Epidemiological surveillance of land borders in North and South America: a case study.

This study aims to analyze the different binational/multinational activities, programs, and structures taking place on the borders of Brazil and the U.S. between 2013 and 2015. A descriptive exploratory study of two border epidemiological surveillance (BES) systems has been performed. Two approaches were used to collect data: i) technical visits to the facilities involved with border surveillance and application of a questionnaire survey; ii) application of an online questionnaire survey. It was identified that, for both surveillance systems, more than 55% of the technicians had realized that the BES and its activities have high priority. Eighty percent of North American and 71% of Brazilian border jurisdictions reported an exchange of information between countries. Less than half of the jurisdictions reported that the necessary tools to carry out information exchange were available. Operational attributes of completeness, feedback, reciprocity, and quality of information were identified as weak or of low quality in both systems. Statements, guidelines, and protocols to develop surveillance activities are available at the U.S.-Mexico border area. The continuous systematic development of surveillance systems at these borders will create more effective actions and responses.

Intention to accept Bordetella pertussis booster vaccine during pregnancy in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: Adult booster vaccination against pertussis can help prevent severe infections in young infants. We examined influences on intention to accept pertussis booster vaccination among pregnant women in Mexico City. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey, recruiting convenience samples of pregnant women receiving prenatal care from three public healthcare centers between March and May 2012. Our primary outcome was intention to accept pertussis vaccination during pregnancy. We examined socio-demographic factors, vaccination history, pertussis knowledge, perceptions of vaccine information sources, and other potential influences on vaccine decision-making. RESULTS: A total of 402 pregnant women agreed to participate, of which 387 (96%) provided their intention to accept or decline pertussis vaccination. Among respondents, 57% intended to accept a pertussis booster vaccine if offered, but only 16% had ever heard of pertussis, and only 2% knew someone who had contracted this disease. Over 80% of respondents would accept pertussis vaccination if recommended by an obstetrician-gynecologist. The most frequently selected reasons to refuse pertussis vaccination were concerns that the vaccine might harm the unborn baby or pregnant woman. In multivariate analysis, rating doctors and nurses as good sources of vaccine information, and having ever heard of pertussis, were independently associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Promoting patient awareness about pertussis disease and vaccine safety, and encouraging general practitioners, nurses and obstetricians to recommend pertussis booster vaccine, may increase vaccine uptake among pregnant women.