Whole-genome sequencing of Neisseria meningitidis collected in Chile from pediatric patients during 2016-2019 and coverage vaccine prediction.

BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has become a valuable tool for global meningococcal surveillance. The objective of this study was to genetically characterize Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from children in Chile through WGS and predicting potential vaccine coverage using gMATS and MenDeVAR. METHODS: WGS of 42 N.meningitidis from pediatric patients were processed and assembled using different software. We analyzed genomes with BIGSdb platform hosted at PubMLST.org, and predicted vaccine coverage using MenDeVAR and gMATS tools. RESULTS: Among 42 strains, 25 were MenB, 16 MenW, and 1 MenC. The cc11 and cc 41/44 were the most frequents. The main frequent deduced peptide sequence for PorA was P1.5,2 (40 %), peptide P1.4 was present in one MenB strain; NHBA-29 (64 %), none having peptide 2; fHbp-2 (76 %), one strain had peptide-1, and two had peptide 45; NadA was detected in 52 %, peptide-6 was present in 84 %, none had peptide 8. The MenDeVAR index predicted a coverage in MenB strains for 4CMenB 8 % exact matches, 12 % cross-reactivity, 8 % not coverage and 64 % had insufficient data. gMATS predicted 16 % was covered, 8 % not covered and 76 % unpredictable, and overall coverage of 54 %. For rLP2086-fHbp, the MenDeVAR index predicted exact match in 8 %, cross-reactivity in 64 %, and insufficient data in 28 % and an overall coverage of 72 %. In non-MenB strains, the MenDeVAR index predicted for 4CMenB vaccine: cross-reactivity 88 %, 6 % for not covered and insufficient data. For rLP2086-fHbp, predicted cross-reactivity 12 % and insufficient data in 88 %. gMATS predicted an overall coverage of 50 % for Non-MenB. CONCLUSION: genetic variability of the Chilean strains that its different from other countries, and until now limit the coverage prediction of vaccine with the available tools like gMATS and MenDeVAR.

Vaccine Confidence and Coverage among Medical Students at a Federal University in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Declining vaccination coverage (VC) and vaccine hesitancy among medical students are global challenges. These challenges reflect individual and logistical barriers to a sufficient adherence toward essential vaccines for healthcare professionals, as well as presenting a need for educational strategies during undergraduate training. METHODS: This is a prospective study for evaluating VC rates, sociodemographic associations, and the vaccine confidence among medical students at a federal university in Brazil. The data collection included questionnaires and individual analyses of the participants' vaccination records. RESULTS: A total of 237 medical students from all six years of an undergraduate program participated, of whom 124 (52.3%) had a vaccination record. Although the majority considered the vaccines to be "Completely Safe" (86.9%), the VC rates for complete vaccination schedules were relatively low, ranging from 87.9% (hepatitis B vaccine) to 3.2% (meningococcal B vaccine), including the vaccines from the National Immunization Program (NIP) and the private sector. Higher VC rates were found to occur among students in the final years of their undergraduate studies, in those from families with higher monthly incomes, and those from private secondary schools. CONCLUSIONS: Given the low VC rates among medical students, other factors in addition to vaccine confidence may be determinants, thus highlighting the importance of reviewing policies for the inclusion of priority groups in the NIP and in implementing educational interventions during undergraduate training.

Pertussis vaccine effectiveness following country-wide implementation of a hexavalent acellular pertussis immunization schedule in infants and children in Panama.

Despite high pediatric vaccination coverage rates (VCRs), pertussis incidence has increased worldwide, including in several countries in Latin America in the last two decades. Given the few vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies in Latin American countries, this retrospective, observational, cohort study estimated the effectiveness of hexavalent acellular (aP) primary and booster vaccination (wP) against pertussis in infants (6.5-18.5 months) and children (18.5-48.5 and 48.5-72.5 months) in Panama. Age-specific incidence rates (IRs) were calculated for the vaccine's pre-initiation (2001-2013), initiation (2014), and post-initiation (2015-2019) periods. VCRs and trends were determined, and VE was analyzed using a case coverage or screening method to compare proportions of vaccinated cases and vaccinated individuals in the population. Between 2001-2019, 868 confirmed pertussis cases were reported in Panama; 712 (82.0%; 54.8 cases/year) during the pre-initiation period, 19 (2.2%; 19 cases/year) during the initiation period, and 137 (15.8%; 27.4 cases/year) during the post-initiation period. Panama underwent cyclical increases in IRs, which varied between age groups. VCRs increased for primary and booster doses. Between 2015 and 2019, third-dose yearly vaccine coverage increased, on average, 3.3%. Specifically, during the post-initiation period, 109/137 (79.6%) of cases were unvaccinated. Relative VE was estimated at 96.2% [95% CI: 86.5%, 98.9%] with three doses; 100% with 4 and 5 booster doses. Absolute VE was estimated at 99.3% with three doses only. These results show that vaccination played an important role in maintaining a low number of pertussis cases in Panama, affirming the need for sustained investment and commitment to vaccination programs.

