Eficacia, efectividad y seguridad de la vacuna antigripal adyuvada en población de 65 o más años de edad / Efficacy, effectiveness and safety of the adjuvanted influenza vaccine in the population aged 65 or over

La mayoría de las complicaciones y fallecimientos relacionados con la gripe estacional ocurren en población de 65 años o más y con enfermedades de base, y la vacuna frente a la gripe es la forma más efectiva de prevenirlas. La inmunización es menos eficaz en los adultos mayores debido a la inmunosenescencia. Las vacunas adyuvadas con MF59, diseñadas para mejorar la magnitud, persistencia y amplitud de la respuesta inmunitaria en personas de 65 años o más, se vienen utilizando en la práctica clínica desde 1997 en su formulación trivalente y, desde 2020, en formulación tetravalente. Los datos de diversos estudios muestran que estas vacunas son seguras para todos los grupos de edad, con un perfil de reactogenicidad similar al de la vacuna convencional, y que resultan especialmente efectivas para potenciar la respuesta inmunitaria en la población de 65 años o más, al aumentar los títulos de anticuerpos tras la vacunación y reducir significativamente el riesgo de ingreso hospitalario. Las vacunas adyuvadas han demostrado otorgar protección cruzada frente a cepas heterólogas y ser igual de efectivas que la vacuna de alta dosis en población de 65 años o más. En esta revisión se analiza la evidencia científica sobre la eficacia y la efectividad de la vacuna adyuvada con MF59 en la práctica clínica real en personas ≥65 años mediante una revisión narrativa y descriptiva de los datos publicados en ensayos clínicos, estudios observacionales y revisiones sistemáticas o metaanálisis (AU)

Most of the complications and deaths related to seasonal flu occur in the elderly population (≥65 years) with comorbidities, and the influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent them. Immunization is less effective in older adults due to immunosenescence. MF59-adjuvanted vaccines, designed to improve the magnitude, persistence and amplitude of the immune response in elderly people, have been used in clinical practice since 1997 in their trivalent formulation and, since 2020, in their tetravalent formulation. Data from various studies show that these vaccines are not only safe for all age groups, with a reactogenicity profile similar to that of the conventional vaccine, but also that they are especially effective in boosting the immune response in the population aged 65 or over by increasing antibody titers after vaccination and significantly reducing the risk of hospital admission. Adjuvanted vaccines have been shown to provide cross-protection against heterologous strains and to be as effective as the high-dose vaccine in the population aged 65 or over. In this review, the scientific evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine in real clinical practice in people ≥65 years of age is analyzed through a narrative and descriptive review of the literature with data from clinical trials, observational studies and systematic reviews or meta-analysis (AU)

Evaluación de una intervención comunitaria para incrementar la cobertura vacunal de la gripe en mujeres embarazadas / Evaluation of a community-based intervention to increase influenza vaccination coverage in pregnant women

Objetivo: Conocer el impacto de la intervención educativa realizada sobre los profesionales de una zona básica de salud y su grupo de participación comunitaria, que conforman el grupo intervención (GI), y analizar su repercusión en la cobertura vacunal alcanzada para gripe en el grupo de riesgo (gestantes y puérperas) comparándola con su zona básica vecina, que conforma el grupo control (GC), durante la temporada vacunal 2019/20. Diseño: Estudio cuasiexperimental de intervención comunitaria. Emplazamiento: Dos zonas básicas de salud pertenecientes al departamento de salud Elche-Crevillente, España. Participantes: Gestantes y puérperas de 2 zonas básicas de salud y el grupo de participación comunitaria. Los profesionales de salud directamente relacionados con la campaña vacunal de gripe. Intervenciones: Sesión formativa al GI previa a la campaña de gripe 2019/20. Mediciones principales: Actitudes hacia la vacunación de gripe en profesionales sanitarios mediante el cuestionario validado CAPSVA y la cobertura vacunal de las gestantes y puérperas a través del Registro de Vacunas Nominal y su aceptación a la vacuna en la consulta de la matrona. Resultados: Los datos de cobertura vacunal en gripe registrados en el Registro de Vacunas Nominal para las mujeres gestantes y puérperas fue del 26,4% (n=207) en el GI y del 19,7% (n=144) en el GC (p=0,001), con una razón de incidencia del 1,34, lográndose así un 34% más de vacunación en el GI. La aceptación para la vacunación en las consultas de la matrona también fue elevada, inmunizándose en el GI el 96,5% vs. el 89,0% en el GC, con un RR=1,09 (IC 95% 1,01-1,62).Conclusiones: Estrategias de formación conjunta a profesionales y activos de la comunidad mejoran los resultados de cobertura vacunal.

Objective: To know the impact of the educational intervention carried out on the professionals of a basic health area and their community participation group, which make up the intervention group (IG), and to analyze its repercussion on the vaccination coverage achieved for influenza in the risk group (pregnant and puerperal women) comparing it with its neighboring basic zone, which makes up the control group (CG), during the 2019/20 vaccination season. Design: Quasi-experimental study of community intervention. SiteTwo basic health zones belonging to the Elche-Crevillente health department, Spain. Participants: Pregnant and postpartum women from 2 basic health areas and the community participation group. Health professionals directly related to the flu vaccination campaign. Interventions: Training session for the IG prior to the 2019/20 flu campaign. Main measurements: Attitudes towards influenza vaccination in health professionals through the validated CAPSVA questionnaire and the vaccination coverage of pregnant and postpartum women through the Nominal Vaccine Registry and their acceptance of the vaccine in the midwife's office. Results: The influenza vaccination coverage data recorded in Nominal Vaccine Registry for pregnant and puerperal women was 26.4% (n=207) in the IG and 19.7% (n=144) in the CG (p=0.001), with an incidence ratio of 1.34, thus achieving 34% more vaccination in the IG. Acceptance for vaccination in the midwife's office was also high, with 96.5% immunization in IG vs. 89.0% in CG, with a RR=1.09 (95% CI 1.01-1.62). Conclusions: Joint training strategies for professionals and community assets improve the results of vaccination coverage.(AU)

Encuesta sobre conocimientos y aceptación de vacunas entre personas con diabetes y su entorno CERCANO / A survey on vaccines knowledge and acceptance among individuals with diabetes and their close contacts

Resumen Introducción: La Asociación para el Cuidado de la Diabetes en Argentina - CUI.D.AR, realizó una encuesta online, diseñada para recabar conocimientos y apre ciaciones de las personas con diabetes mellitus y su entorno cercano sobre el virus Influenza y los riesgos potenciales asociados con la infección, y explorar el nivel de confianza en las vacunas en general y en la vacuna antigripal en particular. Métodos: Entre el 30 de septiembre y el 15 de noviem bre de 2021, un total de 1425 participantes completaron el cuestionario de forma anónima y voluntaria. La población que respondió la encuesta incluyó personas con distinto tipo de diabetes (n = 822), familiares, cuidadores y/o con tactos cercanos (n = 603), principalmente residentes en diferentes áreas geográficas del país y de diversas edades. Resultados: El 85% de los participantes, en conjunto, consideraba que el virus Influenza y la gripe son un ries go para la salud de las personas con diabetes. El 72% de los participantes refirió que la persona con diabetes se había aplicado la vacuna anualmente, incluso durante la pandemia de COVID-19. El nivel expresado de confianza en las vacunas fue elevado. Los participantes asigna ron un rol importante a los profesionales de la salud en la indicación de la vacuna antigripal y expresaron la necesidad de mayor información en los medios de comunicación sobre las vacunas. Discusión: La presente encuesta aporta datos obte nidos en el contexto de la vida real que podrían contri buir a optimizar la inmunización de las personas con diabetes.

Abstract Introduction: The Asociación para el Cuidado de la Diabetes en Argentina - CUI.D.AR, carried out an online survey specifically designed to collect the knowledge and perceptions people who suffered from diabetes mellitus and their close contacts had on the Influenza virus and the potential risks associated with the infection. The survey also explored the confidence level in vaccines in general and in anti-influenza vaccines in particular. Methods: Between September 30th and November 15th 2021, 1425 participants anonymously and volun tarily completed the questionnaire. The survey respon dents included people with different types of diabetes (n=822), their relatives, carers and close contacts (n=603). They were of diverse ages, most of whom lived in diffe rent geographical areas of the country. Results: Overall, 85% of the participants considered that the Influenza virus and the disease represent a risk for people with diabetes. Seventy-two percent of the participants expressed that the person with diabetes had received their annual immunization, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The referred level of confiden ce in vaccines was high. The participants assigned an important role to health professionals in vaccines pres cription and expressed the need for more information about vaccines in the media. Discussion: The present survey contributes real-world data that could help optimize diabetic people's immunization.

[Evaluation of a community-based intervention to increase influenza vaccination coverage in pregnant women]. / Evaluación de una intervención comunitaria para incrementar la cobertura vacunal de la gripe en mujeres embarazadas.

OBJECTIVE: To know the impact of the educational intervention carried out on the professionals of a basic health area and their community participation group, which make up the intervention group (IG), and to analyze its repercussion on the vaccination coverage achieved for influenza in the risk group (pregnant and puerperal women) comparing it with its neighboring basic zone, which makes up the control group (CG), during the 2019/20 vaccination season. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study of community intervention. SITE: Two basic health zones belonging to the Elche-Crevillente health department, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant and postpartum women from 2 basic health areas and the community participation group. Health professionals directly related to the flu vaccination campaign. INTERVENTIONS: Training session for the IG prior to the 2019/20 flu campaign. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Attitudes towards influenza vaccination in health professionals through the validated CAPSVA questionnaire and the vaccination coverage of pregnant and postpartum women through the Nominal Vaccine Registry and their acceptance of the vaccine in the midwife's office. RESULTS: The influenza vaccination coverage data recorded in Nominal Vaccine Registry for pregnant and puerperal women was 26.4% (n=207) in the IG and 19.7% (n=144) in the CG (p=0.001), with an incidence ratio of 1.34, thus achieving 34% more vaccination in the IG. Acceptance for vaccination in the midwife's office was also high, with 96.5% immunization in IG vs. 89.0% in CG, with a RR=1.09 (95% CI 1.01-1.62). CONCLUSIONS: Joint training strategies for professionals and community assets improve the results of vaccination coverage.

