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12 pages, 1640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distinct Adverse Reactions to mRNA, Inactivated Virus, and Adenovirus Vector COVID-19 Vaccines: Insights from a Cohort Study on Atopic and Non-Atopic Subjects in Brazil

by Laura Alves Ribeiro Oliveira, Alessandro Sousa Correa, Thiago Alves de Jesus, Miguel Junior Sordi Bortolini, Ernesto Akio Taketomi and Rafael de Oliveira Resende

Vaccines 2024, 12(4), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12040408 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 482

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 prompted an unprecedented global response to develop vaccines at an accelerated pace. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and adenovirus vector vaccines emerged as the frontrunners in global immunization efforts, significantly reducing hospitalization, severity, and mortality, supplemented by inactivated [...] Read more.

The emergence of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 prompted an unprecedented global response to develop vaccines at an accelerated pace. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and adenovirus vector vaccines emerged as the frontrunners in global immunization efforts, significantly reducing hospitalization, severity, and mortality, supplemented by inactivated virus-based vaccines in developing countries. However, concerns regarding adverse effects, including allergic reactions, have been raised. This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in atopic and non-atopic individuals. A cohort of 305 volunteers receiving BNT162, ChAdOx1, or CoronaVac vaccines were assessed based on a Skin Prick Test (SPT), specific IgE levels, and clinical history of asthma and rhinitis. Adverse effects were self-reported and scored across the different vaccination shots. The results indicated a notable presence of mild adverse effects following the first and third doses, regardless of vaccine type. ChAdOx1 recipients experienced more adverse effects compared to those receiving BNT162 and CoronaVac, including headaches, muscle pain, fever, chills, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. Atopic individuals receiving ChAdOx1 reported more adverse effects, such as muscle pain, fever, and chills, compared to non-atopic individuals. Conversely, headaches were more frequently reported in non-atopic individuals receiving BNT162 compared to atopic individuals. No anaphylaxis or allergic reactions were reported, indicating valuable evidence supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with respiratory allergies. This study highlights the importance of understanding vaccine-related adverse effects, particularly in vulnerable populations, to inform vaccination strategies and address safety concerns in global immunization campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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12 pages, 1897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Sinopharm’s BBIBP-CorV Booster Vaccination against COVID-19-Related Severe and Critical Cases and Deaths in Morocco during the Omicron Wave

by Jihane Belayachi, Abdelkader Mhayi, Hind Majidi, Elmostafa El Fahime and Redouane Abouqal

Vaccines 2024, 12(3), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12030244 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 762

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness of the 1st booster dose against COVID-19 severe and critical hospitalizations and deaths occurring due to the Omicron wave in Morocco. Participants/methods: This study uses nationally representative data on COVID-19 from 15 December 2021 to 31 January [...] Read more.

Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness of the 1st booster dose against COVID-19 severe and critical hospitalizations and deaths occurring due to the Omicron wave in Morocco. Participants/methods: This study uses nationally representative data on COVID-19 from 15 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. The aim is to investigate the effectiveness of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) 1st booster dose against the Omicron wave in Morocco using real-world data established from nationally representative statistics on COVID-19 cases, deaths and vaccinations. Statistical Analyses: The screening method was used to estimate vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 severe or critical hospitalization and COVID-19-related deaths. The data were grouped by, age subgroup, sex, week, and geographical area and were analyzed using binary logistic regression with an offset for vaccine coverage. Results: The overall BBIBP-CorV VE estimate is 89% (95% CI 85 to 92) effective in curbing COVID-19 deaths, and 81% (95% CI 78 to 84 in curbing COVID-19 severe/critical hospitalizations. Death-related VE estimate was 86% (95% CI 81 to 90) for patients aged ≥65 years, 96% (95% CI 90 to 98) for those aged <65 years, 95% (95% CI 88 to 98) in no-risk factor patients, 91% (95% CI 85 to 94) with 1 risk factor, 90% (95% CI 83 to 95) with 2 risk factors, and 72% (95% CI 52 to 84) in patients with 3 risk factors and more. Severe/critical hospitalization VE estimate was 78% (95% CI 74 to 82) for patients aged ≥65 years, 87% (95% CI 82 to 90) for those aged <65 years, 86% (95% CI 80 to 90) in no-risk factor patients, 80% (95% CI 73 to 84) with 1 risk factor, 80% (95% CI 70 to 85) with 2 risk factors, and 80% (95% CI 68 to 86) in patients with 3 risk factors and more. Conclusions: BBIBP-CorV boosters are effective in increasing protection against the Omicron variant-related COVID-19 deaths and severe/critical hospitalizations. The protection is reduced with older age and higher risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted vaccination strategies for different demographic groups and underscore the protective benefits of the first booster BBIBP-CorV vaccine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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12 pages, 984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Effectiveness of the Varicella Vaccine among Children and Adolescents in Qatar: A Case–Control Study

by Zahra Bibi, Ahmed Daniyal Nawaz, Maha Al Kurbi, Shahad Fakhroo, Khaled Ferih, Noor Al-Jaber, Merin Alex, Khalid H. Elawad, Tawanda Chivese and Susu M. Zughaier

Vaccines 2023, 11(10), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11101567 - 05 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1466

Abstract

Background: Despite the availability of a highly efficacious vaccine, varicella outbreaks are still being reported globally. In this study, we evaluated the real-world effectiveness of varicella vaccination among children between the ages of 1 and 18 years old during the period 2017 to [...] Read more.

Background: Despite the availability of a highly efficacious vaccine, varicella outbreaks are still being reported globally. In this study, we evaluated the real-world effectiveness of varicella vaccination among children between the ages of 1 and 18 years old during the period 2017 to 2019 in Qatar. Methods: A matched case–control study was conducted that included all reported varicella-infected children who visited the primary healthcare system in Qatar from January 2017 to December 2019. The cases were children under the age of 18 years who were clinically diagnosed with varicella. The controls were of the same age, who visited the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) during 2017–2019 with a skin rash where varicella infection was ruled out. The data on varicella vaccination for each participant were obtained from the electronic database in the PHCC during the study period. Results: We included 862 cases of varicella and 5454 matched controls, with a median age of 8 years (IQR 3–12); 47.4% were female and almost 50% were of Qatari nationality. The year 2019 had the highest varicella infection count with a total of 416 cases. The cases were less likely to be vaccinated against varicella, with approximately a quarter (25.6%) of cases and 36.7% of the controls having either one or two doses of the vaccine (p < 0.001). Compared to not being vaccinated, a single dose vaccination showed a 56% reduction in the odds of varicella infection [OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34–0.55; p < 0.000], and a two-dose vaccination showed an 86% reduction in the odds of varicella infection [OR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06–0.29; p < 0.000]. Conclusion: In this multicultural setting, a two-dose varicella vaccination shows reasonable protection against varicella infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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22 pages, 902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prospective Attitudes towards Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination: Validation of a Survey Instrument among Young Females in Jordan Pending Vaccine Authorization

by Tleen Kherfan and Malik Sallam

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081386 - 19 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2347

Abstract

In May 2023, the U.S. FDA advisors endorsed Pfizer’s pregnancy-administered vaccine (branded ABRYSVO) to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Vaccination can reduce the burden of RSV-related respiratory disease, with previous studies showing its substantial medical and financial burden in Jordan. [...] Read more.

In May 2023, the U.S. FDA advisors endorsed Pfizer’s pregnancy-administered vaccine (branded ABRYSVO) to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Vaccination can reduce the burden of RSV-related respiratory disease, with previous studies showing its substantial medical and financial burden in Jordan. However, pregnant women may exhibit hesitancy to get vaccinated due to concerns about potential risks to themselves or their fetuses. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of the RSV vaccine among young females and identify the determinants influencing their decision using a newly constructed instrument. A survey instrument was developed and validated, comprising 26 items to measure RSV vaccine acceptance. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with data collection from a sample of females aged 18 to 45 residing in Jordan during 5–6 July 2023, using a convenient approach via an online distributed questionnaire. The final study sample comprised 315 respondents, with 67.6% who have heard of RSV before the study. If the vaccine was safe, effective, and provided freely, 70.2% showed willingness to get the RSV vaccine, 15.2% resisted, and 14.6% were hesitant. Principal component analysis identified six internally consistent sub-scales with the following suggested themes: Advice, Burden, Conspiracy, Dangers, Efficiency, and Fear, comprising 21 items collectively as assigned as the “ABCDEF” scale for RSV vaccine acceptance. RSV vaccine acceptance in this study was associated with the advice and fear constructs. The validated survey instrument successfully captured important determinants of RSV vaccine acceptance among young females. RSV vaccine promotion efforts should focus on the following: enhancing vaccine education, improving trust in healthcare institutions and providers, reducing burdens through resolving cost issues and focusing on the role of social support, addressing safety concerns, and tailoring communication strategies to effectively promote the benefits of the vaccine. These insights can inform public health policies and interventions aiming to promote RSV vaccination and mitigate the burden of RSV-related diseases among infants. Follow-up studies are recommended with pregnant women as the target group to assess their attitude towards RSV vaccination and to confirm the validity of the conceived ABCDEF survey instrument. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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11 pages, 2353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Impressions of COVID-19 Vaccination and Influenza Vaccination in Japan by Analyzing Social Media Using Text Mining

by Yoshiro Mori, Nobuyuki Miyatake, Hiromi Suzuki, Yuka Mori, Setsuo Okada and Kiyotaka Tanimoto

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081327 - 05 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2462

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare impressions of COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination in Japan by analyzing social media (Twitter^®) using a text-mining method. We obtained 10,000 tweets using the keywords “corona vaccine” and “influenza vaccine” on 15 December [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to compare impressions of COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination in Japan by analyzing social media (Twitter^®) using a text-mining method. We obtained 10,000 tweets using the keywords “corona vaccine” and “influenza vaccine” on 15 December 2022 and 19 February 2023. We then counted the number of times the words were used and listed frequency of these words by a text-mining method called KH Coder. We also investigated concepts in the data using groups of words that often appeared together or groups of documents that contained the same words using multi-dimensional scaling (MDS). “Death” in relation to corona vaccine and “severe disease” for influenza vaccine were frequently used on 15 December 2022. The number of times the word “death” was used decreased, “after effect” was newly recognized for corona vaccine, and “severe disease” was not used in relation to influenza vaccine. Through this comprehensive analysis of social media data, we observed distinct variations in public perceptions of corona vaccination and influenza vaccination in Japan. These findings provide valuable insights for public health authorities and policymakers to better understand public sentiment and tailor their communication strategies accordingly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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18 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Perinatal Influenza Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Chrysoula Taskou, Antigoni Sarantaki, Apostolos Beloukas, Vasiliki Ε. Georgakopoulou, Georgios Daskalakis, Petros Papalexis and Aikaterini Lykeridou

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010168 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1949

Abstract

Immunizations during pregnancy are an important aspect of perinatal care. Although the influenza vaccine during pregnancy is safe, vaccination rates are low. According to research data, one of the reasons for the low vaccination rates among pregnant women is that they do not [...] Read more.

Immunizations during pregnancy are an important aspect of perinatal care. Although the influenza vaccine during pregnancy is safe, vaccination rates are low. According to research data, one of the reasons for the low vaccination rates among pregnant women is that they do not receive a clear recommendation from healthcare providers. This study aims to record the knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccination and investigate healthcare professionals’ recommendations during the perinatal period. A cross-sectional study was conducted with convenience sampling in Athens, Greece. Our purposive sample included 240 midwives, Ob/Gs, and pediatricians. Data were collected using an appropriate standardized questionnaire with information about demographics, attitudes towards influenza vaccination, and knowledge about the influenza virus and peripartum vaccination. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS-Statistics version 26.0. This study identifies the reasons for the lack of vaccine uptake including a wide range of misconceptions or lack of knowledge about influenza infection, lack of convenient access to get vaccinated, etc. Misconceptions about influenza and influenza vaccines could be improved by better education of healthcare workers. Continuing professional education for health professionals is necessary to improve the level of knowledge, prevent negative beliefs, and promote preventive and therapeutic practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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13 pages, 889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Centre, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial Evaluating the Impact of BCG Re-Vaccination on the Incidence and Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Symptomatic Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland—Evaluation of Antibody Concentrations

by Paweł Zapolnik, Wojciech Kmiecik, Anna Nowakowska, Łukasz Jerzy Krzych, Henryk Szymański, Lidia Stopyra, Teresa Jackowska, Dorota Darmochwał-Kolarz, Artur Mazur and Hanna Czajka

Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010075 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1715

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) was the predominant cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide before the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Although TB vaccines have been successfully used for about 100 years, their full effect is still unknown. In [...] Read more.

Tuberculosis (TB) was the predominant cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide before the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Although TB vaccines have been successfully used for about 100 years, their full effect is still unknown. In previous studies, a reduced incidence and mortality from a coronavirus disease in TB-vaccinated populations were reported. In this article, we present the secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial, reporting the results of a serological assessment evaluating the effect of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine on SARS-CoV-2. Participants—healthcare workers—were assessed 1–2 and 8 months after the second dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. We found no associations between antibody concentration, BCG revaccination, and additional characteristics, such as age, gender, or Body Mass Index. The effect of BCG vaccination on the immunological response against SARS-CoV-2 requires further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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14 pages, 725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adverse Maternal Outcomes in Pregnant Women Affected by Severe-Critical COVID-19 Illness: Correlation with Vaccination Status in the Time of Different Viral Strains’ Dominancy

by Antonella Vimercati, Rosalba De Nola, Stefano Battaglia, Rossella Di Mussi, Gerardo Cazzato, Leonardo Resta, Maria Chironna, Daniela Loconsole, Lorenzo Vinci, Giulia Chiarello, Massimo Marucci and Ettore Cicinelli

Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122061 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1645

Abstract

This is a monocentric and cross-sectional study conducted at the COVID-19 Division of the Obstetrical and Gynecological Unit and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of Policlinico di Bari, in Bari, Italy, between September 2020 and April 2022. This study aimed to identify the prevalence [...] Read more.

This is a monocentric and cross-sectional study conducted at the COVID-19 Division of the Obstetrical and Gynecological Unit and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of Policlinico di Bari, in Bari, Italy, between September 2020 and April 2022. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of severe-critical COVID-19 illness requiring access to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) among 287 pregnant patients, and possible correlations between the SARS-CoV-2 variants, the specific pandemic wave (dominated by wild, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron strains), and severe-critical adverse maternal outcomes. The prevalence of severe-critical COVID-19 illness was 2.8% (8/287), reaching 4.9% (8/163) excluding the 4th wave (Omicron dominant). The Delta variant determined the highest risk ratio and odds for access to the ICU due to severe-critical COVID-19-related symptoms compared to the other variants (wild, Alpha, Omicron). During the third wave (Delta), the ICU cases underwent a higher rate of hyperimmune plasma infusion (75%), antibiotic therapy (75%), and remdesivir (33%); all of the patients were intubated. During the Omicron wave, the patients were asymptomatic or with few symptoms: most of them (70%) were vaccinated with a median of two doses. The maternal outcome worsened in the case of Alpha and, especially, Delta variants for severe-critical COVID-19-related symptoms and ICU access. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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6 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Looking beyond Pertussis in Prolonged Cough Illness of Young Children

by Rajlakshmi Viswanathan, Sanjay Bafna, Manohar Lal Choudhary, Monika Reddy, Savita Katendra, Shradha Maheshwari and Sheetal Jadhav

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081191 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1471

Abstract

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is one of the most poorly controlled vaccine-preventable diseases in the world. South-East Asia is estimated to contribute the most to childhood disease burden while this remains largely unexplored in India. The clinical diagnosis of pertussis in [...] Read more.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is one of the most poorly controlled vaccine-preventable diseases in the world. South-East Asia is estimated to contribute the most to childhood disease burden while this remains largely unexplored in India. The clinical diagnosis of pertussis in young children is a challenge as the classical four-stage presentation with paroxysmal cough or whoop may be absent. It is also difficult to differentiate from other respiratory infections which can cause pertussis-like illness. Children below two years with prolonged cough illness attending an urban pediatric center in western India, were evaluated for pertussis and viral infections by molecular methods. Bordetella pertussis and B. holmesii were confirmed in three each of 45 suspected cases, and RSV-A and hMPV were the most common viruses that were detected. These organisms can mimic mild cases of pertussis and need to be considered in differential diagnosis of prolonged cough illness in young children. The accurate etiology of prolonged cough illness needs to be detected and documented to ensure appropriate management and accurate estimates of disease burden. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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7 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Pre-Impressions of the Third COVID-19 Vaccination among Medical Staff: A Text Mining-Based Survey

by Yoshiro Mori, Nobuyuki Miyatake, Hiromi Suzuki, Yuka Mori, Setsuo Okada and Kiyotaka Tanimoto

Vaccines 2022, 10(6), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10060856 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2734

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the pre-impressions of the third Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among Japanese medical staff using quantitative analysis. Among 413 medical staff, 260 (60 men and 200 women) aged 40.4 ± 12.3 years were enrolled in [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pre-impressions of the third Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among Japanese medical staff using quantitative analysis. Among 413 medical staff, 260 (60 men and 200 women) aged 40.4 ± 12.3 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Pre-impressions of the third COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed using the text-mining analysis software, KH coder. Among 260 subjects, 242 (93.1%) agreed to the third vaccination, with the rate being lower among subjects in their 30s (87.3%) than those in the other age groups. The word “side effects” was characteristic of subjects in their 20s and nurses, and “pregnancy” of those in their 30s and administrative staff. Pre-impressions of the third COVID-19 vaccination varied among age groups and different professions. The results obtained provide useful information for promoting the third COVID-19 vaccination to Japanese adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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15 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acceptance of and Preference for COVID-19 Vaccination in India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain: An International Cross-Sectional Study

by Yanqi Dong, Zonglin He, Taoran Liu, Jian Huang, Casper J. P. Zhang, Babatunde Akinwunmi and Wai-kit Ming

Vaccines 2022, 10(6), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10060832 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2002

Abstract

Objective: India and Europe have large populations, a large number of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and different healthcare systems. This study aims to investigate the differences between the hesitancy toward and preference for COVID-19 vaccines in India and four European countries, namely, [...] Read more.

Objective: India and Europe have large populations, a large number of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and different healthcare systems. This study aims to investigate the differences between the hesitancy toward and preference for COVID-19 vaccines in India and four European countries, namely, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Italy, and Spain. Methodology: We conducted a cross-national survey for distribution in India, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. More specifically, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to evaluate vaccine preferences, and Likert scales were used to probe the underlying factors that contribute to vaccination acceptance. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to directly compare India and European countries. Results: A total of 2565 respondents (835 from India and 1730 from the specified countries in Europe) participated in the survey. After PSM, more than 82.5% of respondents from India positively accepted the COVID-19 vaccination, whereas 79.9% of respondents from Europe had a positive attitude; however, the proportion in Europe changed to 81.6% in cases in which the vaccine was recommended by friends, family, or employers. The DCE found that the COVID-19 vaccine efficacy was the most important factor for respondents in India and the four European nations (41.8% in India and 47.77% in Europe), followed by the vaccine cost (28.06% in India and 25.88% in Europe). Conclusion: Although most respondents in both regions showed high acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, either due to general acceptance or acceptance as a result of social cues, the vaccination coverage rate shows apparent distinctions. Due to the differences in COVID-19 situations, public health systems, cultural backgrounds, and vaccine availability, the strategies for COVID-19 vaccine promotion should be nation-dependent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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Review

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13 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Insights on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention

by Edyta Kopera, Hanna Czajka, Paweł Zapolnik and Artur Mazur

Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121797 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1516

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a well-known infant pathogen transmitted mainly by droplets. It is a leading cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children, usually with a mild course of illness. RSV has also been a threat to older people, especially those [...] Read more.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a well-known infant pathogen transmitted mainly by droplets. It is a leading cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children, usually with a mild course of illness. RSV has also been a threat to older people, especially those with underlying medical conditions. For a long time, prevention was limited to passive immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab for high-risk infants. There was a strong need to find other treatment or prevention methods against RSV infections. In addition, after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some significant changes in RSV epidemiology have been observed. Researchers noticed the shift in RSV seasonality and age distribution and the increased number of cases in older infants and adults. All of these made the need to find other medical options even stronger. Fortunately, two protein-based vaccines against RSV have successfully passed all phases of clinical trials and have been approved for use by adults and older people. One of them is also approved for infants from birth to 6 months of age (after maternal immunisation during pregnancy) and for pregnant women between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Also, a new passive immunisation option named nirsevimab (a highly potent monoclonal antibody with a long half-life) is now available for the paediatric group. In this review, we will discuss the previous and current RSV prevention methods in the light of structural discoveries of RSV antigens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

24 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessReview

mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Platforms Utilized in COVID-19 Vaccines: Technologies, Ecosystem, and Future Directions

by Ryo Okuyama

Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121737 - 21 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1295

Abstract

New technological platforms, such as mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines, have been utilized to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. These new modalities enable rapid and flexible vaccine design and cost-effective and swift manufacturing, effectively combating pandemics caused by mutating viruses. Innovation ecosystems, [...] Read more.

New technological platforms, such as mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines, have been utilized to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. These new modalities enable rapid and flexible vaccine design and cost-effective and swift manufacturing, effectively combating pandemics caused by mutating viruses. Innovation ecosystems, including universities, startups, investors, and governments are crucial for developing these cutting-edge technologies. This review summarizes the research and development trajectory of these vaccine technologies, their investments, and the support surrounding them, in addition to the technological details of each technology. In addition, this study examines the importance of an innovation ecosystem in developing novel technologies, comparing it with the case of Japan, which has lagged behind in COVID-19 vaccine development. It also explores the direction of vaccine development in the post-COVID-19 era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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24 pages, 2235 KiB

Open AccessReview

COVID-19 Vaccination and Related Determinants of Hesitancy among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Antigoni Sarantaki, Vasiliki Evangelia Kalogeropoulou, Chrysoula Taskou, Christina Nanou and Aikaterini Lykeridou

Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122055 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1535

Abstract

Mass vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to control the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended during pregnancy to prevent the disease. A systematic review of the literature in the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE was performed and we aimed to investigate the attitude [...] Read more.

Mass vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to control the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended during pregnancy to prevent the disease. A systematic review of the literature in the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE was performed and we aimed to investigate the attitude of documents towards COVID-19 vaccination and the prognostic factors of vaccination hesitation. A meta-analysis was also conducted to estimate the overall percentage of pregnant women who were willing to be vaccinated or had been vaccinated against COVID-19. A total of 18 studies were included in the review and meta-analysis. The acceptance rate of vaccination against COVID-19 among pregnant women ranged from 17.6% to 84.5%. The pooled proportion of acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 in pregnant women was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.44–0.61). Predictors of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination were older age, White race, occupational status, higher level of education, comorbidities, third trimester of pregnancy, influenza vaccination, knowledge about COVID-19, and confidence that vaccines for COVID-19 are safe and effective. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women is low. Targeted information campaigns are needed to increase vaccine education in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Strategies as We Face Another Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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