Low vaccine coverage and varicella outbreaks in Brazil - 2019-2022.

The persistence of varicella outbreaks in Brazil has underscored the high concern with the low vaccine coverage in the last 4 years. Using publicly available data from the Brazilian Health System (SUS), this study analyzed varicella vaccine coverage and incidence trends from 2019 to 2022 in Brazilian States. Vaccine coverage decreased nationally in 2020, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic's initial phase. In Bahia State, we have the persistence of varicella with an incidence rate of 3.0 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (higher incidence compared to other States) in 2023. Under 15 months children and young children (4-6 Years old) faced the highest risk, urging the importance of vaccination. Despite a monovalent varicella vaccine being available through Brazil's National Immunization Program (NIP), Bahia fell short of achieving the ≥95 % disease control target for coverage. The study highlight the importance of vaccines to prevent some infectious diseases, as varicella, in poor tropical regions. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, and augmenting awareness campaigns, are important to achieve and sustain high vaccine coverage over 80% as WHO guidelines to obtain a safe rate of protection for Brazilian population (Brazil's national immunization program has a target of 95% coverage).

Decline in Vaccination Coverage against Poliomyelitis in the municipalities of Vale do Paraíba (SP) under a spatial approach / Queda da cobertura vacinal contra a poliomielite nos municípios do Vale do Paraíba (SP) sob um enfoque espacial

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze vaccination coverage (VC) for polio in the municipalities of Vale do Paraíba in the State of São Paulo. Methods: This is an ecological and exploratory study of VC in 35 municipalities using a spatial approach; VC data were obtained from the IT Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), for the years 2015 and 2019, and categorized into Low (VC<95%) and ideal (≥95%). Information was obtained on gross domestic product (GDP), professional rates and number of basic health units (UBS) and maternal data such as age, marital status (MS) and education. Univariate and bivariate Moran indices were estimated for the years 2015 and 2019, and thematic maps were created for CV values. Results: The average VC values were 107.7%±27.2 in 2015, and 94.2%±27.8 in 2019 (p<0.05). In 2015 vs. 2019, there were 10 vs. 25 municipalities in the Low category. In 2015, the variables VC, number of UBS, age, education, and MS were spatially correlated, but in 2019 only maternal age and education were spatially correlated. The bivariate Moran was significant and negative for VC in 2019 with maternal education. There was an increase in municipalities with worsening VC values. Conclusions: The spatial approach identified a decrease in polio vaccination coverage in the studied region.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as coberturas vacinais (CV) da poliomielite nos municípios do Vale do Paraíba paulista. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico e exploratório de CV em 35 municípios com abordagem espacial. Os dados de CV foram obtidos do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), referentes aos anos de 2015 e 2019 e categorizados em baixa (CV<95%) e ideal (≥95%). Foram obtidas informações sobre Produto Interno Bruto (PIB), taxas de profissionais, número de unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) e dados maternos como idade, estado civil (EC) e escolaridade. Foram estimados índices de Moran univariados e bivariados para os anos de 2015 e 2019 e criados mapas temáticos para valores de CV. Resultados: Os valores médios de CV foram de 107,7%±27,2 em 2015 e 94,2%±27,8 em 2019 (p<0,05). Em 2015, eram dez municípios na categoria baixa e, em 2019, eram 25 municípios. Em 2015, as variáveis CV, número de UBS, idade, escolaridade e situação marital foram correlacionadas espacialmente, mas em 2019 apenas idade materna e escolaridade foram correlacionadas espacialmente. O Moran bivariado foi significativo e negativo para CV em 2019 com escolaridade materna. Houve aumento de municípios com piora nos valores de CV. Conclusões: A abordagem espacial identificou diminuição da cobertura vacinal contra a poliomielite na região estudada.

Hepatitis B eradication: vaccine as a key player.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the availability of a highly effective and safe vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection for 40 years, still almost 300 million persons are estimated to be chronically infected by this virus worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a plan for hepatitis elimination by 2030. However, several factors, such as the reduction and limitation in vaccination campaigns or vaccine hesitancy (VH) in some regions of the World, might have played a role in limiting the worldwide coverage of hepatitis B prophylaxis. This review aims to describe which factors, such as VH, may be hampering the WHO 2030 goal for hepatitis B eradication. METHODS: The review describes the development and characteristics of the HBV vaccine, from the first plasma-derived to the recombinant one. Eventual limitations in its effectiveness and particularly VH were reviewed. RESULTS: The apparent pitfalls of the HBV vaccine, such as long-term effectiveness, vaccine-escape mutants, and adverse effects, were proven not to be a concern for this vaccine. However, VH persists and was even intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Many barriers still exist, such as vaccine availability, lack of awareness of the benefits of HBV vaccination, and VH. HBV VH seems to be eventually overcome in many settings with active education campaigns and information, stressing the importance of developing these strategies to achieve the 2030 goal of the WHO.

