1
|
Herzig van Wees S, Abunnaja K, Mounier-Jack S. Understanding and explaining the link between anthroposophy and vaccine hesitancy: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2238. [PMID: 37957574 PMCID: PMC10644591 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17081-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to low vaccination uptake and measles outbreaks across Europe, public health authorities have paid increasing attention to anthroposophic communities. Public media outlets have further described these communities as vaccine refusers or "anti-vaxxers". The aim of this review was to understand the scope of the problem and explore assumptions about vaccination beliefs in anthroposophic communities. For the purpose of this review, we define anthroposophic communities as people following some/certain views more or less loosely connected to the philosophies of anthroposophy. The systematic review addresses three research questions and (1) collates evidence documenting outbreaks linked to anthroposophic communities, (2) literature on vaccination coverage in anthroposophic communities, and (3) lastly describes literature that summarizes theories and factors influencing vaccine decision-making in anthroposophic communities. METHODS This is a systematic review using the following databases: Medline, Web of Science, Psycinfo, and CINAHL. Double-blinded article screening was conducted by two researchers. Data was summarized to address the research questions. For the qualitative research question the data was analysed using thematic analysis with the assistance of Nvivo12.0. RESULTS There were 12 articles documenting 18 measles outbreaks linked to anthroposophic communities between the years 2000 and 2012. Seven articles describe lower vaccination uptake in anthroposophic communities than in other communities, although one article describes that vaccination coverage in low-income communities with a migrant background was lower than in the anthroposophic community they studied. We found eight articles examining factors and theories influencing vaccine decision making in anthroposophic communities. The qualitative analysis revealed four common themes. Firstly, there was a very broad spectrum of vaccine beliefs among the anthroposophic communities. Secondly, there was a consistent narrative about problems or concerns with vaccines, including toxicity and lack of trust in the system. Thirdly, there was a strong notion of the importance of making individual and well-informed choices as opposed to simply following the masses. Lastly, making vaccine choices different from public health guidelines was highly stigmatized by those outside of the anthroposophic community but also those within the community. CONCLUSION Continuing to further knowledge of vaccine beliefs in anthroposophic communities is particularly important in view of increasing measles rates and potential sudden reliance on vaccines for emerging diseases. However, popular assumptions about vaccine beliefs in anthroposophic communities are challenged by the data presented in this systematic review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Khadija Abunnaja
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Mounier-Jack
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Westhoff MA, Posovszky C, Debatin KM. How to Respond to Misinformation From the Anti-Vaccine Movement. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2023; 60:469580231155723. [PMID: 36800918 PMCID: PMC9940232 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231155723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are doubtlessly one of the most crucial life-saving medical interventions to date. However, perplexingly, they court more public controversy than their objectively excellent safety profile warrants. While doubts about the safety of vaccines, as well as opposition to vaccine policies, can be traced back at least to the mid-19th century, the modern anti-vaccine movement has come in 3 distinct waves, or generations, each precipitating around distinct key events. Here, we describe the first 2 generations and trace the origins of an emerging third generation anti-vaccine movement. Currently, this third generation is an integral part of the larger anti-COVID movement and in this more libertarian environment propagates the idea of individualism superseding the responsibility for community health. We highlight the need for a better science education of the young, as well as the general public to further enhance overall science literacy and suggests strategies to achieve these goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany,Mike-Andrew Westhoff, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm D-89075, Germany.
