VaccinePub Date : 2026-08-13Epub Date: 2026-06-08DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128765
Andreas Bietz, Petra Sandow, Christina Hartmann, Leonie Steffan, Benedict Katzenberger, Oliver Damm, Marie Dietzsch, Christine Hagemann
{"title":"Real-time in-season monitoring of adult influenza vaccination coverage rates in Germany: results from a repeated cross-sectional online survey.","authors":"Andreas Bietz, Petra Sandow, Christina Hartmann, Leonie Steffan, Benedict Katzenberger, Oliver Damm, Marie Dietzsch, Christine Hagemann","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128765","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Proof of concept to provide early estimates of influenza vaccination coverage rates (VCR) for adults in Germany during the 2024/25 season, explore variation across recommended risk groups, and identify reasons for/against vaccination.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A web-based, repeated cross-sectional survey (Vakzimeter FLU) was conducted in five waves between October-2024 and February-2025 in Germany. Disproportionate sampling ensured adequate representation of adults aged ≥60 years; general population estimates were obtained after calibrated weighting to align the sample with national demographics. Respondents reported past and current influenza vaccination status, intention to get vaccinated, socio-demographics, chronic conditions, occupational and household risk factors, and reasons for/against getting vaccinated against influenza.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 5001 respondents (18-59 years, n = 1505; ≥60 years, n = 3496), VCR during survey wave 5 (February-2025) was 26% for adults aged 18-59 years overall, 32% for at-risk adults aged 18-59 years, and 51% for adults aged ≥60 years. Weighted estimate VCR of general population was 36%. All values were below the WHO target of 75% for risk groups. Although each survey wave included a separate set of participants, vaccination status patterns may hint towards older adults being more likely to follow through with intended vaccination, while younger adults may be more likely not to. Key reasons against vaccination included low perceived risk, belief that influenza is not severe, and concerns over vaccine effectiveness/safety. In the 18-59 age group, 46% indicated no vaccination in the current season and had not received an influenza vaccination for ≥5 consecutive seasons, reflecting persistent hesitancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This real-time monitoring approach provided timely, population-representative influenza VCR estimates during the influenza season, enabling in-season gap identification. Findings confirm persistent shortfalls in VCRs, particularly among younger adults, and reinforce the need for tailored, trust-building strategies to both convert stated intent into actual vaccination and boost initial willingness, especially in at-risk groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":"88 ","pages":"128765"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-08-13Epub Date: 2026-07-13DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128925
Bhumesh Tyagi, Leelabati Toppo, Aishwarya Biradar
{"title":"Comment on \"Effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine booster dose on prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in British Columbia, 2003-2018\".","authors":"Bhumesh Tyagi, Leelabati Toppo, Aishwarya Biradar","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128925","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128925","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":"88 ","pages":"128925"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148439873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-06-20Epub Date: 2026-05-25DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128747
Daniel J Hurst, Christopher A Bobier, Miles Coleman, Nicole Streeks-Wooden, Joy Cypher
{"title":"Presumptive recommendations and informed consent in pediatric vaccination.","authors":"Daniel J Hurst, Christopher A Bobier, Miles Coleman, Nicole Streeks-Wooden, Joy Cypher","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128747","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128747","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":"86 ","pages":"128747"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lessons from the 2024 avian influenza vaccination campaign in Finland: a qualitative inquiry.","authors":"Vuokko Härmä, Minttu Palsola, Aapo Kuusipalo, Erika Lindh, Merit Melin, Hanna Nohynek","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128736","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":"86 ","pages":"128736"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147990565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-05-29DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128708
Vaishnavi Mathur, Jessica L Schue, Berhaun Fesshaye, Prachi Singh, Emily S Miller, Caroline Dinam Badzi, Emefa Modey, Marleen Temmerman, Ferdinand Okwaro, Renato T Souza, Maria Laura Costa, Saleem Jessani, Muhammad Asim, Molly A Sauer, Ruth A Karron, Rupali J Limaye
{"title":"Prevalence and determinants of fully vaccinated status for COVID-19 among pregnant women in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan.","authors":"Vaishnavi Mathur, Jessica L Schue, Berhaun Fesshaye, Prachi Singh, Emily S Miller, Caroline Dinam Badzi, Emefa Modey, Marleen Temmerman, Ferdinand Okwaro, Renato T Souza, Maria Laura Costa, Saleem Jessani, Muhammad Asim, Molly A Sauer, Ruth A Karron, Rupali J Limaye","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128708","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128708","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maternal immunization provides essential maternal and fetal protection for several infectious diseases. The variability in vaccination guidelines for pregnant women across countries and through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the perception of both the general public and broader health care systems towards COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and moreover shaped the accessibility and decision-making trajectory of pregnant women to become fully vaccinated. As part of a larger multi-country, mixed-methods study, the purpose of this cross-sectional analysis is to assess what factors are associated with pregnant women being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan. In each country, participants were recruited from maternity hospitals and/or clinics which are representative of diverse socioeconomic and geographical strata. Data collection included cross-sectional surveys of 1,603 pregnant women and collected sociodemographic determinants of vaccine uptake along with personal COVID-19 vaccination decision-making experiences. This sub-analysis included 1,025 respondents who had ever received a COVID-19 vaccine. Adjusted regression models revealed that pregnant women who were able to choose their vaccine brand, were of older age, those with a partner, and those with a higher education level had higher odds of being fully vaccinated (defined as having the recommended dose number by country and brand). This analysis emphasizes the importance of countries providing clear, timely, and current immunization guidelines and resources for pregnant women, to ensure they are consistently educated and positively influenced to complete vaccination series for relevant infectious diseases to decrease related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":" ","pages":"128708"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148059094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-05-23DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128709
Nicole V Perry Bryce, Maria De L Marrero Arocho, Dara Seybold, Byron Calhoun
{"title":"Improving Tdap vaccine uptake during pregnancy: a five-year analysis at a regional center.","authors":"Nicole V Perry Bryce, Maria De L Marrero Arocho, Dara Seybold, Byron Calhoun","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128709","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128709","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination rates among pregnant patients before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and identify demographic and care-related factors associated with vaccine uptake at our tertiary-care medical center in Southern West Virginia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients age 18 years or older with viable pregnancies through 36 weeks of gestation from January 11, 2019, to June 30, 2024 at a single tertiary-care medical center. Patients were categorized into pre-COVID-19, during-COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 cohorts. Vaccination uptake was analyzed using ANOVA, and additional bivariate analyses were conducted to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with Tdap receipt during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 2513 patients, 1705 (67.8%) received Tdap vaccination, which was higher than the national average of 56.6% in 2022-2023. Vaccination rates did not differ across 3 different phases relative to the COVID-19 pandemic (p = .97). Tdap vaccination was more common among patients who were married as compared with unmarried patients (70.4% vs 65.8%, p = .016), white versus non-white patients (68.9% vs 62.5%, p = .011), and patients receiving care in private-practice-based clinics versus hospital-based clinics (76.6% vs 65.6%, p < .001). No statistically significant difference was noted when stratified by insurance type (p = .24) or advanced maternal age (≥35 years) (p = .35).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Tdap vaccination rates at our institution exceeded national averages and remained stable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Persistent disparities by race, marital status, and care setting highlight vaccination inequities and support the need for targeted interventions for patient and provider sub-groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":" ","pages":"128709"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148007774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-05-20DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128748
David Loran, Margaret Ryan
{"title":"Letter to the editor re the shadow of reactogenicity.","authors":"David Loran, Margaret Ryan","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128748","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128748","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":" ","pages":"128748"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-04-10DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128549
Bruna Maudonnet, Carla Silveira, Jose G Cecatti, Maria L Costa, Ricardo P Tedesco, Jacinta P Matias, Mateus Tosetto, Ana L Arthur, Maria E De Souza, Rupali J Limaye, Jessica L Schue, Emily Miller, Prachi Singh, Berhaun Fesshaye, Ruth A Karron, Sami L Gottlieb, Vanessa Brizuela, Ibukun O Abejirinde, Grace Belayneh, Renato T Souza
{"title":"Factors associated with the use of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy: evidence from a multicenter Brazilian cross-sectional study.","authors":"Bruna Maudonnet, Carla Silveira, Jose G Cecatti, Maria L Costa, Ricardo P Tedesco, Jacinta P Matias, Mateus Tosetto, Ana L Arthur, Maria E De Souza, Rupali J Limaye, Jessica L Schue, Emily Miller, Prachi Singh, Berhaun Fesshaye, Ruth A Karron, Sami L Gottlieb, Vanessa Brizuela, Ibukun O Abejirinde, Grace Belayneh, Renato T Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We aimed to understand factors that influence the decision-making process of Brazilian pregnant women to receive a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional survey between August and December 2023 in two Brazilian cities. Pregnant women aged ≥18 years or emancipated attending antenatal care at public facilities were invited to participate. Those eligible completed a structured questionnaire developed and validated by Johns Hopkins University, covering sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccination history, attitudes, beliefs, and reasons for vaccine acceptance or refusal. Participants were grouped as vaccinated during any pregnancy or missed vaccination during any pregnancy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests (p < 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained, and data were securely managed in REDCap with quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and consistency.