Efficacy, Immunogenicity and Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines and COVID-19 Vaccination Strategies

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccine Efficacy and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2024 | Viewed by 4832

Special Issue Editor

1. Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health of Catalonia, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
2. Ciber of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28028 Madrid, Spain
Interests: vaccination programs; preventive interventions; epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases; seroepidemiology; cost-effectiveness analysis of vaccines and health programs; metabolic risk factors of chronic diseases; health policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

COVID-19 vaccines have reduced the incidence and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infections since the first vaccines were administered. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies can be developed to assess vaccine-induced immunity protection, vaccine efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic disease, and vaccine safety. The efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines can vary depending on the vaccine technology, target population and circulating virus.  

Post-marketing research of efficacy and safety levels associated with COVID-19 vaccines is necessary to assess how available vaccines respond to new SARS-CoV-2 variants.

COVID-19 vaccination programs must overcome many challenges to achieve and maintain high protection levels in the population. Studies assessing knowledge and perceptions about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines are necessary to develop communication strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine acceptance.     

This Special Issue of Vaccines seeks to collect high-quality articles presenting the results of studies on immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of COVID-19 vaccines; post-marketing assessment of COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety; COVID-19 vaccination programs challenges related to efficacy and safety; and knowledge, perception, and communication of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and safety.  

