[Opportunities and challenges in vaccination implementation against COVID-19: A systematic review]. / Oportunidades y desafíos en la implementación de la vacunación contra COVID-19: una revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experiences regarding the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination strategies, emphasizing the opportunities and challenges identified during its implementation. DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature published between 2020 and 2022. DATA SOURCES: The study was conducted across four databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scielo, and Lilacs. SELECTION OF STUDIES: Publications selection followed the PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis). DATA EXTRACTION: A database was created where key elements of the selected study were identified and recorded, such as results, discussion, and conclusions. In addition, analysis categories were created such as: stages of the implementation plan, challenges identified and opportunity areas. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 292 publications were found, of which 25 were selected for analysis. Of these, 64% came from high-income countries and 32% from upper-middle-income countries. According to the stages of the implementation plan, 20% of the studies focused on regulations, planning and coordination; 28% in prioritization of the population to be vaccinated; 16% in acceptance, demand, and risk communication; and 16% in administration and information systems. Reflection on the response to the pandemic invites us to consider various aspects, such as the organization and function of health systems, the importance of collaborative work, efforts to achieve equity, communication strategies, as well as ethical dilemmas when seeking preserve health.

Strategies for expanding childhood vaccination in the Americas following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To provide an overview of the status of the childhood vaccination schedule in the Americas, outline program structures, and identify updated implementation strategies to improve vaccination coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A group of experts in pediatrics, epidemiology, vaccines, and global and public health discussed the current status of the childhood vaccination schedule in the Americas, describing the program structure and identifying new implementation strategies that have the potential to improve vaccination coverage in the post-pandemic context, after the challenges COVID-19 presented for more than two years. Results: The Americas currently face a high risk of resurgence of diseases that were previously controlled or eliminated. Therefore, it is important to find new strategies to educate citizens on the risks associated with lower vaccination rates, especially in children. Conclusions: New strategies along with strong mobilization of the population and advocacy by citizens are necessary to prevent antivaccination groups from gaining a stronger presence in the region and jeopardizing the credibility of the Expanded Program on Immunization.

Impact of HPV Vaccination on the Incidence of High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN2+) in Women Aged 20-25 in the Northern Part of Norway: A 15-Year Study.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, is a key risk factor for high-grade cervical lesions and cervical cancer. Since 2009, HPV vaccination has been part of the national immunization program for girls in 7th grade in Norway (women born 1997 and later). This study aimed to assess the impact of HPV vaccination on the incidence of high-grade cervical precursors (CIN2+) among women aged 20-25 in Troms and Finnmark over a 15-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this time series study, we analyzed cervical screening data from 15,328 women aged 20-25 in Troms and Finnmark, collected between 2008 and 2022. Statistical methods, including linear and logistic regression, were employed to evaluate changes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and worse (CIN2+) incidence and compare risks between vaccine-offered cohorts and pre-vaccine cohorts. RESULTS: The incidence of CIN2+ initially increased from 31 cases per year in 2008 to 110 cases in 2018, then significantly decreased to 44 cases per year by 2022 (p < 0.01). Women in pre-vaccine cohorts had a substantially higher risk of CIN2+ (OR 9.02, 95% CI 5.9-13.8) and CIN3+ (OR 19.6, 95% CI 7.3-52.6). Notably, no vaccinated women with CIN2+ tested positive for HPV types 16 or 18. Furthermore, none of the 13 cervical cancer cases recorded during the study were from the vaccinated cohorts. INTERPRETATION: The findings suggest a significant reduction in the incidence of high-grade cervical precursors following the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Norway's national immunization program, highlighting its effectiveness in cervical cancer prevention among young women in Northern Norway.

Success in vaccination programming through community health workers: a qualitative analysis of interviews and focus group discussions from Nepal, Senegal and Zambia.

OBJECTIVES: Community health workers are essential to front-line health outreach throughout low-income and middle-income countries, including programming for early childhood immunisation. Understanding how community health workers are engaged for successful early childhood vaccination among countries who showed success in immunisation coverage would support evidence-based policy guidance across contexts. DESIGN: We employed a multiple case study design using qualitative research methods. SETTING: We conducted research in Nepal, Senegal and Zambia. PARTICIPANTS: We conducted 207 interviews and 71 focus group discussions with 678 participants at the national, regional, district, health facility and community levels of the health systems of Nepal, Senegal and Zambia, from October 2019 to April 2021. We used thematic analysis to investigate contributing factors of community health worker programming that supported early childhood immunisation within each country and across contexts. RESULTS: Implementation of vaccination programming relied principally on the (1) organisation, (2) motivation and (3) trust of community health workers. Organisation was accomplished by expanding cadres of community health workers to carry out their roles and responsibilities related to vaccination. Motivation was supported by intrinsic and extrinsic incentives. Trust was expressed by communities due to community health worker respect and value placed on their work. CONCLUSION: Improvements in immunisation coverage was facilitated by community health worker organisation, motivation and trust. With the continued projection of health worker shortages, especially in low-income countries, community health workers bridged the equity gap in access to vaccination services by enabling wider reach to underserved populations. Although improvements in vaccination programming were seen in all three countries-including government commitment to addressing human resource deficits, training and remuneration; workload, inconsistency in compensation, training duration and scope, and supervision remain major challenges to immunisation programming. Health decision-makers should consider organisation, motivation and trust of community health workers to improve the implementation of immunisation programming.

[Space-time heterogeneity of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination indicators in children from BrazilHeterogeneidad espaciotemporal de los indicadores de inmunización con la vacuna triple viral en la población infantil de Brasil]. / Heterogeneidade espaço-temporal dos indicadores de imunização da vacina tríplice viral em crianças no Brasil.

Objective: To evaluate immunization coverage and dropout rates of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine across Brazilian regions. Methods: This ecological study employing a space-time approach used data from the National Immunization Program (PNI) and the Live Births Information System (SINASC). We estimated the annual variation (2014 to 2021) in immunization coverage and dropout rate of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in children aged 12 and 15 months in the 5 570 Brazilian municipalities. Statistical analysis was conducted for the municipalities contained in each Brazilian region using the space-time scan technique, considering the Poisson probabilistic model and the hypothesis that municipalities with lower immunization coverage or high dropout rates would form space-time clusters. Results: From 2014 to 2021, 38.3% and 12.9% of municipalities achieved a coverage ≥ 95.0% in the first and second doses respectively; 53.6% of municipalities had a high dropout rate (20.0% to 49.9%) and 37.2% had a very high dropout rate. The Northeast region had primary clusters for low coverage of the first (2018 to 2021) and second vaccine doses (2020 to 2021) with higher relative risks (RR) compared to other primary clusters. The RR for high dropout rate was elevated in all Brazilian regions (1.57 to 26.23). Conclusions: In some Brazilian regions, the dropout rate has been high since 2014, signaling a risk of measles resurgence. In turn, space-time analysis indicated lower vaccination coverage in 2020, suggesting the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objetivo: Evaluar la cobertura de vacunación y las tasas de incumplimiento del esquema de vacunación triple viral en las macrorregiones de Brasil. Métodos: En este estudio ecológico, con un enfoque espaciotemporal, se utilizaron datos del Programa Nacional de Inmunización y del Sistema de Información sobre Recién Nacidos Vivos. Se estimó la variación anual de la cobertura de vacunación y la tasa de incumplimiento del esquema de vacunación triple viral en niños de 12 y 15 meses en 5570 municipios brasileños (en el período 2014-2021). El análisis estadístico se realizó en el conjunto de municipios de cada macrorregión brasileña mediante la técnica de barrido espaciotemporal, con un modelo probabilístico de Poisson y con la hipótesis de que los municipios con menor cobertura de vacunación o tasas altas de incumplimiento formarían conglomerados espaciotemporales. Resultados: En el período 2014-2021, el 38,3% y el 12,9% de los municipios alcanzó una cobertura ≥95,0% para la primera y la segunda dosis de la vacuna triple viral, respectivamente; el 53,6% de los municipios tuvo una tasa de incumplimiento alta (del 20,0% al 49,9%) y el 37,2% una tasa extremadamente alta. En la zona del nordeste se observaron los conglomerados primarios de cobertura baja de la primera y la segunda dosis de la vacuna triple viral (administradas en los períodos 2018-2021 y 2020-2021, respectivamente) con un mayor riesgo relativo (RR), en comparación con los demás conglomerados primarios. Se observó un RR alto de tener una tasa elevada de incumplimiento en todas las macrorregiones de Brasil (de entre 1,57 y 26,23). Conclusiones: En algunas macrorregiones, la tasa de incumplimiento había sido elevada desde el 2014, lo cual indica un riesgo de resurgimiento del sarampión. A su vez, en el análisis espaciotemporal se observó una menor cobertura de vacunación en el 2020, lo que denota la influencia de la pandemia de COVID-19.

Erradicación de la poliomielitis en España: ¿qué ha pasado en la última década? / Eradication of poliomyelitis in Spain: What has happened in the last decade?

