Enhanced Timeliness and Co-Administration of Meningitis B Vaccination in Children: Impact of Funding in Valencian Community, Spain.

Public funding of vaccines may enhance vaccination rates, co-administration, and timeliness. The impacts of including the serogroup B meningococcus vaccine (MenB) into the national immunisation schedule on vaccination rates, co-administration rates, and timeliness were assessed using a population-based pre-funding (2022) and post-funding (2023) study design. MenB vaccination rates improved after funding and were in line with previously funded vaccines. Co-administration rates also increased significantly. Timely administration increased, protecting children at an early age. Public funding has a positive impact on vaccine accessibility and early protection. Consistent population characteristics highlight the role of funding.

Effectiveness of nirsevimab introduction against respiratory syncytial virus in the Valencian Community: A preliminary assessment.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a high burden of disease in children and the primary cause of hospitalization, especially in children under 1 year old. In the Valencian Community (Spain), nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, was introduced for the RSV 2023-2024 season as a universal pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk children and those under 6 months old. This study examines its impact, coverage, and effectiveness. The campaign achieved 88.5 % coverage and 73.7 % of effectiveness. Analysis of over 27,000 susceptible children (over 24,000 immunized), showed that those immunized exhibited a threefold reduction in RSV incidence compared to non-immunized ones. To prevent one case, the number needed to immunize (NNI) was 63. Hospitalizations due to acute respiratory infections were almost two times lower in immunized children compared to non-immunized ones (0.9 % vs 1.6 %, respectively). These first results showcase the preliminary positive impact of this public health intervention.

Early estimates of nirsevimab immunoprophylaxis effectiveness against hospital admission for respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections in infants, Spain, October 2023 to January 2024.

The monoclonal antibody nirsevimab was at least 70% effective in preventing hospitalisations in infants with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Spain (Oct 2023-Jan 2024), where a universal immunisation programme began late September (coverage range: 79-99%). High protection was confirmed by two methodological designs (screening and test-negative) in a multicentre active surveillance in nine hospitals in three regions. No protection against RSV-negative LRTI-hospitalisations was shown. These interim results could guide public-health decision-making.

[Descriptive study about non-formal sex education resources available in Spain.] / Estudio descriptivo de los recursos sobre Educación Sexual en el ámbito no-formal disponibles en España.

OBJECTIVE: Sex education (SE) is a fundamental element of a fulfilling and safe life. Currently, education is understood beyond what happens inside the classroom. The aim of this research was to describe and to compare sex education resources available in official webs of Autonomous Communities of Spain (ACS) that to could be used in non-formal educational context. METHODS: A review of the ACS official web pages related to healthcare, education, youth, family and equality was made. Finally, 216 resources were selected for descriptive analysis. The resources were classified based on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Technical Guidelines. RESULTS: 64% of resources were targeted at young people/adolescents. 80% dealt some specific issues, the most frequent being Reproductive Health, Violence and Gender. Values and Rights related to sexuality, Skills for Health and Well-being and Sexual behaviour are issues rarely addressed. Only 6 ACS were a social network profile related to SE. ACS with the widest diversity of issues addressed were Andalusia, Asturias and the Canary Islands. CONCLUSIONS: Homogeneity in the kind of resources and issues disparity reveals potential inequities in SE access in Spain. To enhance out-of-school environments learning can provide better successful health promotion. UNESCO's guidelines can be used to classify educational resource content and to identify the institutions that have best integrated actual SE paradigm.

OBJETIVO: La educación sexual (ES) es fundamental para una vida plena y segura. Actualmente, la educación es entendida más allá de lo que ocurre dentro de las aulas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir y comparar los materiales disponibles en las distintas webs oficiales de las comunidades y ciudades autónomas de España (CC. AA.) sobre ES y que puedan ser utilizados en contextos educativos no-formales. METODOS: Se realizó una revisión de las webs oficiales de las CC. AA. relacionadas con salud, educación, juventud, familia y/o igualdad. Se seleccionaron 216 recursos para su análisis descriptivo. Siguiendo las Orientaciones Técnicas de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (UNESCO), se clasificaron los recursos en función de los temas que abordaban. RESULTADOS: El 64% de los recursos estaba dirigido a jóvenes/adolescentes. El 80% trataba algún tema en específico, siendo los más frecuentes Reproducción, Violencia y Género. Los temas: Valores y derechos relacionados con la sexualidad, Habilidades para la salud y bienestar y Conducta sexual fueron contenidos raramente tratados. Sólo 6 CC. AA. contaban con un perfil en redes sociales relacionado con ES. Las CC. AA. con mayor diversidad de temas abordados fueron Andalucía, Asturias y Canarias. CONCLUSIONES: La homogeneidad en el tipo de recursos y la disparidad de temáticas revela potenciales inequidades en el acceso a la ES en España. Potenciar medios de aprendizaje fuera de las escuelas puede lograr una promoción de la salud más efectiva. Las orientaciones de la UNESCO pueden servir para clasificar los contenidos e identificar las instituciones que mejor han integrado el actual paradigma que la ES propone.

