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A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Vaccines and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6947

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Dr. Ricardo Izurieta

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School of Public Health and Health Sciences, College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA 90745, USA
Interests: vaccine; vaccinology; epidemiology; infectious diseases; public health; emerging infectious diseases; tropical neglected diseases
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the current state of vaccinology as applied to the epidemiology control of infectious diseases, as well as the philosophies, findings, and dynamics of vaccine-preventable diseases and current immunization strategies in the context of public health interventions. In addition to the currently available vaccines, this Special Issue will review new vaccines for emerging and re-emerging diseases, as well as vaccines for neglected tropical diseases. Furthermore, it will address the process of vaccine development, vaccine platforms, and vaccine trials. Papers addressing public health strategies applied to vaccine-preventable disease control are also invited.

Dr. Ricardo Izurieta
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

vaccine
vaccinology
epidemiology
infectious diseases
public health
emerging infectious diseases
tropical neglected diseases

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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11 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends Towards Enhanced Rates and Sex Parity in HPV Vaccination in Croatia (2016–2023)

by Lucija Raic, Ivana Pavic Simetin, Emanuel Bradasevic, Antea Jezidzic, Tatjana Nemeth Blazic and Tamara Poljicanin

Vaccines 2025, 13(4), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13040410 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 328

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a recognized cause of cervical cancer and is associated with several other malignancies, including those affecting the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, and head and neck. The introduction of the HPV vaccine has enabled the prevention of HPV-related cancers. This study aimed to determine the HPV vaccination coverage and examine trends in HPV vaccination in Croatia from 2016 to 2023 in the context of the national vaccination program. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the aggregated school doctors’ data from 2016 to 2023. HPV vaccination coverages within the 2000–2008 birth cohorts were assessed based on the number of doses administrated, sex, and vaccination schedule, while for the trend analysis joinpoint regression was used. The vaccination coverage between sexes was tested using the chi-square test for trends and their ratio was calculated. Results: The HPV full-dose vaccination coverage increased significantly among the observed birth cohorts, from 4.49% in 2000 to 36.88% in 2008, with an APC = 33.97 and 95% CI: 29.37–42.43 (females from 7.74% to 44.98%, males from 1.44% to 29.14%). The highest recorded vaccination coverage was in the one-dose category (2008 female—52.78%). The vaccination coverage of females was significantly higher than that of males (the chi-square for the linear trend = 659.59, p < 0.001) and the female–male ratio decreased from 5.39 in 2000 to 1.54 in 2008. Conclusions: In Croatia, HPV vaccination coverage has increased since the introduction of the national HPV vaccination program. This positive trend was present in both sexes, and the rate ratio between female and male cohorts decreased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

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12 pages, 242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rotavirus Vaccine Administration in Preterm and Medically Fragile Infants Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Second Phase Enrollments and Final Results of a Multicenter Observational Study Conducted in Sicily, Italy

by Claudio Costantino, Nicole Bonaccorso, Walter Mazzucco, Francesco Balsamo, Martina Sciortino, Mario Palermo, Kim Maiolo, Lucia Gabriella Tina, Pasqua Maria Betta, Mariacarmela Caracciolo, Carmine Mattia Loretta, Domenico Cipolla, Salvino Marcello Vitaliti, Domenica Mancuso, Giuliana Vitaliti, Vincenzo Rosella, Giuseppa Pinello, Fabio Tramuto, Emanuele Amodio and Francesco Vitale

Vaccines 2025, 13(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020100 - 21 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1028

Abstract

Rotavirus disease is the world’s leading cause of severe gastroenteritis and mortality in children up to 5 years of age. Premature infants are more vulnerable to rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) and its complications. International authorities strongly recommend vaccination because of the consistent reduction in infections, hospitalizations, deaths, and related costs. Background/Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety of anti-rotavirus vaccination in premature infants admitted and vaccinated in the main Sicilian Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) during the pandemic period. Methods: The human monovalent rotavirus vaccination (RV1) was administered to preterm infants of gestational age ≥28 weeks in the main Sicilian NICUs from January 2020 to December 2022, as a prolongation of a similar study conducted from April 2018 to December 2019. Rotavirus vaccinations were provided both to hospitalized infants and to those returning for post-discharge follow-up, beginning at six weeks of age according to the official immunization schedule. All potential adverse events—whether expected, unexpected, or serious—were recorded from the day of vaccination through 14 days (first follow-up) and 28 days (second follow-up) after each of the two scheduled doses. Results: A total of 355 preterm infants were fully vaccinated with RV in four Sicilian NICUs. The mean gestational age of newborns was 33.2 weeks (±2.7), 53% of whom were male. Vaccination was performed on average at 7 weeks of age (±2.1), and the mean weight at the time of vaccination was 3439 g (SD ± 745.2). No expected/unexpected or serious adverse events were observed either within the 14-day or within the 28-day period after administration of both two doses. Conclusions: Data confirm that vaccination in preterm infants ≥28 weeks gestational age is safe. The prolongation of this Public Health strategy, strongly recommended by the Sicilian Health Department during the pandemic period that also generally has led to a reduction of vaccination adherence and acceptance of pediatric vaccination, demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration with neonatologists and pediatricians to continue promoting in-hospital vaccinations for fragile subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

