Pertussis seronegativity in pregnant women in the city of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Awareness and Acceptance of Pertussis Vaccination Among Pregnant Women in Taif Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aim Pertussis risk increases during pregnancy when it can be passed from an infected, non-vaccinated mother to the newborn. The pertussis vaccine, Boostrix (Tdap: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for immunization of pregnant women during the third trimester. The current cross-sectional study aimed to assess the awareness level of pregnant women towards pertussis. Methods The study recruited 401 pregnant women from the Taif region through an interview questionnaire, which included different questions about the socio-demographic and clinical circumstances of the participants, as well as some variable parameters, to evaluate their awareness and acceptance of the pertussis vaccination. Results The statistical analysis of the data revealed that most participants were above 30 years of age (68.1%), urban (84.5%), highly educated (57.4%), and unemployed housewives (73.1%). Medical history showed that only 15 (3.7%) of participants had the vaccine during previous pregnancies. Analysis of the data showed a significant difference of limited awareness about the disease prognosis, infection, route of transmission, and vaccination (P<0.05). This was significant among the following participants: those in the age group >30 years, without a college degree, unemployed, in the third trimester of gestation, and with a medical history of pregnancy-related diseases. Furthermore, most participants at all educational levels didn't significantly believe in the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy (P<0.05). Interestingly, most women who were without a college degree, unemployed, or not receiving a regular salary didn't intend to vaccinate their babies and neglected to obtain sufficient information about the vaccine or its side effects (P<0.05). The regression analysis revealed that women's age and education level were significant predictors of their total awareness score about the disease and its vaccination. Conclusion So, in conclusion, the study revealed that pregnant women's awareness of pertussis disease and its vaccine in the Taif region was associated with several demographic and clinical characteristics. Their acceptance of vaccination in relation to its safety or costs during pregnancy or to their infants depended significantly on their educational level and employment status. Therefore, the study recommends conducting more awareness campaigns about pertussis and its available vaccine. Also, more cross-sectional studies are required to measure the awareness of all women throughout the country.

Adult Vaccination in the United Arab Emirates—A Physicians' Knowledge and Knowledge Sources Study

Background

A lack of knowledge on adult vaccination has been documented among physicians. They play a critical role in promoting adult vaccines. This study aimed to review the status of adult vaccination in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and evaluate physicians' knowledge and knowledge sources regarding adult vaccines.

Methods

Local, regional, and global adult vaccination guidelines were reviewed. A 40-item questionnaire was used to collect data from physicians from June to October 2020, using convenience and snowball sampling. Knowledge score was calculated, and predictors identified using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H-tests. Ordinary Least Squares regression was used for Multivariate Analysis.

Results

A total of 500 responses were included. A quarter were internists, and another quarter were family physicians. Fifty-seven percent were medical interns and residents. Both perceived and actual knowledge of adult vaccination were low. Bivariate analysis showed knowledge depending on department, level of training, workplace, and perceived knowledge. All remained significant after multivariable regression except workplace. International and local guidelines were the most common knowledge sources. Forty-two percent were unable to access the local guidelines.

Conclusions

Physicians' knowledge was poor and local guidelines were not clear or easily accessible. Participants were highly receptive to guidance and practice with adult vaccines.

Whole-Cell and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine: Reflections on Efficacy

Pertussis is a common respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Although most cases occur in developing countries, it is considered endemic globally. The World Health Organization estimates there are 20-40 million cases of pertussis annually. Pertussis vaccines played a pivotal role in reducing the burden of pertussis disease as well as infant morbidity and mortality. Although the two forms of pertussis vaccine are effective, each has its advantages and drawbacks. This review aims to review the current knowledge on pertussis vaccines, emphasizing vaccine effectiveness in different populations within a community. Clinical trials have shown favorable vaccine efficacy with acellular pertussis (aP)vaccine. However, observational and population-level studies showed that introducing at least a single dose of whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccine within the routine immunization schedule is associated with better disease protection and a longer duration of immunity. On the other hand, wP vaccine is more reactogenic and associated with higher adverse events. Therefore, the selection of vaccine should be weighed against the effectiveness, reactogenicity, and cost-effectiveness. Due to its safety profile, aP vaccine can be offered to wider population groups. Booster adolescent and pregnant immunization programs have been implemented globally to control outbreaks and protect vulnerable infants. Due to the variable effectiveness performance of both vaccines, different countries adopted distinctive immunization programs. Determining the right vaccination approach depends on financial consideration, immunization program infrastructure, adverse event monitoring, and pertussis surveillance in the community.