Search

Purpose During recent pertussis epidemics, adolescents have experienced a large burden of disease. We assessed the impact of pertussis among San Diego adolescents and their households. Methods Parents of pertussis patients aged 13–17 years were surveyed about health care utilization, missed work and school, and other factors. Costs of medical visits, medication use, and lost wages were estimated. Results The parents of 53 (of 108 [49%]) eligible 2013 pertussis patients were interviewed; 51 (96%) of these patients previously received tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine. Medical visits included primary care (81%), urgent care (11%), and emergency department (9%); all patients received antibiotics. Forty-seven households (89%) received a post-exposure prophylaxis recommendation, and five (9%) reported ≥1 unpaid parental leave day. Thirty-eight patients (72%) missed ≥1 school day (mean = 5.4 days). Societal costs were estimated at $315.15 per household and $236,047.35 in San Diego during 2013–2014. Conclusions Even among vaccinated adolescents, pertussis can result in considerable societal costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Facilitators and barriers to influenza vaccination among pregnant women in the developing world are poorly understood, particularly in South Asia. We assessed intention to accept influenza vaccine among ethnically diverse low-income pregnant women in Pakistan. Methods From May to August 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women who visited health centers in urban slums in Karachi city. We assessed intention to accept influenza vaccine against socio-demographic factors, vaccination history, vaccine recommendation sources, and other factors. Results In an unvaccinated study population of 283 respondents, 87% were willing to accept the vaccine, if offered. All except two participants were aware of symptoms typically associated with influenza. Perceived vaccine safety, efficacy, and disease susceptibility were significantly associated with intention to accept influenza vaccine ( p < 0.05). Regardless of intention to accept influenza vaccine, 96% rated healthcare providers as highly reliable source of vaccine information. While a recommendation from a physician was critical for influenza vaccine acceptance, parents-in-law and husbands were often considered the primary decision-makers for pregnant women seeking healthcare including vaccination. Conclusions Maternal influenza vaccination initiatives in South Asia should strongly consider counseling of key familial decision-makers and inclusion of healthcare providers to help implement new vaccination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Only 57% of pregnant women surveyed in Mexico City would accept Tdap if offered. [•] However, only 16% of respondents had ever heard of pertussis. [•] If recommended by an obstetrician–gynecologist, more than 80% would accept Tdap. [•] Provider perceptions and disease knowledge were associated with vaccination intent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Maternal immunization against pertussis is a potential strategy to protect young infants from severe disease. We assessed factors associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccination among pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May and August 2013 in pregnant women who visited healthcare centers in urban slums of Karachi city. Women completed a survey examining socio-demographic factors, vaccination history, knowledge on pertussis disease, perception of vaccine recommendation sources, and potential influences on vaccine decision-making. Results Of the 283 participants, 259 (92%) provided their intention to either accept or decline pertussis vaccination. Eighty-three percent women were willing to accept the pertussis vaccine if offered during pregnancy. About half (53%) of the participants had ever heard of pertussis disease. Perceptions of pertussis vaccine efficacy, safety, and disease susceptibility were strongly associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccine ( p < 0.01). Healthcare providers, Ministry of Health, and mass media were considered as highly reliable sources of vaccine recommendation and associated with intention to accept antenatal pertussis vaccination ( p < 0.001). Healthcare provider recommendation was a common reason cited by respondents for pregnant women to accept antenatal pertussis vaccination ( p = 0.0005). However, opinion of primary decision-makers in the family (husbands and in-laws) was a crucial reason cited by respondents for pregnant women to reject pertussis vaccination in pregnancy ( p = 0.003). Conclusion Antenatal pertussis vaccination initiatives in South Asia should strongly consider inclusion of family members, healthcare providers, national health ministries, and mass media to help implement new vaccination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]