Search Results (376)

Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a global challenge affecting workplaces and academic institutions. Despite efforts, low vaccination rates persist in South Africa, increasing the risks associated with pathogen exposure. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAPs) of healthcare workers (HCWs) and students at a Nursing College regarding voluntary and mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire. All eligible nursing students and staff at the participating Nursing College were invited to participate. Of the 504 eligible individuals, 372 completed the questionnaire, corresponding to a response rate of 73.8%. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 30.0. Logistic regression and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess associations and differences between groups, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most respondents were female (302, 81.0%) and single (252, 67.9%). The age group 26 to 40 was most prominent (144, 38.8%). Only 42.2% of respondents (n = 157) were fully immunized with no boosters. Student nurses dominated (344, 92.5%), with 226 (60.9%) having no COVID-19 infections and 198 (72.0%) voluntarily receiving the vaccine. Occupation (p = 0.030) and age group (p = 0.027) were independently associated with reporting voluntary COVID-19 vaccination. Age was also associated with respondents’ attitudes and perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine (p < 0.001) as well as their understanding of the vaccine (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Occupation and age group were independently associated with the reported basis on which COVID-19 vaccination was received (voluntary versus mandatory). Targeted communication and educational strategies addressing these factors may improve vaccine acceptance and preparedness for future outbreaks. Full article

Cancer survivors face an elevated risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and were prioritized for vaccination, yet reported rates of vaccination refusal in this population vary widely. The objective of this scoping review was to map the available evidence on COVID-19 vaccination refusal among adult cancer survivors in the United States, to characterize the reported barriers and enablers, and to examine how differences in measurement account for variation in the reported estimates. PubMed, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, medRxiv, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 1 December 2020 and 30 April 2026 reporting primary data on COVID-19 vaccination refusal among U.S. adults with a current or previous cancer diagnosis. Findings were charted and summarized descriptively. Six sources comprising 3344 participants met the eligibility criteria. Reported refusal ranged from 7.3% to 39.0%, a more than fivefold difference, with a median of 14.7%. This variation corresponded closely to what each source measured: declination of an offered vaccine, likelihood of acceptance on a Likert scale, hesitancy assessed before vaccines were widely available, or observed non-receipt of any dose. Barriers included concerns about vaccine safety, efficacy, and interaction with cancer treatment, mistrust of science and government, and low perceived need; clinician recommendation was the most consistent enabler. Estimates of vaccination refusal in this population are not directly comparable and should be interpreted alongside the construct measured. Full article

Background: Although cervical cancer is a highly preventable malignancy, Romania continues to report critical mortality rates. This paradox is largely attributable to the suboptimal implementation of clinical guidelines and a passive, “opt-in” administrative framework. This cross-sectional study investigates the cognitive and behavioural determinants—specifically, human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge, institutional trust in healthcare systems, and digital misinformation exposure—that modulate female attitudes toward HPV immunisation. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 across four obstetrics and gynaecology clinics. Data were collected via digital questionnaires administered to adult female patients aged 18 to 65 years. The assessment tool evaluated four primary domains: HPV knowledge, perceived vaccine safety, immunisation intention, and the degree of exposure to social media misinformation. Results: The cohort demonstrated a substantially low vaccination rate (28.6%). Statistical analysis elucidated significant positive correlations between HPV knowledge, trust in health authorities, and vaccination intention. Furthermore, reliance on official information sources strongly correlated with perceived vaccine safety. Conversely, exposure to negative online content exhibited a weak negative association with knowledge levels, yet it did not directly influence vaccination intention. Conclusions: Health literacy and institutional trust emerge as fundamental pillars for HPV vaccine acceptance. To overcome patient vaccine hesitancy, the national healthcare system must initiate a strategic paradigm shift, prioritising the neutralization of digital misinformation and transitioning from a passive model to a proactive, “opt-out” infrastructure. Full article

