Vaccine
Volume 32, Issue 52, Pages 7033-7184 (12 December 2014)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0264410X/32/52

Meeting Report
Considerations around the introduction of a cholera vaccine in Bangladesh
Pages 7033-7036
Christopher B. Nelson, Vittal Mogasale, Tajul Islam A. Bari, John D. Clemens
Abstract
Cholera is an endemic and epidemic disease in Bangladesh. On 3 March 2013, a meeting on cholera and cholera vaccination in Bangladesh was convened by the Foundation Mérieux jointly with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the investment case for cholera vaccination as a complimentary control and prevention strategy. The performance of a new low cost oral cholera vaccine, Shanchol™, used in recent trials in Bangladesh, was also reviewed in the context of a potential large-scale public-sector vaccination program. Findings showed the oral vaccine to be highly cost-effective when targeting ages 1–14y, and cost-effective when targeting ages 1+y, in high-burden/high-risk districts. Other vaccination strategies targeting urban slums and rural areas without improved water were found to be cost-effective. Regardless of cost-effectiveness (value), the budget impact (affordability) will be an important determinant of which target population and vaccination strategy is selected. Most importantly, adequate vaccine supply for the proposed vaccination programs must be addressed in the context of global efforts to establish a cholera vaccine stockpile and supply other control and prevention efforts.

Commentaries
Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine: Demand, supply and vaccine availability
Pages 7037-7039
Bruce G. Gellin, William K. Ampofo
[No abstract]

Increasing engagement of clinicians in adult immunizations: Reflections on a decade and a half of research
Pages 7040-7042
Richard K. Zimmerman
[No abstract]

Brief Report
Monitoring coverage of fully immunized children
Pages 7047-7049
Asnakew Tsega, Fussum Daniel, Robert Steinglass
Abstract
Immunization programs monitor 3rd dose of DPT-containing vaccine coverage as a principal indicator; however, this does not inform about coverage with other vaccines. A mini-survey was conducted to assess the status of monitoring coverage of fully immunized children (FIC) in Eastern and Southern African countries. We designed and distributed a structured self-administered questionnaire to all 19 national program managers attending a meeting in March 2014 in Harare, Zimbabwe. We learned that most countries already monitor FIC coverage and managers appreciate the importance of monitoring this as a national indicator, as it aligns with the full benefits of immunization. This mini-survey concluded that at national level, FIC coverage could be used as a principal indicator; however, at global level DPT3 has some additional advantages across all countries in standardizing the capacity of the immunization program to deliver multiple doses of the same vaccine to all children by 12 months of age.

Safety of immunization during pregnancy: A review of the evidence of selected inactivated and live attenuated vaccines
Review Article
Pages 7057-7064
Brigitte Keller-Stanislawski, Janet A. Englund, Gagandeep Kang, Punam Mangtani, Kathleen Neuzil, Hanna Nohynek, Robert Pless, Philipp Lambach, Patrick Zuber
Abstract
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are responsible for significant maternal, neonatal, and young infant morbidity and mortality. While there is emerging scientific evidence, as well as theoretical considerations, indicating that certain vaccines are safe for pregnant women and fetuses, policy formulation is challenging because of perceived potential risks to the fetus.
This report presents an overview of available evidence on pregnant women vaccination safety monitoring in pregnant women, from both published literature and ongoing surveillance programs. Safety data were reviewed for vaccines against diseases which increase morbidity in pregnant women, their fetus or infant as well as vaccines which are used in mass vaccination campaigns against diseases. They include inactivated seasonal and pandemic influenza, mono- and combined meningococcal polysaccharide and conjugated vaccines, tetanus toxoid and acellular pertussis combination vaccines, as well as monovalent or combined rubella, oral poliomyelitis virus and yellow fever vaccines. No evidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes has been identified from immunization of pregnant women with these vaccines.