Spatial clusters and social inequities in COVID-19 vaccine coverage among children in Brazil / Aglomerados espaciais e desigualdades sociais na cobertura vacinal contra COVID-19 em crianças no Brasil

Abstract This study examined the spatial distribution and social inequalities in COVID-19 vaccine coverage among children aged 5-11 in Brazil. First and second dose vaccine coverage was calculated for all Brazilian municipalities and analyzed by geographic region and deciles based on human development index (HDI-M) and expected years of schooling at 18 years of age. Multilevel models were used to determine the variance partition coefficient, and bivariate local Moran's I statistic was used to assess spatial association. Results showed significant differences in vaccine coverage rates among Brazilian municipalities, with lower coverage in the North and Midwest regions. Municipalities with lower HDI and expected years of schooling had consistently lower vaccine coverage rates. Bivariate clustering analysis identified extensive concentrations of municipalities in the Northern and Northeastern regions with low vaccine coverage and low human development, while some clusters of municipalities in the Southeast and South regions with low coverage were located in areas with high HDI-M. These findings highlight the persistent municipal-level inequalities in vaccine coverage among children in Brazil and the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccine access and coverage in underserved areas.

Resumo O estudo analisou a distribuição espacial e as desigualdades sociais na cobertura vacinal para COVID-19 entre crianças de 5 a 11 anos no Brasil. As coberturas vacinais foram calculadas para os municípios brasileiros e analisadas por região geográfica e decis com base no Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH-M) e expectativa de escolaridade aos 18 anos. Modelos multiníveis foram usados ​​para determinar o coeficiente de partição da variância, e a estatística local bivariada de Moran I foi usada para avaliar a associação espacial. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas nas taxas de cobertura vacinal entre os municípios, com menor cobertura nas regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste. Municípios com menor IDH e anos de escolaridade esperados apresentaram menores taxas de cobertura vacinal. A análise de agrupamento bivariado identificou extensas concentrações de municípios nas regiões Norte e Nordeste com baixa cobertura vacinal e baixo desenvolvimento humano, enquanto alguns aglomerados de municípios nas regiões Sudeste e Sul com baixa cobertura localizavam-se em áreas com alto IDH-M. Essas descobertas destacam as desigualdades persistentes em nível municipal na cobertura vacinal entre crianças e a necessidade de intervenções para melhorar o acesso e a cobertura vacinal em áreas mais vulneráveis.

Reacciones adversas de las vacunas contra el SARS COV 2 en personales de salud, primer semestre del año 2021

El Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social inició con el plan de vacunación contra el SARS COV 2, priorizando en la primera etapa a los grupos de mayor vulnerabilidad, quienes correspondían entre otros al personal de salud; en ese sentido el Programa Ampliado de Inmunizaciones (PAI) ha iniciado con el proceso de selección y capacitación de los personales de enfermería en los lineamientos técnicos y operativos del plan de vacunación, sistema de información y de vigilancia de eventos supuestamente atribuidos a la vacunación e inmunización. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de reacciones adversas de las vacunas contra el COVID 19 (CoronaVac®, Astrazeneca® y Covaxin®) en personal de salud de los sectores públicos y privados de la XIV Región Sanitaria Canindeyú. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal. Resultados: Entre los efectos leves de mayor frecuencia fueron el dolor en el sitio de aplicación, siendo para la vacuna Covaxin® en un 63.6% y para la vacuna Astrazeneca® 62.8%. Con relación a los efectos generales la dispepsia fue la reacción más observada (86.6% para la vacuna Covaxin® y 83.3% para vacuna CoronaVac®), y falta de energía y motivación (vacuna Astrazeneca® con un 34.9%). Discusión: el estudio muestra claramente que existen diferencias en la observación de efectos leves provocados por diferentes vacunas. En esta oportunidad se han observado tres vacunas, resaltando que estos efectos leves son comunes, frecuentes y generalmente temporales en las vacunas.

The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare began the vaccination plan against SARS COV 2, prioritizing in the first stage the most vulnerable groups, which corresponded, among others, to health personnel; In this sense, the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI) has begun the process of selection and training of nursing personnel in the technical and operational guidelines of the vaccination plan, information system and surveillance of events supposedly attributed to vaccination and immunization. Objective: Determine the incidence of adverse reactions to COVID 19 vaccines (CoronaVac®, Astrazeneca® and Covaxin®) in health personnel from the public and private sectors of the XIV Canindeyú Health Region. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study. Results: Among the most frequent mild effects were pain at the application site, being 63.6% for the Covaxin® vaccine and 62.8% for the Astrazeneca® vaccine. In relation to the general effects, dyspepsia was the most observed reaction (86.6% for the Covaxin® vaccine and 83.3% for the CoronaVac® vaccine), and lack of energy and motivation (Astrazeneca® vaccine with 34.9%). Discussion: The study clearly shows that there are differences in the observation of mild effects caused by different vaccines. On this occasion, three vaccines have been observed, highlighting that these mild effects are common, frequent and generally temporary in vaccines.

