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Date of publication: 30th November 2011

Publication Type: Observation

In a nutshell: Health campaigning, like much of public health, can be a slow, repetitive business. The media will break a big story once and then tend to lose interest unless a fresh scandal surfaces. But to change culture, opinion, or behaviour the same message may have to be drip fed over many years. And if the story doesn’t lend itself to a cute front page photo the chance of success is remote. Genital warts will never make the headlines in the Daily Mail or indeed any other newspaper—which makes the government’s decision to switch to a multipurpose vaccine against human papillomavirus all the more remarkable.

Length of publication: 1-page observation

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Date of publication:8th January 2012

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study corroborated some previous qualitative work but indicated that the shrinking group of parents now rejecting MMR comprises those with more extreme and complex anti-immunisation views, whilst parents opting for single vaccines may use second-hand information about the controversy. In reponse policy makers and practitioners should revise their expectations of today’s MMR decision-makers, and their methods for supporting them.

Length of publication: Unknown

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Date of publication: 28th November 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This paper uses a dynamic model to predict the effect of a mass vaccination program in England and Wales beginning in the fall of 2011. We report the impact of vaccination, in both short-and long-term, on disease incidence reducation, timing of seasonal epidemics and the level of herd protection. Our results predict that vaccination can reduce the burden of severe RVGE by 70% and delay the rotavirus epidemic peak by two and a half months with a coverage of 95%.

Length of publication: 13-page article

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Date of publication: 25th November 2011

Publication Type: News Item

In a nutshell: From next September girls in the United Kingdom being vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) will receive Gardasil, the vaccine that protects against genital warts as well as cervical cancer.
Length of publication: 1-page news bulletin

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Date of publication: 11th October 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: To assess the feasibility and acceptance of a postal survey to measure human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and monitor vaccine impact, using self-taken specimens from young women who do not attend their first cervical screening appointment. Some women were willing to participate in anonymised postal testing. However, the low uptake means that HPV prevalence results are difficult to interpret for ongoing surveillance. Monitoring HPV vaccine impact outwith the cervical screening programme remains challenging.

Length of publication: 5-page article

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Date of publication: 29th November 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study sought to estimate uptake rates of pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines among clinical risk groups in the UK during the 2009/2010 influenza season and to identify predictors of vaccine uptake in this cohort. Recommending universal vaccination within age categories in which there is a large proportion of high risk individuals could be considered as this may result in higher uptake among clinical risk groups.

Length of publication: Unknown

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Date of publication: 13th December 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Influenza causes a significant burden of disease each year in England and Wales, with the young and the elderly suffering the greatest burden. Children are recognised as paying an important role in the dissemination of the influenza virus. This study examines the population impact of implementing a programme of paediatric vaccinaiton.

Length of publication: Unknown

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Date of publication: December 2011

Publication Type: News Item

In a nutshell: Flu jabs can be made more effective by changing the time of day they are given – mornings for men and afternoons for women are best – scientists believe.

Length of publication: 1 page news-item

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer. The current UK government immunisation program includes free routine HPV vaccination of girls aged 12–13, with a catch-up vaccination program for 13–18-year-old girls. The aim of this study was to identify correlates of intended and actual uptake of catch-up HPV vaccination. Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 591 young women aged 16–20. Results: Of the 350 women who had been offered catch-up HPV vaccination, 90.6% had accepted. In multivariate analyses, vaccine uptake was significantly correlated with subjective norms more supportive of HPV vaccination, and greater uptake of other childhood vaccinations (χ²₍₃₎ = 39.34, P < 0.01; 91.1% correctly classified; Nagelkerke pseudo-r² = 0.23). Among the 241 women aged 16–20 who had not been offered HPV vaccination, the average intention was 3.70 on a five-point scale. Multivariate analyses revealed four significant independent predictors of stronger intentions to accept vaccination: subjective norms more supportive of HPV vaccination, greater worry about sexually transmissible infections, greater support for young people’s sexual health services and greater support for childhood vaccination (F_(4,236) = 18.67, P < 0.01; adjusted r² = 0.23). Young women rated television advertisements, educational programs and television soaps as the most effective ways to encourage uptake of HPV vaccination. Conclusions: Uptake of HPV vaccination may be increased if interventions use appropriate media to promote social norms supportive of HPV vaccination.

Length of publication: 8-page article

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Professor Alan Glasper discusses this year’s seasonal influenza advice from the Department of Health in preparation for winter, and the increasing importance of influenza vaccination by nurses, for nurses.

Length of publication: 2-page article

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: Letter

In a nutshell: In 2008, the UK human papillomavirus vaccination programme was introduced to vaccinate all 12–13-year-old girls, with a 2-year catch up for those aged up to 18 years. Delivery has been principally through schools and general practitioners, although concern remains that all groups are not being reached and the full three doses may not be received by all. Many young sexually active females attend genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics; therefore, this may be a potential location for vaccine delivery.

Length of publication: 1-page letter

Date of publication: November 2011

Publication Type: News

In a nutshell: A recommendation that all boys in the United States receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (BMJ 2011;343:d7068, doi:10.1136/bmj.d7068) has been challenged by two medical organisations that raise questions about the financial interests of guideline writers, politicians, and organisations promoting the vaccine.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: News Analysis

In a nutshell: Nurses have been told that they could be putting patients’ lives in danger by refusing to take up the seasonal influenza vaccine available freely to NHS healthcare staff. According to figures from the Department of Health (DoH), fewer than a third of all nurses had the vaccine last year, with only 30% of hospital nurses and 43% of practice nurses taking up the jab.

Length of publication: 3-page news analysis

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: The Government published its Seasonal Flu Plan for winter earlier this year and renewed attention is being given to immunizing people at risk, alongside health professionals.

Length of publication: 2-page article

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: News-Item

In a nutshell: All boys in the United States should receive the quadrivalent vaccine to protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can cause cancer, a US committee has recommended.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Cases of measles still do occur in the UK. It is important to be able to recognize and offer adequate advice should a case occur. Young parents should be encouraged to ensure that their children receive full cover from the MMR vaccine at the appropriate times. School nurses may have the opportunity to catch up on those who have missed out, discuss the reasons with parents and, where possible, immunize them.

Length of publication: 4-page article

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication Type: News-Item

In a nutshell: Large outbreaks of measles across the continent have spread to Britain, new figures indicate, with more than twice as many cases so far this year as occurred in the whole of 2010.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination offers a unique opportunity for the primary prevention of cervical cancer. Studies suggest that knowledge and attitudes about the vaccine are likely to influence uptake. One limitation of most studies assessing HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes and acceptability is their under representation of ethnic minorities. It is important to ensure that our understanding of HPV knowledge and attitudes include all ethnic groups in the UK. This article reviews research that has considered knowledge, acceptability and attitudes about HPV and the HPV vaccine among ethnic minorities in the UK. CONCLUSION: Findings seem to suggest lower awareness of HPV and lower acceptability of the vaccination, which could be important if they are reflected in uptake. More research is needed with ethnic minority groups, particularly in the context of the vaccination programme.

Length of publication: 7-page article

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: News-Item

In a nutshell: Doctors are urging ministers to mount a sustained attack on the UK’s most common sexually-transmitted infection by immunising 12- and 13-year-old schoolgirls against genital warts.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication Type: News-Item

In a nutshell: The UK government may have chosen the least cost-effective vaccine to immunise teenage girls against viruses that cause cervical cancer, a data study suggests.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication Type: News-Item

In a nutshell: The government is eschewing a major public information campaign and is instead urging doctors, other health professionals, and charities in England to encourage people in high risk groups to be vaccinated against influenza.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication Type: Quality Improvement Report

In a nutshell: As measles is a highly infectious disease, the United Kingdom recommendation is for at least 95% of children to receive a first vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine before age 2 years and a booster before age 5 years to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks. Reported vaccination rates for England have improved since a low level in 2003-4. Coverage for London is consistently lower than for England, however, and concerns have been expressed that there could be an epidemic of measles in the capital.

Length of publication: 6-page report

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Purpose – The aim of this small-scale focus group study is to explore the impact the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has on attitudes towards HPV, cervical cancer and sexual risk taking amongst university students in the UK.  Findings – Participants saw HPV as being distinct from genital warts. This led to a duality in their view of the vaccine. They accepted it as a cancer vaccine for school girls but viewed it as an STI vaccine in relation to themselves. They believed this would cause sexual complacency. There was a fear that the HPV vaccine would reinforce gender bias as females are seen as being responsible for sexual health…

Length of publication: 37-page article.