12 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Epidemiology and Health Burdens of Influenza Infections Amongst Hospitalized Children Under 5 Years of Age in Jordan: A National Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

by Munir Abu-Helalah, Samah F. Al-Shatnawi, Mohammad Abu Lubad, Enas Al-Zayadneh, Mohammad Al-Hanaktah, Mea’ad Harahsheh, Montaha AL-Iede, Omar Nafi, Ruba Yousef, Ihsan Almaaitah, Mai Ababneh, Toqa AlZubi, Rand Abu Mahfouz, Heba Adaylah, Hamzeh AlHajaj, Mohammad Al Tamimi and Simon B. Drysdale

Vaccines 2025, 13(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13010012 - 26 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1107

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Seasonal influenza is a significant global health concern, causing substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly among high-risk groups such as children under five years old. There is scarce local evidence from developing countries such as Jordan on the burden of influenza, which has limited preventive measures. This multi-center national cross-sectional study aimed to assess the epidemiological and clinical burden of influenza among hospitalized children under five years old in Jordan. Methods: Data were collected from 1000 participants across four hospitals between November 2022 and April 2023. Nasopharyngeal specimens were analyzed using multiplex RT-PCR to determine positivity for influenza A and B. Results: We found a 9.9% positivity rate, predominantly influenza A (8.4%), while influenza B was positive among 1.5% of the participants. Positivity rates were higher in older age groups, particularly children older than 2 years. Influenza-positive cases exhibited longer fever durations and higher rates of sore throat. There were no positive influenza cases among participants if they or any of their family members received the influenza vaccine, highlighting the vaccine’s protective role. Logistic regression analysis identified maternal smoking during pregnancy as a significant predictor of influenza positivity. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the need for enhanced vaccination efforts and public health policies targeting young children and pregnant women in Jordan. Expanding vaccination uptake could significantly mitigate the burden of influenza and its complications in this vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

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13 pages, 429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Benefits of COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Patients Hospitalized with Respiratory Symptoms: A Retrospective Cohort Study in South Brazil

by Christopher J. Hernandez, Kavya G. Sundar, Fernando Echegaray, Mary Catherine Cambou, Lanbo Z. Yang, Eddy R. Segura, Marineide Gonçalves de Melo, Breno Riegel Santos, Ivana Rosângela dos Santos Varella and Karin Nielsen-Saines

Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121445 - 22 Dec 2024

Viewed by 922

Abstract

Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 infection is a known risk factor for adverse health outcomes in pregnancy, affecting both maternal and neonatal health. Mounting evidence suggests that even a single dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine protects against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and is safe for both pregnant persons and neonates. Southern Brazil was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the protective effects of the vaccine on maternal and neonatal health are not well described. This study aims to examine the protective effects of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on both maternal and neonatal outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study that leveraged medical data from a tertiary center in South Brazil to compare maternal and infant outcomes between hospitalized pregnant persons with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1 March 2020, and 1 March 2023. Results: In total, 524 patients were enrolled, including 275 pregnant patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and 249 without infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with maternal ventilator support (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR] = 1.48, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 1.08–2.03), while receipt of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine was associated with protection against maternal sepsis (aRR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.56), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (aRR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10–0.68), need for ventilator support (aRR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43–0.84), infant admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (aRR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47–0.82), and neonatal respiratory distress (aRR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43–0.83). Conclusions: These findings further underscore the importance of maternal vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy. Even one dose of vaccine was protective against a variety of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Prenatal care should encourage COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

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15 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mpox Vaccine Hesitancy Among Brazilian Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study

by Guilherme Reis de Santana Santos, Caíque Jordan Nunes Ribeiro, José Flávio Cerqueira dos Santos Júnior, Valdemar Silva Almeida, Rita de Cassia Dias Nascimento, Nilo Manoel Pereira Vieira Barreto, Anderson Reis de Sousa, Márcio Bezerra-Santos, Lariane Angel Cepas, Ana Paula Morais Fernandes, Isabel Amélia Costa Mendes, Aires Garcia dos Santos Júnior, Maria Luisa Pereira Maronesi and Álvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa

Vaccines 2024, 12(11), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12111229 - 29 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1592

