Plan de acción nacional frente a la emergencia de la cepa W-135 responsable de enfermedad meningocócica invasora en Chile, 2012-2013 / National action plan for the emergence of invasive meningococcal disease in Chile, 2012-2013

Invasive meningococcal disease is challenging for public health, mainly when it manifests with sudden changes in incidence, serogroups and hypervirulent clones that spread in the population, causing great alarm due to its sequelae and often fatal course, a situation that occurred in Chile, starting at week 26 of the year 2012. To face this scenario, an organization of multidisciplinary teams was required, called W-135 Action Plan in Chile, which included sanitary alerts, education, reinforcement of the epidemiological surveillance of suspicious cases, immediate diagnosis through state-of-the-art techniques, blocking of contacts, communication plans, and, from the 42nd week, ON the vaccination campaign was started for children aged from 9-months-old to less than 5 years of age. The vaccination strategy had a great impact on the decrease in incidence (1.3 to 0.1/100,000) and case fatality rate in the vaccinated population (23% to 0%), with a high safety profile, leading to its subsequent inclusion in the national immunization program. The ability to develop molecular, clinical and epidemiological studies allowed us to better understand the situation, supporting public health policy decisions for its control. The W-135 Action Plan implemented by the Ministry of Health in Chile, to manage the outbreak of meningococcal disease by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W, demonstrated that the coordination of these efforts, through an organized Action Plan, allows the implementation of campaigns at the national level achieving high coverage of risk populations in short periods of time, generating a positive impact on the health of the population.

Initial evaluation of universal immunization with a single dose against hepatitis A virus in Central Brazil

ABSTRACT Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) administered in two doses has been used effectively in universal child immunization programs in several countries. A single-dose vaccination was adopted in some low-income countries in an attempt to reduce costs without losing effectiveness. In 2014, single-dose universal vaccination was introduced in Brazil for children aged two years. Since such strategy is still not universally accepted, its efficacy should be compared to the two-dose strategy. To assess the humoral response after the single-dose HAV vaccination schedule, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Primavera do Leste, in Mato Grosso state, Central Brazil, including 265 children vaccinated through the National Immunization Program. Blood was collected by using a digital puncture and further applied to filter paper cards. Anti-HAV was detected in 218 out of 265 dried blood spots (DBS). Blood venous samples were collected from 34 out of 47 children who were not anti-HAV positive in DBS samples. Eighteen of them tested positive for anti-HAV, giving a final score of 93.6% (236/252) of seropositivity. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a high rate of anti-HAV positivity in the short term after single-dose hepatitis A vaccination in the population investigated. Moreover, the DBS was shown to be a reliable tool for detecting anti-HAV antibodies.

The evolution of Vaccination Week in the Americas / La evolución de la Semana de Vacunación en las Américas / Evolução da Semana de Vacinação nas Américas

ABSTRACT This report covers the background and evolution of Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA), an initiative that started as a coordinated response to a 2002 measles outbreak in Colombia and Venezuela, and evolved into the model for other regions and World Immunization Week (WIW). VWA focuses on the work of national immunization programs, with special efforts to reach the unreached. This paper offers examples of how countries have leveraged VWA to implement a diverse array of vaccination activities, strengthening overall health services by integrating with other preventive health interventions, and bolstering "Pan-Americanism" and health diplomacy. The opportunities offered by this global initiative were clearly demonstrated in April 2016 when the successful global switch from the trivalent oral polio vaccine to the bivalent vaccine was synchronized with WIW. Going forward, VWA and WIW can help close the gaps in access to immunization and other health services, contributing to achieve universal health coverage.(AU)

RESUMEN Este informe incluye los antecedentes y la evolución de la Semana de Vacunación en las Américas, una iniciativa que comenzó como una respuesta coordinada a un brote de sarampión en Colombia y Venezuela en el 2002, y evolucionó hasta convertirse en modelo para otras regiones y para la Semana Mundial de la Inmunización. La Semana de Vacunación en las Américas se centra en el trabajo de los programas nacionales de inmunización, con esfuerzos especiales para llegar a las personas que todavía no estén cubiertas. En el presente trabajo se dan ejemplos de cómo los países han aprovechado la Semana de Vacunación para realizar diversas actividades relacionadas con la vacunación, fortalecer los servicios de salud en general mediante la integración con otras intervenciones preventivas y fomentar el "panamericanismo" y la diplomacia en torno a la salud. Las oportunidades que ofrece esta iniciativa mundial quedaron claramente evidenciadas en abril del 2016 con el éxito obtenido en la sustitución de la vacuna oral trivalente contra la poliomielitis por la vacuna bivalente, sincronizada con la Semana Mundial de la Inmunización. En el futuro, la Semana de Vacunación en las Américas y la Semana Mundial de Inmunización pueden ayudar a subsanar la brecha en el acceso a la inmunización y otros servicios de salud, y contribui(AU)

