Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Influenza Virus Vaccines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 7625

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Public Health, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
Interests: epidemiology and prevention of infectious diseases (with a focus on influenza, H7N9/H5N1 avian influenza, and COVID-19, as well as viral hepatitis); big data mining in infectious disease research; research in public health models

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue dedicated to the theme "Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination”. We invite researchers and experts from diverse backgrounds to submit high-quality research papers and reviews that explore the immunopathogenic mechanisms and strategies for controlling influenza viruses. We encourage scientists to share their experimental findings and theoretical insights in the form of open-access publications. To ensure the reproducibility of research, we request contributors to provide comprehensive details of their experiments. Additionally, authors are encouraged to include computational data or supplementary materials in their submissions, along with providing complete procedural information.

Through promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and facilitating the dissemination of detailed research outcomes, the primary objective of this Special Issue is to enhance our comprehension of the intricate immunopathogenic mechanisms associated with influenza viruses, while also fostering the development of innovative approaches for the effective management of influenza virus infections.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this timely and significant Special Issue.

Best regards,

Prof. Dr. Shigui Yang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • influenza virus
  • immunopathogenic mechanisms
  • prevention and control
  • epidemiologic feature
  • immune responses to influenza virus
  • influenza vaccine development and efficacy evaluation
  • influenza vaccine technology

