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Purpose: Childhood immunizations have proven to be one of the most beneficial interventions to promote public health and prevent childhood deaths due to disease. However, global coverage of childhood immunization has decreased throughout the world due to guardians' growing hesitancy towards immunizations. This study aims to describe how specialist nurses promote legal guardians to adhere to national childhood immunization programmes. Design and Methods: This study had a qualitative design. Semistructured interviews with 11 specialist nurses, who were paediatric primary care nurses or nurse practitioners, were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings, with four main categories including four subcategories, showed nurses using both local guidelines and national guidelines to promote guardians to adhere to the childhood immunization programme. The main intervention the nurses did to promote childhood immunization coverage was giving legal guardians general information about the programme. With hesitant guardians, adopting a person‐centred approach towards the legal guardian improved adherence. Practice Implications: Further research should focus on how specialist nurses can respond to guardians who decline immunization for their children, as this study identified difficulties in this area. Furthermore, research on guardians' perspectives towards childhood immunization may also help generate further effective guidance on how to promote immunization coverage among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Viral hepatitis co‐infection among people living with HIV is known to accelerate the progression of liver disease and AIDS. An increased prevalence and incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among people living with HIV demands continuous monitoring to adapt targeted prevention strategies to reach the global goals of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. Methods: We determined the prevalence and incidence of HBV for the years 1996–2019 from yearly blood sample testing and questionnaire reports among people living with HIV belonging to a nationwide, multicentre observational, prospective cohort study. Results: Among this study population of 3479 participants, the majority (87%) indicated that being men who have sex with men (MSM) was their likely HIV transmission route; 51% were recruited from Berlin. HBV prevalence for acute/chronic and resolved infections decreased from 4.1% and 45% in 1996–1999 to 1.3% and 16% in 2019, respectively. Simultaneously, participants with a serological status indicating HBV vaccination increased from 25% in 1996–1999 to 69% in 2019. Among vaccinated participants with relevant information (n = 1135), 38% received their first HBV vaccination after HIV infection. The HBV incidence rate in 565 eligible participants decreased from 6.9/100 person‐years in 2004–2007 to 0.45/100 person‐years in 2015. Conclusion: Increasing vaccination coverage because of a general HBV vaccination recommendation and catch‐up vaccination efforts among risk groups decreased HBV infection prevalence over time among this study population of people living with HIV, primarily MSM and from Berlin. Despite this success, the prevalence and incidence of HBV remains higher than in the general population in Germany. This emphasizes the need for continued HBV prevention by promoting HBV vaccination and HBV screening at regular intervals based on the individual risk behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Governments use vaccination mandates, of different degrees of coerciveness, to encourage or require childhood vaccination. We elicited the views of well‐informed community members on the public acceptability of using childhood vaccination mandates in Australia. Methods: Four community juries were conducted in Canberra, Launceston, Cairns and Melbourne, Australia between 2021 and 2022. We recruited 51 participants from diverse backgrounds, genders and ages through random digit dialling and social media. Two juries were held in metropolitan areas, and two in regional/rural settings. Outcome measures included jury verdicts and reasons in response to structured questions. Results: All juries were concerned about collective protection and individual rights but prioritised the former over the latter. A majority in all juries supported mandates but juries disagreed with respect to the appropriate mandate types. All juries endorsed using the least restrictive or coercive means to encourage vaccination (providing incentives or education, e.g.) before imposing penalties such as financial losses and school exclusions. The overriding view was that it is fairer to place a direct burden on parents rather than children and that mandates should be designed to avoid inequitable impacts on less advantaged groups in society. Many jurors found conscientious objection acceptable as a controlled option for resolute refusers, provided that overall vaccination coverage remains high. Conclusion: This paper gives policymakers access to the reasons that Australians have for supporting or opposing different mandates under conditions of high knowledge, understanding and deliberation regarding policy options. Sustaining high rates of vaccination requires high levels of co‐operation between governments, public health actors and the public. Our findings highlight the importance of considering public values in the design and implementation of vaccination mandates. Patient and Public Involvement: We sought input from individuals who did and did not vaccinate during the study design. The views and perspectives of nonvaccinating parents were presented in the evidence to juries. We deliberately excluded nonvaccinating individuals from participating, as the divisive and often hostile nature of the topic, and their minority status, made it difficult to ensure they would feel safe as members of the jury without overrepresenting their perspective in the sample. Two related projects engaged directly with these parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the current status of COVID‐19 vaccination in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and its influencing factors. Methods: In total, 585 patients undergoing regular hemodialysis in Sichuan Province of China from January to March 2022 were selected to complete a questionnaire survey on their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID‐19 vaccination. Independent t tests and logistic multivariate analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of COVID‐19 vaccination in hemodialysis patients. Results: The survey showed that 37.44% of MHD patients had been vaccinated with the COVID‐19 