Al cumplirse sesenta años desde el inicio de la campaña de vacunación frente a la poliomielitis en España, se destaca el importante hito en el control de la enfermedad que ha supuesto el cambio desde una incidencia de más de 2.000 casos anuales en la década de los 60 a una ausencia mantenida de poliovirus (PV) salvaje desde 1988. A pesar del impacto negativo observado en las coberturas de vacunación de poliomielitis al inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19, estas se fueron recuperando, alcanzando un 98,2% en la primovacunación en 2022. En la última década, se han identificado dos elementos esenciales para mantener el objetivo de eliminación de la poliomielitis y que, además, refuerzan la importancia de mantener altas coberturas de vacunación: los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica robustos y la respuesta rápida a las alertas para proteger a la población vulnerable y evitar la circulación del virus. Es crucial interrumpir la transmisión a nivel internacional para lograr la erradicación, manteniendo una vigilancia continua de alta calidad y una coordinación efectiva entre los diferentes niveles frente a cualquier detección de PV, ya sea salvaje o derivado de la vacuna.(AU)

On the 60th anniversary of the initiation of the polio vaccination campaign in Spain, the significant milestone in achieving disease control is highlighted. There has been a shift from an incidence of over 2,000 yearly cases in the 1960s to a sustained absence of wild poliovirus (WPV) since 1988. Despite the observed negative impact on polio vaccination coverage at the onset of the COVID-19 pan-demic, these rates gradually recovered, reaching 98.2% in primary vaccination in 2022. Over the past decade, two essential elements have been identified to maintain the goal of polio elimination and that reinforces the importance of sustaining high vaccination co-verage: robust epidemiological surveillance systems and a swift response to alerts to protect the vulnerable population and prevent virus reintroduction. In order to achieve eradication, it is crucial to interrupt international transmission and maintain continuous high-quality surveillance and effective coordination across different levels in response to any detection of PV, wild or vaccine derived.This article aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the polio eradication situation in Spain, focusing on the key events that occu-rred in the last decade and the present and future challenges.(AU)

Serosurvey of anti-rubella and anti-measles IgG antibodies in young females in Jahrom, southern west Iran in 2012: A review of literature of the serological profile in Iran.

Background: Rubella and measles are two highly contagious viral childhood diseases. However, the high possibility of brutal effects of both microorganisms during pregnancy has kept them emerging as a major public health issue. The current study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of rubella and measles among 15-25-year-old females in southwest Iran. Method: This descriptive study was performed in Jahrom, southern west Iran during 2012. Serum samples from female individuals with an age of 15-25 years visiting main laboratories in our study location were collected and evaluated by a commercial ELISA kit for anti-rubella and measles IgG antibodies. Results: Among the 179 participants, regarding anti-rubella antibodies, 171 (95.0%) were positive, 3 (1.7%) were negative, and 6 (3.3%) were borderline. Regarding anti-measles antibodies, 166 (92.2%) of the subjects were positive, 1 (5.6%) was negative, and 13 (17.2%) were borderline. By assuming a positive value for the borderline cases, the ultimate findings demonstrated that 98.3% and 99.4% of the participants were immune against rubella and measles, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between measles and rubella immunity with age or the use of immunosuppressor medication. Conclusion: Implementation of vaccine program has obtained significant immunity level in inhabitants, particularly women of childbearing age who play a more important role in herd immunity. Therefore, maintaining the national immune screening against rubella and measles is needed to take into consideration to maintain the current satisfactory level of immunization.

Utilization of Mobile Reminders in Improving the Completeness and Timeliness of Routine Childhood Immunization in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the effectiveness of mobile phone reminders in improving the completeness and timeliness of childhood immunization. METHOD: We conducted a parallel arm cluster randomized controlled trial in four primary health care facilities in Nigeria. Reminders were sent to eligible participants in the intervention group at specific intervals when their children were scheduled to receive the vaccines administered at the sixth, 10, and 14 weeks after birth. Immunization records of all participants' children were then tracked to assess their immunization status. RESULTS: The immunization status of the intervention (n = 275) and control (n = 261) arms was analyzed. Completeness and timeliness of the vaccine series were significantly higher (p < .001) among children of participants in the intervention (n = 169, 61.5% and n = 138, 50.2%) than those in the control group (n = 35, 13.4% and n = 13, 5%) arm. DISCUSSION: Mobile phone reminders were established to be effective in increasing the completeness and timeliness of childhood immunization.

[Eradication of poliomyelitis in Spain: What has happened in the last decade?] / Erradicación de la poliomielitis en España: ¿qué ha pasado en la última década?

On the 60th anniversary of the initiation of the polio vaccination campaign in Spain, the significant milestone in achieving disease control is highlighted. There has been a shift from an incidence of over 2,000 yearly cases in the 1960s to a sustained absence of wild poliovirus (WPV) since 1988. Despite the observed negative impact on polio vaccination coverage at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these rates gradually recovered, reaching 98.2% in primary vaccination in 2022. Over the past decade, two essential elements have been identified to maintain the goal of polio elimination and that reinforces the importance of sustaining high vaccination coverage: robust epidemiological surveillance systems and a swift response to alerts to protect the vulnerable population and prevent virus reintroduction. In order to achieve eradication, it is crucial to interrupt international transmission and maintain continuous high-quality surveillance and effective coordination across different levels in response to any detection of PV, wild or vaccine derived. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the polio eradication situation in Spain, focusing on the key events that occurred in the last decade and the present and future challenges.