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Objectives: The UK Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme was introduced in 2008 for girls aged 12-13. The vaccine offers protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which together cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Vaccinated girls will receive future invitations to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, to prevent cancers associated with HPV types not included in the vaccine, and in case of prior infection with HPV 16 or 18. Little is known about parents’ and girls’ understandings of the protection offered by the vaccine, or the need for future screening. Conclusions: Sufficient awareness of the issues related to screening is necessary for informed decision-making about whether or not to accept the HPV vaccine. Clearer information is needed concerning the incomplete protection offered by the vaccine, and that cervical screening will still be required. Future invitations for cervical screening should stress the necessity to attend regardless of HPV vaccination status, to ensure that high levels of prevention of cervical cancer through screening are maintained.

Length of publication: 5-page article

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication Type: Systematic Review

In a nutshell: Background: In June 2009 a global influenza pandemic was declared by the World Health Organisation. A vaccination programme against H1N1 influenza was introduced in many countries from September 2009, but there was low uptake in both the general population and health professionals in many, though not all, countries. Purpose:To examine the psychological and demographic factors associated with uptake of vaccination during the 2009 pandemic. Discussion: Interventions designed to increase vaccination rates could be developed and implemented in advance of a pandemic. Strategies to improve uptake of vaccination include interventions which highlight the risk posed by pandemic influenza while simultaneously offering tactics to ameliorate this risk (e.g. vaccination)… In addition, interventions to increase seasonal influenza vaccination in advance of a future pandemic may be an effective strategy.

Length of publication: 12-page article

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Objectives: To estimate the total number of cases of, and cost of care for, genital warts (GWs) in England, to inform economic evaluations of human papillomavirus vaccination. Conclusions: This study provides a fairly comprehensive measure of GW frequency and care in England. GWs exert a considerable impact on health services, a large proportion of which could be prevented through immunisation using the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine.

Length of publication: Unknown

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication Type: Comment

In a nutshell: Refusal of parents to vaccinate their children is an example of the conflict between the best interests of children and the autonomy and interests of parents. It raises the issue of the extent to which state authority can interfere in private family life to protect children. This conflict can be approached from different ethical perspectives and theories. However, the basic underlying principle is that children’s interests need to be protected. Historically, children were viewed as the property of their parents, but they are now recognised as vulnerable and dependent individuals who are in need of protection through instruments such as children’s rights.

Length of publication: 4-pages

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Background: In the United Kingdom (UK) in September 2008, school nurses began delivering the HPV immunisation programme for girls aged 12 and 13 years old. This study offers insights from school nurses’ perspectives and experiences of delivering this new vaccination programme. Conclusion: Overall the first year of the implementation of the HPV vaccination programme in the UK has exceeded school nurses’ expectations and some of its success may be attributed to the school nurses’ commitment to the programme.

Length of publication: 31-page article

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Date of publication: Augsut 2011

Publication Type: 10-Minute Consultation

In a nutshell: A mother presents with her 12 month old son requesting testing for an egg allergy before the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination; his older sister has a severe egg allergy. What should you do?

Length of publication: 2-page article

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Immunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recommended for all sentenced prisoners and all new entrants to prison in the UK. In November 2008, acute hepatitis B was confirmed serologically in a 27-year-old man (Case 1) who had been incarcerated since February 2007. The cell mate of Case 1, a 26-year-old man was an established HBV carrier. A home-made tattoo gun was confiscated from their prison cell. In the absence of other clearly identifiable risk behaviours, tattooing was deemed to be a possible route of HBV transmission. Transmission of hepatitis B in a prison setting is a real concern and this report highlights the importance of immunizing prisoners against hepatitis B and should encourage health professionals to communicate the benefits of immunization to inmates to increase vaccine uptake.

Length of publication: 4-page article

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Tracey Lamming and Gail Beckett review the implementation of the HPV immunization programme to date and discuss some key aspects.

Length of publication: 6-page article

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Date of publication: July 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Objective: This study aimed to explore attitudes to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and reasons for accepting or declining the vaccine in the British Jewish community. Results: HPV and cervical cancer knowledge varied, with poor knowledge attributed to lack of contact with the disease. Although mothers thought HPV vaccination was a good idea in general, many did not perceive it as necessary for their daughter, citing Jewish religious laws governing family purity and abstinence until marriage as reasons for daughter’s low susceptibility. Conclusion: Attitudes to HPV vaccine in religious communities may lead to reduced vaccine coverage. The development of community-specific information about the importance of the vaccine may help address concerns.