Estudio descriptivo de los recursos sobre Educación Sexual en el ámbito no-formal disponibles en España / Descriptive study about non-formal sex education resources available in Spain

FUNDAMENTOS: La educación sexual (ES) es fundamental para una vida plena y segura. Actualmente, la educación es entendidamás allá de lo que ocurre dentro de las aulas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir y comparar los materiales disponibles en lasdistintas webs oficiales de las comunidades y ciudades autónomas de España (CC. AA.) sobre ES y que puedan ser utilizados encontextos educativos no-formales. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de las webs oficiales de las CC. AA. relacionadas con salud, educación, juventud, familia y/o igual-dad. Se seleccionaron 216 recursos para su análisis descriptivo. Siguiendo las Orientaciones Técnicas de la Organización de las Nacio-nes Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (UNESCO), se clasificaron los recursos en función de los temas que abordaban.RESULTADOS: El 64% de los recursos estaba dirigido a jóvenes/adolescentes. El 80% trataba algún tema en específico, siendo losmás frecuentesReproducción,Violencia yGénero. Los temas:Valores y derechos relacionados con la sexualidad,Habilidades para lasalud y bienestar yConducta sexual fueron contenidos raramente tratados. Sólo 6 CC. AA. contaban con un perfil en redes socialesrelacionado con ES. Las CC. AA. con mayor diversidad de temas abordados fueron Andalucía, Asturias y Canarias.CONCLUSIONES: La homogeneidad en el tipo de recursos y la disparidad de temáticas revela potenciales inequidades en el ac-ceso a la ES en España. Potenciar medios de aprendizaje fuera de las escuelas puede lograr una promoción de la salud más efectiva.Las orientaciones de la UNESCO pueden servir para clasificar los contenidos e identificar las instituciones que mejor han integradoel actual paradigma que la ES propone.(AU)

BACKGROUND: Sex education (SE) is a fundamental element of a fulfilling and safe life. Currently, education is understood beyondwhat happens inside the classroom. The aim of this research was to describe and to compare sex education resources available inofficial webs of Autonomous Communities of Spain (ACS) that to could be used in non-formal educational context.METHODS: A review of the ACS official web pages related to healthcare, education, youth, family and equality was made. Finally,216 resources were selected for descriptive analysis. The resources were classified based on United Nations Educational, Scientific andCultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Technical Guidelines.RESULTS // 64% of resources were targeted at young people/adolescents. 80% dealt some specific issues, the most frequentbeingReproductive Health,Violence andGender.Values and Rights related to sexuality,Skills for Health and Well-being andSexualbehaviour are issues rarely addressed. Only 6 ACS were a social network profile related to SE. ACS with the widest diversity of issuesaddressed were Andalusia, Asturias and the Canary Islands.CONCLUSIONS: Homogeneity in the kind of resources and issues disparity reveals potential inequities in SE access in Spain. Toenhance out-of-school environments learning can provide better successful health promotion. UNESCO’s guidelines can be used toclassify educational resource content and to identify the institutions that have best integrated actual SE paradigm.(AU)

[Variability in the reporting of adverse reactions to the pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccine: seasons 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Valencian community, Spain]. / Variabilidad en la notificación de reacciones adversas a las vacunas de la gripe pandémica y estacional: Temporadas 2009-2010 y 2010-2011, Comunitat Valenciana.

BACKGROUND: The loss of confidence in the safety of vaccines derived from alarm conditions, as in the case of the flu pandemic may affect both vaccination coverage and the sensitivity to the reporting of suspected adverse reactions associated vaccines (SRAAV). The aim of the study is to describe the adverse effects reported to the vaccine against pandemic influenza in the 2009-2010 season and against seasonal influenza in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, by type of vaccine, risk groups and by age group in the Valencian Community (CV). METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study has been made of the individuals presenting suspected adverse reactions to the influenza vaccine reported through the Vaccine Information System during the seasons 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 in the Valencian Community. 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: During the period 2009-2010 the reporting rate of suspected reactions for seasonal influenza vaccine was 0.020 per thousand doses administered, for the pandemic vaccine 0.95. The reporting rate for seasonal influenza vaccine in the period 2010-2011 was 0.04 per thousand. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in the number of reported suspected adverse reactions to the pandemic vaccines compared with the rest of influenza vaccines, during the seasons. The highest suspected adverse reaction reporting rate was for the group of health professionals partner for both vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza.