Cobertura y adherencia a la vacunación frente a la gripe en menores de 15 años con condiciones de riesgo en la Comunidad de Madrid / Vaccination against influenza: Coverage and adherence in children under 15 years with high-risk medical conditions in the Community of Madrid

Introducción: La vacunación antigripal está especialmente indicada en población infantil con riesgo de complicaciones o enfermedad grave. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el porcentaje de vacunación frente a la gripe en menores de 15 años con condiciones de riesgo en la Comunidad de Madrid, así como analizar los factores asociados a la adherencia vacunal a lo largo de tres campañas de vacunación. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, de base poblacional de niños/as de seis meses a 14 años y con condiciones de riesgo que tuvieran indicación de vacunación antigripal al inicio de la campaña 2018-2019. Se emplearon registros poblacionales electrónicos. Se describió el porcentaje de vacunados durante tres campañas consecutivas. Se analizó mediante análisis bivariado y multivariado la asociación de la adherencia vacunal con variables demográficas, socioeconómicas y condiciones de riesgo. Resultados: La cobertura vacunal fue del 15,6% en la campaña 2018-2019. La adherencia a la vacunación fue del 65,9%. Se asociaron a una mayor adherencia edad ≥ 3 años, fundamentalmente de 6-10 años (ORa=1,63; IC 95% [1,43-1,85]) y presentar más de una condición de riesgo, especialmente ≥ 3 (ORa=1,80; IC 95% [1,00-3,26]). La enfermedad más asociada fue diabetes mellitus (ORa=2,15; IC 95% [1,74-2,65]). Las personas extranjeras presentaron menor adherencia (ORa=0,43; IC 95% [0,36-0,51]). No se encontraron diferencias en la adherencia según sexo ni nivel socioeconómico. Conclusiones: La adherencia y cobertura vacunal se encuentran en niveles subóptimos. La adherencia a la vacunación antigripal se asocia a características demográficas y clínicas. Es necesario establecer estrategias para incrementar la vacunación en población infantil, con mayor implicación de profesionales y formación de progenitores. (AU)

Introduction: Vaccination against influenza is indicated in children at risk of complications or severe disease. The objective of this study was to describe the percentage of children aged less than 15 years with risk conditions vaccinated against influenza in the Community of Madrid, and to analyze the factors associated with adherence to vaccination throughout 3 vaccination campaigns. Materials and methods: Population-based cross-sectional observational study of children aged 6 months to 14 years with conditions that indicated influenza vaccination at the beginning of the 2018–2019 campaign. Electronic population registers were used. We described the percentage of children vaccinated in 3 consecutive campaigns, and assessed the association of adherence to vaccination with demographic and socioeconomic variables and risk conditions using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The vaccination coverage was 15.6% in the 2018–2019 campaign. The adherence to vaccination was 65.9%. The variables associated with greater adherence were age greater than 2 years, especially in the 6–10 years group (aOR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.43–1.85) and presenting more than one risk condition, especially 3 or more diseases (aOR=1.80; 95% CI: 1.00–3.26). Diabetes mellitus was the disease associated most strongly with adherence (aOR=2.15; 95% CI: 1.74–2.65). Adherence was lower in the immigrant population (aOR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.36–0.51). We found no association between vaccination adherence and sex or socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Vaccination coverage and adherence were suboptimal. Adherence to vaccination against influenza is associated with demographic and clinical conditions. Strategies need to be established to increase vaccination in children, with greater involvement of professionals and education of parents. (AU)

Vaccination against influenza: Coverage and adherence in children under 15 years with high-risk medical conditions in the Community of Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination against influenza is indicated in children at risk of complications or severe disease. The objective of this study was to describe the percentage of children aged less than 15 years with risk conditions vaccinated against influenza in the Community of Madrid, and to analyze the factors associated with adherence to vaccination throughout 3 vaccination campaigns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional observational study of children aged 6 months to 14 years with conditions that indicated influenza vaccination at the beginning of the 2018-2019 campaign. Electronic population registers were used. We described the percentage of children vaccinated in 3 consecutive campaigns, and assessed the association of adherence to vaccination with demographic and socioeconomic variables and risk conditions using bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The vaccination coverage was 15.6% in the 2018-2019 campaign. The adherence to vaccination was 65.9%. The variables associated with greater adherence were age greater than 2 years, especially in the 6-10 years group (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.43-1.85) and presenting more than one risk condition, especially 3 or more diseases (aOR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.00-3.26). Diabetes mellitus was the disease associated most strongly with adherence (aOR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.74-2.65). Adherence was lower in the immigrant population (aOR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.36-0.51). We found no association between vaccination adherence and sex or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage and adherence were suboptimal. Adherence to vaccination against influenza is associated with demographic and clinical conditions. Strategies need to be established to increase vaccination in children, with greater involvement of professionals and education of parents.

Documento de opinión de expertos para la mejora de la cobertura vacunal frente a la gripe estacional / Expert opinion on strategies to improve vaccination coverage against seasonal influenza

La gripe estacional sigue siendo un importante problema de salud pública, y la vacuna antigripal es la medida más efectiva para su prevención. En nuestro país, los datos de coberturas vacunales de las últimas temporadas muestran unas tasas de vacunación muy por debajo de los objetivos marcados por los organismos oficiales. Tras la pandemia de la COVID19, las coberturas vacunales para la gripe han experimentado una notable mejoría. Dado que resulta imperativo alcanzar y mantener unas elevadas tasas de vacunación con el fin de evitar el impacto clínico y económico de la gripe, un grupo multidisciplinar de expertos en el área de las vacunas hemos analizado cómo afectan las bajas coberturas en nuestro país y hemos diseñado una serie de medidas para incrementar la cobertura vacunal de la gripe, especialmente en los colectivos definidos como prioritarios. (AU)