The Trajectory of Brazilian Immunization Program between 1980 and 2018: From the Virtuous Cycle to the Vaccine Coverage Decline.

BACKGROUND: Public health policies are crossed by economic and political interests that can affect the maintenance of the immunization programs and their vaccination coverages. The aim was to investigate the political and economic conditions that marked the trajectory of the Brazilian immunization program from 1980 to 2018. METHODS: Documentary research gathered data on public expenditures with epidemiological surveillance and vaccine procurement and nationwide estimates of vaccine coverage. The scientific literature on the program's implementation and the country's political and economic conditions was examined. The theoretical approach was based on historical institutionalism. RESULTS: The results showed rising, high rates maintaining and falling vaccination coverages in the period. As of 2010, there was a tendency for a reduction in total federal spending on epidemiological surveillance, putting pressure on the budgets of the sub-national governments in their respective areas of coverage, and on federal spending in dollars for the acquisition of immunobiologicals and inputs. CONCLUSIONS: The amplitude and complexity of the program's trajectory have been crossed by diverse dynamics conditioned by economic and political interests reflecting at a deeper level the advance of capitalism through fiscal austerity measures over democracy's aspirations for greater balance and justice in the distribution of resources.

Vaccine coverage and effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed symptomatic and severe Covid-19 in indigenous people in Brazil: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous people have historically suffered devastating impacts from epidemics and continue to have lower access to healthcare and be especially vulnerable to respiratory infections. We estimated the coverage and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines against laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases among indigenous people in Brazil. METHODS: We linked nationwide Covid-19 vaccination data with flu-like surveillance records and studied a cohort of vaccinated indigenous people aged ≥ 5 years between 18th January 2021 and 1st March 2022. We considered individuals unexposed from the date they received the first dose of vaccine until the 13th day of vaccination, partially vaccinated from the 14th day after the first dose until the 13th day after receiving the second dose, and fully vaccinated onwards. We estimated the Covid-19 vaccination coverage and used Poisson regression to calculate the relative risks (RR) and vaccine effectiveness (VE) of CoronaVac, ChAdOx1, and BNT162b2 against Covid-19 laboratory-confirmed cases incidence, mortality, hospitalisation, and hospital-progression to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or death. VE was estimated as (1-RR)*100, comparing unexposed to partially or fully vaccinated. RESULTS: By 1st March 2022, 48.7% (35.0-62.3) of eligible indigenous people vs. 74.8% (57.9-91.8) overall Brazilians had been fully vaccinated for Covid-19. Among fully vaccinated indigenous people, we found a lower risk of symptomatic cases (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.40-0.56) and mortality (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.14-1.56) after the 14th day of the second dose. VE for the three Covid-19 vaccines combined was 53% (95%CI:44-60%) for symptomatic cases, 53% (95%CI:-56-86%) for mortality and 41% (95%CI:-35-75%) for hospitalisation. In our sample, we found that vaccination did not reduce Covid-19 related hospitalisation. However, among hospitalised patients, we found a lower risk of progression to ICU (RR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.02-0.81; VE: 87%, 95%CI:27-98%) and Covid-19 death (RR: 0.04, 95%CI:0.01-0.10; VE: 96%, 95%CI: 90-99%) after the 14th day of the second dose. CONCLUSIONS: Lower coverage but similar Covid-19 VE among indigenous people than overall Brazilians suggest the need to expand access, timely vaccination, and urgently offer booster doses to achieve a great level of protection among this group.

Perfil bioquímico e sorológico das hepatites b e c num centro recuperação para dependentes químicos / Biochemical and serological profile of hepatitis b and c in a recovery center for chemical dependents / Perfil bioquímico y serológico de hepatitis b y c en un centro de recuperación de dependientes químicos

Objetivo: A pesquisa visa determinar o perfil bioquímico e sorológico das hepatites B e C em internos de um centro de recuperação, Ananindeua, Pará, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo, desenvolvido entre 2015 e 2018. Os dados foram coletados com o uso de Ficha de Inquérito e entrevista. Os participantes foram submetidos à coleta de sangue para realização de testes sorológicos para as hepatites virais B e C e bioquímicos. Resultados: Participaram 125 internos, com frequência de 97,6% para o sexo masculino, prevalecendo a faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (38,4%). Os marcadores bioquímicos que mais sofreram alterações: ácido úrico, alanina aminotransferase e lipoproteína de alta densidade. O HBsAg não foi detectado, porém houve detecção de anti-HBc total reagente isolado em 1,6% dos indivíduos. Em 20,8% pode-se observar resposta vacinal contra o vírus da hepatite B. A pesquisa detectou prevalência de 3,2% de anti-VHC reagente. Conclusão: É baixa prevalência da infecção pelos vírus das hepatites B e C, apesar dessa população ser considerada de elevado risco para a transmissão desses vírus, os examinados na sua maioria referiu utilizar apenas drogas inaláveis. A baixa cobertura vacinal encontrada entre os examinados demonstrou a vulnerabilidade em adquirir a hepatite B e a importância de estudos entre usuários de drogas no Pará. (AU)

Objective: The research aims to determine the biochemical and serological profile of hepatitis B and C in inmates of a recovery center, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study, developed between 2015 and 2018. Data were collected using an Inquiry Form and an interview. Participants underwent blood collection to perform serological tests for viral hepatitis B and C and biochemicals. Results: 125 inmates participated, with a frequency of 97.6% for males, with the age group of 31 to 40 years old prevailing (38.4%). The biochemical markers that suffered the most changes: uric acid, Alanine aminotransferase and High density lipoprotein. HBsAg was not detected, but total anti-HBc reagent isolated was detected in 1.6% of individuals. In 20.8%, a vaccine response against the hepatitis B virus can be observed. The survey found a 3.2% prevalence of anti-HCV reagent. Conclusion: The prevalence of infection by the hepatitis B and C viruses is low, although this population is considered to be at high risk for the transmission of these viruses, the majority of those examined reported using only inhalable drugs. The low vaccination coverage found among those examined demonstrated the vulnerability to acquire hepatitis B and the importance of studies among drug users in Pará. (AU)

Objetivo: La investigación tiene como objetivo determinar el perfil bioquímico y serológico de la hepatitis B y C en los reclusos de un centro de recuperación, Ananindeua, Pará, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo y cuantitativo, desarrollado entre 2015 y 2018. Los datos se recopilaron mediante el Formulario de encuesta y la entrevista. Los participantes se sometieron a extracción de sangre para pruebas serológicas de hepatitis viral B y C y bioquímicos. Resultados: Participaron 125 reclusos, con una frecuencia del 97,6% para los hombres, prevaleciendo el grupo de edad de 31 a 40 años (38,4%). Los marcadores bioquímicos que sufrieron más cambios: ácido úrico, Alanina aminotransferasa y Lipoproteínas de alta densidad. No se detectó HBsAg, pero se detectó el reactivo anti-HBc total aislado en el 1,6% de los individuos. En 20.8%, se puede observar una respuesta de vacuna contra el virus de la hepatitis B. La encuesta encontró una prevalencia del 3.2% Del reactivo anti-VHC. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de infección por los virus de la hepatitis B y C es baja, aunque se considera que esta población tiene un alto riesgo de transmisión de estos virus, la mayoría de los examinados informaron que usaban solo medicamentos inhalables. La baja cobertura de vacunación encontrada entre los examinados demostró la vulnerabilidad a contraer hepatitis B y la importancia de los estudios entre usuarios de drogas en Pará. (AU)

Spatial analysis of measles vaccination coverage in the State of São Paulo.

BACKGROUND: Measles is a contagious viral disease that seriously affects children. The measles vaccine is widely recommended in Brazil and in the world; however, the disease remains relevant for the health authorities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate first and second dose of measles vaccine coverage (VC) in the cities of São Paulo and its spatial dynamics between 2015 and 2020. METHOD: In this mixed-type ecological study, we used secondary, public domain data from 2015 to 2020, extracted from the Digital Information System of the National Immunization Program, Mortality Information System and the National Live Birth Information System. After calculating the VC, the following four categories were created: very low, low, adequate, and high, and the spatial autocorrelation of VC was analyzed using the Global and Local Moran's statistics. RESULTS: A steady decline in adherence to the vaccination was observed, which dynamically worsened until 2020, with a high number of cities fitting the classification of ineffective coverage and being potentially harmful to the effectiveness of the immunization activities of their neighbors. CONCLUSION: A direct neighborhood pattern was observed between the units with low vaccination coverage, which implied that the reduction in measles VC was somehow related to and negatively influenced by the geographic location and social culture of these areas.

National Vaccine Coverage Survey 2020: methods and operational aspects / Inquérito Nacional de Cobertura Vacinal 2020: métodos e aspectos operacionais

ABSTRACT Objective: The national vaccination coverage survey on full vaccination at 12 and 24 months of age was carried out to investigate drops in coverage as of 2016. Methods: A sample of 37,836 live births from the 2017 or 2018 cohorts living in capital cities, the Federal District, and 12 inner cities with 100 thousand inhabitants were followed for the first 24 months through vaccine record cards. Census tracts stratified according to socioeconomic levels had the same number of children included in each stratum. Coverage for each vaccine, full vaccination at 12 and 24 months and number of doses administered, valid and timely, were calculated. Family, maternal and child factors associated with coverage were surveyed. The reasons for not vaccinating analyzed were: medical contraindications, access difficulties, problems with the program, and vaccine hesitancy. Results: Preliminary results showed that less than 1% of children were not vaccinated, full coverage was less than 75% at all capitals and the Federal District, vaccines requiring more than one dose progressively lost coverage, and there were inequalities among socioeconomic strata, favorable to the highest level in some cities and to the lowest in others. Conclusion: There was an actual reduction in full vaccination in all capitals and the Federal District for children born in 2017 and 2018, showing a deteriorating implementation of the National Immunization Program from 2017 to 2019. The survey did not measure the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have further reduced vaccination coverage.

