Vaccine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Corrigendum to "Breastfeeding women's attitudes towards and acceptance and rejection of COVID-19 vaccination: Implementation research" [Vaccine 41 (2023) 1198-1208].
Chawanpaiboon S, Anuwutnavin S, Kanjanapongporn A … +2 more , Pooliam J, Titapant V
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42176435 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Catch-up and life-course vaccination policies for adult and adolescent migrants in low-and-middle income countries: A policy analysis.
Faijue DD, Bouaddi O, Segui AO … +9 more , Morias B, Bojang S, Deal A, Sanchez-Clemente N, Eagan R, Seale H, Ssali A, Le Doare K, Hargreaves S
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42172819 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Adolescent and adult migrants in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are often under-immunised because of disrupted vaccination in childhood and barriers to care, increasing the risk of vaccine-preventab...
BACKGROUND: Adolescent and adult migrants in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are often under-immunised because of disrupted vaccination in childhood and barriers to care, increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030 strengthens calls for life-course immunisation and inclusion of marginalised groups in catch-up initiatives (including Td/Tdap, IPV, MR/MMR, HepB, HPV). Despite evidence from Europe that migrants are frequently missed, it is unclear how far LMIC policies include adolescents and adults beyond child-focused programmes. We analysed catch-up and life-course vaccination policies, operational guidance, laws and frameworks across 136 LMICs. METHODS: Using framework analysis, we conducted a comparative policy analysis of national and subnational policies, operational guidance, laws and frameworks on catch-up and life-course vaccination for adolescents (10-19 years) and/or adults (>19 years) migrants (including refugees, undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) and migrants workers) across LMICs. We did systematic database and grey-literature searches including and Ministry of Health websites, key international organisations (Jan 2000-Feb 2025), and contacted health ministries and national experts to locate unpublished policies and guidelines. RESULTS: 33 policy and guidance sources met the inclusion criteria (15 peer-reviewed; 18 grey literature), reporting vaccination policies for migrants across 57 LMICs. Evidence clustered into two policy domains, routine vaccinations and COVID-19. We found that migrant-inclusive catch-up or life-course vaccination policies for routine vaccines were rare, identified in only 9 (6.6%) of 136 LMICs. 3 (33.3%) of these countries focused on outbreak-responsive or ad hoc provisions only, 4 (44.4%) applied general national immunisation schedules with opportunistic catch-up to migrants (but without migrant-specific operational guidance), and 2 (22.2%) recognised migrant entitlement through formal policy frameworks or structured partnerships. Policies targeted both adolescents and adults in 9 (6.6%) of 136 LMICs, and refugees in 9 (6.6%) LMICs, while other migrant groups were less consistently specified. Vaccines most commonly appearing in guidelines for adolescent and adult migrants in LMICs were HPV in 6 (4.4% of 136 LMICs) and MR/MMR in 5 (3.7%), followed by OCV and HepB in 3 (2.2%) countries each. Polio, tetanus and typhoid were also included in rare cases. Where vaccination history was uncertain, only 3 (33.3%) countries explicitly recommended presumptive catch-up vaccination. For COVID-19, vaccination policies demostrated broad migrant inclusion: 57 (41.9%) of 136 LMICs documented migrant-inclusive policies or rollout targeting adolescents and/or adult migrants through national deployment plans or emergency strategies. CONCLUSION: Most LMICs lack policies ensuring adolescent and adult migrants access catch-up and life-course vaccination, despite ample evidence that these are under-immunised populations. Governments should clarify entitlements, adopt migrant-inclusive guidance, and strengthen delivery and monitoring systems to reach people who miss vaccines, doses, and boosters in origin countries or during transit, and who face barriers to care.
Childhood vaccination uptake and associated determinants among caregivers of young children in Cape Town, South Africa.
Mathebula L, Wiysonge CS, Zunza M
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42172694 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Despite high overall vaccination coverage in South Africa, maintaining optimal coverage is persistently challenged by complex factors, including vaccine hesitancy and access barriers. The World Health Organiz...