Seasonal flu continues to be a major public health concern, and the influenza vaccine remains the most effective preventive measure. In Spain, vaccination coverage data from previous seasons show vaccination rates well below official targets; however, these figures improved significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the importance of achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates in order to avoid the clinical and economic impact of influenza, our multidisciplinary group of experts on vaccines analyzed the impact of low vaccination rates in Spain and drafted a series of measures to boost influenza vaccination coverage, particularly among priority groups. (AU)

Prior influenza vaccine is not a risk factor for bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza / La vacuna previa contra la influenza no es un factor de riesgo de coinfección bacteriana en pacientes ingresados en la UCI por influenza severa

Objective To determine whether the prior usage of the flu vaccine is a risk factor for bacterial co-infection in patients with severe influenza. Design This was a retrospective observational cohort study of subjects admitted to the ICU. A propensity score matching, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders were carried out to evaluate the association between prior influenza vaccination and bacterial co-infection. Settings 184 ICUs in Spain due to severe influenza. Patients Patients included in the Spanish prospective flu registry. Interventions Flu vaccine prior to the hospital admission. Results A total of 4175 subjects were included in the study. 489 (11.7%) received the flu vaccine prior to develop influenza infection. Prior vaccinated patients were older 71 [61–78], and predominantly male 65.4%, with at least one comorbid condition 88.5%. Prior vaccination was not associated with bacterial co-infection in the logistic regression model (OR: 1.017; 95%CI 0.803–1.288; p=0.885). After matching, the average treatment effect of prior influenza vaccine on bacterial co-infection was not statistically significant when assessed by propensity score matching (p=0.87), nearest neighbor matching (p=0.59) and inverse probability weighting (p=0.99). Conclusions No association was identified between prior influenza vaccine and bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza. Post influenza vaccination studies are necessary to continue evaluating the possible benefits (AU)

Objetivo Determinar si el uso previo de la vacuna antigripal es un factor de riesgo para coinfección bacteriana en pacientes con influenza grave. Diseño Este fue un estudio de cohorte observacional retrospectivo de sujetos ingresados en la UCI. Se realizó un emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión y una regresión logística ajustada para posibles factores de confusión para evaluar la asociación entre el antecedente de vacunación contra la gripe y la coinfección bacteriana. Ámbito Ciento ochenta y cuatro ingresos en UCI españolas por gripe grave. Pacientes Pacientes incluidos en el registro prospectivo español de gripe. Intervenciones Vacuna antigripal previa al ingreso hospitalario. Resultados Se incluyó en el estudio un total de 4.175 sujetos. Recibieron la vacuna contra la influenza antes de desarrollar la infección por influenza 489 (11,7%). Los pacientes previamente vacunados eran mayores de 71 años (RIC 61-78), predominantemente varones (65,4%) y con al menos una condición comórbida (88,5%). La vacunación previa no se asoció con la coinfección bacteriana en el modelo de regresión logística (OR: 1,017; IC95% 0,803-1,288; p=0,885). Después del emparejamiento, el efecto promedio del tratamiento del antecedente de vacuna contra la influenza sobre la coinfección bacteriana no fue estadísticamente significativo cuando se evaluó mediante el emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión (p=0,87), por emparejamiento del vecino más cercano (p=0,59) y mediante la ponderación de probabilidad inversa (p=0,99). Conclusiones No se identificó asociación entre el antecedente de vacuna antigripal y coinfección bacteriana en pacientes ingresados en UCI por influenza severa. Más estudios para evaluar los efectos de la vacunación contra la gripe son necesarios para continuar evaluando los posibles beneficios (AU)

Prior influenza vaccine is not a risk factor for bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the prior usage of the flu vaccine is a risk factor for bacterial co-infection in patients with severe influenza. DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of subjects admitted to the ICU. A propensity score matching, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders were carried out to evaluate the association between prior influenza vaccination and bacterial co-infection. SETTINGS: 184 ICUs in Spain due to severe influenza. PATIENTS: Patients included in the Spanish prospective flu registry. INTERVENTIONS: Flu vaccine prior to the hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 4175 subjects were included in the study. 489 (11.7%) received the flu vaccine prior to develop influenza infection. Prior vaccinated patients were older 71 [61-78], and predominantly male 65.4%, with at least one comorbid condition 88.5%. Prior vaccination was not associated with bacterial co-infection in the logistic regression model (OR: 1.017; 95%CI 0.803-1.288; p=0.885). After matching, the average treatment effect of prior influenza vaccine on bacterial co-infection was not statistically significant when assessed by propensity score matching (p=0.87), nearest neighbor matching (p=0.59) and inverse probability weighting (p=0.99). CONCLUSIONS: No association was identified between prior influenza vaccine and bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza. Post influenza vaccination studies are necessary to continue evaluating the possible benefits.

