Journal Article Recommendation
01
Post-Marketing Surveillance of Adverse Events for the Recombinant Zoster Vaccine Among the Population over 50 Years Old in Hangzhou, China
This article was published by Vaccines, and aimed to evaluate the safety profile of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) after its marketing in China. The date were sourced from the Chinese National AEFI Information System (CNAEFIS), a passive surveillance system established for monitoring vaccine safety that has been in operation since 2008. The gender, age, place of residence, number of doses, and types of adverse reactions among vaccine recipients were analyzed. The study assessed vaccine safety signals using the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) method, with signals considered positive if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval was greater than 1.
The results showed that during the study period, 275 cases of AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) were reported out of 36,079 vaccine doses administered, with a reporting rate of 76.22 cases per 10,000 doses. Among these, 98.91% were mild vaccine product-related reactions, and only one case was classified as a severe adverse event (allergic purpura), with a reporting rate of 0.28 cases per 10,000 doses. The AEFI reporting rate was significantly higher among women, individuals aged 50–59, and those in rural areas. Reactions occurring within 0–1 days after vaccination were the most common, accounting for 93.45% of cases. The AEFI reporting rate for the first dose was higher than that for the second dose (106.62 cases vs. 39.29 cases per 10,000 doses).
The study also found that the most common adverse reactions were mild fever (37.5–38.5°C) and injection site reactions (such as redness, swelling, and induration), accounting for 58.91% and 30.18% of total cases, respectively. Severe adverse events included only one case of allergic purpura requiring hospitalization. Rare reactions, such as facial swelling and other systemic responses, were mostly mild or short-lived.
The conclusion highlighted that the RZV demonstrated a favorable safety profile in individuals aged 50 and above in China is favorable. However, given the relatively high reporting rate of AEFIs, continuous monitoring of long-term safety implications is necessary. The study also recommended enhancing vaccine education for rural areas and specific populations to improve vaccine confidence among recipients.
https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121376
02
Exploring Chatbot contributions to enhancing vaccine literacy and uptake: A scoping review of the literature
This article was published by Vaccine. The study aims to systematically review the role of chatbots in improving vaccine literacy and promoting vaccination rates. A scoping review was conducted on relevant literature from 2020 to 2024, selecting 22 studies to analyze the applications and effectiveness of chatbots in vaccine promotion.
The result showed that these digital assistants could provide personalized and up-to-date information, improving not only knowledge but also attitudes and intentions towards vaccinations.
Particularly in the context of COVID-19 vaccines, chatbots have demonstrated significant effectiveness in helping the public address vaccine hesitancy and disseminating accurate vaccine information. These tools have also been utilized to promote HPV vaccines and childhood immunizations. However, chatbots have certain limitations, including technical barriers (such as insufficient multilingual support), psychological barriers for users (like lack of trust and low adaptability to technology), and disparities in access to services among low-income populations. To enhance the effectiveness of chatbots, future efforts should focus on optimizing user experience and adapting to the needs of different cultural and linguistic contexts.
The study highlights the potential of chatbots as valuable tools for public health communication. It suggests that further research could explore the impacts of AI-driven chatbots, emphasizing the need for strict regulation of information to prevent the spread of inaccurate medical content, reduce algorithmic biases, and ensure equitable access to reliable health information.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126559
03
Rotavirus Vaccine Effectiveness Stratified By National-Level Characteristics: An Introduction to the 24-Country MNSSTER-V Project, 2007–2023
This article was published by The Journal of Infectious Diseases. The study aims to explore the potential differences in the protective effects of the rotavirus vaccine between regions with high under-five mortality (U5M) and low mortality rates. While the rotavirus vaccine demonstrates strong protective efficacy in low-mortality areas, its effectiveness is relatively limited in high-mortality regions. To investigate this phenomenon, the study analyzed data from 25 test-negative design (TND) case-control studies conducted in 24 countries, focusing on the vaccination status and rotavirus infection rates among children aged 3 to 59 months.
Using the TND approach, children presenting with acute diarrhea were classified into rotavirus-positive cases (6,626) and rotavirus-negative controls (19,459). A child was considered vaccinated if they had received at least one dose of the rotavirus vaccine at least 14 days before hospitalization. Through standardized variables and logistic regression models, the study calculated adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE) for both fully and partially vaccinated children, while taking U5M at the national level as a key indicator.
Adjusted full-vaccination VE was significantly higher among children from countries in the low and medium U5M stratum (74% [95% confidence interval, 64%–81%]) compared with all groups within the high U5M stratum (range, 52% [95%CI: 42%–60%]) to 46% [95%CI: 31%–57%]). Partial-series estimates were lower than complete-series estimates.
The study concluded that the effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccine is influenced not only by the intrinsic efficacy of the vaccine but also by factors such as healthcare system infrastructure, nutritional status, and other socioeconomic conditions. The lower VE observed in high-mortality regions likely reflects deficiencies in vaccination coverage, nutritional interventions, and basic healthcare services in these areas.
