Background Childhood vaccination rates fluctuate over time and do not always meet the levels recommended by the WHO. Objective This study aims to provide an overview of measures countries have introduced to increase vaccination rates. Methods We developed a structured data collection template that was completed by country experts from Europe, Israel, the USA, and Canada. Experts were identified using the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies' HSPM (Health Systems and Policy Monitor) network. We approached experts from 32 countries and received responses from 22 countries. In the template we asked for measures introduced between 2014 and 2019. The experts were asked to indicate the type of intervention, the target population, possible positive and negative effects, and evidence on effectiveness. The information was collected between September 2019 and January 2020. Results We identified four main types of interventions: restrictive measures for the unvaccinated, financial incentives, measures supporting the logistics of vaccination, and vaccination promotion campaigns. Restrictive measures often involved expanding existing mandatory vaccination policies or limiting access to pre-school activities for unvaccinated children. Financial incentives for healthcare providers showed some positive effects. Regarding logistical support, several countries used schools as alternative vaccination sites, though this presented organisational challenges. Many countries invested in improving knowledge among both healthcare professionals and parents to encourage vaccine uptake. Conclusions Most initiatives implemented in the countries covered focussed on communication and knowledge enhancement. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of these measures on vaccination coverage.
- MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Internationality MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Immunization Programs * MeSH
- Health Promotion * methods MeSH
- Vaccination Coverage * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Vaccination * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Health Policy MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
- Israel MeSH
- Canada MeSH
- United States MeSH
Cíl: Cílem studie byla analýza vlivu pandemie covidu-19 na epidemiologickou situaci invazivního meningokokového onemocnění (IMO) a na molekulární charakteristiky izolátů Neisseria meningitidis způsobujících IMO v České republice. Materiál a metody: Studie vycházela z dat surveillance IMO za období 2018–2024 (k 27. 5. 2024) a analyzovány celogenomovou sekvenací (WGS) byly všechny dostupné izoláty N. meningitidis z IMO z těchto let. Pro analýzu vlivu pandemie covidu-19 bylo sledované období rozděleno na tři srovnávané etapy: pre-covidové období (2018–2019), období pandemie covidu-19 (2020–2022) a post-covidové období (2023–2024). Výsledky: V důsledku zavedení epidemiologických opatření proti pandemii covidu-19 došlo v České republice, podobně jako v ostatních zemích, k poklesu počtu infekčních onemocnění přenášených vzdušnou cestou, včetně IMO. Po uvolnění těchto epidemiologických opatření však nedošlo v České republice k opětnému vzestupu počtu IMO, na rozdíl od řady jiných zemí. Charakterizace izolátů z IMO metodou WGS prokázala, že v průběhu covidového a post-covidového období došlo k postupné změně populace meningokoků, které v České republice působí IMO. U izolátů N. meningitidis séroskupin C, W a Y lze sledovat postupný a výrazný pokles celkové heterogenity – z deseti různých klonálních komplexů zachycených v pre-covidovém období na pouhé tři v post-covidových letech (cc11, cc23 a cc103). Zároveň byla zjištěna významná redukce izolátů N. meningitidis C; cc11. U izolátů N. meningitidis B lze naopak pozorovat nárůst celkové heterogenity během období pandemie covidu-19 a její opětovnou redukci na celkově nejnižší hodnoty v post-covidovém období. Závěr: V přetrvávajícím poklesu počtu IMO v České republice má roli i zavedení úhrady očkování MenB vakcínou a konjugovanou vakcínou A, C, W, Y pro malé děti (v květnu 2020) a pro adolescenty (v lednu 2022). K udržení nízkých počtů IMO v České republice je žádoucí pokračovat v očkování MenB vakcínou a konjugovanou vakcínou A, C, W, Y dle doporučení České vakcinologické společnosti ČLS JEP.