Influencia de la vacunación antigripal y la comorbilidad en la evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 / Influence of influenza vaccine and comorbidity on the evolution of hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Antecedentes y objetivo:El brote de la enfermedad COVID-19 está evolucionando en todo el mundo. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar la asociación entre la vacunación antigripal y el riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados, así como otros factores de riesgo.Materiales y métodos:Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se realizó entre pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 del Hospital La Mancha Centro entre el 5 y el 25 de marzo de 2020. Utilizamos una regresión logística multivariable para explorar la asociación entre la vacunación antigripal y la mortalidad por COVID y otros factores de riesgo.Resultados:Se incluyeron 410 pacientes. La vacunación antigripal no tuvo efecto entre los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 (OR: 1,55 [IC 95%; 0,96-2,48; p = 0,071]). El aumento de la mortalidad intrahospitalaria se asoció con edad avanzada (OR: 1,05 [IC 95%; 1,02-1,07]), por cada aumento de año; p < 0,001, Charlson ≥ 3 (OR: 1,84 [IC 95%; 1,07-3,15, p = 0,027]) e insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso (OR: 6 [IC 95%; 1,6-21,7; p = 0,007]).Conclusiones:La vacuna antigripal no tuvo efecto en la evolución de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Los factores de riesgo identificados fueron la edad avanzada, mayor comorbilidad e insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso. (AU)

Background and objective:The COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak is evolving around the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between influenza vaccination and the risk of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as well as other risk factors.Materials and methods:Retrospective observational study. This study was conducted among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Hospital La Mancha Centro between March 5 and 25, 2020. Information on influenza vaccination was extracted from electronic medical records. We used a multivariate logistic regression to explore the association between influenza vaccination and mortality from COVID and other risk factors.Results:410 patients were included. Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients [OR: 1.55 (95%CI: 0.96 – 2.48; p=0.071)]. Increasing hospital mortality was associated with older age [OR: 1.05 (95% CI 1.02–1.07), per year increase; p<0.001)], Charlson ≥3 [OR: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.07-3.15, p=0.027)] and heart failure on admission [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1.6 – 21.7; p=0.007)]Conclusions:Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The risk factors identified were older age, higher comorbidity and heart failure on admission. (AU)

Influence of influenza vaccine and comorbidity on the evolution of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. / Influencia de la vacunación antigripal y la comorbilidad en la evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak is evolving around the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between influenza vaccination and the risk of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as well as other risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study. This study was conducted among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Hospital La Mancha Centro between March 5 and 25, 2020. Information on influenza vaccination was extracted from electronic medical records. We used a multivariate logistic regression to explore the association between influenza vaccination and mortality from COVID and other risk factors. RESULTS: 410 patients were included. Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients [OR: 1.55 (95%CI: 0.96 - 2.48; p=0.071)]. Increasing hospital mortality was associated with older age [OR: 1.05 (95% CI 1.02-1.07), per year increase; p<0.001)], Charlson ≥3 [OR: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.07-3.15, p=0.027)] and heart failure on admission [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1.6 - 21.7; p=0.007)] CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The risk factors identified were older age, higher comorbidity and heart failure on admission.

Prior influenza vaccine is not a risk factor for bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the prior usage of the flu vaccine is a risk factor for bacterial co-infection in patients with severe influenza. DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of subjects admitted to the ICU. A propensity score matching, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders were carried out to evaluate the association between prior influenza vaccination and bacterial co-infection. SETTINGS: 184 ICUs in Spain due to severe influenza. PATIENTS: Patients included in the Spanish prospective flu registry. INTERVENTIONS: Flu vaccine prior to the hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 4175 subjects were included in the study. 489 (11.7%) received the flu vaccine prior to develop influenza infection. Prior vaccinated patients were older 71 [61-78], and predominantly male 65.4%, with at least one comorbid condition 88.5%. Prior vaccination was not associated with bacterial co-infection in the logistic regression model (OR: 1.017; 95%CI 0.803-1.288; p=0.885). After matching, the average treatment effect of prior influenza vaccine on bacterial co-infection was not statistically significant when assessed by propensity score matching (p=0.87), nearest neighbor matching (p=0.59) and inverse probability weighting (p=0.99). CONCLUSIONS: No association was identified between prior influenza vaccine and bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza. Post influenza vaccination studies are necessary to continue evaluating the possible benefits.

Respuesta serológica en pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias autoinmunes tras la vacunación de la gripe: resultados del estudio RIER / Serological response to influenza vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases: Results of RIER study

Introducción: Los pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes inflamatorias (EAII) en tratamiento biológico deben recibir la vacunación antigripal anualmente.ObjetivoEstudiar si la respuesta serológica a la vacuna antigripal en pacientes con EAII con tratamiento biológico es diferente de la obtenida en enfermos en tratamiento con fármacos modificadores de la enfermedad (FAME) sintéticos y de la conseguida en sujetos sanos.MétodosSe diseñó un estudio de cohortes en el que se incluyeron pacientes con EAII, 68 tratados con biológicos (grupo biológicos) y 46 con tratamiento con FAME sintéticos (grupo FAME), así como 48 personas sanas. Todos recibieron la vacuna antigripal 2015-2016. Se midieron, mediante ELISA, los títulos de anticuerpos (Ac) frente a los antígenos (Ag) A y B, antes y después de la vacunación.ResultadosTras la vacunación, el 88,24% de los enfermos del grupo biológicos, el 71,74% del grupo FAME y el 89,58% de las personas sanas fueron seropositivos frente al Ag A, mientras que el 42,65% del grupo biológicos, el 41,30% del grupo FAME y el 54,17% de las personas sanas fueron seropositivos frente al Ag B. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos.ConclusionesEn nuestro estudio, el tratamiento biológico no se asoció a una peor respuesta serológica. (AU)