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 402 pregnant women surveyed, 109 received a COVID-19 vaccine dose during pregnancy, while 279 missed vaccination during pregnancy. Number of doses varied by group; women vaccinated during pregnancy were more likely to have higher number of doses. There were similar overall dose counts across pregnancy trimesters. Women vaccinated during pregnancy reported greater confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness for themselves and their fetus and were less likely to express negative beliefs about vaccination. Missing vaccination during pregnancy was associated with preference for natural immunity and concerns about vaccine unnaturalness.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A low proportion of pregnant women received COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. Having doubts about vaccine safety, efficacy, and COVID-19 severity were associated with missing vaccination during pregnancy. Addressing these factors is crucial for enhancing public health policies and improving the adherence of pregnant women to vaccination.</p>","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":" ","pages":"128549"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147679854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-03-03DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128412
Bruna Maudonnet, Mateus Tosetto, Beatriz Lima, Carla Silveira, Jose G Cecatti, Maria L Costa, Ricardo P Tedesco, Jacinta P Matias, Rupali J Limaye, Jessica L Schue, Emily Miller, Sami L Gottlieb, Vanessa Brizuela, Grace Belayneh, Renato T Souza
{"title":"Information sources and COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy: an exploratory survey from health facilities in São Paulo state, Brazil.","authors":"Bruna Maudonnet, Mateus Tosetto, Beatriz Lima, Carla Silveira, Jose G Cecatti, Maria L Costa, Ricardo P Tedesco, Jacinta P Matias, Rupali J Limaye, Jessica L Schue, Emily Miller, Sami L Gottlieb, Vanessa Brizuela, Grace Belayneh, Renato T Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128412","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128412","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the influence of source of information on pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 vaccination.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional exploratory study was carried out at two Brazilian institutions. Pregnant women aged 18 years and older with knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination were included between August and December of 2023. We employed an instrument consisting of 76 quantitative questions, based on established models (5Cs, BeSD, HBM, Socioecological) and collected sociodemographic data, evaluated vaccine-related beliefs with Likert scales and vaccination history. Participants were categorized by their information sources as \"official\" (e.g., healthcare professionals, health agencies) or \"non-official\" (i.e., sources that did not include government agencies or healthcare professionals). Data were entered into REDCap, checked for inconsistencies, and analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics to compare vaccine acceptance based on information's source.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>402 pregnant women were included. Among these, 233 (58.0%) used only non-official sources of information, while 169 (42.0%) used at least one official source. Women using official sources were more likely to be older than 35 years and have only primary education. Vaccination status was similar across groups, but those using official sources were more likely to have received 4 or 5 vaccine doses and be vaccinated during pregnancy. Reasons for vaccination were similar across groups, primarily for self-protection, while concerns about vaccine safety and pregnancy were common reasons for not vaccinating. Women using official sources were more confident in their vaccination decisions, had higher family encouragement, and trusted healthcare professionals more. They also felt better informed about vaccine safety and had greater trust in scientific information compared to those relying on non-official sources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The source of information influences the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil. Women who relied on official information sources, such as healthcare professionals, had better knowledge, higher trust in vaccine safety, and were more likely to receive multiple doses, including during pregnancy. Implementation of policies promoting vaccination during pregnancy should account for using multiple sources of information to improve coverage and influence.</p>","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":" ","pages":"128412"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147358393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VaccinePub Date : 2026-02-20DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128376
Guojun Liang, Yang Song, Qiong Liu
{"title":"Adverse events following dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), 2019-2025.","authors":"Guojun Liang, Yang Song, Qiong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128376","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128376","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94264,"journal":{"name":"Vaccine","volume":" ","pages":"128376"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146777158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}