Dr. Pedro Plans-Rubió
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2344 KiB  
Article
Intradermal Fractional ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Booster Vaccine Induces Memory T Cells: A Follow-Up Study
by Ratchanon Sophonmanee, Perawas Preampruchcha, Jomkwan Ongarj, Bunya Seeyankem, Porntip Intapiboon, Smonrapat Surasombatpattana, Supattra Uppanisakorn, Pasuree Sangsupawanich, Sarunyou Chusri and Nawamin Pinpathomrat
Vaccines 2024, 12(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020109 - 23 Jan 2024
Viewed by 752
Abstract
The administration of viral vector and mRNA vaccine booster effectively induces humoral and cellular immune responses. Effector T cell responses after fractional intradermal (ID) vaccination are comparable to those after intramuscular (IM) boosters. Here, we quantified T cell responses after booster vaccination. ChAdOx1 [...] Read more.
The administration of viral vector and mRNA vaccine booster effectively induces humoral and cellular immune responses. Effector T cell responses after fractional intradermal (ID) vaccination are comparable to those after intramuscular (IM) boosters. Here, we quantified T cell responses after booster vaccination. ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination induced higher numbers of S1-specific CD8+ memory T cells, consistent with the antibody responses. Effector memory T cell phenotypes elicited by mRNA vaccination showed a similar trend to those elicited by the viral vector vaccine booster. Three months post-vaccination, cytokine responses remained detectable, confirming effector T cell responses induced by both vaccines. The ID fractional dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 elicited higher effector CD8+ T cell responses than IM vaccination. This study confirmed that an ID dose-reduction vaccination strategy effectively stimulates effector memory T cell responses. ID injection could be an improved approach for effective vaccination programs. Full article
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25 pages, 2475 KiB  
Article
Mathematical Optimization Strategy for Effectiveness Profile Estimation in Two-Dose Vaccines and Its Use in Designing Improved Vaccination Strategies Focused on Pandemic Containment
by Óscar A. González-Sánchez, Daniel Zaldívar, Erik Cuevas and L. Javier González-Ortiz
Vaccines 2024, 12(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12010081 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 734
Abstract
Since late 2019, most efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on developing vaccines. By mid-2020, some vaccines fulfilled international regulations for their application. However, these vaccines have shown a decline in effectiveness several weeks after the last dose, highlighting the need [...] Read more.
Since late 2019, most efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on developing vaccines. By mid-2020, some vaccines fulfilled international regulations for their application. However, these vaccines have shown a decline in effectiveness several weeks after the last dose, highlighting the need to optimize vaccine administration due to supply chain limitations. While methods exist to prioritize population groups for vaccination, there is a lack of research on how to optimally define the time between doses when two-dose vaccines are administrated to such groups. Under such conditions, modeling the real effect of each vaccine on the population is critical. Even though several efforts have been made to characterize vaccine effectiveness profiles, none of these initiatives enable characterization of the individual effect of each dose. Thus, this paper presents a novel methodology for estimating the vaccine effectiveness profile. It addresses the vaccine characterization problem by considering a deconvolution of relevant data profiles, treating them as an optimization process. The results of this approach enabled the independent estimation of the effectiveness profiles for the first and second vaccine doses and their use to find sweet spots for designing efficient vaccination strategies. Our methodology can enable a more effective and efficient contemporary response against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for any other disease in the future. Full article
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13 pages, 563 KiB  
Article
Assessment of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Its Associated Factors during the Crisis: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Benin
by Sètondji Géraud Roméo Padonou, Clément Kakaï Glèlè, Manfred Accrombessi, Bayode Romeo Adegbite, Edouard Dangbenon, Houssaïnatou Bah, Enangnon Akogbeto, Ali Imorou Bah Chabi, Landry Kaucley, Salifou Sourakatou, Ange Dossou, Achille Batonon, Tania Bissouma-Ledjou and Benjamin Hounkpatin
Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061104 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1151
Abstract
Background: Having a maximum number of people vaccinated was the objective to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We report in this manuscript the factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 during the pandemic period. Methods: From April to May 2022, a [...] Read more.
Background: Having a maximum number of people vaccinated was the objective to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We report in this manuscript the factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 during the pandemic period. Methods: From April to May 2022, a community-based cross-sectional survey was performed. Participants were randomly selected from four districts in Benin (taking into account the COVID-19 prevalence). Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to identify the variables associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Results: A total of 2069 participants were included. The proportion of vaccine acceptance was 43.3%. A total of 24.2% were vaccinated and showed proof of vaccination. The population’s request for vaccination was higher after the third epidemic wave. The district of residence, the education level, a fear of being infected, the channel of information, poor medical conditions, a good knowledge of the transmission mode and symptoms, and good behaviors were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The overall acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Beninese population was relatively high. However, vaccine campaigns in areas with a low acceptance as well as the disclosure of information, particularly on our knowledge of the disease and the safety, side effects, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, should be strengthened with adapted and consistent messages. Full article
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17 pages, 1797 KiB  
Systematic Review
Serological Responses after a Fourth Dose of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Yameng Mu, Hongxiao Wu, Zhouling Jiang, Kehang Liu, Xiaoyu Xue, Wei Zhang and Zhihai Chen
Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071130 - 21 Jun 2023
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Abstract
The humoral immune response and safety of the fourth dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients need to be fully elucidated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety associated with [...] Read more.
The humoral immune response and safety of the fourth dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients need to be fully elucidated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety associated with this additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the SOT recipients. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies on SOT patients without prior natural SARS-CoV-2 infection who received the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Serological antibody responses following vaccination were synthesized by a meta-analysis of proportions. The proportions for each outcome were integrated by using a random-effects model. Approximately 56–92% of the SOT patients developed a humoral immune response, and the pooled seroprevalence rate was 75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62–82%) after administering the third vaccine dose. Following the fourth dose of vaccination, approximately 76–95% of the patients developed a humoral immune response. The pooled seroprevalence rate after the fourth dose was 85% (95% CI, 79–91%). Of the patients who initially tested seronegative after the second dose, approximately 22–76% of patients subsequently became seropositive after the third dose. The pooled seroconversion rate for the third dose was 47% (95% CI, 31–64%). Among the patients who were seronegative after the third dose, approximately 25–76% turned seropositive after the fourth dose. The pooled seroconversion rate after the fourth dose was 51% (95% CI, 40–63%). Safety data were reported in three studies, demonstrating that adverse effects following the fourth dose were generally mild, and patients with these adverse effects did not require hospitalization. No transplant rejection or serious adverse events were observed. A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in SOT recipients was associated with an improved humoral immune response, and the vaccine was considered relatively safe. Full article
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7 pages, 236 KiB  
Commentary
Challenges in Assessing COVID-19 Vaccines Safety Signals—The Case of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine and Corneal Graft Rejection
by Christelle Bizimungu, Martine Sabbe, Françoise Wuillaume, Jamila Hamdani, Philippe Koch and Jean-Michel Dogné
Vaccines 2023, 11(5), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11050954 - 06 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 905
Abstract
The rapid and large-scale roll-out of new COVID-19 vaccines has led to unprecedented challenges in assessing vaccine safety. In 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) processed about 1.7 million safety reports related to COVID-19 vaccines in the EudraVigilance (EV) database and identified more [...] Read more.
The rapid and large-scale roll-out of new COVID-19 vaccines has led to unprecedented challenges in assessing vaccine safety. In 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) processed about 1.7 million safety reports related to COVID-19 vaccines in the EudraVigilance (EV) database and identified more than 900 potential signals. Beyond the large amount of information to be processed, the evaluation of safety signals has faced several difficulties and limitations, both in the assessment of case reports and in the investigation of databases. The evaluation of a signal of corneal graft rejection (CGR) with Vaxzevria® was no exception to this. In this commentary, we present the challenges encountered in making regulatory decisions in the context of evolving evidence and knowledge. The pandemic crisis emphasised the importance of quick and proactive communication to address the many questions and, above all, to ensure the transparency of safety data. Full article
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