BACKGROUND: Despite high overall vaccination coverage in South Africa, maintaining optimal coverage is persistently challenged by complex factors, including vaccine hesitancy and access barriers. The World Health Organization's Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) framework provides a comprehensive framework for systematically analysing the determinants of vaccine uptake. This study aimed to estimate the rate of uptake of vaccines and identify associated factors among a sample of caregivers of children aged 0-2 years in the Cape Town Metropolitan Health District. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in high, mixed, and low-density subdistricts of Cape Town between August 2024 and February 2025, recruiting 250 caregivers of children aged 0-2 years. Demographic and behavioural determinants of vaccination uptake were analysed using binomial regression, informed by the BeSD framework. RESULTS: Overall uptake was high, with 93% (95% CI: 89% to 95%) of children fully vaccinated for their age, and 99% having received at least one dose of any vaccine. Caregiver motivation was robust, as 97% expressed being "very willing" to ensure their child receives all recommended vaccines. However, significant demographic associations and barriers persisted. Full vaccination was significantly associated with married caregiver status (RR = 1.07, p = 0.015) and residence in the low-density Tygerberg subdistrict compared to Mitchells Plain (RR = 1.09, p = 0.049). Conversely, the likelihood of full vaccination decreased significantly with increasing child age (RR = 0.99, p = 0.039) and higher birth order (RR = 0.97, p = 0.007). Practical constraints were notable, with 81% of caregivers reporting unemployment. Furthermore, 63% reported long queues, and 26% reported unsatisfactory service quality. Socially, decision-making was primarily driven by mothers (77%), and only 22% of caregivers reported recently hearing about vaccines, suggesting gaps in external communication. CONCLUSION: Caregivers recruited in the study demonstrate high motivation and vaccine confidence. However, structural vulnerabilities related to single parenting, larger family sizes, and geographic location persist as barriers to full vaccination. The decline in uptake as children grow older highlights a particular need to strengthen retention strategies for the 18-month visit. Findings indicate the need for interventions targeting structural barriers that influence childhood vaccination rates.
Targeted delivery of the BCG vaccine to dendritic cells improves protective efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Counoupas C, Nisa A, Baker L … +5 more , Pinto R, Bhattacharyya N, Demangel C, Britton WJ, Triccas JA
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42172693 · Publisher ↗
Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's deadliest infectious disease, and the current vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is only partially effective. We hypothesised that BCG interacts sub-optimally with dendritic cells (...
Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's deadliest infectious disease, and the current vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is only partially effective. We hypothesised that BCG interacts sub-optimally with dendritic cells (DCs), key mediators of adaptive immunity. To improve BCG's efficacy, we engineered the vaccine to express a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting the DEC-205 receptor on DCs (BCG:DEC). This modification enhanced BCG interaction with DEC-205-expressing cells, resulting in increased uptake into host cells and cytokine/chemokine secretion. After vaccination of mice, BCG:DEC increased MHC-II expression on vaccine-site myeloid cells, showed enhanced uptake by skin-resident DC subsets and generated higher frequencies of multifunctional, cytokine-secreting CD4 T cell populations. Compared to BCG alone, BCG:DEC provided improved and sustained protection up to 20 weeks post-challenge against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mice. Thus, DC-targeted BCG is a promising approach for TB control.
Willingness to receive Ebola vaccines among pregnant and lactating women in Kampala, Uganda: insights from a post-outbreak cross-sectional study.
Katana EB, Kiiza D, Odongpiny EAL … +7 more , Simbwa BN, Nsubuga EJ, Namayanja J, Muhindo R, Castelnuovo B, Ario AR, Waitt C
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42172692 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Pregnant and lactating women face heightened risk of mortality due to Ebola disease during outbreaks, yet have historically been excluded from vaccine trials and emergency vaccination campaigns. This study as...
