Research progress of influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination among cancer patients / 中华预防医学杂志

This article reviews the relevant studies on the efficacy and safety of influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccination among tumor patients worldwide in recent years. By combing and analyzing the retrieved literature, the results show that influenza and pneumococcal vaccination can significantly reduce the morbidity and hospitalization rate of infectious diseases in tumor patients, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death, and significantly improve survival prognosis. COVID-19 vaccination can also protect tumor patients, especially those who have completed full dose vaccination. Authoritative guidelines and consensuses worldwide all recommend that tumor patients receive influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines. We should carry out relevant researches, as well as take effective measures to strengthen patient education, so that tumor patients can fully experience the health protection brought by the vaccine to this specific group.

Efficacy of some avian influenza H5 vaccines against local highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses subtype H5N8 isolated in 2018 and 2020 in Egypt

Commercial inactivated avian influenza H5 vaccine is used as an essential control strategy for avian influenza disease in Egypt. Since the initial outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8, the virus has diverged with new genotypes and variant viruses continuing to emerge which mainly stand behind vaccination failure. In the present work, four different commercial avian influenza vaccines were inoculated in specific pathogenic free chickens for assessing its efficacy against local highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 virus isolated in 2018 and 2020. Two hundred and forty specific pathogenic free chickens were clustered into four groups; each group was inoculated with the corresponding vaccine (60 specific pathogenic free chickens/vaccine). Sixty specific pathogenic free chicks were kept as control unvaccinated group. Sera collected from vaccinated chicken groups at 3rd and 4th week post vaccination were examined for calculating neutralizing antibodies using heterologous highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2018 and 2020. At 4th week post vaccination, vaccinated chickens were challenged; moreover, oropharyngeal swabs were collected from challenged vaccinated chickens to calculate the viral shedding. Our findings revealed the groups vaccinated with vaccine code no 1 and 2 that contains two vaccine strains (H5N1 and H5N8) of local origin exhibited the highest hemagglutination inhibition titer, protection (percent) and reduction in viral shedding titer when examined by highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2018 while, vaccine code no 3 induced lower antibody response, protection (percent) and reduction in viral shedding, but still within satisfactory level when compared to previous groups. When highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2020 was used, it was found the seroconversion rate, protection (percent) and mean titer of reduction of viral shedding decreased in comparison to those recorded for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2018. Vaccine code no 4 was impotent to either highly pathogenic avian influenza 2018 or 2020. Accordingly, it was recommended to update vaccine strain according to epidemiological condition and used the predominant circulating strain isolate in challenge test(AU)

La vacuna comercial inactivada H5 se utiliza como estrategia esencial de control de la enfermedad de la gripe aviar en Egipto. Desde los brotes iniciales de la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8, el virus ha variado al aparecer continuamente nuevos genotipos y variantes virales, que son los principales responsables del fracaso de la vacunación. En el presente trabajo, cuatro vacunas comerciales diferentes contra la gripe aviar se inocularon en pollos libres de patógenos específicos para evaluar su eficacia contra cepas del virus local de la gripe aviar altamente patógeno H5N8 aisladas en 2018 y 2020. Se agruparon 240 pollos pollos libres de patógenos específicos en cuatro grupos, cada uno fue inoculado con la vacuna correspondiente (60 pollos pollos libres de patógenos específicos/vacuna). Sesenta pollos SPF se mantuvieron como grupo control sin vacunar. Los sueros de los pollos vacunados recogidos en la 3ª y 4ª semana después de la vacunación se examinaron para calcular los anticuerpos neutralizantes contra la gripe aviar heteróloga H5N8 2018 y 2020. En la cuarta semana después de la vacunación, los pollos vacunados fueron retados; además, se recogieron hisopados orofaríngeos de los pollos vacunados retados para calcular la diseminación viral. Nuestros resultados revelaron que los grupos vacunados con las vacunas con códigos nº 1 y 2, que contienen dos cepas vacunales (H5N1 y H5N8) de origen local, mostraron el mayor título de inhibición de la hemaglutinación, protección (por ciento) y reducción del título de excreción viral cuando se evaluaron contra la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 2018, mientras que la vacuna con código nº 3 indujo menor respuesta de anticuerpos, protección (por ciento) y reducción de la excreción viral, pero todavía dentro de un nivel satisfactorio en comparación con los grupos anteriores. Al utilizar la vacuna contra la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 2020, se observó que la tasa de seronconversión, la protección (por ciento) y el título medio de reducción de la excreción viral disminuyeron en comparación con los registrados para la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 2018. La vacuna con código nº 4 no fue potente para la gripe aviar altamente patógena de 2018 o de 2020. Por consiguiente, se recomendó actualizar la cepa de la vacuna de acuerdo con las condiciones epidemiológicas y utilizar el aislamiento de la cepa circulante predominante en la prueba de reto(AU)

O conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde sobre vacinação de pessoas vivendo com HIV - uma revisão integrativa / El conocimiento de los profesionales de la salud sobre la vacunación de personas que viven con VIH - revisión integradora / Health professionals' knowledge about vaccination of people living with HIV - an integrative review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar evidências na literatura acerca do conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde sobre vacinação das pessoas vivendo com HIV. Método Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa. Para a busca, foram utilizados os descritores: pessoal de saúde (health personnel), conhecimento (knowledge), vacinação (vaccination), HIV e seus sinônimos, sem utilização de filtros, nas bases de dados Pubmed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct e Cochrane. Foram incluídos apenas artigos primários analisados por meio do aplicativo RAYYAN. Resultados De 601 publicações iniciais, apenas cinco constituíram a amostra final, todas identificadas no Pubmed publicadas entre 2013 e 2018, sendo nenhum estudo brasileiro. A maioria das publicações estava relacionada a alguma vacina específica e não abordava todo o calendário vacinal. Conclusão e implicações para a prática O déficit de conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde, em relação às vacinas indicadas às pessoas vivendo com HIV, foi o principal aspecto identificado, resultando em insegurança dos profissionais. Há a necessidade de educação permanente das equipes multiprofissionais dos serviços especializados e da atenção primária visando diminuir as barreiras e aumentar a cobertura vacinal desta clientela.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar evidencias en la literatura acerca del conocimiento de los profesionales de la salud sobre la vacunación de personas que viven con VIH. Método Revisión integradora. Para la búsqueda, se utilizaron los descriptores: personal de salud (health personnel), conocimiento (knowledge), vacunación (vaccination), VIH y sus sinónimos, sin el uso de filtros, en las bases de datos Pubmed, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct y Cochrane. Solo se incluyeron los artículos primarios analizados mediante la aplicación RAYYAN. Resultados De 601 publicaciones iniciales, solo cinco constituyeron la muestra final, todas identificadas en Pubmed y publicadas entre 2013 y 2018, sin ningún estudio brasileño. La mayoría de las publicaciones estaban relacionadas con una vacuna específica y no abordaban todo el calendario de vacunación. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica El desconocimiento de los profesionales de la salud en relación a las vacunas indicadas para personas que viven con VIH fue el principal aspecto identificado, lo que generó inseguridad entre los profesionales. Se advierte la necesidad de disponer la educación permanente de los equipos multiprofesionales de servicios especializados y de atención primaria para reducir barreras y aumentar las coberturas de vacunación de esta clientela.

Abstract Objective to identify evidence in the literature about the health professionals' knowledge concerning vaccination of people living with HIV. Method This is an integrative review. In this research, the descriptors used were the following: health personnel, knowledge, vaccination, HIV and its synonyms, without the use of filters, in the Pubmed, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct and Cochrane databases. Only primary articles analyzed using the RAYYAN application were included. Results Out of 601 initial publications, only five comprised the final sample, all identified in Pubmed and published between 2013 and 2018, with no Brazilian studies. Most of the publications were related to a specific vaccine and did not address the entire vaccination schedule. Conclusion and implications for the practice The health professionals' lack of knowledge in relation to vaccines indicated to people living with HIV was the main aspect identified, resulting in insecurity among the professionals. There is a need for permanent education of the multidisciplinary teams of specialized services and primary care in order to reduce barriers and to increase vaccination coverage for this clientele.