Abstract

Background: Mpox is a viral zoonosis that has gained increased attention due to a global outbreak in 2022, significantly impacting men who have sex with men (MSM). Vaccination for this disease poses a public health challenge; because it carries a strong stigma, there may be greater hesitancy in vulnerable groups. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with Mpox vaccine hesitancy among Brazilian MSM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2022 using an online survey targeted at MSM. Recruitment was carried out through social media and dating apps. The sample consisted of 1449 participants and the analysis involved bivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of Mpox vaccine hesitancy was 7.57%. The significant factors associated with hesitancy were primarily related to sexual practices and attitudes towards Mpox exposure and diagnosis, such as not using “glory holes” (aOR: 19.82; 95% CI: 1.60–245.69), reluctance to undergo pre- and post-exposure testing for Mpox (aOR: 9.54; 95% CI: 5.52–16.48), and not knowing close contacts diagnosed with Mpox (aOR: 4.09; 95% CI: 1.72–9.73). Participants who would not take precautions after diagnosis (aOR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.27–7.07) and those who would not disclose their serological status (aOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.13–3.30) also showed a higher likelihood of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Public health strategies should address these factors to expand knowledge about vaccination barriers, plan educational campaigns with targeted messaging for the MSM population, and provide inclusive healthcare environments to increase vaccine acceptance and reduce Mpox transmission in vulnerable groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

10 pages, 811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pertussis Outbreak During 2023 in Gipuzkoa, North Spain

by José María Marimón, Milagrosa Montes, Nahikari Vizuete, Lorea Alvarez Guerrico, Adrian Hugo Aginagalde, Alba Mir-Cros, Juan José González-López and Diego Vicente

Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101192 - 18 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1329

Abstract

Background: Pertussis has re-emerged in many countries despite the wide use of vaccines for over 60 years. During 2023, we observed an increase in the incidence of pertussis in Gipuzkoa, north of Spain (with a population of 657,140 inhabitants), mainly affecting children between 11 and 15 years of age. Methods: This study included all confirmed cases diagnosed by PCR in nasopharyngeal swab samples. The genome of seven isolates collected in 2023 was sequenced. Results: Between 2018 and 2023, 884 cases of whooping cough were diagnosed. Pertussis incidence (in cases per 100,000 inhabitants) decreased from 36.7 in 2018 to no cases in 2021, increasing again to 56.8 in 2023. In 2023, the age group of 11–15 years old had the highest incidence rate of 409.3. Only 2 of the 56 children < 6 years old required hospitalization, and there were no deaths. The seven isolates collected in 2023 showed the same BPagST-4 (ptxA1/ptxP3/prn2/fim2-1/fim3-1 allelic combination), with all of them expressing the pertactin antigen. Conclusions: Immunity waning after the last dose of vaccination at 6 years old, together with the lack of circulation of Bordetella pertussis during the COVID-19 pandemic, were probably the main reasons for the high increase in the incidence of pertussis in Gipuzkoa in 2023. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

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Review

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11 pages, 171 KiB

Open AccessReview

Challenges and Innovations in Pharmacovigilance and Signal Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Industry Perspective

by Maria Maddalena Lino, Susan Mather, Marianna Trani, Yan Chen, Patrick Caubel and Barbara De Bernardi

Vaccines 2025, 13(5), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13050481 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Vaccine marketing authorization holders (MAHs) are responsible for the conduction of global vaccine pharmacovigilance on their vaccine products. A safety signal is detected when a new adverse event (AE) or aspect of an AE occurs after exposure to the vaccine and warrants further investigation to determine whether a causal association may exist. Signal detection and evaluation (signal management) begins at the start of vaccine development, before an MAH submits an application for authorization to regulatory authorities, continues through the course of all clinical trials, and carries on beyond development into the post-marketing phase. As long as the vaccine remains authorized anywhere in the world, pharmacovigilance continues. During the time that the COVID-19 vaccine became widely available after authorization and approval, clinical trials were also ongoing, and therefore all clinical development and post-authorization safety information was closely monitored for safety by the MAH. MAH pharmacovigilance activities were adapted to manage the unprecedented volume of safety information that became available within a very short timeframe following worldwide vaccination campaigns. No vaccine had previously been administered to such a large number of individuals in such a short time, nor had there previously been a public health vaccine experience that was the subject of so many medical and non-medical writings. The MAH’s COVID-19 vaccine signal detection methods included the continuous review of accruing clinical trial data and the quantitative and qualitative analyses of spontaneously reported experiences. Review of published and unpublished medical literature and epidemiology-based analyses such as observed vs. expected analysis based on reported adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) played key roles in pharmacovigilance and signal management. All methods of signal detection and evaluation have caveats, but when considered in totality, can advance our understanding of a vaccine’s safety profile and therefore the risk–benefit considerations for vaccinating both individuals and large populations of people. All COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use were subject to an unprecedented level of pharmacovigilance by their individual MAHs, national regulatory authorities, public health organizations, and others during the years immediately following regulatory authorization and full approval. The intense worldwide focus on pharmacovigilance and the need for MAHs and regulatory/health authorities to quickly evaluate incoming safety information, spurred frequent and timely communications between national and regional health authorities and between MAHs and regulatory/health authorities, spotlighting a unique opportunity for individuals committed to patient safety to share important accruing safety information in a collegial and less traditionally formal manner than usual. The global pandemic precipitated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus created a significant impetus for MAHs to develop innovative vaccines to change the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacovigilance also had to meet unprecedented needs. In this article, unique aspects of COVID-19 vaccine pharmacovigilance encountered by one MAH will be summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

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