#VACINAPARATODOS: sentidos atribuídos por brasileiros à primeira dose da imunização contra a covid-19 no Instagram / #VACINAPARATODOS: meanings attributed by Brazilians to the first dose of immunization against covid-19 on Instagram / #VACINAPARATODOS: significados atribuidos por brasileños a la primera dosis de inmunización contra covid-19 en InstagramAutor

Este artigo se baseia em uma pesquisa que teve como objetivoapreender os sentidos atribuídos por brasileiros à primeira dose da imunização contra a covid-19. Trata-se de uma análise netnográfica. Os dados foram coletados em 2021 por meio da hashtag VACINAPARATODOS no Instagram. Os métodos utilizados para análise de dados foram: análise de similitude, com auxílio do software IRAMUTEQ e da análise do Discourse of the collective subject (discurso do sujeito coletivo), de Lefevre. Os resultados apontaram como ideias centrais: a emoção positiva e o sentimento de gratidão; a emoção negativa e o sentimento atribuído às vidas perdidas e ao negacionismo; o significado da primeira dose e o sentimento de esperança; a imunização e o exercício da cidadania: ato de consciência, responsabilidade e respeito. Os sentidos atrelados à oportunidade de acesso à vacina mostraram a dualidade de sentimentos que vão desde sensações positivas de reconhecimento e valorização até sentimentos negativos, de revolta e indignação, diante da hesitação vacinal e dos discursos antivacina.

This article bases on a research that aimed to understand the meanings attributed by Brazilians to the first dose of immunization against covid-19. A netnographic analysis was carried out. The data was collected in 2021 using the hashtag VACINAPARATODOS on Instagram. The methods used analyse the data were: similarity analysis, with the aid of the IRAMUTEQ software and of the analysis of Discourse of the collective subject, developed by Lefevre. The results pointed out the following central ideas: positive emotion and a feeling of gratitude; the negative emotion and a feeling attributed to lost lives and to denialism; the meaning of the first dose and the feeling of hope; the immunization and the exercise of citizenship: an act of conscience, responsibility and respect. The meanings linked to the opportunity to access the vaccine showed a duality of feelings ranging from positive feelings of recognition and appreciation to negative feelings of revolt and indignation, in the face of vaccine hesitancy and of the anti-vaccine discourses.

Este artículo se basa en una investigación que tuvo como objetivo comprender los significados atribuidos por los brasileños a la primera dosis de inmunización contra la covid-19. Se realizó un análisis netnográfico. Los datos fueron recogidos en 2021 a través del hashtag VACINAPARATODOS en Instagram. Los métodos utilizados para el análisis de los datos fueron: análisis de similitud, con ayuda del softwareIRAMUTEQ y del análisis del Discourse of collective subject (Discurso del sujeto colectivo), de Lefevre. Los resultados evidenciaron como ideas centrales: la emoción positiva y el sentimiento de gratitud; la emoción negativa y el sentimiento atribuido a las vidas perdidas y al negacionismo; el significado de la primera dosis y el sentimiento de esperanza; la inmunización y el ejercicio de la ciudadanía: un acto de conciencia, responsabilidad y respeto. Los significados vinculados a la oportunidad de acceder a la vacuna mostraron la dualidad de sentimientos que van desde sentimientos positivos de reconocimiento y aprecio hasta sentimientos negativos de revuelta y indignación, frente a las dudas sobre las vacunas y los discursos antivacunas.

Estruturação do plano de imunização no combate a covid-19: (des)ordem nos acordos entre os poderes / Structuring the immunization plan to fight covid-19: (dis)order in agreements between the powers / Estructura del plan de inmunización para combatir el covid-19: (des)orden en acuerdos entre potencias

Objetivo: Fomentar o debate acerca da ordenação do plano de vacinação nacional, considerando os aspectos organizacionais entre união, estados e municípios. Métodos: Revisão de literatura, tendo como base os periódicos Cientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), usando como descritores: Pandemia, Vacina e Plano de Imunização. Com essa busca foram encontradas, inicialmente, 48 publicações. Após a realização da análise, foram incluídos 11 artigos científicos na revisão. Os textos foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo semântica. Resultados: Foram levantadas duas categorias: estratégias de combate a pandemia do covid-19 no Brasil, e a manipulação da sociedade civil e a desordem da cobertura vacinal. Conclusão: as reflexões aqui apresentadas podem contribuir para que os profissionais de enfermagem desenvolvam uma postura reflexiva frente a demanda vacinal, processo de planejamento e percepções da sociedade civil, podendo desencadear uma melhora na preparação para a educação em saúde. (AU)

Objective: To encourage the debate about the ordering of the national vaccination plan, considering the organizational aspects between the union, states and municipalities. Methods: Literature review, based on scientific journals Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and Virtual Health Library (VHL), using as descriptors: Pandemia, Vaccine and Immunization Plan. With this search, 48 publications were initially found. After the analysis, 11 scientific articles were included in the review. The texts were subjected to semantic content analysis. Results: Two categories were raised: strategies to combat the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, and the manipulation of civil society and the disorder of vaccination coverage. Conclusion: The reflections presented here can contribute for nursing professionals to develop a reflexive posture in face of the vaccine demand, planning process and civil society perceptions, which can trigger an improvement in the preparation for health education. (AU)

Objetivo: Fomentar el debate sobre la ordenación del plan nacional de vacunación, considerando los aspectos organizativos entre sindicato, estados y municipios. Métodos: Revisión de la literatura, con base en revistas científicas Biblioteca Electrónica en Línea (SCIELO), Coordinación para el Perfeccionamiento del Personal de Educación Superior (CAPES) y Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), utilizando como descriptores: Pandemia, Vacuna y Plan de Inmunización. Con esta búsqueda se encontraron inicialmente 48 publicaciones. Después del análisis, se incluyeron 11 artículos científicos en la revisión. Los textos fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido semántico. Resultados: Se plantearon dos categorías: estrategias para combatir la pandemia de covid-19 en Brasil y la manipulación de la sociedad civil y el desorden de la cobertura de vacunación. Conclusión: Las reflexiones aquí presentadas pueden contribuir para que los profesionales de enfermería desarrollen una postura reflexiva ante la demanda de vacunas, el proceso de planificación y las percepciones de la sociedad civil, lo que puede desencadenar una mejora en la preparación para la educación en salud. (AU)

Imunização: planejamento e estrutura organizacional na atenção primária à saúde / Immunization: planning and organizational structure in primary health care / Inmunización: planificación y estructura organizativa en la atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: Identificar como acontece o planejamento das ações de enfermagem e a estrutura física nos serviços de vacinação. Métodos: Pesquisa de método misto. Foram aplicadas 18 entrevistas e 203 questionários aos enfermeiros responsáveis pelas salas de vacinas, em 14 municípios do estado do Ceará. Os dados foram coletados de julho a setembro de 2018, e organizados em categorias: planejamento das ações de imunização na atenção primária à saúde; e estrutura física, recursos humanos e materiais das salas de vacinas. Resultados: Evidenciou-se a responsabilidade do enfermeiro no planejamento das ações e envolvimento da equipe em todo o processo de vacinação, apesar dos enfermeiros desses municípios não serem exclusivos nos serviços de vacinação; os agentes comunitários de saúde são componentes da equipe atuantes neste serviço; e a estrutura física das salas de vacinas não condizem com as normas preconizadas pelo Programa Nacional de Imunizações. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se a responsabilidade do enfermeiro no planejamento das ações e envolvimento da equipe no processo de vacinação; e a importância de uma boa estrutura organizacional, recursos humanos e materiais para o desenvolvimento das ações. (AU)

Objective: To identify how the planning of nursing actions and the physical structure in vaccination services take place. Methods: Mixed method research. Eighteen interviews and 203 questionnaires were applied to nurses responsible for vaccine rooms in 14 municipalities in the state of Ceará. Data were collected from July to September 2018, and organized into categories: planning of immunization actions in primary health care; and physical structure, human and material resources of vaccine rooms. Results: The responsibility of the nurse in planning the actions and involvement of the team in the entire vaccination process was evidenced, although nurses in these cities are not exclusive in the vaccination services; community health agents are members of the team working in this service; and the physical structure of the vaccine rooms does not comply with the standards recommended by the National Immunization Program. Conclusion: The responsibility of the nurse in planning actions and involvement of the team in the vaccination process was evidenced; and the importance of a good organizational structure, human and material resources for the development of actions. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar cómo se realiza la planificación de las acciones de enfermería y la estructura física en los servicios de vacunación. Métodos: Investigación de método mixto. Se aplicaron 18 entrevistas y 203 cuestionarios a enfermeras responsables de salas de vacunación en 14 municipios del estado de Ceará. Los datos se recopilaron de julio a septiembre de 2018 y se organizaron en categorías: planificación de acciones de inmunización en la atención primaria de salud; y estructura física, recursos humanos y materiales de las salas de vacunas. Resultados: Se evidenció la responsabilidad de la enfermera en la planificación de las acciones y la participación del equipo en todo el proceso de vacunación, aunque las enfermeras de estas ciudades no son exclusivas en los servicios de vacunación; los agentes comunitarios de salud son miembros del equipo que trabaja en este servicio; y la estructura física de las salas de vacunas no cumple con los estándares recomendados por el Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones. Conclusión: Se evidenció la responsabilidad de la enfermera en la planificación de acciones y la participación del equipo en el proceso de vacunación; y la importancia de una buena estructura organizativa, recursos humanos y materiales para el desarrollo de las acciones. (AU)

Uptake of fIPV3 and implementation challenges as perceived by auxiliary nurse midwives at two primary healthcare centers in urban Bengaluru: a mixed-method study

Background: India introduced fractional-dose inactivated poliovirus vaccine (fIPV) into its routine immunization program as part of the polio eradication and endgame strategic plan. The study aimed to assess the uptake of the 3rd dose of fIPV among eligible beneficiaries and explore the implementation challenges perceived by auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) at two primary healthcare centers in urban Bengaluru. Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted between April and May 2023. A cross-sectional design was used for quantitative objectives, while in-depth interviews were conducted with ANMs for qualitative insights. Data were collected through vaccination registers, questionnaires, and key informant interviews. The study population included all eligible beneficiaries for the 3rd dose of fIPV from January to March 2023. Results: Out of 296 eligible beneficiaries, 139 (47%) had received the 3rd dose of fIPV. The challenges faced by ANMs in fIPV3 implementation included difficulties in recording and reporting activities, fear of managing adverse events, lack of confidence in administering intradermal injections, obtaining consent from parents, inadequate training, and concerns about vaccine wastage and increased workload. Conclusions: The uptake of fIPV3 was suboptimal, and ANMs encountered several challenges during implementation. To enhance fIPV3 integration into the vaccination schedule, the health system needs to improve awareness among the community, strengthen health worker capacity, and provide better training and support. Strengthening routine immunization programs can contribute to sustained polio eradication efforts.