Informe diário de evidências COVID-19: busca realizada em 29 de julho de 2020 / COVID-19 daily evidence report: search conducted on July 29, 2020

O Informe Diário de Evidências é uma produção do Ministério da Saúde que tem como objetivo acompanhar diariamente as publicações científicas sobre tratamento farmacológico e vacinas para a COVID-19. Dessa forma, são realizadas buscas estruturadas em bases de dados biomédicas, referentes ao dia anterior desse informe. Não são incluídos estudos pré-clínicos (in vitro, in vivo, in silico). A frequência dos estudos é demonstrada de acordo com a sua classificação metodológica (revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos randomizados, coortes, entre outros). Para cada estudo é apresentado um resumo com avaliação da qualidade metodológica. Essa avaliação tem por finalidade identificar o grau de certeza/confiança ou o risco de viés de cada estudo. Para tal, são utilizadas ferramentas já validadas e consagradas na literatura científica, na área de saúde baseada em evidências. Cabe ressaltar que o documento tem caráter informativo e não representa uma recomendação oficial do Ministério da Saúde sobre a temática. Foram encontrados 16 artigos e 3 protocolos.

Informe diário de evidências COVID-19: busca realizada em 30 de junho de 2020 / COVID-19 daily evidence report: search conducted on June 30, 2020

O Informe Diário de Evidências é uma produção do Ministério da Saúde que tem como objetivo acompanhar diariamente as publicações científicas sobre tratamento farmacológico e vacinas para a COVID-19. Dessa forma, são realizadas buscas estruturadas em bases de dados biomédicas, referente ao dia anterior desse informe. Não são incluídos estudos pré-clínicos (in vitro, in vivo, in silico). A frequência dos estudos é demonstrada de acordo com a sua classificação metodológica (revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos randomizados, coortes, entre outros). Para cada estudo é apresentado um resumo com avaliação da qualidade metodológica. Essa avaliação tem por finalidade identificar o grau de certeza/confiança ou o risco de viés de cada estudo. Para tal, são utilizadas ferramentas já validadas e consagradas na literatura científica, na área de saúde baseada em evidências. Cabe ressaltar que o documento tem caráter informativo e não representa uma recomendação oficial do Ministério da Saúde sobre a temática. Foram encontrados 14 artigos e 31 protocolos.

Prevalência de vacinação contra a influenza em idosos brasileiros com doenças crônicas / Prevalence of influenza vaccination in elderly Brazilian with chronic diseases / Prevalencia de la vacunación contra la gripe en ancianos brasileños con enfermedades crónicas

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de vacinação contra a influenza em idosos brasileiros, segundo doenças crônicas específicas. Foram considerados os indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais (n = 23.815) participantes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), realizada em 2013. Estimaram-se as prevalências de vacinação contra a influenza e os respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). As associações foram verificadas pelo teste qui-quadrado (Rao-Scott) considerando-se um nível de 5% de significância. A prevalência de vacinação contra a influenza nos idosos foi de 73,1% (IC95%: 72,0-74,1) e não houve diferença significativa nas prevalências entre os sexos (p = 0,237). Observaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas prevalências para os idosos que referiram hipertensão arterial 75% (p < 0,001), diabetes mellitus 76,5% (p = 0,009), doenças do coração 79,2% (p < 0,001) e doença no pulmão ou doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) 87% (p = 0,001). Os resultados mostraram baixa prevalência de vacinação nos idosos com algumas condições crônicas específicas que possuem recomendação formal para receber a vacina, sugerindo a necessidade de que as campanhas de vacinação extrapolem o recorte etário (idosos) e sejam mais bem direcionadas para estes subgrupos específicos.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of influenza vaccination in elderly Brazilians with specific chronic diseases. The sample included individuals 60 years or older (n = 23,815) participating in the National Health Survey (PNS) in 2013. The study estimated the prevalence rates for influenza vaccination and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The associations were verified with the chi-square test (Rao-Scott) with 5% significance. Prevalence of influenza vaccination in the elderly was 73.1% (95%CI: 72.0-74.1), and there was no significant difference in prevalence rates between men and women (p = 0.237). Statistically significant differences were observed in prevalence rates for elderly that reported arterial hypertension, 75% (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus, 76.5% (p = 0.009), cardiac disease, 79.2% (p < 0.001), and lung disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 87% (p = 0.001). The results showed low prevalence of vaccination in elderly with some specific chronic diseases for whom there is formal recommendation to receive the vaccine, suggesting the need for a vaccination campaign to extrapolate the age cutoff (elderly) and better targeting to these specific subgroups.

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de vacunación contra la gripe en ancianos brasileños, según enfermedades crónicas específicas. Se consideraron individuos de 60 años o más (n = 23.815), participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (PNS, por sus siglas en portugués), realizada en 2013. Se estimaron las prevalencias de vacunación contra la gripe y sus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confianza (IC95%). Las asociaciones se verificaron mediante el test chi-cuadrado (Rao-Scott), considerándose un nivel del 5% de significancia. La prevalencia de vacunación contra la gripe en los ancianos fue de un 73,1% (IC95%: 72,0-74,1) y no hubo una diferencia significativa en las prevalencias entre sexos (p = 0,237). Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las prevalencias con los ancianos que informaron de hipertensión arterial 75% (p < 0,001), diabetes mellitus 76,5% (p = 0,009), enfermedades del corazón 79,2% (p < 0,001) y enfermedad del pulmón o enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) 87% (p = 0,001). Los resultados mostraron una baja prevalencia de vacunación en los ancianos con algunas condiciones crónicas de salud específicas, que cuentan con una recomendación formal para recibir la vacuna, sugiriendo la necesidad de que las campañas de vacunación extrapolen la acotación por franja de edad (ancianos) y sean dirigidas específicamente mejor hacia estos subgrupos.

Enhancing Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: 2017 and beyond

A Regional working group meeting was held on 21-22 May 2017 to monitor the progress of activities for improving Pandemic Influenza Preparedness in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of WHO

Influenza in the EMR: low levels of activity

The influenza activity remained low in the Eastern Mediterranean Region [EMR] with predominantly detection and circulation of influenza A virus

Influenza virus positivity and circulating subtypes among cases of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection, Egypt, 2012-2015

Information on the prevalence of influenza, circulating virus subtypes and seasonality is essential for selecting strains for annual vaccines and for planning immunization programmes. Data were obtained from the 13 sentinel surveillance sites throughout Egypt during 2012-2015. Laboratory-confirmed influenza was found in 13% of cases of influenza-like illness [ILI] and 18% of cases of severe acute respiratory infection [SARI]; positivity for influenza was similar in cases of ILI and SARI in patients up to 15 years of age but increased for SARI and decreased for ILI in people aged >/- 15 years . The most commonly observed influenza virus subtypes were B followed by A/H3 in ILI cases, and A/H1N1 followed by B in SARI cases. The seasonality of influenza in ILI cases was November-February, and that in SARI cases was November-March, peaking in January

Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Its Associated Factors among North Korean Defectors Living in the Republic of Korea

This study aimed to examine influenza vaccination coverage of North Korean defectors (NKD) in the Republic of Korea (Korea) and explore the factors affected the vaccination coverage. Total 378 NKD were analyzed. Four Korean control subjects were randomly matched by age and gender from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (n = 1,500). The adjusted vaccination coverage revealed no statistical difference between the defectors group and indigenous group (29.1% vs. 29.5%, P = 0.915). In the aged under 50 group, the vaccination coverage of NKD was higher than that of Korean natives (37.8% vs. 25.8%, P = 0.016). However in the aged 50 yr and over group, the vaccination coverage of North Korean defectors was lower than that of the natives (28.0% vs. 37.6%, P = 0.189). Even the gap was wider in the aged 65 yr and over group (36.4% vs. 77.8%, P = 0.007). Gender and medical check-up experience within 2 yr showed association with the vaccination coverage of NKD. Influenza vaccination coverage of aged defectors' group (aged 50 yr and over) was lower than indigenous people though overall vaccination coverage was similar. Further efforts to increase influenza vaccination coverage of this group are needed.

Impacto da vacinação contra a influenza na morbidade hospitalar por causas relacionadas à influenza em idosos no Brasil / The impact of vaccination on influenza-related hospitalizations of the elderly in Brazil

Objetivo: descrever a tendência temporal das hospitalizações por causas relacionadas à influenza e avaliar o impacto da vacinação na população idosa brasileira (=60 anos de idade), no período de 1992 a 2006. Métodos: estudo ecológico com dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS); foi realizada a análise da tendência dos coeficientes de morbidade hospitalar (CMH) por meio de modelos de regressão polinomial. Resultados: constatou-se que no Brasil, o CMH por essas causas diminuiu em média 0,75/1000 idosos/ano (p<0,0001); foram observadas reduções dos CMH nos períodos de maio a agosto, após a introdução das campanhas de vacinação contra a influenza, na maioria das macrorregiões brasileiras; na região Norte, entretanto, o estudo aponta para ausência de redução dos CMH. Conclusão: há evidências de que a vacinação contra a influenza tenha contribuído na prevenção das hospitalizações pelas causas relacionadas à influenza no Brasil, com exceção da região Norte.

Objective: to describe the time trend of hospitalizations owing to influenza-related causes and to assess the impact of vaccination among the Brazilian population aged>60 years between 1992 and 2006. Methods: ecological and observational study using data from the Brazilian National Hospitalization Information System (SIH/SUS). Trend analysis of hospital morbidity rates was performed using polynomial regression models. Results: in Brazil hospital morbidity rates from these causes in the population aged >60 decreased on average by 0.75/1,000 elderly/year (p<0,0001). Hospital morbidity rates were seen to reduce between May and August following the introduction of influenza vaccination campaigns in most regions of Brazil. However, in the northern region the study showed no reduction in hospital morbidity rates. Conclusion: there is evidence that influenza vaccination has contributed to the prevention of hospitalizations for influenza-related causes in Brazil, except in the northern region.

Influenza Vaccination and Associated Factors among Korean Cancer Survivors : A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Fourth & Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Influenza vaccination is important for cancer survivors, a population with impaired immunity. This study was designed to assess influenza vaccination patterns among Korean cancer survivors. In this cross-sectional analysis, data were obtained from standardized questionnaires from 943 cancer survivors and 41,233 non-cancer survivors who participated in the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2011). We identified the adjusted influenza vaccination rates and assessed factors associated with influenza vaccination using multivariate logistic regression. Cancer survivors tended to have a higher adjusted influenza vaccination rate than the general population. The rates for influenza vaccination in specific cancer types such as stomach, hepatic, colon, and lung cancers were significantly higher than non-cancer survivors. Among all cancer survivors, those with chronic diseases, elderly subjects, and rural dwellers were more likely to receive influenza vaccination; those with cervical cancer were less likely to receive influenza vaccination. Cancer survivors were more likely to receive influenza vaccinations than non-cancer survivors, but this was not true for particular groups, especially younger cancer survivors. Cancer survivors represent a sharply growing population; therefore, immunization against influenza among cancer survivors should be concerned as their significant preventative healthcare services.

Motivos que levaram as gestantes a não se vacinarem contra H1N1 / Reasons why pregnant women did not vaccinate against Influenza A H1N1

As grávidas constituem um grupo de risco para qualquer infecção devido à baixa imunidade que apresentam. Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, ancorada na Teoria das Representações Sociais que objetivou compreender os motivos que levaram as gestantes a não se vacinarem contra a Influenza A (H1N1). Participaram do estudo 10 mulheres que estavam grávidas no período da campanha de vacinação de 2010. Os dados foram coletados em maio de 2011 mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas e discutidas pela análise de conteúdo. A partir dos discursos foi possível identificar as várias representações que a vacina H1N1 tinha para essas mulheres no período de sua gestação, como elemento que causaria aborto e má formação do feto. Os motivos que levaram as gestantes a não se vacinarem contra a gripe H1N1 estão associados ao medo, à falta de informação e aos mitos e crenças que a população traz nas suas representações e nos seus valores culturais.

Pregnant women constitute a risk group for any infection due to their low immunity condition. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, grounded in the Theory of Social Representations that sought to understand the reasons why pregnant women did not vaccinate against influenza A (H1N1). The study included 10 women who were pregnant during the vaccination campaign of 2010. Data were collected in May 2011 through interviews and interpreted by content analysis. From the speeches it was possible to identify the various representations that the vaccine against H1N1 had for these women during their pregnancy as an element which would cause miscarriage and birth defects. The reasons why pregnant women did not vaccinate against H1N1 are associated with fear, lack of information and the myths and beliefs that people bring in their representations and their cultural values.

