Meningococcal vaccination counts and public attention: A time-series study from Türkiye.
Vaccination counts for meningococcal disease in Türkiye increased significantly in 2025, particularly among infants, and were associated with peaks in public interest and health announcements.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the mgf (mechano growth factor) corpusSummary and findings
This study examined meningococcal vaccination counts among children in Istanbul, Türkiye, from January 2024 to June 2025. A total of 182 children received vaccination, with a notable increase in 2025. The study assessed the association between vaccination counts and public attention using Google Trends data.
Abstract
Meningococcal infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. In Türkiye, meningococcal vaccines are not included in the national immunization program and are mainly administered through optional, self-funded services. This study aimed to examine temporal trends in meningococcal vaccination counts and to assess their association with public attention. This retrospective time-series study included children who received meningococcal vaccination at a tertiary hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye, between January 2024 and June 2025. Demographic and vaccination data were obtained from hospital records. Public attention was assessed using Google Trends data for meningococcal-related search terms. In addition, official public health announcements, professional society statements, and well-child clinic visits were considered as contextual factors. A total of 182 children were vaccinated, with a marked increase observed in 2025. Infants aged 0-24 months accounted for the majority of vaccinations. MenB was administered more frequently than MenACWY, and concomitant administration was common. Increased vaccination activity temporally coincided with peaks in Google Trends search interest, particularly for the term "meningitis," along with concurrent public health announcements. Meningococcal vaccination counts increased during periods of heightened public attention. In settings where vaccines are optional, vaccination demand may be influenced not only by epidemiological factors but also by media visibility, public awareness, and healthcare professionals' recommendations.
Background
Meningococcal infections are a notable cause of morbidity and mortality in children. In Türkiye, these vaccines are not part of the national immunization program and are primarily offered through optional services. Understanding the trends in vaccination and their correlation with public attention is critical for improving vaccination rates and public health strategies.
Methods
This retrospective time-series study included children who received meningococcal vaccination at a tertiary hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected from hospital records, and public attention was assessed using Google Trends data for relevant search terms. The study period spanned from January 2024 to June 2025.
Results
A total of 182 children were vaccinated, with a marked increase in vaccination counts observed in 2025. Infants aged 0-24 months represented the majority of vaccinations. The study noted that MenB was administered more frequently than MenACWY, and vaccination activity increased during periods of heightened public attention.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that public attention significantly influences vaccination rates, particularly in settings where vaccines are optional. While the correlation with Google Trends data indicates a relationship, the effect size and clinical significance of this influence remain uncertain. Limitations include potential confounding factors such as media visibility and healthcare recommendations.
Key findings
- 182 children vaccinated between January 2024 and June 2025.
- Marked increase in vaccinations observed in 2025.
- Infants aged 0-24 months accounted for the majority of vaccinations.
- MenB was administered more frequently than MenACWY.
- Increased vaccination activity coincided with peaks in Google Trends search interest.
Limitations
- Retrospective study design.
- Potential confounding from media visibility.
- Data limited to a single tertiary hospital.
- Short follow-up period.