Outbreak of invasive meningococcal B infections in the Beaujolais region (Rhône), 2016: Vaccination efforts and results
Introduction: The outbreak of invasive meningococcal B infections in a limited area of the Rhône department led the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS) to organize, from April to June 2016, an exceptional vaccination campaign targeting individuals aged 2 months to 24 years who reside, are cared for, attend school, or work in this area. Campaign planning: Given limited access to the vaccine, a phased vaccination approach was implemented, ranging from existing vaccination services to the deployment of dedicated vaccination centers, including school-based vaccination. Free vaccination and enhanced pharmacovigilance were ensured. Vaccination coverage (VC) was monitored to adjust the program over time. Results: Of the 4,438 people eligible for vaccination residing in the area, 2,038 received one dose of the Bexsero® vaccine, 1,716 received two doses, and 7 children received three doses. The estimated overall VC was 47% for one dose and 40% for two doses. It varied by age group and municipality of residence. The two-dose vaccination coverage was 63% for 3- to 11-year-olds, 36% for 12- to 15-year-olds, 30% for 0- to 3-year-olds, and 8% for 16- to 24-year-olds. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of doses were administered in schools and 15% by private practitioners. With 152 reports of adverse events (AEs) submitted to the Regional Pharmacovigilance Center (CRPV) out of a total of 4,069 doses administered, the reporting rate per 100 doses administered was 3.7%. In total, 309 AEs were reported, with a vaccine safety profile that was generally consistent with the data in the summary of product characteristics. Discussion: The highest vaccination coverage rates were achieved in school settings. In addition to facilitating access to information and vaccination for families, sessions were offered quickly following the alert. The lowest vaccination coverage rates among 0–3-year-olds and 16–24-year-olds raise questions, given the high incidence of the disease in these age groups. Healthcare professionals’ lack of familiarity with the vaccine, the lack of knowledge regarding the duration of protection, the vaccine’s initial unavailability in pharmacies, and perhaps a certain level of public mistrust toward vaccinations all contributed in part to these results.
Author(s): Dejour Salamanca Dominique, Tararbit Karim, Prévosto Françoise, Imler-Weber Françoise, Lagrange Céline, Michelland Françoise, Paquet Nathalie, Ranc Claudine, Ronnaux-Baron Anne-Sophie, Cottin Judith, Gouraud Aurore, Spaccaferri Guillaume, Thabuis Alexandra, Ronin Vincent
Publishing year: 2018
Pages: 620-627
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2018, n° 30-31, p. 620-627
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