Prevalence of influenza and adherence to the anti-flu vaccination among elderly / Prevalência de gripe e aderência à vacinação anti-influenza entre idosos

INTRODUCTION: The flu, a condition that can affect the elderly by increasing the risk of serious complications can be prevented through vaccination. Estimate the prevalence of signs and symptoms suggestive of influenza in a group of elderly either vaccinated or unvaccinated against influenza was the objective this study. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed in a Brazilian City. A structured questionnaire was employed to identify the presence of signs and symptoms of influenza in individuals aged 60 years or over. For analysis of associations between variables the prevalence ratio (PR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six participants were interviewed, of whom 57.7% were female. The average age was 69.7 years. About 25% of the vaccinated and 20% of the unvaccinated in 2009, and 25% of the vaccinated and 22.5% of the unvaccinated in 2010 reported having the flu. Among the vaccinated and unvaccinated in 2009 and 2010, there was no verified association between vaccination and influenza (PR=1.24; [95% CI: 0.63-2.43] and PR=1.11; [95% CI: 0.59-2.09], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that, among the elderly selected, the vaccination coverage for influenza is below the ideal, even with projection of the best indices for 2011 (~ 84%). The data on vaccination and disease protection needs further research; however, the results point to the need for measures to better clarify to this population about the disease, its complications and the benefits of vaccination, in addition to combatting the stigma related to low adherence.

INTRODUÇÃO: A gripe, condição que pode afetar a saúde dos idosos aumentando o risco de complicações graves pode ser prevenida por meio de vacina. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de sinais e sintomas sugestivos de gripe em um grupo de idosos vacinados e não vacinados contra influenza. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em uma cidade brasileira. Usou-se questionário estruturado para identificar presença de sinais e sintomas de gripe em indivíduos com idade igual ou maior de 60 anos. Para análise de associação entre variáveis empregou-se a razão de prevalência e seu intervalo de confiança a 95%. RESULTADOS: Dos 196 participantes, 57,7% eram do sexo feminino e a média de idade foi 69,7 anos. Aproximadamente, 25% dos vacinados e 20% dos não vacinados em 2009 e 25% dos vacinados e 22,5% dos não vacinados em 2010, relataram sinais e sintomas de gripe. Entre os vacinados e não vacinados, em 2009 e 2010, não foi verificada associação entre vacinação e gripe (RP = 1,24; [IC 95%: 0,63-2,43] e RP = 1,11; [IC95%: 0,59-2,09]), respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: O estudo sugere que, entre os idosos estudados, a cobertura vacinal para a gripe encontra-se abaixo do ideal, com projeção de melhores índices para 2011 (± 84%). Os dados sobre a vacinação e proteção contra a doença carece de novas pesquisas, entretanto, os resultados apontam para necessidade de medidas para esclarecer melhor a população sobre a doença, suas complicações e benefícios da vacinação, além de combater estigmas relacionados à baixa adesão.

VaxcineTM: an oil-based adjuvant for influenza vaccines

Vaccination is the method of choice for the prevention of influenza infection. However, the quantity of the antigen available, especially in the case of pandemics, often fails to meet the global demand. However, improved adjuvants can overcome this problem. Preliminary results obtained in this study revealed that one year after a single subcutaneous immunisation with influenza A H3N2 virus in an oil-based carrier, VaxcineTM, outbreed mice produced a high immunoglobulin G response that lasted for up to one year and exhibited less variation in titre compared with the response of the control group treated with alum. The haemagglutination-inhibition titres induced by VaxcineTM were also higher than those generated by alum. These data indicate that VaxcineTM is a good adjuvant candidate for seasonal influenza vaccines.

Mortalidad por influenza y neumonía en el adulto mayor. Impacto de la vacunación anti influenza en este grupo poblacional: matanzas 2001-2008 / Mortality for influenza and pneumonia in elder people. Impact of the anti-influenza vaccination in this population group: matanzas 2001-2008

Taking into account the gradual ageing of the Cuban population and therefore Matanzas population, there are more and more persons over passing the chronologic barriers human being has set as elderliness, making of the population ageing a challenge for the modern societies. Acute respiratory infections (influenza and pneumonia) are one of the first causes of medical care around the world, and the data of morbidity and the high rates of mortality they cause are remarkable, mainly in underdeveloped countries. A highly vulnerable group to these diseases is the one formed by persons that are 60 years old or more, but we only know the contribution of the influenza and pneumonia as basic causes, according with the vital statistics, because there is a hidden, non quantified mortality that would be important to know for the adequately evaluation of control and prevention measures like vaccination, implemented in this population group. We carried out a descriptive study to deeply know not only what is the magnitude of influenza and pneumonia as a basic cause of death in elder people, but also in what measure death is hidden behind other causes. We reviewed the death certificates of 32 179 people who died in the province since 2001 to 2008. We found 8 473 persons who died with this disease, 4 659 of them were hidden deaths, a higher number than the number of deaths for a basic cause. The disease, as a basic death cause, takes place in the houses in more cases. The main causes of death behind which influenza and pneumonia hide were cerebrovascular diseases, the cardiovascular ones and malign tumors. We arrived to the conclusion that 1 of every 4 elder people in the province had pneumonia when he died. The total mortality by influenza and pneumonia in elder people in the province is slightly decreasing in correspondence with the increase of the vaccine coverage during the last years...

Impacto de la pandemia de nueva influenza A H1N1 en personal de salud del hospital de niños JM de los Ríos: Caracas, 2009 / Impact of the new pandemic H1N1 insluenza personal health Children's Hospital JM de los Rios: Caracas, 2009

La nueva influenza A H1N1 circuló como virus predominante desde marzo de 2009 con carácterizcas pandémicas, estando los trabajadores de la salud en mayor riesgo de exposición ocupacional. El objetivo es evaluar el impacto de la pandemia por nueva influenza A H1N1 en el personal de salud del Hospital de Niños J. M. de los Ríos. Trabajo descriptivo, prospectivo, donde se incluyó al personal de salud con influenza A H!N!, según los criterios del MPPS, quienes trabajaron en las áreas de atención a pacientes designadas del Hospital JM de los Ríos. Se evaluó la presencia de complicaciones, co-morbilidad e indicación de antivirales. Análisis estadístico: Medidas de tendencia central y prueba de Chi². De 273 trabajadores de la salud 3,29 % presentaron infección por influenza AH1N1; de estos 8,62 % fueron médicos y 2,27 % personal de enfermería (p<0,05). Todos recibieron antivirales. Se presentaron complicaciones en 22,22 %, la totalidad por sobre-infección bacteriana. Se reportó un caso de co-morbilidad (11,11 %). No hubo fallecimientos. Ninguno de los casos tenía esquema de inmunización para influenza estacional. La tasa de ataque de influenza AH1N1 se consideró baja probablemente debido al cumplimiento de las medidas de precaución estándar por parte del personal de salud. Los médicos adquirieron la infección en mayor porcentaje. La educación del personal de salud es crucial para garantizar el éxito y control de la transmisión nosocomial de infuenza AH1N1.

New Influenza Virus A H1N1, was circulating as a predominant virus since march 2009 with a pandemic pattern. Health-care workers wereat an elevated risk. Evaluation of the impact o pandemic influenza in health-care personnel at JM de los Ríos Children's Hospital. Prospective, descriptive study including health-care personnel infected with influenza AH1N1, according with the MPPS criteria, who were working in the areas of assessment of patients; evaluation complications, comorbidities and indications for antivirals. Statistical Analysys: Meassures of Central Tendency, and CHI2. Of 273 health-care workers, 3.29 % were infected, 8.62% physcians, and 2.27% nurses (P<0.05). All were treated with antivirals. Complications presented in 22.22 %; most frequent being bacterial superinfection. Comorbidity presented in 11.11 %. There were no deaths, and none of the cases had been vaccinated with the influenzas seasonal vaccine. Influenza AH1N1 attack rate was low, probably because of observance of standard precautions measures by personnel. Physicians acquired the illness more frequently. Education of health personnel is important to guarantee success in preventing nosocomial transmission of influenza AH1N1.