BACKGROUND: Pregnant and lactating women face heightened risk of mortality due to Ebola disease during outbreaks, yet have historically been excluded from vaccine trials and emergency vaccination campaigns. This study assessed willingness to receive an Ebola vaccine and identified associated factors among pregnant and lactating women in Kampala-Uganda, in the aftermath of the 2022 Sudan ebolavirus outbreak and amid the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 among pregnant/lactating women receiving antenatal/postnatal services at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy and included additional items on Ebola vaccine attitudes, socio-demographics, prior vaccination experiences, vaccine preferences (oral vs injectable) and health status, including chronic illness. The primary outcome was willingness to receive an Ebola vaccine. Modified Poisson regression was done using STATA version 15 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 424 participants (212 pregnant, 212 lactating), 252(59.4%) expressed willingness to receive an Ebola vaccine. In multivariable analysis, willingness was significantly associated with previous COVID-19 vaccination (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] = 1.32; 95%CI:1.02-1.70) and a preference for injectable vaccines only, compared to those open to oral or injectable modes (aPR = 1.54; 95%CI:1.18-2.00). Among those who were unwilling or unsure (n = 172), the most cited reasons for hesitancy were fear of side effects (22.1%) and lack of awareness about Ebola vaccines (20.3%). CONCLUSION: While just over half of the pregnant and lactating women in this study were willing to receive an Ebola vaccine, concerns about safety and limited awareness remain important barriers. Prior COVID-19 vaccination and preference for injectable vaccines were positively associated with willingness, suggesting that trust and familiarity with vaccination influence acceptance. Tailored risk communication and community engagement, and inclusion in vaccine planning are essential to ensuring equitable protection during EVD outbreaks.
Conjugate vaccine technology enhances responses to influenza virus.
Myburgh L, van Loon K, Koetsier J … +4 more , Hansen Q, Huijbers EJM, van Beijnum JR, Griffioen AW
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42172691 · Publisher ↗
Influenza remains a major public health concern due to its high mutation rate and the limited efficacy of current seasonal vaccines. Traditional subunit and inactivated virus vaccines often elicit strain-specific respons...
Influenza remains a major public health concern due to its high mutation rate and the limited efficacy of current seasonal vaccines. Traditional subunit and inactivated virus vaccines often elicit strain-specific responses and fail to generate long-lasting or broadly protective immunity. To address these limitations, we utilized the iBoost platform, a conjugate vaccine strategy based on a chimeric designer peptide (CDP) derived from bacterial immunogens, to enhance immune responses against influenza virus antigens. Using hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) constructs from the A/Wisconsin/588/2019 (H1N1) strain, we developed CDP-H1 and CDP-N1 vaccine candidates and assessed their immunogenicity in murine models. Compared to unconjugated counterparts, CDP-fused constructs induced significantly stronger and more rapid antibody responses, with broader IgG subclass distribution and higher IgG2a levels, potentially indicative of enhanced effector functions. CDP-H1 elicited measurable HA-inhibiting activity by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay and demonstrated partial binding cross-reactivity to heterologous H1 and H3 strains, while CDP-N1 induced antibodies with cross-reactive potential to N2. These preliminary findings suggest that iBoost may enhance both the magnitude and quality of humoral responses, supporting its potential as a platform to improve the breadth and kinetics of antibody induction. However, further studies incorporating functional and in-vivo challenge assays will be required to confirm protective efficacy and validate the translational potential of this approach.
Immunological efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination in adults with sarcoidosis: the SARCOVAC study.
Ranque B, Galtier F, Nunes H … +16 more , Le Jeunne C, Roguet G, Sève P, Israël-Biet D, Charbit B, Pacheco Y, Crestani B, Deplanque D, Detoc M, Dualé C, Meritet JF, Abdoul H, Brauner M, Valeyre D, Launay O, Guilpain P
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42167137 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Half of patients with sarcoidosis have significant organ involvement and require long-lasting immunosuppressive treatment. We aimed to evaluate safety and immunological efficacy of a trivalent inactivated inf...
BACKGROUND: Half of patients with sarcoidosis have significant organ involvement and require long-lasting immunosuppressive treatment. We aimed to evaluate safety and immunological efficacy of a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in patients with sarcoidosis compared with healthy controls. METHODS: The SARCOVAC trial was an open-label, multicenter, prospective clinical trial. Influenza vaccination was performed in 2012-2013 in patients with both sarcoidosis and an indication for influenza vaccination, and in healthy controls. Antibody titers against A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B influenza virus antigens were measured immediately before and 21 and 180 days after vaccination. The primary outcome was the comparison of seroconversion rates for each viral strain at day 21 between patients and controls. FINDINGS: We recruited 191 participants among whom 182 (83 patients, 99 controls) were included in the analysis. At D21, seroconversion rates were higher in patients than in controls for A/H1N1 strain (62.2% versus 45.4%, p = 0.025), and A/H3N2 strain (58.5% versus 35.1%, p = 0.002) but did not differ for B strain (72% versus 60.8%, p = 0.118). Seroprotection rates ranged between 73.2% and 90.7% at D21 and 59.4% and 79.4% at day 180 in patients and controls, respectively, with no statistical difference. The vaccination did not significantly impact the course of sarcoidosis. No difference in reactogenicity was found between patients and healthy controls. INTERPRETATION: Influenza vaccination is immunogenic in patients with sarcoidosis, including those with severe disease and immunosuppressive therapy. These results support the recommendations for influenza vaccination in patients with sarcoidosis who are at high risk of severe infections.
