Management of National and Regional Immunization Programmes: Current Challenges and Future Strategies

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Vaccines and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 21843

Special Issue Editors

Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
Interests: vaccination services; vaccine safety; vaccine hesitancy; antimicrobial stewardship; rational medicines use
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Interests: clinical pharmacy; pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacovigilance; infectious diseases including vaccines; non- communicable disease; implementation science in global health (dissemination research); evidence based research and policy
1. SIPBS, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
2. Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, SMU, Pretoria, South Africa
3. Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Interests: immunization programmes; vaccine management; vaccine hesitancy; pricing of vaccines; evidence based health policy; medicines utilisation; antimicrobial resistance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In these challenging times of rising infection and cancer rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, it is essential that countries learn from each other in order to improve future access to vaccines and vaccination coverage where there are concerns across all target groups. As a result reduce future morbidity and mortality, including mortality due to antimicrobial resistance from inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials. We welcome original research papers and reviews on these key topics, with insights and suggested ways forward for immunization programmes to enhance public health, including those for COVID-19. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, issues and challenges surrounding vaccines, including vaccine hesitancy and vaccine uptake, strategies to address misinformation and build vaccine confidence, and key economic considerations, including affordability. Waivers and reduced publication fees will be available on request for a limited number of papers that will enhance this Special Issue, especially those from low- and low-middle income countries.

Prof. Dr. Johanna C Meyer
Dr. Sylvia Opanga
Prof. Dr. Brian Godman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • COVID
  • challenges
  • vaccines
  • antimicrobials
  • public health