RESUMO Objetivo: Inquérito nacional de cobertura vacinal aos 12 e 24 meses de idade foi realizado para investigar as quedas nas coberturas a partir de 2016. Métodos: Amostra de 37.836 nascidos vivos das coortes de 2017 e 2018 residentes nas capitais, Distrito Federal (DF) e 12 cidades com mais de 100 mil habitantes, acompanhados nos primeiros 24 meses por registros nas cadernetas de vacinação. Setores censitários foram estratificados segundo condições socioeconômicas, e o mesmo número de crianças foi incluído para cada estrato. Calcularem-se coberturas vacinais de cada vacina e coberturas completas aos 12 e 24 meses, doses aplicadas, válidas e oportunas. Fatores familiares, maternos e da criança associados à cobertura foram pesquisados. Os motivos para não vacinar analisados foram: contraindicações médicas, dificuldades de acesso, problemas no funcionamento do programa e hesitação vacinal. Resultados: Os resultados preliminares mostram que menos de 1% das crianças não foram vacinadas, as coberturas pelo esquema completo são menores que 75% em todas as capitais e no DF, as vacinas com mais de uma dose perdem cobertura progressivamente, há diferenças entre os estratos socioeconômicos, favoráveis aos estratos mais altos em algumas cidades e aos estratos mais baixos em outras. Conclusão: Houve realmente redução da cobertura vacinal em todas as capitais e no DF para as crianças nascidas em 2017 e 2018, denotando piora na execução do Programa Nacional de Imunizações durante os anos de 2017 a 2019. O inquérito realizado não mensurou os impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 que podem ter reduzido ainda mais as coberturas vacinais.

Historical trends in mortality from "older" vaccine-preventable diseases, Colombia: implications for elimination and control.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the trends in mortality from eight vaccine-preventable diseases in Colombia in the last 40 years and their relationship with vaccination coverage. STUDY DESIGN: It is a population-based descriptive study. METHODS: The frequencies of deaths by decade, disease, sex, and the specific mortality rates by age group were calculated. Using a negative binomial regression model, the 10-year changes in mortality and their relationship with vaccination coverage were determined. RESULTS: The number of deaths and the adjusted rates decreased since 1989 in all diseases (incidence rate ratio <1 when compared with the 1979-1988 decade). Vaccination coverage below 90% is associated with an increase in mortality from diphtheria, measles, mumps, neonatal tetanus, and pertussis. CONCLUSION: Historical changes in mortality support the benefits of vaccination, but new efforts are required to sustain the elimination of diseases.

Declaración SLIPE: Aumento de la cobertura antipoliomielítica con vacunas más seguras: una urgencia inaplazable en Latinoamérica / SLIPE Declaration: Increasing anti-polio coverage with safer vaccines: an urgent need that cannot be postponed in Latin America

Ante el riesgo real de ocurrencia de brotes de parálisis fláccida aguda en la región debidos a poliovirus derivado de la vacuna Sabin o a la importación de poliovirus salvaje, la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica comisionó a un grupo ad hoc de expertos integrantes del Comité de Vacunas y Biológicos de la institución, para redactar un documento oficial de posición sobre la necesidad imperiosa de incrementar los niveles de inmunización contra la enfermedad en la región e incorporar definitivamente en forma exclusiva la vacuna de polio inactivada en todos los esquemas nacionales de vacunación. La presente publicación discute las principales conclusiones y recomendaciones generadas como resultado de esta actividad.

Given the actual risk of poliomyelitis outbreaks in the region due to poliovirus derived from the Sabin vaccine or the importation of wild poliovirus, the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases commissioned an ad hoc group of experts from the institution's Vaccines and Biologicals Committee, to draft an official position paper on the urgent need to increase immunization levels against the disease in the region and incorporate inactivated polio vaccine exclusive schedules in all national immunization programs. This publication discusses the main conclusions and recommendations generated as a result of such activity.

Increasing polio coverage with safer vaccines: a pressing need in Latin America

Given the actual risk of poliomyelitis outbreaks in the region due to poliovirus derived from the Sabin vaccine or the importation of wild poliovirus, the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases commissioned an ad hoc group of experts from the institution's Vaccines and Biologicals Committee, to draft an official position paper on the urgent need to increase immunization levels against the disease in the region and incorporate inactivated polio vaccine exclusive schedules in all national immunization programs. This publication discusses the main conclusions and recommendations generated as a result of such activity.

Ante el riesgo real de ocurrencia de brotes de parálisis fláccida aguda en la región debidos a poliovirus derivado de la vacuna Sabin o a la importación de poliovirus salvaje, la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica comisionó a un grupo ad hoc de expertos integrantes del Comité de Vacunas y Biológicos de la institución, para redactar un documento oficial de posición sobre la necesidad imperiosa de incrementar los niveles de inmunización contra la enfermedad en la región e incorporar definitivamente en forma exclusiva la vacuna de polio inactivada en todos los esquemas nacionales de vacunación. La presente publicación discute las principales conclusiones y recomendaciones generadas como resultado de esta actividad.

