Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics最新文献

This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward herpes zoster (HZ) disease and vaccination and identify factors influencing HZ vaccination perceptions and behavior in adults ≥50 y of age (YOA) among the public and physicians in Hong Kong (HK), Singapore (SG), Republic of Korea (KR), and Taiwan (TW). A two-phase cross-sectional study was conducted in January-September 2022, including concept elicitation interviews (first phase, previously published) and a quantitative online survey (second phase, current article). The second phase involved a larger sample from the same target populations with different individuals. Participants in the second phase included: 1,970 adults ≥50 YOA, 203 adults aged 30-49 YOA with parents ≥50 YOA, and 220 physicians. Substantial knowledge gaps existed among the public about the causes, long-term impact, and risk factors for HZ. Awareness of HZ vaccine availability varied across locales (highest in KR [76%]; lowest in TW [35%]), and higher among individuals with a history of HZ (73%) than HZ-naïve individuals ≥50 YOA (49%). Key drivers of HZ vaccination included preventing disease/recurrence (44%) and long-term complications (41%), and physician recommendations (36%). Two-in-five individuals ≥50 YOA were recommended HZ vaccination. Most physicians agreed that recommending HZ vaccines to patients ≥50 YOA was important but reported initiating HZ vaccination conversations with 27.8% of their patients ≥50 YOA. Knowledge gaps surrounding HZ and HZ vaccination remain. Initiatives are needed to improve public awareness regarding the importance of HZ prevention. Physicians also play an important role in having proactive discussions about HZ prevention with their patients.

Vaccine confidence plays a critical role in public health. Understanding demographic differences in trust and sources of vaccine information is essential for designing equitable communication strategies. We analyzed nationally representative summary data from Cycle 2 of the Canadian COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Survey (CVCS), collected April-May2021 during the initial phase of the national vaccine rollout. The survey included adults aged 18 and older (n = 10,678). This study examines trust in vaccine safety, efficacy, and information sources across demographic factors such as age, gender, and visible minority status. Trust in vaccine safety and effectiveness was high overall (95% and 97%, respectively), peaking among older adults (96% and 98%) and lower among younger males (as low as 85% for perceived COVID-19 vaccine protection). In general, public health agencies were the most trusted sources of information (84%), followed by physicians and health scientists (70%); trust in vaccine manufacturers remained low (31%). Visible minority respondents were more likely to trust public health regulations (87% vs 83%) but also more likely to prefer natural immunity (20% vs. 14%) than non-visible minorities population. These findings provide a unique population-level snapshot of vaccine trust during the critical early phase of Canada's COVID-19 vaccine rollout. By identifying demographic differences in vaccine perceptions and information sources, our study offers an essential benchmark to inform future public health communication strategies and preparedness efforts.

Following the approval of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for males in China in January 2025, this study aimed to investigate parental knowledge of HPV, willingness to recommend HPV vaccination for their children, and associated determinants. The study also assessed parental awareness of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) among parents of minor boys and girls in China. A cross-sectional online survey of parents in Shandong Province conducted from February to March 2025 yielded 1251 submissions, with 1041 valid questionnaires retained after applying prespecified exclusion criteria (refer to flowchart). Data were collected using anonymous self-administered questionnaires that covered demographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV, attitudes toward vaccination, vaccination intentions, and perceived barriers. Among the 1041 parents who completed the survey, 71.3% were aware of HPV and the vaccination program for girls, while only 35.73% were aware of the newly approved program for boys. After receiving information about the vaccine, 62% expressed an intention to vaccinate their child, 10% declined, and 28% remained undecided. Parents of daughters demonstrated significantly higher vaccination intent compared to parents of sons (OR = 0.110, 95% CI: 0.077-0.157, p = 5.3 × 10^-34), indicating that the odds of intending to vaccinate were significantly lower for parents of boys. Key determinants influencing parental decisions included perceived health risks, beliefs about vaccine efficacy, trust in healthcare provider recommendations, and the child's gender, which were identified as significant determinants influencing parental HPV vaccination decisions. Significant knowledge gaps remain among Chinese parents regarding HPV and HPV-associated OPC. Public health initiatives are urgently needed to enhance parental understanding of HPV vaccination benefits, including its extension to boys, and to elucidate the risks of HPV-associated OPC. The implementation of a gender-neutral HPV vaccination policy faces substantial challenges rooted in awareness and gender norms. It is imperative to address these barriers through targeted health education, systematic training of healthcare professionals, and robust policy support. By dismantling gendered perceptions of health, we can achieve the overarching goal of comprehensive HPV prevention for all. Addressing these knowledge deficits and mitigating barriers to vaccine uptake are critical public health priorities.

After infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the virus becomes latent in the sensory ganglia. Immune senescence may lead to its reactivation, resulting in herpes zoster (HZ). The limited immunogenicity of current vaccines in elderly populations remains a significant challenge for prevention and control. This study investigated the immune-enhancing effects of the novel compound adjuvant BC02 on a recombinant VZV glycoprotein E (gE) subunit vaccine in a serum-positive elderly mouse model. A seropositive state was simulated through pre-immunization with the Oka strain of VZV, and the impacts of vaccines with various adjuvant formulations on humoral and cellular immunity in aged mice were systematically compared. Results demonstrated that the number of gE-specific IFN-γ- and IL-2-secreting cells induced by the BC02-adjuvanted vaccine (gE+BC02-1) increased 11.8- and 5.7-fold compared to the single-adjuvant group, significantly enhancing the multifunctionality of CD4+ T cells. The neutralizing antibody titer reached 1:122, comparable to that of the commercial vaccine Shingrix®, while the ratio of memory T/B cells was markedly higher than in the control group. Cross-age group experiments revealed that BC02 could overcome the limitations imposed by immune senescence in elderly models, inducing a balanced Th1/Th2 response and long-term immune memory comparable to that observed in younger groups (antibody titers maintained for ≥8 months). This study confirmed that the BC02 adjuvant synergistically activates innate and adaptive immunity, significantly enhancing the immune efficacy of the gE vaccine in serum-positive elderly individuals, thereby providing an potential strategy for optimizing herpes zoster vaccines for the elderly population.

Considering the complex nature of vaccine hesitancy and the vast amount of misinformation surrounding vaccination, training healthcare professionals (HCPs) in vaccine communication is important to ensure high vaccine uptake. Recently, a new vaccine communication approach, known as the Empathetic Refutational Interview (ERI), was developed to help HCPs in conversations with patients who have vaccine concerns. In the present study, we developed and validated the ERI Skills Inventory (ERISI) for assessing learning outcomes of training in ERI. The ERISI measures are (1) ERI-related knowledge, (2) ERI-related skills, and (3) confidence in using the ERI. A sample of 103 HCPs who took part in ERI training responded to the ERISI, as well as questions about their self-efficacy in vaccine consultations and preparedness to refute arguments against vaccination, before and after the training. At two follow-ups, they also reported their understanding and use of the ERI. Results showed that the ERISI is sensitive to positive changes in ERI knowledge and confidence as a result of training. Participants also showed increased use post-training of ERI skills to demonstrate empathy toward patients. However, no change was observed for ERI skills that refute misconceptions and inform patients using factual information, which participants tended to already use at pretest. ERI knowledge correlated positively with ERI skills at posttest. ERI confidence demonstrated both concurrent and predictive validity. The ERISI questionnaire is a valuable tool for assessing ERI training outcomes that can guide training development to ensure learning and future skill application.

The introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs is a significant achievement in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related illnesses. This study aimed to explore healthcare workers (HCWs) and caregivers (CGs) knowledge, perceptions and experiences surrounding the school-based HPV immunization program in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. CGs refer to parents or other individuals responsible for making vaccination decisions for eligible girls. A qualitative study design was employed that incorporated in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 CGs and 20 HCWs from different areas of eThekwini District who are involved in a school-based HPV immunization program. The study was informed by the World Health Organization's Measuring Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) approach. The BeSD resources include qualitative tools for conducting in-depth interviews that informed our interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews that were recorded, transcribed, and translated. HCWs indicated a thorough understanding of HPV and the vaccine's benefits, but CGs' knowledge varied, with some having misconceptions about the vaccine. HCWs largely praised the school-based HPV immunization program initiative but noted practical difficulties. CGs' perceptions varied from supportive to doubtful, depending on the information they received. Common impediments highlighted included a lack of information, cultural and religious beliefs and communication breakdowns. The study established that factors such as culture, information, and interpersonal experiences influence the knowledge, acceptance, and uptake of the HPV vaccine. The findings are anticipated to guide development of tailored interventions to increase HPV vaccination coverage in South Africa.

The NKG2D receptor is a central component of immune surveillance and is expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and several T lymphocyte subsets. NKG2D functions as an activating receptor and costimulatory molecule. By recognizing stress-induced ligands, NKG2D enables immune cells to detect and eliminate virally infected, transformed and senescent cells. Recent advances in engineered T-cell therapies have harnessed this biology through the development of NKG2D-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs. Preclinical and early clinical studies demonstrate the versatility of NKG2D-CAR T cells to treat a wide range of human disease types, thereby representing a promising frontier for broad-spectrum immunotherapy of diverse human disease types.

Influenza vaccination coverage among older adults in China is low. We sought to identify latent vaccine-hesitancy profiles and their correlates. This community-based cross-sectional survey from May to July 2025 involved 1773 older adults from various areas in Jiangsu province. Data were collected via Wenjuanxing and included demographics, the Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy Scale, and the vaccine literacy scale. Group differences were examined using chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA; latent profile analysis (LPA) identified vaccine hesitancy subgroups, and multinomial logistic regression estimated correlates of profile membership. Three profiles emerged: Low Hesitancy (23.0%), Moderate Hesitancy (35.0%), and High Hesitancy (42.0%). Rural residence predicted Moderate (OR = 2.030) and High (OR = 2.993) hesitancy. Lower household income and chronic disease were associated with the Moderate Hesitancy profile, whereas male sex was associated with the High Hesitancy profile. Higher interactive (OR = 0.686) and critical (OR = 0.599) vaccine literacy were inversely associated with High hesitancy.Concerns about vaccine quality predicted both Moderate (OR = 1.433) and High (OR = 1.376) groups; knowledge gaps and fear of adverse reactions concentrated in the High group. Older adults show heterogeneous vaccine hesitancy phenotypes. Uptake efforts should move beyond one-size-fits-all messaging toward segmented strategies. These strategies should integrate cost-related measures with literacy-sensitive, trust-oriented communication, prioritizing rural residents, older men, and those with chronic conditions. The reported proportions of hesitancy profiles reflect our sample only and should not be viewed as nationally representative.

Human papillomavirus is responsible for 70% cervical cancers worldwide. The study assessed nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus vaccination and infection. A descriptive design was employed among nursing college students between 18 and 25 were selected as a purposive sample for the study. The study was conducted at the Menoufia University-affiliated Faculty of Nursing. A structured online questionnaire including sociodemographic data, level of knowledge about human papillomavirus infection and vaccination, and nursing students' attitudes toward HPV vaccination. The total knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination was low, 36.6% and 45.1%, respectively. The total attitude toward HPV vaccination was negative mean 27 ± 3.8. The total attitude toward HPV infection was negative mean 25 ± 1.1. Students' knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination was positively correlated with attitude. None of nursing students not received HPV vaccination. Provide nursing university students with educational packages to improve their attitudes toward the future of the HPV vaccine and to increase their understanding of HPV.