Background: Seasonal influenza remains a major public health challenge worldwide, causing significant morbidity each year and imposing substantial burdens on individuals, healthcare systems, and national economies. Vaccination is considered the most effective available strategy for prevention; however, uptake rates vary considerably across countries, with many failing to achieve the recommended coverage levels. The aim of this umbrella review is to systematically synthesize and critically appraise the existing evidence on healthcare professionals’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding seasonal influenza vaccination. Methods: This umbrella review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The following search terms were used: beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, influenza vaccination, flu vaccine, healthcare professionals and primary healthcare. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Reviews, (2) Published after 1 January 2000, (3) English language, (4) Healthcare professionals as the target-population. Results: Twenty-five studies met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Twelve out of 25 studies were systematic reviews. Globally, vaccination uptake remains below recommended levels, with reported coverage ranging from approximately 2% to 44% in several settings, while rates can exceed 90% in countries with mandatory vaccination policies. North America demonstrates the highest vaccination coverage, while the lowest coverage is reported in Africa and South America. Overall, low- and middle-income countries show significantly lower vaccination behavior compared with high-income countries. Attitudes and beliefs appear to shape vaccination behavior in high-income countries. The main driver of acceptance is perceived protection of oneself and family, whereas hesitancy is mainly driven by concerns about side effects and vaccine safety. Across studies, non-physician healthcare professionals consistently demonstrated lower influenza vaccine acceptance compared with physicians, while pediatricians and general practitioners were found to receive the influenza vaccine more frequently. In addition, younger physicians and those with fewer years of professional experience showed higher vaccination coverage and a greater likelihood of recommending influenza vaccination to patients. Conclusions: Vaccination coverage, worldwide, is lower than what is recommended by the World Health Organization. Healthcare professionals working in hospital settings tend to be vaccinated at a higher rate compared with those working in primary care or community-based healthcare settings. The recommendations that healthcare professionals give are influenced by whether they accept influenza vaccines themselves. Beliefs and attitudes seem to influence behavior in countries where structural barriers, such as limited access to primary healthcare and socio-economic status are absent. Full article

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ), commonly known as shingles, and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) represent growing public health concerns, particularly among older adults. Despite the established efficacy of the herpes zoster vaccine (HZV), global uptake remains suboptimal. Objectives: This scoping review maps evidence from Saudi Arabia evaluating the baseline knowledge, awareness, attitudes, acceptance, hesitancy, and clinical uptake of the HZV among general adults, high-risk populations, and healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: The JBI and PRISMA-ScR methodological frameworks were strictly adhered to during mapping. Eligible sources included peer-reviewed, observational cross-sectional studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and published in English between 2022 and 2026. The search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Data were systematically extracted and charted using a standardized digital piloting framework to capture study characteristics (author, year, and region), sample sizes, target populations, knowledge percentages, actual vaccine uptake rates, and self-reported barriers. Results: Out of 25 retrieved records, 19 unique primary studies were mapped. Public knowledge of HZ complications and vaccine eligibility criteria was consistently low to moderate, falling below 50% across most cohorts. Conversely, while verbal willingness to receive the vaccine was highly favorable (ranging from 60% to 75%), a profound “intention–behavior gap” was observed, with actual clinical uptake being below 10%. Key barriers included a lack of public health campaigns, safety concerns regarding reactogenicity, online misinformation, and a lack of proactive provider communication. For HCWs, barriers included unclear local guidelines and a lack of workplace mandates. Ultimately, a proactive physician recommendation was identified as the single most powerful clinical facilitator, increasing vaccine acceptance by over 80% across all cohorts. Conclusions: While the shingles vaccine is now distributed completely free across Saudi Arabia, high public willingness has not translated into actual vaccination rates (10%) due to low public awareness of disease severity. Free vaccine availability alone is insufficient; primary care systems must shift from a passive delivery model to an active, provider-driven framework to successfully close this gap Full article