Background: Influenza vaccine is recommended for patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases (AIID) on biological therapy.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether serological response to Influenza vaccine obtained in patients on biological therapy is similar to that achieved in patients on synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and that obtained in healthy controls.MethodsWe designed a cohort study in which patients with AIID, 68 on biological therapy and 46 on synthetic DMARDs, as well as 48 healthy controls, were included and vaccinated during the 2015-2016 influenza season. ELISA was used to measure Influenza antigen (Ag) A and B antibodies, before and after vaccination.ResultsAfter vaccination, 88.24% of patients on biologics, 71.74% of those on synthetic DMARDs and 89.58% of healthy controls, presented detectable antibodies against antigen A, while 42.65% of subjects on biologics, 41.30% of those on DMARDs and 54.17% of healthy subjects were seropositive against Ag B. We did not find statistical differences.ConclusionsIn our study, biological therapy is not associated with worse serological response. (AU)

Serological response to influenza vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases: Results of RIER study. / Respuesta serológica en pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias autoinmunes tras la vacunación de la gripe: resultados del estudio RIER.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccine is recommended for patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases (AIID) on biological therapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether serological response to Influenza vaccine obtained in patients on biological therapy is similar to that achieved in patients on synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and that obtained in healthy controls. METHODS: We designed a cohort study in which patients with AIID, 68 on biological therapy and 46 on synthetic DMARDs, as well as 48 healthy controls, were included and vaccinated during the 2015-2016 influenza season. ELISA was used to measure Influenza antigen (Ag) A and B antibodies, before and after vaccination. RESULTS: After vaccination, 88.24% of patients on biologics, 71.74% of those on synthetic DMARDs and 89.58% of healthy controls, presented detectable antibodies against antigen A, while 42.65% of subjects on biologics, 41.30% of those on DMARDs and 54.17% of healthy subjects were seropositive against Ag B. We did not find statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, biological therapy is not associated with worse serological response.

Análisis de las Campañas de Vacunación Antigripal destinadas al personal de salud del HIBA: período 2016-2018 / Analysis of Influenza Vaccination Campaigns for HIBA health personnel: 2016-2018 period

Introducción: la vacunación antigripal es la forma más eficaz para prevenir la enfermedad por virus Influenza y sus complicaciones. La cobertura en los profesionales sanitarios es un indicador de calidad hospitalaria. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. A partir de registros vacunales, se calculó la cobertura para las campañas 2013 a 2018. Se compararon las coberturas por trienios. Se describieron características generales de las campañas de 2016 a 2018. Resultados: en 2016 se alcanzó la mayor tasa del período (59,79%, IC 95%:58,75-60,81); en 2017, la menor (34,46%, IC 95%:33,48-35,46). La campaña 2018 obtuvo una cobertura de 54,90% (IC 95%: 53,88-55,92) y se inició más tempranamente que otras. Al comparar las tasas trienales del período se observó una diferencia de proporción de -1,3% (IC 95%: -2.84-0.24). Durante los tres últimos años, el personal vacunado correspondió mayormente al sexo femenino, a la Sede Central y tenía relación contractual directa. Las mayores coberturas específicas correspondieron a la sede de San Justo y a los profesionales de enfermería. El puesto ambulante fue el que aplicó más vacunas. Conclusión: si bien hubo variaciones en las coberturas alcanzadas a lo largo de los años, siendo la del año 2016 la más elevada y la del año 2017 la más baja, no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las coberturas alcanzadas al comparar trienios. Resulta necesario continuar realizando intervenciones adaptadas al contexto local que permitan alcanzar los objetivos de cobertura esperados. Discusión: se reconocieron varios obstáculos para alcanzar las coberturas esperadas. La educación al personal de salud, la evaluación sistematizada de los ESAVI (Eventos supuestamente atribuibles a vacunación e inmunización) y la descripción de los elementos que facilitaron las coberturas específicas elevadas de algunas subpoblaciones podrían contribuir para mejorar los resultados. (AU)

Introduction: influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza virus disease and its complications. Coverage in health professionals measurement is an indicator of hospital quality. Material and methods: descriptive cross-sectional study. From vaccination records, the coverage was calculated for the 2013 to 2018 campaigns. The coverage for three years was compared. General characteristics of the campaigns from 2016 to 2018 were described. Results: in 2016, the highest was achieved during the period (59.79%, IC 95%: 58.75 -60.81). In 2017, the lowest (34.46%, IC 95%: 33.48-35,46). The 2018 campaign achieved a coverage of 54.90% (IC 95%: 53.88-55.92) and started earlier than others. When comparing the triennial rates of the period, a difference of proportion of -1.3% was observed (IC 95%: -2.84-0.24). During the last three years, the vaccinated staff corresponded mostly to the female sex, to the headquarters and had a direct contractual relationship. The largest specific coverage corresponded to the San Justo headquarters and to nursing professionals. The ambulatory position was the post that applied the most vaccines. Conclusion: although there were variations in the coverage achieved over the years, with 2016 being the highest and 2017 being the lowest, there were no statistically significant differences in the coverage achieved when comparing trienniums. It is necessary to continue carrying out interventions adapted to the local context to achieve the expected coverage objectives. Discussion: several obstacles were recognized to reach the expected coverage. The education of health personnel, the systematic evaluation of the ESAVIs and the description of the elements that facilitated the high specific coverage of some subpopulations could contribute to improve the results. (AU)

