Mapping the evidence-base of adolescent and adult vaccination in Africa: A slow but growing trend

Abstract

Background:Historically, immunisation has largely focused on children. There is an increased realisation that optimal control of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) requires an extension of immunisation to adolescents and adults. Research is vital to guide the extension of adolescent and adult immunisation without interference with the childhood immunisation programmes. We therefore conducted a study assessing the types and quality of available research on adolescent and adult immunisation in Africa from 2011 to 2019. Methods:A search for English articles on vaccines and immunisation targeting humans in Africa; and published between January 2011 and March 2019 was conducted. PubMed and Africa Wide databases were searched. Results:The search yielded 8899 articles of which 354 met the inclusion criteria. Most immunisation research focused on adults (60.7%). Thirty-fi ve countries contributed to immunisation research. South Africa and Nigeria had the greatest number of studies (75 and 44 respectively). Disease burden appeared to infl uence the type and quantity of research for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.Conclusion: Advocacy, advances in technology and, changing epidemiology of diseases have paved the way for research targeting adolescent and adult immunisation. The quantity of research appeared to be infl uenced by the burden of the disease for some diseases; suggesting research priorities on VPDs in Africa could be driven by the most pressing needs. African governments should spur more intra-and inter-country collaboration for the development of research skills in adolescent and adult age groups on the continent.