In May 2021, COVID-19 vaccines became available for adolescents aged 12–15. However, safety concerns, misinformation, and politicization surrounding the vaccine left some parents hesitant to vaccinate their children. This study analyzes how media sources and religious affiliation were associated with parental COVID-19 vaccination intent. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 5552 parents in the May 2021 COVID-19 Rapid Research Response Survey of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which collected data on parental intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 just before the FDA approved the first vaccine for children aged 12–15. Parental vaccination intent was analyzed by media sources, religious affiliation, and other sociodemographic factors. We also fit a log-binomial regression model to examine the impact of media sources and religious affiliation on parental vaccination intent, controlling for sociodemographic factors. We found that, compared to parents consuming balanced media sources, parents consuming right-leaning media sources were less likely to plan to vaccinate their children [PR = 0.53 (0.47, 0.6)], while parents consuming left-leaning media sources were not significantly different from parents consuming balanced media [PR = 1.06 (0.99, 1.12)]. We also found differences in vaccination intent by religious affiliation. Compared to Christian parents, Agnostic/Atheist parents were more likely to plan to vaccinate their children [PR = 1.41 (1.35, 1.47)], as were Jewish parents [PR = 1.32 (1.22, 1.43)], and parents with no religious affiliation [(PR = 1.18 (1.14, 1.23)]. Our study highlights the multifaceted factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among parents of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. To create effective public health strategies for future outbreaks, it is crucial to better understand the complex interplay of religious affiliation and media bias with vaccine hesitancy.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes not only cervical cancer in women, but also other HPV-related cancers in both men and women. Currently, Japan runs a national immunisation programme for girls only, while some municipalities started to give subsidy for vaccinations for boys. Considerations of HPV vaccination being a nationally gender-neutral programme is a current topic in health policy arena that raises a question whether such an extension is justifiable in terms of cost-effectiveness. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of extending HPV vaccination programme to boys. A decision tree model with Markov model was developed accounting for anal, oropharyngeal, and cervical cancers. The target cohort was 12-year-old boys and girls. It was assumed that boys would receive 3 doses 4-valent (B4v) or 2 dose 9-valent vaccine (B9v) and girls would receive two doses 9-valent vaccine (G9v). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of B4vG9v vs. G9v and B9vG9v vs. G9v were estimated from payers' perspective. Transition probabilities, utility weights to estimate effectiveness in terms of quality-adjusted life year (QALY), and disease treatment costs were either estimated or extracted from the literature. Costs per vaccination was assumed at JPY12,000/US$80 and JPY20,000/US$133 for 4v and 9v vaccine, respectively. Annual discount rate for both costs and effectiveness were set at 3%. While both gender-neutral vaccination programmes reduced disease treatment costs, the reduction was not able to offset vaccination costs. ICERs of B4vG9v programmes ranged from JPY15,954,845 ~ JPY17,116,194/US$106,366 ~ US$114,108 per QALY gained; of B9vG9v programmes from JPY14,606,709 ~ JPY16,022,742/US$97,378 ~ US$106,818 per QALY gained, depending on the vaccine uptake rates. ICERs were all larger than the willingness-to-pay criterion (WTP = JPY5,000,000/US$33,333 per QALY gained) for vaccine. Regardless of the vaccine used, we found that extending HPV vaccination programme to boys was not cost-effective. • Cost-effectiveness of extending HPV vaccination programmes to boys in Japan was evaluated. • Boys were assumed to get 4- or 9-valent vaccine, while girls receive only 9-valent. • Markov model was developed accounting for anal, oropharyngeal, and cervical cancers. • Extending HPV vaccination to boys was not cost-effective, regardless of vaccine type.

Immunization is a crucial public health achievement, yet achieving equitable coverage remains challenging in countries like India. Despite India's notable progress in its Universal Immunization Program (UIP), urban-rural discrepancies persist, especially in densely populated states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with urban areas experiencing slower improvement in coverage. This study, conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, aimed to explore behavioural and social determinants affecting immunization uptake in urban areas. Based on the WHO's Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) model, a comprehensive baseline situation analysis, including 34 in-depth interviews and 27 focus group discussions, was conducted in 12 districts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The assessment covered the perceptions of caregivers, healthcare providers, and key immunization stakeholders. Findings are categorized within the BeSD model's four domains: Thinking and Feeling, Social Processes, Motivation, and Practical Issues. In the thinking and feeling domain, perceived understanding gaps, the need for awareness, and the role of mass media and social networks emerged as key themes. Social processes illuminate gender dynamics, the dominance of decision-making by male and elderly members, and the impact of domestic violence on vaccination choices. Motivational factors include concerns about vaccine quality, fear of adverse events, and the influence of religious leaders. Practical issues encompass distrust of healthcare personnel, the timing of vaccination sessions, and infrastructural. The study reveals multifaceted challenges, highlighting the need for targeted urban-specific strategies to address social and behavioural barriers, enhance awareness, and improve infrastructure in urban immunization programs.

Mycoplasma (M.) hyorhinis is a widespread bacterium that frequently causes polyserositis and arthritis in post-weaning pigs. Currently, prevention and treatment strategies rely on mitigating risk factors and administering antibiotics, as no vaccines are commercially available in Europe. Developing a safe and efficacious vaccine could provide a long-term solution, reducing the economic impact of M. hyorhinis infections. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a M. hyorhinis mRNA-LNP vaccine candidate. The selected antigens were highly conserved proteins involved in bacterial adhesion. The mRNAs encoding these proteins were produced using established protocols and subsequently encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles through a self-assembly technique. For the in vivo efficacy assessment, three-week-old piglets were immunized with the candidate vaccine, and the injection site was monitored daily. At six weeks of age, the animals were challenged intravenously on two consecutive days. The clinical examinations were performed daily, while blood samples were collected weekly for a M. hyorhinis -specific antibody ELISA and Porcine Interferon gamma (Porcine IFN-γ) ELISA. Three weeks post-challenge, the animals were euthanized for gross and histopathological examinations. Additionally, body temperatures were recorded daily, and the body weights of the animals were measured upon arrival and then at six and nine weeks of age. After the challenge, the vaccinated group showed significantly higher IgG antibody titers than the positive control. Similarly, the vaccinated group's average daily weight gain was higher than the one of the challenge group. However, the vaccine candidate failed to confer sufficient protection against the clinical signs, pathological and histopathological lesions. Overall, a single dose of mRNA-LNP vaccine candidate was ineffective in preventing the disease caused by M. hyorhinis . Future research should focus on optimizing the vaccine formulation by incorporating additional antigens or adjuvants, implementing a two-dose immunization, or exploring alternative routes of administration.