hito en el control de la enfermedad que ha supuesto el cambio desde una incidencia de más de 2.000 casos anuales en la década de los 60 a una ausencia mantenida de poliovirus (PV) salvaje desde 1988. A pesar del impacto negativo observado en las coberturas de vacunación de poliomielitis al inicio de la pandemia de la COVID-19, estas se fueron recuperando, alcanzando un 98,2% en la primovacunación en 2022. En la última década se han identificado dos elementos esenciales para mantener el objetivo de eliminación de la poliomielitis y que, además, refuerzan la importancia de mantener altas coberturas de vacunación: los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica robustos y la respuesta rápida a las alertas para proteger a la población vulnerable y evitar la circulación del virus. Es crucial interrumpir la transmisión a nivel internacional para lograr la erradicación, manteniendo una vigilancia continua de alta calidad y una coordinación efectiva entre los diferentes niveles frente a cualquier detección de PV, ya sea salvaje o derivado de la vacuna. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo proporcionar una visión integral sobre la situación de erradicación de la poliomielitis en España, centrándose en los eventos clave ocurridos en la última década y en los retos presentes y futuros.

Health system barriers to the first dose of measles immunization in Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia has made considerable progress toward measles elimination. Despite ongoing efforts, the country remains among those with the highest number of children missing their initial dose of measles vaccine, and the disease continues to be a public health emergency. The barriers within the health system that hinder the first dose of measles immunization have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to identify these barriers within the Ethiopian context. METHODS: Qualitative research, using purposive expert sampling to select key informants from health organizations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was employed. We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. A thematic analysis based on the World Health Organization's health systems building blocks framework was conducted. RESULTS: The study uncovered substantial health system barriers to the uptake of the first dose of the measles vaccine in Ethiopia. These barriers include; restricted availability of immunization services, vaccine stockouts, shortage of cold chain technologies, data inaccuracy resulting from deliberate data falsification or accidental manipulation of data, as well as data incompleteness. CONCLUSION: Our research highlighted significant health system barriers to MCV1 immunization, contributing to unmet EPI targets in Ethiopia. Our results suggest that to accelerate the country towards measles elimination, there is an urgent need to improve the health systems components such as service delivery, information systems, as well as access to vaccine and cold chain technologies.

Landscaping analysis of immunization progress and program structures in selected middle income Southeast Asian countries.

This study examined the performance and structures of national immunization program in five middle-income Southeast Asian countries - Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Viet Nam, and Myanmar, and analyzed how the different structures relate to the difference in program performance to identify effective strategies in the study countries that facilitated good immunization performance. Data were derived from published literature, and WHO/UNICEF/Gavi databases, with 2010 as the baseline year. UMICs Malaysia and Thailand maintained ≥90 % coverage from 2010 to 2020 and even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. LMICs Viet Nam and donor-supported Myanmar also achieved 80-90 % coverage for most routine vaccines in 2020. The Philippines have not reached ≥90 % coverage since 2010, with the maximum only 72 % (MCV1 and Polio3) in 2020. All study countries prioritize immunization and increased government financing since 2010 by minimum 91 % in Malaysia and 1897 % in Myanmar. However, Myanmar still largely depended on donor support with government financing only 32 % of immunization costs in 2021. The Philippines funds 100 % of immunization costs and ensures sustainable financing for the NIP through earmarked "sin tax" revenues from alcohol and tobacco. Donor support influenced new vaccine introductions among the study countries, with Gavi countries Myanmar and Viet Nam introducing more new vaccines, compared to Gavi-ineligible Malaysia and Thailand. The Philippines reported vaccine stock-outs every year amounting to 28 stock-outs events from 2010 to 2019, compared to only 1-4 stockouts in the other study countries. Donor support, innovative financing, and domestic vaccine manufacturing all play an important role in the efficient delivery of immunization services as demonstrated by the several new vaccine introductions and high immunization rates in Myanmar though Gavi and UNICEF support, additional annual $1.2 billion budget for health and immunization from "sin taxes" in the Philippines, and lack of stockouts for vaccines sourced at affordable prices from domestic manufacturers in Viet Nam.

[Ranking of immunization programs in Latin America, 2020Ranking dos programas de vacinação na América Latina, 2020]. / Ranking de los programas de vacunación en América Latina, 2020.

Objective: Construct a ranking of national immunization programs in Latin America in 2020 and compare it with the previous year. Methods: Eighteen national immunization programs were evaluated on the basis of public information obtained from official sites of the countries' ministries of health, the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and local sources. The ranking was based on the 2020 vaccination schedule for different life stages, special situations, vaccination against influenza, 2019 vaccination coverage, and programmatic aspects. Results: Vaccination coverage decreased in most countries. The average regional declined in 2020, as did the scores for most countries, except Chile and Colombia. Chile leads the ranking, followed by Uruguay, Panama, and Costa Rica. Chile stands out for its full calendar, higher vaccination coverage rates, and programmatic achievements. Conclusions: The lower overall score in 2020 highlights the need to recover the Region's vaccination coverage rates. This analysis seeks to motivate countries to address pending challenges.

