International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

12 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pregnant Women’s Knowledge of and Attitudes towards Influenza Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

by Agata Pisula, Agnieszka Sienicka, Katarzyna Karina Pawlik, Agnieszka Dobrowolska-Redo, Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik and Ewa Romejko-Wolniewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084504 - 08 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1749

Abstract

Pregnant women are more susceptible to influenza virus infections due to the immunological and physiological changes in the course of pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy is a safe and effective method for protecting both the mothers and the infants from influenza and its complications. [...] Read more.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to influenza virus infections due to the immunological and physiological changes in the course of pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy is a safe and effective method for protecting both the mothers and the infants from influenza and its complications. This study was conducted in order to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Polish pregnant women towards influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire-based and self-administered study was carried out fully online and a total of 515 women participated. A total of 52% (n = 268) of surveyed women answered that vaccination against influenza during pregnancy was safe. However, only 21% (n = 108) were vaccinated against influenza during their current pregnancy and 17.5% (n = 90) intended to be vaccinated. The participants indicated many concerns about getting vaccinated during pregnancy, but also many benefits that come with the vaccination. General knowledge about influenza, its complications, and vaccination was quite high in the study group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

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14 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The New Quadrivalent Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccine for the Italian Elderly: A Health Technology Assessment

by Giovanna Elisa Calabrò, Sara Boccalini, Donatella Panatto, Caterina Rizzo, Maria Luisa Di Pietro, Fasika Molla Abreha, Marco Ajelli, Daniela Amicizia, Angela Bechini, Irene Giacchetta, Piero Luigi Lai, Stefano Merler, Chiara Primieri, Filippo Trentini, Sara Violi, Paolo Bonanni and Chiara de Waure

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074166 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3067

Abstract

Background. The elderly, commonly defined as subjects aged ≥65 years, are among the at-risk subjects recommended for annual influenza vaccination in European countries. Currently, two new vaccines are available for this population: the MF59-adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) and the high-dose quadrivalent influenza [...] Read more.

Background. The elderly, commonly defined as subjects aged ≥65 years, are among the at-risk subjects recommended for annual influenza vaccination in European countries. Currently, two new vaccines are available for this population: the MF59-adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) and the high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (hdQIV). Their multidimensional assessment might maximize the results in terms of achievable health benefits. Therefore, we carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of the aQIV by adopting a multidisciplinary policy-oriented approach to evaluate clinical, economic, organizational, and ethical implications for the Italian elderly. Methods. A HTA was conducted in 2020 to analyze influenza burden; characteristics, efficacy, and safety of aQIV and other available vaccines for the elderly; cost-effectiveness of aQIV; and related organizational and ethical implications. Comprehensive literature reviews/analyses were performed, and a transmission model was developed in order to address the above issues. Results. In Italy, the influenza burden on the elderly is high and from 77.7% to 96.1% of influenza-related deaths occur in the elderly. All available vaccines are effective and safe; however, aQIV, such as the adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (aTIV), has proved more immunogenic and effective in the elderly. From the third payer’s perspective, but also from the societal one, the use of aQIV in comparison with egg-based standard QIV (eQIV) in the elderly population is cost-effective. The appropriateness of the use of available vaccines as well as citizens’ knowledge and attitudes remain a challenge for a successful vaccination campaign. Conclusions. The results of this project provide decision-makers with important evidence on the aQIV and support with scientific evidence on the appropriate use of vaccines in the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

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13 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incidence of Influenza Virus Infection among Wroclaw’s Healthcare Workers in Pre-COVID-19 2019–2020 Influenza Season Using Novel Flu SensDx Device

by Michał Jacek Jędrzejek, Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas and Paulina Janicka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3159; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063159 - 08 Mar 2022