vaccine. Being married was associated with COVID‐19 vaccination in patients with MHD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.969 95% CI 0.870 ~ 4.453). MHD patients living in county areas have higher rates of COVID‐19 vaccination (OR = 0.572 95% CI 0.301 ~ 1.087). Family /relatives/friends who are healthcare workers are associated with COVID‐19 vaccination for MHD patients (OR = 1.840 95% CI 1.140 ~ 2.970). Other vaccination history within 5 years was a factor in COVID‐19 vaccination for MHD patients (OR = 5.592 95% CI 2.997 ~ 10.434). Attitude (OR = 0.885 95% CI 0.808 ~ 0.905), and practice (OR = 0.756 95% CI 0.697 ~ 0.819) scores on the COVID‐19 vaccination knowledge and practice questionnaire were related to the vaccination status of MHD patients. Conclusions: MHD patients had lower rates of COVID‐19 vaccination. Marital status, living environment, whether family/relatives/friends were medical workers, and the score of the COVID‐19 vaccine knowledge and practice questionnaire were the factors influencing their vaccination status. Clinical attention should be given to the adverse reactions of COVID‐19 vaccination in MHD patients to improve the awareness of primary medical staff on hemodialysis, and families and society should pay more attention to COVID‐19 vaccination in MHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study objective was to prioritize topics for future patient‐centered research to increase uptake of common vaccines, such as for pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, herpes zoster, human papillomavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, among adults living with autoimmune conditions. Methods: A steering committee (SC) was formed that included clinicians, patients, patient advocates, and researchers associated with rheumatic diseases (psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis), inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Through a scoping review and discussions, SC members identified research topics regarding vaccine uptake and/or hesitancy for prioritization. A larger multistakeholder alliance that included patients and patient advocates, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, regulators, and vaccine manufacturers conducted a modified Delphi exercise online with three rating rounds and one ranking round. Frequency analysis and comparisons across stakeholder groups were conducted. A weighted ranking score was generated for each item in the ranking round for final prioritization. Results: Through the Delphi process, 33 research topics were identified, of which 13 topics were rated as critical by more than 70% of all stakeholders (n = 31). The two highest ranked critical topics per the full stakeholder group were "How well a vaccine works for adults with autoimmune conditions" and "How beliefs about vaccine safety affect vaccine uptake." Conclusion: A multistakeholder group identified key topics as critically important priorities for future research to decrease vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake of vaccines for adults with autoimmune conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the clinical outcomes among women diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection during pregnancy, and their neonates, during the period when the Omicron variant predominated in Japan with those of the pre‐Omicron variant period. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single‐center cohort study between August 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. The cohort was divided into pre‐Omicron group (August 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021) and Omicron group (December 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022). The primary outcome was maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admission during the perinatal period. The secondary outcomes were maternal oxygen administration before and after delivery, preterm birth (PTB), and low birth weight (LBW). Results: During the study period, 81 pregnant women were admitted to the hospital with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (pre‐Omicron period, n = 28; Omicron period, n = 53). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the Omicron period was associated with lower risk of maternal ICU admission (adjusted‐odds ratio [aOR]: 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–1.23, p = 0.072), oxygen administration via a nasal cannula or mask (aOR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.03–0.96, p = 0.045), PTB (aOR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04–0.51, p = 0.002), and LBW (aOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.55, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Among pregnant women, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the Omicron period was associated with reduced risk of maternal ICU admission, requiring supplemental oxygen, PTB, and LBW. This can be attributable to lower virulence of the Omicron variant and higher vaccination coverage during the Omicron period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid‐19 vaccine has been recommended for pregnant people (hapū māmā) in Aotearoa New Zealand since June 2021. We surveyed people birthing in a tertiary hospital regarding their vaccination status and reasons for this. There were 74% (142/191) of pregnant people who were fully vaccinated. Motivators for vaccination included protection against Covid‐19 and antibody transfer to the baby (pēpē). Unvaccinated participants worried about vaccine safety. Concerns were raised about the change in official advice without well‐communicated reasons for the change. Future vaccine and booster rollouts must be delivered equitably and hapū māmā must be a priority group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the introduction of cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, the utilization pattern was not standardized. The aim of this study was to elicit the current prevention care in Asia‐Oceania. Methods: An online questionnaire was circulated to different countries/cities in Asia‐Oceania. The primary objective was to evaluate the coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening programs. The secondary objectives were to study the structures of these programs. Five case scenarios were set to understand how the respondents manage the abnormal screening results. Results: Fourteen respondents from 10 countries/cities had participated. Cervical cancer ranked the first in Myanmar and Nepal. About 10%–15% did not have national vaccination or screening program. The estimated coverage rate for vaccination and screening varied from less than 1% to 70%, which the coverage ran in parallel