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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12 pages, 2275 KiB  
Article
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness against Influenza A-Associated Outpatient and Emergency-Department-Attended Influenza-like Illness during the Delayed 2022–2023 Season in Beijing, China
by Li Zhang, Guilan Lu, Chunna Ma, Jiaojiao Zhang, Jia Li, Wei Duan, Jiaxin Ma, Weixian Shi, Yingying Wang, Ying Sun, Daitao Zhang, Quanyi Wang and Da Huo
Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101124 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 760
Abstract
Background: During the 2022–2023 influenza season, the influenza activities in most regions of China were postponed, including Beijing. The unusually delayed influenza epidemic posed a challenge to the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. Methods: Using the test-negative design, we evaluated influenza vaccine effectiveness [...] Read more.
Background: During the 2022–2023 influenza season, the influenza activities in most regions of China were postponed, including Beijing. The unusually delayed influenza epidemic posed a challenge to the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. Methods: Using the test-negative design, we evaluated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) during the 2022–2023 influenza season against influenza A-associated outpatient and emergency-department-attended influenza-like illness (ILI) in Beijing, China, from 9 January to 30 April 2023. Results: The analysis included 8301 medically attended ILI patients, of which 1342 (46.2%) had influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 1554 (53.4%) had influenza A(H3N2), and 11 (0.4%) had co-infection of the two viruses. VE against influenza A-associated ILI patients was 23.2% (95% CI: −6.5% to 44.6%) overall, and 23.1%, 9.9%, and 33.8% among children aged 6 months to 17 years, adults aged 18–59 years, and adults aged ≥60 years, respectively. VE against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and against influenza A(H3N2) were 36.2% (95% CI: −1.9% to 60.1%) and 9.5% (95% CI: −34.1% to 39.0%), respectively. VE of the group with vaccination intervals of 14–90 days (70.1%, 95% CI: −145.4 to 96.4) was higher than that of the groups with a vaccination interval of 90–149 days (18.7%, 95% CI: −42.4% to 53.6%) and ≥150 days (21.2%, 95% CI: −18.8% to 47.7%). Conclusions: A moderate VE against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and a low VE against influenza A(H3N2) were observed in Beijing during the 2022–2023 influenza season, a season characterized with a delayed and high-intensity influenza epidemic. VE appears to be better within three months after vaccination. Our findings indicate a potential need for the optimization of vaccination policies and underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of influenza to enhance vaccines and optimizing vaccination timing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination)
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16 pages, 4791 KiB  
Article
Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Dose-Sparing Epigraph Vaccine against H3 Swine Influenza A Virus
by Erika Petro-Turnquist, Adthakorn Madapong, David Steffen and Eric A. Weaver
Vaccines 2024, 12(8), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12080943 - 22 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Swine influenza A virus (IAV-S) is a highly prevalent and transmissible pathogen infecting worldwide swine populations. Our previous work has shown that the computationally derived vaccine platform, Epigraph, can induce broadly cross-reactive and durable immunity against H3 IAV-S in mice and swine. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Swine influenza A virus (IAV-S) is a highly prevalent and transmissible pathogen infecting worldwide swine populations. Our previous work has shown that the computationally derived vaccine platform, Epigraph, can induce broadly cross-reactive and durable immunity against H3 IAV-S in mice and swine. Therefore, in this study, we assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the Epigraph vaccine at increasingly lower doses to determine the minimum dose required to maintain protective immunity against three genetically divergent H3 IAV-S. We assessed both antibody and T cell responses and then challenged with three H3N2 IAV-S derived from either Cluster IV(A), Cluster I, or the 2010.1 “human-like” cluster and assessed protection through reduced pathology, reduced viral load in the lungs, and reduced viral shedding from nasal swabs. Overall, we observed a dose-dependent effect where the highest dose of Epigraph protected against all three challenges, the middle dose of Epigraph protected against more genetically similar IAV-S, and the lowest dose of Epigraph only protected against genetically similar IAV-S. The results of these studies can be used to continue developing a broadly protective and low-dose vaccine against H3 IAV-S. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination)
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11 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
Hospital-Based Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination for Cancer Patients on Active Treatment and Their Family Members during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: A Single-Center Experience
by Davide Dalu, Anna Lisa Ridolfo, Lorenzo Ruggieri, Maria Silvia Cona, Agostino Riva, Davide De Francesco, Chiara Tricella, Cinzia Fasola, Sabrina Ferrario, Anna Gambaro, Benedetta Lombardi Stocchetti, Valeria Smiroldo, Gaia Rebecchi, Sheila Piva, Giorgia Carrozzo, Spinello Antinori and Nicla La Verde
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060642 - 8 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1559
Abstract
In patients with cancer, tumor- and treatment-induced immunosuppression are responsible for a four-fold increase in morbidity and mortality caused by influenza and invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections compared to the general population. The main oncology societies strongly recommend vaccination in patients with cancer to [...] Read more.
In patients with cancer, tumor- and treatment-induced immunosuppression are responsible for a four-fold increase in morbidity and mortality caused by influenza and invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections compared to the general population. The main oncology societies strongly recommend vaccination in patients with cancer to prevent these infections. However, vaccine hesitancy is a main concern in this population. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of in-hospital vaccination for patients under anticancer treatment and their family members (FMs) against influenza and pneumococcal infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to increase vaccine coverage. This was a single-center, prospective, observational study conducted at the Department of Oncology of Luigi Sacco University Hospital (Milan, Italy) between October 2020 and April 2021. The main primary outcome was the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) and pneumococcal infections. The main secondary outcome was safety. A total of 341 subjects were enrolled, including 194 patients with cancer and 147 FMs. The incidence of ILI was higher among patients than among FMs (9% vs. 2.7%, OR 3.92, p = 0.02). Moreover, two subjects were diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia. The most frequent vaccine-related AEs were pain in the injection site (31%) and fatigue (8.7%). In conclusion, this hospital-based vaccination strategy was feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic, representing a potential model to maximize vaccine coverage during a public health emergency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination)