| | - Carsten Posovszky
- University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany,University-Children’s Hospital Zurich – Eleonorenstiftung, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vojtek I, Larson H, Plotkin S, Van Damme P. Evolving measles status and immunization policy development in six European countries. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2031776. [PMID: 35180372 PMCID: PMC9009904 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2031776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing and implementing new immunization policies in response to shifting epidemiology is a critical public health component. We adopted a mixed-methods approach (via narrative literature review [101 articles] and 9 semi-structured interviews) to evaluate policy development in response to shifting measles epidemiology in six European countries (Italy, Belgium, Germany, Romania, UK, and Ukraine); where policies and strategies have evolved in response to country-specific disease and vaccination patterns. Periodic outbreaks have occurred in all countries against a background of declining measles-containing-vaccine (MCV) uptake and increasing public vaccine hesitancy (with substantial regional or social differences in measles burden and vaccine uptake). Health-care worker (HCW) vaccine skepticism is also seen. While many outbreaks arise or involve specific susceptible populations (e.g., minority/migrant communities), the broader pattern is spread to the wider (and generally older) population; often among incompletely/non-vaccinated individuals as a legacy of previous low uptake. Immunization policy and strategic responses are influenced by political and social factors, where public mistrust contributes to vaccine hesitancy. A strong centralized immunization framework (allied with effective regional implementation and coherent political commitment) can effectively increase uptake. Mandatory vaccination has increased childhood MCV uptake in Italy, and similar benefits could be anticipated for other countries considering vaccine mandates. Although possible elsewhere, socio-political considerations render mandating impractical in other countries, where targeted immunization activities to bolster routine uptake are more important. Addressing HCW skepticism, knowledge gaps, improving access and increasing public/community engagement and education to address vaccine hesitancy/mistrust (especially in communities with specific unmet needs) is critical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Larson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stanley Plotkin
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Vaxconsult, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Friedrich N, Poethko-Müller C, Kuhnert R, Matysiak-Klose D, Koch J, Wichmann O, Santibanez S, Mankertz A. Seroprevalence of Measles-, Mumps-, and Rubella-specific antibodies in the German adult population - cross-sectional analysis of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1). THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2021; 7:100128. [PMID: 34557838 PMCID: PMC8454806 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO European Region targets the elimination of measles, rubella, and the congenital rubella syndrome and welcomes mumps elimination via the joint MMR vaccine. In a push towards this elimination goal, Germany introduced a recommendation on MMR vaccination for adults in 2010 to prevent increasing numbers of measles cases among adults and to strengthen herd immunity. METHODS The prevalence of anti-measles, -mumps, and -rubella IgG antibodies was analysed in 7,115 participants between the ages of 18 and 79 years in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey. Risk factors of seronegativity of adults born 1970 or later were determined. FINDINGS The seroprevalence of anti-measles IgG antibodies was more than 97% in adults born before 1965 and less than 90% in adults born afterwards. Prevalence and GMTs declined with later years of birth. Seronegativity was associated with two-sided migration background and region of residence in East Germany. For anti-mumps IgG antibodies, the seroprevalence was less than 90% in almost all age groups. Prevalence and GMTs declined with later years of birth. Seronegativity was not associated with any socio-demographic factor. Anti-rubella IgG seropositivity was found in more than 90% of adults born before 1985. GMTs declined in younger age groups. Seronegativity was associated with birth between 1980 and 1993 and male gender. High socio-economic status lowered the odds of being seronegative. INTERPRETATION These data reinforce the implementation of the vaccination recommendation for adults and provide the basis for further evaluation of this measure. FUNDING The Federal Ministry of Health, Germany.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Friedrich
- National Reference Centre Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ronny Kuhnert
- Epidemiological Data Centre, Robert Koch Institute, General-Pape-Straße 62-66, 12101 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Judith Koch
- Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ole Wichmann
- Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Santibanez
- National Reference Centre Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Mankertz