The study calls for efforts to improve vaccine coverage and promote full vaccination in high U5M countries, emphasizing their critical role in reducing the burden of rotavirus-related diseases. By optimizing vaccination strategies and reinforcing supportive policies, these regions can significantly enhance child health outcomes, offering valuable practical insights for vaccine promotion programs.
https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiae597
04
Adult vaccination in India: A rapid review of current status & implementation challenges
This article was by published in Indian Journal of Medical Research, reviews the current status of adult immunization in India and emphasizes its important role in addressing global health challenges. The expanded programme on immunization launched in India in 1978, with its focus on preventing six diseases in children (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, typhoid, and childhood tuberculosis), was widened in its scope in 1985-86. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) incorporated measles vaccine for children and rubella and adult diphtheria vaccines for pregnant women. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has further highlighted the urgent need to strengthen adult immunization, particularly in the face of emerging or re-emerging pathogens threatening the health of older adults and those with comorbidities.
The study systematically reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid databases, along with consensus guidelines from domestic professional organizations in India. From 1,242 articles, 250 were selected for a comprehensive analysis.
The results revealed that vaccination with the HPV vaccine is particularly important for adolescents and young adults, as it can effectively prevent reproductive cancers later in life. In Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Delhi, the HPV infection rate in cervical cancer patients was found to be as high as 88% to 98%. Additionally, the study emphasized the monitoring of pneumococcal disease and influenza, suggesting that vaccine development strategies should be adjusted according to disease trends. However, the flu vaccination rate among adults (≥45 years) remains below 2%. In Delhi and Mumbai, hepatitis B vaccination rates among healthcare workers were only 55%-64%, while a study at a pediatric eye hospital in Madurai found that around 10% of healthcare workers lacked immunity to rubella, but protection could be effectively provided by the RA 27/3 rubella vaccine. The study also highlighted the economic impact of inadequate vaccination. In middle-income households and slums, the economic benefit of typhoid vaccination was $23 and $14, respectively, while the cost of treating severe typhoid was as high as $119.1. Furthermore, the study emphasized the widespread decline in adult immunity, as seen in measles outbreaks in Pune and research in Kolkata and Delhi, which showed that many adults lacked protective immunity against diphtheria and tetanus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, research on vaccine hesitancy significantly increased, further highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies in vaccine promotion.
In conclusion, India’s adult vaccination program needs to enhance public and healthcare workers’ awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases, mobilize the health system and community organizations to expand vaccine coverage, and drive the development of cost-effective vaccines that meet local needs. Developing and promoting effective communication strategies will be crucial for increasing vaccine uptake and addressing future public health challenges.
https://doi.org/10.25259/IJMR_1521_2024
05
Routine Immunization Microplanning Challenges and Opportunities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Mixed-Method Landscape Analysis
The article published by Vaccines, explores the barriers and opportunities in implementing routine immunization microplanning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study employed a three-phase approach: first, a systematic literature review to evaluate the implementation and institutionalization of microplanning; second, an online survey to gather insights into the drivers of microplanning; and finally, interviews to delve deeper into the reasons behind successes and failures. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was utilized for data analysis.
The success of microplanning depends on broad engagement from healthcare workers and the community. Involving healthcare providers and facility managers in the planning process, coupled with well-structured capacity-building activities, enhances motivation during implementation. During the development phase of microplanning, challenges such as tool complexity and data quality were significant, whereas the execution phase faced constraints like insufficient human resources, inadequate funding, and lack of follow-up supervision.
A critical barrier identified was the persistent shortage of operational funds below the national level, which hampered activities such as outreach services for unvaccinated populations and zero-dose children. This reflects broader resource limitations for immunization in many countries. However, the use of digital tools showed potential in strengthening microplanning and facilitating integrated approaches, although further research and optimization are needed.
The study revealed significant variation in the levels of implementation and institutionalization of routine immunization microplanning across contexts—both between and within countries. In many cases, microplanning remains heavily reliant on partner resources. To address this, the study advocates for governments to recognize the value of immunization in improving child health outcomes and to allocate sufficient resources. Such recognition would create a positive feedback loop, enabling the development, execution, and institutionalization of microplanning. This would position microplanning as a key component of achieving immunization equity.
https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121370
Microplanning is widely recognized as a critical tool for improving routine immunization coverage and equity. Microplanning is an intervention used to systematically define the activities, resources, timing, and location of immunization services, particularly to reach underserved or under-immunized populations (e.g., zero-dose children).
CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) is a theoretical framework designed to help researchers systematically evaluate and understand the complexity of implementing interventions in real-world settings and their outcomes.
Policies and Guidelines
01
2024 Latest Recommendations for Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults Aged 19–59 in the United States
This article is the latest hepatitis B vaccination recommendation for adults published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the latest issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently recommends vaccination for all adults aged 19–59 and for individuals aged 60 and older who are at risk of hepatitis B infection. Additionally, individuals over 60 without risk factors may also choose to be vaccinated.
In September 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an update to the labeling information for the hepatitis B vaccine Heplisav-B, including new data on its use in pregnant women. Based on data from a retrospective cohort study (DV2-HBV-28), which analyzed the safety of Heplisav-B in 75 pregnant women, the results found no significant association between the vaccine and major birth defects or miscarriage risks. Therefore, receiving Heplisav-B during pregnancy or before conception does not increase the risk of major birth defects or miscarriage.
Pregnant women and other adults in need of hepatitis B vaccination can use vaccines such as Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, Recombivax HB, or Twinrix.
https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7348a1
Content Editor: Xiaotong Yang
Page Editor: Ziqi Liu
