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Open AccessArticle

Impact of a COVID-19 Outbreak in an Elderly Care Home after Primary Vaccination

by

Elba Mauriz

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José P. Fernández-Vázquez

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Cristina Díez-Flecha

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Sofía Reguero-Celada

,

Tania Fernández-Villa

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Ana Fernández-Somoano

,

Joan A. Caylà

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Jesús A. Lozano-García

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Ana M. Vázquez-Casares

and

Vicente Martín-Sánchez

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081382 - 19 Aug 2023

Viewed by 604

Abstract

Elderly care home residents are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to immune-senescence, pre-existing medical conditions, and the risk of transmission from staff and visitors. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of a COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care facility for elderly persons [...] Read more.

Elderly care home residents are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to immune-senescence, pre-existing medical conditions, and the risk of transmission from staff and visitors. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of a COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care facility for elderly persons following the initial vaccination. A single-center, retrospective, observational design was used to analyze the variables associated with hospitalization and death rate by logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Sixty-eight residents received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite being negative six days after vaccination, the performance of a second test 4 days later revealed 51 positives (75.0%) among residents and 18 among workers (56.3%). A total of 65 of the 68 residents (95.58%) had positive results with symptoms, whereas 34.9% required hospitalization, and 25.8% died. The best-fitting model to explain the distribution of cases reflects three points at the time of infection.. The time from vaccination to symptom onset explains the hospitalization and mortality rates since a day elapsed halves the risk of hospitalization (aOR = 0.57; CI = 0.38−0.75) and the risk of death by a quarter (aOR = 0.74; CI = 0.63−0.88). Nursing homes present an elevated risk of transmission and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization and death, extreme prevention and control measures are essential in these institutions despite the high vaccination coverage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Immunity Provides the Best COVID-19 Humoral Response in Immunocompromised Patients with or without SARS-CoV-2 Infection History

by

Paulina Nazaruk

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Ignacy Tkaczyk

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Marta Monticolo

,

Anna Maria Jędrzejczak

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and

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081380 - 18 Aug 2023

Viewed by 578

Abstract

Immunization against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly limited the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and reduced the associated complications, especially mortality. To prolong immunity, an immune booster was implemented. We evaluated the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection history in [...] Read more.

Immunization against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly limited the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and reduced the associated complications, especially mortality. To prolong immunity, an immune booster was implemented. We evaluated the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection history in the vaccination schedules of kidney and liver transplant recipients and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To this end, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 78 solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients and 40 patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy as representatives of the CKD group. Patients received two or three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. At the follow-up, antibody (Ab) titer, graft function, COVID-19 history, and patients’ clinical condition were assessed. Ab level was higher after two doses in patients with a COVID-19 history over three doses in patients with no COVID-19 history. Compared to three doses, subjects who were administered two doses had a longer median time to infection. Positive antibodies, in response to the third dose, were not observed in up to 8.4% of SOT patients. The results show that the vaccination schedule should take into account the vaccine response rate and COVID-19 history. So-called hybrid immunity appears to be most efficient at providing humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

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Open AccessCommunication

Assessing the Influence of COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage on Excess Mortality across 178 Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Verónica Benites-Godínez

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Jaime Alberto Bricio-Barrios

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Martha Irazema Cárdenas-Rojas

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Eder Fernando Ríos-Bracamontes

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Hannah Priscila Guzman-Solorzano

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Greta Mariana Baltazar-Rodríguez

,

Valeria Ruiz-Montes de Oca

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Vannya Marisol Ortega-Macías

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Ana Daniela Ortega-Ramírez

and

Efrén Murillo-Zamora

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081294 - 28 Jul 2023

Viewed by 661

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on global health, necessitating urgent and effective strategies to mitigate its consequences. Vaccination programs have been implemented worldwide to combat virus transmission and reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on global health, necessitating urgent and effective strategies to mitigate its consequences. Vaccination programs have been implemented worldwide to combat virus transmission and reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination coverage and all-cause excess mortality in 178 nations during the first two years of the pandemic. Multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for life expectancy at birth, confirmed a significant association between higher vaccination coverage and lower all-cause mortality rates (

β

= −106.8, 95% CI −175.4 to −38.2,

p

= 0.002). These findings underscore the importance of vaccination campaigns in reducing overall mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence-based decision making and resource allocation can benefit from this information, facilitating the optimization of vaccination strategies for maximal impact on mortality reduction. Further research and continuous monitoring are crucial to understanding the long-term effects of vaccination coverage on population health in the ongoing pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

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Open AccessCommunication

Risk of Testing Positive for COVID-19 among Healthcare and Healthcare-Related Workers

by

Eder Fernando Ríos-Bracamontes

,

Luz Elena Iñiguez-Arias

,

Rodolfo José Ochoa-Jiménez

,

José Guzmán-Esquivel

,

Martha Irazema Cárdenas-Rojas

and

Efrén Murillo-Zamora

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071260 - 19 Jul 2023

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Understanding the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers is crucial for infection prevention and control. The aim of this study was to examine the risk of testing positive for COVID-19 among a multicenter cohort of workers, taking into account their [...] Read more.

Understanding the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers is crucial for infection prevention and control. The aim of this study was to examine the risk of testing positive for COVID-19 among a multicenter cohort of workers, taking into account their occupational roles (medical professionals, staff in operational and administrative roles, or laboratory personnel) in healthcare settings. The data analyzed in this study included 2163 individuals with suggestive COVID-19 symptoms who underwent laboratory testing. The incidence rate in the study sample was calculated to be 15.3 cases per 10,000 person-days. The results from the multiple regression model indicated that job roles were not significantly associated with the risk of testing positive. However, age and the duration of the pandemic were identified as significant risk factors, with increasing age and longer pandemic duration being associated with a higher risk of testing positive. Additionally, vaccination was found to reduce the risk of testing positive. These findings provide valuable insights into COVID-19 transmission among indoor healthcare workers, highlighting the influence of age, pandemic duration, and vaccination on infection risk. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based strategies aimed at protecting healthcare workers and preventing virus spread in healthcare settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Turkish Population’s Perspective on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Routine Childhood Vaccine Applications: National Survey Study

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and

Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040779 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 877

Abstract

Background: It is important to evaluate the attitude of society towards vaccines to understand the rates of acceptance and hesitance towards vaccination, which are essential components of public health and epidemiology. This study aimed to evaluate the perspective of the Turkish population on [...] Read more.

Background: It is important to evaluate the attitude of society towards vaccines to understand the rates of acceptance and hesitance towards vaccination, which are essential components of public health and epidemiology. This study aimed to evaluate the perspective of the Turkish population on COVID-19 status, rate of vaccination, and also to evaluate the reasons for refusal to vaccinate, vaccine hesitancy, and related factors. Methods: A total of 4539 participants were included in this population-based descriptive and cross-sectional study. The Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS-II) was used to obtain a representative sample and for this purpose Turkey was divided into 26 regions. Participants were randomly selected based on the demographic features and population ratios of the selected regions. The following parameters were evaluated: sociodemographic characteristics and perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines, Vaccine Hesitancy Scale Adapted to Pandemics (VHS-P), and Anti-Vaccine Scale-Long Form (AVS-LF) questions. Results: A total of 4539 participants, 2303 (50.7%) male and 2236 (49.3%) female, aged between 18 and 73 years, were included in this study. It was observed that 58.4% of the participants had hesitations towards COVID-19 vaccination, and 19.6% were hesitant about all childhood vaccinations. Those who did not have the COVID-19 vaccine, who did not think that the COVID-19 vaccine was protective, and who had hesitation to vaccinate against COVID-19 had significantly higher median scores on the VHS-P and AVS-LF scales, respectively (all p < 0.01). Those who did not have their children vaccinated in childhood and who were hesitant about childhood vaccinations, had significantly higher median scores on the VHS-P and AVS-LF scales, respectively (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Although the rate of vaccination for COVID-19 was 93.4% in the study, hesitation to vaccinate was 58.4%. The median score of the scales of those who were hesitant about childhood vaccinations was higher than individuals who did not have any hesitation. In general, the source of concerns about vaccines should be clearly seen, and precautions should be taken. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Reasons for Receiving the Second Booster Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Adults and in People with Chronic Medical Conditions in Southern Italy

by

Grazia Miraglia del Giudice

,

Lucio Folcarelli

,

Giorgia Della Polla

,

Annalisa Napoli

and

Italo Francesco Angelillo

Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040737 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 747

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey explored the attitudes and the reasons, as well their associated factors, for receiving the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among a sample of all old adults and of people with chronic medical conditions attending two randomly selected immunization [...] Read more.

This cross-sectional survey explored the attitudes and the reasons, as well their associated factors, for receiving the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among a sample of all old adults and of people with chronic medical conditions attending two randomly selected immunization centers in Naples (Italy). A total of 438 questionnaires were collected. The majority were male (55.1%) and the median age was 71 years. A higher perception of the vaccine’s utility, measured with a 10-point Likert type scale, has been observed among males, individuals with a higher perception that COVID-19 is a severe illness, with a higher self-awareness of being at risk of infection, and with a higher trust in the information received. The most reported reasons for receiving the second booster dose included protection of themselves and of their family members from getting COVID-19, fear of acquiring the disease, and having a physician’s recommendation. Younger participants, married/cohabitant, and with a higher perception that COVID-19 is a severe illness were more likely to have indicated protecting themselves and their family members as reason for receiving the booster dose. Respondents with a chronic medical condition, with a higher perception that COVID-19 is a severe illness, with a lower trust in the information received, and informed by physicians were more likely to have received the vaccine because they perceived of being at risk of getting a severe form of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Physicians should play a pivotal role in stressing the importance of the second booster dose and in helping individuals to make decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