Knowledge regarding immunization among mothers of under-five children in Uttarakhand

Background: Immunization is one of the most impactful and cost-effective health investments globally that helps in reducing the burden of infectious diseases keeping children safe. Mothers are the major role players with regard to their children’s immunization. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge regarding immunization among mothers of under-five children in the Doiwala block of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. A total of one hundred mothers of under-five children were conveniently selected through door-to-door survey. A structured knowledge questionnaire on under-five immunization was administered through the interview technique to assess the knowledge of the mothers. Results: Among 100 mothers of under-five children 13% had poor knowledge, 63% had average knowledge and 24% had good knowledge regarding under-five immunization. There was significant association between age, education status and socioeconomic status of mothers with knowledge score regarding under-five immunization. Conclusions: There is a strong need to increase awareness and knowledge about immunization among children; its benefits and importance. There is also a need to educate people especially mothers regarding harmful consequences of incomplete immunization of children.

The universal immunization programme coverage and determining factors among tribal children under the age of five in the Wayanad district of Kerala, South India

Background: Globally an estimated two to three million deaths occur every year in all age groups, from six major vaccine-preventable diseases and accounts for almost a quarter of all deaths in children under the age of five years. As Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective methods for preventing infectious diseases, the Indian government initiated a vaccination programme to reduce infant mortality and morbidity owing to vaccine-preventable diseases, and achieve vaccine self-sufficiency. In Kerala, about 1.5% of the total population makes up Scheduled Tribes, a socioeconomic group with continuously poor health indicators. Methods: Through a community-based cross-sectional study using cluster sampling technique, this study intends to determine the coverage of the universal immunization programme among tribal children (0-59 months), the factors affecting vaccination coverage as well as the reasons for partial immunization in Noolpuzha Panchayat, Wayanad. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from caregivers/mothers. Results: Out of 289 study population, 64.4% were fully immunized and 35.6% were partially immunized. Children's age and the father's education were found to affect immunization. Conclusions: As a lack of knowledge about immunizations and subsequent doses was the primary reason for partial immunization. There is a need to create awareness about the importance of vaccination and the subsequent doses among the tribal people of Wayanad.

Knowledge attitude and practice towards COVID-19 booster dose among health care workers: a cross sectional study

Background: Amidst the emerging COVID-19 variants worldwide, India started the COVID precautionary or booster dose vaccination by early 2022. Protecting the healthcare force is crucial, as they are critical drivers in increasing vaccine uptake among the public. Objective was to assess COVID-19 Booster dose vaccine coverage among Health Care Workers (HCWs) and to know the reasons for vaccine booster dose hesitancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among health care workers in Vijayapura city, during April-May 2022. The questionnaire in google form was shared to the target population, wherever necessary phone in interview was done. Data was tabulated in MS office Excel and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Out of 275 participants from different levels of health care system, 50% were males, 75% in age group <40 years and 67% were from urban area. 37% of the participants took precautionary dose of vaccine against COVID-19. Among those who did not take a booster shot, 22.5% were hesitant to take the vaccine and the reasons were: “Lack of faith in vaccination”, “two doses are sufficient”, and “Fear of side effects”. Socio demographic factors such as age, gender and residence were found to be statistically significant with the COVID Booster vaccination status. Conclusions: Majority health workers are aware of booster dose vaccination, reasons for not taking booster dose were mainly lack of need and fear of side effects.

An evaluation of primary immunization coverage among 12-23 months children in an urban area of western Maharashtra: a community based cross sectional study

Background: Infectious diseases are major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. One of the most cost effective and easy methods for the child survival is immunization. Objective was to determine the immunization coverage and find out the various factors and its reasons for partial or non-immunization of child. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for the assessment of immunization coverage in the field practice area of the urban health training center using WHO 30×7 clusters sampling method during March 2021 to October 2022. A total of seven children aged 12-23 months were interviewed from each cluster on pretested, predesigned schedule, thus giving us the sample size of 210. Chi square test was applied for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 210 children aged 12-23 months were included in the study. It was found that 158 (75.24%) of the children were found to be fully immunized. While 49 (23.34%) and 3 (1.42%) nonimmunized respectively. Most common reason for partial and non-immunization of children was found to be obstacles and lack of motivation on the part of parents. There is only statistically significant association between education of mothers and immunization status of children. Conclusions: Increasing the knowledge and understanding of the caretakers of the young children abouts the essentiality and benefits of routine immunization would be a strong step forward in achieving the goals.

Incidência de anafilaxia relacionada às vacinas do Programa Nacional de Imunizações / Incidence of vaccine-related anaphylaxis from Brazil's National Immunization Program

A incidência de anafilaxia pós-vacinal é um evento de saúde raro e carece de melhor detalhamento no Brasil. Neste estudo, objetivou-se descrever a incidência de anafilaxia como evento supostamente atribuído à vacinação e imunização (ESAVI) das vacinas do Programa Nacional de Imunizações (PNI).Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo com dados extraídos do sistema de notificação de ESAVI do PNI entre 01/2021 e 05/2023 com aceitação na Plataforma Brasil e aprovação ética. Foram identificados 84 casos encerrados com o descritor "anafilaxia" ou "choque anafilático" entre 290.101 eventos adversos notificados, concentrados principalmente nas regiões Sul e Sudeste. Crianças de 0 a 9 anos foram predominantemente afetadas, com maior incidência em mulheres e indivíduos brancos. A anafilaxia associou-se em números absolutos principalmente às vacinas COVID-19, destacando os fabricantes AstraZeneca/Fiocruz (vetor viral), Pfizer Comirnaty (RNAm) e CoronaVac (inativada), e a maior taxa de incidência foi com a vacina antirrábica (2,8 por milhão de doses aplicadas). A incidência global foi de 0,14/milhão de doses aplicadas. Entre os desfechos não foi relatado óbito. A subnotificação de casos é relevante e sublinha a importância de manter sistemas robustos de vigilância e manejo de reações alérgicas em programas de vacinação. Este estudo segue tendências mundiais da raridade da anafilaxia relacionada às vacinas. Os dados reforçam a segurança das vacinas COVID-19 e demais vacinas existentes no PNI, independente da demografia analisada.

Vaccine-related anaphylaxis is a rare health event, and its incidence requires further investigation in Brazil. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of anaphylaxis as an event supposedly attributed to vaccination and immunization (ESAVI) associated with the Brazilian National Immunization Program (PNI). A retrospective study was conducted with data extracted from the PNI ESAVI notification system between January 2021 and May 2023, with ethical approval and registration in Plataforma Brasil. Among 290,101 adverse events reported, 84 cases closed with the descriptor "anaphylaxis" or "anaphylactic shock" were identified, mainly concentrated in the South and Southeast regions. Children aged 0 to 9 years were predominantly affected, with a higher incidence in women and white individuals. In absolute numbers, anaphylaxis was associated mainly with the AstraZeneca/Fiocruz (viral vector), Pfizer Comirnaty (mRNA), and CoronaVac (inactivated virus) COVID-19 vaccines, while the highest relative incidence was with the anti-rabies vaccine (2.8 cases per million doses administered). The overall incidence was 0.14 per million vaccine doses. No deaths were reported. Underreporting of vaccine-related anaphylaxis is relevant and highlights the importance of maintaining robust systems for surveillance and management of allergic reactions within vaccination programs. This study corroborates global trends in the rarity of vaccine-related anaphylaxis. The low incidence of this event, regardless of recipient demographics, provides further evidence of the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines included in the PNI.

Vaccine hesitancy amongst the tribal population of India: a comparative scenario between COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunization

Vaccine hesitancy plays a crucial role in slowing down the efforts towards achieving an immunized and healthy society, particularly, children and women. VH is very conspicuous among the economically marginalized tribal and indigenous population. Previous research papers have not presented a comparative scenario between VH for RI and COVID-19 and have not discussed in detail different reasons behind VH from the gender perspective among tribal population. The key research question for this systematic review is whether the vaccine hesitancy for routine child vaccination among the tribal population will reduce or escalate or show no change after COVID-19 vaccination drive. This paper using Google Scholar database identified the research paper and reports, published between 2013 and 2023, and synthesized the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among the tribal population. While hesitancy due to reasons such as the safety and trust concerns, related to vaccines and the government; strong dependency on natural remedies; decision making dominated by social and cultural norms prevailing since ages; emerged as the key resistant in case of routine immunization among the tribal population, these were observed to be similar, to a large extent, in case of COVID-19, as well, in spite of two different age groups being the target of the vaccination drive. The paper identified key enablers and barriers of vaccine acceptance, which will be insightful for policy makers, healthcare agencies and professionals working to eliminate VH among tribal and indigenous population.

Exclusive breastfeeding practices and predictors among mothers attending child care immunization services in Ebonyi state, Nigeria

Background: Low adoption of exclusive breast feeding among mothers and its impact on the infants has been attributed to several factors. The im of the study was to assess exclusive breastfeeding practices and predictors among women attending child care immunization services at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA). Methods: The design of this study is cross-sectional survey. The population of the study comprised of 2100 women who registered for child care immunization services at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki from the month of January-March, 2023. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the participants. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, frequency counts and percentages and t test statistics. Results: The results showed that the exclusive breastfeeding practices of the women were high (3.33±0.39). Also, EBP of the women was high based on age and parity. Although, there was no significant difference in the exclusive breastfeeding practices based on parity (p>0.05). However, there was significant difference in the exclusive breastfeeding practices based on age of the mothers (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study concluded that to sustain the high practices of exclusive breastfeeding among women attending child care immunization services at AE-FUTHA, there is need to continue to engage them on seminars, workshops and conferences by health workers on the days of immunization with special focus to the younger age of the mothers in order to sustain the high EBPs.

