Expert review of vaccines
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Expert review of vaccines · Feb 2014
ReviewThe issue of mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers in Europe.
Mandatory policies have occasionally been implemented, targeting optimal vaccination uptake among healthcare workers (HCWs). Herein, we analyze the existing recommendations in European countries and discuss the feasibility of implementing mandatory vaccination for HCWs. As reflected by a survey among vaccine experts from 29 European countries, guidelines on HCW vaccination were issued in all countries, though with substantial differences in targeted diseases, HCW groups and type of recommendation. ⋯ Results from a second survey suggested that such policies would not become easily adopted, and recommendations might work better if focusing on specific HCW groups and appropriate diseases such as hepatitis B, influenza and measles. In conclusion, guidelines for HCW vaccination, but not mandatory policies, are widely adopted in Europe. Recommendations targeting specific HCW groups and diseases might be better accepted and facilitate higher vaccine uptake than policies vaguely targeting all HCW groups.
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Expert review of vaccines · Feb 2014
ReviewIs administration of the HPV vaccine during pregnancy feasible in the future?
Despite the strong evidence supporting the efficacy of the HPV vaccine, the uptake rate remains low. One reason for this is that young females do not interact frequently with the healthcare system. ⋯ Although the optimal time for vaccination is prior to sexual debut, this does not always occur, and as such, a broader approach to HPV vaccination may be necessary. Increasing the vaccine uptake rate among young women who did not initiate or complete the series earlier may significantly contribute to the decline in HPV-associated diseases.
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Expert review of vaccines · Feb 2014
ReviewVaccine profile of 4CMenB: a four-component Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B vaccine.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a severe clinical condition which most commonly presents as sepsis or meningitis and can cause death or major long-term sequelae. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) is one of the major causes of invasive meningococcal disease. ⋯ Further studies are needed to evaluate the vaccine's coverage over time, duration of protection, the immunogenicity of a simplified administration scheme, and the real incidence of severe rare adverse events. In addition, the effect of 4CMenB on MenB carriers and its cost-effectiveness ratio are needed to more completely describe the characteristics of this vaccine.