Published Papers (10 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

10 pages, 1177 KiB  
Article
A Lesson from a Measles Outbreak among Healthcare Workers in a Single Hospital in South Korea: The Importance of Knowing the Prevalence of Susceptibility
by Sungim Choi, Jae-Woo Chung, Yun Jung Chang, Eun Jung Lim, Sun Hee Moon, Han Ho Do, Jeong Hun Lee, Sung-Min Cho, Bum Sun Kwon, Yoon-Seok Chung and Seong Yeon Park
Vaccines 2023, 11(9), 1505; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11091505 - 20 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1200
Abstract
Background: Despite the high vaccination coverage rate, in-hospital transmission of measles continues to occur in South Korea. We present a measles outbreak in which two healthcare workers (HCWs) with presumptive evidence of measles immunity were infected by a patient with typical measles at [...] Read more.
Background: Despite the high vaccination coverage rate, in-hospital transmission of measles continues to occur in South Korea. We present a measles outbreak in which two healthcare workers (HCWs) with presumptive evidence of measles immunity were infected by a patient with typical measles at a single hospital in South Korea. This facilitated the evaluation of measles seroprevalence in all HCWs. Methods: In 2018, suspected patients and contacts exposed during a measles outbreak were investigated based on their medical histories and vaccination status. Cases were confirmed by the detection of measles-specific immunoglobulin M or RNA. After the measles outbreak in 2018, measles IgG testing was conducted on a total of 972 HCWs for point-prevalence, including those exposed to the measles. In addition, we have routinely performed measles IgG tests on newly employed HCWs within one week of their hire date since 2019. The measles vaccine was administered to HCWs who tested negative or equivocally negative for IgG antibodies. Results: An index patient who returned from China with fever and rash was diagnosed with measles at a hospital in Korea. Two additional HCWs were revealed as measles cases: one was vaccinated with the two-dose measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine, and the other, who was born in 1967, was presumed to have immunity from natural infection in South Korea. All three patients harbored the same D8 genotype. No additional measles cases were identified among the 964 contacts of secondary patients. A total of 2310 HCWs, including those tested during the 2018 outbreak, underwent measles IgG tests. The average age at the time of the test was 32.6 years, and 74.3% were female. The overall seropositivity of measles was 88.9% (95% confidence interval, 87.5–90.1). Although the birth cohorts between 1985 and 1994 were presumed to have received the measles–rubella (MR) catch-up vaccination in 2001, 175 (89.3%) HCWs were born after 1985 among the 195 seronegative cases. Conclusion: Despite high population immunity, imported measles transmission occurred among HCWs with presumed immunity. This report underscores the importance of understanding the prevalence of measles susceptibility among newly employed HCWs. This is important for policymaking regarding hospital-wide vaccinations to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1141 KiB  
Article
Correlates of Parental Consent to Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake by Their Adolescent Daughters in ZAMBIA: Application of the Health Belief Model
by Mwansa Ketty Lubeya, Carla J. Chibwesha, Mulindi Mwanahamuntu, Moses Mukosha, Innocent Maposa and Mary Kawonga
Vaccines 2023, 11(5), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11050912 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2214
Abstract
Parental consent for adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake is important; however, refusal is prevalent. Therefore, this study aimed to understand factors associated with parental consent for their adolescent daughter’s HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, between September and [...] Read more.
Parental consent for adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake is important; however, refusal is prevalent. Therefore, this study aimed to understand factors associated with parental consent for their adolescent daughter’s HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, between September and October 2021. We recruited parents from different social settings. The means and standard deviations or median and interquartile ranges were used as appropriate to summarise continuous variables. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were fitted with robust estimation of standard errors. The odds ratios are presented with 95% CI. Mediation analysis was conducted using a generalised structural equation model. The study enrolled 400 parents, mean age 45.7 years [95% CI, 44.3–47.1]. Two hundred and fifteen (53.8%) parents reported consenting to their daughters’ HPV vaccination, and their daughters received it. None of the health belief model (HBM) construct scores showed an independent association with parental consent. Higher, compared to lower wealth index (AOR; 2.32, 95% CI: 1.29–4.16), knowing someone with genital warts (AOR = 2.23, 95 CI: 1.04–4.76), cervical cancer screening uptake (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.03–3.62) were associated with increased odds of parental consent. This study highlights factors influencing parental consent for their daughters’ HPV vaccination. Ongoing sensitisation programs are important to improve their decision-making. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 784 KiB  
Article
Dutch Healthcare Professionals’ Opinion on the Allocation of Responsibilities concerning Prescribing and Administering Medically Indicated Vaccines to Immunocompromised Patients
by Elsemieke te Linde, Laura Doornekamp, Katrijn C. P. Daenen, Eric C. M. van Gorp and Anke H. W. Bruns
Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030686 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 926
Abstract
Background: Specific vaccines are indicated for immunocompromised patients (ICPs) due to their vulnerability to infections. Recommendation of these vaccines by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a crucial facilitator for vaccine uptake. Unfortunately, the responsibilities to recommend and administer these vaccines are not clearly allocated [...] Read more.
Background: Specific vaccines are indicated for immunocompromised patients (ICPs) due to their vulnerability to infections. Recommendation of these vaccines by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a crucial facilitator for vaccine uptake. Unfortunately, the responsibilities to recommend and administer these vaccines are not clearly allocated among HCPs involved in the care of adult ICPs. We aimed to evaluate HCPs’ opinions on directorship and their role in facilitating the uptake of medically indicated vaccines as a basis to improve vaccination practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed among in-hospital medical specialists (MSs), general practitioners (GPs), and public health specialists (PHSs) in the Netherlands to assess their opinion on directorship and the implementation of vaccination care. Additionally, perceived barriers, facilitators, and possible solutions to improve vaccine uptake were investigated. Results: In total, 306 HCPs completed the survey. HCPs almost unanimously (98%) reported that according to them, the primary treating physician is responsible for recommending medically indicated vaccines. Administering these vaccines was seen as a more shared responsibility. The most important barriers experienced by HCPs in recommending and administering were reimbursement problems, a lack of a national vaccination registration system, insufficient collaboration among HCPs, and logistical problems. MSs, GPs and PHSs all mentioned the same three solutions as important strategies to improve vaccination practices, i.e., reimbursement of vaccines, reliable and easily accessible registration of received vaccines, and arrangements for collaboration among the different HCPs that are involved in care. Conclusion: The improvement in vaccination practices in ICPs should focus on better collaboration among MSs, GPs, and PHSs, who should know each other’s expertise; clear agreement on responsibility; reimbursement for vaccines; and the availability of clear registration of vaccination history. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1482 KiB  
Article
Mitigating Vaccine Hesitancy and Building Trust to Prevent Future Measles Outbreaks in England
by Sarah Thompson, Johanna C. Meyer, Rosemary J. Burnett and Stephen M. Campbell
Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020288 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3628
Abstract
Measles, a highly infectious respiratory viral infection associated with severe morbidity and mortality, is preventable when coverage with the highly effective measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) is ≥95%. Vaccine hesitancy is responsible for measles outbreaks in countries where measles had previously been [...] Read more.
Measles, a highly infectious respiratory viral infection associated with severe morbidity and mortality, is preventable when coverage with the highly effective measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) is ≥95%. Vaccine hesitancy is responsible for measles outbreaks in countries where measles had previously been eliminated, including in England, and is one of the ten threats to global public health identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Official administrative 2012–2021 data on measles incidence and MMR coverage in England were reviewed alongside a scoping literature review on factors associated with MMR uptake in England. Whilst measles incidence has reduced significantly since 2012, sporadic measles outbreaks in England have occurred with geographic disparities and variations in MMR coverage. Over the last decade, MMR uptake has fallen across all regions with no area currently reaching the WHO target of 95% coverage of both doses of MMR necessary for herd immunity. Factors associated with MMR coverage overlap with the 3C (convenience, complacency and confidence) model of vaccine hesitancy. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced pre-existing vaccine hesitancy. Increasing MMR uptake by reducing vaccine hesitancy requires allocated funding for area-based and targeted domiciliary and community-specific immunisation services and interventions, public health catch-up campaigns and web-based decision aid tools. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 649 KiB  
Article
Taking a Shot: The Impact of Information Frames and Channels on Vaccination Willingness in a Pandemic
by Lilian O. Ademu, Jingjing Gao, Janine Rangel de Assis, Aanuoluwapo Uduebor and Ojonoka Atawodi
Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010137 - 06 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1385
Abstract
The reluctance of people to receive safe and recommended available vaccines is a well-documented public health challenge. As information and communication technologies evolve, this challenge gets more complex and even harder to manage during complex public health situations. In this experimental study, we [...] Read more.
The reluctance of people to receive safe and recommended available vaccines is a well-documented public health challenge. As information and communication technologies evolve, this challenge gets more complex and even harder to manage during complex public health situations. In this experimental study, we examine the relationship between vaccine information frames (with scientific information vs. without scientific information) and channels (through government vs. religious organizations) and vaccination willingness in the U.S. in the context of a pandemic. Additionally, we evaluate the interaction between vaccine skepticism, vaccine information frames, and vaccine information channels on vaccination willingness. This experimental study uses data from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTURK) to evaluate the relationships between vaccine skepticism, vaccine information frames, and channels on vaccination willingness. We find that contrary to our hypothesis, a vaccine advisory framed with scientific information decreases people’s vaccination willingness compared to one framed without scientific information. Additionally, the impact of framing on vaccination willingness is conditioned on participants’ skepticism—participants who hold skepticism toward the vaccine but received information framed with scientific information score significantly higher in vaccination willingness compared to participants who do not hold skepticism toward a vaccine. The results suggest that the factors impacting vaccination willingness are complex and nuanced. Thus, policymakers should be more strategic with the delivery of vaccination information, especially during complex health crises. Full article
Show Figures

