Seasonal influenza immunisation in Europe. Overview of recommendations and vaccination coverage for three seasons: pre-pandemic (2008/09), pandemic (2009/10) and post-pandemic (2010/11).

Since 2008, annual surveys of influenza vaccination policies, practices and coverage have been undertaken in 29 European Union (EU)/ European Economic Area (EEA) countries. After 2009, this monitored the impact of European Council recommendation to increase vaccination coverage to 75% among risk groups. This paper summarises the results of three seasonal influenza seasons: 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11. In 2008/09, 27/29 countries completed the survey; in 2009/10 and 2010/11, 28/29 completed it. All or almost all countries recommended vaccination of older people (defined as those aged ≥50, ≥55, ≥59, ≥60 or ≥65 years), and people aged ≥6 months with clinical risk and healthcare workers. A total of 23 countries provided vaccination coverage data for older people, but only 7 and 10 had data for the clinical risk groups and healthcare workers, respectively. The number of countries recommending vaccination for some or all pregnant women increased from 10 in 2008/09 to 22 in 2010/11. Only three countries could report coverage among pregnant women. Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage during and after the pandemic season in older people and clinical groups remained unchanged in countries with higher coverage. However, small decreases were seen in most countries during this period. The results of the surveys indicate that most EU/EEA countries recommend influenza vaccination for the main target groups; however, only a few countries have achieved the target of 75% coverage among risk groups. Coverage among healthcare workers remained low.

Mandatory and recommended vaccination in the EU, Iceland and Norway: results of the VENICE 2010 survey on the ways of implementing national vaccination programmes.

This report provides an updated overview of recommended and mandatory vaccinations in the European Union (EU), Iceland and Norway, considering the differences in vaccine programme implementation between countries. In 2010, the Vaccine European New Integrated Collaboration Effort (VENICE) network, conducted a survey among the VENICE project gatekeepers to learn more about how national vaccination programmes are implemented, whether recommended or mandatory. Information was collected from all 27 EU Member States, Iceland and Norway. In total 15 countries do not have any mandatory vaccinations; the remaining 14 have at least one mandatory vaccination included in their programme. Vaccination against polio is mandatory for both children and adults in 12 countries; diphtheria and tetanus vaccination in 11 countries and hepatitis B vaccination in 10 countries. For eight of the 15 vaccines considered, some countries have a mixed strategy of recommended and mandatory vaccinations. Mandatory vaccination may be considered as a way of improving compliance to vaccination programmes. However, compliance with many programmes in Europe is high, using only recommendations. More information about the diversity in vaccine offer at European level may help countries to adapt vaccination strategies based on the experience of other countries. However, any proposal on vaccine strategies should be developed taking into consideration the local context habits.

Modulation of myofibroblast proliferation by vascular prosthesis biomechanics.

Cyclic deformation in vitro modulates smooth muscle cell proliferation. Different degrees of cell deformation occur in vivo on grafts of different compliance. This study evaluates the influence of prosthetic biomechanics on cell proliferation. Two types of composite 80% bioresorbable PG910/20% polypropylene (PP) aortic grafts differing only in the elasticity of the PP were implanted into rabbits. After PG910 resorption, prosthetic biomechanics were determined by PP (% elongation: Group 1, 101 +/- 6 versus Group 2, 63 +/- 4). Killing was performed at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, and patency, dynamic compliance, mitotic index (MI), and inner capsule thickness (ICT) were determined. Initially all parameters were identical. After PG910 resorption (1-2 months), significant differences were seen. At late analysis, Group 1 MI was significantly greater than Group 2 (3 months: 4.67 +/- 2.5 versus 3.11 +/- 2.5 [p < 0.02]; 6 months: 4.11 +/- 2.3 versus 2.67 +/- 0.9 [p < 0.005]). Inner capsule thickness in Group 1 was also significantly greater than Group 2 (3 months: 219 +/- 20 versus 129 +/- 40 [p < 0.05]; 6 months: 220 +/- 50 versus 130 +/- 40 [p < 0.05]). Dynamic compliance differed at 2 months (p = 0.057). Patency was worse in Group 1 (p = NS). In vivo cellular proliferative activity is directly related to mural cyclic deformation induced by altered biomechanical graft characteristics.