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Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and identified as a priority target group for COVID-19 vaccines. We aimed to determine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate in HCWs in France.Methods: We conducted an anonymous survey from 26th March to 2nd July 2020. The primary endpoint was the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if a vaccine was available.Results: Two-thousand and forty-seven HCWs answered the survey; women accounted for 74% of respondents. Among respondents, 1.554 (76.9%, 95% confidence interval 75.1-78.9) would accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Older age, male gender, fear about COVID-19, individual perceived risk and flu vaccination during previous season were associated with hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Nurses and assistant nurses were less prone to accept vaccination against COVID-19 than physicians. Vaccine hesitancy was associated with a decrease in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Flu vaccine rate was 57.3% during the previous season, and 54.6% of the respondents had the intention to get a flu vaccine during the next season.Conclusions: Intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 reached 75% in HCWs with discrepancies between occupational categories. COVID-19 pandemic had no positive effect on flu vaccine acceptance rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal influenza continues to impose a substantial healthcare and economic burden in the United States each year. This study assessed influenza vaccination rates among the uninsured population, determined the need for free flu vaccines, and analyzed associations of vaccination status with access, beliefs, and sociodemographic factors. Stony Brook Outreach and Medical Education (SB HOME) free clinic offers free flu vaccinations to uninsured patients over the age of 18 living in Suffolk County, New York. All patients visiting SB HOME between October 2018 and February 2019 were offered a 10-min anonymous survey assessing demographic characteristics, self-evaluation of health status, vaccination status during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 flu seasons, willingness to obtain a free flu vaccine, and beliefs and barriers surrounding flu vaccines. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and χ2 tests using a significance threshold of p < 0.05. A total of 102 participants were surveyed, 80% of whom identified as Hispanic/Latino. The majority of participants expressed positive attitudes towards the influenza vaccine. Despite these positive attitudes, 72% reported not receiving the influenza vaccination during the 2017–2018 flu season, the commonly cited reasons being fear of getting sick from the flu vaccine, high cost, and not knowing where to get the vaccine. During the 2018–2019 flu season 60% of participants elected to receive a free flu shot at SB HOME, and participants with positive attitudes towards flu vaccines were more likely to accept the vaccine when offered at no cost. Fear of getting sick from the flu vaccine remained the most common reason for participants declining a free flu vaccine. Only 17% of participants would seek vaccination at the market price of $30, compared to the 76% who would if the vaccine was offered for free. Our study highlights the need for convenient and affordable access to the flu vaccine among uninsured populations, who despite recognizing the benefits of receiving the flu vaccine are unable to overcome certain barriers. Elucidating and targeting barriers specific to uninsured populations at the local community level may improve public health strategies centered on increasing vaccination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The effectiveness of inactivated influenza vaccine in people with autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRDs) is not known. We investigated whether the influenza vaccine is effective in preventing respiratory morbidity, mortality and all-cause mortality in AIRD patients. Methods Adults with AIRDs treated with DMARDs prior to 1 September of each year between 2006 and 2009, and 2010 and 2015 were identified from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Exposure and outcome data were extracted. Data from multiple seasons were pooled. Propensity score (PS) for vaccination was calculated. Cox-proportional hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were calculated, and were (i) adjusted, (ii) matched for PS for vaccination. Results Data for 30 788 AIRD patients (65.7% female, 75.5% with RA, 61.1% prescribed MTX) contributing 125 034 influenza cycles were included. Vaccination reduced risk of influenza-like illness [adjusted HR (aHR) 0.70], hospitalization for pneumonia (aHR 0.61) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations (aHR 0.67), and death due to pneumonia (aHR 0.56) on PS-adjusted analysis in the influenza active periods (IAPs). The associations were of similar magnitude and remained statistically significant on PS-matched analysis except for protection from influenza-like illness, which became non-significant. Sub-analysis restricted to pre-IAP, IAP and post-IAP did not yield evidence of residual confounding on influenza-like illness and death due to pneumonia. Vaccination reduced risk of all-cause mortality, although IAP-restricted analysis demonstrated residual confounding for this outcome. Conclusion Influenza vaccine associates with reduced risk of respiratory morbidity and mortality in people with AIRDs. These findings call for active promotion of seasonal influenza vaccination in immunosuppressed people with AIRDs by healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To observe the state of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the effectiveness of the 2017-2018 H3N2 influenza virus vaccine in a representative sample of college students and determine how many students experienced flu-like symptoms, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.Methods: In March 2018, a 19-item survey related to the 2017-2018 flu virus vaccine was e-mailed to a random sample of 4961 rural southeastern university undergraduate and graduate students. A total of 634 students participated.Results: Among 634 respondents, 37.5% received a flu vaccination. Knowledge about the flu was significantly associated with the decision to be vaccinated (χ2 = 18.68, P < 0.001). Of those who received the vaccine, 25.2% reported that