Figure A1

14 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines among Secondary School Pupils in Zambia: Implications for Future Educational and Sensitisation Programmes
by Steward Mudenda, Moses Mukosha, Brian Godman, Joseph O. Fadare, Olayinka O. Ogunleye, Johanna C. Meyer, Phumzile Skosana, Jacob Chama, Victor Daka, Scott K. Matafwali, Billy Chabalenge and Bwalya A. Witika
Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122141 - 14 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2439
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in the closure of schools to slow the spread of the virus across populations, and the administration of vaccines to protect people from severe disease, including school children and adolescents. In Zambia, there is currently little [...] Read more.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in the closure of schools to slow the spread of the virus across populations, and the administration of vaccines to protect people from severe disease, including school children and adolescents. In Zambia, there is currently little information on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among school-going children and adolescents despite their inclusion in the vaccination programme. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among secondary school pupils in Lusaka, Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to October 2022. Of the 998 participants, 646 (64.7%) were female, and 127 (12.7%) would accept to be vaccinated. Those who were willing to be vaccinated had better knowledge (68.5% vs. 56.3%) and a positive attitude (79.1% vs. 33.7%) compared to those who were hesitant. Overall, the odds of vaccine acceptance were higher among pupils who had higher knowledge scores (AOR = 11.75, 95% CI: 6.51–21.2), positive attitude scores (AOR = 9.85, 95% CI: 4.35–22.2), and those who knew a friend or relative who had died from COVID-19 (AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 2.14–5.09). The low vaccine acceptance among pupils is of public health concern, emphasising the need for heightened sensitisation programmes that promote vaccine acceptance among pupils in Zambia. Full article