Objective: To analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiological situation of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and molecular characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis isolates causing IMD in the Czech Republic. Material and Methods: The study was based on IMD surveillance data for 2018–2024 (as of 27 May 2024), and all available N. meningitidis isolates from IMD of these years were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). To analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study period was divided into three parts: the pre-COVID period (2018–2019), the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–2022), and the post-COVID period (2023–2024). Results: As a result of the implementation of the COVID-19 control measures, similar to other countries, there has been a decline in the incidence of air-borne infections including IMD in the Czech Republic. However, unlike many other countries, there has not been a resurgence of IMD in the Czech Republic following the release of these epidemiological measures. WGS characterisation of IMD isolates showed a gradual change in the population of meningococci causing IMD in the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 and post-COVID periods. For N. meningitidis isolates of serogroups C, W, and Y, a gradual and significant decline in overall heterogeneity can be observed – from ten different clonal complexes detected in the pre-COVID period to only three in the post-COVID years (cc11, cc23, and cc103). At the same time, a significant reduction was observed in N. meningitidis C isolates; cc11. In contrast, an increase in overall heterogeneity can be observed for N. meningitidis B isolates during the COVID-19 pandemic period, followed by its decline again to overall lowest values in the post-COVID period. Conclusion: The fact that MenB vaccine and conjugate vaccine A, C, W, Y started to be covered by health insurance for young children (in May 2020) and adolescents (in January 2022) also appears to play a role in the persistent decline of IMD in the Czech Republic. In order to maintain the low incidence of IMD in the Czech Republic, it is desirable to continue vaccination with MenB vaccine and conjugated vaccine A, C, W, Y in accordance with the recommendations of the Czech Society of Vaccinology of the Czech Medical Association of Jan Evangelista Purkyně.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 epidemiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Meningococcal Infections epidemiology MeSH
- Neisseria meningitidis * genetics MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- Sequence Analysis * MeSH
- Vaccination statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
We estimated the effectiveness of the adapted monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines against PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalisation during the BA.2.86/JN.1 lineage-predominant period using a multicentre test-negative case-control study in Europe. We included older adults (≥ 65 years) hospitalised with severe acute respiratory infection from November 2023 to May 2024. Vaccine effectiveness was 46% at 14-59 days and 34% at 60-119 days, with no effect thereafter. The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines conferred protection against BA.2.86 lineage hospitalisation in the first 4 months post-vaccination.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * prevention & control epidemiology immunology MeSH
- Hospitalization * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * immunology MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Case-Control Studies MeSH
- Vaccine Efficacy * MeSH
- Vaccination statistics & numerical data MeSH
- COVID-19 Vaccines * immunology administration & dosage MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
We conducted a multicentre test-negative case-control study covering the period from October 2023 to January 2024 among adult patients aged ≥ 18 years hospitalised with severe acute respiratory infection in Europe. We provide early estimates of the effectiveness of the newly adapted XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines against PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalisation. Vaccine effectiveness was 49% overall, ranging between 69% at 14-29 days and 40% at 60-105 days post vaccination. The adapted XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines conferred protection against COVID-19 hospitalisation in the first 3.5 months post vaccination, with VE > 70% in older adults (≥ 65 years) up to 1 month post vaccination.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * prevention & control epidemiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Hospitalization * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * immunology MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Case-Control Studies MeSH
- Vaccine Efficacy * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Vaccination * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- COVID-19 Vaccines * immunology administration & dosage MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
OBJECTIVES: Seasonal influenza vaccination rates among the elderly in the Czech Republic are alarmingly low, making it one of the least vaccinated countries in Europe. This study explored the role of vaccine literacy and insurance coverage on vaccination status. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Summer 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire covering vaccine literacy (functional, interactive, and critical skills), negative perceptions towards influenza vaccination, and the 5C model (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility). Individuals aged 55 and older were included in the study. Mediation analyses assessed the indirect effects of insurance coverage on vaccination status. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted in vaccination rates based on insurance coverage, chronic diseases, regular medication use, and previous COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccinations. Vaccine literacy, especially interactive and critical skills, was higher among vaccinated individuals. Confidence and collective responsibility were significant promoters, while complacency and constraints were barriers to vaccination. Mediation analyses indicated that negative perceptions, confidence, and collective responsibility significantly mediated the relationship between insurance coverage and vaccination status. CONCLUSION: Enhancing vaccine literacy and addressing psychological antecedents are crucial for improving influenza vaccination rates among the elderly. Policy measures should include improving vaccine literacy, building public confidence, and addressing negative perceptions.