Open AccessArticle

Incidence and Associated Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Post-mRNA-1273 Booster Vaccination in Health-Care Workers

by

Anshari Saifuddin Hasibuan

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Sumariyono Sumariyono

and

Astri Mulyantini

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020481 - 19 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among health-care workers. One of the most important preventive measures is vaccination. This study examined factors associated with the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection after mRNA-1273 booster vaccination (preceded by the CoronaVac [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among health-care workers. One of the most important preventive measures is vaccination. This study examined factors associated with the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection after mRNA-1273 booster vaccination (preceded by the CoronaVac primary vaccination) and the antibody profile of health-care workers at one of the tertiary hospitals in Indonesia. This was a combined retrospective cohort and cross-sectional study. Three hundred health-care workers who were given the mRNA-1273 booster vaccine a minimum of 5 months prior to this study were randomly selected. Participants were then interviewed about their history of COVID-19 vaccination, history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and comorbidities. Blood samples were taken to assess IgG sRBD antibody levels. The median antibody level was found to be 659 BAU/mL (min 37 BAU/mL, max 5680 BAU/mL, QIR 822 BAU/mL) after the booster, and this was not related to age, sex, comorbidities, or adverse events following immunization (AEFI) after the booster. SARS-CoV-2 infection after the booster was correlated with higher antibody levels. In sum, 56 participants (18.6%) experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection after the mRNA-1273 booster vaccination within 5 months. Incidence per person per month was 3.2%. Age, sex, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, obesity, and post-booster AEFI were not related to COVID-19 incidence after the booster. History of SARS-CoV-2 infection before the booster vaccination was significantly associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after booster vaccination, with a relative risk (RR) of 0.21 (95% CI 0.09–0.45, p < 0.001). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

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Open AccessArticle

Predicting Intention to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination in People Living with HIV using an Integrated Behavior Model

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Haridana Indah Setiawati Mahdi

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Dyah Agustina Waluyo

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Zubairi Djoerban

and

Tommy Hariman Siddiq

Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020296 - 29 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1174

Abstract

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are considered a high-risk population for developing a severe form of COVID-19. Vaccination is still one of the most important modalities in combating the disease due to the lack of an effective treatment. This multicenter study was performed [...] Read more.

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are considered a high-risk population for developing a severe form of COVID-19. Vaccination is still one of the most important modalities in combating the disease due to the lack of an effective treatment. This multicenter study was performed from September to December 2021 with the aim to analyze the intention of PLHIV to receive the COVID-19 vaccination based on an integrated behavior model (IBM) in Indonesia. Of a total of 470 participants, 75.6% of patients were intent to be vaccinated. The model that was designed in this study explains 43.4% of the variance in intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in PLHIV (adjusted R² = 0.434). Furthermore, the determinants used included instrumental attitude (β = 0.127, p < 0.05), subjective norm (β = 0.497, p < 0.01), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.116, p < 0.01). This study concluded that an IBM could predict the intention of PLHIV to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

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Other

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Open AccessOpinion

Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Is the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign an Opportunity to Improve Adherence to Cancer Screening Programmes? The Challenge of a Pilot Project in a Large Local Health Authority in Rome

by

Alessandra Sinopoli

,

Valentina Baccolini

and

Enrico Di Rosa

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030523 - 23 Feb 2023

Viewed by 825

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health services worldwide. The suspension of cancer screening programs during the lockdown period, coupled with the other measures taken to limit the SARS-CoV-2 spread, contributed to the idea that cancer preventive interventions are deferrable. In this opinion paper, [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health services worldwide. The suspension of cancer screening programs during the lockdown period, coupled with the other measures taken to limit the SARS-CoV-2 spread, contributed to the idea that cancer preventive interventions are deferrable. In this opinion paper, we present some data on cancer screening coverage in one of the largest Local Health Authorities in Italy in recent years. Within this context, we introduce the benefits of a pilot project in which we took advantage of the great attention on the COVID-19 vaccination campaign to improve screening uptake. In this project, we offered men and women eligible for cancer screening the opportunity to book appointments while waiting to be vaccinated. In addition, trained healthcare personnel were available on-site to discuss any barriers to participation with the attendees. Despite the project having only just started, preliminary results are encouraging, with positive feedback from the attendees. In conclusion, we advocate for the need to adopt a comprehensive approach when it comes to population health, and we use this project as an example to discuss how it is possible to contribute to minimizing the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with resources already in place. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)

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