Lessons from the 2024 avian influenza vaccination campaign in Finland: a qualitative inquiry.
Härmä V, Palsola M, Kuusipalo A … +3 more , Lindh E, Melin M, Nohynek H
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42167136 · Publisher ↗
Highly pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) viruses cause a continuous threat to wild avian populations. During recent years, spillover to both wild and domestic mammals has occurred with an increasing frequenc...
Highly pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) viruses cause a continuous threat to wild avian populations. During recent years, spillover to both wild and domestic mammals has occurred with an increasing frequency. As a consequence of the recent developments in the epidemiological situation, the human-animal interface with the risk of human exposure to HPAI H5 has expanded. In 2024, Finland became a global forerunner to offer H5 vaccine to occupational risk groups, specifically fur and poultry workers, following an extensive HPAI H5N1 outbreak in 2023 in fur-farmed minks and foxes. Despite targeted efforts to reach the people at increased risk, only 8,6% of the target population received the first dose and 7,5% completed both doses. To seek a better understanding of the barriers behind low vaccine uptake a Behavioural and Cultural (BCI) insight approach was chosen. A rapid qualitative study was conducted in late 2024 (n = 17), utilising semi-structured interviews with health authorities, industry stakeholders, and risk group representatives in the Ostrobothnia region in Finland. Barriers were identified across three dimensions: (1) logistical failures, including poor timing and difficulties in reaching target groups (2) divergent risk perceptions, where economic livelihood overshadowed personal health risks; and (3) political distrust, stemming from perceived stigmatization by national health authorities. The results will provide vital information for future pre-pandemic communication and implementation strategies and helps to identify key stakeholders and target groups.
Optimization of chicory root polysaccharide liposomes and their adjuvant efficacy in Newcastle disease vaccination.
Tang Q, Li J, Hou C … +7 more , Qiu Z, Huang L, Li Z, Chen K, Fei C, Liu Y, Wang M
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42167135 · Publisher ↗
This study isolated chicory root polysaccharides (CP), optimized the preparation conditions of chicory root polysaccharides liposomes (CPL) and evaluated its effect on immune activity. The polysaccharide content and mole...
This study isolated chicory root polysaccharides (CP), optimized the preparation conditions of chicory root polysaccharides liposomes (CPL) and evaluated its effect on immune activity. The polysaccharide content and molecular weight of CP were 89.45 ± 1.25% and 2.72 kDa, respectively. The optimal preparation conditions of CPL were a phospholipid to cholesterol ratio of 5:1, a phospholipid-to-chicory polysaccharide ratio of 9:1, and a rotary evaporation temperature of 31 °C. The average encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 61.53 ± 0.19%, the average particle size, polymer dispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were 86.96 ± 0.98 nm, 0.187 ± 0.008, and - 15.40 ± 1.23 mV, respectively. CP and CPL significantly promoted the proliferation of chicken splenic lymphocytes, splenic T and B lymphocytes at concentrations of 31.25-250 μg/mL and 7.813-31.25 μg/mL, 125-250 μg/mL and 1.953-31.25 μg/mL, 31.25-250 μg/mL and 15.625-31.25 μg/mL in vitro. CPL enhanced lymphocyte proliferation at substantially lower concentrations than CP, demonstrating superior immunostimulatory efficiency. In vivo, On days 7-49, HI(Hemagglutination Inhibition Antibody) antibody titers in the CPLH, CPLM and CPLL groups were significantly higher than those in the VC group. The serum antibody titers in the CPLM groups were significantly or numerically higher than both the CP and VC groups at days 35-49. The IL-2 and IL-4 concentrations in the CPLM group were significantly higher than those in the VC group on days 14-49. These findings suggest that CPL could serve as a novel vaccine diluent or immune adjuvant.
Letter to the editor re the shadow of reactogenicity.