they knew "a lot" about the flu. Approximately 28.8% of respondents believed the vaccine to be "very effective" (n = 145).Conclusion: Increased knowledge about the flu indicates an association with a higher rate of flu vaccinations among college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza epidemics happen yearly, and the World Health Organization estimates that the virus is connected to between 290,000 and 650,000 annual deaths. The most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza is vaccination. The prevalence of vaccine misinformation on social media is increasing, but the visual platform Pinterest is understudied in this area. The current study is the first to explore the content and nature of influenza information that is shared on Pinterest. Using a quantitative content analysis, Pinterest messages were theoretically analyzed for Health Belief Model variables as well as for message source, engagement, and position on vaccination. Findings showed concerning trends but also promising opportunities for health organizations and professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common colds and flu are caused by very different viruses but share similar symptoms. The common cold is a self-limiting upper respiratory tract infection and it is typically caused by a rhinovirus, coronavirus or adenovirus. It usually resolves within 7-10 days. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and typically presents with headaches, myalgia, fever and generalised body aches. In South Africa deaths related to colds and flu are at least three times higher when compared to the USA. The burden of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) in our country, heightens the risk of severe flu-related illness. However, treatment remains mostly symptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the flu vaccine is a consumer health technology, little is known about whether vaccine adoption can be explained through the lens of technology acceptance frameworks such as the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Based on the social cognitive theory and UTAUT, we aimed to examine the relationship between motivation, behavioral expectation, and behavior in the flu vaccine adoption context. Method: An online survey was completed by 306 college students. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the associations among motivation, behavioral expectation, and vaccine adoption. Results: Among the 306 participants, nearly one-third of them adopted the flu vaccine annually. The results of SEM showed a good model fit and revealed that motivation was positively associated with behavioral expectation, which in turn was positively correlated to flu vaccine adoption. Motivation was not significantly associated with flu vaccine adoption. Behavioral expectation completely mediated the relationship between motivation and flu vaccine adoption. Conclusion: Findings show that the relationship between motivation and vaccine adoption is completely mediated by behavioral expectation. To increase vaccine adoption rates in young adults, interventions focusing on boosting motivation and cultivating positive behavioral expectations are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza vaccination is recommended for advanced cancer patients, since impaired immunity is presumed to be due not only to the tumor itself but also to immunosuppressive treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The recent advances in the systemic management of metastatic solid tumors, with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors for several indications in clinical practice, has re-actualized simple clinical issues, such as the vaccinal recommendations and counseling, for which common sense is not enough to support pragmatic choices. In the present review, we summarized the evidence about influenza vaccine administration during immune checkpoint blockade, emphasizing the need of prospective data to definitely guide our advices to a growing group of cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite research conducted worldwide, there is no treatment specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2 infection with efficacy proven by randomized controlled trials. A chance for a breakthrough is vaccinating most of the global population. Public opinion surveys on vaccine hesitancy prompted our team to investigate Polish healthcare workers’ (HCWs) attitudes towards the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccinations. In-person and online surveys of HCWs: doctors, nurses, medical students, and other allied health professionals (n = 419) were conducted between 14 September 2020 and 5 November 2020. In our study, 68.7% of respondents would like to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations would persuade 86.3% of hesitant and those who would refuse to be vaccinated. 3.1% of all respondents claimed that no argument would convince them to get vaccinated. 61.6% of respondents declared a willingness to receive an influenza vaccination, of which 83.3% were also inclined to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Although most respondents—62.5% (262/419) indicated they trusted in the influenza vaccine more, more respondents intended to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the 2020/2021 season. The study is limited by its nonrandom sample of HCWs but provides a preliminary description of attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effect on almost everyone. Flu causes immense strain on the health service during winter. A combination of flu and COVID-19 can be disastrous. In this editorial, we discuss the importance of having flu vaccine to avoid the twindemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Political orientation (Republican/Democrat and conservative/liberal) and political environment (geo-spatial political party affiliated voting patterns) are both associated with various health outcomes, including mortality. Modern disease etiology in the U.S. suggests that many of our health outcomes derive from behaviors and lifestyle choices. Thus, we examine the associations of political orientation and political environment with health behaviors. We used the Annenberg National Health Communication Survey (ANHCS) data, which is a nationally representative U.S. survey fielded continuously from 2005 through 2012. The health behaviors studied include health information search, flu vaccination, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, exercise, and