Background: China’s influenza vaccine (InfV) has undergone multiple iterations and numerous technological breakthroughs, providing tremendous impetus and solid support for the development of China’s health sector. As the number of vaccinated individuals continues to rise, the importance of ongoing surveillance and evaluation of vaccine safety has become increasingly prominent, forming part of efforts to maintain public trust in the national immunization program and ensure its sustainability. Methods: From 2016 to 2025, data on suspected adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) related to InfV administration were extracted from the Chinese National Immunization Information System (CNIIS). Data on InfV vaccination doses were obtained from the Anhui Provincial Immunization Information Management System. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the distribution characteristics of AEFIs, and the chi-square test was applied to evaluate differences in reporting rates. Results: Between 2016 and 2025, a total of 4026 AEFI reports related to InfV were monitored through the CNIIS. The overall reporting rate was 34.40 per 100,000 doses. Specifically, common adverse reactions and rare adverse reactions accounted for 95.88% (3860 cases) and 3.38% (136 cases), with reporting rates of 32.98 per 100,000 doses and 1.16 per 100,000 doses, respectively. Among common adverse reactions, the reporting rates of fever (axillary temperature ≥ 38.6 °C), local redness and swelling at the injection site (diameter > 5.0 cm), and local induration (diameter > 5.0 cm) were 9.62 per 100,000 doses, 1.96 per 100,000 doses, and 1.20 per 100,000 doses, respectively. Among rare adverse reactions, the reporting rates of allergic rash, angioedema, anaphylactic shock, febrile convulsions, anaphylactoid purpura, thrombocytopenic purpura, epilepsy, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and aseptic abscess were 0.98, 0.05, 0.03, 0.03, 0.02, 0.02, 0.01, 0.01, and 0.01 per 100,000 doses, respectively. No cases were reported for subunit inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV, Subunit). Statistically significant differences were observed in the reporting rates of allergic rash across different types of InfV (χ² = 36.83, p < 0.05), with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3, Split) and trivalent live attenuated influenza virus vaccine (LAIV3) showing the highest reporting rates. Most adverse events following vaccination occurred within 24 h after inoculation. Conclusions: From 2016 to 2025, the overall reporting rate of AEFIs after InfV administration in Anhui Province was within an acceptable range. Common adverse reactions were common, while rare adverse reactions were few, mainly consisting of allergic reactions. These results indicate that InfV has a favorable safety profile, and continuous strengthening of AEFI surveillance for InfV and improvement of surveillance quality are warranted. Full article

Objectives: This study aims to assess the acceptance of vaccinations among pregnant women, particularly against influenza, pertussis, COVID-19, and RSV, and to identify factors influencing their willingness to get vaccinated. It also seeks to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal attitudes and behaviors regarding vaccination. Methods: The analysis involved a review of existing literature and studies to evaluate the level of vaccine acceptance among pregnant women before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, including misinformation, lack of knowledge, and the influence of healthcare professionals, were examined. Results: The findings indicated that, despite scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines during pregnancy, public concerns remain about their impact on the developing fetus. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of the risk of infectious diseases, but at the same time, its impact on vaccination rates among pregnant women is ambiguous and geographically diverse. Misinformation and decreased access to healthcare during the pandemic negatively affected vaccine uptake. Trustworthy information provided by healthcare professionals emerged as a key factor in promoting vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: To improve vaccination rates among pregnant women, it is essential to provide clear, evidence-based information through healthcare professionals, particularly those directly caring for pregnant women. Educational campaigns should address concerns calmly and without judgment, emphasizing the safety and benefits of vaccinations. Enhanced access to healthcare and vaccinations, along with strategic information dissemination, can significantly improve vaccine acceptance during pregnancy. Lessons learned from past pandemics should be incorporated into the development of healthcare strategies aimed at implementing recommended vaccinations for pregnant women in the future. Full article

Background: Adenovirus-vectored vaccines played an important role in the global response to SARS-CoV-2. Adenovirus platforms have many advantages including a simple and readily transferred manufacturing process, low cost, and thermostability. Speed of production of an initial Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant batch has, however, been viewed as a limitation of adenovirus vectors relative to mRNA platforms. Production of the initial viral starting material and release testing are key rate-limiting steps. Methods: Production of viral starting material from DNA, and release testing in accordance with regulatory expectations, for first-in-human trials of adenovirus-vectored vaccines. Results: We describe experience of these stages in the production of the first GMP batches for multiple adenovirus-vectored candidates and the adaptations made for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine) in early 2020. We also report development of a streamlined approach to starting material generation, enabling initial GMP batch availability within c. 60 days of publication of a new pathogen sequence. Using a New World arenavirus vaccine construct as a proof of concept, we demonstrate reproducible execution of this pipeline, maintaining acceptable infectivity and other quality attributes. Conclusions: We discuss opportunities for additional time savings in the future. This work demonstrates suitability of an adenovirus platform to contribute to the “100 Days Mission” for vaccines against “Disease X”. Full article

Background: Influenza causes substantial morbidity in young children, particularly those aged 6–35 months. In this age group, optimisation of vaccine dose regimens remains important to ensure adequate immunogenicity while maintaining acceptable safety. This study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a full 0.5 mL dose of quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (NBP607-QIV) in young children. Methods: This Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, multicentre study was conducted in Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. Healthy children aged 6–35 months were randomised 2:1 to receive NBP607-QIV (0.5 mL) or control vaccine (0.25 mL). Immunogenicity was assessed using the haemagglutination inhibition assay. Primary endpoints were non-inferiority of NBP607-QIV versus Agrippal for seroconversion rate (SCR) and adjusted post-vaccination geometric mean titre (GMT) ratio against three shared strains. Immunogenicity against the additional B/Yamagata strain was evaluated according to Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) criteria. Safety was assessed based on adverse events. Results: A total of 676 participants were randomised, and 675 were included in the safety set. Non-inferiority of NBP607-QIV versus control vaccine was demonstrated for SCR for all shared strains and for the adjusted GMT ratio for A/H1N1 and B/Victoria, but not for A/H3N2. Immunogenicity against the B/Yamagata strain met CHMP criteria for SCR and geometric mean ratio (GMR). Immunogenicity was consistent across prespecified subgroups, and the incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups, with no clinically meaningful safety concerns. Conclusions: NBP607-QIV administered at a 0.5 mL dose demonstrated acceptable immunogenicity and a safety profile comparable to that of a licensed trivalent influenza vaccine in children aged 6–35 months, supporting its use in this paediatric population. Full article

Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria. In 2023, the Government of Nigeria, with support from Gavi and partners, introduced the single-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through a phased, school-based campaign. The first phase was launched in October 2023 across 16 states, followed by a second phase in May 2024 that expanded coverage to the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory. This study evaluates the additional impact of a behavioral insights–informed digital intervention, comprising a social media campaign amplified by trained pharmacists serving as local influencers, implemented in 2025 to increase acceptance and uptake of HPV vaccination during routine immunization. Methods: A pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design with a control group was implemented in three Nigerian states in 2025 to assess the additional impact of a behavioral insights–informed social media campaign designed to strengthen social approval for HPV vaccination, increase awareness of vaccination locations, and reinforce caregivers’ recognition of their adolescent daughters’ desire to be vaccinated. Messages were amplified by trained pharmacists who served as local influencers. Caregivers of adolescent girls aged 9–17 years were recruited online through targeted Facebook and Instagram advertisements during Nigeria’s transition from school-based HPV vaccination campaigns to routine immunization. Caregivers in treatment areas were exposed to geofenced social media advertisements on Facebook and Instagram and pharmacist counseling, while those in control areas were not. Logistic regression models using a difference-in-difference approach estimated the campaign’s effect on HPV vaccination, controlling for caregiver and adolescent characteristics. Additional statistical models assessed the campaign’s impact on caregivers’ motivation and ability—key drivers of behavior according to the Fogg Behavior Model. Results: HPV vaccination increased at a significantly higher rate in the treatment compared to the control area. The adjusted odds of an adolescent girl being vaccinated were 1.48 times higher in the treatment area at follow-up (95% CI: 1.14–1.92). Adjusted marginal effects indicated that exposure to the campaign increased the probability of vaccination by 8.9 percentage points relative to the control group. The rate at which caregivers’ motivation (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00–1.70) and ability (knowing where to get vaccinated: aOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07–1.79; ease of vaccination: aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.22–2.06) increased was also higher in the treatment area. There was no relative increase in intervention versus control groups in factual knowledge regarding HPV vaccination. Conclusions: A behavioral insights–informed social media campaign in which pharmacists served as influencers was associated with higher HPV vaccine uptake during routine immunization. The higher rate of vaccination observed in intervention areas was associated with higher rates of caregiver motivation and ability but not with higher rates of caregiver knowledge. These findings are consistent with the potential of behavioral insights–informed digital campaigns to complement routine immunization efforts and improve vaccine uptake in low- and middle-income countries. Full article

Background: Pertussis and influenza immunization during pregnancy protects both mother and infant through transplacental transfer of antibodies. However, global vaccination coverage among pregnant women remains suboptimal. Aim: This systematic review aimed to assess influenza and pertussis vaccination coverage during pregnancy and identify determinants influencing vaccine uptake. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and grey literature was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Studies reporting actual vaccination rates for influenza and/or pertussis among pregnant women were included, while those assessing only willingness were excluded. Studies on H1N1 pandemic vaccination in pregnant women were excluded to avoid bias, as awareness levels during the pandemic differed from routine influenza vaccination. Determinants of vaccine acceptance were recorded. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Of 3251 identified records, 78 studies on influenza (N₁ = 287,124 participants) and 51 on pertussis (N₂ = 172,801) met inclusion criteria after removing overlapping populations. Most influenza studies (55/78) reported vaccination coverage below 50%. A key determinant of influenza vaccination uptake was physician recommendation, while maternal attitudes, parity, and previous influenza vaccination also had a significant impact. For pertussis, vaccination coverage was primarily driven by physician recommendation, with parity and maternal perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness further influencing uptake. Regarding quality assessment, 52.5% of influenza studies and 37.5% of pertussis studies scored above 6 on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Conclusions: Maternal vaccination coverage for influenza and pertussis remains inadequate worldwide and is shaped by national strategies, healthcare provider practices, and maternal perceptions. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving awareness are essential to increase uptake. Full article

Background: Global immunization programs continue to rely on needle-based injections despite persistent concerns regarding sharps disposal, accidental injuries, and the technical skill required for accurate intradermal administration. Needle-free jet injectors (NFJIs) are an alternative delivery method in which narrow, high-velocity liquid jets penetrate the skin without a needle. Contemporary designs, ranging from single-use disposable-syringe injectors to digitally controlled electromechanical devices, address historical safety issues and meet current WHO and FDA device expectations. Methods: Evidence from engineering analyses, preclinical modeling, and clinical trials was reviewed to characterize how jet velocity, nozzle structure, and formulation rheology influence skin penetration and drug dispersion. Published vaccine studies were examined for antibody responses, seroconversion, and reactogenicity compared with needle–syringe injection. Field vaccination campaign data from national campaigns and operational reports were evaluated to describe implementation steps, acceptability, and implementation constraints. Results: Published studies evaluating vaccines, including inactivated influenza, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and measles, report antibody titers and seroconversion rates after NFJI administration that are comparable to those achieved with conventional intramuscular or intradermal needle injection. Needle-free delivery was associated with operational advantages in several immunization programs, including reduced sharps waste and improved vaccination rate during high-volume immunization campaigns. Local and systemic reactogenicity follows expected patterns, with slightly higher injection-site responses in some NFJI studies. Imaging and mechanical data confirm that jet performance depends on nozzle geometry and controlled pressure pulses. At the same time, formulation stability remains a critical determinant of successful jet-based vaccine administration, particularly for protein antigens, adjuvanted formulations, and emerging mRNA vaccines that may experience transient shear stress during high-velocity injection. Evidence from vaccination campaigns further indicates that needle-free jet injectors reduce sharps waste, simplify vaccine handling and administration procedures, and support rapid vaccine delivery in large-scale immunization programs. Conclusions: Needle-free jet injectors are a practical alternative to traditional needle-based injections for some vaccines. Their main benefits include enabling intradermal dose-sparing strategies, reducing reliance on sharps disposal methods, and enabling the efficient vaccination of large groups without compromising immunogenicity. Future research should define the physicochemical stability limits of biologic formulations subjected to jet injection and evaluate digitally controlled injectors capable of precise pressure modulation and adjustable delivery parameters. In addition, needle-free jet injection eliminates needle penetration and sharps handling, which may reduce needle-associated anxiety and improve vaccine acceptability among individuals with needle aversion. Full article

Methane emissions from dairy production constitute a significant share of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Poland and represent a key challenge under EU climate policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This study evaluates dairy farmers’ acceptance of alternative methane mitigation measures (MMMs) and examines the cost-efficient design of agri-environmental contracts from a public-budget perspective. A Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) conducted among 302 dairy farmers was used to estimate participation probabilities for different mitigation measures and contract attributes, including result-based (RB) and input-based (IB) payment schemes. These preference-based probabilities were subsequently embedded into a cost-minimisation optimisation framework that identifies the least-cost portfolios of MMMs capable of achieving increasing methane-reduction targets while remaining behaviourally feasible. The DCE results show significantly higher acceptance of RB contracts compared with IB schemes, strong resistance to vaccination-based measures, and relatively favourable preferences for biofiltration. Payment levels and environmental attitudes significantly influence participation decisions. When behavioural constraints are incorporated into the optimisation model, RB contracts allow for higher achievable methane reductions under the adopted assumptions, primarily due to higher participation rates of farmers in result-based contracts. The model indicates that, beyond moderate mitigation targets, IB schemes face participation limits that constrain scalability. Biofiltration consistently forms the backbone of cost-efficient portfolios, while less accepted measures enter optimal solutions only when ambition levels exceed the feasible potential of high-acceptance options, revealing a potential ambition–acceptance gap. Methodologically, the study integrates stated-preference data into a policy optimisation model, demonstrating how farmers’ quantified perceptions can be treated as structural inputs to environmental policy design rather than assuming full adoption of technically efficient measures. Conceptually, the framework links farmer participation, environmental effectiveness, and budget efficiency within a unified decision-support structure. The proposed framework contributes to sustainability-oriented policy design by linking environmental effectiveness, behavioural feasibility, and public-budget efficiency in methane mitigation strategies for the dairy sector. Although the results are scenario-based and conditional on assumed mitigation and cost parameters, they underline the importance of aligning environmental ambition with empirically grounded participation patterns when designing methane mitigation policies for the dairy sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sabin-strain inactivated poliovirus vaccine has been increasingly incorporated into routine immunization programs as part of the global strategy to eradicate poliomyelitis. As childhood immunization schedules become more complex, concerns persist regarding the safety of concomitant vaccination. Although randomized controlled trials and regional surveillance studies have demonstrated acceptable safety profiles, additional population-based real-world evidence remains valuable for evaluating the safety of sIPV administered concomitantly with other vaccines under routine programmatic conditions. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using vaccination records and adverse events following immunization surveillance data collected in Liaoning Province, China, between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2025. All reported adverse events following immunization following Sabin-strain inactivated poliovirus vaccine administration were extracted from the Chinese National AEFI Surveillance System. The reporting rates were calculated per 100,000 administered doses. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance estimation were used to estimate adjusted rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals comparing standalone and concomitant sIPV administration, adjusting for sex, age in months, dose number, and city. Interaction analyses between vaccination mode and dose number were additionally performed. Results: A total of 205,576 sIPV doses were administered, including 144,724 doses administered alone and 60,852 doses administered concomitantly with other vaccines. Fifty-six adverse events following immunization were reported, corresponding to an overall reporting rate of 27.24 per 100,000 doses. Most reported adverse events following immunization were general reactions (91.07%), and all occurred within seven days after vaccination. The reporting rates for sIPV administered alone and concomitantly were 26.26 and 29.58 per 100,000 doses, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.7869). After adjustment, concomitant sIPV administration was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events following immunization compared with standalone administration (adjusted rate ratios = 1.13, 95% confidence intervals: 0.59–2.16). No significant interaction between vaccination mode and dose number was identified. Conclusions: Sabin-strain inactivated poliovirus vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile when administered either alone or concomitantly with other vaccines. These findings support the continued use of flexible and synchronized vaccination strategies involving Sabin-strain inactivated poliovirus vaccine in routine immunization programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Japan has experienced a marked decline in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage, reaching less than 1%, after the government suspended its proactive recommendation in 2013, following media reports of symptoms alleged to be adverse events caused by the vaccine. Although the recommendation was reinstated in 2022 after comprehensive safety reviews, vaccination rates have remained modest. We aimed to assess HPV vaccine acceptability and identify factors associated with acceptance among staff at a university hospital. Methods: We administered a web-based questionnaire in February 2024 to 2761 hospital employees, assessing demographic and professional characteristics, HPV-related knowledge, awareness about vaccine effectiveness, adverse events, and catch-up programs, as well as acceptability across four hypothetical scenarios reflecting publicly funded and self-funded vaccination programs. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with acceptability. Results: Among 1132 respondents (response rate 41.0%), acceptability exceeded 75% in the publicly funded scenarios but was approximately 45% in the self-funded scenarios. In multivariable analyses of the publicly funded scenarios, younger age, being a medical professional, greater HPV vaccine knowledge levels, and awareness about HPV vaccine effectiveness or catch-up vaccination were positively associated with acceptability; awareness about adverse events showed negative associations. In the self-funded scenarios, women were less likely to accept vaccination, but greater knowledge levels and awareness of catch-up vaccination remained positively associated with acceptability. Conclusions: These findings suggest that strategies tailored to specific population characteristics are important for improving HPV vaccine acceptability. Full article