Loran D, Ryan M
Vaccine · 2026 May · PMID 42161781 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Presumptive recommendations and informed consent in pediatric vaccination.
Hurst DJ, Bobier CA, Coleman M … +2 more , Streeks-Wooden N, Cypher J
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42161098 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (TTS) after vaccination with AZD1222: a European VAC4EU post-authorisation safety study.
Forns J, Pajouheshnia R, Aurelius T … +36 more , Bouck Z, Carreras JJ, Choi J, Royo AC, Correcher-Martínez E, Fernandez-Garcia S, Fry C, Gaspersz J, Giner-Soriano M, Gini R, Girardi A, Herings R, Huang WT, Hyeraci G, Kim J, Lane S, Layton D, Lee A, Lysen T, Martinez D, Mohammadi S, Morris D, Morros R, Ouchi D, Overbeek J, Perez-Gutthann S, Plana E, Platt RW, Roberto G, Roy D, Sturkenboom MCJ, Tarazjani AD, Uh HW, Urchueguía-Fornes A, Weibel D, Rebordosa C
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42161097 · Publisher ↗
A post-authorisation safety study was conducted for the AZD1222 COVID-19 vaccine. This paper presents one study outcome, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and estimates TTS risk in subjects administered ≥1...
A post-authorisation safety study was conducted for the AZD1222 COVID-19 vaccine. This paper presents one study outcome, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and estimates TTS risk in subjects administered ≥1 AZD1222 dose versus concurrent unvaccinated, pre-pandemic historical, or mRNA-vaccinated subjects. The cohort study used data from CPRD Aurum (UK), VID (Spain), SIDIAP (Spain) and PHARMO-GP database (PHARMO) (the Netherlands). AZD1222-vaccinated subjects were matched on age, sex, region, prior COVID-19, and special population status. Incident venous TTS was defined as a thromboembolic event and thrombocytopaenia within ±10 days and no TTS within the prior year. 5,321,930 subjects were matched with concurrent unvaccinated comparators, 4,831,010 with historical comparators, and 4,028,091 with mRNA active comparators (CPRD only). In CPRD, 83% of subjects were vaccinated in Q1 2021; 64% were < 60 years. In VID, SIDIAP, and PHARMO, >59% were vaccinated after Q1 2021; most subjects were ≥ 60 years. Propensity score-weighted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) (95% confidence intervals) for TTS were CPRD, 1.14 (0.60-2.17); VID, 0.34 (0.10-1.18); SIDIAP, 0.66 (0.33-1.34); and zero events in PHARMO. Incidence rates (IRs) and IRRs for TTS, where available, were higher in AZD1222-vaccinated versus concurrent unvaccinated subjects <60 years or during shorter risk windows. After case validation, positive predictive value-adjusted IRRs were < 1. For historical comparators, meta-analysis resulted in an IRR of 1.78 (95% CI,1.12-2.82; I = 0%). For mRNA active comparators, the IRR was 1.12 (95% CI,0.61-2.05). Considering the magnitude, precision, and potential biases-such as selection bias due to informative censoring and potential outcome misclassification-the totality of evidence suggests a possible increased risk of TTS with post-AZD1222 vaccination that may be higher among subjects <60 years and 1-42 days after first AZD1222 dose, in line with the literature. Differential age distributions resulting from country-level differences in the risk minimisation measures may explain IRR disparities across data sources.
Recent enough to matter: Perceived temporal proximity, anxiety, and COVID-19 vaccine intent.
Powell A, Suwalowska H, Sankoh O … +8 more , Guo C, Chan EYY, Sekalala S, Salisbury L, Kingori P, Wilkins C, After the End Team, Ogden R
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42155428 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy undermines vaccination strategies and is shaped by non-modifiable contextual and individual/group factors, and potentially modifiable cognitive processes. The Health Belief Model (HBM) offer...
BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy undermines vaccination strategies and is shaped by non-modifiable contextual and individual/group factors, and potentially modifiable cognitive processes. The Health Belief Model (HBM) offers a framework for understanding health decision-making, including the role of threat perception, which is influenced by perceived proximity to a threat. Construal Level Theory (CLT) suggests that psychologically distant events are construed more abstractly, reducing perceived urgency. While spatial and social proximity (physical closeness and effects on one's social network) have been widely studied, temporal proximity (nearness or distance in time) has been explored less. Given research that the pandemic affected time perception, this study examined whether perceived temporal proximity predicts future COVID-19 vaccine intent, and whether this relationship is statistically mediated by COVID-19 anxiety. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey assessed whether temporal proximity was associated with future vaccine intent (less vs. more likely to vaccinate) using multivariable binary logistic regression. Mediation analysis tested whether COVID-19 anxiety explained this relationship. Covariates included age, gender, direct COVID impact/risk variables, and trust in government. In total, 696 individuals were included in analyses (345 women; mean age = 47.27 ± 15.53 years). RESULTS: Greater temporal proximity predicted greater intention to receive a future COVID-19 vaccine. There was also evidence of a significant indirect association via COVID-19 anxiety: greater perceived proximity was associated with higher anxiety, and higher anxiety was associated with greater vaccination intent. Significant covariates included perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, and trust in government. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support evidence that proximity influences threat perception and behavioural intentions, demonstrating that temporal proximity functions similarly in a real-world preventative healthcare context. The observed indirect association via anxiety, considered alongside the HBM and CLT, is discussed as a possible mechanism underlying the proximity-intention link. Longitudinal research is needed to assess causality and inform communication strategies using temporal framing.
Optimising immunisations for children with needle phobia and/or developmental disorders: a retrospective audit to inform policy and practice in Australia.
Makhijani A, Rak A, Jenkins N … +7 more , Vidmar S, Addlem L, Elia S, Cheng DR, Perrett KP, Kaufman J, Danchin M
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42155427 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Need for immunisation under sedation services in hospitals for children with needle phobia and/or developmental and behavioural disorders has escalated over the last decade. We aimed to evaluate Australia's l...
OBJECTIVES: Need for immunisation under sedation services in hospitals for children with needle phobia and/or developmental and behavioural disorders has escalated over the last decade. We aimed to evaluate Australia's largest and longest running immunisation under sedation service over a 6-year period to inform policy and practice. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective medical record audit was conducted between January 2017 and December 2022 for all patients accessing the immunisation under sedation at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH). Data on patient demographics, diagnosis, vaccine type, pre-hospital sedation, distraction and sedation techniques and outcomes were extracted from the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). RESULTS: Over six years, 518 patients accessed the service, with a total of 922 encounters for immunisation. Most children had a primary diagnosis of needle phobia (54%) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (31%). Immunisations were successfully delivered in 91% of encounters. Most encounters for children with needle phobia (69%; 337/486), anxiety (61%; 33/54) and behavioural disorders (62%; 30/48) received nitrous oxide alone, whereas nearly half the encounters for children with ASD (46%, 126/275) and intellectual disability (ID) (47%, 17/36) received both nitrous oxide and midazolam. Failed immunisation was seen more with no sedation (68%; 30/44), midazolam alone (12%; 7/54) and in children with ASD 18% (28/158). CONCLUSION: The tertiary immunisation under sedation service at RCH in Australia has grown rapidly over the last decade, with increasing demand for children with needle phobia and/or developmental and behavioural disorders. This study provides key practice points to optimise immunisation success and ensure a more positive experience for children and their families.
Racial disparities in coverage and determinants of childhood diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccination in Canada: a post-COVID-19 pandemic analysis.
Dalexis RD, Beogo I, Kibret TC … +1 more , Cénat JM
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42155426 · Publisher ↗
Vaccination is essential for preventing infectious diseases, yet childhood vaccine uptake declined in Canada following the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns amid the resurgence of pertussis. This study aimed to assess...
Vaccination is essential for preventing infectious diseases, yet childhood vaccine uptake declined in Canada following the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns amid the resurgence of pertussis. This study aimed to assess coverage and determinants of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccination among children in Canada in the post-COVID-19 context. We analyzed data from a national survey of Canadian parents of children aged 0-12 years (N = 2528), with oversampling of Arab, Asian, Black, and Indigenous groups to enable accurate racial comparisons. Sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy, and vaccine-related conspiracy beliefs were evaluated. Overall vaccination coverage was 73% for diphtheria, 74% for pertussis, and 77% for tetanus. Significant racial disparities were observed across all outcomes (p < .001), with lower uptake among children of Arab, Asian, Black, and Indigenous parents compared with children of White parents. Vaccination varied significantly across provinces. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, higher endorsement of vaccine-related conspiracy beliefs was associated with reduced odds of vaccination across all outcomes (diphtheria: aOR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.72-0.87; tetanus: aOR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.63-0.77; pertussis: aOR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.64-0.78), whereas higher health literacy was associated with increased uptake (diphtheria: aOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.25-1.50; tetanus: aOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.11-1.34; pertussis: aOR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.15-1.38). These findings demonstrate persistent racial inequities in childhood DTaP vaccination in Canada post-pandemic, shaped by structural and health behaviors' determinants. Targeted, culturally responsive strategies addressing misinformation and improving health literacy are critical to restoring vaccine coverage and preventing future outbreaks.