Hesitação Vacinal em Ambulatório-Escola / Vaccine Hesitation in a School Outpatient Clinic

Introdução: Hesitação vacinal é o atraso em aceitar ou a recusa das vacinas recomendadas. A Organização Mundial da Saúde recomenda uma cobertura vacinal por volta de 95% para garantir os benefícios da vacinação. Apesar disso, a hesitação em vacinar é crescente, o que deixa parte da população suscetível a doenças imunopreveníveis e favorece o ressurgimento de enfermidades já erradicadas. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a hesitação vacinal e fatores associados a esta em um ambulatório-escola no sul de Santa Catarina. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal realizado em ambulatório-escola no período de outubro a dezembro de 2019. Resultados: O estudo foi composto por 221 responsáveis por crianças e adolescentes até 16 anos. Apesar de todos os responsáveis exporem que vacinam os seus filhos, 84,2% estavam com a carteira de vacinação atualizada. A prevalência de hesitação vacinal foi de 20,09%, e os principais motivos destacados foram a preocupação com os efeitos adversos e a falta de segurança em realizá-las. Em relação à intensidade da hesitação, 52,77% deixaram de aplicar somente uma vacina recomendada, e 41,66% vacinaram, mesmo hesitando. Entre aqueles que já hesitaram, 65,62% não imunizaram seus filhos contra o vírus Influenza. Conclusão: Apesar de a maioria vacinar seus filhos, a taxa de hesitação encontrada não pode ser ignorada, devendo ser revertida. Para isso, se faz necessário o desenvolvimento de programas e campanhas informativas para o esclarecimento da população local frente à importância e aos benefícios da vacinação.

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is the delay in acceptance or refusal of recommended vaccines. The World Health Organization recommends around 95% vaccination coverage to ensure the benefits of vaccination. Despite this, hesitancy to vaccinate is increasing, leaving part of the population susceptible to immunopreventable diseases and favoring the resurgence of already eradicated diseases. This study aimed to identify vaccine hesitancy and associated factors in a school outpatient clinic in southern Santa Catarina. Methods: The study carried out a cross-sectional observational study in a school outpatient clinic from October to December 2019. Results: The 221 guardians of children and adolescents up to 16 years composed the research. Although all guardians exposed that they vaccinate their children, 84.2% were with the vaccination cards updated. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 20.09%, and the main reasons highlighted were concern about adverse effects and lack of safety when vaccinating. Concerning the intensity of hesitancy, 52.77% failed to apply only one recommended vaccine, and 41.66% were vaccinated even though they hesitated. Among those who hesitated, 65.62% did not immunize their children against the influenza virus. Conclusions: Although the majority vaccinate their children, the hesitancy rate found cannot be ignored and should be reversed. For this, it is necessary to develop informative programs and campaigns to educate the local population about the importance and benefits of vaccination.

Updating the Phylodynamics of Yellow Fever Virus 2016-2019 Brazilian Outbreak With New 2018 and 2019 São Paulo Genomes.

The recent outbreak of yellow fever (YF) in São Paulo during 2016-2019 has been one of the most severe in the last decades, spreading to areas with low vaccine coverage. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of the yellow fever virus (YFV) from São Paulo 2016-2019 outbreak, integrating the available genomic data with new genomes from patients from the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). Using phylodynamics, we proposed the existence of new IE subclades, described their sequence signatures, and determined their locations and time of origin. Plasma or urine samples from acute severe YF cases (n = 56) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive to YFV were submitted to viral genome amplification using 12 sets of primers. Thirty-nine amplified genomes were subsequently sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). These 39 sequences, together with all the complete genomes publicly available, were aligned and used to determine nucleotide/amino acids substitutions and perform phylogenetic and phylodynamic analysis. All YFV genomes generated in this study belonged to the genotype South American I subgroup E. Twenty-one non-synonymous substitutions were identified among the new generated genomes. We analyzed two major clades of the genotypes IE, IE1, and IE2 and proposed the existence of subclades based on their sequence signatures. Also, we described the location and time of origin of these subclades. Overall, our findings provide an overview of YFV genomic characterization and phylodynamics of the 2016-2019 outbreak contributing to future virological and epidemiological studies.