Objetivo: Construir e comparar o ranking dos programas nacionais de imunização (PNIs) na América Latina em 2020 com o ano anterior. Métodos: Foram avaliados 18 PNIs com base em informações públicas obtidas de sites oficiais dos ministérios da Saúde dos países, da Organização Mundial da Saúde, da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, do Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância e de fontes locais. O ranking foi compilado com base no calendário de vacinação de 2020 para diferentes fases da vida, situações especiais, vacinação contra a gripe, cobertura vacinal (CV) de 2019 e aspectos programáticos. Resultados: As CVs diminuíram na maioria dos países. A pontuação média regional e a pontuação da maioria dos países também caíram em 2020, exceto no Chile e na Colômbia. O Chile lidera o ranking, seguido do Uruguai, do Panamá e da Costa Rica, e se destaca por ter um calendário completo, maiores CVs e êxitos programáticos. Conclusões: A pontuação global mais baixa em 2020 destaca a necessidade de recuperar a CV da região. Esta análise busca motivar os países a enfrentar os desafios pendentes.

Using community-based, participatory qualitative research to identify determinants of routine vaccination drop-out for children under 2 in Lilongwe and Mzimba North Districts, Malawi.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, full childhood routine immunisation coverage has fallen by 5% to levels not seen since 2008; between 2019 and 2021, 67 million children were undervaccinated. We aimed to identify and describe the determinants of vaccination drop-out from the perspectives of caregivers and health workers in Malawi. DESIGN: We used a community-based participatory research approach to collect data through photo elicitation, short message service exchanges, in-depth interviews and observations. We used a team-based approach for thematic analysis, guided by the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination framework. SETTING: The study was conducted in Lilongwe and Mzimba North Districts in Malawi, representing urban and rural settings, respectively. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included caregivers of partially vaccinated (n=38) and fully vaccinated (n=12) children between 25 and 34 months and Community Health Workers (n=20) who deliver vaccines. Caregiver participants were identified through health facility vaccination registers and with the assistance of community health volunteers. RESULTS: We identified five principal drivers of routine vaccination drop-out: (1) poor caregiver knowledge of the vaccine schedule and how many vaccines are needed for full vaccination; (2) caregivers' fear of repercussions after not following vaccination guidelines; (3) rumours and concerns if vaccines are repeated or new ones are introduced; (4) high opportunity cost of health facility visits, exacerbated by wait times, stockouts and missed opportunities and (5) limited family support and vaccination burden placed largely on mothers. Key differences between rural and urban settings related to practices around health cards and vaccine wastage, wait times, migrant and tenant communities, and social support systems. CONCLUSIONS: Immunisation interventions should be tailored to address drivers of drop-out in the community, the health facility and beyond. Service quality, timeliness and reliability need to be improved, and tailored messaging and education are needed, especially in response to COVID-19-related misinformation and introductions of new, routine vaccines.

Key Learnings from the Development and Early Use of Global Guidance on the Integration of COVID-19 Vaccination into Broader Health Systems.

More than 13.5 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses were delivered between 2021 and 2023 through a mix of delivery platforms, with mass vaccination campaigns being the main approach. In 2022, with the continued circulation of SARS-CoV2 and the need for periodic boosters being most likely, countries were required to plan for more sustainable approaches to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. In this context of uncertainty, a global tool for integrating COVID-19 vaccines into immunization programs and as part of broader health systems was published jointly by the WHO and UNICEF to respond to country needs. This paper summarizes the approach to, and lessons learned during, the development of a global guidance document and describes some examples of its early use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The guidance leveraged existing health system frameworks, proposed four steps for planning and implementing the COVID-19 vaccination integration journey, and identified investment areas. The development process maximized robust global stakeholder and country engagement, and the timeframe was aligned with donor funding windows to support countries with the integration of COVID-19 vaccination. The rapid dissemination of the guidance document allowed countries to ascertain their readiness for integrating COVID-19 vaccination and inform the development of national plans and funding applications. While progress has been made in specific areas (e.g., optimizing cold chain and logistics leveraging COVID-19 vaccination), in the context of decreasing demand for COVID-19 vaccines, reaching adult COVID-19 vaccine high-priority-use groups and engaging and coordinating with other health programs (beyond immunization) remain challenges, particularly in LMICs. We share the learning that despite the uncertainties of a pandemic, guidance documents can be developed and used within a short timeframe. Working in partnership with stakeholders within and beyond immunization towards a common objective is powerful and can allow progress to be made in terms of integrating health services and better preparing for future pandemics.