[Strategies to improve influenza vaccination coverage in Primary Health Care]. / Estrategias para mejorar la cobertura de la vacunación antigripal en Atención Primaria.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination coverage reached in adults is insufficient, and there is a real need for new strategies. OBJECTIVE: To compare strategies for improving influenza vaccination coverage in persons older than 64 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: New strategies were introduced in our health care centre during 2013-2014 influenza vaccination campaign, which included vaccinating patients in homes for the aged as well as in the health care centre. A comparison was made on vaccination coverage over the last 4 years in 3 practices of our health care centre: P1, the general physician vaccinated patients older than 64 that came to the practice; P2, the general physician systematically insisted in vaccination in elderly patients, strongly advising to book appointments, and P3, the general physician did not insist. RESULTS: These practices looked after P1: 278; P2: 320; P3: 294 patients older than 64 years. Overall/P1/P2/P3 coverages in 2010: 51.2/51.4/55/46.9% (P=NS), in 2011: 52.4/52.9/53.8/50.3% (P=NS), in 2012: 51.9/52.5/55.3/47.6% (P=NS), and in 2013: 63.5/79.1/59.7/52.7 (P=.000, P1 versus P2 and P3; P=NS between P2 and P3). Comparing the coverages in 2012-2013 within each practice P1 (P=.000); P2 (P=.045); P3 (P=.018). In P2 and P3 all vaccinations were given by the nurses as previously scheduled. In P3, 55% of the vaccinations were given by the nurses, 24.1% by the GP, 9.7% rejected vaccination, and the remainder did not come to the practice during the vaccination period (October 2013-February 2014). CONCLUSIONS: The strategy of vaccinating in the homes for the aged improved the vaccination coverage by 5% in each practice. The strategy of "I've got you here, I jab you here" in P1 improved the vaccination coverage by 22%.

[Primary health care professionals attitudes towards influenza immunzation in Catalonia]. / Estudio actitudes sobre vacunación antigripal en profesionales sanitarios de atención primaria de Cataluña.

OBJECTIVE: Health personnel are at risk of acquiring influenza infection and of nosocomial influenza transmission. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of primary care health personnel in Catalonia as regards influenza vaccine and the factors related to the uptake of this vaccine. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study using a web survey. SETTING: Primary care health personnel of the Catalan Health Institute. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1212 primary health care personnel were included in the survey. Those who had medical reasons for being or not being vaccinated were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 423 replies were valid, with a 46.6% overall vaccination coverage. Vaccination rate was higher among 45 to 54 year-olds, paediatricians, those vaccinated in preceding seasons, and those living with chronic patients. There was an association between having received the vaccine and considering vaccination the best preventive action, advocating vaccination to at risk population, concern about acquiring influenza, and considering health personnel vaccination important. CONCLUSIONS: Actions taken to increase vaccination rate among health personnel should aim at correcting lack of knowledge and misconceptions about influenza vaccination of health personnel.

[Factors associated with influenza immunization in primary care health workers]. / Factores asociados a recibir la vacunación antigripal en profesionales de atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers in primary care and to determine the factors associated with vaccination (2013-2014 season). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 287 healthcare workers who completed a questionnaire that included questions about knowledge, beliefs and attitudes to influenza and vaccination. We estimated the vaccine coverage and identified the variables associated with vaccination of healthcare workers by using non-conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: The participation rate was 47.2%. Vaccination coverage was 60.3% and was higher in workers older than 55 years, women and pediatricians. The factors associated with healthcare worker vaccination were the perception that vaccination confers protection (aOR: 11.1; 95%CI: 3.41-35.9) and the perception that it is effective (aOR: 7.5; 95%CI: 0.9-59.3). No association was found between receiving the vaccine and knowledge of influenza or vaccination. However, an association was found with prescribing vaccination to pregnant women, to persons older than 65 years, and to immunosuppressed individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies should be designed to increase coverage, based on changing negative attitudes of healthcare workers to vaccination.

Caracterización antigénica y molecular de los virus influenza A (H3N2) circulantes en Cuba y su relación con las cepas vacunales (1995-98) / Antigenic and molecular characterization of influenza A (H3N2) virus strains circulating in Cuba and their relation with vaccine strains (1995-98)

Los cambios antigénicos continuos que ocurren en las glicoproteínas de envoltura (hemaglutinina y neuraminidasa) de los virus influenza, se deben a las mutaciones puntuales y a las promovidas por la selección positiva del sistema inmune, que dan origen a las epidemias anuales y reordenamientos de segmentos genómicos, causa de las temidas pandemias. Los intentos para controlar la influenza mediante la vacunación tienen hasta ahora un éxito limitado y son obstaculizados por estos cambios. En Cuba, país subtropical, las infecciones respiratorias agudas constituyen la primera causa de asistencia médica entre las enfermedades infecciosas y la cuarta causa de muerte asociada con la neumonía. La vigilancia para la influenza, en este país, se monitorea por el Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional de Influenza del Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kouri. Este trabajo tiene el objetivo de caracterizar antigénica y genómicamente a 21 cepas de influenza aisladas durante 1995-96 hasta 1997-98, y conocer su similitud con las de circulación internacional, incluidas en las vacunas antigripales de igual periodo. La caracterización antigénica y genómica se realizó mediante las técnicas de inhibición de la hemaglutinación, la inmunoperoxidasa y un sistema de reverso transcripción-reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, respectivamente. Mediante las tres técnicas, el 100 por ciento de los aislamientos pertenecieron al tipo A y subtipo H3N2 y permitió clasificarlos como similares a las cepas de circulación internacional recomendadas en la composición de la vacuna antigripal correspondiente a esas temporadas(AU)

