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Introduction: Studies have reported higher infection and mortality rates from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for disadvantaged groups in the U.S. population. However, racial and ethnic differences in fatality rates, which measure deaths among those infected, are not as clear. Objectives: The objectives were to (1) estimate the fatality rate after COVID-19 infection by racial and ethnic groups and (2) determine the extent preexisting health conditions account for differences in fatality rate between the racial and ethnic groups. Methods: Data for all adults aged 18 and older (n = 24,834) who had a confirmed COVID-19 infection captured in the electronic health records (EHRs) of a major health care organization (HCO) from the beginning of the pandemic to March 28, 2021 were used to estimate the fatality rates for three racial and ethnic groups: Hispanic, non-Hispanic African American, and non-Hispanic White. Elixhauser's comorbidity index was calculated using the enhanced ICD-9-CM and the ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Logistic regression models were used to compare differences in fatality between racial and ethnic groups. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported for all models. Results: The age-specific fatality rates non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic African American, and Hispanic groups were 0.23%, 1.05%, 0.55% for age group 18–59 years old; 2.44%, 4.50%, 5.28% for 60–69; 5.42%, 10.11%, 8.49% for 70–79, and 17.33%, 20.79%, 20.39% for 80–90. After adjusting for age, sex, and preexisting conditions, the fatality risk remains significantly higher for non-Hispanic African American (adjusted odds ratio [adj. OR] = 1.85, 95% CI 1.41–2.44) and Hispanic individuals (adj. OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.53–2.39) compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. Conclusion: Hispanic and non-Hispanic African American individuals have a higher risk of fatality from COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. The higher risk remains after adjusting for sex, age, and preexisting conditions. Health care providers could help to increase vaccination rates in these vulnerable populations by addressing the social and cultural barriers with their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few Texas Latino girls initiate and complete the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series, but few studies have examined predictors of initiation and completion in this group. Mothers are crucial to vaccine uptake. Using self-reported data from mothers of unvaccinated girls (n = 317), we examined the association between predictors (HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, vaccine self-efficacy) and outcomes (initiation and completion). Despite an increase in HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge from baseline to follow-up (n = 195), we found no association between the predictors and the outcomes. Findings showed that health insurance status and study group participation (Entre Madre e Hija program or brochure only) were associated with initiation and completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the initiation and logistics, funding, perceived barriers and benefits, and disruption of school activities by school-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs conducted during the 2008–2009 influenza season. Seventy-two interviews using a structured protocol were conducted with 26 teachers, 16 school administrators, and 30 health care professionals from 34 schools in 8 school districts. SLIV programs used a variety of locations, scheduling and staffing options, and methods for receiving parental consent and screening children. Health care professionals were primarily responsible for implementing SLIV programs, and most administrators and health care professionals considered programs easy to initiate. Health care professionals identified successful programs as requiring adequate planning/coordination, a dedicated program coordinator, and a consistent funding source. Most respondents (96%) reported minimal school-day disruptions. The perception of most stakeholders is that SLIV programs can be relatively easy to initiate, minimally disruptive and can become more efficient with experience, especially with feedback from all stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be at greater risk for developing antivaccine beliefs that lead to vaccine delays and/or refusals for their children. We investigated current parental vaccine hesitancy, parents' beliefs about causes of children's developmental delays, and children's vaccination histories among parents of children with ASD or non-ASD developmental delays. Data were analyzed from 89/511 parents (17.4%) who completed the Parent Attitudes About Childhood Vaccines questionnaire and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire; 46.1% had childhood vaccination records available. Overall, 21/89 (23.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.0-34.0) of parents were vaccine hesitant (ASD n = 19/21 [90.5%], non-ASD n = 2/21 [9.5%]). Parents of children with ASD were significantly more likely to agree with "toxins in vaccines" as a cause of their child's developmental delays (28.4% vs 5.0%, P = .034). The odds of being vaccine hesitant were 11.9 times (95% CI 2.9-48.0) greater among parents who agreed versus disagreed that toxins in vaccines caused their children's developmental delays. Rates of prior vaccine receipt did not differ between hesitant and nonhesitant groups.

To compensate for a shortage of clinical sites, a clinical was developed on campus to increase student understanding of pediatric nursing care, encourage collegial collaboration, enhance time management skills, and improve documentation. Six pediatric case studies were developed. In small teams, students cared for a panel of children utilizing resources from the simulation laboratory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, and a community clinic. More than 95 percent of 110 students surveyed found the experience to be beneficial. A low-cost guided learning experience can be beneficial to enhance the learning of students in regions with limited clinical and monetary resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]