Expert review of vaccines
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Expert review of vaccines · Apr 2014
ReviewImpact of HPV immunization on the detection of cervical disease.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. The development of HPV vaccines has been a major advance in the prevention of these diseases. Recent studies have shown promising early effects of HPV immunization programs on cervical abnormalities and genital warts, with evidence of herd immunity against genital warts also emerging in Australia. Further studies are required to not only continue monitoring the effect of the HPV immunization on the incidence of these diseases, but also to establish the effect the immunization will have on cervical screening programs and the performance of colposcopy.
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Expert review of vaccines · Apr 2014
ReviewEbola virus vaccines: an overview of current approaches.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is one of the most fatal viral diseases worldwide affecting humans and nonhuman primates. Although infections only occur frequently in Central Africa, the virus has the potential to spread globally and is classified as a category A pathogen that could be misused as a bioterrorism agent. ⋯ DNA, subunit and several viral vector approaches, replicating and non-replicating, have been tested as potential vaccine platforms and their protective efficacy has been evaluated in nonhuman primate models for Ebola virus infections, which closely resemble disease progression in humans. Though these vaccine platforms seem to confer protection through different mechanisms, several of them are efficacious against lethal disease in nonhuman primates attesting that vaccination against Ebola virus infections is feasible.
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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.