- National Reference Centre Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Trobisch A, Klobassa DS, Gschiel H, Wassermann-Neuhold M, Zenz W. Analyse des Masernausbruches 2015 in der Steiermark. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-017-0340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
6
|
Fournet N, Mollema L, Ruijs WL, Harmsen IA, Keck F, Durand JY, Cunha MP, Wamsiedel M, Reis R, French J, Smit EG, Kitching A, van Steenbergen JE. Under-vaccinated groups in Europe and their beliefs, attitudes and reasons for non-vaccination; two systematic reviews. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:196. [PMID: 29378545 PMCID: PMC5789742 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite effective national immunisation programmes in Europe, some groups remain incompletely or un-vaccinated ('under-vaccinated'), with underserved minorities and certain religious/ideological groups repeatedly being involved in outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases (VPD). Gaining insight into factors regarding acceptance of vaccination of 'under-vaccinated groups' (UVGs) might give opportunities to communicate with them in a trusty and reliable manner that respects their belief system and that, maybe, increase vaccination uptake. We aimed to identify and describe UVGs in Europe and to describe beliefs, attitudes and reasons for non-vaccination in the identified UVGs. METHODS We defined a UVG as a group of persons who share the same beliefs and/or live in socially close-knit communities in Europe and who have/had historically low vaccination coverage and/or experienced outbreaks of VPDs since 1950. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases using specific search term combinations. For the first systematic review, studies that described a group in Europe with an outbreak or low vaccination coverage for a VPD were selected and for the second systematic review, studies that described possible factors that are associated with non-vaccination in these groups were selected. RESULTS We selected 48 articles out of 606 and 13 articles out of 406 from the first and second search, respectively. Five UVGs were identified in the literature: Orthodox Protestant communities, Anthroposophists, Roma, Irish Travellers, and Orthodox Jewish communities. The main reported factors regarding vaccination were perceived non-severity of traditional "childhood" diseases, fear of vaccine side-effects, and need for more information about for example risk of vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Within each UVG identified, there are a variety of health beliefs and objections to vaccination. In addition, similar factors are shared by several of these groups. Communication strategies regarding these similar factors such as educating people about the risks associated with being vaccinated versus not being vaccinated, addressing their concerns, and countering vaccination myths present among members of a specific UVG through a trusted source, can establish a reliable relationship with these groups and increase their vaccination uptake. Furthermore, other interventions such as improving access to health care could certainly increase vaccination uptake in Roma and Irish travellers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N. Fournet
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - L. Mollema
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, P.O. Box 1 (internal P.O. Box 75), 3720 BA Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - W. L. Ruijs
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - I. A. Harmsen
- Municipal Health Service (GGD) Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F. Keck
- Laboratoire d’anthropologie sociale - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - J. Y. Durand
- Centre for Research in Anthropology, Universidade do Minho (CRIA - UMinho), Braga, Portugal
| | - M. P. Cunha
- Centre for Research in Anthropology, Universidade do Minho (CRIA - UMinho), Braga, Portugal
| | - M. Wamsiedel
- Department of Public Health at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - R. Reis
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J. French
- Strategic Social Marketing, Liphook, UK
- Brighton University Business School, Brighton, UK
| | - E. G. Smit
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. Kitching
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive, St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - J. E. van Steenbergen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Klomp JH, van Lier A, Ruijs WL. Vaccination coverage for measles, mumps and rubella in anthroposophical schools in Gelderland, The Netherlands. Eur J Public Health 2014; 25:501-5. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cku178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
8
|
Byström E, Lindstrand A, Likhite N, Butler R, Emmelin M. Parental attitudes and decision-making regarding MMR vaccination in an anthroposophic community in Sweden – A qualitative study. Vaccine 2014; 32:6752-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
9
|
