Changes in vaccination uptake against pneumococcal disease, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before and after a Head and Neck cancer diagnosis.

Background: Pneumonia is one of the main contributors to non-cancer mortality among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aimed to determine the vaccine uptake for pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines, quadrivalent influenza vaccines, and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines before and after an HNC diagnosis. Furthermore, the study investigated the timing of vaccination after a cancer diagnosis.

Exclusion of older adults and immunocompromised individuals in influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccine trials before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Older adults and immunocompromised individulas are often excluded from vaccine trials.

Aim: We hypothesised that during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the proportion of trials excluding these patients decreased.

Methods: Using the US Food and Drug Administration and and European Medicines Agency search engines, we identified all vaccines approved against pneumococcal disease, influenza (quadrivalent vaccines), and COVID-19 from 2011 to 2021.

[Track and trigger systems in Denmark - small country, great variations].

A track and trigger (TAT) system and mobile emergency team (MET) can aid observation and care for admitted patients in the hospital ward. We have examined the literature and find evidence, though not strong, that the introduction of TAT and MET systems reduce hospital mortality. However, in Denmark, many different TAT systems are used, and several hospitals do not have MET.