Estudo dos efeitos adversos e do efeito protetor da vacina contra influenza em idosos vacinados pela rede pública no município de Tubarão, Estado de Santa Catarina / Study on the adverse effects and protective effects of influenza vaccine among elderly individuals vaccinated through the public system in the municipality of Tubarão, State of Santa Catarina

INTRODUÇÃO: O presente estudo buscou identificar os efeitos adversos e o efeito protetor da vacina contra influenza, em idosos acima de 60 anos, aplicada pela rede pública no município de Tubarão, Santa Catarina. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma coorte prospectiva de pacientes durante o período de maio a setembro de 2008. Foram recrutados 341 idosos, sendo 289 vacinados na rede pública (VSUS) e 52 não vacinados (NV). A incidência do efeito protetor foi verificada através da comparação dos grupos VSUS com os NV. RESULTADOS: Um percentual de 22,5 por cento de pacientes apresentou pelo menos um efeito adverso. Comparando o grupo VSUS e NV quanto à incidência de sintomas gripais durante o inverno, a presença de pelo menos um sintoma foi verificada em 47 por cento e 28,8 por cento (RR = 1,11; 1,02-1,22; p = 0,0156), respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados apontam uma baixa incidência de efeitos adversos. A maior incidência de sintomas gripais no grupo VSUS comparado ao NV pode estar relacionado às características da população que costuma fazer a vacina contra influenza.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of adverse effects and protective effects from influenza vaccine among elderly individuals who were vaccinated through the public healthcare system in the municipality of Tubarão, State of Santa Catarina. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted between May and September 2008. A group of 341 patients was recruited, among whom 289 had been vaccinated through the public system (VSUS) and 52 had not been vaccinated (NV). The incidence of protective effects was observed by comparing the VSUS and NV groups. RESULTS: It was observed that 22.5 percent of the vaccinated subjects exhibited at least one adverse effect. Comparing the VSUS and NV groups in relation to the incidence of flu symptoms presented during the winter, at least one symptom was observed in 47 percent and 28.8 percent (RR = 1.11; 1.02-1.22; p = 0.0156), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that the incidence of adverse effects was low. The high incidence of flu symptoms in the VSUS group, in comparison with NV, may be related to the profile of subjects who are in the habit of getting vaccinated against influenza.

Efetividade da vacina contra influenza em idosos em Porto Alegre / Effectiveness of influenza vaccination in elderly outpatients in Porto Alegre

Introdução: A influenza em idosos está associada com aumento de morbimortalidade, representada por pneumonia, hospitalização e morte. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a efetividade da vacina contra influenza em idosos vacinados. Métodos: O estudo foi uma coorte prospectiva, com a coleta dos dados de 6 meses após a vacinação. A análise estatística foi realizada através do teste qui-quadrado, cálculo do risco relativo, teste t (Student) e do teste exato de Fischer, com significância de 0,05. Foram analisados 291 idosos, dos quais 204 foram vacinados contra a gripe no mês de abril, na Unidade de Saúde Jardim Leopoldina, em Porto Alegre. Os episódios de gripe foram caracterizados clinicamente. Resultados: Dos 291 sujeitos com 60 anos ou mais foram vacinados 205 (70,4%). O acompanhamento dos mesmos mostrou efeito protetor da vacina contra gripe em 80% (p=0,0001) e 90% (p=0,001) contra hospitalização quando comparados com os idosos não vacinados. Conclusões: A vacinação contra influenza reduziu o risco de gripe e hospitalização. Este estudo reafirma os benefícios da vacina contra influenza aplicada em idosos e a necessidade de manter a vacinação

Introduction: Influenza in the elderly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, represented by pneumonia, hospitalization and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in elderly vaccinees. Methods: A prospective cohort study with data collection 6 months after vaccination. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, calculation of relative risk, Student’s t test, and Fischer’s exact test, with significance of 0.05. We analyzed 291 elderly, of whom 204 were vaccinated against influenza in April at the Jardim Leopoldina Health Unit in Porto Alegre. Episodes of influenza were characterized clinically. Results: Of 291 subjects aged 60 and over, 205 (70.4%) were vaccinated. The follow-up showed the protective effect of the influenza vaccine to be 80% (p = 0.0001), and as high as 90% (p = 0.001) against hospitalization as compared to the unvaccinated elderly. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of influenza and hospitalization. This study reaffirms the benefits of the influenza vaccine used in the elderly and the need to maintain vaccination