with the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. All regions approved HPV vaccines, although only four provided free or subsidized programs for nonavalent vaccine. Cervical cytology remained the most common screening tool, and 20%–30% relied heavily on visual inspection using acetic acid. The screening age groups varied in different regions. From the case scenarios, it was noted that some respondents tended to offer more frequent screening tests or colposcopy than recommended by international guidelines. Conclusion: This study revealed discrepancy in the practice of cervical cancer prevention in Asia‐Oceania especially access to HPV vaccines. There is an urgent need for a global collaboration to eliminate cervical cancer by public education, reforming services, and medical training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine vaccination rates, perceptions, and information sources in people with inflammatory arthritis. Methods: Participants enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database were invited to participate in an online questionnaire, conducted in January 2020, prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Included questions were about vaccination history, modified World Health Organization Vaccination Hesitancy Scale, views of the information sources consulted, the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire, education, and the Single‐Item Health Literacy Screener. Results: Response rate was 994 of 1498 (66%). The median age of participants was 62 years, with 67% female. Self‐reported adherence was 83% for the influenza vaccine. Participants generally expressed positive vaccination views, particularly regarding safety, efficacy, and access. However, only 43% knew which vaccines were recommended for them. Vaccine hesitancy was primarily attributable to uncertainty and a perceived lack of information about which vaccines were recommended. Participants consulted multiple vaccination information sources (median 3, interquartile range 2‐7). General practitioners (89%) and rheumatologists (76%) were the most frequently used information sources and were most likely to yield positive views. Negative views of vaccination were most often from internet chatrooms, social media, and mainstream media. Factors of younger age, male gender, and having more concerns about the harms and overuse of medicines in general were associated with lower adherence and greater uncertainty about vaccinations, whereas education and self‐reported literacy were not. Conclusion: Participants with inflammatory arthritis generally held positive views about vaccination, although there was considerable uncertainty as to which vaccinations were recommended for them. This study highlights the need for improved consumer information about vaccination recommendations for people with inflammatory arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to examine the factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general population in Cyprus. Methods: A web‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted (November 2021–January 2022), using a self‐administered, anonymous questionnaire to collect information covering a wide range of potential determinants including sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, trust in the healthcare system, satisfaction with it, utilization of preventive healthcare services, COVID‐19 vaccination information and general vaccination knowledge. Results: A total of 2582 participants completed the survey. Overall, 53.5% of participants representing the general population, and 70.0% of the HCPs received the COVID‐19 vaccination. We found that as the age increases by 1 year among the general population, the odds of being vaccinated against COVID‐19 increase by 1.02 units (95% 1.00, 1.03, p= 0.035). In addition, participants among the general population with increased trust in national healthcare authorities' guidelines (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 3.41, 4.61), and increased vaccination knowledge scores (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated, while those who had underage children living in the household were significantly less likely to be vaccinated against COVID‐19 (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.91). Furthermore, male HCPs (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.59), and those who reported increased trust in national healthcare authorities' guidelines (OR = 5.38, 95% CI: 3.65, 7.95) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Public health policymakers can use national campaigns and long‐term planning to build public trust in national healthcare authorities and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination. Such strategies could pave the way for adequate vaccine uptake and prepare the public for unfavourable scenarios, such as future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Influenza vaccination is recommended for HIV-infected patients, but limited data about vaccination rates are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the coverage of and predictors for influenza vaccination among HIV-positive patients. Methods All HIV-positive patients who visited the HIV out-patient department of the University Hospital of Vienna, Austria, between June and August 2015 were asked to participate in this survey by completing a questionnaire. Results A total of 455 HIV-positive patients completed a questionnaire, with 359 male and 96 female participants with a mean age of 46 years. The influenza vaccination rate for the previous season (2014/2015) was 11.9% [ n = 54/455; 95% confidence interval ( CI) 9.2-15.2%]. Older age was significantly associated with a positive influenza vaccination status. Obtaining information through a medical consultation or receiving a direct recommendation for vaccination by a physician had a significant impact on vaccination behaviour. The probability of being vaccinated against influenza was about 13 times higher among patients who received a recommendation for vaccination by their family physician or by their HIV specialist ( P < 0.001). Important reasons for declining vaccination were fear of side effects (39%), not considering influenza as a severe disease (36%) and reasons related to HIV: 17% were worried that the vaccine could worsen the course of HIV infection and 16% believed vaccination would fail because of their compromised immune system. Conclusions A low influenza vaccination rate of 11.9% was detected in this HIV-positive cohort. The most effective impact for a positive vaccination status was direct recommendation of the influenza vaccine by the attending physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]