Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-reported 12-month pneumococcal vaccination series completion rates in Canada: An interrupted time-series analysis (preprint)

Background Routine childhood vaccination improves health and prevents morbidity and mortality from vaccination preventable diseases. There are indications that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted vaccination rates globally, but systematic studies on this are still lacking in Canada. This study aims to add knowledge on the effect of the pandemic on pneumococcal vaccination rates of children using self-reported immunization data entered into the CANImmunize digital vaccination tool. Methodology An interrupted time series analysis was conducted on aggregated monthly enrollment of children on the platform (2016-2021) and their pneumococcal immunization series completion rates (2016-2020). Predicted trends before and after the onset of the COVID-19 related restriction (March 1, 2020) were compared by means of an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). Results Pandemic restrictions were associated with changes in self-reported pneumococcal immunization rates amongst the users of the CANImmunize platform. The monthly enrollment of children on the platform decreased by – 1177.52 records (95% CI: –1865.47, – 489.57), with a continued decrease of 80.84 records each month. Self-reported pneumococcal immunization series completion rates had an immediate increase of 14.57% (95% CI 4.64, 24.51) followed by a decrease of –3.54% each month. Conclusion The onset of the COVID-19 related restrictions impacted enrollment of children in the CANImmunize digital immunization platform, and an overall decrease in self-reported pneumococcal immunization series completion rates. Our findings support that efforts to increase catch-up immunization campaigns so that children who could not get scheduled immunization during the pandemic are not missed.

Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccination in Herat, Afghanistan (preprint)

Background: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is one of the major concerns in the roll out of vaccines in many countries. The aim of the study was to assess the level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among the population in Herat, Afghanistan, the third largest city in the country. Methods: : This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 April 2021 and 20 April 2021 among the general population of Herat City to examine the acceptability rate of COVID-19 vaccine. Sample size was calculated at 555. Different variables were collected using a questionnaire developed. Data were evaluated in IBM SPSS program. Results: : Only 10.63% of the participants were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine without having any concern and reservation. 45% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 66.5% were concerned about the vaccine and its side effects and 29% were afraid of being infected by transmission of COVID-19 through the administration of vaccine on them. Conclusion: This research demonstrates that, concerns about the vaccine, myths and misinformation are widespread which will undermine the vaccination process. This study recommends the initiation of more health-related campaigns and awareness programs by the government for general population to enhance and expedite the roll out of COVID-19 vaccine.