Invasive meningococcal disease in South-Eastern European countries: Do we need to revise vaccination strategies?

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an acute life-threatening infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. Globally, there are approximately half a million cases of IMD each year, with incidence varying across geographical regions. Vaccination has proven to be successful against IMD, as part of controlling outbreaks, and when incorporated into national immunization programs. The South-Eastern Europe Meningococcal Advocacy Group (including representatives from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine) was formed in order to discuss the potential challenges of IMD faced in the region. The incidence of IMD across Europe has been relatively low over the past decade; of the countries that came together for the South-Eastern Meningococcal Advocacy Group, the notification rates were lower than the European average for some country. The age distribution of IMD cases was highest in infants and children, and most countries also had a further peak in adolescents and young adults. Across the nine included countries between 2010 and 2020, the largest contributors to IMD were serogroups B and C; however, each individual country had distinct patterns for serogroup distribution. Along with the variations in epidemiology of IMD between the included countries, vaccination policies also differ.

Vaccination coverage and abandonment among children under two years old in Brazil: a time-series study / Cobertura e abandono vacinal em menores de dois anos no Brasil: um estudo de séries temporais

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the vaccination coverage and abandonment rates among children under two years old in Brazil, from 2015 to 2021. Methods: A time-series ecological study. The dependent variables of the research were "vaccination coverage" and "abandonment rate", both assessed by Brazilian region. The data were extracted in July 2022 from the Information System of the National Immunization Program. The Prais-Winsten technique was used for the trend analysis, with the aid of the STATA 16.0 software. Results: The mean vaccination coverage in Brazil was 76.96%, with a decreasing trend during the period (Annual Percent Change=-5.12; confidence interval — CI95% -7.81; -2.34); in 2015, the rate was 88.85% and it dropped to 62.35% in 2021. In turn, the overall abandonment rate was 24.00% in 2015 and 9.01% in 2021, with a mean of 10.48% and a stationary trend (Annual Percentage Change=-9.54; CI95% -22.92; 6.12). In 2021, all the vaccines presented coverage values below 74.00% in the country. Conclusions: The vaccination coverage rate trend among children under two years old was stationary or decreasing for all the immunobiologicals in all Brazilian regions, with the exception of yellow fever in the South and Southeast regions. There was an increase in the abandonment rate trend for the Meningococcal C vaccine in the country and, specifically in relation to the regions, for BCG in the North, Northeast, and Midwest and for Meningococcal C in the North and Northeast.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a tendência das taxas de cobertura e abandono vacinal em menores de dois anos no Brasil, no período de 2015 a 2021. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais. As variáveis dependentes da pesquisa foram a cobertura vacinal e a taxa de abandono, avaliadas por região brasileira. Os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunizações em julho de 2022. Para a análise de tendência, empregou-se a técnica de Prais-Winsten com o auxílio do software STATA 16.0. Resultados: Identificou-se que a média de cobertura vacinal no Brasil foi de 76,96%, com tendência decrescente no período (variação percentual anual=-5,12; intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% -7,81; -2,34). Em 2015 a taxa foi de 88,85%, caindo para 62,35% em 2021. A taxa geral de abandono, por sua vez, foi de 24,00% em 2015 para 9,01% em 2021, sendo a taxa média de 10,48% e a tendência estacionária (variação percentual anual=-9,54; IC95% -22,92; 6,12). Em 2021, todas as vacinas tiveram cobertura abaixo de 74,00% no país. Conclusões: A tendência da taxa de cobertura vacinal de crianças menores de dois anos mostrou-se estacionária ou decrescente para todos os imunobiológicos em todas as regiões brasileiras, com exceção da febre amarela nas Regiões Sul e Sudeste. Houve aumento da tendência da taxa de abandono da vacina Meningo C no país e, especificamente em relação às regiões, para BCG no norte, nordeste e centro-oeste e Meningo C no norte e nordeste.

