year was most affected and OPV0 & BCG was least affected. Maximum reduction in percentage was seen in May month and least in February. Conclusion:Health system should design strategies for catch-up vaccination to prevent surge of vaccine preventable disease.

Development of planned immunization program in Jiading District，ShanghaiZHANG Qian，ZHONG Pei-song，ZHANG Shu-zhi，ZHANG Wei， PENG Qian， SHAO Yue-qin， FEI JieJiading District Center for Disease Control and Prevention， Shanghai 201800， China / 上海预防医学

Planned immunization program in Jiading District has experienced nearly 70 years，and basically established a relatively complete vaccination service system. Vaccination clinics have experienced four rounds of construction，which facilitates scientific，standardized，and informationized clinics. Moreover， it has trained a great deal of public health professionals in immunization program. Vaccines are able to be ordered and distributed uniformly，achieved with cold-chain equipment and real-time monitoring of temperature. Through a networking of vaccination information system， five-code linkage， which means vaccine traceability code， vaccine producing code，cold-chain equipment code，vaccinated child code，and vaccinating doctor code， has been achieved. Vaccines for expanded program immunization developed quickly， from 7 categories for preventing 8 diseases to 12 categories for preventing 13 diseases. In addition， number of self-funded vaccines are increasingly available. Currently， Jiading District is the first district implementing vaccination compensation insurance in Shanghai. Vaccine-preventable diseases are effectively controlled. However，challenges remain in the insufficient supply of self-funded vaccines and thorough elimination of measles.

Factors associated with adults' actions to confirm their own rubella immune status in Japan's drive toward rubella elimination: Cross-sectional online survey of non-healthcare workers in their 20s to 40s

BACKGROUND@#Rubella outbreaks occurred among adults in Japan in 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 due to immunity gaps. In response and aiming at rubella elimination by 2020, the government introduced countermeasures comprising supplementary immunization activities for voluntary testing of adult non-healthcare-related workers and vaccination of susceptible individuals. However, as of October 2020, rubella immunity testing and vaccination rates remained low. This study was conducted to identify factors associated with adults voluntarily confirming their rubella immune status, to help develop effective promotion activities for hard-to-reach and left-behind populations.@*METHODS@#In this cross-sectional study, a general population sample of non-healthcare workers aged 20-49 years in Japan completed an online survey in November 2020. Univariate analysis was performed to examine associations of specific actions taken to confirm rubella immune status with social background characteristics, knowledge of rubella, and attitude to testing and vaccination. Log binomial regression analysis was performed to explore the associations following adjustment for social background characteristics.@*RESULTS@#Among 1,854 respondents (927 men, 927 women), only 23.4% of men and 39.4% of women in their 20s to 40s have taken some action related to rubella prevention. Three major factors were associated with the targeted population having taken voluntary action: (1) knowing about testing for confirmation of immunity status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.29 men, 2.89 women), the rubella outbreak in 2013 among men in their 20s to 40s (AOR 2.79 men, 1.64 women), and congenital rubella syndrome (AOR 1.89 men, 3.10 women); (2) having acquaintances who were vaccinated against or tested for rubella (AOR 2.98 men, 1.95 women); and (3) having a positive attitude toward influenza vaccination (AOR 2.48 men, 1.83 women). Marriage, desire for pregnancy, and having children were weakly associated with taking action.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Currently, insufficient voluntary action is being taken by high-risk adult populations to close the identified immunity gaps. In this last mile to rubella elimination, our findings and suggested potential interventions via annual health check-ups and occupational health and public health initiatives could prove helpful in developing further countermeasures that actively promote and implement supplementary immunization activities targeting all adult generations.

Programa nacional de inmunizacion en Chile: pasado, presente y futuro / National immunization program in Chile: past, present and future

El Programa Ampliado de Inmunizaciones (PAI) a nivel mundial nace en 1974 como iniciativa de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). En Chile, el actual Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones (PNI) se origina en el Plan Ampliado de Inmunizaciones (PAI) establecido en el año 1978. En sus inicios, el PAI se basó en disposiciones legales definidas en 1975, que establecía las Enfermedades Trasmisibles de Vacunación Obligatoria. Desde el año 2010, el Decreto Exento N°6 promulgado el 29 de enero, se dispone la vacunación obligatoria contra enfermedades inmunoprevenibles de la población del país. Posteriormente se han realizado modificaciones al decreto exento N°6 reflejando la incorporación de nuevas vacunas al calendario, modificaciones en los grupos objetivo y/o cambios en las estrategias de vacunación, entre otros. En estas disposiciones también se establece que el Ministerio de Salud debe asegurar el acceso gratuito a vacunaciones seguras y efectivas para toda la población objetivo. El objetivo del artículo, es describir la evolución de las iniciativas de vacunación en nuestro país, desde antes de la creación del PAI, la sistematización de las estrategias de vacunación una vez que se establece el programa hasta las modificaciones realizadas en la última década.

The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) worldwide was created in 1974 as an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). In Chile, the current National Immunization Program (PNI) originates from the Extended Inmunization Plan (EPI) established in 1978. In its beginnings, the EPI was based on legal provisions defined in 1975, which established the Communicable Diseases of Compulsory Vaccination. Since 2010, the Exempt Decree No. 6 promulgated on January 29, provides the Mandatory Vaccination against Immune preventable Diseases of the Population of the Country. Subsequently there have been modifications to the Exempt Decree No. 6 reflecting the incorporation of new vaccines to the calendar, modifications in the target groups and /or changes in vaccination strategies, among others. These provisions also state that the Ministry of Health must ensure free access to safe and effective vaccinations for the entire target population. The aim oh this article is to describe evolution of vaccination initiatives in our country, from before the creation of the EPI, the systematization of vaccination strategies once the program is established, until the modifications made in the last decade.

Inmunizaciones en niños, adolescentes y adultos inmunosuprimidos / Immunizations in children, adolescent and adult immunocompromised hosts

Los pacientes inmunosuprimidos presentan un riesgo mayor de infecciones, debido a sus disfunciones inmunes, producto de la actividad de su enfermedad y la terapia inmunosupresora. El uso de vacunas disminuye este riesgo, otorgando protección directa e indirecta, a través de la vacunación del paciente y sus contactos. Las vacunas inactivadas han demostrado un perfil de seguridad adecuado en estos pacientes, por lo que no están contraindicadas, aunque su respuesta inmune puede ser inadecuada. Las vacunas vivas atenuadas, formalmente contraindicadas, poseen una información creciente que permite evaluar su riesgo/beneficio de manera individual. Por este motivo es necesario procurar mantener el calendario de vacunas actualizado y complementado, evitando el retraso en esquemas de vacunación y poniéndolo al día lo antes posible, con estrategias basadas en el individuo. Para llevar a cabo esto, se debe conocer y considerar los intervalos entre las vacunas, los esquemas acelerados, la solicitud de vacunas especiales, las aprobaciones vigentes y, finalmente, sus contraindicaciones.

Immunecompromised patients are at higher risk of infections due to their immune dysfunction caused by ongoing disease processes and immunosuppressive therapy. Patient vaccination or vaccination of the people in contact with patients diminishes their risk of infection. Although the immune response of immunocompromised patients might be impaired, the use of inactivated vaccines is safe and it is not contraindicated in these patients. Formerly, live attenuated vaccines were contraindicated in immunecompromised patients, but recently more data supports their use when evaluating case by case the risks and benefits of their application. Thus, it is important to keep and up-to-date, taylor-based and enhanced vaccination schedule in these cases. For this, specialists need to be informed about the availability of regular and special vaccines, their current approvals, vaccine administration protocols under specific situations and vaccine contraindications.

Study of preventable causes of blindness in a tertiary care institute in Lucknow

Background:World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, released the estimates which show that approximately 80% of the causes of blindness and severely reduced visual acuity are preventable and avoidable. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of preventable causes of blindness in an OPD setup in the city of Lucknow.Methods:Descriptive cross-sectional study was done from January, 2019 to March, 2019 at the ophthalmology department OPD, Dr Ram Manohar lohia hospital, Lucknow. Patient presenting with complains of Blurring of vision or blindness during the defined OPD days at the study place, sample size-550. Convenience sampling, all the eligible patients who were attending the OPD on defined days during the study period.Results:The current study found the prevalence of blindness in the OPD based patients to be 13.5% and 25% (WHO and NPCB standards) respectively which is higher than the other reported statistics and found cataract to be the single most contributor of cause of blindness in accordance with other literature.Conclusions:The study demonstrates that even after the implementation of a national program (NPCB), the prevalence of blindness continues to be on the higher side and cataract remains to the most common cause of preventable blindness.

Evaluation of factors, associated with defaulting routine immunization in children

Background: India was one of the first countries to adopt the World Health Organization's Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). The program started globally in 1974 and was initiated in India in 1978. Immunization is considered to be one of the most important cost-effective and a powerful public health intervention. Achieving maximum coverage, however, has been a challenge due to many reasons, including high rates of defaulters from the program. The term 'defaulter' is used to refer a child who misses the scheduled vaccinations for any reason. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons behind defaulting from the routine immunization program.Methods: A study was conducted in Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Bangalore between January 2012 and December 2012. A total of sixty six children's' details were gathered from mothers of defaulted children. Children below 5 years attending OPD were included in the study. Children above 5 years and inpatients were excluded. Observations and review of relevant documents was done.Results: Of the 66 children, in our study, males were more than females. Children in the age group of 2 years to 5 years were 17(25%) as compared to those between 1 to 2 years. Mothers were more literate than fathers. Muslim children had the best immunization coverage. The main determinant of defaulting was lack of knowledge and awareness regarding immunization by the mothers (21/31%) followed by sickness in children (11/16%), causing them to default immunization schedulesConclusions: The main reason for defaulting from the immunization program was lack of awareness, regarding immunization by mothers in the community.