Ndeffo Mbah ML, Liu J, Bauch CT, Tekel YI, Medlock J, Meyers LA, Galvani AP. The impact of imitation on vaccination behavior in social contact networks. PLoS Comput Biol 2012; 8:e1002469. [PMID: 22511859 PMCID: PMC3325186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous game-theoretic studies of vaccination behavior typically have often assumed that populations are homogeneously mixed and that individuals are fully rational. In reality, there is heterogeneity in the number of contacts per individual, and individuals tend to imitate others who appear to have adopted successful strategies. Here, we use network-based mathematical models to study the effects of both imitation behavior and contact heterogeneity on vaccination coverage and disease dynamics. We integrate contact network epidemiological models with a framework for decision-making, within which individuals make their decisions either based purely on payoff maximization or by imitating the vaccination behavior of a social contact. Simulations suggest that when the cost of vaccination is high imitation behavior may decrease vaccination coverage. However, when the cost of vaccination is small relative to that of infection, imitation behavior increases vaccination coverage, but, surprisingly, also increases the magnitude of epidemics through the clustering of non-vaccinators within the network. Thus, imitation behavior may impede the eradication of infectious diseases. Calculations that ignore behavioral clustering caused by imitation may significantly underestimate the levels of vaccination coverage required to attain herd immunity. Both infectious diseases and behavioral traits can spread via social contacts. Using network-based mathematical models, our study addresses the interplay between these two processes, as disease spreads through a population and individuals copy their social contacts when making vaccination decisions. Imitation can produce clusters of non-vaccinating, susceptible individuals that facilitate relatively large outbreaks of infectious diseases despite high overall vaccination coverage. This may explain, for example, recent measles outbreaks observed in many countries with universal measles vaccination policies. Given that vaccine decisions are likely to be influenced by social contacts and that such imitation can have detrimental epidemiological effects, it is important that policy makers understand its causes, magnitude and implications for disease eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martial L Ndeffo Mbah
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wadl M, Siedler A, Krämer W, Haindl ME, Gebrande S, Krenn-Lanzl I, Mankertz A, Hautmann W. Measles transmission from an anthroposophic community to the general population, Germany 2008. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:474. [PMID: 21676265 PMCID: PMC3132164 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Germany, measles vaccination coverage with two doses is not yet sufficient to prevent regional outbreaks. Among the 16 German federal states, vaccination coverage was lowest in Bavaria with 85% in 2008. From March to mid-April 2008, four neighbouring Bavarian counties reported 55 measles-cases mostly linked to an ongoing measles outbreak in an anthroposophic school in Austria. We investigated this outbreak to guide future public health action. METHODS We applied the German national case-definition for measles and collected data using the national surveillance system and a questionnaire. Measles cases with disease onset a maximum of 18 days apart and spatial contact (e.g. same household, same school) were summed up in clusters. Two different interventions, which were implemented in schools and kindergartens in Bavaria, were compared by their impact on the size and duration of measles clusters. Susceptible persons were excluded from schools or kindergartens either with the first (intervention A) or second (intervention B) measles case occurring in the respective institution. RESULTS Among the 217 Bavarian measles cases identified from March-July 2008, 28 (13%) cases were attendees of the anthroposophic school in Austria. In total, vaccination status was known in 161 (74%) cases and 156 (97%) of them were not vaccinated. The main factor for non-vaccination was "fear of vaccine-related adverse events" (33%). Twenty-nine (18%) of 161 cases suffered complications. Exclusively genotype D5 was detected. Overall, 184 cases could be epidemiologically grouped into 59 clusters. Of those, 41 clusters could be linked to households and 13 to schools or kindergartens. The effect of intervention A and B was analysed in 10 school or kindergarten clusters. Depending on the respective intervention A or B, the median number of cases per cluster was 3 versus 13 (p = 0.05), and the median duration of a cluster was 3 versus 26 days (p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS Introduction of measles virus into a pocket of susceptible persons (e.g. vaccination opponents or sceptics) may lead to large outbreaks in the general population, if the general population's vaccination coverage is below the WHO recommended level. Education on the safety of measles vaccine needs to be strengthened to increase measles vaccination coverage. Early intervention may limit spread in schools or kindergartens. Suspected measles has to be reported immediately to the local health authorities in order to allow intervention as early as possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wadl
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anette Siedler
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Annette Mankertz
- National Reference Centre for Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Robert Koch- Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hautmann
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department for Epidemiology, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Epidemiological and molecular assessment of a measles outbreak in a highly vaccinated population of northeast Italy. Epidemiol Infect 2011; 139:1727-33. [PMID: 21396148 DOI: 10.1017/s095026881100032x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Two distinct measles outbreaks, unrelated from the epidemiological point of view but caused by genetically related strains, occurred in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Forty-two cases were reported during the period April-May 2008. In the first outbreak the index case was a teacher who introduced the virus into the Pordenone area, involving eight adolescents and young adults. The other concomitant outbreak occurred in the city of Trieste with 33 cases. The containment of the epidemics can be explained by the high MMR vaccine coverage in an area where the first dose was delivered to 93·4% and the second dose to 88·3% of the target children. Phylogenetic analysis of 14 measles virus strains showed that they belonged to a unique D4 genotype indistinguishable from the MVs/Enfield.GBR/14.07 strain, probably introduced from areas (i.e. Piedmont and Germany) where this genotype was present or had recently caused a large epidemic.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hahne S, te Wierik MJM, Mollema L, van Velzen E, de Coster E, Swaan C, de Melker H, van Binnendijk R. Measles outbreak, the Netherlands, 2008. Emerg Infect Dis 2010. [PMID: 20202450 PMCID: PMC3322001 DOI: 10.3201/eid1602.090114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
13
|
Waku-Kouomou D, Freymuth F, du Châtelet IP, Wild TF, Horvat B. Co-circulation of multiple measles virus genotypes during an epidemic in France in 2008. J Med Virol 2010; 82:1033-43. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
14
|
Gentile A, Bhutta Z, Bravo L, Samy AG, Garcia RDJ, Hoosen A, Islam T, Karimi A, Salem M, Simasathien S, Sohail A, Watanaveeradej V, Wiedenmayer K, Schmitt HJ. Pediatric disease burden and vaccination recommendations: understanding local differences. Int J Infect Dis 2010; 14:e649-58. [PMID: 20181506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2009] [Revised: 08/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), pertussis (P), hepatitis B (HepB), invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease, and measles cause substantial global morbidity and mortality. METHODS This unique review highlights geographic differences in disease burden across certain countries in the African, Americas, Mediterranean, South-East Asian, and Western Pacific World Health Organization (WHO) regions, and relates this to vaccination coverage and local vaccine recommendations using the authors' countries as illustrations. RESULTS Substantial differences were observed in the incidence of these diseases and in vaccination coverage between the countries studied. Disease incidence often reflected inadequate surveillance, but also variable or poor vaccination coverage. Vaccination coverage against HepB was particularly low in the African and South-East Asian WHO regions; vaccination coverage against invasive Hib disease was low in these regions and in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific WHO regions. Vaccination schedules within some countries in these regions do not include, or have only recently included, vaccinations against HepB and Hib disease. The use of DTwP-HepB-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, whole-cell pertussis, HepB, Hib) combination vaccines has now been adopted by some countries to help increase vaccination coverage. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination coverage and vaccination schedules vary markedly between the countries studied, often according to the resources available. DTwP-HepB-Hib combination vaccines represent a cost-effective option, with the potential to substantially reduce the burden associated with these diseases by increasing coverage and compliance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Gentile
- Ricardo Guiterrez Children's Hospital, Gallo Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Urschel S, Cremer S, Birnbaum J, DallaPozza R, Fuchs A, Jäger G, Schmitz C, Belohradsky BH, Netz H. Lack of serologic immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases in children after thoracic transplantation. Transpl Int 2009; 23:619-27. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2009.01030.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
16
|
Abstract
SUMMARYWe report on a measles outbreak originating in an anthroposophic community in Austria, 2008. A total of 394 (94·9%) cases fulfilled the outbreak case definition including 168 cases affiliated to the anthroposophic community. The source case was a school pupil from Switzerland. The Austrian outbreak strain was genotype D5, indistinguishable from the Swiss outbreak strain. A school-based retrospective cohort study in the anthroposophic school demonstrated a vaccine effectiveness of 97·3% in pupils who had received a single dose of measles-containing vaccine and 100% in those who had received two doses. The vaccination coverage of the cases in the anthroposophic community was 0·6%. Of the 226 outbreak cases not belonging to the anthroposophic community, the 10–24 years age group was the most affected. Our findings underline the epidemiological significance of suboptimal vaccination coverage in anthroposophic communities and in older age groups of the general population in facilitating measles virus circulation. The findings of this outbreak investigation suggest that the WHO European Region is unlikely to achieve its 2010 target for measles and rubella elimination.
Collapse
|
17
|
Anis E, Grotto I, Moerman L, Warshavsky B, Slater PE, Lev B, Israeli A. Measles in a highly vaccinated society: the 2007-08 outbreak in Israel. J Infect 2009; 59:252-8. [PMID: 19683347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2009.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite success in controlling measles through a national immunization program, Israel recently experienced its largest measles outbreak since 1994. METHODS Using data reported by health district offices to the Ministry of Health, an epidemiological analysis of the 2007-08 measles outbreak was performed. RESULTS 1467 measles cases were reported in Israel, primarily among ultra-orthodox Jewish communities in the Jerusalem Health District and to a lesser extent in other areas. The highest age-specific incidence rate (122.5 per 100,000) occurred among infants. 38.6% of all measles patients were under the age of five, and 53.4% were under the age of ten. 186 patients (12.7%) were hospitalized; there were no fatalities. Only 4.6% of measles patients had been fully vaccinated for their age. CONCLUSION To minimize the risk of future outbreaks in Israel, successful marketing of the MMR vaccine to under-vaccinated sub-groups is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Anis
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 93591, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Eames KTD. Networks of influence and infection: parental choices and childhood disease. J R Soc Interface 2009; 6:811-4. [PMID: 19447820 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2009.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clusters of unvaccinated individuals are at risk of outbreaks of infection. When an individual's decision to choose vaccination is influenced by the choices of his social group, such clusters can readily arise. However, when the interactions that influence decision-making and those that permit the transmission of infection are different--for instance, when parents make vaccination decisions on behalf of their children--it is unclear how large the impact of this social influence will be. Here we use a modelling approach to represent social influence within a network of parents and the transmission of infection through a network of children. We show that the effect of social influence depends on the amount of overlap between the two different networks; large overlap means that clusters of parents who choose not to vaccinate are likely to have interacting children, generating clusters of unvaccinated children. Spatially local connections can further increase the impact of social influence. Outbreaks are most likely when parents who do not vaccinate have children who interact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken T D Eames
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Poethko-Müller C, Ellert U, Kuhnert R, Neuhauser H, Schlaud M, Schenk L. Vaccination coverage against measles in German-born and foreign-born children and identification of unvaccinated subgroups in Germany. Vaccine 2009; 27:2563-9. [PMID: 19428862 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2008] [Revised: 01/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Data from the representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents were used to identify unvaccinated subgroups that should be targeted by vaccination programmes in order to interrupt measles transmission. Measles vaccination coverage was low among children below the age of 3, having > or =3 siblings and in foreign-born migrants. Multivariate analyses show that vaccination coverage was strongly related to the place of birth in migrants: foreign-born children have a three-fold odds of being unvaccinated. Odds were also higher in children living in former West Germany, having > or =3 siblings, and it was especially high in children with parents reporting reservations against vaccinations.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measles persists in Europe despite the incorporation of the measles vaccine into routine childhood vaccination programmes more than 20 years ago. Our aim was therefore to review the epidemiology of measles in relation to the goal of elimination by 2010. METHODS National surveillance institutions from 32 European countries submitted data for 2006-07. Data for age-group, diagnosis confirmation, vaccination, hospital treatment, the presence of acute encephalitis as a complication of disease, and death were obtained. 30 countries also supplied data about importation of disease. Clinical, laboratory-confirmed, and epidemiologically linked cases that met the requirements for national surveillance were analysed. Cases were separated by age: younger than 1 year, 1-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years, and older than 20 years. Countries with indigenous measles incidence per 100 000 inhabitants per year of 0, less than 0.1, 0.1-1, and more than 1 were grouped into categories of zero, low, moderate, and high incidence, respectively. FINDINGS For the 2 years of the study, 12 132 cases of measles were recorded with most cases (n=10 329; 85%) from five countries: Romania, Germany, UK, Switzerland, and Italy. Most cases were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children; however, almost a fifth were aged 20 years or older. For the same 2 years, seven measles-related deaths were recorded. High measles incidence in some European countries revealed suboptimum vaccination coverage. Of the 210 cases that were reported as being imported, 117 (56%) came from another country within Europe and 43 (20%) from Asia. INTERPRETATION The suboptimum vaccination coverage raises serious doubts that the goal of elimination by 2010 can be attained. Achievement and maintenance of optimum vaccination coverage and improved surveillance are the cornerstones of the measles elimination plan for Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Muscat
- EUVAC.NET hub, Department of Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Salathé M, Bonhoeffer S. The effect of opinion clustering on disease outbreaks. J R Soc Interface 2009; 5:1505-8. [PMID: 18713723 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2008.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many high-income countries currently experience large outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles despite the availability of highly effective vaccines. This phenomenon lacks an explanation in countries where vaccination rates are rising on an already high level. Here, we build on the growing evidence that belief systems, rather than access to vaccines, are the primary barrier to vaccination in high-income countries, and show how a simple opinion formation process can lead to clusters of unvaccinated individuals, leading to a dramatic increase in disease outbreak probability. In particular, the effect of clustering on outbreak probabilities is strongest when the vaccination coverage is close to the level required to provide herd immunity under the assumption of random mixing. Our results based on computer simulations suggest that the current estimates of vaccination coverage necessary to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases might be too low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Salathé
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|