- MeSH
- Influenza, Human * prevention & control MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Vaccination Hesitancy * psychology MeSH
- Insurance Coverage MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Seasons MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Vaccination psychology statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Influenza Vaccines * MeSH
- Eastern European People MeSH
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice MeSH
- Health Literacy * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
- MeSH
- Influenza, Human prevention & control MeSH
- COVID-19 prevention & control MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Immunization Programs * MeSH
- Occupational Health Services MeSH
- Vaccination statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Influenza Vaccines MeSH
- COVID-19 Vaccines MeSH
- Employer Health Costs MeSH
- Health Workforce MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Newspaper Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
V České republice je hlášena nejvyšší incidence klíšťové encefalitidy ze všech zemí Evropské unie, přesto je proočkovanost nejnižší ze všech endemických zemí. V roce 2020 došlo k vzestupu počtu hlášených případů klíšťové encefalitidy na rekordních 856 případů odpovídající incidenci 7,98 na 100 000 obyvatel. Nejpostiženější věkovou skupinou za rok 2020 byla věková skupina 60–64 let, ale zdvojnásobení počtu hlášených onemocnění oproti předešlému roku bylo pozorováno i u nejmenších a předškolních dětí. V roce 2021 byl nahlášen mírný pokles počtu případů na 594, za rok 2022 to bylo opět 710 případů a v roce 2023 celkem 514 případů. Porovnáním posledních 5 let do roku 2022 s obdobím předchozích 5 let došlo k nárůstu počtu hlášených případů onemocnění o 38 %. Klinické projevy klíšťové encefalitidy u dětí jsou méně typické v porovnání s dospělými, většinou bývají mírnější, některá onemocnění u dětí nejsou diagnostikována. Z rostoucího počtu zahraničních studií vyplývá, že se ani u dětí nejedná o benigní onemocnění. U 12 až 69 % dětí dochází ke kognitivním poruchám a bolestem hlavy. Očkování je specifickou prevencí proti onemocnění klíšťovou encefalitidou, k dispozici je inaktivovaná vakcína s vysokými parametry bezpečnosti a účinnosti. Proočkovanost v České republice v roce 2023 stoupla na 40 %, nejvýraznější nárůst byl zaznamenán u věkových kohort nad 50 let, a to především vlivem dopadu zavedené úhrady z veřejného zdravotního pojištění od roku 2022. Dopady onemocnění a nárůst počtu případů v nejmladších věkových kategoriích u dětí spolu s nízkou proočkovaností by měly vést k aktivní nabídce očkování již v nižších věkových kategoriích u dětí.
The Czech Republic has the highest reported incidence of tick-borne encephalitis of all countries in the European Union, yet the vaccination rate is the lowest of all endemic countries. In 2020, the number of reported cases of tick-borne encephalitis increased to a record 856 cases and a corresponding incidence of 7.98 per 100 thousand inhabitants. The most affected age group in 2020 was the 60-64 age group, but a doubling of the number of reported diseases compared to the previous year was also observed in the youngest and pre-school children. In 2021, a slight decrease in the number of cases was reported to 594, in 2022 it was again 710 cases and in 2023 a total of 514 cases. Comparing the last 5 years to 2022 with the period of the previous 5 years, there was a 38 % increase in the number of reported cases of the disease. Clinical manifestations of tick-borne encephalitis in children are less typical compared to adults, they are usually milder, some diseases in children are not diagnosed. A growing number of foreign studies show that it is not a benign disease even in children. Between 12 % and 69 % of children experience cognitive impairment and headaches. Vaccination is a specific prevention against tick-borne encephalitis, an inactivated vaccine with high safety and efficacy parameters is available. The vaccination rate in the Czech Republic rose to 40% in 2023, with the most significant increase recorded in age cohorts over 50, mainly due to the impact of the introduction of reimbursement in public health insurance from 2022. The impact of the disease and the increase in the number of cases in the youngest age categories in children, together with low vaccination coverage, should lead to an active offer of vaccination in children at a younger age.
- MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Encephalitis, Tick-Borne * epidemiology prevention & control MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Vaccination * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Vaccines MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
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- Keywords
- palivizumab, vakcína Arexvy, vakcína Abrysvo,
- MeSH
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections * diagnosis epidemiology mortality prevention & control MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Antibodies, Monoclonal * therapeutic use MeSH
- Immunization, Passive methods MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Vaccination * economics statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines administration & dosage genetics therapeutic use MeSH
- Age Factors MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * prevention & control epidemiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * immunology MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Vaccination * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- COVID-19 Vaccines * administration & dosage MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Letter MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
