The Pediatric infectious disease journal
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Jun 2019
Multicenter StudyDeterminants of Influenza and Pertussis Vaccination Uptake in Pregnancy: A Multicenter Questionnaire Study of Pregnant Women and Healthcare Professionals.
Uptake rates of antenatal vaccination remain suboptimal. Our aims were to determine (1) the acceptability of routine vaccination among pregnant women, (2) the confidence of maternity healthcare professionals (HCPs) discussing vaccination and (3) HCP opinion regarding the optimum healthcare site for vaccine administration. ⋯ Misconceptions exist regarding safety/efficacy of antenatal vaccination, and framing information towards the child's safety may increase uptake. Education of HCPs is essential, and vaccine promotion should be incorporated into routine antenatal care, with an emphasis on women from ethnic minorities. Administration of vaccines in primary care presents logistical barriers; however, support for alternative sites appears low among HCPs.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Jun 2019
Impact of Rapid On-demand Molecular Diagnosis of Pediatric Seasonal Influenza on Laboratory Workflow and Testing Costs: A Retrospective Study.
Seasonal influenza imposes a considerable burden worldwide. We aimed to evaluate impact of rapid pediatric seasonal influenza diagnosis on laboratory workflow and cost using a rapid antigen detection-based test combined with either a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or the Alere i Influenza A and B (Alere i) assay for confirmation of negative results as well as single Alere i testing on nasopharyngeal aspirates. A secondary objective was assessing performance of Alere i against RT-PCR. ⋯ Rapid Alere i testing facilitated efficient laboratory workflow near the patient during influenza epidemics while contributing cost savings when compared with serial testing by antigen and RT-PCR assays.