Temporal trends in vaccination coverage in the first year of life in Brazil / Tendência temporal das coberturas vacinais no primeiro ano de vida no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal trends in vaccination coverage (VC) during the first year of life of children in Brazil. Methods: Data on VC for the first year of life from 2011 to 2020 for Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), hepatitis B, polio, pentavalent, and triple viral vaccines at the national, regional, and state levels were obtained from the Information System of the National Immunization Program. Trends were analyzed using Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression models and average annual percent change (APC) estimates. Results: Decreasing trends were observed for the BCG (APC −3.58%; p<0.05), pentavalent (APC −4.10%; p<0.05), polio (APC −2.76%; p<0.05), and triple viral (APC −2.56%; p<0.05) vaccines in the country. Hepatitis B vaccine was the only vaccine that displayed stationary behavior (APC −4.22%; p>0.05). During the study period, no increasing trends were observed in any territory or vaccine. Conclusions: This study shows a recent significant reduction and decreasing trends in VC during the first year of life of children in Brazil, indicating the need for interventions to curb this ongoing phenomenon and to recover acceptable VC rates in the country.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal da cobertura vacinal (CV) em crianças com idade menor ou igual a um ano no Brasil. Métodos: Foram empregados dados da CV no primeiro ano de vida de 2011 a 2020 referentes às vacinas BCG, hepatite B, poliomielite, pentavalente e tríplice viral, obtidos do Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunizações (SI-PNI). Os dados estão agregados em nível nacional, regional e estadual. Para a análise de tendência foi utilizado o modelo de regressão linear generalizado de Prais-Winsten e foi calculada a variação percentual média anual (APC). Resultados: As tendências de CV para as vacinas BCG (APC −3,58%; p<0,05), pentavalente (APC −4,10%; p<0,05), poliomielite (APC −2,76%; p<0,05) e tríplice viral (APC −2,56%; p<0,05) foram decrescentes no país. Apenas para a CV da vacina contra hepatite B foi identificado comportamento estacionário (APC −4,22%; p>0,05). Nenhum território ou vacina apresentou tendência crescente para cobertura vacinal no período estudado no Brasil. Conclusões: Este estudo alerta sobre a redução expressiva das CV no primeiro ano de vida nos últimos anos no Brasil e sua tendência decrescente, sendo imperativa a adoção de intervenções com o fim de frear o fenômeno em curso e de resgatar níveis aceitáveis de CV no país.

Hesitação vacinal infantil e COVID-19: uma análise a partir da percepção dos profissionais de saúde / Childhood vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19: an analysis based on the perception of health professionals / La reticencia vacunal infantil y la COVID-19: un análisis a partir de la percepción de los profesionales de la salud

Resumo: Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre a percepção dos profissionais de saúde sobre a hesitação vacinal infantil relacionada à COVID-19. Baseado no constructo teórico da hesitação vacinal, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa com 86 trabalhadores da atenção primária à saúde (APS) em quatro municípios de quatro estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal. A análise temática foi realizada e obtiveram-se três categorias: medo, desinformação em vacina e papel dos profissionais de saúde. O medo como motivo de hesitação vacinal gerou reflexões sobre a condução da pandemia pelo Governo Federal, principalmente no que tange à governabilidade por meio desse afeto, e sobre as consequências do uso das plataformas digitais na população. O medo relacionou-se ao fato de a vacina ainda ser percebida como experimental; às possíveis reações adversas; à ausência de estudos de longo prazo; à falsa percepção de risco reduzido da COVID-19 em crianças; e às condutas do Governo Federal geradoras de insegurança nos efeitos da vacina. A desinformação em vacina relacionou-se às fake news sobre a vacina e suas reações; ao fenômeno da infodemia e desinformação; e à ausência de orientação e conhecimento sobre vacinas. Por fim, o trabalho discute o papel fundamental dos profissionais de saúde da APS no aumento da cobertura vacinal devido à confiabilidade perante a população e à proximidade com os territórios, fatores que possibilitam reverter o medo e a desinformação diante das vacinas. Ao longo do trabalho, buscou-se apresentar as convergências entre o conteúdo dos temas delineados e os determinantes da hesitação vacinal e refletir sobre possibilidades para a reconstrução da alta adesão às vacinas infantis.

Abstract: This article presents the results of a study on health professionals' perceptions of childhood vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19. Based on the theoretical construct of vaccine hesitancy, a qualitative study was conducted with 86 primary health care (PHC) workers in four municipalities in four Brazilian states and in the Federal District. A thematic analysis was performed and three categories were obtained: fear, misinformation about vaccines, and the role of health professionals. Fear as a reason for vaccine hesitancy has led to reflections on the Brazilian Federal Government's management of the pandemic, especially regarding governability and the consequences of the use of digital platforms on the population. Fear was related to the vaccine still being perceived as experimental; to the adverse reactions it may cause; to the lack of long-term studies; to the false perception of reduced risk of COVID-19 in children; and to the Federal Government's behavior, which creates uncertainty about the effects of the vaccine. Vaccine misinformation was related to fake news about the vaccine and its reactions; the phenomenon of infodemic and misinformation; and the lack of guidance and knowledge about vaccines. Finally, the article discusses the fundamental role of PHC workers in increasing vaccination coverage due to the trust among the population and proximity to the territories, factors that enable the reversal of fear and misinformation about vaccines. Throughout the study, authors' sought to show the convergences between the content of the themes outlined and the determinants of vaccine hesitancy and to consider possibilities for rebuilding high adherence to childhood vaccines.