The continuous antigenic changes in the influenza viruses occurring primarily on the envelope glycoproteins (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) are due to specific mutations and to those promoted by the positive selection of the immune system originating the yearly epidemics and the rearrangements of genomic segments, cause of the feared pandemics. The attempts to control the influenza by means of vaccination have so far a limited success and they are obstructed by these changes. The acute respiratory infections are the first cause of medical assistance among the infectious diseases in Cuba, a subtropical country and the fourth cause of death associated with pneumonia. The surveillance for the influenza in this country is monitored by the National Center of Influenza from Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute. The present paper has the objective to characterize 21 strains of influenza isolated from 1995 to 1998 and to know the antigenic and genomic similarity with those of the international circulation included in anti-flu of the same period. The antigenic and genomic characterization was carried out by means of the inhibition techniques of hemagglutination, immunoperoxidase, and a reverse system of transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Using these three techniques 100 percent of the isolations were of the type A and the subtype H3N2. It allowed to classify them as similar to the circulating strains of international circulation recommended in the composition of the flu vaccine corresponding to those season(AU)

Estado de vacunación en embarazadas y puérperas de un hospital público polivalente / Vaccination status in pregnant and puerperal women in a public general hospital

Introducción: conocer el estado de vacunación durante la gestación tiene por objeto la protección de madre e hijo. Objetivos: caracterizar epidemiológicamente a la población. Deter-minar el estado de vacunación de embarazadas/puérperas. Anali-zar la indicación de vacuna antigripal según época del año.Materiales y Métodos: estudio analítico. Encuesta en dos tiempos: previo a época invernal (grupo1, 13/2/13-13/3/13) y durante época invernal (grupo2, 5/7/13-15/8/13) en embarazadas/puérperas inter-nadas. Variables: demográficas, cobertura de doble adultos (dT)/triple bacteriana acelular (dTpa), antihepatitis B y antigripal.Resultados: total 437 pacientes, 47 embarazadas y 390 puérperas. Edad promedio 25 años (r = 14-48). Argentinas 89,5 %. Embarazos controlados 76 %. Escolaridad: secundario completo 21,5 %, in-completo 52,6 %. En unión estable 68 %. Embarazo no planifica-do 60,2 %. Vacuna dT: vigente: 81 %. dTpa: colocada 59,5 % (93 % durante el embarazo). Antihepatitis B: 50,3 % tenían la vacuna (91,8 % esque-ma completo). Cobertura antigripal total: 54,2 %. Grupo 1: 29 % vs Grupo 2, 86 % (p< 0,001). El 99 % se colocó la vacuna durante la gestación. Coberturas según embarazo controlado/no controla-do: dT 81,5 % / 73 % (p = 0,28), dTpa 61,8 % / 23 % (p = 0,0001), antihepatitis B 46,2 % / 46,1 % (p = 0,99) y antigripal 57 % / 11,5 % (p = 0,0000). Conclusión: predominaron mujeres jóvenes, con secundario incompleto, embarazo no planificado y deficiencias en su estado vacunal. La cobertura para dTpa y antigripal fue mayor en controladas con relación esta-dísticamente significativa. La vacuna antigripal tuvo mayor indica-ción en época invernal. Preocupa el desconocimiento sobre su estado de inmunización. Es importante la intervención del equipo de salud para motivar contro-les durante el embarazo, evaluar esquema de vacunación y educar sobre enfermedades inmunoprevenibles

Introduction: Knowing the status of vaccination during pregnancy aims at the protection of mother and child. Objectives: Epidemiologically characterize the population. To determine the vaccination status of pregnant/postpartum women. Analyze the indication of influenza vaccine according to the season. Materials and Methods: analytical study. Survey in two stages: pre-winter period (group 1, 13/2/13-13/3/13) and during winter time (Group 2, 5/7/13-15/8/13) in pregnant/postpartum women admitted. Variables: demographic, adults double coverage (dT)/acellular bacterial triple (DTaP), hepatitis B and influenza. Results: Total 437 patients, 47 pregnant and 390 postpartum women. Average age 25 years (r=14-48). Argentine 89.5%. Controlled pregnancies 76%. Schooling: Secondary full 21.5%, 52.6% incomplete. Cohabitants 68%. Unplanned pregnancy 60.2%. dT vaccine: current 81%. DTaP: placed 59.5% (93% during pregnancy). Hepatitis B: 50.3 % had the vaccine (91.8% complete scheme). Total influenza coverage: 54.2%. Group 1:29% vs Group 2, 86 % (p<0.001). 99% placed the vaccine during pregnancy. Hedges as controlled/uncontrolled pregnancy: dT 81.5 %/73 % (p=0.28), DTaP 61.8% / 23% (p =0.0001), hepatitis B 46.2 %/46.1% (p=0.99) and influenza 57%/11.5 % (p= 0.0000). Conclusion: Young women predominated, with incomplete secondary, unplanned pregnancy and deficiencies in their vaccination status. Coverage for DTaP and flu vaccine was higher in controlled pregnancies statistically significant relationship. The flu vaccine had greater indication winter. Ignorance about their immunization status is concerned. Intervention is important to the health team to motivate controls during pregnancy, evaluate vaccination and education on preventable diseases