Identification of best outreach strategies and delivery modalities for population subgroups for COVID-19 vaccination.
Caburnay CA, Fu QJ, Carter T … +4 more , Butler T, Broadus DE, Davis MH, Kreuter MW
Vaccine · 2026 May · PMID 42155344 · Publisher ↗
This observational study examined which characteristics of vaccination events were associated with greater vaccination to help identify which event characteristics and targeted interventions could maximize vaccination pa...
This observational study examined which characteristics of vaccination events were associated with greater vaccination to help identify which event characteristics and targeted interventions could maximize vaccination participation. In partnership with local health departments, trained research staff attended 184 health department-sponsored vaccination events for an 8-month period from November 7, 2021 through July 1, 2022. Most events were strategically held in ZIP codes where vaccination rates lagged or were much lower than the rest of the county. Over 1400 vaccinated attendees were coded for categories of race (African-American, white, other), sex (male, female), and age (adult vs. child). Analyses compared vaccinations across different event characteristics and sites among these demographic subgroups. Having vaccination events at non-clinic sites, more vaccine stations, offering more incentives, and offering the first vaccine dose was associated with a higher rate of vaccination across sex, race, and age. Outdoor precipitation was associated with a lower rate of vaccination except for females. The rate of vaccination for males was higher at non-clinic sites and increasing vaccination frequency by one day; this was not the case for females. For African-Americans, the rate of vaccination was significantly higher with additional incentives, a relationship not seen with whites. The rate of vaccination for children was higher with each additional vaccination station. Identifying features and details of vaccination events that increase rates of vaccination will add to limited literature of the optimal length and features of future vaccination events.
Coverage and missed opportunities for routine vaccination in adult travellers: a single-centre observational study.
Malhotra G, Bilguche A, Eades O … +4 more , Loftus MJ, Kennedy D, Giles ML, McGuinness SL
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42155244 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) - healthcare encounters in which recommended vaccinations are not given - is a WHO priority. In high-income countries like Australia, adult coverage for rou...
BACKGROUND: Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) - healthcare encounters in which recommended vaccinations are not given - is a WHO priority. In high-income countries like Australia, adult coverage for routine vaccines remains suboptimal. Specialist travel clinics frequently see medically complex travellers at increased risk of diseases like influenza, pneumococcal disease and shingles, yet may be underutilised for routine vaccination. This study aimed to assess routine vaccine coverage, on-site vaccination and MOV among adult travellers. METHODOLOGY: Single-centre retrospective observational study of adults attending a hospital-based specialist travel clinic between 1 January and 31 December 2024. Electronic medical records were used to extract demographics, clinical characteristics, vaccination history and serology. Vaccination coverage at initial review was assessed for influenza, pneumococcal, zoster, COVID-19 and MMR vaccines. On-site vaccination and MOV were assessed for influenza, pneumococcal and zoster vaccines only. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression explored predictors of MOV. RESULTS: Among 252 patients (mean age 47, 131/252 [52%] female), 43.2% (109/252) were immunocompromised and 33.3% (84/252) were seen via telehealth. At initial clinic review, the proportion up-to-date with recommended vaccination was 63.5% (160/252) for influenza, 54.6% (59/108) for pneumococcal, 27.5% (41/149) for zoster, 34.9% (88/252) for COVID-19, and 66.2% (133/201) for MMR. MOV occurred in 52.9% (119/225) of patients. Immunocompromised patients had increased odds of MOV ([aOR] 2.59; 95% CI 1.39-4.81; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Routine vaccination coverage among adult travellers was suboptimal, with frequent MOV, particularly among immunocompromised travellers. Specialist travel clinics represent an underutilised opportunity to strengthen routine vaccination in targeted populations.
