INTRODUCTION: Although influenza vaccination reduces rates of pneumonia, hospitalisation and mortality, influenza vaccination uptake remains low in older patients. The primary aim was to compare individualised counselling with educational pamphlets alone in improving influenza vaccination uptake. The secondary aims were to evaluate knowledge and attitudes towards influenza vaccination and factors influencing uptake. METHODS: A randomised controlled study was conducted in two government polyclinics with 160 participants per arm. Patients aged 65 years and above attending for doctor consultation were recruited. All participants received an educational pamphlet on influenza vaccination. The intervention group received additional face-to-face counselling. Participants filled a pre- and postintervention questionnaire assessing knowledge of influenza and attitudes towards the vaccine. Follow-up calls and verification of electronic records was done at three months to determine actual vaccine uptake. RESULTS: At three months, 16 (10%) patients in the intervention group and 20 (12.5%) patients in the control group had completed influenza vaccination (P = 0.48). Factors positively associated with vaccine uptake were willingness to receive vaccination immediately after intervention (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 12.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.42-33.38), and male gender (adjusted OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.23-7.12). Individualised counselling was more effective in improving knowledge (P < 0.01). Overall knowledge scores did not influence actual vaccine uptake rates. (adjusted OR 1.10 [0.90-1.3]). CONCLUSION Both arms of patient education increased uptake of influenza vaccination. Individualised counselling was not superior to pamphlets alone in improving uptake. Performing vaccination at the initial point of contact improves actual uptake rates.
Humans ; Male ; Aged ; Influenza Vaccines ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; Vaccination ; Research Design ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

This article reviews the relevant studies on the efficacy and safety of influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccination among tumor patients worldwide in recent years. By combing and analyzing the retrieved literature, the results show that influenza and pneumococcal vaccination can significantly reduce the morbidity and hospitalization rate of infectious diseases in tumor patients, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death, and significantly improve survival prognosis. COVID-19 vaccination can also protect tumor patients, especially those who have completed full dose vaccination. Authoritative guidelines and consensuses worldwide all recommend that tumor patients receive influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines. We should carry out relevant researches, as well as take effective measures to strengthen patient education, so that tumor patients can fully experience the health protection brought by the vaccine to this specific group.
Humans ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; Influenza Vaccines/therapeutic use* ; Vaccination ; Pneumococcal Vaccines/therapeutic use* ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; Neoplasms

Seasonal influenza has a high disease burden, and children infected with influenza are prone to multiple complications. Influenza vaccination is effective in preventing infection and reducing risks of severe diseases and complications. Influenza vaccines are trivalent and quadrivalent, depending on the components of the vaccine. According to the hemagglutinin content, it can be divided into full dose and half dose of influenza vaccine for children. The findings from clinical trials and real-world studies suggested, the full-dose influenza vaccine as in adults has the same safety profile and higher immunogenicity in children aged 6 to 35 months. The application of full-dose influenza vaccine in children aged 6 to 35 months can greatly improve the flexibility and convenience of vaccination, and help reduce the workload in the process.
Child ; Adult ; Infant ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Influenza Vaccines ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, Inactivated ; Antibodies, Viral

Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Whooping Cough/prevention & control* ; Vaccination ; Influenza Vaccines/therapeutic use* ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control* ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care

Vaccination is an effective method for preventing influenza, and adjuvants can enhance the immune response intensity and persistence of influenza vaccines. However, there are currently shortcomings in clinical adjuvant approvals, ineffectiveness against weak antigens, and a tendency to cause headaches. Therefore, the development of safe and effective novel adjuvants for influenza vaccines is particularly important to enhance vaccine immunogenicity and safety. Given the wide range of sources, high safety, and biodegradability of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), some studies have described it as a vaccine adjuvant. This article reviewed the current status and challenges of influenza vaccine adjuvants, summarized the types of TCM adjuvants, the safety and immunomodulatory effects of natural active ingredients from TCM combined with influenza vaccines, the role of TCM adjuvants in antigen storage, antigen presentation capability, immune cells and cytokines, and immune responses, and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of TCM adjuvants compared with small molecule adjuvants, with the aim of promoting the clinical development and commercialization of TCM adjuvants for influenza vaccines.
Humans ; Influenza Vaccines ; Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic

Objective: To understand the knowledge, attitude and behavior of adult residents on influenza, pneumococcus, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes zoster (HZ), COVID-19, hepatitis B and rabies vaccination in Shandong Province. Methods: From August to September 2022, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to investigate community-dwelling residents aged 18 years old and above in 12 counties (cities and districts) of Shandong Province. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the basic information of the respondents, such as knowledge, attitude and vaccination behavior of influenza, pneumococcus, HPV, HZ, COVID-19, hepatitis B and rabies vaccine. Analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in the respondents' knowledge and attitude scores of different vaccines. The Chi-square test was conducted to compare the differences in vaccination reasons among different characteristics, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of vaccination behavior. Results: The median age (Q₁, Q₃) of the 2 754 respondents was 39 (29, 57) years ranging from 18 to 94 years, with a number of 1 234 (44.81%) males. The average score of the respondents' understanding of various knowledge about adult vaccines was less than 4 points, with the highest score for understanding which diseases can be prevented by adult vaccines. The average score of consent and necessity for adult vaccines to prevent diseases was greater than 3.6 points. In terms of knowledge demand and trust in information channels, there was a high level of trust in the recommendations of vaccination outpatient staff and clinical doctors [with scores of (4.15±0.79) and (4.02±0.80), respectively]. The highest demand for information on vaccination safety knowledge was (4.18±0.84) points. In recent two years, 52.11% of the population had been vaccinated with other vaccines in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine and rabies vaccine, and 45.44% of the population felt it was necessary to be vaccinated through media publicity. Women, age growth, high education level, and high-income level were the promoting factors for adopting vaccination behavior. Conclusion: Adult residents in Shandong Province have a basic understanding and supportive attitude towards vaccination, but the vaccination behavior rate is still relatively low, with significant differences in sex, age, education level, and income level. It is necessary to further increase efforts in the breadth and depth of adult vaccination promotion and education, as well as promotion strategies targeting different populations.
Adult ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Influenza, Human ; Papillomavirus Infections ; Rabies Vaccines ; Influenza Vaccines ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; Hepatitis B ; Herpes Zoster

Seasonal influenza leads to a significant disease burden, and older people infected with influenza are susceptible to various complications. Influenza immunization can prevent infection effectively and significantly reduce the risk of complications and severe cases. Creating a supportive environment for vaccination is crucial in advancing the influenza vaccination rate among the elderly population. In China, the present environment for supporting influenza vaccinations among the elderly is primarily comprised of policies for free vaccination and expense reimbursement, which exhibit noteworthy regional variations across cities and regions. This study systematically analyses the supportive environment and regional disparities associated with influenza vaccination among the elderly in China. It aims to comprehend the opportunities for influenza prevention and control resulting from the current background of influenza vaccination and to identify potential health inequality challenges caused by regional differences. The findings should inform the introduction of relevant national policies and programs to protect the health and well-being of the elderly population.
Humans ; Aged ; Health Status Disparities ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; China ; Cities ; Vaccination

Objective: To understand the knowledge, attitude and behavior of adult residents on influenza, pneumococcus, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes zoster (HZ), COVID-19, hepatitis B and rabies vaccination in Shandong Province. Methods: From August to September 2022, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to investigate community-dwelling residents aged 18 years old and above in 12 counties (cities and districts) of Shandong Province. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the basic information of the respondents, such as knowledge, attitude and vaccination behavior of influenza, pneumococcus, HPV, HZ, COVID-19, hepatitis B and rabies vaccine. Analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in the respondents' knowledge and attitude scores of different vaccines. The Chi-square test was conducted to compare the differences in vaccination reasons among different characteristics, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of vaccination behavior. Results: The median age (Q₁, Q₃) of the 2 754 respondents was 39 (29, 57) years ranging from 18 to 94 years, with a number of 1 234 (44.81%) males. The average score of the respondents' understanding of various knowledge about adult vaccines was less than 4 points, with the highest score for understanding which diseases can be prevented by adult vaccines. The average score of consent and necessity for adult vaccines to prevent diseases was greater than 3.6 points. In terms of knowledge demand and trust in information channels, there was a high level of trust in the recommendations of vaccination outpatient staff and clinical doctors [with scores of (4.15±0.79) and (4.02±0.80), respectively]. The highest demand for information on vaccination safety knowledge was (4.18±0.84) points. In recent two years, 52.11% of the population had been vaccinated with other vaccines in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine and rabies vaccine, and 45.44% of the population felt it was necessary to be vaccinated through media publicity. Women, age growth, high education level, and high-income level were the promoting factors for adopting vaccination behavior. Conclusion: Adult residents in Shandong Province have a basic understanding and supportive attitude towards vaccination, but the vaccination behavior rate is still relatively low, with significant differences in sex, age, education level, and income level. It is necessary to further increase efforts in the breadth and depth of adult vaccination promotion and education, as well as promotion strategies targeting different populations.
Adult ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Influenza, Human ; Papillomavirus Infections ; Rabies Vaccines ; Influenza Vaccines ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; Hepatitis B ; Herpes Zoster

