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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Vaccination | Study protocol

Health effects of utilising hospital contacts to provide measles vaccination to children 9–59 months—a randomised controlled trial in Guinea-Bissau

Authors: Ane B. Fisker, Justiniano S. D. Martins, Andreas M. Jensen, Cesario Martins, Peter Aaby, Sanne M. Thysen

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Measles vaccination coverage in Guinea-Bissau is low; fewer than 80% of children are currently measles vaccinated before 12 months of age. The low coverage hampers control of measles. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates that measles vaccine has beneficial non-specific effects, strengthening the resistance towards other infections. Thus, even if children are not exposed to measles virus, measles-unvaccinated children may be worse off. To increase vaccination coverage, WHO recommends that contacts with the health system for mild illness are utilised to vaccinate. Currently, in Guinea-Bissau, curative health system contacts are not utilised.

Methods

Bandim Health Project registers out-patient consultations and admissions at the paediatric ward of the National Hospital in Guinea-Bissau. Measles-unvaccinated children aged 9–59 months consulting for milder illness or being discharged from the paediatric ward will be invited to participate in a randomised trial. Among 5400 children, randomised 1:1 to receive standard measles vaccine or a saline placebo, we will test the hypothesis that providing a measles vaccine at discharge lowers the risk of admission/mortality (composite outcome) during the subsequent 6 months by 25%. All enrolled children are followed through the Bandim Health Project registration system and through telephone follow-up. The first 1000 enrolled children are furthermore followed through interviews on days 2, 4, 7 and 14 after enrolment.

Discussion

Utilising missed vaccination opportunities can increase vaccination coverage and may improve child health. However, without further evidence for the safety and potential benefits of measles vaccination, these curative contacts are unlikely to be used for vaccination in Guinea-Bissau.

Trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04220671. Registered on 5 January 2020.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Health effects of utilising hospital contacts to provide measles vaccination to children 9–59 months—a randomised controlled trial in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Ane B. Fisker
Justiniano S. D. Martins
Andreas M. Jensen
Cesario Martins
Peter Aaby
Sanne M. Thysen
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Vaccination
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06291-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Health effects of utilising hospital contacts to provide measles vaccination to children 9–59 months—a randomised controlled trial in Guinea-Bissau

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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