A chimeric L1-L2 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine targeting common cutaneous human papillomavirus type 1 (HPV1).
Bettina H, Anna SJ, Reinhard K
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42155243 · Publisher ↗
Licensed Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are comprised of Virus-like Particles (VLP) assembled from the major capsid protein L1 and provide type-restricted protection against the incorporated vaccine types. However,...
Licensed Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are comprised of Virus-like Particles (VLP) assembled from the major capsid protein L1 and provide type-restricted protection against the incorporated vaccine types. However, they do not target cutaneous HPV types causing common, palmo-plantar and plane skin warts, which are a frequent nuisance in children and immunosuppressed individuals. Although benign, cutaneous warts can be painful, aesthetically unpleasant, recalcitrant to treatment and are a common cause of medical consultations burdening health care systems. Timely vaccination targeting cutaneous HPV types might greatly reduce incidence of cutaneous warts. HPV1 and HPV63 are closely related cutaneous types frequently found in plantar warts. Previous attempts to generate self-assembled HPV1 and HPV63 VLP as vaccine antigens by expressing L1 have been unsuccessful, contrary to many other cutaneous types. As an alternative strategy, the highly conserved N-terminus of minor capsid protein L2 can induce (cross-)neutralizing antisera that protect against experimental challenge. Thus, VLP assembled from HPV16 L1 (16 L1) were utilized as scaffold to repetitively present a L2 cross-neutralization epitope ('RG1') of HPV1 or HPV63 on 16 L1 VLP surface loops. Both chimeric 16 L1-1RG1 and 16 L1-63RG1 fusion proteins assembled into VLP. Immunizations of mice induced a functional antibody response, reacting with and (cross-)neutralizing both HPV1 and HPV63 by ELISA and Pseudovirion (PsV) neutralization assays, respectively. Immune sera also neutralized HPV16 PsV, indicating retained ability of chimeric 16 L1 VLP to induce a functional L1-mediated response despite epitope insertion. Immune sera also sterilized native HPV1 virions isolated from children's foot warts, preventing infection of keratinocytes in vitro. In an in vivo challenge model, immune sera to 16 L1-1RG1 protected mice against HPV1 hybrid PsV challenge, while sera to 16 L1-63RG1 conferred partial protection. In conclusion, chimeric VLP appear as promising vaccine candidates to target prevalent cutaneous HPV1, and possibly HPV63, with the potential to reduce the burden of HPV-induced skin warts.
Corrigendum to "A significant decrease in anogenital warts incidence following the implementation of a national human papillomavirus immunization program in Israel" [Vaccine 80 (2029) 128516].
Shapiro I, Tadese BK, Hoshen M … +5 more , Chen YT, Chohan N, Patalon T, Wang WV, Gazit S
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42150389 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Associations between childhood adversity and human papillomavirus vaccination in Australian women: a cross-sectional study.
Wilson LF, Dobson AJ, Mishra GD
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42143954 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Adversity in childhood can lead to greater adoption of risky health behaviours, but less use of preventive health care. The impact of childhood adversity on the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccin...
BACKGROUND: Adversity in childhood can lead to greater adoption of risky health behaviours, but less use of preventive health care. The impact of childhood adversity on the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in a country with a schools-based vaccination program has not been explored. Our aim was to investigate the associations between adverse childhood factors and HPV vaccination in a cohort of Australian women born in 1989-95 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (aged 12-18 years in 2007 when the Australian schools-based program began). METHODS: Survey and linked vaccination data from the Australian Immunisation Register for 7964 women were used. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between adverse childhood factors and none versus any HPV vaccination (reflecting the recommended dosing schedule introduced in Australia in 2023 of a single dose for immunocompetent people aged 9-25 years). RESULTS: Women were more likely not to have an HPV vaccination if they experienced ≥4 adverse childhood experiences compared to no experiences (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.35, 2.15), had school absences ≥1 month for illness or injury (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.13, 1.69 versus no absences of this duration), or if their parents divorced when they were < 14 years (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.03, 1.42 versus no divorce). Women who reported they had not finished high school (versus finishing high school) were also more likely to be unvaccinated (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.45, 2.37). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the importance of providing opportunities for HPV vaccination outside school and for young adults. In non-school health settings, proactively checking vaccination status and recommending vaccination if missed in school is also worthwhile.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe