Herpes zoster prevention in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

A working group convened by the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society, the Polish Society of Family Medicine, and the Polish Society of Vaccinology has developed a consensus on supplementary data to the recommendations of the expert group of the Polish Society of Vaccinology, the Polish Society of Family Medicine, the Polish Dermatological Society, the Polish Association for the Study of Pain, and the Polish Neurological Society, and ECTRIMS/EAN of 2023 with regard to the currently available in Poland recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (RZV). It is intended for the prevention of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in individuals aged > 50 and individuals aged ≥ 18 who belong to herpes zoster risk groups. In Poland it is available with 50% reimbursement exclusively for patients aged 65 and older who have an increased risk of developing herpes zoster.

Hospitalizations of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Polish intensive care units or cardiac intensive care units in 2011-2021: population study.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with significant comorbidities, including cardiovascular and respiratory complications, leading to increased hospitalization rates in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICUs). This study examines factors related to ICU/CICU admissions among Polish RA patients from 2011 to 2021.

Objectives: The study aims to analyze trends in ICU/CICU admissions, identify key factors influencing outcomes, and assess the impact of comorbidities on RA patient ICU/CICU mortality in critical care settings.

[The changing epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis: epidemic surveillance and disease prevention challenges].

The increasing number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) reported in recent years in Europe and, more recently, in Poland is a consequence of factors related to climate and environmental change leading to increasing tick populations and human behavior favoring exposure. In Poland, there is considerable regional variation in the incidence of TBE, resulting, among other factors, from underreporting of all cases and limited access to laboratory diagnostics. The consequence is low public awareness of the disease and insufficient use of vaccination as optimal prevention.

Healthcare professionals' perspectives on the challenges in the vaccination of Ukrainian child migrants and war refugees: findings from a qualitative study in Poland.

Objectives: The aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the barriers encountered by Ukrainian war migrants and refugees in accessing vaccinations in Poland and the challenges related to delivering vaccinations observed by healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Material And Methods: The study was based on an analysis of data from 18 in-depth interviews with HCPs working with Ukrainian refugees conducted in Poland in July and August 2023. The authors analyzed the data using the UNICEF Journey to Health and Immunization (JHI) framework in order to identify bottlenecks and possible interventions that could solve existing problems in preventive healthcare for migrants.

Hospitalizations of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Poland: A Nationwide Study Based on over One Million AF Hospitalizations in 2017-2021.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common forms of persistent arrhythmia in adults worldwide. The aim of this study was to present recent data on the epidemiology of patients hospitalized with AF in Poland. This is a retrospective, population-based study conducted using hospital discharge records.