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

21 pages, 3427 KiB  
Review
Interventions to Improve Knowledge, Attitudes, and Uptake of Recommended Vaccines during Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Scoping Review
by Imen Ayouni, Edina Amponsah-Dacosta, Susanne Noll, Benjamin M. Kagina and Rudzani Muloiwa
Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121733 - 21 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1116
Abstract
Tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for the prevention of related morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and postpartum. Despite the established benefits of vaccination for prenatal and postnatal women, maternal vaccination is not universally included in routine antenatal programs, especially in [...] Read more.
Tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for the prevention of related morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and postpartum. Despite the established benefits of vaccination for prenatal and postnatal women, maternal vaccination is not universally included in routine antenatal programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, the uptake of recommended vaccines among pregnant and postpartum women remains below optimum globally. This review aimed to map the evidence on interventions to improve knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of recommended vaccines among pregnant and postpartum women. We conducted a comprehensive and systematic search for relevant literature in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar. Overall, 29 studies published between 2010 and 2023 were included in this review. The majority (n = 27) of these studies were from high-income countries. A total of 14 studies focused on the influenza vaccine, 6 on the Tdap vaccine, 8 on both influenza and Tdap vaccines, and only one study on the COVID-19 vaccine. Patient-centered interventions predominated the evidence base (66%), followed by provider-focused (7%), health system-focused (10%), and multilevel interventions (17%). Overall, the effect of these interventions on knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of maternal vaccines was variable. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 652 KiB  
Review
Implementation Strategies Used to Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake by Adolescent Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
by Mwansa Ketty Lubeya, Mulindi Mwanahamuntu, Carla J. Chibwesha, Moses Mukosha, Mercy Wamunyima Monde and Mary Kawonga
Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071246 - 16 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2672
Abstract
Barriers to successful implementation of the human papillomavirus vaccination exist. However, there is limited evidence on implementation strategies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, this scoping review aimed to identify implementation strategies used in SSA to increase HPV vaccination uptake for adolescent girls. This [...] Read more.
Barriers to successful implementation of the human papillomavirus vaccination exist. However, there is limited evidence on implementation strategies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, this scoping review aimed to identify implementation strategies used in SSA to increase HPV vaccination uptake for adolescent girls. This scoping review was guided by Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews and an a priori protocol and reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and gray literature. Two independent reviewers screened article titles and abstracts for possible inclusion, reviewed the full text, and extracted data from eligible articles using a structured data charting table. We identified strategies as specified in the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change (ERIC) and reported their importance and feasibility. We retrieved 246 articles, included 28 of these, and identified 63 of the 73 ERIC implementation strategies with 667 individual uses, most of which were highly important and feasible. The most frequently used discrete strategies included the following: Build a coalition and change service sites 86% (24/28), distribute educational materials and conduct educational meetings 82% (23/28), develop educational materials, use mass media, involve patients/relatives and families, promote network weaving and stage implementation scale up 79% (22/28), as well as access new funding, promote adaptability, and tailor strategies 75% (21/28). This scoping review shows that implementation strategies of high feasibility and importance were frequently used, suggesting that some strategies may be cross-cutting, but should be contextualized when planned for use in any region. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2511 KiB  
Review
Persisting Vaccine Hesitancy in Africa: The Whys, Global Public Health Consequences and Ways-Out—COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Rates as Case-in-Point
by Emmanuel O. Njoga, Olajoju J. Awoyomi, Onyinye S. Onwumere-Idolor, Priscilla O. Awoyomi, Iniobong C. I. Ugochukwu and Stella N. Ozioko
Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111934 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2889
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is the seventh among the WHO’s top 10 threats to global public health, which has continued to perpetuate the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in Africa. Consequently, this paper systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates (VARs)—including the vaccine uptake [...] Read more.
Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is the seventh among the WHO’s top 10 threats to global public health, which has continued to perpetuate the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in Africa. Consequently, this paper systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates (VARs)—including the vaccine uptake and vaccination intention—in Africa from 2020 to 2022, compared the rates within the five African regions and determined the context-specific causes of VH in Africa. Generally, COVID-19 VARs ranged from 21.0% to 97.9% and 8.2% to 92.0% with mean rates of 59.8 ± 3.8% and 58.0 ± 2.4% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Southern and eastern African regions had the top two VARs of 83.5 ± 6.3% and 68.9 ± 6.6% in 2021, and 64.2 ± 4.6% and 61.2 ± 5.1% in 2022, respectively. Based on population types, healthcare workers had a marginal increase in their mean COVID-19 VARs from 55.5 ± 5.6% in 2021 to 60.8 ± 5.3% in 2022. In other populations, the mean VARs decreased from 62.7 ± 5.2% in 2021 to 54.5 ± 4% in 2022. As of 25 October 2022, Africa lags behind the world with only 24% full COVID-19 vaccinations compared to 84%, 79% and 63% reported, respectively, in the Australian continent, upper-middle-income countries and globally. Apart from the problems of confidence, complacency, convenience, communications and context, the context-specific factors driving COVID-19 VH in Africa are global COVID-19 vaccine inequality, lack of vaccine production/maintenance facilities, insecurity, high illiteracy level, endemic corruption, mistrust in some political leaders, the spreading of unconfirmed anti-vaccination rumors and political instability. With an overall mean COVID-19 acceptance rate of 58%, VH still subsists in Africa. The low VARs in Africa have detrimental global public health implications, as it could facilitate the emergence of immune invading SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, which may spread globally. Consequently, there is a need to confront these challenges frontally and engage traditional and religious leaders in the fight against VH in Africa, to restore public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines generally. As the availability of COVID-19 vaccines improves, the vaccination of pets and zoo-animals from which reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported is recommended, to limit the evolution and spread of new variants of concern and avert possible SARS-CoV-2 epizootic or panzootic diseases in susceptible animal species. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

