Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics
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Immunocompromised persons are at high risk of complications from influenza infection. This population includes those with solid organ transplants, hematopoietic stem cell transplants, solid cancers and hematologic malignancy as well as those with autoimmune conditions receiving biologic therapies. In this review, we discuss the impact of influenza infection and evidence for vaccine effectiveness and immunogenicity. ⋯ The timing of influenza vaccine is also important to achieve optimal immunogenicity. Given the suboptimal immunogenicity, family members and healthcare professionals involved in the care of these populations should be vaccinated. Health care professional recommendation for vaccination is an important factor in vaccine coverage.
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Hum Vaccin Immunother · May 2018
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) toward seasonal influenza vaccine among young workers in South China.
Vaccination against seasonal influenza is usually very protective. However, coverage in service workers is low due to the large population density and high turnover. The aim of this study was to document the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the influenza vaccine among young service workers. ⋯ Our findings provide insights into the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the service industry population prior to vaccination season in Guangzhou City. Most participants had a passive attitude toward the influenza vaccine, but there was still relatively low knowledge and implementation of the vaccine. Governments and health departments at all levels should develop a long-term strategy for fiscal subsidy policies and new health education patterns to enhance both the recognition and coverage of the influenza vaccine and to protect the citizens as a whole from infection. There is an urgent need for the pharmaceutical industries to develop a universal vaccine and to enhance the efficacy of vaccination.
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Hum Vaccin Immunother · Apr 2018
Exploring patients' awareness and healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitude to pertussis and influenza vaccination during the antenatal periods in Cavan Monaghan general hospital.
Infection with Pertussis or with Influenza during the antenatal period usually results in complications leading to severe morbidity and mortality. Influenza virus outbreak usually occurs almost every year during the winter periods with profound burden on the entire healthcare system. Both disease conditions are preventable with adequate health education and vaccination. Healthcare professionals have a role to play in the communication and provision of this all important health programme.
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Hum Vaccin Immunother · Apr 2018
Evaluation of potentially achievable vaccination coverage of the second dose of measles containing vaccine with simultaneous administration and risk factors for missed opportunities among children in Zhejiang province, east China.
This study aimed to evaluate the potential achievable coverage of the second dose of measles containing vaccine (MCV2) when the protocol of simultaneous administration of childhood vaccines was fully implemented. Risk factors for missed opportunity (MO) for simultaneous administration of MCV2 were also investigated. ⋯ The findings in this study suggest that fully utilization of all opportunities for simultaneous administration of all age-eligible vaccine doses at the same vaccination visit is critical for achieving the coverage target of 95% for MCV2. Future interventions focusing on the group with risk factors observed could substantially eliminate MOs for simultaneous administration of MCV2, further to improve the coverage of fully immunization of MCV, and finally achieve the goal of eliminating measles.
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Hum Vaccin Immunother · Mar 2018
Beyond the verbal: Pregnant women's preferences for receiving influenza and Tdap vaccine information from their obstetric care providers.
Prenatal providers are pregnant women's most trusted sources of health information, and a provider's recommendation is a strong predictor of maternal vaccine receipt. However, other ways women prefer receiving vaccine-related information from prenatal providers, aside from face-to-face conversations, is unclear. This study explores what secondary communication methods are preferred for receiving maternal vaccine-related information. ⋯ Pregnant women use the Internet for information about vaccines, but they still value input from their providers. While e-mails and brochures were the preferred secondary modes of receiving information, a provider's existing practice website offers a potential communications medium that capitalizes on women's information seeking behaviors and preferences while limiting burden on providers.