dietary patterns. Democrats/liberals had higher odds of cigarette smoking and excessive drinking compared to Republicans/conservatives. Whereas, Republicans/conservatives ate fewer servings and fewer varieties of fruit and vegetables; ate more high fat and processed foods; and engaged in less in-depth health information searches compared to Democrats/liberals. Also, conservatives had lower odds of exercise participation than liberals; whereas Republicans had lower odds of flu vaccination. Greater Republican vote share in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections at the state and/or county levels was associated with higher odds of flu vaccination and smoking cigarettes and lower odds of avoiding fat/calories, avoiding fast/processed food, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, and eating more servings of fruit. We use the distinct cognitive-motivational styles attributed to political orientation in discussing the findings. Health communication strategies could leverage these relationships to produce tailored and targeted messages as well as to develop and advocate for policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elderly individuals are very vulnerable to influenza infection, and more prone to influenza-related morbidity and mortality. However, the prevalence of elderly persons receiving influenza vaccine remains low. Many factors have been proposed as the cause beyond this low prevalence, with knowledge and misconceptions about the vaccine on the top of the list. Objectives: the aim of this review is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and prevalence of flu vaccine and its effect among elderly. Methods: To achieve this aim, online database search was conducted to review articles stating knowledge, attitude, and incidence of flu vaccine and its effects among elderly. PubMed was searched for appropriately-related studies that address the studied parameters. PubMed search yielded 19 results, we quickly inspected the abstracts of these results to select those with most relevant data. Of 19 articles, 8 were chosen for review. Results: The prevalence of influenza vaccine ranged from 58% to 73%. Inadequate or lack of knowledge about the vaccine were common in over half of the elderly patients not receiving vaccine. The vast majority (>90%) of those received the vaccine did so after a clear recommendation by their physicians. Discussion: Inadequate knowledge and false beliefs about the influenza vaccines were the main cause of low vaccination rate among elderly. Physicians advice and health education were the most potent influencer on raising the prevalence of elderly immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influenza virus affects around 10% of world population every year, causing huge casualties. The Instituto Butantan and Sanofi-Pasteur signed a tech transfer contract in order to enable the Braziliain institute to produce the influenza vaccine. The geographical origin of the biotechnological infrastructure and raw materials demanded in the vaccine production process at Instituto Butantan was investigated and the technological independence level in this production development partnership (PDP) was evaluated. An inventory of the production process elements was prepared and the data was grouped in function of: objects, manufactures and application. Thematic maps were used to show the spatial pattern of the participating countries. The results highlight that 13 countries are responsible for a total of 200 objects, within these 200 objects were found 63 manufactures and 66 applications. Brazil contributes with 42,5% of the objects, 36,5% of the manufactures and 22,7% of the applications. Among the others countries involved USA and Europe, specially Germany and Switzerland, have a remarkable participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the good genes hypothesis and energy allocation theory, human adult body height may reflect biological quality. An important aspect of this quality is immune system functioning (ISF). The aim of this studywas to evaluate the relationship between ISF and body height in healthy people. The ISF was determined by several important innate (total complement and lysozyme activity, neutrophil function) and adaptiveimmune parameters (lymphocytes, IgA and IgG, and response to the flu vaccine).Overall, 96 males and 97 females were subjected to flu vaccination, and of these, 35 males and 34 females were subjected to tetanus. Blood sampleswere collected before and fourweeks after vaccination. Immunomodulatory factors, participant's age, body fat, and free testosterone levels, were controlled. There was no association between body height and all analysed immune parameters for both sexes. That might suggest that in Western society, a women's preference for taller men is not related to 'good genes for immune competence'. We propose the novel Immunity Priority Hypothesis that explains the lack of relationship between adult body stature and ISF. This hypothesis, however, does not contradict the signalling role of a man's body height as a morphological marker of biological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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MDCK is currently the main cell line used for influenza vaccine production in culture. Previous studies have reported that MDCK cells possess tumorigenic ability in nude mice. Although complete cell lysis can be ensured during vaccine production, host cell DNA released after cell lysis may still pose a risk for tumorigenesis. Greater caution is needed in the production of human vaccines; therefore, the use of gene editing to establish cells incapable of forming tumors may significantly improve the safety of influenza vaccines. Knowledge regarding the genes and molecular mechanisms that affect the tumorigenic ability of MDCK cells is crucial; however, our understanding remains superficial. Through monoclonal cell screening, we previously obtained a cell line, CL23, that possesses significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, and tumor-bearing experiments in nude mice showed the absence of tumorigenic cells. With a view to exploring tumorigenesis-related genes in MDCK cells, DIA proteomics was used to compare the differences in protein expression between wild-type (M60) and non-tumorigenic (CL23) cells. Differentially expressed proteins were verified at the mRNA level by RT-qPCR, and a number of genes involved in cell tumorigenesis