Resumen: Este artículo presenta los resultados de una encuesta sobre la percepción de los profesionales de la salud acerca de la reticencia vacunal infantil relacionada con la COVID-19. Con base en el constructo teórico de la reticencia vacunal, se realizó una encuesta cualitativa con 86 trabajadores de la atención primaria de salud (APS) en 4 municipios de 4 estados brasileños y en el Distrito Federal. Se realizó un análisis temático y se obtuvieron tres categorías: miedo, desinformación sobre vacunas y papel de los profesionales de la salud. El miedo como motivo de reticencia vacunal dio lugar a reflexiones sobre el manejo de la pandemia por parte del Gobierno Federal, sobre todo en lo que respecta a la gobernabilidad por medio de esta afección y las consecuencias del uso de plataformas digitales en la población. El temor se relacionó con el hecho de que la vacuna todavía se percibe como experimental; con las reacciones adversas que puedan provocar; con la ausencia de estudios a largo plazo; con la falsa percepción de riesgo reducido de COVID-19 en niños y con las conductas del Gobierno Federal que generan inseguridad sobre los efectos de la vacuna. La desinformación sobre las vacunas se relacionó con noticias falsas sobre la vacuna y sus reacciones; el fenómeno de la infodemia y la desinformación; y la ausencia de orientación y conocimiento sobre las vacunas. Finalmente, el trabajo discute el papel fundamental de los profesionales de la salud de la APS en el aumento de la cobertura vacunal debido a su confiabilidad entre la población y cercanía a los territorios, factores que permiten revertir el miedo y la desinformación respecto a las vacunas. A lo largo del trabajo, se buscó presentar las convergencias entre el contenido de los temas delineados y los determinantes de la reticencia vacunal y reflexionar sobre las posibilidades para la reconstrucción de una alta adhesión a las vacunas infantiles.

Ranking de los programas de vacunación en América Latina, 2020 / Ranking of immunization programs in Latin America, 2020 / Ranking dos programas de vacinação na América Latina, 2020

RESUMEN Objetivo. Construir y comparar el ranking de los programas nacionales de inmunizaciones (PNI) de América Latina del año 2020 con el año anterior. Métodos. Se evaluaron 18 PNI con base en la información pública obtenida de sitios oficiales de los ministerios de salud de los países, la Organización Mundial de la Salud, la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, el Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia y referentes locales. El ranking se elaboró con base en el calendario de vacunación del año 2020 en distintas etapas de la vida, situaciones especiales, vacunación antigripal, coberturas vacunales (CV) del 2019 y aspectos programáticos. Resultados. Las CV disminuyeron en la mayoría de los países. El puntaje promedio regional y de la mayoría de los países también bajó en el 2020 excepto en Chile y Colombia. Chile lidera el ranking, seguido por Uruguay, Panamá y Costa Rica, y se destaca por su calendario completo, mayores CV y logros programáticos. Conclusiones. El menor puntaje global del 2020 resalta que es necesario recuperar la CV en la Región. Este análisis busca motivar a los países a abordar los desafíos pendientes.

ABSTRACT Objective. Construct a ranking of national immunization programs in Latin America in 2020 and compare it with the previous year. Methods. Eighteen national immunization programs were evaluated on the basis of public information obtained from official sites of the countries' ministries of health, the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and local sources. The ranking was based on the 2020 vaccination schedule for different life stages, special situations, vaccination against influenza, 2019 vaccination coverage, and programmatic aspects. Results. Vaccination coverage decreased in most countries. The average regional declined in 2020, as did the scores for most countries, except Chile and Colombia. Chile leads the ranking, followed by Uruguay, Panama, and Costa Rica. Chile stands out for its full calendar, higher vaccination coverage rates, and programmatic achievements. Conclusions. The lower overall score in 2020 highlights the need to recover the Region's vaccination coverage rates. This analysis seeks to motivate countries to address pending challenges.

RESUMO Objetivo. Construir e comparar o ranking dos programas nacionais de imunização (PNIs) na América Latina em 2020 com o ano anterior. Métodos. Foram avaliados 18 PNIs com base em informações públicas obtidas de sites oficiais dos ministérios da Saúde dos países, da Organização Mundial da Saúde, da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, do Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância e de fontes locais. O ranking foi compilado com base no calendário de vacinação de 2020 para diferentes fases da vida, situações especiais, vacinação contra a gripe, cobertura vacinal (CV) de 2019 e aspectos programáticos. Resultados. As CVs diminuíram na maioria dos países. A pontuação média regional e a pontuação da maioria dos países também caíram em 2020, exceto no Chile e na Colômbia. O Chile lidera o ranking, seguido do Uruguai, do Panamá e da Costa Rica, e se destaca por ter um calendário completo, maiores CVs e êxitos programáticos. Conclusões. A pontuação global mais baixa em 2020 destaca a necessidade de recuperar a CV da região. Esta análise busca motivar os países a enfrentar os desafios pendentes.