COVID-19 y coberturas de vacunación del calendario regular del Paraguay, efecto de la pandemia

RESUMEN Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 produjo una crisis sanitaria afectando las coberturas de vacunación de los países. Objetivo : Describir la cobertura de vacunación de los biológicos trazadores durante el periodo prepandémico (2015- 2019) y pandémico (2020-2021) en Paraguay. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transverso, que comprendió a niños de 0 a 5 años de edad, de las 18 Regiones Sanitarias del País. Se analizaron las coberturas de vacunación del Programa Ampliado de Inmunización, periodo prepandémico (2015-2019) y pandémico (2020-201). Se incluyeron los biológicos trazadores: BCG, DPT1, DPT3, IPV1 y bOPV3, SPR1, SPR2 y vacuna antiamarílica (AA), el cálculo de cobertura de vacunación a nivel país se realizó por medio del análisis del reporte electrónico semanal de dosis de vacunas administradas por Región Sanitaria. Se estableció la comparación de las coberturas de vacunación por biológico trazador, por periodos y rango de edad. Resultados: Durante la pandemia se constató un descenso de cobertura de vacunación de los biológicos trazadores, para BCG: 4 % (2020), 15% (2021);DPT1: 5 % (2020), 13 % (2021); DPT3: 9 % (2020), 22 %(2021); IPV1: 5 % (2020),16 % (2021); bOPV3: 7% (2020),19 % (2021); SPR1: 9 %, SPR2: 13 % (2020),SPR1:17%, SPR2:16 % (2021) y AA: 7% (2020), 15% (2021). Conclusión: Durante la pandemia de Covid-19 disminuyeron las coberturas de vacunación de todos los biológicos trazadores, similar descenso se constató en otros países de América, existe el riesgo de aparición de brotes de enfermedades prevenibles por vacunación por el acúmulo de susceptibles.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic produced a health crisis affecting countries' vaccination coverage statistics. Objective: To describe the coverage of recommended vaccines during the pre-pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) periods in Paraguay. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, observational cross-sectional study, comprising children from 0 to 5 years of age, from the Country's 18 Health Regions. The vaccination coverage of the National Expanded Immunization Program, pre-pandemic (2015-2019) and pandemic (2020-201) periods were analyzed. The recommended vaccinations included were: BCG, DTP1, DTP3, IPV1 and bOPV3, MMR1, MMR2 and yellow fever vaccine (AA), the calculation of vaccination coverage at the country level was carried out through the analysis of the weekly electronic report of doses of vaccines administered by Health Region. The comparison of vaccination coverage by recommended vaccine was established, by periods and age range. Results: During the pandemic, a decrease in vaccination coverage of the recommended vaccines was observed, for BCG: 4% (2020), 15% (2021); DTP1: 5% (2020), 13% (2021); DTP3: 9% (2020), 22% (2021); IPV1: 5% (2020), 16% (2021); bOPV3: 7% (2020), 19% (2021); MMR1: 9%, MMR2: 13% (2020), MMR1: 17%, MMR2: 16% (2021) and AA: 7% (2020), 15% (2021). Conclusion: During the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccination coverage of all recommended vaccines decreased, a similar decrease was found in other countries in the Americas, there is a risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases due to the accumulation of susceptible populations.

Analysis of vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vitória, Brazil / Análise da cobertura vacinal durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em Vitória, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: with the current situation of measles outbreak in Brazil and the sharp drop in immunization coverage nationwide, it is necessary to think about ways to intervene in the face of so many difficulties, since the expansion of immunization coverage is the most effective and safe for the control of infectious diseases OBJECTIVE: to analyze vaccine coverage of two National Campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vitória/ES. METHODS: a descriptive experience report on the implementation of an intervention plan to expand vaccination coverage of two National Vaccination Campaigns in 2020 in a Family Health Unit (FHU) during the Curricular Internship I (EC-I). It was based on the Situational Strategic Planning. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyzes were performed RESULTS: there was an increase of 5.79 times in the vaccination coverage of the National Measles Vaccination Campaign 2020 in the territory, from 0.86% (vaccination coverage of the triple viral before the start of EC-I) to 4.98% at the end of EC-I (p = 0.438). When comparing the vaccination coverage of the National Multivaccination Campaign 2020 of immunobiologicals administered before and after the EC-I period at the FHU, we observed that there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0049). CONCLUSION: the proposed and implemented intervention plan had a positive outcome on the FHU, as the vaccination coverage of the two campaigns were expanded, despite all the challenges of the pandemic

INTRODUÇÃO: com a conjuntura atual do sarampo no Brasil, além da queda acentuada da cobertura vacinal em âmbito nacional, faz-se necessário pensar sobre as formas de intervir frente a tantos desafios, compreendendo que a ampliação da cobertura vacinal é a forma mais efetiva e segura para o controle de doenças infectocontagiosas. OBJETIVO: analisar a cobertura vacinal de duas Campanhas Nacionais durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em Vitória/ES. MÉTODO: relato de experiência descritivo, sobre a implementação de um plano de intervenção de ampliação de cobertura vacinal de duas Campanhas Nacionais de Vacinação em 2020 em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) durante a Disciplina de Estágio Curricular I (EC-I). O plano de intervenção foi alicerçado no Planejamento Estratégico Situacional. Análises estatísticas descritivas e bivariadas foram realizadas. RESULTADOS: houve um aumento de 5,79 vezes da cobertura vacinal da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação contra o Sarampo 2020, passando de 0,86% (em março de 2020) para 4,98% no final de outubro de 2020 (p=0,438). Ao comparar a cobertura da Campanha Nacional Multivacinação 2020 dos imunobiológicos administrados antes e após o plano de intervenção, observamos que houve uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,0049). CONCLUSÃO: verificou-se um aumento nas coberturas vacinais da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação contra o Sarampo 2020 e da Campanha Nacional Multivacinação 2020. O plano de intervenção proposto e implementado surtiu efeito positivo na USF, pois, foi ampliado a cobertura vacinal das duas Campanhas, mesmo com todos os desafios da pandemia.

Causas e consequências da redução da cobertura vacinal no Brasil / Causes and consequences of reducing vaccination coverage in Brazil

A vacinação é a estratégia mais efetiva de se evitar uma doença transmissível, contudo tem-se constatado diminuição das coberturas de diversas vacinas, por razões como hesitação vacinal, esquecimento, notícias falsas sobre vacinas, entre outros. Este artigo tem como escopo elencar as principais causas e as futuras consequências na redução da cobertura vacinal, permitindo avaliar as variantes que colaborariam para um aumento no número de hesitantes, por meio de trabalho multimétodos. Avaliando-se os diferentes autores, pode-se concluir que a redução da cobertura vacinal é problemática para a saúde coletiva, causando avanço de doenças já equacionadas e o ressurgimento de doenças erradicadas, provocando danos ou morte, especialmente em crianças. Portanto, torna-se primordial por parte dos diferentes agentes de saúde, governos, trabalhadores da saúde, controle social, entidades educacionais, uma união de forças para empoderar a população, e auxiliar na desconstrução dos mitos relacionados à vacinação. (AU)

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent a communi-cable disease; however, there has been a reduction in the coverage of several vaccines, for reasons such as hesitation about the vaccine, forgetfulness, fake news about vaccines, among others. This article aims to list the main causes and future consequences in the reduction of vaccination coverage, allowing the variants evaluation that would contribute to an increase in the hesitants number, through multi-method work. Assessing the different authors, it can be concluded that the reduction in vaccination coverage is a problem for public health, causing the advance of diseases that have already been considered and the resurgence of eradicated diseases, causing damage or death, especially in children. Therefore, it is essential for different health agents, governments, health workers, social control and educational entities, to join forces to empower the population, and help deconstruct the myths related to vaccination. (AU)

Campaña influenza 2020 en contexto de pandemia por SARS-CoV-2: una experiencia inédita de salud pública en Chile / Seasonal influenza campaign 2020 in the context of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an unprecedented public health experience in Chile

Resumen Desde 1982, cada año el Departamento de Inmunizaciones del Ministerio de Salud de Chile lleva a cabo la campaña de vacunación contra influenza junto con las Secretarías Regionales Ministeriales-SEREMI, Servicios de Salud y centros de atención primaria de salud. Con los objetivos de prevenir mortalidad y morbilidad grave en grupos de mayor riesgo y de preservar la integridad de los servicios de salud, hasta el 2020 las campañas de vacunación contra influenza serían las más grandes implementadas en Chile, para dar paso, el 2021, a la vacunación contra SARS-CoV-2. Obedeciendo a cambios demográficos y epidemiológicos locales y acogiendo los avances científicos sobre seguridad e inmunogenicidad de la vacuna, el incremento de las vacunas influenza disponibles en Chile forma parte de la planificación anual de la campaña. El 2020, sin embargo, la Campaña Influenza tuvo que ser re-planificada en curso como consecuencia de la incorporación de nuevos grupos a vacunar según dispuso la modificación de la alerta sanitaria por brote de SARS-CoV-2 del 6 de marzo de 2020. Así, de 6.799.800 de dosis, el Departamento de Inmunizaciones logró en menos de dos meses aumentar la disponibilidad a 8.480.325, y cumplir con el compromiso de garantizar el acceso de los grupos de riesgo al beneficio de la vacunación estatal gratuita.

Abstract In Chile, the Immunization Department of the Ministry of Health has carried out the seasonal influenza vaccination campaign annually since 1982 in collaboration with the national health services, regional health offices, and primary health care centres. With the aim of preventing deaths and serious morbidity in high-risk groups and preserving the integrity of health services, the seasonal influenza campaign had been the largest implemented in Chile until 2020, since in 2021 the vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 is expected to become the largest ever implemented. In response to local demographic and epidemiological changes, and taking into account the new scientific evidence on the safety and immunogenicity of vaccines, the influenza vaccines available in Chile would increase annually as a result of campaign planning. In 2020, the influenza campaign had to be re-planned while in progress due to the addition of new high-risk groups to be vaccinated in accordance with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic health alert modification of March 6th, 2020. Over the course of three weeks, the Immunization Department managed to increase the doses of available influenza vaccines from 6,799,800 previously agreed upon to 8,480,325 and thus serve high-risk groups, guaranteeing their access to state funded influenza vaccination.