Variabilidad en la notificación de reacciones adversas a las vacunas de la gripe pandémica y estacional. Temporadas 2009-2010 y 2010-2011, Comunitat Valenciana / Variability in the reporting of adverse reactions to the pandemic and seasonal inluenza vaccine. Seasons 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Valencian Community, Spain

Fundamentos: La pérdida de confianza en la seguridad de las vacunas derivada de situaciones de alarma, como en el caso de la gripe pandémica, puede afectar tanto a las coberturas vacunales como a la sensibilidad frente a la notificación de las sospechas de reacciones adversas asociadas a vacunas (SRAAV). El objetivo del trabajo es describir los efectos adversos a la vacuna frente a la gripe pandémica notificados en la temporada 2009-2010 y comparar si existen diferencias con los descritos con la vacuna de la gripe estacional en las temporadas 2009-2010 y 2010-2011 en la Comunitat Valenciana (CV). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los individuos vacunados frente a la gripe que presentaron alguna SRAAV a la vacuna antigripal y que fue notificada a través del Sistema de Información Vacunal, durante las temporadas 2009-2010 (incluyendo la vacunación pandémica) y 2010-2011 en CV. se calcularon las tasas de notificación de sospechas de reacciones adversas asociadas a vacunas por cada mil dosis de vacunas administradas y sus intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Durante el periodo 2009-2010 la tasa de notificación de SRAAV para la vacuna de la gripe estacional fue de 0,02 por mil dosis administradas, para la vacuna pandémica de 0,95. En el periodo 2010-2011 la tasa para la vacuna de la gripe estacional fue de 0,04 por mil. Conclusiones: Durante las temporadas analizadas se incrementó el número de notificaciones de SRAAV para las vacunas pandémicas en comparación con el resto de vacunas antigripales. La mayor tasa de notificación de SRAAV correspondió al grupo de profesionales sociosanitarios, tanto para las vacunas frente a la gripe estacional como pandémica(AU)

Background: The loss of confidence in the safety of vaccines derived from alarm conditions, as in the case of the flu pandemic may affect both vaccination coverage and the sensitivity to the reporting of suspected adverse reactions associated vaccines (SRAAV). The aim of the study is to describe the adverse effects reported to the vaccine against pandemic influenza in the 2009-2010 season and against seasonal influenza in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, by type of vaccine, risk groups and by age group in the Valencian Community(CV). Methods: A retrospective descriptive study has been made of the individuals presenting suspected adverse reactions to the influenza vaccine reported through the Vaccine Information System during the seasons 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 in the Valencian Community. 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: During the period 2009-2010 the reporting rate of suspected reactions for seasonal influenza vaccine was 0.020 per thousand doses administered, for the pandemic vaccine 0.95. The reporting rate for seasonal influenza vaccine in the period 2010-2011 was 0.04 per thousand. Conclusions: There was an increase in the number of reported suspected adverse reactions to the pandemic vaccines compared with the rest of influenza vaccines, during the seasons. The highest suspected adverse reaction reporting rate was for the group of health professionals partner for both vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza(AU)

[Public health service prescriptions of vaccines not included in systematic vaccination programs in Valencian community, Spain, during the period 2004-2009]. / Prescripción de vacunas no incluidas en el calendario vacunal en la Comunitat Valenciana durante el período 2004-2009.

BACKGROUND: In the context of the policies of rational use of medicine, and in order to achieve an efficient management of the vaccinations programs, we expect to know the number of packings and cost of prescribed vaccines not included in the vaccination programs of Valencian Community and its departments during 2009 and to analyze its evolution since 2004, focusing on an analysis of Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children under two years old. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study to analyze the prescriptions of vaccines in Valencian Community during 2009 and its evolution since 2004. VARIABLES: vaccine availability, number of packings, group of beneficiary (actives/pensioners), department, and cost of prescriptions. DATA SOURCES: Gestor de Prestación Farmacéutica (GAIA) and Sistema Información Poblacional (SIP). RESULTS: In 2009 prescribed vaccines on official national health system prescription forms that are not included in vaccination programs, supposed a cost of 683.445,71 € corresponding to 17.353 packings (87% of the total prescribed vaccines). Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine generated 72% of the total cost of vaccines not included in the vaccination programs. The trend from 2004 to 2009 shows an increase in expenditure of 735.334 € (24,66%) in 2005 from which there takes place a marked and gradual decrease that reaches 1.562.650,67 € (-228.64%). The cost by departments of prescriptions per 1000 children under two years old of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ranges between 17.377 and 324 €. CONCLUSIONS: The declining trend of prescriptions, mainly of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, continues during 2009. A great interdepartmental variability is observed, nevertheless, in rates of prescription that should be corrected.