Viewed by 1630

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more exposed to influenza infection, and the influenza vaccination is recommended each year, to reduce the risk of influenza infection and prevent influenza transmission. This study is a cross-sectional study and the objectives were to determine the rate [...] Read more.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more exposed to influenza infection, and the influenza vaccination is recommended each year, to reduce the risk of influenza infection and prevent influenza transmission. This study is a cross-sectional study and the objectives were to determine the rate of influenza virus infection among HCWs in the 2019–2020 influenza season. Methods: Between January and March 2020, a survey was carried out in 2 hospitals and 15 primary health-care settings (PHCS) in Wroclaw (Poland). The novel point-of-care testing Flu SensDx device was used, which detects the M1 protein of the influenza virus using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy from biological material (throat/nasal swabs). Results: A total of 150 samples were collected. The majority of participating HCWs by profession were 83 physicians (55.3%) and half (51.3%) of the participating HCWs worked in PHCS. Influenza vaccination coverage was 61.3% in 2019–2020 and 46.0% in the 2018–2019 season for all participants. Of the participating HCWs, 44.0% were positive tested by the Flu SensDx device. There were no statistically significant differences among the positive tested HCWs, their influenza immunization history, and the presence of symptoms of influenza-like illness (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although the results of the present study suggest that influenza vaccination does not reduce the frequency of influenza virus detection by Flu SensDx testing in the HCWs participants, larger studies are needed to estimate the incidence of influenza virus infection among HCWs to understand the underlying mechanism and fine-tune policies aimed at reducing nosocomial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

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9 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Comorbidities Affect Hospitalization from Influenza in the Pediatric Population

by Sophia C. Mylonakis, Evangelia K. Mylona, Markos Kalligeros, Fadi Shehadeh, Philip A. Chan and Eleftherios Mylonakis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052811 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2100

Abstract

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness and can lead to hospitalization and even death. Understanding how comorbidities affect the severity of influenza can help clinical management. The aim of this study is to offer more information about comorbidities that might be associated with [...] Read more.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness and can lead to hospitalization and even death. Understanding how comorbidities affect the severity of influenza can help clinical management. The aim of this study is to offer more information about comorbidities that might be associated with the severity of influenza in children. We used a statewide network in Rhode Island, USA, to extract data for laboratory-confirmed influenza cases among children 19 years old or younger. We identified 1169 lab-confirmed influenza cases. The most common comorbidities were asthma (17.1%), neurodevelopmental disorders (10.3%), gastrointestinal disorders (7.6%), atopic dermatitis (7%), and endocrine and metabolic diseases (6.8%). Interestingly, 80.8% (63 out of 78) of children who had an influenza-related hospital admission had at least one comorbidity, and among hospitalized children with influenza, the most common comorbidities were neurological diseases (28.2%, 22/78), gastrointestinal disorders (25.6%, 20/78), endocrine and metabolic diseases (24.4%, 19/78), and neurodevelopmental disorders (23.1%, 18/78). Children with endocrine or metabolic diseases were 8.23 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and children with neurological disorders were 6.35 times more likely to be admitted (OR: 8.23, 95% CI: 4.42–15.32 and OR: 6.35, 95% CI: 3.60–11.24, respectively). In summary, we identified specific comorbidities associated with influenza hospitalization and length of hospital stay, and these groups should be prioritized for public health interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

10 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influenza Vaccination Coverage, Motivators for, and Barriers to Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Wroclaw, Poland

by Michał Jacek Jędrzejek and Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031586 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1649

Abstract

Background: Influenza vaccination, as a key element of control activities intended to prevent nosocomial influenza transmission, is recommended each year for all healthcare workers (HCWs). The objectives were to determine the rate of influenza vaccination and to identify reasons for receiving or declining [...] Read more.

Background: Influenza vaccination, as a key element of control activities intended to prevent nosocomial influenza transmission, is recommended each year for all healthcare workers (HCWs). The objectives were to determine the rate of influenza vaccination and to identify reasons for receiving or declining the influenza vaccine among HCWs in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 influenza seasons. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional observational study carried out between January and March 2020, in 2 hospitals and 15 primary health-care settings (PHCS) in Wroclaw (Poland). Results: A total of 165 questionnaires were completed. The majority of participating HCWs were female—137 (83.0%), and, by profession, the majority were physicians 92 (55.8%). Influenza vaccination coverage was 61.2% in 2019/20, and 47.9% in the 2018/19 season for all participants. Participants who were male, physicians and personnel from PHCS were more frequently vaccinated in both seasons. According to the statistical analysis, physicians were more likely to receive vaccinations than nurses (p < 0.01), as were HCWs who had been vaccinated in the previous season (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The identified barriers were mainly caused by misconceptions (fear of vaccine adverse effects and perception of not being at risk/no need to get vaccinated) and an organizational barriers (lack of time). These findings may prove useful for designing immunization campaigns to tailor strategies to reach specific groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

22 pages, 1606 KiB

Open AccessReview

Increasing Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among University Students: A Systematic Review of Programs Using a Social Marketing Perspective

by Daisy Lee, Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, Tai Ming Wut and Gabriel Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127138 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3636

Abstract

The health and economic consequences of seasonal influenza present great costs to communities. Promoting voluntary uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccine among university students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, can deliver protective effects for both individuals and the wider community. Vaccine uptake will [...] Read more.

