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•89% of studies reported higher VPD burden among migrants.•70% of studies reported lower immunisation rates among migrants.•Future research needs consensus on employed methodologies and terminology.•Research should disaggregate migrant data to better understand migrant health.•Calls for more evaluation and reporting of screening and vaccination strategies. Studies of vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) burden and immunisation coverage among migrants compared to locally-born populations present a mixed picture on whether migrants experience disproportionate VPD rates and immunisation inequities, and what the associated factors are. We conducted a scoping review to explore differences in VPD burden and immunisation coverage between migrants and non-migrants worldwide. We followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five stage scoping review method. We searched for empirical, peer-reviewed literature published in English that compared VPD burden and/or immunisation coverage between migrant and non-migrant groups published between 2006 and 2016 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science databases. Relevant information from the studies were charted in Microsoft Excel and results were summarised using a descriptive analytical method. Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 13 reporting on VPD burden; n = 27 reporting on immunisation rates; n = 5 reporting on both). Studies that met the criteria only reported findings from high income countries or high-middle income countries. Accounting for results that were presented according to separate ethnic migrant sub-groups, almost all of the studies comparing VPD burden (n = 17, 89%) reported higher burden among migrants compared to non-migrants, while most studies measuring immunisation rates (n = 26, 70%) noted lower rates among migrants. Numerous factors contributed to these findings, including the influence of migrants’ nativity, socio-economic status, migration background, generation status, residential duration, cultural/personal beliefs, language proficiency and healthcare utilisation. Considerable variability of study foci and methodologies limited our ability to make definitive conclusions and comparisons, but the literature suggests that migrant populations generally experience higher VPD burden and lower immunisation rates. The findings highlight a number of important considerations for future research and immunisation programme planning. Future research should explore factors that influence VPD burden and immunisation rates, and strategies to overcome barriers to vaccine uptake among migrants.

Multiplex bead immunoassays (MBA) can detect antibody responses to multiple antigens. Using MBA data from the Surveillance and Monitoring to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Scabies from Samoa (SaMELFS) 2018, we aim to estimate national seroprevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), and arboviruses in Samoa. A community-based serosurvey of 3851 participants aged ≥ 5 years in 35 primary sampling units (PSUs). Using MBA, dried blood spots were assayed for antibodies (Ab) from 10 pathogens: LF, trachoma, yaws, tetanus, diphtheria, rubella, measles, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Seroprevalence was adjusted for study design, age, and gender. NTD seroprevalence for LF was 50.8% ( Bm33 Ab), 32.0% ( Wb123 Ab), 20.3% ( Bm14 Ab); 5.5% for trachoma; and 1.0% ( Tmpa Ab) and 0.2% ( Rp17 Ab) for yaws. VPD seroprevalence was 91.0% for tetanus, 83.5% for diphtheria, 79.0% for rubella, and 43.6% for measles. Arbovirus seroprevalence for dengue was 91.1% (dengue virus serotype-1 [DENV-1]), 97.2% (DENV-2), 96.9% (DENV-3), 94.7% (DENV-4); 85.7% for Zika; and 57.0% for chikungunya. Increasing age was associated with seropositivity to NTDs, arboviruses, tetanus, and measles. Clustering was highest at the household level; the strongest clustering was for DENV-3 (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]:0.32), Bm33 Ab (ICC:0.31), and Bm14 Ab (ICC:0.31). Integrated serosurveillance can provide a comprehensive picture of population-level immunity to multiple diseases. Our investigation into associations with seroprevalence can aid the development of evidence-based prevention, control, and elimination strategies.

There is limited information about vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance cost. To address this gap, retrospective micro-costing studies of pre-COVID-19 pandemic VPD surveillance were conducted in Nepal and Ethiopia. Based on these evaluations—the sole cost evaluations on comprehensive VPD surveillance—this article provides methodological considerations and recommendations for other countries planning to conduct VPD surveillance costing studies to inform planning and budgeting. The methods used for each study were systematically compared by key themes: costing perspective, cost categories, costing approach, allocation of shared costs, sampling criteria, extrapolation strategies, data collection, and analytic adjustments. For each theme, investigators identified methodologic challenges and potential strategies to address them, compared study methodologies to surveillance costing guidelines, and recommended practices for future such studies. The studies used similar perspectives and VPD inclusion criteria. Costs in Nepal were collected and analyzed by a subset of surveillance core and support functions, whereas the Ethiopia study categorized costs using surveillance support functions from the Global Strategy on Comprehensive VPD Surveillance. A mix of random and purposive sampling of surveillance sites was used in both studies. Surveillance sites were selected considering the strata of interest at each administrative level. Results from both studies were extrapolated country-wide using sampling weights and assumptions about the representativeness of purposively sampled units. The review highlighted potential methodologic tradeoffs in utility and precision of results based on the lessons learned from two country VPD surveillance cost studies. The advantages of collecting and using cost estimates by VPD surveillance core versus support function for program budgeting for varied audiences should be explored in future studies. Sampling strategies should be developed with consideration for the precision needed for the intended use of costing results. The resulting recommendations can improve and standardize the conduct and interpretation of future such studies.

Migrants in Europe often face barriers to vaccination, increasing their vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Despite policies promoting catch-up immunisation on arrival, data on VPD burden and outcomes among migrants remain limited. This systematic review synthesises evidence on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and outcomes of VPDs in migrants across EU/EEA countries, UK, and Switzerland. We searched Medline, Embase, Global Health, and grey literature sources (including websites of national public health organisations and agencies) for primary studies and reports on VPD cases among migrants (foreign-born individuals) in 32 European countries, published between January 2010 and April 2024. Data on demographics, VPD type, vaccination status, and outcomes were extracted. We focused on diphtheria, measles, mumps, pertussis, rubella, and tetanus. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Fifty-seven studies met inclusion criteria, reporting 1950 VPD cases in migrants across 16 countries (2010–2024). Most studies were in Germany (n = 12), Spain (n = 11), Switzerland (n = 8), Greece (n = 6), and the UK (n = 7). Reported cases included: measles (n = 992; 50.8 %), diphtheria (n = 546; 28.0 %), pertussis (n = 267; 13.7 %), and mumps (n = 137; 7.0 %). No cases of rubella or tetanus were reported. Migrants affected mainly included asylum seekers (n = 23 studies), refugees (n = 6), labour migrants (n = 2). Six studies from Greece, Germany, and Spain accounted for 1942 cases (99.6 %). Over half of diphtheria cases (n = 307; 55.4 %) occurred in reception centres. Diphtheria primarily affected adolescents and adults (n = 10 studies), while measles cases were mostly in children. Migrants from the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa were disproportionately affected by diphtheria. Non-EU/EEA European migrants (WHO EUR), mainly from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, accounted for most measles cases (87 %), and non-European migrants were from Somalia (n = 112), Afghanistan (n = 94), Eritrea (n = 76), and Syria (n = 64). Vaccination status was unknown or unreported in over 60 % of cases. Five VPD related deaths were reported of which 4/5 were due to measles. Migrants are at increased risk of VPDs due to gaps in vaccination. Strengthening catch-up vaccination, particularly in adolescents and adults, and improving data collection are essential next steps. •Migrants are considered an under-vaccinated group with increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).•We found that most VPD cases in migrants in Europe were measles and diphtheria, mainly in Germany, Spain, and Greece.•Vaccination status was unknown in over the majority of reported VPD cases.•There is an urgent need to strengthen catch-up vaccination efforts particularly among adult and adolescent migrants.

•Incidence of several VPDs decreased after the implementation of COVID-19 response measures.•Most likely reason is reduced transmission due to social distancing/school closure.•MMR1 vaccinations scheduled in March-September 2020 were somewhat delayed.•MMR1 participation showed a rather quick although not yet complete catch-up. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and participation in the routine infant vaccination programme in the Netherlands. The incidence of various VPDs initially decreased by 75–97% after the implementation of the Dutch COVID-19 response measures. The participation in the first measles-mumps-rubella vaccination among children scheduled for vaccination in March-September 2020 initially dropped by 6–14% compared with the previous year. After catch-up vaccination, a difference in MMR1 participation of −1% to −2% still remained. Thus, the pandemic has reduced the incidence of several VPDs and has had a limited impact on the routine infant vaccination programme.

Objective To analyze the classification of the risk of transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases in Brazilian municipalities before and after the National Movement for Vaccination and Multivaccination proposed by the Ministry of Health. Methods This is an epidemiological, ecological study using secondary data on vaccination coverage, dropout rates, and homogeneity of vaccination coverage (HCV) for ten immunobiologicals recommended for children under 2 years of age. The study aims to compare the years 2022 and 2023 in Brazil. The vaccination coverage index (VCI), HCV, and dropout rate (DR) were evaluated in the municipalities of Brazil in the years 2022 and 2023. The municipalities were classified into risk strata for transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases before and after the strategy proposed by the Ministry of Health. Results The study found an increase in median vaccination coverage (VC) for all vaccines evaluated, except for the varicella vaccine. Regarding HCV, in 2022, 27.99% of Brazilian municipalities were classified as adequate (≥ 70%), and 410 (7.36%) achieved 100% HCV for all vaccines. In 2023, 34.90% of municipalities were classified as adequate (≥ 70%), and among them, 582 (10.46%) achieved 100% HCV for all vaccines. In terms of the risk classification for the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases, Brazil had 72.01% of municipalities classified as high or very high risk in 2022, which decreased to 65.13% in 2023. As for municipalities classified as low or very low risk, 11.27% fell into this category in 2022, increasing to 18.12% in 2023. Conclusion The study concludes that VC surveillance, in conjunction with the Microplanning for High-Quality Vaccination Activities methodology developed by the Ministry of Health in 2023, played a crucial role in resuming immunization efforts that had been hindered by science denialism and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Migrant populations are one of several underimmunised groups in the EU or European Economic Area (EU/EEA), yet little is known about their involvement in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. This information is vital to develop targeted strategies to improve the health of diverse migrant communities. We did a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42019157473; Jan 1, 2000, to May 22, 2020) adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to identify studies on vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, hepatitis A, varicella, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae) involving migrants residing in the EU/EEA and Switzerland. We identified 45 studies, reporting on 47 distinct vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks across 13 countries. Most reported outbreaks involving migrants were of measles (n=24; 6496 cases), followed by varicella (n=11; 505 cases), hepatitis A (n=7; 1356 cases), rubella (n=3; 487 cases), and mumps (n=2; 293 cases). 19 (40%) outbreaks, predominantly varicella and measles, were reported in temporary refugee camps or shelters. Of 11 varicella outbreaks, nine (82%) were associated with adult migrants. Half of measles outbreaks (n=11) were associated with migrants from eastern European countries. In conclusion, migrants are involved in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in Europe, with adult and child refugees residing in shelters or temporary camps at particular risk, alongside specific nationality groups. Vulnerability varies by disease, setting, and demographics, highlighting the importance of tailoring catch-up vaccination interventions to specific groups in order to meet regional and global vaccination targets as recommended by the new Immunisation Agenda 2030 framework for action. A better understanding of vaccine access and intent in migrant groups and a greater focus on co-designing interventions is urgently needed, with direct implications for COVID-19 vaccine delivery.

To analyze mortality burden and spatial distribution of vaccine-preventable diseases in children under five in Brazil from 2000 to 2019. Ecological study. Study using vaccination coverage data from 2000 to 2019 across 5570 Brazilian municipalities, and mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. Spatial analyses were conducted to identify statistically significant clusters (p < 0.05) and spatial autocorrelation. There was a reduction in mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases in Brazil between 2000 and 2019. The North and Northeast regions showed high mortality rates and lower vaccination coverage compared to other regions. Infant mortality in Brazil decreased significantly, especially after improvements in vaccination coverage. However, this reduction was not uniform, with the North and Northeast regions showing clusters of high mortality.

Global emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 curtailed vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance activities, but little is known about which surveillance components were most affected. In May 2021, we surveyed 214 STOP (originally Stop Transmission of Polio) Program consultants to determine how VPD surveillance activities were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020, primarily in low- and middle-income countries, where program consultants are deployed. Our report highlights the responses from 154 (96%) of the 160 consultants deployed to the World Health Organization African Region, which comprises 75% (160/214) of all STOP Program consultants deployed globally in early 2021. Most survey respondents observed that VPD surveillance activities were somewhat or severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Reprioritization of surveillance staff and changes in health-seeking behaviors were factors commonly perceived to decrease VPD surveillance activities. Our findings suggest the need for strategies to restore VPD surveillance to prepandemic levels.

To evaluate the global, regional, and national burden of four vaccine preventable infectious diseases (VPDs) among adults aged 55–89 years from 1990 to 2021, in the context of an aging population. Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 on acute hepatitis A, B, E, and varicella and herpes zoster were analysed for incidence rates and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), stratified by sex, age, Social Development Index (SDI), and region. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess trends. In 2021, the global incidence of four VPDs among adults aged 55–89 years was 1698.8 cases per 100,000 population, with a total of 25,243,776 (95 % UI 17301929–34,959,277) new cases and 719,888 (95 % UI 534782–992,800) DALYs. From 1990 to 2021, the incidence rates of acute hepatitis A and acute hepatitis B consistently declined, whereas those of acute hepatitis E, varicella and herpes zoster moderately increased, with EAPCs of 0.13 (95 % UI 0.12–0.15) and 0.14 (95 % UI 0.09–0.19), respectively. In 2021, sub-Saharan Africa had the highest overall burden of the four diseases, whereas high-income Asia Pacific (945.7 per 100,000 population) and Western Europe (840.7 per 100,000 population) had the highest incidence rates of varicella and herpes zoster. Acute hepatitis A and acute hepatitis B were more prevalent in low- and middle-SDI regions, whereas increasing trends for acute hepatitis E and varicella and herpes zoster were observed in higher-SDI regions. The incidence rates of acute hepatitis A and acute hepatitis B were higher in males than in females and decreased with age. Despite overall declines in VPDs among older adults, disparities remain. Public health efforts must focus on improving vaccine access and targeting at-risk populations, especially older adults, to address the burden of VPDs.