Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics (formerly Human Vaccines)
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2016
http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/khvi20/current

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Research Papers
How university students view human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: A cross-sectional study in Jinan, China
pages 39-46
DOI:10.1080/21645515.2015.1072667
Huachun Zou, Wei Wang, Yuanyuan Ma, Yongjie Wang, Fanghui Zhao, Shaoming Wang, Shaokai Zhang & Wei Ma
Abstract
The acceptability of HPV vaccination among university students in China is not well understood. Our study was of cross-sectional study design. We collected a questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of, attitude toward and acceptability of HPV vaccination. A total of 351 students were included in data analyses, among whom 47.6% were males and 70.0% aged 19–21. Only 10.3% had previously heard of HPV and 5.4% HPV vaccine. Male and female students were equally likely to accept HPV vaccine (71.8 vs 69.4%, p = 0.634) and recommend it to sexual partners (73.1 vs 76.7%, p = 0.441). The great majority of students could only afford RMB 300 (USD 50) or less for HPV vaccination. HPV vaccination acceptance was associated with being in year-one (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–6.75), being from a key university (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.07–3.31), having heard of HPV-related morbidities (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.05–3.35), being concerned about HPV-related morbidities (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.16–4.27) and believing the vaccine should be given before first sexual contact (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.38–4.29). Female students were more likely to anticipate a late uptake of HPV vaccination (p = 0.002). The relatively lower levels of HPV knowledge but higher levels of vaccine acceptance among undergraduates highlighted the need for education on the roles of sexual behaviors in HPV transmission.

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Short Report
Parent HPV vaccine perspectives and the likelihood of HPV vaccination of adolescent males
pages 47-51
DOI:10.1080/21645515.2015.1073426
Sarah J Clark, Anne E Cowan, Stephanie L Filipp, Allison M Fisher & Shannon Stokley
Abstract
In 2013, approximately one-third of US adolescent males age 13–17 y had received ≥1 doses of HPV vaccines and only 14% had received ≥3 doses. This study used a nationally representative, online survey to explore experiences and attitudes related to HPV vaccination among parents with adolescent sons. Analyses compared the perspective of parents who do not intend to initiate HPV vaccine for ≥1 adolescent son to that of parents who are likely to initiate or continue HPV vaccination. Of 809 parents of sons age 11–17 years, half were classified as Unlikely to Initiate HPV vaccination and 39% as Likely to Vaccinate. A higher proportion of the Likely to Vaccinate group felt their son’s doctor was knowledgeable about HPV vaccine, did a good job explaining its purpose, and spent more time discussing HPV vaccine; in contrast, over half of the Unlikely to Initiate group had never discussed HPV vaccine with their child’s doctor. The majority of parents in both groups showed favorable attitudes to adolescent vaccination in general, with lower levels of support for HPV vaccine-specific statements. Physician-parent communication around HPV vaccine for adolescent males should build on positive attitude toward vaccines in general, while addressing parents’ HPV vaccine-specific concerns.

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Perspectives on benefit-risk decision-making in vaccinology: Conference report
pages 176-181
DOI:10.1080/21645515.2015.1075679
M Greenberg, F Simondon & M Saadatian-Elahi on behalf of the Benefit/risk conference steering committee
Abstract
Benefit/risk (B/R) assessment methods are increasingly being used by regulators and companies as an important decision-making tool and their outputs as the basis of communication. B/R appraisal of vaccines, as compared with drugs, is different due to their attributes and their use. For example, vaccines are typically given to healthy people, and, for some vaccines, benefits exist both at the population and individual level. For vaccines in particular, factors such as the benefit afforded through herd effects as a function of vaccine coverage and consequently impact the B/R ratio, should also be taken into consideration and parameterized in B/R assessment models. Currently, there is no single agreed methodology for vaccine B/R assessment that can fully capture all these aspects. The conference “Perspectives on Benefit-Risk Decision-making in Vaccinology,” held in Annecy (France), addressed these issues and provided recommendations on how to advance the science and practice of B/R assessment of vaccines and vaccination programs.

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Commentary
HIV vaccine: Can it be developed in the 21st century?
pages 222-224
DOI:10.1080/21645515.2015.1064571
Ramesh Verma, Pardeep Khanna, Suraj Chawla & Mukesh Dhankar
Abstract
HIV infection is a major public health problem especially in the developing countries. Once a person infects with HIV, it remained infected for lifelong. The advanced stage developed after 10–15 y of HIV infection that stage is called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). From 1990 to 2000 the number of people living with HIV rose from 8 million to 27 million; since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, AIDS has claimed almost 39million lives so far. Till now, there is no cure for HIV infection; however, after the introduction of effective treatment with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs the HIV individual can enjoy healthy and productive lives. Vaccine is safe and cost-effective to prevent illness, impairment, disability and death. Like other vaccines, a preventive HIV vaccine could help save millions of lives. All vaccines work the same way i.e. the antigen stimulate the immune system and develop antibodies. The ultimate goal is to develop a safe and effective vaccine that protects people worldwide from getting infected with HIV. However, some school of thought that vaccine may protects only some HIV people, it could have a major impact on the rates of transmission of HIV and this will help in control of epidemic, especially in populations where high rate of HIV transmission. In the past, some scientist doubted on the development of an effective polio vaccine, but now we are near to eradicate the polio from the world this is possible because of successful vaccination programmes. HIV vaccine research is aided by the not-for-profit International AIDS/HIV vaccine Initiative (IAVI), which helps to support and coordinate vaccine research, development, policy and advocacy around the world. Although the challenges for scientist are intimidating but scientists remain hopeful that they can develop safe and effective HIV vaccines for patients in future.

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Obtaining consent for the immunization of adults
pages 231-234
DOI:10.1080/21645515.2015.1091132
Richard Griffith
Abstract
Effective immunization in adults is a desired health outcome, however it is not mandatory. Immunization of adults must be undertaken in accordance with a patient’s real and informed consent. This paper discusses requirements for the lawful administration of an immunization to both capable and incapable adults.

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Commentary
Ensuring excellence in immunization services
pages 252-254
DOI:10.1080/21645515.2015.1093262
Pauline MacDonald
Abstract
In order to increase uptake of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, a domiciliary immunization service was established in Dudley primary care trust in England in 2010. Parents of unimmunized children were offered vaccines at home. Uptake of MMR vaccine among 2 year olds rose from 89% in 2007/08 to 96.9% in 2015. Children were also given any other outstanding immunizations. The domiciliary immunization service reached vulnerable unimmunized children who may otherwise have remained unprotected against life threatening childhood illnesses. Domiciliary immunization service was set up in 2010 to reduce inequalities in uptake of MMR vaccine among children aged between 2 and 5 years.