22 pages, 1167 KiB  
Systematic Review
Health Systems Determinants of Delivery and Uptake of Maternal Vaccines in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Systematic Review
by Bronte Davies, Jill Olivier and Edina Amponsah-Dacosta
Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040869 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2159
Abstract
Maternal vaccination is considered a key component of the antenatal care package for improving maternal and child health. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) fall short of global targets to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths, with a disproportionate burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Strategies towards [...] Read more.
Maternal vaccination is considered a key component of the antenatal care package for improving maternal and child health. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) fall short of global targets to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths, with a disproportionate burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Strategies towards ending preventable maternal mortality necessitate a health systems approach to adequately respond to this burden. This review explores the health systems determinants of delivery and uptake of essential maternal vaccines in LMICs. We conducted a qualitative systematic review of articles on maternal vaccination in LMICs, published between 2009 and 2023 in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes in the literature, interpreted within a conceptual framing that explores the systems determinants influencing maternal vaccines. Our search yielded 1309 records, of which 54 were included, covering 34 LMICs. Most of the included studies were from South America (28/54) and included pregnant women as the primary study population (34/54). The studies explored influenza (25/54) and tetanus toxoid (20/54) vaccines predominantly. The findings suggest that systems hardware (lack of clear policy guidelines, ineffective cold-chain management, limited reporting and monitoring systems) are barriers to vaccine delivery. Systems software (healthcare provider recommendations, increased trust, higher levels of maternal education) are enablers to maternal vaccine uptake. Findings show that formulation, dissemination and communication of context-specific policies and guidelines on maternal vaccines should be a priority for decision-makers in LMICs. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop