Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19: Safety, Immunogenicity and Effectiveness of Available Vaccines

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 28881

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
2. Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Interests: occupational medicine; workplace safety and health; occupational epidemiology; biological risks; preventive medicine; healthcare settings and workers; digital health tools applied to occupational medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

The COVID-19 crisis is the greatest global challenge faced by the world in modern times. Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, approximately 270 million cases have been identified and there have been more than 5 million deaths worldwide. With this in mind, there has been unprecedented international effort, from both private and public institutions, to develop a vaccine against its causative agent, SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines represent a key preventive measure in the fight against infectious diseases, effectively reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by a specific pathogen among a susceptible population; however, unfortunately, the global burden of COVID-19 remains high, and evidence on the immunogenicity, safety and effectiveness of the current vaccines is still fundamental to guide further decisions on the ongoing immunization programmes. Clinical trial results can be influenced by various study biases; therefore, it is crucial to estimate these endpoints in real-world settings. In this Special Issue, we aim to gather high-quality evidence on the immunogenicity, safety and effectiveness of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines in different study populations. This will provide an evidence-based platform that will be extremely useful for the development of more accurate and effective public health strategies for COVID-19.

Prof. Paolo Durando
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • vaccine
  • safety
  • immunogenicity
  • effectiveness
  • public health
  • occupational medicine

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
Association between COVID-19 Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Household Contacts of Infected Individuals: A Prospective Household Study in England
by Khitam Muhsen, Pauline A. Waight, Freja Kirsebom, Nick Andrews, Louise Letley, Charlotte M. Gower, Catriona Skarnes, Catherine Quinot, Rachel Lunt, Jamie Lopez Bernal, Stefan Flasche and Elizabeth Miller
Vaccines 2024, 12(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020113 - 23 Jan 2024
Viewed by 900
Abstract
Background: We investigated whether COVID-19 vaccination reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection risk among adult household contacts of COVID-19 index cases during the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron waves in England. Methods: Between February 2021 and February 2022, SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR nasal swabs were collected from COVID-19-confirmed index [...] Read more.
Background: We investigated whether COVID-19 vaccination reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection risk among adult household contacts of COVID-19 index cases during the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron waves in England. Methods: Between February 2021 and February 2022, SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR nasal swabs were collected from COVID-19-confirmed index cases aged ≥20 years and their household contacts at enrolment and three and seven days thereafter. Generalized Estimating Equations models were fitted with SARS-CoV-2 positivity as the outcome and household contacts’ vaccination status as the main exposure while adjusting for confounders. Results: SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 238/472 household contacts (50.4%) aged ≥20 years. The adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) of infection in vaccinated versus unvaccinated household contacts was 0.50 (0.35–0.72) and 0.69 (0.53–0.90) for receipt of two doses 8–90 and >90 days ago, respectively, and 0.34 (0.23–0.50) for vaccination with three doses 8–151 days ago. Primary vaccination protected household contacts against infection during the Alpha and Delta waves, but only three doses protected during the Omicron wave. Vaccination with three doses in the index case independently reduced contacts’ infection risk: 0.45 (0.23–0.89). Conclusions: Vaccination of household contacts reduces their risk of infection under conditions of household exposure though, for Omicron, only after a booster dose. Full article
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12 pages, 1171 KiB  
Article
Waning of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Effectiveness in COPD Patients: Lessons from the Delta Variant
by Lörinc Polivka, Istvan Valyi-Nagy, Zoltan Szekanecz, Krisztina Bogos, Hajnalka Vago, Anita Kamondi, Ferenc Fekete, Janos Szlavik, György Surjan, Orsolya Surjan, Peter Nagy, Zsuzsa Schaff, Zoltan Kiss, Cecilia Müller, Miklos Kasler and Veronika Müller
Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121786 - 29 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1346
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly changing, data on the effect of vaccination and duration of protection against infection and severe disease can still be advantageous, especially for patients with COPD, who are more vulnerable to respiratory infections. The Hungarian COVID-19 registry was [...] Read more.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly changing, data on the effect of vaccination and duration of protection against infection and severe disease can still be advantageous, especially for patients with COPD, who are more vulnerable to respiratory infections. The Hungarian COVID-19 registry was retrospectively investigated for risk of infection and hospitalization by time since the last vaccination, and vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated in adults with COPD diagnosis and an exact-matched control group during the Delta variant of concern (VOC) wave in Hungary (September–December 2021). For the matching, sex, age, major co-morbidities, vaccination status, and prior infection data were obtained on 23 August 2021. The study population included 373,962 cases divided into COPD patients (age: 66.67 ± 12.66) and a 1:1 matched group (age: 66.73 ± 12.67). In both groups, the female/male ratio was 52.2:47.7, respectively. Among the unvaccinated, there was no difference between groups in risk for infection or hospitalization. Regarding vaccinated cases, in the COPD group, a slightly faster decline in effectiveness was noted for hospitalization prevention, although in both groups, the vaccine lost its significant effect between 215 and 240 days after the last dose of vaccination. Based on a time-stratified multivariate Cox analysis of the vaccinated cases, the hazard was constantly higher in the COPD group, with an HR of 1.09 (95%: 1.05–1.14) for infection and 1.87 (95% CI: 1.59–2.19) for hospitalization. In our study, COPD patients displayed lower vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization but a similar waning trajectory, as vaccines lost their preventive effect after 215 days. These data emphasize revaccination measures in the COPD patient population. Full article
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12 pages, 1646 KiB  
Article
Safety and Immunogenicity of Homologous and Heterologous Adenoviral-Vectored and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Regimens in Radiotherapy Patients
by Anussara Prayongrat, Patjaya Noppaving, Thitiporn Chobarporn, Natthinee Sudhinaraset, Nattaya Teeyapun, Nussara Pakvisal, Watsamon Jantarabenjakul, Jiratchaya Sophonphan, Chawalit Lertbutsayanukul and Yong Poovorawan
Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071135 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1326
Abstract
Diminished immune response after vaccination occurs in cancer patients. This observational study evaluated the immune response and safety profile after COVID-19 vaccination in radiotherapy patients. The study comprised 53 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and voluntarily received the COVID-19 vaccine. The two regimens were [...] Read more.
Diminished immune response after vaccination occurs in cancer patients. This observational study evaluated the immune response and safety profile after COVID-19 vaccination in radiotherapy patients. The study comprised 53 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and voluntarily received the COVID-19 vaccine. The two regimens were homologous ChAdOx1-S recombinant (AstraZeneca, AZ), “AZ-AZ” and heterologous “AZ-mRNA”. The seroconversion rate and anti-RBD immunoglobulin geometric mean titers (GMT) were assessed and compared with healthy controls. Adverse effects were assessed using a questionnaire. The seroconversion rate was 52.4% 1 month after the first dose with GMT 4.3 U/mL (95%CI 1.4–13). Following the second dose, the AZ-AZ group achieved 95% seroconversion rate with GMT = 188.4 U/mL (95%CI 67.1–529), which was significantly lower than the healthy cohort, GMT = 945 U/mL (95%CI 708–1261). Cancer patients in AZ-mRNA group achieved a 100% seroconversion rate with a high GMT = 1400.8 U/mL (95%CI 429.5–4566), which was significantly lower than the healthy cohort, GMT = 5169.9 U/mL (95%CI 3582.2–7461.5). Most adverse effects were mild. Our findings suggest that radiotherapy patients had fair immunogenicity after the first dose, but achieved a high seroconversion rate after the second dose with manageable adverse effects. However, their immunologic response was lower than in healthy individuals, indicating that other preventive strategies are needed. Full article
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9 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
Adverse Reactions after the Third Dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine among Medical School Residents in a Regional Reference University Hospital in Italy
by Alborz Rahmani, Guglielmo Dini, Alfredo Montecucco, Andrea Orsi, Laura Sticchi, Alexander Domnich, Bianca Bruzzone, Luca Pellegrini, Alessia Manca, Matilde Ogliastro, Bruno Kusznir Vitturi, Sonia Zacconi, Nicoletta Debarbieri, Giancarlo Icardi and Paolo Durando
Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111779 - 22 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1326
Abstract
The recent emergence of new variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 and the uncertain duration of protection provided by the primary immunization cycle have highlighted the need for COVID-19 booster vaccinations. However, only a few studies have assessed the safety and reactogenicity profile [...] Read more.
The recent emergence of new variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 and the uncertain duration of protection provided by the primary immunization cycle have highlighted the need for COVID-19 booster vaccinations. However, only a few studies have assessed the safety and reactogenicity profile of mRNA booster doses. Therefore, we conducted an online survey with the aim of assessing the adverse reaction profile in the 7 days following a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in a population of resident physicians who had already been investigated after the primary vaccination. Among the 512 resident physicians (female = 53.2%, mean age = 29.8 years) invited to participate in the survey, 222 completed the survey (56.5% female, mean age of 29.9 years), with an average time from second to third dose of 8.6 months. The most common adverse reactions were local pain (88.3%), fatigue (58.1%), muscle/joint pain (44.1%), and headache (38.3%), all subsiding in 48–72 h. While the local reaction rate was similar to that following the first two doses, the systemic reactions were considerably less common and milder compared to the second vaccination. Nonetheless, over one third (36.1%) of participants reported interference with their normal activities. These results complement our previous findings and could aid occupational and public health professionals in the counselling of vaccinees. Full article
10 pages, 1503 KiB  
Article
Real-World Effectiveness of a Booster Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccines among Japanese University Students
by Shunsuke Miyauchi, Toru Hiyama, Yukiko Nakano, Mahoko Yoshida, Atsuo Yoshino, Yoshie Miyake and Yuri Okamoto
Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081283 - 09 Aug 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1824
Abstract
With the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), missing learning opportunities due to COVID-19 has been raised as a major concern for university education. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines among Japanese university students during [...] Read more.
With the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), missing learning opportunities due to COVID-19 has been raised as a major concern for university education. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines among Japanese university students during the spread of the Omicron variant. We enrolled 249 students who became a close contact and 294 COVID-19-infected students though the Hiroshima University COVID-19 registration system. Infection rates of people in close contact with sick individuals and symptoms of infected students were examined. Close contacts who had received a booster dose showed a significantly lower infection rate (31%) compared with those with two doses (50%, p = 0.02) and the unvaccinated (71%, p = 0.002). Age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios of receipt of a booster dose vs. two doses and unvaccinated were 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23–0.70, p = 0.001) and 0.44 (95% CI, 0.25–0.77, p = 0.004), respectively. The incidence of severe fever (38.5°C or higher) was significantly less prevalent in those with a booster dose (16%) compared with two doses (40%, p = 0.002) and those who were unvaccinated (75%, p < 0.0001). Booster doses reduced infection rates among close-contact students and can help students to avoid missing learning opportunities. Full article
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10 pages, 1197 KiB  
Article
Increased Mild Vaccine-Related Side Effects and Higher Specific Antibody Titers in Health Care Workers with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection after the mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine
by Ludovica Ferrari, Mirko Compagno, Laura Campogiani, Elisabetta Teti, Tiziana Mulas, Davide Checchi, Grazia Alessio, Federica Caldara, Luigi Coppola, Giuseppe De Simone, Laura Ceccarelli, Ilaria Spalliera, Pietro Vitale, Sandro Grelli, Massimo Andreoni, Loredana Sarmati and Marco Iannetta
Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081238 - 02 Aug 2022
Viewed by 1337
Abstract
Background: to evaluate whether prior SARS-CoV-2 infection affects side effects and specific antibody production after vaccination with BNT162b2. Methods: We included 1106 health care workers vaccinated with BNT162b2. We assessed whether prior SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the number and type of side effects and [...] Read more.
Background: to evaluate whether prior SARS-CoV-2 infection affects side effects and specific antibody production after vaccination with BNT162b2. Methods: We included 1106 health care workers vaccinated with BNT162b2. We assessed whether prior SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the number and type of side effects and performed a nested case–control analysis comparing plasma levels of specific IgG titers between SARS-CoV-2-naïve and previously infected subjects after the first and the second vaccine doses. Results: After the first dose, SARS-CoV-2-naïve subjects experienced side effects more often than SARS-CoV-2 naïve subjects. Individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection more often reported pain at the injection site, weakness, and fever than SARS-CoV-2-naïve subjects. After the second dose, the frequency of side effects was similar in the two groups. All subjects with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection developed either a high (>100 AU/mL) or intermediate (10–100 AU/mL) antibody titer. Among SARS-CoV-2-naïve subjects, the majority developed an intermediate titer. After the second dose, a high (>2000 AU/mL) antibody titer was more common among subjects with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: vaccine-related side effects and a higher anti-SARS-CoV-2-RBD IgG titer were more common in subjects with previous infection than in SARS-CoV-2-naïve after the first, but not after the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Full article
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12 pages, 1116 KiB  
Article
Cross-Sectional Survey on BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Serious Adverse Events in Children 5 to 11 Years of Age: A Monocentric Experience
by Silvia Bloise, Alessia Marcellino, Beatrice Frasacco, Pietro Gizzone, Claudia Proietti Ciolli, Vanessa Martucci, Mariateresa Sanseviero, Emanuela Del Giudice, Flavia Ventriglia and Riccardo Lubrano
Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081224 - 30 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2158
Abstract
Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the safety of COVID-19 vaccine in children resident in the Latina Local Health Authority. Methods: We conducted a telephone survey among children aged 5–11 years receiving BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between December 15 and 21. The main [...] Read more.
Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the safety of COVID-19 vaccine in children resident in the Latina Local Health Authority. Methods: We conducted a telephone survey among children aged 5–11 years receiving BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between December 15 and 21. The main outcomes included the presence of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, adverse events after 24–48 h, 7 and 20 days of taking the first and second doses of medications, and documented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination. The information obtained was automatically linked to a spreadsheet and analyzed. Results: 569 children were enrolled. The mean age was 114 ± 4.24 months; there were 251 males in the study. The vaccine showed a favorable safety profile; no anaphylaxis or serious adverse events were reported. The most common symptoms both after the first and second dose were injection site reactions, asthenia, and headache. Injection site reactions were more frequent after the first dose (p = 0.01), while systemic symptoms were more frequent after the second dose (p = 0.022). These symptoms were more frequent in patients with comorbidities (p = 0.0159). Conclusion: Our findings confirm the safety of COVID-19 vaccine in children younger 11 years and could be useful to promote its diffusion in pediatric ages in order to achieve “herd immunity” and prevent the virus’s circulation. Full article
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10 pages, 677 KiB  
Article
Relative Vaccine Effectiveness of the Third Dose of CoronaVac or BNT162b2 Following a Two-Dose CoronaVac Regimen: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study from an Adult Vaccine Center in Turkey
by Meliha Cagla Sonmezer, Gulcin Telli Dizman, Enes Erul, Taha Koray Sahin, Tuğba Saricaoglu, Alparslan Alp, Mine Durusu Tanriover, Omrum Uzun, Serhat Unal and Murat Akova
Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10071140 - 18 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2226
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to pose a threat to public health with the potential for the emergence of new variants. Vaccines are the milestones to control and slow down the damage of the pandemic. As of January 2021, a two-dose regimen with [...] Read more.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to pose a threat to public health with the potential for the emergence of new variants. Vaccines are the milestones to control and slow down the damage of the pandemic. As of January 2021, a two-dose regimen with CoronaVac was authorized in Turkey. Due to the waning seroprevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 over time, BNT162b2 or CoronaVac has been administered as the third dose following a two-dose CoronaVac regimen as a national vaccination policy. As of 14 January 2021, 5243 volunteers who received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine at Hacettepe University Adult Vaccine Center were followed prospectively. In our study, relative vaccine effectiveness (VEff) for the third dose of the CoronaVac was 58.24% and 87.27% for BNT162b2 in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 cases. There were no hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, or deaths in third-dose booster groups with either BNT162b2 or CoronaVac, yielding 100% effectiveness. Both homologous or heterologous third-dose boosters provided further protection against severe COVID-19 and should be prioritized as an effective strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
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14 pages, 1248 KiB  
Article
Real World Estimate of Vaccination Protection in Individuals Hospitalized for COVID-19
by Antonella d’Arminio Monforte, Alessandro Tavelli, Sara De Benedittis, Francesca Bai, Camilla Tincati, Lidia Gazzola, Ottavia Viganò, Marina Allegrini, Debora Mondatore, Daniele Tesoro, Diletta Barbanotti, Giovanni Mulé, Roberto Castoldi, Anna De Bona, Teresa Bini, Davide Chiumello, Stefano Centanni, Sabrina Passarella, Nicola Orfeo, Giulia Marchetti, Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri and for the SPID Groupadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Vaccines 2022, 10(4), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10040550 - 01 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2243
Abstract
Whether vaccination confers a protective effect against progression after hospital admission for COVID-19 remains to be elucidated. Observational study including all the patients admitted to San Paolo Hospital in Milan for COVID-19 in 2021. Previous vaccination was categorized as: none, one dose, full [...] Read more.
Whether vaccination confers a protective effect against progression after hospital admission for COVID-19 remains to be elucidated. Observational study including all the patients admitted to San Paolo Hospital in Milan for COVID-19 in 2021. Previous vaccination was categorized as: none, one dose, full vaccination (two or three doses >14 days before symptoms onset). Data were collected at hospital admission, including demographic and clinical variables, age-unadjusted Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI). The highest intensity of ventilation during hospitalization was registered. The endpoints were in-hospital death (primary) and mechanical ventilation/death (secondary). Survival analysis was conducted by means of Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models. Effect measure modification by age was formally tested. We included 956 patients: 151 (16%) fully vaccinated (18 also third dose), 62 (7%) one dose vaccinated, 743 (78%) unvaccinated. People fully vaccinated were older and suffering from more comorbidities than unvaccinated. By 28 days, the risk of death was of 35.9% (95%CI: 30.1–41.7) in unvaccinated, 41.5% (24.5–58.5) in one dose and 28.4% (18.2–38.5) in fully vaccinated (p = 0.63). After controlling for age, ethnicity, CCI and month of admission, fully vaccinated participants showed a risk reduction of 50% for both in-hospital death, AHR 0.50 (95%CI: 0.30–0.84) and for mechanical ventilation or death, AHR 0.49 (95%CI: 0.35–0.69) compared to unvaccinated, regardless of age (interaction p > 0.56). Fully vaccinated individuals in whom vaccine failed to keep them out of hospital, appeared to be protected against critical disease or death when compared to non-vaccinated. These data support universal COVID-19 vaccination. Full article
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8 pages, 1158 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Real-World Vaccination Effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines against Delta and Omicron Variants in Japan
by Sachiko Kodera, Essam A. Rashed and Akimasa Hirata
Vaccines 2022, 10(3), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10030430 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3625
Abstract
A resurgence of COVID-19-positive cases has been observed in many countries in the latter half of 2021. The primary reasons for this resurgence are the waning immunity of vaccination after the second dose of vaccination and the changes in public behavior due to [...] Read more.
A resurgence of COVID-19-positive cases has been observed in many countries in the latter half of 2021. The primary reasons for this resurgence are the waning immunity of vaccination after the second dose of vaccination and the changes in public behavior due to temporal convergence. The vaccination effectiveness for the omicron and delta variants has been reported from some countries, but it is still unclear for several other regions worldwide. Here, we numerically derived the effectiveness of vaccination for infection protection in individuals and populations against viral variants for the entire Japanese population (126 million). The waning immunity of vaccination for the delta variant of Japanese individuals was 93.8% (95% CI: 93.1–94.6%) among individuals <65 years of age and 95.0% (95% CI: 95.6–96.9%) among individuals ≥65 years of age. We found that waning immunity of vaccination in individuals >65 years of age was lower than in those <65 years of age, which may be attributable to human behavior and a higher vaccination rate among individuals >65 years of age. From the reported data of 25,187 positive cases with confirmed omicron variant in Tokyo in January 2022, the effectiveness of vaccination was also estimated at 62.1% (95% CI: 48–66%) compared to that of the delta variant. Derived effectiveness of vaccination would be useful to discuss the vaccination strategy for the booster shot, as well as the status of herd immunity. Full article
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Review

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17 pages, 5210 KiB  
Review
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 Vaccines against COVID-19 Infection: A Meta-Analysis of Test-Negative Design Studies
by Shuailei Chang, Hongbo Liu, Jian Wu, Wenwei Xiao, Sijia Chen, Shaofu Qiu, Guangcai Duan, Hongbin Song and Rongguang Zhang
Vaccines 2022, 10(3), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10030469 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5753
Abstract
Although numerous COVID-19 vaccines are effective against COVID-19 infection and variants of concern (VOC) in the real world, it is imperative to obtain evidence of the corresponding vaccine effectiveness (VE). This study estimates the real-world effectiveness of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines against [...] Read more.
Although numerous COVID-19 vaccines are effective against COVID-19 infection and variants of concern (VOC) in the real world, it is imperative to obtain evidence of the corresponding vaccine effectiveness (VE). This study estimates the real-world effectiveness of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines against COVID-19 infection and determines the influence of different virus variants on VE by using test-negative design (TND) studies. We systematically searched for published articles on the efficacy of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 against COVID-19 infection. Two researchers independently selected and extracted data from eligible studies. We calculated the VE associated with different vaccine types, SARS-CoV-2 variants, and vaccination statuses, using an inverse variance random-effects model. We selected 19 eligible studies in the meta-analysis from 1651 records. For the partially vaccinated group, the VE of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 was 61% and 78% against COVID-19 infection, respectively. For the completely vaccinated group, the VE of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 was 90% and 92% against COVID-19 infection, respectively. During subgroup analyses, the overall VE of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 against the Delta variant was 53% and 71%, respectively, for the partially vaccinated group; the respective VE values were 85% and 91% for the fully vaccinated group. Irrespective of the BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines, the Delta variant significantly weakened vaccine protection for the partially vaccinated group, while full vaccination was highly effective against COVID-19 infection and various VOC. The mRNA-1273 vaccine is more effective against COVID-19 infection and VOC than the BNT162b2 vaccine, especially for the partially vaccinated group. Overall, the results provide recommendations for national and regional vaccine policies. Full article
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Other

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10 pages, 555 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness and Safety of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Peng Gao, Shan Cai, Qiao Liu, Min Du, Jue Liu and Min Liu
Vaccines 2022, 10(3), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10030421 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3493
Abstract
Background: The proportion of children and adolescents with COVID-19 had gradually increased according to data reported by WHO. However, there was no meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in children and adolescents. We aimed to provide investigation-based medical evidence and reference [...] Read more.
Background: The proportion of children and adolescents with COVID-19 had gradually increased according to data reported by WHO. However, there was no meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in children and adolescents. We aimed to provide investigation-based medical evidence and reference recommendations for children and adolescents in regard to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to 5 January 2022. RCTs and observational studies that examined the effectiveness and safety were included. Results: A total of 13 eligible studies were included for analysis. For the first dose, the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 was 88.5% (95% CI:15.7–98.4%, p = 0.033) and 84.3% (95% CI: 66.6–92.6%, p < 0.001) separately. For the second dose, the effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 was 91.6% (95% CI: 37.8–99.5%, p = 0.083) and 92.7 (95% CI: 82.2–97.0, p < 0.001) separately. Injection-site pain, fatigue, headache, anorexia, and axillary swelling were the top five adverse events after the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Fatigue, injection-site pain, headache, chills, and myalgia/muscle pain were the top five adverse events after the second dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines had good effectiveness and safety in children and adolescents. We suggest that children and adolescents should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and slow the spread of the pandemic. Full article
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