Mecanismo y diseño de vacunas para el sars-cov-2, revisión narrativa / Mechanism and design of vaccines against sars-cov-2, narrative review / Mecanismo e desenho de vacinas para sars-cov-2, revisão narrativa

La infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2, conocida como COVID-19, ha causado alta morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo. Después de haber descifrado el código genético del virus y haber desarrollado un gran trabajo investigativo en la creación de vacunas, con diversas estrategias de acción, se ha logrado disminuir la morbi mortalidad. Fue necesario acelerar el proceso de producción de vacunas, lo cual estuvo facilitado por el avanzado conocimiento científico en el campo de la genética y la virología, para brindar a la especie humana una protección eficaz y segura contra la agresiva y progresiva infección. Las vacunas se clasifican de acuerdo con su mecanismo de acción, existen vacunas basadas en vectores virales que no se replican, vacunas recombinantes, otras basadas en virus atenuados y virus inactivos, y (la gran novedad de la ciencia actual) las vacunas basadas en ARN mensajero y ADN. Estas últimas han demostrado una gran eficacia y seguridad en la prevención de la infección por el SARS-CoV-2, también han impactado de manera fuerte, por lo que han reducido la infección y la mortalidad en la población. En consecuencia, cada día que pasa desde que se inició el periodo de vacunación mundial, se evidencia una reducción en la curva de contagio y mortalidad por COVID-19.

The infection produced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as COVID-19, has caused high morbidity and mortality across the world. After having deciphered the virus's genoma and carried out investigative endeavors that led to the creation of a variety of vaccines with different mechanisms of action, it has been possible to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with the virus. It was necessary to accelerate the vaccine production process, which was facilitated by advanced scientific knowledge within the disciplines of genetics and virology, in order to provide the human species with a safe and effective form of protection against the aggressive and progressive infection. Vaccines are classified differently depending on their action mechanisms: there are some based on non-replicating viral vectors, recombinant vaccines, ones that are based on attenuated or inactivated viruses, and (the greatest novelty of current scientific developments) vaccines based on DNA and messenger RNA. The latter has demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in the prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 infection as observed in preliminary studies, and they have meaningfully impacted the population by reducing the rates of infection and mortality. As a result, decreased levels of spread of and mortality from COVID-19 have been evidenced across the globe following the beginning of the vaccine distribution period.

A infecção pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, conhecido como COVID-19, tem causado elevada morbidade e mortalidade no mundo. Depois de ter decifrado o código genético do virus e de ter realizado um grande trabalho de investigação na criação de vacinas, com diversas estratégias de ação, a morbilidade e a mortalidade foram reduzidas. Foi necessário acelerar o processo de produção de vacinas, facilitado por conhecimentos científicos avançados no domínio da genética e da virologia, para proporcionar à espécie humana uma proteção eficaz e segura contra a infecção agressiva e progressiva. As vacinas são classificadas de acordo com seu mecanismo de ação, existem vacinas baseadas em vetores virais que não se replicam, vacinas recombinantes, outras baseadas em virus atenuados e vírus inativos, e (a grande novidade da ciência atual) vacinas baseadas em RNA mensageiro e ADN. Estas últimas demonstraram grande eficácia e segurança na prevenção da infecção por SARS-CoV-2, mas também tiveram um forte impacto, razão pela qual reduziram a infecção e a mortalidade na população. Consequentemente, a cada dia que passa desde o início do período global de vacinação, fica evidente uma redução na curva de contágio e mortalidade por COVID-19.

Cadena de frío del programa nacional de inmunizaciones peruano en el contexto de la pandemia covid-19 / Cold chain of the peruvian national immunization program in the context of the covid-19 pandemic

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar aspectos críticos de la Cadena de Frío en el Perú Metodología: Estudio descriptivo. Se analizaron datos del Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas (MEF) y del Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) de los años 2020-2021, así como los registros administrativos de las Estrategias Sanitarias Regionales de inmunizaciones del MINSA en 2020. Se consideraron aspectos técnicos de la Norma Técnica de Manejo de cadena de frío, como es obsolescencia, dotación, funcionalidad y capacidad de almacenamiento. Resultados: En el año 2020, en términos de obsolescencia el 61.8% de los equipos de cadena de frío a nivel nacional presentaban obsolescencia, siendo regiones claves como Lima Metropolitana (capital del país) la más afectada con un 88%. En cuanto a la dotación de equipos, el 9% de los establecimientos de salud del primer nivel carecen de equipos de refrigeración, siendo Loreto la región con mayor déficit 46%, seguida de Huancavelica con un 21% de brecha. En términos de funcionamiento, se registra que el 84% de los equipos a nivel nacional funcionan, y el 16% reportan fallas técnicas, lo cual representa alto riesgo en la seguridad y potencia inmunogénica de las vacunas a prever. En términos de capacidad, al considerar el almacenamiento trimestral o mensual para las vacunas contra la COVID-19 u otras emergencias sanitarias se identificaron brechas significativas. Conclusiones: Existen riesgos en la operatividad, suministro y capacidad de almacenamiento de las vacunas del esquema nacional de inmunizaciones de Perú incluso ante emergencias sanitarias.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to identify critical aspects of the Cold Chain in the immunization process in Peru. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted, analyzing data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA) for the years 2020-2021, as well as administrative records from the MINSA's Regional Health Strategies for immunizations in 2020. Technical aspects established in the Health Technical Standard for Cold Chain Management, such as obsolescence, allocation, functionality, and storage capacity were taken into account. Results: In the year 2020, at the national level, 61.8% of the cold chain equipment showed obsolescence, with some regions exceeding 75%, with Lima's metropolitan region being the most affected at 88%. Concerning equipment allocation, 9% of the first-level health facilities lacked refrigeration equipment, with Loreto having the highest deficit (46%), followed by Huancavelica with a 21% gap. The overall equipment functionality nationwide was 84%, meaning that 16% of health facilities experienced technical failures, affecting vaccine's storage capacity and posing risks to their safety and immunogenicity. Significant gaps were identified when considering quarterly or monthly storage for COVID-19 vaccines or other health emergencies. Conclusions: This study highlights potential risks in the operability and storage capacity of the national immunization program's vaccines in Peru during contingencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other health emergencies.

Actualización de las recomendaciones de vacunación en adultos con enfermedades respiratorias. Documento de la Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria para los neumonólogos, 2023 / Recommendations in Adults with Respiratory Diseases. Document from the Argentinian Association of Respiratory Medicine for Pulmonologists, 2023

RESUMEN Los adultos fumadores, con comorbilidades, y los ancianos tienen mayor riesgo de contraer infecciones pulmonares y de tener peor evolución. La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad debida a virus, neumococo, además de otras bacterias y microorga nismos "atípicos" afecta tanto a adultos sanos como enfermos. La vacuna antigripal se diseña el verano anterior orientada a las cepas esperadas para la temporada siguiente. Su eficacia depende fundamentalmente de la variante viral que finalmente sea la responsable del brote. La vacuna anti-neumocócica polisacárida existe desde 1983 y será inexorablemente reemplazada por vacunas conjugadas de mayor eficacia, que previenen la infección por los serotipos presentes en la vacuna. La inmunización contra SARS-CoV-2 aceleró la reducción del contagio y la gravedad de COVID-19 notablemente. La vacuna acelular para Bordetella pertussis no está en el calendario de adultos, aun cuando vacunarlos fortalece el control del contagio infantil. La vacunas doble bacteriana (difteria y tétanos), y triple (doble + pertusis), y contra sarampión, varicela, rubeola, HPV, Haemophylus influenzae, meningococo, herpes zóster, fiebre hemorrágica argentina y fiebre amarilla están disponibles, pero son de uso limitado. Nuevas vacunas, como la recientemente aprobada por los CDC contra el virus sincicial respiratorio, pronto estarán disponibles.

ABSTRACT Adult smokers, subjects with comorbidities, and the elderly are at higher risk of pulmo nary infections and worse outcomes. Community-acquired pneumonia due to viruses, pneumococcus, other bacteria, and "atypical" microorganisms affects healthy and sick adults. The flu vaccine is designed the previous summer for the strains expected for the following season. Its effectiveness depends fundamentally on the viral variant ultimately responsible for the outbreak. The anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine has been available since 1983 and it is expected to be replaced by conjugate vaccines which are more effective in preventing infection due to serotypes present in the vaccine. Immuniza tion against SARS-CoV-2 diminished contagion and severity of COVID-19 remarkably. The acellular vaccine for Bordetella pertussis is not on the schedule for all adults, even when vaccinating them strengthens the control of contagion in children. Double bacterial (diphtheria and tetanus), triple (double + pertussis), measles, varicella, rubella, HPV, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcal, herpes zoster, Argentine hemorrhagic fever, and yellow fever vaccines are available, but their use is limited. New vaccines such as the one recently approved by the CDC against respiratory syncytial virus will soon be available.

Safety study of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in Hebei Province / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the occurrence characteristics of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV-23) in Hebei Province and to evaluate the safety of the vaccine. Methods AEFI cases related to vaccination of PPSV-23 in Hebei Province from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were collected through the AEFI surveillance module of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The incidence of reported AEFI cases were then analyzed and compared. Results The reported incidence rate of AEFI of PPSV-23 was 56.12 /100,000 doses, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions was 55.50 /100 000 doses. The incidence rate of common adverse reactions was 53.94/100 000 doses, and the incidence rate of rare adverse reactions was 1.56/100 000 doses. Most of the reported AEFI cases caused by PPSV-23 were common adverse reactions, which occurred mainly within one day after vaccination, and the overall regression was positive. Conclusion The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine used in Hebei Province is safe，but its safety monitoring still needs to be strengthened.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of basic immunization with different sequential immunization programs of polio vaccine / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of basic immunization with different sequential immunization programs of oral live attenuated poliomyelitis vaccine(OPV)and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine(IPV). Methods Infants above two months of age residing in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,were selected for the study,and the basic immunization program of OPV full course(O-O-O group),sequential IPV and OPV(I-I-O group),and IPV full course(I-I-I group)were administered at 2,3 and 4 months of age,respectively. Relevant adverse reactions were proactively monitored by the parents of the participants via completing their own self-observation form after immunization. Before and after immunization,blood samples were collected from the upper arm vein,and the serum was separated. The neutralizing antibody levels of poliovirus in serum were measured by micro neutralization test,and the antibody positive rate and geometric mean titer(GMT)were calculated. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to research the effects of group,gender,household registration,birth mass and positive rate of typeⅠ/Ⅲ antibody before immunizationon the positive rate of type Ⅰ/Ⅲ antibody after basic immunization. Results There were one case of lethargy and one case of crying in O-O-O group, one case of lethargy in I-I-O group,and one case of crying in I-I-I group. The GMTs of type I neutralizing antibody in the pre-immunization O-O-O group,I-I-O group,and I-I-I group were 41. 39,8. 21,and 12. 56,and those of type Ⅲ neutralizing antibody were 7. 57,4. 02 and 8. 08,respectively. There was no significant difference in GMT between groups for typeⅠandⅢneutralizing antibodies before immunization(F = 2. 815 and 0. 608,P = 0. 061 and 0. 545,respectively). The positive rates of type Ⅰ antibody before immunization were 24. 04%,34. 07% and 41. 00%,respectively,with significant difference between groups(χ~2= 13. 459,P = 0. 001). The positive rates of type Ⅲ antibody were 13. 94%,9. 89% and 18. 00%,respectively,with no significant difference(χ~2= 5. 188,P = 0. 075). After immunization,the GMTs of type Ⅰ neutralizing antibody were 1 311. 84,1 812. 59 and 833. 24,and those of type Ⅲ neutralizing antibody were 911. 97,1 752. 68 and 419. 50,respectively,with significant differences between groups(F = 76. 848 and 202. 632,respectively,each P < 0. 001). After immunization,the positive conversion rates of type Ⅰantibody were 98. 56%,100% and 100%,and those of type Ⅲ antibody were 99. 04%,100% and 99. 44%,respectively,with no significant difference between the two groups(χ~2= 2. 973 and 1. 045,P = 0. 122 and 0. 789,respectively). In addition,group,gender,household registration,birth mass and positive rate of typeⅠ/Ⅲantibody before immunization had no effect on the positive conversion rate of typeⅠ/Ⅲantibody after basic immunization. Conclusion All three sequential immunization programs achieved good safety and high antibody positive conversion rates after basic immunization.

Surveillance of adverse events following immunization in Shaanxi Province,2010-2021 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To analyze the surveillance quality and characteristics of adverse events following immunization(AEFIs)in Shaanxi Province,from 2010 to 2021.Methods The vaccine doses administered data and AEFI data reported from 2010 to 2021 in Shaanxi Province were collected through the National Immunization Program Information Management System and AEFI information management system,and descriptive epidemiological methods were used for analysis.Results A total of 24 057 AEFIs were reported from 2010 to 2021 in Shaanxi Province.The average annual reported incidence of AEFI in 2014-2021 was 18.998 per 100 000 doses,with 17.998,0.702,and 0.112 per 100 000 doses for common vaccine reactions,rare vaccine reactions,and serious rare vaccine reactions,respectively.The incidence of AEFI was high from May to August,with an average of 26.304 per 100 000 doses.There were 69.83% of the cases reported by the children younger than 1 year old.In Expanded Program on Immunization vaccines,the incidence of AEFI in DTaP(diphtheria,tetanus and acellular pertussis combined vaccine)was the highest(57.948 per 100 000 doses),and the incidence of rare vaccine reactions in MR,MMR and MM(measles and rubella vaccine,measles mumps and rubella vaccine,measles and mumps combined vaccine)was the highest(1.875 per 100 000 doses).In non-Expanded Program on Immunization vaccines,the incidence of AEFI in DTaP-Hib(diphtheria,tetanus and acellular pertussis,inactivated poliomyelitis and haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate combined vaccine)was the highest(37.073 per 100 000 doses),and the incidence of rare vaccine reactions in MPV-ACYW135(group A,C,Y and W123 meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine)was the highest(2.392 per 100 000 doses).In common vaccine reactions,the fever/local redness and swelling/local induration were the main clinical diagnosis(22.481 per 100 000 doses).In rare vaccine reactions,allergic rash was the main clinical diagnosis(0.473 per 100 000 doses).Conclusion The sensitivity of AEFI surveillance system in Shaanxi Province is increasing year by year,and the vaccines have good safety,with common vaccine reactions as the main ones and serious rare vaccine reactions as the rare ones.There were differences in AEFI surveillance levels in different prefecture-level cities,so it is still necessary to strengthen the training.

Surveillance of adverse event following immunization with 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in Jiaxing City / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the incidence of adverse event following immunization (AEFI) with 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into safety monitoring and evaluation of PCV13.@*Methods@#Surveillance data of AEFI with PCV13 in Jiaxing City from 2020 to 2022 were collected from the AEFI Monitoring Information Management System of the Immunization Planning System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, including demographic information, vaccination time, time of AEFI occurrence and clinical symptoms, and the reported incidence, population and district distribution, and clinical symptoms of AEFI with PCV13 were descriptively analyzed.@*Results@#Totally 455 cases of AEFI with PCV13 were reported in Jiaxing City from 2020 to 2022, with a reported incidence rate of 232.33/105 doses. There were 431, 21 and 3 cases of general, abnormal, coincidence and psychogenic reactions, with reported incidence rates of 220.07/105 doses, 10.72/105 doses and 1.53/105 doses, respectively, and no reports of causal reaction, vaccine quality accident and vaccination accident. The AEFI cases included 258 boys and 197 girls, with a boy/girl ratio of 1.31∶1, and 288 children at ages of less than a year (63.30%). The largest number of AEFI was reported in Haining City (87 cases, 19.12%), and there were 349 AEFI cases (76.70%) within 24 hours following vaccination. The clinical symptoms mainly included redness and swelling, fever and induration, with reported incidence rates of 132.76/105 doses (260 cases), 109.27/105 doses (214 cases), and 55.66/105 doses (109 cases), respectively. There were 450 cases cured and 5 cases improved in 455 cases of AEFI.@*Conclusions@#General reaction is the predominant AEFI in Jiaxing City from 2020 to 2022, with mild symptoms. Most AEFI occurs within 24 hours following vaccination, and has a good prognosis.