were preliminarily screened. Immunoblotting further confirmed that related protein expression was significantly reduced in non-tumorigenic cells. Inhibition of CDC20 expression by RNAi significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of MDCK cells and increased the proliferation of the influenza virus; therefore, CDC20 was preliminarily determined to be an effective target gene for the inhibition of cell tumorigenicity. These results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying cell tumorigenesis and provide a basis for the establishment of target gene screening in genetically engineered non-tumorigenic MDCK cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interpersonal communication health campaign based on the superdiffuser scales was designed to promote flu vaccines on a college campus. A survey was administered to identify superdiffusers and non-superdiffusers, recruit them to promote flu vaccines, and assess their motivations for joining the flu vaccines promotion campaign. A second survey was administered at the flu vaccine site to assess who convinced more of their social network to obtain flu shots. Evidence was found of superdiffusers being more motivated than non-superdiffusers but the outcome tests were difficult to interpret due to low participation in the promotion campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of elderly is increasing worldwide due to improved health care and availability of newer treatment and better diagnostics. The increase in elderly population is more in developing countries than industrialized nations. On the other hand, measures taken to improve the quality of life of elderly are not in proportion with this rising demographic trend in developing countries including India. Worldwide, pneumonia and influenza are associated with high morbidity and mortality in elderly. In India, for every 1000 elderly, 16 and 77 persons suffer from chronic lung conditions and asthma. This not only increases hospitalization but also increases the financial burden upon the aged and their caretakers causing out of pocket expenditure on treatment. Two pneumococcal vaccines, i.e., 13 valent conjugate and 23 valent polysaccharides are available commercially. The majority of the elderly population reside in rural areas where treatment facility and quality care is not available. The older population if provided with pneumococcal and influenza vaccine, then morbidity, mortality and cost of health care and consequent out of pocket expenditure will reduce. The studies from India regarding the cost effectiveness of vaccines among elderly are scarce but studies in other developed nations are available which show a dramatic reduction in morbidity, hospitalization and mortality among vaccinated elderly persons. The inclusion of these vaccines in National Immunization Schedule for adults over 60 years of age is the need of the hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination is an effective public health measure to prevent and control a number of infectious diseases. However, since vaccines are biological products and are sensitive to both heat and cold, they need to be maintained within a narrow range of temperatures, often referred to as the 'cold-chain'. This range, which is between +2°C and +8°C with a target +5°C, does not allow for refreezing or storage at room temperature. This paper discusses the importance of the cold chain, what should be done both to maintain it, and the actions to be taken, should a break be noted. It is important to note the product information supplied with vaccines, which is taken from the summary of product characteristics that forms part of the licensing requirements for each vaccine, and which will state how it should be stored. Using a vaccine that has not been stored according to these instructions constitutes off-label use, for which the individual practitioner must take responsibility. It also emphasises the fragile nature of many public health interventions, maintenance of which require constant vigilance and close cooperation between many groups and individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, among infectious diseases, influenza is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Individuals with chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are particularly vulnerable to complications of an influenza infection. The European Society of Cardiology recommended annual influenza vaccinations for patients with cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have suggested a link between influenza and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Despite its proven benefits, little is known about the reason for the underutilization of influenza vaccination. We present the findings of an assessment of patients’ perception of the influenza vaccine and the reason for its underutilization, by data mining from Twitter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What Is This Summary About?: This is a summary of an article originally published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal . Cladribine tablets (MAVENCLAD ® ) are an oral (taken by mouth) medication, approved for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS, with episodes of new or worsening symptoms). They are administered for a maximum of 10 days per year, over a period of 2 years. Cladribine tablets work by temporarily reducing the number of lymphocytes, which are immune cells that help to fight off infections. Because of this, people with MS (also called PwMS) may have concerns about the effect of cladribine tablets on vaccines, as these work via immune cells to build protection against infection., What Happened in the Magnify-Ms Study?: A study called MAGNIFY-MS investigated how long it takes for cladribine tablets to begin to work in people with a type of MS called highly active relapsing MS. During the study, some participants received their usual vaccinations against flu (influenza) and against the chickenpox virus (also called varicella zoster virus) as part of their routine medical care. The MAGNIFY-MS study gave the researchers an opportunity to look at how cladribine tablets affect the way the flu and chickenpox virus vaccines work in the body., What Were the Results?: Cladribine tablets do not affect how well the body responds to flu and chickenpox vaccines., What Do the Results Mean?: PwMS taking cladribine tablets who are vaccinated against chickenpox, flu or both can be protected against these diseases.