13 pages, 1023 KiB  
Article
Cost-Effectiveness of Adjuvanted Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine for Adults over 65 in France
by Marc Paccalin, Gaëtan Gavazzi, Quentin Berkovitch, Henri Leleu, Romain Moreau, Emanuele Ciglia, Nansa Burlet and Joaquin F. Mould-Quevedo
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060574 - 24 May 2024
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Abstract
Background: In France, influenza accounts for an average of over one million consultations with GPs, 20,000 hospitalizations, and 9000 deaths per year, particularly among the over-65s. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) compared to standard (SD-QIV) and [...] Read more.
Background: In France, influenza accounts for an average of over one million consultations with GPs, 20,000 hospitalizations, and 9000 deaths per year, particularly among the over-65s. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) compared to standard (SD-QIV) and high-dose (HD-QIV) quadrivalent influenza vaccines for individuals aged 65 and older in France. Methods: The age-structured SEIR transmission model, calibrated to simulate a mean influenza season, incorporates a contact matrix to estimate intergroup contact rates. Epidemiological, economic, and utility outcomes are evaluated. Vaccine effectiveness and costs are derived from literature and national insurance data. Quality of life adjustments for influenza attack rates and hospitalizations are applied. Deterministic and probabilistic analyses are also conducted. Results: Compared to SD-QIV, aQIV demonstrates substantial reductions in healthcare utilization and mortality, avoiding 89,485 GP consultations, 2144 hospitalizations, and preventing 1611 deaths. Despite an investment of EUR 110 million, aQIV yields a net saving of EUR 14 million in healthcare spending. Compared to HD-QIV, aQIV saves 62 million euros on vaccination costs. Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EUR 7062 per QALY. Conclusions: This study highlights the cost-effectiveness of aQIV versus SD-QIV and HD-QIV, preventing influenza cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination)
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12 pages, 1880 KiB  
Systematic Review
Association Between Influenza Vaccine and Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Zhicai Liu, Jing Wang, Zhaojun Lu, Yuyang Xu, Jian Du, Jiayin Han, Xuechao Zhang and Yan Liu
Vaccines 2024, 12(11), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12111298 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 343
Abstract
Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an uncommon but serious adverse reaction after vaccination. However, its association with vaccines other than the measles–mumps–rubella vaccine remains debatable. This study aimed to analyze ITP cases following influenza vaccination and assess any potential association. Methods: We performed [...] Read more.
Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an uncommon but serious adverse reaction after vaccination. However, its association with vaccines other than the measles–mumps–rubella vaccine remains debatable. This study aimed to analyze ITP cases following influenza vaccination and assess any potential association. Methods: We performed a systematic search of the Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases from their inception to 15 April 2024. Cases were characterized qualitatively, and relative risk was assessed using either fixed or random models. Results: A total of 24 studies were analyzed, including 16 patients from 14 case reports. Patients averaged 56.7 years old, half were female, and ten patients had a history of prior illness. The mean time between vaccination and diagnosis was 13.3 days. Treatment primarily involved corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin, with most recovering within a month. The pooled odds ratio for ITP post-influenza vaccination was 0.94 (95%CI: 0.85–1.03). Subgroup analyses conducted according to the study design and vaccine type did not reveal any significant results. Conclusion: No evidence of an association between influenza vaccination and ITP was found. Further observational studies are required to verify this relationship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination)
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11 pages, 2360 KiB  
Systematic Review
Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Influencing Factors in Type 2 Diabetes in Mainland China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Cheng Yang, Shijun Liu, Jue Xu, Wen Fu, Xin Qiu and Caixia Jiang
Vaccines 2024, 12(11), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12111259 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 654
Abstract
Background: Influenza has many harmful effects on people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), such as hyperglycemia and increasing incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Epidemiological evidence shows that influenza vaccinations can effectively prevent deterioration in T2DM patients. At present, there is a [...] Read more.
Background: Influenza has many harmful effects on people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), such as hyperglycemia and increasing incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Epidemiological evidence shows that influenza vaccinations can effectively prevent deterioration in T2DM patients. At present, there is a lack of nationwide studies on the vaccination status of influenza vaccines for patients with certain chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the influenza vaccination status of T2DM patients in mainland China and the factors affecting their influenza vaccination. Methods: Data were sourced from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the China Biology Medicine Disc (CBMdisc), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Wanfang Database. The keywords used in the literature search included “diabetes”, “diabetes mellitus”, “DM”, “diabetic”, “T2DM”, “influenza vaccine”, “flu vaccine”, “China”, and “Chinese”. A total of 249 articles were retrieved through the searches; 7 articles met the inclusion criteria. The fixed-effects model was used when heterogeneity was low and a random-effects model was used when the heterogeneity was high. Results: The influenza vaccination coverage rate was 1.46% in diabetic patients and 9.99% in elderly diabetic patients. The influenza vaccination rate of type 2 diabetes patients with a high education level is higher than that of patients with a low education level. (OR: 1.462 [1.123, 1.903]). Meanwhile, gender (OR: 1.076, 95%CI: 0.893–1.295), marriage (OR: 1.283; 95%CI: 0.931–1.766), and occupation (OR: 1.049; 95% CI: 4.422–2.606) have no significant impact on influenza vaccination in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: This study found that the coverage of influenza vaccination in patients with T2DM in Chinese mainland was low, and there were few relevant research articles. In China’s mainland areas, education background is an important factor affecting the influenza vaccination of T2DM patients. China should continue to improve the influenza vaccination rate of patients with type 2 diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza Virus Vaccines and Vaccination)
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