Length of publication: Unknown

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Date of publication: July 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: BACKGROUND: Immunisation of infants is effective and benefits the health of the children immunised as well as the community where uptake is high. Any social inequality in uptake will worsen any social inequalities that already exist. AIM: To investigate the demographic characteristics of families attending for swine flu vaccination… RESULTS: No evidence was found of any significant associations between potential risk factors and the outcome. CONCLUSION: This suggests that social inequality did not affect vaccination uptake in this sample.

Length of publication: 5-page article

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication Type: News-Item

In a nutshell: Cases of measles in the first five months of this year have surpassed the number for the whole of 2010, according to new data. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 496 cases of measles in England and Wales up to the end of May, compared with 374 for the whole of 2010. Dr Ramsay warned: “Anyone who missed out on MMR as a child will continue to be at risk of measles, which explains why we are seeing these new cases in a broad age range.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication Type: News-Item

In a nutshell: Thousands of lives could be saved a year if all young children were vaccinated annually against flu, say Oxford University academics. Doing so would not only protect against the most vulnerable children, but also save the lives of many more elderly people who would avoid being infected.

Length of publication: 1-page news-item

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Date of publication: July 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Although the introduction of universal pertussis immunisation in infants has greatly reduced the number of reported cases in infants and young children, disease incidence has been increasing in adolescents and adults in recent years. This changing epidemiological pattern is probably largely attributable to waning immunity after natural infection or vaccination. Furthermore, improved diagnostic testing, active surveillance, changes in disease susceptibility, vaccine characteristics, and increased awareness of the disease might also be contributing factors. Susceptibility to pertussis in adolescents and adults results not only in direct morbidity in these age groups, but also poses a transmission risk to susceptible non-immune infants who are often too young to be vaccinated. Because vaccination schedules vary across Europe, we review the pertussis situation in this region and propose considerations for use of pertussis booster vaccinations at different ages to reduce individual morbidity and transmission from present rates and increase herd protection.

Length of publication: 13-page article

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: BACKGROUND: In the UK public concern about the safety of the combined measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine continues to impact on MMR coverage. Whilst the sharp decline in uptake has begun to level out, first and second dose uptake rates remain short of that required for population immunity. Furthermore, international research consistently shows that some parents lack confidence in making a decision about MMR vaccination for their children. Together, this work suggests that effective interventions are required to support parents to make informed decisions about MMR. This trial assessed the impact of a parent-centred, multi-component intervention (balanced information, group discussion, coaching exercise) on informed parental decision-making for MMR… CONCLUSIONS: Whilst both the leaflet and the parent meeting reduced parents’ decisional conflict, the parent meeting appeared to enable parents to act upon their decision leading to vaccination uptake.

Length of publication: 36-page article

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Date of publication: July 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Helen Bedford considers the reasons for a rise in the incidence of measles this year and discusses what practice nurses can do to help stamp out a disease that can have serious consequences for public health.

Length of publication: 4-page article

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Date of publication: July 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: BACKGROUND: Influenza immunisation is recommended for all people aged ≥65 years and younger people with particular chronic diseases. The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) has provided new financial incentives for influenza immunisation since 2004. AIM: To determine the impact of the 2004 UK General Medical Services contract on the overall uptake of, and socioeconomic inequalities associated with, influenza immunisation… CONCLUSION: Overall uptake rose significantly and differences between practices narrowed considerably. However, socioeconomic and age inequalities in influenza immunisation persisted in the first 3 years of the QOF. This contrasts with other ecological analyses, which have concluded that the QOF has reduced inequalities. The impact of financial incentives on inequalities is likely to vary, and some kinds of care may require more targeted improvement activity and support.

Length of publication: 7-page article

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Date of publication: July 2011

Publication Type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: BACKGROUND: Uptake rates of influenza vaccination in young at-risk groups in primary care (UK) are known to be poor. AIM: To explore parental reasons for non-uptake of influenza vaccination in young at-risk groups. The study hypothesis was that exploration of parental reasons for non-uptake may reveal important barriers to an effective influenza vaccination programme…. RESULTS: Several key themes emerged, including uncertainty about the indication for vaccination, issues of choice, challenges with access, lack of parental priority, and issues relating to health beliefs. CONCLUSION: Any attempt to improve the vaccination rate needs to address the range of decision-making processes undertaken by parents and children. Better and more tailored information and educational delivery to parents, patients, and healthcare providers may lead to an increase in the rates of influenza vaccination uptake in at-risk children. Access is a barrier described by some parents.

Length of publication: 6-page article