The health and economic consequences of seasonal influenza present great costs to communities. Promoting voluntary uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccine among university students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, can deliver protective effects for both individuals and the wider community. Vaccine uptake will be greatest when more of the social marketing benchmarks are applied. This systematic review summarizes evidence from programs aiming to increase seasonal influenza vaccination among university students. Six major electronic databases for health promotion studies (PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, Ovid, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were searched in November 2021 to capture peer-reviewed studies reporting field trials that have sought to increase seasonal influenza vaccination in university student populations, without any restrictions regarding the publication period. Following PRISMA guidelines, this paper identified 12 peer-reviewed studies that were conducted in the field in the United States, Australia, and Spain. Three studies were targeted at healthcare students and the rest focused on wider university student populations. Studies were narratively summarized, evidence of social marketing principles were identified, and quantitative outcomes were meta-analyzed. The findings indicate that none of the field studies, even a self-classified social marketing study, had adopted all eight of the social marketing benchmarks in program design and implementation. The two studies that only used promotion, but not other marketing-mix and social marketing principles, reported increases in students’ intention to be vaccinated but not actual behavior. Given that change is more likely when more social benchmarks are applied, this paper identifies activities that can be included in flu vaccine programs to improve flu vaccine uptake rates. The analysis highlights a lack of field studies focusing on increasing rates of vaccination behavior as research outcomes in countries beyond the United States. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

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30 pages, 2372 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antiviral Drugs in Influenza

by Magdalena Świerczyńska, Dagmara M. Mirowska-Guzel and Edyta Pindelska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053018 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 9481

Abstract

Flu is a serious health, medical, and economic problem, but no therapy is yet available that has satisfactory results and reduces the occurrence of these problems. Nearly 20 years after the registration of the previous therapy, baloxavir marboxil, a drug with a new [...] Read more.

Flu is a serious health, medical, and economic problem, but no therapy is yet available that has satisfactory results and reduces the occurrence of these problems. Nearly 20 years after the registration of the previous therapy, baloxavir marboxil, a drug with a new mechanism of action, recently appeared on the market. This is a promising step in the fight against the influenza virus. This article presents the possibilities of using all available antiviral drugs specific for influenza A and B. We compare all currently recommended anti-influenza medications, considering their mechanisms of action, administration, indications, target groups, effectiveness, and safety profiles. We demonstrate that baloxavir marboxil presents a similar safety and efficacy profile to those of drugs already used in the treatment of influenza. Further research on combination therapy is highly recommended and may have promising results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

11 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Quadrivalent Vaccines for the Immunization of Adults against Influenza: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Alice Mannocci, Andrea Pellacchia, Rossella Millevolte, Manuela Chiavarini and Chiara de Waure

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159425 - 01 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1733

Abstract

Vaccination is the most effective intervention to prevent influenza. Adults at risk of complications are among the targets of the vaccination campaigns and can be vaccinated with different types of quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs). In the light of assessing the relative immunogenicity and [...] Read more.

Vaccination is the most effective intervention to prevent influenza. Adults at risk of complications are among the targets of the vaccination campaigns and can be vaccinated with different types of quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs). In the light of assessing the relative immunogenicity and efficacy of different QIVs, a systematic review was performed. Randomized controlled trials conducted in adults aged 18–64 years until 30 March 2021 were searched through three databases (Medline, Cochrane Library and Scopus). Twenty-four RCTs were eventually included. After data extraction, a network meta-analysis was not applicable due to the lack of common comparators. However, in the presence of at least two studies, single meta-analyses were performed to evaluate immunogenicity and efficacy; on the contrary, data from single studies were considered. Seroconversion rate for H1N1 was higher for standard QIVs, while for the remaining strains it was higher for low-dose adjuvanted QIVs. For seroprotection rate, the recombinant vaccine recorded the highest values for H3N2, while for the other strains, the cell-based QIVs achieved better results. In general, standard and cell-based QIVs showed an overall good immunogenicity profile. Nevertheless, as a relative comparative analysis was not possible, further research would be deserved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza as a Problem of Public Health)

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