From Google Scholar & other sources: Selected Journal Articles, Newsletters, Dissertations, Theses, Commentary

Procedia in Vaccinology
Volume 8, 2014, Pages 68–76
7th Vaccine & ISV Annual Global Congress
Primary Cervical Cancer Prevention in Morocco: HPV Vaccine Awareness and Acceptability among Parents
M. Mouallifa, H. Bowyerb, S. Festalic, A. Albertd, Y. Filalie, S. Gueninf, P. Delvennef, J. Wallerb,
M. Ennajic
DOI: 10.1016/j.provac.2014.07.012
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a major public health concern in Morocco where it represents the second most common and lethal cancer in women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been licensed in Morocco since 2008 but there is no available data on their acceptability. This study aimed to assess awareness of HPV and the vaccine, and to identify factors associated with acceptability of the vaccine among parents in Morocco. A questionnaire-based survey using face-to-face interviews was conducted in a sample of 852 parents (670 mothers and 182 fathers) with at least one unmarried daughter ≤26 years. The study took place within public and private health centres and clinics in four regions in Morocco between July and August 2012. The main outcome measure was willingness to consider vaccinating a daughter against HPV. Responses revealed very low awareness of HPV infection (5%) and the HPV vaccine (14%). None of the participants had vaccinated their daughters against HPV and only 35% (32% of mothers and 45% of fathers) were willing to consider doing so in the future. Higher education and income, previous awareness of the HPV vaccine and endorsement of the belief that a recommendation from the ministry of health or a doctor to have the vaccine would be encouraging, were associated with mothers’ HPV vaccine acceptance. Non-acceptance among mothers was associated with having more than two daughters, believing the vaccine was expensive and lack of information. The only factor associated with the fathers’ acceptance of the vaccine was the cost. Increasing HPV and HPV vaccine awareness through educational campaigns, along with active recommendation by physicians and a publically funded vaccination programme could increase parental acceptance of the vaccine in Morocco.

Pediatrics
Published online August 18, 2014
doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-4077
Vaccine Message Framing and Parents’ Intent to Immunize Their Infants for MMR
Kristin S. Hendrix, PhDa,b, S. Maria E. Finnell, MD, MSa,b,c, Gregory D. Zimet, PhDa, Lynne A. Sturm, PhDa, Kathleen A. Lane, MSd, and Stephen M. Downs, MD, MSa,b
Author Affiliations
aDepartments of Pediatrics, and
dBiostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana;
bRegenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, Indiana; and
cRyan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Emphasizing societal benefits of vaccines has been linked to increased vaccination intentions in adults. It is unclear if this pattern holds for parents deciding whether to vaccinate their children. The objective was to determine whether emphasizing the benefits of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination directly to the vaccine recipient or to society differentially impacts parents’ vaccine intentions for their infants.
METHODS: In a national online survey, parents (N = 802) of infants CONCLUSION: This study concludes that despite the high level of awareness about tetanus and tetanus immunisation, there is a low coverage rate of tetanus immunisation among women of child bearing age in Ojodu LCDA of Lagos State. Women of child bearing age should also be targeted at the community level in tetanus immunisation campaign programme.

The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
2014, 21(2):107-114
Awareness, perception and coverage of tetanus immunisation in women of child bearing age in an urban district of Lagos, Nigeria.
Sule SS, Nkem-Uchendu C, Onajole AT, Ogunowo BE
National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Km 26 Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Ijanikin, Lagos. Nigeria.
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the level of awareness and perception of women of child bearing age to tetanus immunisation and determines the coverage rate in Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Nigeria.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 288 women of child bearing age selected using multistage sampling technique. Information was obtained using structured close-ended questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Epi-InfoTM software, version 3.5.1.
RESULTS: There was high level of awareness of tetanus immunisation among respondents (89%) and as a method of prevention of tetanus (76%). There was a positive association between the level of awareness and respondents’ educational level and occupation (p < 0.05). However, there is a low level of awareness regarding the number of doses of the vaccine required in pregnancy(14.4%) and for life protection (19.5%). Those who ever received the vaccine, got it post-injury (48.9%) and in pregnancy (45.2%). Age, occupation and parity were positively associated with receiving the vaccine (p < 0.05), while parity and marital status were positively associated with number of dose of vaccine received (p < 0.05). Only about 20% of the respondents had received two or more doses of the vaccine.
CONCLUSION: This study concludes that despite the high level of awareness about tetanus and tetanus immunisation, there is a low coverage rate of tetanus immunisation among women of child bearing age in Ojodu LCDA of Lagos State. Women of child bearing age should also be targeted at the community level in tetanus immunisation campaign programme.

Epidemiology & Infection
2014 Aug 14:1-10. [Epub ahead of print]
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayIssue?jid=HYG&tab=currentissue
Transport networks and inequities in vaccination: remoteness shapes measles vaccine coverage and prospects for elimination across Africa.
Metcalf CJ1, Tatem A2, Bjornstad ON3, Lessler J4, O’Reilly K5, Takahashi S6, Cutts F7, Grenfell BT2.
Abstract
SUMMARY Measles vaccination is estimated to have averted 13•8 million deaths between 2000 and 2012. Persisting heterogeneity in coverage is a major contributor to continued measles mortality, and a barrier to measles elimination and introduction of rubella-containing vaccine. Our objective is to identify determinants of inequities in coverage, and how vaccine delivery must change to achieve elimination goals, which is a focus of the WHO Decade of Vaccines. We combined estimates of travel time to the nearest urban centre (⩾50 000 people) with vaccination data from Demographic Health Surveys to assess how remoteness affects coverage in 26 African countries. Building on a statistical mapping of coverage against age and geographical isolation, we quantified how modifying the rate and age range of vaccine delivery affects national coverage. Our scenario analysis considers increasing the rate of delivery of routine vaccination, increasing the target age range of routine vaccination, and enhanced delivery to remote areas. Geographical isolation plays a key role in defining vaccine inequity, with greater inequity in countries with lower measles vaccine coverage. Eliminating geographical inequities alone will not achieve thresholds for herd immunity, indicating that changes in delivery rate or age range of routine vaccination will be required. Measles vaccine coverage remains far below targets for herd immunity in many countries on the African continent and is likely to be inadequate for achieving rubella elimination. The impact of strategies such as increasing the upper age range eligible for routine vaccination should be considered.

Special Focus Newsletters
RotaFlash [PATH]
August 19, 2014
Headline: Rotavirus vaccines now in Niger and Eritrea
Dual launch in Niger means more children’s lives saved more quickly

Confidence Commentary from Dr Heidi Larson
Distrust and fear fuel two International Public Health Emergencies in 2014
The Vaccine Confidence Project
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine