The purpose of this study was to better understand barriers and enabling conditions for HPV vaccination in school-based vaccination programs in Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone or in person with parents, nurses, and school staff (n = 50) in three Canadian provinces. Interviews explored views on HPV and HPV vaccination, strengths and weaknesses of the school-based HPV vaccination programs and proposed interventions to increase uptake.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Successful clinical conversations about vaccination in pregnancy (pertussis, COVID-19, and influenza) are key to improving low uptake rates of both vaccination in pregnancy and infancy. The purpose of this study was to understand Canadian perinatal care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices around vaccination in pregnancy.
Methods: Qualitative interviews with 49 perinatal care providers (nurse practitioner, general practitioner, registered nurse, registered midwife, obstetrician-gynecologist, and family physicians) in 6 of 13 provinces and territories were deductively coded using directed content analysis [1] and analyzed according to key themes.
Despite the availability of school-based immunization programs (SBIPs) in Canada, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains suboptimal. Vaccine education may improve vaccine uptake among adolescents. The objective of this qualitative study was to identify opportunities for HPV vaccine education in British Columbia, Canada, by exploring the perspectives of students, parents, school staff, and public health nurses on the current SBIP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Live attenuated varicella vaccine (LAVV) has historically been contraindicated in children who are immunocompromised due to solid organ transplant (SOT) because of safety concerns. Recently, clinical guidelines were developed that support post-transplant varicella vaccination in selected SOT recipients based on emerging evidence of LAVV safety. This qualitative study sought to explore barriers and facilitators to implementing the new guidelines, as well as acceptability of LAVV among healthcare providers (HCPs) and parents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Teachers are an important occupational group to consider when addressing vaccine confidence and uptake for school-aged children due to their proximate role within school-based immunization programs. The objectives of this study were to characterize and identify sociodemographic factors associated with vaccine confidence and describe teachers' knowledge of and perceived role in the school-based immunization program, with the aim of informing public health policy and identifying opportunities for supporting teachers in their role in school-based immunization programs.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of elementary and secondary public-school teachers in British Columbia was completed from August to November 2020.
J Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can
March 2023
Background: Candidemia represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. We examined the epidemiology and associated risk factors of candidemia at a Canadian tertiary care paediatric hospital over an 11-year period.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on children with positive blood culture for species between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018.
PLOS Glob Public Health
September 2022
Adolescence presents a key opportunity to build vaccine-related health literacy and promote vaccine confidence and uptake. Although adolescents are central to vaccination programs, their views around vaccines are frequently underrepresented in qualitative literature. We reviewed qualitative studies to systematically identify and summarize existing evidence on adolescents' own understanding of vaccines and experiences with vaccine decision-making, including self-consent when applicable.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can
June 2022
Background: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are an uncommon but serious cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections. NTM peritonitis typically necessitates PD catheter removal, PD withdrawal, and aggressive, prolonged antimicrobial treatment. Few reported cases of NTM peritonitis in the pediatric population exist.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUptake of vaccination during pregnancy in Canada is lower than comparator countries. A recommendation from a trusted perinatal healthcare provider is a key opportunity to promote vaccine uptake and improve confidence. This study aims to identify barriers and opportunities to vaccination in midwifery care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: To control the COVID-19 pandemic high vaccine acceptability and uptake will be needed. Teachers represent a priority population to minimize social disruption and ensure continuity in education, which is vital for the well-being and healthy development of youth during the pandemic. The objective of this analysis was to measure public school teachers' intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in British Columbia (BC), Canada.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBacterial meningitis is a devastating infection, with a case fatality rate of up to 30% and 50% of survivors developing neurological complications. These include short-term complications such as focal neurological deficit and subdural effusion, and long-term complications such as hearing loss, seizures, cognitive impairment and hydrocephalus. Complications develop due to bacterial toxin release and the host immune response, which lead to neuronal damage.
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