Prescripción de vacunas no incluidas en el calendario vacunal en la Comunitat Valenciana durante el período 2004-2009 / Public health service prescriptions of vaccines not included in systematic vaccination programs in valencian community, Spain, during the period 2004-2009

Fundamentos: En el marco de las políticas de uso racional del medicamento, y al objeto de conseguir una gestión eficiente de los programas de vacunaciones, el objetivo de este trabajo es conocer el número de envases de las vacunas prescritas no incluidas en los programas de vacunación en la Comunitat Valenciana y en sus departamentos de salud, así como el gasto que produjeron en 2009, y analizar la evolución desde 2004, centrando el análisis en la vacuna heptavalente conjugada frente al Streptococcus pneumoniae en menores de dos años. Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de las vacunas prescritas mediante receta en la Comunitat Valenciana durante el año 2009 y su evolución desde 2004. Variables: número de envases, tipo de beneficiario (activo/pensionista), departamento y gasto generado. Fuentes: Gestor de Prestación Farmacéutica (GAIA) y Sistema Información Poblacional (SIP). Resultados: En 2009 la prescripción mediante receta de vacunas no incluidas en los programas de vacunación generó un gasto de 683.445,71 ] correspondiente a 17.353 envases, lo que supuso el 87! del total del gasto en vacunas recetadas. La vacuna frente al S. pneumoniae generó el 72! del gasto total de las vacunas no incluidas en el calendario. La evolución 2004-2009 muestra un aumento del gasto de 735.334 ] (24,66!) en 2005 a partir del cual se produjo un descenso acusado y paulatino que alcanzó los 1.562.650,67 ] (-228.64!). El gasto por departamentos para la vacuna del neumococo conjugada heptavalente por mil niños/as menores de dos años osciló entre 17.377 y 324 ]. Conclusiones: La tendencia descendente del gasto en recetas prescritas se mantuvo durante 2009, fundamentalmente de vacunas conjugadas frente a neumococo. No obstante, se observó gran variabilidad interdepartamental en las tasas de prescripción que debe ser corregida(AU)

Background: In the context of the policies of rational use of medicine, and in order to achieve an efficient management of the vaccinations programs, we expect to know the number of packings and cost of prescribed vaccines not included in the vaccination programs of Valencian Community and its departments during 2009 and to analyze its evolution since 2004, focusing on an analysis of Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children under two years old. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study to analyze the prescriptions of vaccines in Valencian Community during 2009 and its evolution since 2004. Variables: vaccine availability, number of packings, group of beneficiary (actives/pensioners), department, and cost of prescriptions. Data sources: Gestor de Prestación Farmacéutica (GAIA) and Sistema Información Poblacional (SIP). Results: In 2009 prescribed vaccines on official national health system prescription forms that are not included in vaccination programs, supposed a cost of 683.445,71 ] corresponding to 17.353 packings (87! of the total prescribed vaccines). Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine generated 72! of the total cost of vaccines not included in the vaccination programs. The trend from 2004 to 2009 shows an increase in expenditure of 735.334 ] (24,66!) in 2005 from which there takes place a marked and gradual decrease that reaches 1.562.650,67 ] (-228.64!). The cost by departments of prescriptions per 1000 children under two years old of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ranges between 17.377 and 324 ]. Conclusions: The declining trend of prescriptions, mainly of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, continues during 2009. A great interdepartmental variability is observed, nevertheless, in rates of prescription that should be corrected(AU)

[Incidence of pneumococcal pneumonias in hospital settings in the autonomous Community of Valencia throughout the 1995-2001 period. Spain]. / Incidencia de las neumonías neumocócicas en el ámbito hospitalario en la Comunidad Valenciana durante el período 1995-2001.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal pneumonias comprise a major health problem. This study is aimed at ascertaining the evolution of pneumococcal pneumonias in hospital settings within the Autonomous Community of Valencia throughout the 1995-2001 period. METHODS: The cases of pneumococcal pneumonias were selected from the Minimum Basic Data Set. The confidence interval (95%) and ANOVA were calculated using the SPSS program, the incidence and evolution over the course of time, in addition to the interactions with the gender, age and province variables were calculated. The average length of hospital stay was also calculated. RESULTS: The incidence for the period under study was that of 29 cases/100,000, having dropped since 1996 and stabilizing during the final years of the study. Among individuals over age 65, the incidence was that of 101/100,000, whilst among those under five years of age, it was 76/100,000. The incidence among females was 22/100,000 and 37/100,000 among males. The incidence by provinces wits 31 for Valencia, 21 for Alicante and 24 for Castellón; tending to stabilize in Valencia and Alicante, while rising in Castellón. The average length of stay was 10.6+9 days, being 12.5 days for the 45-64 age range. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal pneumonias are more frequent among either the very young or very old and affect males more, especially those over age 65. A different evolution was found in the province of Calstellón. The average length of stay varies according to age, there being no significant difference between genders or age groups.