Estimating population immunity to poliovirus in Lebanon: Results from a seroprevalence survey, 2016.

Introduction: Circulation of poliovirus in neighboring countries and mass population movement places Lebanon at risk of polio and other vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. Determining population immunity levels is essential for guiding program planning and implementation of targeted supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) in governorates and subpopulations with low seroprevalence.

Methods: A cross-sectional multi-stage cluster survey was conducted during February-December 2016 in all six governorates of Lebanon adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Expanded Progamme on Immunization (EPI) methodology.

Factors affecting age-appropriate timeliness of vaccination coverage among children in Lebanon.

The effect of immunization does not only depend on its completeness, but also on its timely administration. Routine childhood vaccinations schedules recommend that children receive the vaccine doses at specific ages. This article attempts to assess timeliness of routine vaccination coverage among a sub-sample of children from a survey conducted in 2016.

A unique alpha dosimetry technique using Gafchromic EBT3(®) film and feasibility study for an activity calibrator for alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals.

Objective: To develop an alpha dosimetry technique for activity calibration of alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals using the Gafchromic(®) EBT3 (Gaf-EBT3) radiochromic film (International Speciality product, Wayne, NJ).

Methods: The Gaf-EBT3 has a tissue equivalent radiosensitive layer (approximately 28 μm) sandwiched between two 100-μm thick polyester sheaths, thereby making it insensitive to alpha particles. We have split a Gaf-EBT3 sheet using a surgical scalpel to remove one of the polyester protective layers and covered the radiosensitive layer with thin Mylar(®) foil (Goodfellow Cambridge Limited, Huntingdon, UK) (2.