Research

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18 pages, 3080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Brigada Digital de Salud Audience Reach and Engagement: A Digital Community Health Worker Model to Address COVID-19 Misinformation in Spanish on Social Media

by Elizabeth L. Andrade, Lorien C. Abroms, Anna I. González, Carla Favetto, Valeria Gomez, Manuel Díaz-Ramírez, César Palacios and Mark C. Edberg

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081346 - 09 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182

Abstract

U.S. Spanish-speaking populations experienced gaps in timely COVID-19 information during the pandemic and disproportionate misinformation exposure. Brigada Digital de Salud was established to address these gaps with culturally tailored, Spanish-language COVID-19 information on social media. From 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2023, [...] Read more.

U.S. Spanish-speaking populations experienced gaps in timely COVID-19 information during the pandemic and disproportionate misinformation exposure. Brigada Digital de Salud was established to address these gaps with culturally tailored, Spanish-language COVID-19 information on social media. From 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2023, 495 Twitter, 275 Facebook, and 254 Instagram posts were published and amplified by 10 trained community health workers. A qualitative content analysis was performed to characterize the topics and formats of 251 posts. To assess reach and engagement, page analytics and advertising metrics for 287 posts were examined. Posts predominantly addressed vaccination (49.45%), infection risks (19.12%), and COVID-related scientific concepts (12.84%). Posts were educational (48.14%) and aimed to engage audiences (23.67%), promote resources (12.76%), and debunk misinformation (9.04%). Formats included images/text (55.40%), carousels (27.50%), and videos (17.10%). By 9 June 2023, 394 Facebook, 419 Instagram, and 228 Twitter followers included mainly women ages 24–54. Brigada Digital reached 386,910 people with 552,037 impressions and 96,868 engagements, including 11,292 likes, 15,240 comments/replies, 9718 shares/retweets, and 45,381 video play-throughs. The most engaging posts included videos with audio narration, healthcare providers, influencers, or music artists. This community-based model to engage Spanish-speaking audiences on social media with culturally aligned content to counter misinformation shows promise for addressing public health threats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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24 pages, 905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccination Personas in Yemen: Insights from Three Rounds of a Cross-Sectional Survey

by Zlatko Nikoloski, Dennis Chimenya, Abdullah Alshehari, Hauwa Hassan, Robert Bain, Leonardo Menchini and Amaya Gillespie

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071272 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 974

Abstract

We used three rounds of a repeated cross-sectional survey on COVID-19 vaccination conducted throughout the entire territory of Yemen to: (i) describe the demographic and socio-economic characteristics associated with willingness to be vaccinated; (ii) analyse the link between beliefs associated with COVID-19 vaccines [...] Read more.

We used three rounds of a repeated cross-sectional survey on COVID-19 vaccination conducted throughout the entire territory of Yemen to: (i) describe the demographic and socio-economic characteristics associated with willingness to be vaccinated; (ii) analyse the link between beliefs associated with COVID-19 vaccines and willingness to be vaccinated; and (iii) analyse the potential platforms that could be used to target vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine coverage in Yemen. Over two-thirds of respondents were either unwilling or unsure about vaccination across the three rounds. We found that gender, age, and educational attainment were significant correlates of vaccination status. Respondents with better knowledge about the virus and with greater confidence in the capacity of the authorities (and their own) to deal with the virus were more likely to be willing to be vaccinated. Consistent with the health belief model, practising one (or more) COVID-19 preventative measures was associated with a higher willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Respondents with more positive views towards COVID-19 vaccines were also more likely to be willing to be vaccinated. By contrast, respondents who believed that vaccines are associated with significant side effects were more likely to refuse vaccination. Finally, those who relied on community leaders/healthcare workers as a trusted channel for obtaining COVID-19-related information were more likely to be willing to be vaccinated. Strengthening the information about the COVID-19 vaccination (safety, effectiveness, side effects) and communicating it through community leaders/healthcare workers could help increase the COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Yemen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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17 pages, 2746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community-Based Approaches to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Demand: Lessons Learned from Four UNICEF-Supported Interventions

by Kathryn L. Hopkins, Talya Underwood, Iddi Iddrisu, Hanna Woldemeskel, Helena Ballester Bon, Symen Brouwers, Sofia De Almeida, Natalie Fol, Alka Malhotra, Shalini Prasad, Sowmyaa Bharadwaj, Aarunima Bhatnagar, Stacey Knobler and Gloria Lihemo

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071180 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3961

Abstract

Vaccination is critical to minimize serious illness and death from COVID-19. Yet uptake of COVID-19 vaccines remains highly variable, particularly among marginalized communities. This article shares lessons learned from four UNICEF interventions that supported Governments to generate acceptance and demand for COVID-19 vaccines [...] Read more.

Vaccination is critical to minimize serious illness and death from COVID-19. Yet uptake of COVID-19 vaccines remains highly variable, particularly among marginalized communities. This article shares lessons learned from four UNICEF interventions that supported Governments to generate acceptance and demand for COVID-19 vaccines in Zambia, Iraq, Ghana, and India. In Zambia, community rapid assessment provided invaluable real-time insights around COVID-19 vaccination and allowed the identification of population segments that share beliefs and motivations regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Findings were subsequently used to develop recommendations tailored to the different personas. In Iraq, a new outreach approach (3iS: Intensification of Integrated Immunization) utilized direct community engagement to deliver health messages and encourage service uptake, resulting in over 4.4 million doses of COVID-19 and routine immunization vaccines delivered in just 8 months. In Ghana, a human-centered design initiative was applied to co-develop community-informed strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates. In India, a risk communication and community engagement initiative reached half a million people over six months, translating into a 25% increase in vaccination rates. These shared approaches can be leveraged to improve COVID-19 vaccination coverage and close gaps in routine immunization across diverse and marginalized communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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15 pages, 728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parents’ Intentions, Concerns and Information Needs about COVID-19 Vaccination in New Jersey: A Qualitative Analysis

by Racquel E. Kohler, Rachel B. Wagner, Katherine Careaga, Jacqueline Vega, Rula Btoush, Kathryn Greene and Leslie Kantor

Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061096 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

Background: In 2019, the World Health Organization identified vaccine hesitancy as a top ten global health threat, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite local and nationwide public health efforts, adolescent COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the US remains low. This study [...] Read more.

Background: In 2019, the World Health Organization identified vaccine hesitancy as a top ten global health threat, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite local and nationwide public health efforts, adolescent COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the US remains low. This study explored parents’ perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine and factors influencing hesitancy to inform future outreach and education campaigns. Methods: We conducted two rounds of individual interviews via Zoom in May–September 2021 and January–February 2022, with parents of adolescents from the Greater Newark Area of New Jersey, a densely populated area with historically marginalized groups that had low COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Data collection and analysis was guided by the Increasing Vaccination Model and WHO Vaccine Hesitancy Matrix. Interview transcripts were double-coded and thematically analyzed in NVivo. Results: We interviewed 22 parents (17 in English, 5 in Spanish). Nearly half (45%) were Black and 41% were Hispanic. Over half (54%) were born outside of the US. Most of the parents described that their adolescents had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. All but one parent had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite strong vaccination acceptance for themselves, parents remained hesitant about vaccinating their adolescents. They were mostly concerned about the safety and potential side effects due to the novelty of the vaccine. Parents sought information about the vaccines online, through healthcare providers and authorities, and at community spaces. Interpersonal communication exposed parents to misinformation, though some personal connections to severe COVID-19 illness motivated vaccination. Historical mistreatment by the healthcare system and politicization of the vaccine contributed to parents’ mixed feelings about the trustworthiness of those involved with developing, promoting, and distributing COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusions: We identified multilevel influences on COVID-19 vaccine-specific hesitancy among a racially/ethnically diverse sample of parents with adolescents that can inform future vaccination interventions. To increase vaccine confidence, future COVID booster campaigns and other vaccination efforts should disseminate information through trusted healthcare providers in clinical and also utilize community settings by addressing specific safety concerns and promoting vaccine effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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14 pages, 3359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccination in the WHO African Region: Progress Made in 2022 and Factors Associated

by Franck Mboussou, Bridget Farham, Sheillah Nsasiirwe, Ajiri Atagbaza, Daniel Oyaole, Phionah Lynn Atuhebwe, Victor Alegana, Fred Osei-sarpong, Ado Bwaka, Gilson Paluku, Amos Petu, Oniovo Efe-Aluta, Akpaka Kalu, Magaran Monzon Bagayoko and Benido Impouma

Vaccines 2023, 11(5), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11051010 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2053

Abstract

This study summarizes progress made in rolling out COVID-19 vaccinations in the African region in 2022, and analyzes factors associated with vaccination coverage. Data on vaccine uptake reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa by Member States between January [...] Read more.

This study summarizes progress made in rolling out COVID-19 vaccinations in the African region in 2022, and analyzes factors associated with vaccination coverage. Data on vaccine uptake reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa by Member States between January 2021 and December 2022, as well as publicly available health and socio-economic data, were used. A negative binomial regression was performed to analyze factors associated with vaccination coverage in 2022. As of the end of 2022, 308.1 million people had completed the primary vaccination series, representing 26.4% of the region’s population, compared to 6.3% at the end of 2021. The percentage of health workers with complete primary series was 40.9%. Having carried out at least one high volume mass vaccination campaign in 2022 was associated with high vaccination coverage (β = 0.91, p < 0.0001), while higher WHO funding spent per person vaccinated in 2022 was correlated with lower vaccination coverage (β = −0.26, p < 0.03). All countries should expand efforts to integrate COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunization and primary health care, and increase investment in vaccine demand generation during the transition period that follows the acute phase of the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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16 pages, 956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy in Health Care Workers in Somalia: Findings from a Fragile Country with No Previous Experience of Mass Adult Immunization

by Abdulrazak Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohammad Hamayoun, Muhammad Farid, Umar Al-Umra, Mukhtar Shube, Kyandindi Sumaili, Lorraine Shamalla and Sk Md Mamunur Rahman Malik

Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040858 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1472

Abstract

Coverage of COVID-19 vaccines in Somalia remains low, including among health workers. This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health workers. In this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, 1476 health workers in government and private health facilities in Somalia’s federal [...] Read more.

Coverage of COVID-19 vaccines in Somalia remains low, including among health workers. This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health workers. In this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, 1476 health workers in government and private health facilities in Somalia’s federal member states were interviewed face-to-face about their perceptions of and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated health workers were included. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were evaluated in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Participants were evenly distributed by sex, and their mean age was 34 (standard deviation 11.8) years. The overall prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 38.2%. Of the 564 unvaccinated participants, 39.0% remained hesitant. The factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were: being a primary health care worker (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–4.90) or a nurse (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.05–4.25); having a master’s degree (aOR = 5.32, 95% CI: 1.28–22.23); living in Hirshabelle State (aOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.68–6.20); not having had COVID-19 (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.15–3.32); and having received no training on COVID-19 (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.02–2.32). Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in Somalia, a large proportion of unvaccinated health workers remain hesitant about being vaccinated, potentially influencing the public’s willingness to take the vaccine. This study provides vital information to inform future vaccination strategies to achieve optimal coverage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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10 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Adverse Events Experienced by Healthcare Workers following Immunization with Homologous or Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations

by Yunhua Wei, Yan Wang, Jian Liu, Yan Zha, Yuqi Yang, Ni Li, Yalin Zhou, Jinli Zhu, Neil Roberts, Lin Liu and Yaying Li

Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111869 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

Objective: A comparative analysis was performed to investigate the potential risk factors of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) after receiving different booster vaccines. Methods: From 18 January 2021 to 21 January 2022, the Health Care Workers (HCWs) of Guizhou Provincial Staff Hospital (Guizhou [...] Read more.

Objective: A comparative analysis was performed to investigate the potential risk factors of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) after receiving different booster vaccines. Methods: From 18 January 2021 to 21 January 2022, the Health Care Workers (HCWs) of Guizhou Provincial Staff Hospital (Guizhou Province, China) who received a third Booster vaccine, that was either homologous (i.e., (i) a total of three doses of Vero cell vaccine or (ii) three doses of CHO cell vaccine) or (iii) heterologous with two first doses of Vero cell vaccine, being either CHO cell vaccine or adenovirus type-5 (Ad5) vectored COVID-19 vaccine, were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire form to provide information on any AEFI that may have occurred in the first 3 days after vaccination with the booster. The frequency of AEFI corresponding to the three different booster vaccines was compared, and the risk factors for predicting AEFI were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 904 HCWs who completed the survey, 792 met the inclusion criteria. The rates of AEFI were 9.8% (62/635) in the homologous Vero cell booster group, 17.3% (13/75) in the homologous CHO cell booster group, and 20.7% (17/82) in the heterologous mixed vaccines booster group, and the rates were significantly different (χ² = 11.5, p = 0.004) between the three groups of vaccines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that: (1) compared to the homologous Vero cell booster group, the risk of AEFI was about 2.1 times higher (OR = 2.095, 95% CI: 1.056–4.157, p = 0.034) in the CHO cell booster group and 2.5 times higher (OR = 2.476, 95% CI: 1.352–4.533, p = 0.003) in the mixed vaccines group; (2) the odds for women experiencing AEFI were about 2.8 times higher (OR = 2.792, 95% CI: 1.407–5.543, p = 0.003) than men; and (3) compared to the non-frontline HCWs, the risk of AEFI was about 2.6 times higher (OR = 2.648, 95% CI: 1.473–4.760, p = 0.001) in the doctors. Conclusion: The AEFI in all three booster groups are acceptable, and serious adverse events are rare. The risk of AEFI was higher in doctors, which may be related to the high stress during the COVID-19 epidemic. Support from government and non-governmental agencies is important for ensuring the physical and mental health of HCWs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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13 pages, 781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vaccination Confidence among Healthcare Workers: Results from Two Anamnestic Questionnaires Adopted in the COVID-19 and Influenza Campaign

by Ihab Mansour, Giulia Collatuzzo, Vittoria De Pasquale, Ilenia Mirra, Catalina Ciocan, Alessandro Godono, Enrico Pira and Paolo Boffetta

Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1835; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111835 - 29 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1350

Abstract

Background: Following the announcement of the development of COVID-19 vaccines, hesitancy about the safety of vaccinations and their side effects have spread, despite having the approval of international drug agencies. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that concern about [...] Read more.

Background: Following the announcement of the development of COVID-19 vaccines, hesitancy about the safety of vaccinations and their side effects have spread, despite having the approval of international drug agencies. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that concern about side effects may have led people to fill out the COVID-19 anamnestic vaccine questionnaire with greater attention compared to the similar instrument used for the influenza vaccination. Methods: We analyzed vaccination questionnaires of 218 healthcare workers (HCWs) who underwent both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in 2020/2021. Outcomes included self-reported allergies, chronic pharmacological treatments, and chronic diseases. We tested the difference in prevalence, analyzed differences using the kappa statistics and concordance correlation, and explored factors associated with differences in reporting. Results: HCWs reported more allergies to substances other than drugs and a higher prevalence of chronic drug intake in the COVID-19 questionnaires than in the influenza ones. Technical staff reported more drug allergies than physicians, and other HCWs reported more outcomes than physicians in the COVID-19 questionnaire. Conclusions: We found that this population of HCWs reported higher conditions during the 2020 COVID-19 vaccination campaign compared to that of the influenza vaccine. The identification of socio-demographic characteristics of the less vaccine-confident HCWs could help in planning targeted interventions to enhance vaccine adherence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

13 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Existential Concerns in the Individual’s Decisions regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: A Survey among Non-Vaccinated Italian Adults during the Third Wave of the Pandemic

by Vittoria Franchina, Rubinia Celeste Bonfanti, Gianluca Lo Coco and Laura Salerno

Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10071079 - 05 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1570

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that health constructs embraced by the Terror Management Theory (TMT) and the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT) may drive individuals’ COVID-19 health-related decisions. This study examines the relationships between existential concerns (ECs; within the TMT), basic psychological needs (BPNs; [...] Read more.

Recent studies have suggested that health constructs embraced by the Terror Management Theory (TMT) and the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT) may drive individuals’ COVID-19 health-related decisions. This study examines the relationships between existential concerns (ECs; within the TMT), basic psychological needs (BPNs; within the BPNT) and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH), as well as the mediating role of negative attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from April to May 2021 on a sample of two hundred and eighty-seven adults (M_age = 36.04 ± 12.07; 59.9% females). Participants provided information regarding existential concerns, basic psychological needs, attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy for Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines separately. Higher vaccine hesitancy (32.1%) and vaccine resistance (32.8%) rates were found for AstraZeneca than for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (22.3% and 10.1%, respectively). Structural equation modeling showed that existential concerns were related to Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccine hesitancy both directly and indirectly through negative attitudes toward potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. The findings of the study confirm that the TMT is efficient in explaining COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Targeted efforts are needed to increase the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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Review

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28 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessReview

Experiences, Enablers, and Challenges in Service Delivery and Integration of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Rapid Systematic Review

by Sarah Nabia, Chizoba Barbara Wonodi, Alba Vilajeliu, Sabine Sussman, Katharine Olson, Rianna Cooke, Krishna Udayakumar, Claire Twose, Nwamaka Ezeanya, Adewumi Adetola Adefarrell and Ann Lindstrand

Vaccines 2023, 11(5), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11050974 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5661

Abstract

The COVID-19 vaccination is a crucial public health intervention for controlling the spread and severity of the SARS-CoV2 virus. COVID-19 vaccines have been developed in record time, but their deployment has varied across countries, owing to differences in health system capacity, demand for [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 vaccination is a crucial public health intervention for controlling the spread and severity of the SARS-CoV2 virus. COVID-19 vaccines have been developed in record time, but their deployment has varied across countries, owing to differences in health system capacity, demand for the vaccine, and purchasing power of countries. The aim of this rapid review is to summarize and synthesize experiences on COVID-19 vaccine service delivery and integration to inform future COVID-19 vaccination programming and contribute to the knowledge base for future pandemic management. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus databases. Twenty-five studies were included in the analysis. Included studies spanned nine countries where COVID-19 vaccines were delivered through mass, mobile, and fixed-post vaccination service delivery models. There was limited evidence of integrating COVID-19 vaccines into routine services for pregnant women, people who inject drugs, and leveraging existing health programs to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the general population. Common challenges reported were vaccine skepticism, lack of adequate health workers, and linguistic barriers to access. Partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and the involvement of volunteers were vital in overcoming barriers and contributed to the efficient functioning of COVID-19 vaccination programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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25 pages, 1178 KiB

Open AccessReview

COVID-19 Disease in Under-5 Children: Current Status and Strategies for Prevention including Vaccination

by Anish Pillai, Anuja Nayak, Deepika Tiwari, Pratichi Kadam Pillai, Aakash Pandita, Sachin Sakharkar, Haribalakrishna Balasubramanian and Nandkishor Kabra

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030693 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3357

Abstract

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic hit the globe in early 2020, we have steadily gained insight into its pathogenesis; thereby improving surveillance and preventive measures. In contrast to other respiratory viruses, neonates and young children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [...] Read more.

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic hit the globe in early 2020, we have steadily gained insight into its pathogenesis; thereby improving surveillance and preventive measures. In contrast to other respiratory viruses, neonates and young children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have a milder clinical presentation, with only a small proportion needing hospitalization and intensive care support. With the emergence of novel variants and improved testing services, there has been a higher incidence of COVID-19 disease reported among children and neonates. Despite this, the proportion of young children with severe disease has not increased. Key mechanisms that protect young children from severe COVID-19 disease include the placental barrier, differential expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, immature immune response, and passive transfer of antibodies via placenta and human milk. Implementing mass vaccination programs has been a major milestone in reducing the global disease burden. However, considering the lower risk of severe COVID-19 illness in young children and the limited evidence about long-term vaccine safety, the risk–benefit balance in children under five years of age is more complex. In this review, we do not support or undermine vaccination of young children but outline current evidence and guidelines, and highlight controversies, knowledge gaps, and ethical issues related to COVID-19 vaccination in young children. Regulatory bodies should consider the individual and community benefits of vaccinating younger children in their local epidemiological setting while planning regional immunization policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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17 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessReview

Learning from the Past to Improve the Future—Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants in the Italian Population: A Systematic Review

by Michela Ferrara, Giuseppe Bertozzi, Gianpietro Volonnino, Aldo Di Fazio, Nicola Di Fazio, Mauro Arcangeli, Raffaele La Russa and Paola Frati

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030630 - 12 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1436

Abstract

WHO identifies vaccine hesitancy (VH) as one of the ten threats to global health. The authors bring to the international scientific community an Italian episode that offers the opportunity to renew the discussion on the extent of the VH matter. The purpose of [...] Read more.

WHO identifies vaccine hesitancy (VH) as one of the ten threats to global health. The authors bring to the international scientific community an Italian episode that offers the opportunity to renew the discussion on the extent of the VH matter. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the factors determining vaccine hesitancy in the Italian population, to understand its roots, and suggest potential strategies to mitigate it. A systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines was carried out using the SCOPUS and Medline (via PubMed) databases, using the following strategy: (COVID-19 vaccines) AND (vaccination hesitancy) AND (Italy). After the selection process, 36 articles were included in this systematic review. The most frequently detected factors associated with VH in the Italian population can be grouped as vaccine-related factors, socio-cultural factors, and demographic factors. Currently, we are facing a gap between the population and science, governments, and institutions. To heal this breach, it is necessary to strengthen the trust of the population through the implementation of health communication and public education strategies, while scientific literacy must continue to support families and individuals in discerning evidence from opinions to recognize the real risks and balance them with the benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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9 pages, 413 KiB

Open AccessReview

Urological Safety and COVID-19 Vaccinations

by Nazario Foschi, Paolo Emilio Santoro, Ivan Borrelli, Filippo Gavi, Carlotta Amantea, Pierluigi Russo and Umberto Moscato

Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111887 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1749

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the urological field and to review the available data in the literature. Material and Methods: All the related reports and original articles discussing COVID-19 vaccines and their impact on the urological field were searched [...] Read more.

Objective: To discuss the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the urological field and to review the available data in the literature. Material and Methods: All the related reports and original articles discussing COVID-19 vaccines and their impact on the urological field were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: There are few published articles discussing the COVID-19 vaccine impact on urology. Vaccine safety was confirmed in this field as no major side effects were described. AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) was reported in selected populations. However, about 1% of the side effects was urological. Rare genital complications, low urinary tract symptoms, and occasional gross hematuria were reported. Fertility seems to be not impaired after vaccination. A potential misinterpretation of radiological findings in the oncological field has been reported. Conclusions: In the literature, there are few studies regarding COVID-19 vaccines and their impact on the urological and andrological fields. We need more studies and extended follow-ups after repeated vaccinations in order to have more corroborating data particularly in selected populations, such as kidney transplant recipients and oncological patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends of COVID-19 Vaccination)

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