Seasonal influenza leads to a significant disease burden, and older people infected with influenza are susceptible to various complications. Influenza immunization can prevent infection effectively and significantly reduce the risk of complications and severe cases. Creating a supportive environment for vaccination is crucial in advancing the influenza vaccination rate among the elderly population. In China, the present environment for supporting influenza vaccinations among the elderly is primarily comprised of policies for free vaccination and expense reimbursement, which exhibit noteworthy regional variations across cities and regions. This study systematically analyses the supportive environment and regional disparities associated with influenza vaccination among the elderly in China. It aims to comprehend the opportunities for influenza prevention and control resulting from the current background of influenza vaccination and to identify potential health inequality challenges caused by regional differences. The findings should inform the introduction of relevant national policies and programs to protect the health and well-being of the elderly population.
Humans ; Aged ; Health Status Disparities ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; China ; Cities ; Vaccination

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease that is caused by the influenza virus, which seriously affects human health. The influenza virus has frequent antigenic drifts that can facilitate escape from pre-existing population immunity and lead to the rapid spread and annual seasonal epidemics. Influenza outbreaks occur in crowded settings, such as schools, kindergartens, and nursing homes. Seasonal influenza epidemics can cause 3-5 million severe cases and 290 000-650 000 respiratory disease-related deaths worldwide every year. Pregnant women, infants, adults 60 years and older, and individuals with comorbidities or underlying medical conditions are at the highest risk of severe illness and death from influenza. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some provinces in southern China had a summer peak of influenza. 2019-nCoV may co-circulate with influenza and other respiratory viruses in the upcoming winter-spring influenza season. Annual influenza vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza, reduce influenza-related severe illness and death, and reduce the harm caused by influenza-related diseases and the use of medical resources. The currently approved influenza vaccines in China include trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3), quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV4), and trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV3). IIV3 is produced as a split virus vaccine and subunit vaccine; IIV4 is produced as a split virus vaccine; and LAIV3 is a live, attenuated virus vaccine. Except for some jurisdictions in China, the influenza vaccine is a non-immunization program vaccine-voluntarily and self-paid. China CDC has issued "Technical Guidelines for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in China" every year from 2018 to 2021. Over the past year, new research evidence has been published at home and abroad. To better guide the prevention and control of influenza and vaccination in China, the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NIAC) Influenza Vaccination Technical Working Group updated and revised the 2021-2022 Technical Guidelines with the latest research progress into the "Technical Guidelines for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in China (2022-2023)." The new version has updated five key areas: (1) new research evidence－especially research conducted in China－has been added, including new estimates of the burden of influenza disease, assessments of influenza vaccine effectiveness and safety, and analyses of the cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination; (2) policies and measures for influenza prevention and control that were issued by the government over the past year; (3) influenza vaccines approved for marketing in China this year; (4) composition of trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccines for the 2022-2023 northern hemisphere influenza season; and (5) recommendations for influenza vaccination during the 2022-2023 influenza season. The 2022-2023 Guidelines recommend that vaccination clinics provide influenza vaccination services to all people aged 6 months and above who are willing to be vaccinated and have no contraindications to the influenza vaccine. For adults ≥18 years, co-administration of COVID-19 and inactivated influenza vaccines in separate arms is acceptable regarding immunogenicity and reactogenicity. For people under 18 years old, there should be at least 14 days between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination. The Guidelines express no preference for influenza vaccine type or manufacturer－any approved, age-appropriate influenza vaccines can be used. To minimize harm from influenza and limit the impact on the effort to prevent and control COVID-19 in China, the Technical Guidelines recommend priority vaccination of the following high-risk groups during the upcoming 2022-2023 influenza season: (1) healthcare workers, including clinical doctors and nurses, public health professionals, and quarantine professionals; (2) volunteers and staff who provide services and support for large events; (3) people living in nursing homes or welfare homes and staff who take care of vulnerable, at-risk individuals; (4) people who work in high population density settings, including teachers and students in kindergartens and primary and secondary schools, and prisoners and prison staff; and (5) people at high risk of influenza, including adults ≥60 years of age, children 6-59 months of age, individuals with comorbidities or underlying medical conditions, family members and caregivers of infants under 6 months of age, and pregnant women. Children 6 months to 8 years of age who receive inactivated influenza vaccine for the first time should receive two doses, with an inter-dose interval of 4 or more weeks. Children who previously received the influenza vaccine and anyone 9 years or older need only one dose. LAIV is recommended only for a single dose regardless of the previous influenza vaccination. Vaccination should begin as soon as influenza vaccines become available, and preferably should be completed before the onset of the local influenza season. Repeated influenza vaccination during a single influenza season is not recommended. Vaccination clinics should provide immunization services throughout the epidemic season. Pregnant women can receive inactivated influenza vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. These guidelines are intended for use by staff of CDCs, healthcare workers, maternity and child care institutions and immunization clinic staff members who work on influenza control and prevention. The guidelines will be updated periodically as new evidence becomes available.
Pregnancy ; Adult ; Infant ; Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Child, Preschool ; Influenza Vaccines ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; Seasons ; COVID-19 ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Pandemics ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, Attenuated ; Vaccines, Combined ; China/epidemiology*