RESUMO Este artigo narra os antecedentes e a evolução da Semana de Vacinação nas Américas (SVA), uma iniciativa que nasceu da resposta coordenada ao surto de sarampo na Colômbia e na Venezuela em 2002 e evoluiu como um modelo para as outras regiões e para a Semana Mundial da Imunização. A SVA põe ênfase no trabalho dos programas nacionais de vacinação e, principalmente, nos esforços para se alcançar quem ainda está inalcançado. São ilustrados exemplos de como os países têm aproveitado a SVA para implementar várias atividades de vacinação, fortalecendo os serviços de saúde em geral ao integrá-la a outras intervenções preventivas e reforçando o pan-americanismo e a diplomacia da saúde. As oportunidades criadas por esta iniciativa global ficaram bem evidentes em abril de 2016 com a bem-sucedida transição em nível mundial da vacina oral contra poliomielite trivalente à bivalente, em sincronia com a Semana Mundial da Imunização. Prosseguindo adiante, a SVA e a Semana Mundial da Imunização podem contribuir para sanar as lacunas no acesso à imunização e a outros serviços de saúde e alcançar a cobertura universal de saúde.(AU)

Sarampión: la enfermedad, epidemiología, historia y los programas de vacunación en Chile / Measles: the disease, epidemiology, history and vaccination programs in Chile

Measles, one of most important inmuno-preventable diseases, remains as a worldwide concern issue with an important morbidity and mortality. Particularly in the America region declared free of measles in 2010 by WHO, they still appear imported cases that origin outbreaks of variable magnitude in susceptible subjects usually none vaccinated which is the current situation in Santiago, the capital city of Chile. In this review we present characteristics of the etiological agent, the disease, epidemiological aspects with national historical focus, impact of immunization programs and outbreaks in Chile, in order to contribute to knowledge and management of this always present public health problem.

Sarampión una de las más importantes enfermedades inmuno-prevenibles, se mantiene como foco de preocupación en el mundo, con elevada carga de morbilidad y mortalidad. Particularmente en América, región declarada libre de esta enfermedad en 2010 por la OMS, se siguen identificando casos importados que originan brotes de diferente magnitud en personas susceptibles, habitualmente no vacunados, situación recientemente diagnosticada en Santiago, ciudad capital de Chile. En esta revisión, se presenta características del agente etiológico, de la enfermedad, aspectos epidemiológicos con foco en datos históricos nacionales, el impacto de los programas de vacunación, la ocurrencia de brotes en Chile, para contribuir al conocimiento y enfrentamiento de este siempre presente problema de salud pública.

Fatores associados à vacinação contra influenza entre trabalhadores de saúde de um complexo hospitalar de Salvador / Factors associated with influenza vaccination among health care workers in a hospital complex in Salvador

INTRODUÇÃO: Embora a vacina influenza seja anualmente recomendada para todos trabalhadores de saúde, estudos revelam que a cobertura vacinal desse grupo frequentemente é baixa. Diferentes fatores podem influenciar a vacinação contra a influenza, sendo necessário utilizá-los a favor da ampliação da cobertura vacinal.OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores que influenciam a prática de vacinar-se contra influenza entre trabalhadores de saúde. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, ocorrido num Complexo Hospitalar de Salvador, Bahia. Utilizou-se um questionário autoaplicável, e os modelos "Conhecimento, Atitudes e Práticas" (CAP) e "Health Belief Model" (HBM). A vacinação contra influenza em 2014 (autorreferida)representou a variável principal, e fatores sociodemográficos,histórico de outras vacinas,conhecimentos e atitudes constituíram variáveis independentes.Considerou-se haver "conhecimento adequado", quando 75,0% ou mais dos indivíduos julgaram determinada informação corretamente. As análises foram feitas por regressão logística no Stata, versão 13, utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado ao nível de 5% de significância, odds ratio, e intervalos de confiança de 95%. O modelo multivariado foi ajustado por sexo, idade e profissão, sendo composto pelas variáveis com p valor igual ou inferior a 0,20 na análise bivariada. A verificação de modelos alternativos mais adequados foi feita por retirada retrógrada, utilizando-se como parâmetro o "Critério de Informação de Akaike" (AIC). RESULTADOS: A amostra foi de 755 indivíduos, destacando-se técnicos de enfermagem (41,4%),enfermeiros (15,2%) e médicos (14,7%).Predominaram trabalhadores do sexo feminino (82,5%), entre 19 e 39 anos (82,4%), com 5 anos ou menos de experiência (67,5%). A cobertura vacinal global foi de 61,5%, sendo a maior entre enfermeiros (69,0%) e a menor entre médicos (49,1%). Os principais motivadores da vacinação foram conhecer a recomendação da vacina para si (49,0%), confiar em vacinas no geral (41,6%) e na eficácia da vacina influenza (35,4%). Os principais desmotivadores foram esquecimento (37,3%), inconveniência de locais/horários (22,5%) e não saber da campanha (16,3%). A principal estratégia que facilitaria a vacinação foi vacinar os trabalhadores no seu próprio setor de trabalho (56,6%). O conhecimento foi adequado no julgamento de 9/16 das informações, com destaque para médicos (15/16) e enfermeiros (13/16). A maior adequação (94,6% de acerto)refere-se à indicação da vacina para todo trabalhador de saúde, e o conhecimento menos adequado foi sobre a incapacidade da vacina causar a influenza (32,0% de acerto). Os fatores associados à vacinação foram: conhecer que pessoas saudáveis também precisam se vacinar contra influenza (OR=3,15 ; IC95%: 1,74 - 5,71); saber que a vacina não protege por muitos anos (OR=2,08 ; IC95%: 1,30 - 3,33); e não ter medo dos efeitos adversos pós-vacinais (OR=1,93 ; IC95%: 1,26 - 2,95). CONCLUSÕES: a vacinação contra influenza é influenciada por onhecimentos,atitudes e questões organizacionais/operacionais.Medidas educativas e de desmistificação de questões relacionadas à influenza e à vacina, bem como ampliação de dias/horários e locais de vacinação de acordo com a conveniência dos trabalhadores de saúde, devem compor as estratégias voltadas à elevação da cobertura da vacina influenza neste grupo.

INTRODUCTION: Although the influenza vaccine is recommended annually for all health workers, studies show that vaccination coverage of this group is often low. Different factors can influence the vaccination against influenza, it is necessary to use them in favor of the expansion of vaccination coverage. GOAL: To identify factors that influence the practice of vaccination against influenza among health workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study, which took place in a hospital complex in Salvador, Bahia. We used a self-administered questionnaire, and the models "Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices"(CAP) and "Health Belief Model"(HBM). Influenza vaccination in 2014 (self-reported) was the main variable, and sociodemographic factors, history of other vaccines, knowledge and attitudes were independent variables. Considered to be "appropriate knowledge" as 75.0% or more of subjects judged certain information correctly. Analyses were performed by logistic regression using Stata, version 13, using the chi-squared test at 5% significance, odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals. The multivariate model was adjusted for sex, age and profession, being composed of the variables that had a pvalue less than or equal to 0.20 in the bivariate analysis. The verification of most suitable alternative models was performed by backward withdrawal, using as a parameter the "Akaike Information Criteria" (AIC). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 755 individuals, mainly nursing technicians (41.4%), nurses (15.2%) and physicians (14.7%). There was a predominance of female workers (82.5%), between 19 and 39 years (82.4%), with five years or less experience (67.5%). The global vaccination coverage was 61.5%, the highest among nurses (69.0%) and lowest among physicians (49.1%). The main motivators to get vaccinated were to know the recommendation of the vaccine for themselves (49.0%), trust in vaccines in general (41.6%) and in the effectiveness of influenza vaccine (35.4%). The main demotivating were forgetfulness (37.3%), inconvenience locations/times (22.5%) and not knowing the campaign (16.3%). The main strategy would facilitate the vaccination was to inoculate workers in their own work sector (56.6%)...

Modificación en el esquema de vacunación antipertussis en Chile, vacunación en grupos especiales y estrategias de control: Comentario del Comité Consultivo de Inmunizaciones (CCI) de la Sociedad Chilena de Infectología / Modification of pertussis vaccination schedule in Chile, immunization of special groups and control strategies: Commentary from the Consultive Committee of Immunizations of The Chilean Society of Infectious Diseases

In Chile, an increased number of notifications of cases of whooping cough was detected at the beginning of October 2010, and maintained through 2012. Accumulated cases during 2011 were 2,581 (15.0 per 100,000), which is greater than the number of cases registered during the period 2008-2010 (2,460 cases). On the other hand, the local sanitary authority introduced a modification of pertussis vaccination schedule (starting 2012), which consists in the replacement of the second booster of pertussis vaccine (DTwP, administered to 4-year-old children) as well as diphtheria-tetanus toxoid (dT, administered to second grade scholars) for an acellular pertussis vaccine with reduced antigenic content (dTpa), which will be administrated to first grade scholars. The Consultive Committee of Immunizations considers that the modification is adequate, since it extends the age of protection, reducing at least in theory the infection in older scholars and adolescents -who are significant sources of transmission of Bordetella pertussis to infants- using an adequate vaccine formulation (acellular pertussis vaccine). The available evidence regarding vaccination in special groups (adolescents and adults, health-care workers and pregnant women) and cocooning strategy are commented.

En Chile, a comienzos del mes de octubre de 2010 se detectó un aumento en la notiicación de casos de coqueluche, dinámica que se ha mantenido a la fecha (abril 2012). El número de casos acumulados durante 2011 ascendió a 2.581 (15,0/100.000 hab.), cifra superior al número de casos registrados durante el período 2008-2010 (2.460 casos). Por su parte, a partir de 2012 la autoridad sanitaria introdujo una modiicación en el esquema de vacunación anti-pertussis, consistente en el reemplazo del segundo refuerzo de vacuna antipertussis (DTwP, administrada a los 4 años) y del refuerzo de toxoide diftérico-tetánico (dT, administrado en segundo básico) por la vacuna anti-pertussis acelular de contenido antigénico reducido (dTpa), a ser administrada en primero básico. El Comité Consultivo de Inmunizaciones considera la modificación adecuada, por cuanto permite extender el tiempo de protección, reduciendo al menos en teoría la infección en escolares mayores y adolescentes -quienes son importantes fuente de contagio de Bordetella pertussis para los lactantes- utilizando una adecuada formulación de vacuna (vacuna antipertussis acelular). Se comenta la evidencia disponible sobre vacunación anti-pertussis en grupos especiales (adolescentes y adultos, funcionarios de la salud y mujeres embarazadas), y la estrategia de vacunación de capullo.

Programa de vacunación de grupos de riesgo: Fondo Nacional de Recursos: Uruguay 2004 / Program of vaccination of groups of risk: National Fund of Resources: Uruguay, 2004

El Fondo Nacional de Recursos, persona pública no estatal, financió más de 15.500 actos de medicina altamente especializada en el año 2004. Ese año agregó a las acciones complementarias (programas de prevención secundaria), la prevención de infecciones por influenza y neumococo por la vacunación, justificado por las recomendaciones internacionales al ser pacientes con factores de riesgo y debido a que la estrategia es costo-beneficio y costo-efectiva. Lograr el mayor porcentaje de vacunación en los pacientes asistidos en determinados actos y en determinados centros, que por patología o por edad cumplen con la recomendación de la vacunación. La estrategia fue clínica y de acciones individuales. Se realizó bajo protocolo durante todo el año para la vacunación contra el neumococo y dos meses para la vacunación antigripal. Esta última se complementó con una encuesta no aleatoria, representativa en el número de personas según estimación de proporciones. El Fondo Nacional de Recursos, financió 15.581 actos en 2004. Los actos del programa fueron hemodinamia, marcapasos, artroplastia y diálisis crónica. El universo fue 9.100 pacientes, la muestra de los centros seleccionados (total 42) fue de 6.945, se consultó 5.576 pacientes (80,3 por ciento) y 2.644 se vacunaron contra neumococo (38,1 por ciento). Los pacientes en diálisis crónica fueron los que mejor adhirieron al programa (51,9 por ciento). Existen dificultades en la vacunación de los adultos para desarrollar una estrategia de prevención secundaria en población de riesgo, como es la falta de aceptación previa del equipo de salud como estimulador de la misma.

Assessment of coverage levels of single dose measles vaccine

To study the consequences of low coverage levels of a single dose of measles vaccine. Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Rawalpindi General Hospital [RGH] from January 2001 to August 2001. Patients and Information about 68 admitted cases of measles was collected on a structured proforma with reference to epidemiological profile, vaccination history and comorbidities. Mean age observed in measles cases was 2 years and 8 months with a range from 3 months to 8 years. Maximum number of cases reported were <1 year of age [n=22,32%]. Fifty% of cases were seen among vaccinated children. Seventy-five% [n=51] had history of contact with a measles case. Pneumonia was the commonest complication followed by acute gastroenteritis, encephalitis, febrile convulsions, oral ulcers, oral thrush, eye changes of vitamin-A deficiency and pulmonary tuberculosis [T.B.] in descending order of frequency. Fifty-four cases were successfully treated for complications of measles and discharged. Nine cases left against medical advice. Five patients died ' all of them had encephalitis either alone [n=1] or in combination with pneumonia and acute gastroenteritis [n=4]. There is a dire need to increase the immunization coverage to reduce the rate of vaccine failure and achieve effective control of measles