Hepatitis B vaccination status in an at-risk adult population: long-term immunity but insufficient coverage

Vaccinations and Chronic Diseases: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Reported Adherence among Patients in Italy

The aims of this cross-sectional survey were to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported adherence to recommended vaccinations among a random sample of patients with chronic conditions presenting for a medical visit in out-patient clinics in Italy. Patients who were healthcare workers (HCWs), those with diabetes, those who had received information by Internet, physicians, and friends/relatives, and those who needed more information were more likely to know that the influenza vaccine is recommended for patients with chronic diseases. More than half (58.2%) and 8.9% self-reported to have received at least one recommended vaccination and more than one, respectively. Patients who believed that vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) were dangerous for them, those who had received information by physicians, and those who needed information were more likely to have received at least one recommended vaccination. This behavior was less likely in married patients, those who were worried about the side effects of the vaccines, and those who suffered from renal failure. The results highlight the need to implement effective vaccination programs in order to decrease the complication of VPDs in at-risk population.

Trends in Hepatitis B Infection and Immunity Among Women of Childbearing Age in the United States

BACKGROUND

The current opioid injection drug use epidemic has been associated with an increase in hepatitis C virus infections among women of childbearing age in the United States, but changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have not been studied.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of HBV statuses among women of childbearing age nationally and by state was conducted, utilizing the Quest Diagnostics database. Rates of HBV in women born before and after the implementation of universal HBV vaccination recommendations were determined.

RESULTS

We identified 8 871 965 women tested for HBV from 2011-2017. Nationally, the annual rate of acute HBV infections was stable, but rates increased in Kentucky, Alabama, and Indiana (P < .03). The national prevalence of new, chronic HBV diagnoses decreased significantly, from 0.83% in 2011 to 0.19% in 2017 (P < .0001), but increased in Mississippi, Kentucky, and West Virginia (P ≤ .05). A declining prevalence of HBV seroprotection was evident over time, especially within the birth-dose cohort (which dropped from 48.5% to 38.5%; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

National rates of newly diagnosed acute and chronic HBV infections declined or were stable overall, but increased significantly in specific Appalachian states. The HBV vaccine is effective in decreasing infections, but seroprotection wanes over time. These trends in new infections may be related to increased injection drug use and highlight potential gaps in HBV vaccine protection.

Administering an additional hepatitis B vaccination dose after 18 years maintains adequate long-term protection levels in healthcare workers

Background: HBV (hepatitis B virus) vaccination in first year of life is recommended to prevent infection. Observational studies have suggested that vaccination at birth provides protection for 90% of the population for 30 years. Data on response to booster doses and long-term protection are lacking.Methods: We compared HBV antibody levels of healthcare students who were immunized for HBV with a primary series during their first year of life (primary) to students who were immunized with a primary series and received an additional dose at age 18 (boosted) four years earlier. Antibody titres ≥10 mIU/mL were considered adequate. Those that were inadequate received another dose and were reassessed.Results: We assessed 381 students, 80.1% were primary and 19.9% boosted. A significantly higher percentage of students in the boosted group had antibody titre levels ≥10 mIU/mL compared to primary group (88.1% vs. 41.3%, p < .001). Of 179 students in the primary group with inadequate antibody levels, 134 received a booster dose and 126 of them (94%) developed anti-HBs levels ≥10 mIU/mL. Of 9 students with inadequate levels in the boosted group, 8 received another booster dose and all developed adequate levels.Conclusions: Primary vaccination against HBV at birth does not necessarily provide lifelong adequate antibody levels. Boosting at 18 years reinforces antibody levels for at least four more years. Current guidelines recommend testing and boosting all medical personal. Based on our study, it may be prudent to extend this practice to all individuals who are at higher risk.

Observational study of vaccination in cancer patients: How can vaccine coverage be improved?

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy increases the risk of infections, often severe, and some of them are vaccine-preventable infections. We aimed to assess vaccination coverage and associated factors in oncology and hematology patients.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients followed in a French university hospital for hematological malignancy or solid cancer voluntarily completed an anonymous questionnaire in September and October 2016. It included questions on underlying disease, chemotherapy, flu, and pneumococcal vaccination uptakes, and attitudes toward vaccination. Factors associated with vaccination uptake were assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The response rate was 41.9% (N=671) among 1,600 questionnaires distributed; 232 patients had underlying hematological malignancy and 439 had solid cancer. Half of the patients were aged over 65 years. Chemotherapy was ongoing or discontinued for less than one year in 74.7% of patients. In patients aged <65 years undergoing chemotherapy, flu vaccination rate was 19.9% whereas patients aged >65 years had coverage of 47%. Pneumococcal vaccine uptake was 7.3%. However, 64.7% of patients were favorable to vaccination. Vaccine uptake was associated with age >65 years (OR 4.5 [2.9-7.0]), information about vaccination delivered by the family physician (OR 12.9 [5.5-30.1]), follow-up in hematology unit (OR 2.0 [1.3-3.1]), and positive opinion about vaccination (OR 2.0 [1.3-3.1]).

CONCLUSION

Despite specific recommendations regarding immunocompromised patients, anti-pneumococcal and flu vaccinations were rarely conducted, even in elderly patients. Targeted information campaigns to family physicians, oncologists, and patients should be implemented to improve vaccine coverage in patients with underlying malignancies.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Parents towards Recommended Adult Vaccinations: An Explanatory Survey in the Geographic Area of Naples, Italy

The purposes of this study were to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards the recommended vaccinations for adults between 19–64 years of age and the associated factors among parents. The survey was conducted from October to December 2018 among a sample of parents randomly selected from five preschools and primary, secondary, and high schools in the geographic area of Naples, Italy. The mean age of participants was 45.2 years (range 19–71). Only 16% of the parents knew all vaccinations recommended to adults between 19–64 years of age. Those being healthcare professionals, having a chronic condition, having received information about vaccinations from physicians, and having a lower educational level were more likely to know the vaccinations recommended to adults between 19–64 years of age. Female participants, those who had received information about vaccinations from physicians, and those who had a lower number of children were more likely to have a positive attitude toward the usefulness of the administration of vaccinations recommended to adults between 19–64 years of age. Among unvaccinated respondents, more than half reported a positive attitude toward willingness to receive a recommended vaccination. This positive attitude was significantly higher among those who considered vaccinations as being useful and among who had received information from physicians. Only 16.9% self-reported to have received at least one vaccination recommended to adults between 19–64 years of age. Those who were healthcare professionals, who had at least one chronic condition, and who considered the administration of the vaccinations as being useful were more likely to have received at least one recommended vaccination. Greater efforts by policy makers and healthcare providers are needed to increase parents’ knowledge on recommended vaccines, and it is also crucial that healthcare providers have a high knowledge and favorable attitudes in order to increase vaccine coverage.