COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Research Articles

Evaluation of humoral and cellular response to four vaccines against COVID-19 in different age groups: A longitudinal study.

To date there has been limited head-to-head evaluation of immune responses to different types of COVID-19 vaccines. A real-world population-based longitudinal study was designed with the aim to define the magnitude and duration of immunity induced by each of four different COVID-19 vaccines available in Italy at the time of this study. Overall, 2497 individuals were enrolled at time of their first vaccination (T0). Vaccine-specific antibody responses induced over time by Comirnaty, Spikevax, Vaxzevria, Janssen Ad26.COV2.S and heterologous vaccination were compared up to six months after immunization. On a subset of Comirnaty vaccinees, serology data were correlated with the ability to neutralize a reference SARS-CoV-2 B strain, as well as Delta AY.4 and Omicron BA.1. The frequency of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and memory B cells induced by the four different vaccines was assessed six months after the immunization. We found that mRNA vaccines are stronger inducer of anti-Spike IgG and B-memory cell responses. Humoral immune responses are lower in frail elderly subjects. Neutralization of the Delta AY.4 and Omicron BA.1 variants is severely impaired, especially in older individuals. Most vaccinees display a vaccine-specific T-cell memory six months after the vaccination. By describing the immunological response during the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination campaign in different cohorts and considering several aspects of the immunological response, this study allowed to collect key information that could facilitate the implementation of effective prevention and control measures against SARS-CoV-2.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Vaccination of children in marginalized neighbourhoods: Equity and diversity challenges with COVID-19 vaccination campaigns

Vaccination of children in marginalized neighbourhoods: Equity and diversity challenges with COVID-19 vaccination campaigns

Declining Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among Vaccinated Nursing Home Residents and Staff Six Months after the Primary BNT162b2 Vaccination Campaign in Belgium: A Prospective Cohort Study.

In the SCOPE study, we monitored SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a national sample of residents and staff from Belgian nursing homes. Here, we report the seroprevalence among infected and infection-naive residents and staff after the primary COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Among 1554 vaccinated nursing home residents and 1082 vaccinated staff from 69 nursing homes in Belgium, we assessed the proportion having SARS-CoV-2 antibodies approximately two (April 2021), four (June 2021), and six months (August 2021) after a two-dose regimen of the BNT162b2 vaccine. We measured the seroprevalence using SARS-CoV-2 antibody rapid tests and collected socio-demographic and COVID-19 medical data using an online questionnaire. Two months after vaccination (baseline), we found a seroprevalence of 91% (95% CI: 89-93) among vaccinated residents and 99% (95% CI: 98-99) among vaccinated staff. Six months after vaccination, the seroprevalence significantly decreased to 68% (95% CI: 64-72) among residents and to 89% (95% CI; 86-91) among staff (p < 0.001). The seroprevalence was more likely to decrease among infection-naive residents, older residents, or residents with a high care dependency level. These findings emphasize the need for close monitoring of nursing home residents, as a substantial part of this population fails to mount a persistent antibody response after BNT162b2 vaccination.

Violence against healthcare workers during COVID-19 vaccination campaign

Abstract Background Violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) has gained increasing attention in recent years, both because it is on the rise and because there is growing concern about these incidents, which are classified as sentinel events by the Italian Ministry of Health. Since little is known about the actual burden of this phenomenon, especially during the stressful COVID-19 vaccination campaign, we decided to explore the problem in our region. Methods Between January and March 2022, in the 1.2 million-inhabitant Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Italy), we conducted an anonymous online survey to collected data on episodes of violence and their consequences for HCWs. Data from validated tools assessing characteristics of violent episodes and post-trauma impact were analyzed in conjunction with socio-demographic data of respondents. Results 200 HCWs participated in the survey, most of whom were women (72%), worked as nurses (107) or doctors (71), and had a mean age of 47 years. More than half of them (59%) reported at least one episode of violence, mainly in the form of a verbal assault (64%); there were no differences between victims. In 72 cases, these incidents affected the HCW’s private life, mainly disturbing sleep or concentration (68%). Most HCWs stated that inadequate communication was a trigger for the violence (97%). Although 80% of HCWs would readily report any violent incident, to improve the situation they called for certainty of action against the perpetrator (87%), more organizational support (85%), standard procedures (75%) and self-defense courses (75%). Conclusions Violence in COVID-19 vaccination campaign appears to be common and to affect both the personal and professional lives of HCWs. Improvements at the institutional and personal level could help to address this problem that affects the health workforce. Key messages • Given the growing public debate, violence in healthcare settings is an important issue that needs to be addressed in the coming years. • Assessing workplace violence and its associated risk factors will help focus on the strategies that can be usefully employed to prevent it in the future.

The impact of the AstraZeneca suspensions on the public’s vaccination intentions and trust

Abstract Background In spring 2021, several countries, among which the Netherlands, suspended vaccinations against COVID-19 with the Vaxzevria vaccine from AstraZeneca (AZ) after reports of rare but severe adverse events (SAE). We investigated the impact of this news and the suspension on the Dutch public’s COVID-19 vaccination intentions, COVID-19 vaccination perceptions (attitudes and feelings) and their trust in the government’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Methods We conducted two surveys (N = 2628), one shortly before the AZ suspension in the Netherlands and one shortly thereafter when all vaccinations were resumed. Chi2 tests were conducted to study changes in COVID-19 vaccination perceptions, intentions and trust before and after the suspension, and differences between perceptions and intentions regarding AZ vaccines compared to COVID-19 vaccines in general. All variables were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Results No significant changes were observed in COVID-19 vaccination perceptions and intentions, but trust in the campaign declined slightly (mean diff.(ΔM)=-0.2, 95% CI=-0.3/-0.2). In addition, compared to COVID-19 vaccinations in general, respondents were less likely to vaccinate with AZ (ΔM=-0.7, 95% CI=-0.7/-0.7), reported less positive vaccine attitudes (ΔM=-0.7, 95% CI=-0.7/-0.7), and more negative feelings (ΔM=0.5, 95% CI = 0.4/0.5). Conclusions The news on SAE and the AZ suspension might have caused a decline in trust in the government’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign, as well as negatively impacted AZ vaccination perceptions and intentions. These results stress the need to adapt vaccination policies to anticipated public perceptions and responses following a vaccine safety scare, as well as the importance of informing citizens about the possibility of very rare SAE prior to the introduction of novel vaccines. Key messages • Trust in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign declined following the news on rare but severe adverse events (SAE) and the suspension of AstraZeneca vaccines. • While the news on SAE and the vaccination suspension did not seem to impact COVID-19 vaccination intentions in general, intentions to vaccinate with AstraZeneca were considerably lower.

Flu and Covid-19: is there adherence to vaccination in target groups?

Abstract Background In Italy, the flu vaccine is recommended and free for target groups (adults≥60 years old, fragile people, healthcare workers, pregnant women). During the 2020/2021 flu season, an increased vaccination coverage (+6,9%) was observed compared to the previous season, also due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate how strong the adherence to the flu vaccine was by the vulnerable groups and assess if the Covid-19 vaccination campaign may have influenced the rate of flu vaccines. Methods At the beginning of autumn 2021 we conducted an online survey among the population of Tuscany. We collected data on demographics, health status (pregnancy, vulnerable), flu and COVID-19 vaccinations coverage and health information sources. In addition, we performed a descriptive and a risk factors analysis to assess correlation between our variables with R v 4.0.0. Significance level was set at p &amp;lt; 0.05. Results Among 408 participants, 248 (61%) belong to a vulnerable group and are recommended to receive the flu vaccine, 229 (56%) usually get the flu vaccine, 386 (95%) got the Covid-19 vaccine, 267 (65%) choose and trust the general practitioner (GP) as their health information source. There is a statistically significant association between being part of a vulnerable group and getting the seasonal flu vaccine (OR 6.63 95% CI 4.26-10.3 p &amp;lt; 0.001). In addition, getting the Covid-19 vaccine increases the likelihood of receiving the flu vaccine (2.90 95% CI 1.16-7.28 p = 0.018). Moreover, participants who trust their GP as their health information source (OR 1.63 CI 1.08-2.46 p = 0.019) are more likely to receive the flu vaccine; other information sources (TV, newspaper, social media) are not associated with the flu vaccine. Conclusions Our research shows that vulnerable groups get vaccinated against the flu. The increase in flu vaccine coverage may be due to the COVID-19 vaccines campaign. GPs play a crucial role in the health promotion, prevention and health literacy of patients. Key messages

USCA service utilization in the city of Florence (Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background In order to support primary care during the first pandemic wave (March 2020), the Italian Government instituted multiprofessional health teams called “USCA” (Special Continuity Care Units), which ensured continuity of care for COVID-19 patients who do not need hospitalization. The aim of our study was to compare the volumes of USCA service utilization in Florence (Tuscany, Italy) during the peak of home visits of three pandemic waves. Methods This single-center study followed a retrospective cross-sectional design. The USCA of the Heath District of Florence served a population of 366,190 people. The following data were collected: home medical visits, nursing home (NH) visits, visits in health-care hotels. The peak periods of three epidemic waves were considered in the analyses: the second wave (23 October - 20 November 2020), the third wave (25 March - 22 April 2021), and the Omicron period (27 December 2021 - 6 February 2022). The maximum 7-day moving averages of the daily number of visits during the three periods were calculated. Relative percent differences for visits comparing the considered periods were computed. Results Home visits during the third pandemic wave increased by 14% compared to the second wave (second wave: N = 1370, third wave: N = 1562), while a decrease was observed during the Omicron period (Omicron vs third wave: -21%; peak value: 41 vs 60). Visits in health-care hotels during the third wave doubled compared to the second wave. After the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, NH visits steeply declined (third wave vs second wave: -95%; N = 323 vs 15; peak value= 14 vs 2 visits per day). During the Omicron period, NH visits increased by almost four times compared to the third wave period. Conclusions The USCA service utilization was significant in all the analyzed periods. In a pandemic context, it is necessary to strengthen primary care services such as USCA, which have proved to respond to rapidly changing health needs. Key messages • The USCA service is an innovative model of integrated home care that has proved to respond to rapidly changing health needs during all phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. • The USCA service utilization was significant during all phases of the pandemic. The USCA service has introduced new ways of working and new relationships between services in primary care.

Gauging Public Health Literacy needs through Google Trends: the COVID-19 vaccination example

Abstract Background The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Portugal was one of the most successful in the world. However, there was still a challenge for Public Health services to determine the health literacy needs of the population in the context of a new vaccine and the uncertainty of the pandemic. The goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Google Trends data to gauge the health literacy needs of the general population during the pandemic. Methods A Google Trends search was performed for Portugal including 5 topics related to health literacy needs of the population (“vaccination”, “scheduling”, “isolation”, “booster dose” and “vaccination certificate” ) between the 28th of december 2019 and the 10th of march 2022. The variation shows the relative popularity of each term referring to the total number of Google searches during that period in a normalized scale of 0-100. The variation was compared to the number of doses administered daily in Portugal and key moments of the vaccination campaign as defined by the Directorate-General for Health in Portugal. Results The terms “vaccination” and “isolation” had a steady rise in popularity from December 2019 to January 2021. The term “vaccination” was the most popular search term with peak popularity in July 2021 and a downward trend followed by an ascent to a lower peak in popularity in January 2022. The terms “scheduling” and “vaccination certificate” both followed a similar pattern, though at lower popularity levels. The term “isolation” was low on popularity since February 2021, with a significant rise and peak in January 2022. This variation relates to key dates during the Portuguese vaccination campaign. Conclusions Google Trends data seems to correlate with key events during the Portuguese COVID-19 vaccination campaign. That data might be incorporated in the planning framework of health literacy activities for national and local Public Health services. Key messages • Google Trends might be an important source of information for public health teams. • There is a need for further research into how Google Trends data can be incorporated with other sources of information to inform health literacy activities.

Beliefs about vaccines and information about coronavirus, COVID-19 and the pandemic. Findings from Italy

Abstract Introduction In Italy, COVID-19 vaccination campaign for school personnel started in February 2021 and began mandatory from 15th December 2021 to all the people who work within schools. Here we described Italian school principals’ beliefs about vaccines and its association with feelings about information regarding coronavirus, COVID-19 and the pandemic. Methods Data collection started in October 2021 and is ongoing. Beliefs about vaccines were investigated both for COVID-19 vaccination and for vaccination in general. Results A total of 726 questionnaires were analyzed so far. The majority feels to be well informed about the coronavirus or the pandemic (75%) and not at all nor a little confused about COVID-19 information (89%). Only 2% disagree/strongly disagree with the statement “vaccination is compatible with my attitudes or religious beliefs”. Beliefs regarding vaccines in general are correlated with those regarding COVID-19 vaccines. When different beliefs are described, we observed a trend towards considering COVID-19 vaccines less safe and effective, but more important to protect themselves and their family than other vaccines. Moreover, beliefs about vaccination in general and regarding COVID-19 are associated with how well they feel informed about the coronavirus or the pandemic, and whether they feel confused about COVID-19 information. In particular: the better they feel informed about the coronavirus and the related pandemic, the higher the perception of vaccines in general and COVID-19 vaccine as important, safe, and effective; the less they feel confused about COVID-19 information. Conclusions School principals showed a high level of confidence on vaccines. The association between beliefs in vaccinations and the characteristics of information about COVID-19 supported the effectiveness of Italian vaccination policy and information campaigns.

Attitudes towards vaccination are associated with vaccination behaviour among university students

Abstract Introduction Vaccination behaviour is influenced by various determinants. Evidence indicates a higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among university students due to their age and a lower risk of complications compared to the general population in Germany. However, little is known about other COVID-19-related determinants for the population of German university students. This study aimed to investigate determinants of vaccination behaviour among German university students. Methods The cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study was conducted at five German universities at the end of 2021 via an online survey (n = 7.267). Multiple logistic regressions were calculated to examine associations of vaccination behaviour (not vaccinated vs. fully vaccinated) and attitudes towards vaccination (5Cs: confidence in the safety of the vaccine, complacency - not perceiving diseases as high risk, constraints - structural and psychological barriers, calculation - engagement in information seeking, collective responsibility - willingness to protect others), health literacy in a pandemic (CHL-P), and additional determinants. Results All 5Cs were associated with the vaccination status ‘fully vaccinated’, except for complacency. Regarding CHL-P, we found that students who felt that the current scientific knowledge about COVID-19 in terms of the policy decisions on pandemic measures was very complex had a higher odds for being vaccinated (OR = 3.02; 95% CI: 2.26-4.04). Regarding additional determinants, the analysis revealed that students who had been previously infected had in all regressions a lower odds for being vaccinated compared to students with no previous infection. Conclusions Due to the strong association of the attitudes towards vaccination and vaccination behaviour among university students, we recommend that the different components of the 5Cs should be considered in future COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in the university context. Key messages

COVID-19-Impfstrategien für Beschäftigte deutscher Kliniken: Ergebnisse einer Befragung von Leitungen der (Krankenhaus‑)Hygiene im Rahmen des B-FAST-Projektes

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und ZielZu Beginn der COVID-19-Impfkampagne in Deutschland wurden Beschäftigte in medizinischen Einrichtungen aufgrund des hohen Expositionsrisikos und des Kontakts mit vulnerablen Gruppen priorisiert gegen SARS-CoV‑2 geimpft. Die Krankenhäuser waren angehalten die Impfungen ihrer Beschäftigten möglichst schnell zu organisieren und durchzuführen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Impfstrategie für die Mitarbeitenden deutscher Kliniken zu erfassen.MethodenIn einer Querschnittstudie mit selbstentwickeltem Fragebogen wurden die Leitungen der (Krankenhaus‑)Hygiene aller deutschen Universitätskliniken sowie der Nicht-Universitätskliniken in Niedersachsen und Bayern im März 2021 befragt. Die Daten wurden nach den beiden Versorgungsstufen stratifiziert.Ergebnisse100 von 416 versendeten Fragebögen wurden vollständig ausgefüllt (Universitätsklinik: 33, Nicht-Universitätsklinik: 67). Universitätskliniken berichteten von einer größeren Impfkapazität als Nicht-Universitätskliniken, ein begrenzender Faktor waren die ungewissen Impfstofflieferungen. 89 % der Kliniken planten Informationskampagnen zum Thema Impfung oder hatten diese bereits durchgeführt. 70 % gaben an, keine Antikörpertests bei geimpften Beschäftigten durchführen zu wollen. Eine Nachverfolgung geimpfter Beschäftigter zur Detektion möglicher SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen mittels Erregernachweis durch PCR wurde von 41 % geplant. Im Falle des Nachweises einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion bei geimpften Beschäftigten hatten 72 % weitere Diagnostik geplant.DiskussionAlle Krankenhäuser konnten eine schnelle Umsetzung der COVID-19-Vakzinierung ihrer Beschäftigten erreichen. Zum Zeitpunkt der Befragung gab es große Unsicherheit bezüglich des Umgangs mit Durchbruchsinfektionen und der Notwendigkeit von Auffrischimpfungen.

BNT162b2 against COVID-19 in Brazil using a test-negative design: Study protocol and statistical analysis plan.

IntroductionReal-world data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness are needed to validate evidence from randomized clinical trials. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate, in a real-world setting in Brazil, the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 against symptomatic COVID-19 and COVID-19-related complications across diverse populations.Materials and methodsA test-negative case-control study with follow-up of cases is currently being conducted in Toledo, a city in southern Brazil, following a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign with BNT162b2. The study is being conducted among patients aged 12 years or older seeking care in the public health system with acute respiratory symptoms and tested for SARS-CoV-2 on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cases are RT-PCR positive and controls RT-PCR negative. Test-positive cases are prospectively followed through structured telephone interviews performed at 15 days post-enrollment, and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Baseline demographic, clinical, and vaccination data are being collected by means of structured interviews and medical registry records reviews at the time of enrollment. All RT-PCR-positive samples are screened for mutations to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the research ethics committee of all participant sites. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trail registrationClinicatrials.gov: NCT05052307.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 30 European countries: the ECDC-JRC Response Measures Database.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries implemented a wide set of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), sometimes with limited knowledge on their effect and impact on population. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) developed a Response Measures Database (ECDC–JRC RMD) to archive NPIs in 30 EU/EEA countries from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2022. We aimed to introduce a tool for the wider scientific community to assess COVID-19 NPIs effect and impact in the EU/EEA. We give an overview of the ECDC–JRC RMD rationale and structure, including a brief analysis of the main NPIs applied in 2020, before the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The ECDC–JRC RMD organises NPIs through a three-level hierarchical structure and uses four additional parameters (‘status’, ‘implementation’, ‘target group’ and ‘geographical representation’) to provide further information on the implementation of each measure. Features including the ready-for-analysis, downloadable format and its agile taxonomy and structure highlight the potential of the ECDC–JRC RMD to facilitate further NPI analysis and optimise decision making on public health response policies.

Frontline Involvement in Population COVID-19 Vaccinations: Lived Experience of Nursing Students.

(1) Background: The globally promoted vaccination campaign has been shown to be the solution for the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing transmission, hospitalisation and the need for intensive care. Although several studies have examined the experiences of healthcare workers during the pandemic, few studies have investigated healthcare student experiences. The aim of this study is to explore the lived experience of third-year nursing students during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. (2) Methods: A phenomenological qualitative method was adopted. The researchers selected third-year students undertaking a bachelor’s nursing degree who took part in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign at a high-volume vaccination centre in the period from May to August 2021. (3) Results: Thirteen students were included in the study. Three themes and twelve subthemes emerged from the study. The themes were: a challenging experience; it is not as easy as it seems; a learning experience worth living; and teamwork and trust leading to professional development. (4) Conclusions: Participation in the vaccination campaign was a novelty for students in their degree program. Students emphasized the positive aspects of having the opportunity to participate in the vaccination campaign and help the entire community in the fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its determinants among sub-Saharan African adolescents.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adolescents poses a challenge to the global effort to control the pandemic. This multi-country survey aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa between July and December 2021. The survey was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviewing among adolescents in five sub-Saharan African countries, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. A rural area and an urban area were included in each country (except Ghana, which only had a rural area), with approximately 300 adolescents in each area and 2662 in total. Sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions and attitudes on COVID-19 vaccines were measured. Vaccine hesitancy was defined as definitely not getting vaccinated or being undecided on whether to get vaccinated if a COVID-19 vaccine were available. Log-binomial models were used to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between potential determinants and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The percentage of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 14% in rural Kersa, 23% in rural Ibadan, 31% in rural Nouna, 32% in urban Ouagadougou, 37% in urban Addis Ababa, 48% in rural Kintampo, 65% in urban Lagos, 76% in urban Dar es Salaam, and 88% in rural Dodoma. Perceived low necessity, concerns about vaccine safety, and concerns about vaccine effectiveness were the leading reasons for hesitancy. Healthcare workers, parents or family members, and schoolteachers had the greatest impacts on vaccine willingness. Perceived lack of safety (aPR: 3.52; 95% CI: 3.00, 4.13) and lack of effectiveness (aPR: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.97, 4.03) were associated with greater vaccine hesitancy. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adolescents is alarmingly high across the five sub-Saharan African countries, especially in Tanzania. COVID-19 vaccination campaigns among sub-Saharan African adolescents should address their concerns and misconceptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Intention among Health Care Workers in France: A Qualitative Study.

COVID-19 vaccines are one of the best tools to limit the spread of the virus. However, vaccine hesitancy is increasing worldwide, and France is one of the most hesitant countries. From the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, health care workers (HCW) have been prioritized in the vaccination strategy but were also hesitant. This study was conducted to identify and understand the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention in the French context, with a view to promoting HCW vaccination. A qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews of HCWs was carried out at the beginning of the vaccination campaign (January to April 2021) in a French university hospital. Interviews indicated that the vaccination intention of HCWs was influenced by confidence in the proposed vaccines, past experience with vaccines and disease, the opinions and vaccination status of others, and media handling of information related to COVID-19 vaccination. Improving HCW vaccination intention regarding COVID-19 vaccines could be achieved through the dissemination of clear, reassuring, scientific information. Information should be disseminated by HCWs and vaccination experts and adapted to local contexts. To improve the level of confidence and vaccination uptake through a compliance effect, it would be useful to promote positive COVID-19 vaccination experiences and increased rates of immunization.

Life-course vaccinations for migrants and refugees: Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

COVID-19 showed once more, and very evidently, that some disadvantaged subgroups, including migrants and refugees (M&Rs), are at higher risk of contracting a disease or suffering from its severe consequences in areas with high transmission [1,2]. This may be due to their living conditions, which make physical distancing difficult, and/or to their legal status, which […]

Effectiveness of Whole-Virus COVID-19 Vaccine among Healthcare Personnel, Lima, Peru.

In February 2021, Peru launched a COVID-19 vaccination campaign among healthcare personnel using an inactivated whole-virus vaccine. The manufacturer recommended 2 vaccine doses 21 days apart. We evaluated vaccine effectiveness among an existing multiyear influenza vaccine cohort at 2 hospitals in Lima. We analyzed data on 290 participants followed during February-May 2021. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and provided weekly self-collected nasal swab samples; samples were tested by real-time reverse transcription PCR. Median participant follow-up was 2 (range 1-11) weeks. We performed multivariable logistic regression and adjusted for preselected characteristics. During the study, 25 (9%) participants tested SARS-CoV-2-positive. We estimated adjusted vaccine effectiveness at 95% (95% CI 70%-99%) among fully vaccinated participants and 100% (95% CI 88%-100%) among partially vaccinated participants. These data can inform the use and acceptance of inactivated whole-virus vaccine and support vaccination efforts in the region.

Knowledge, attitude, and intention to accept COVID-19 vaccine among patients with chronic diseases in southern Ethiopia: Multi-center study.

BackgroundMost of the COVID-19 fatal cases and severe illnesses like acute respiratory distress syndrome occur in older adults and other people who have underlying medical comorbidities. Understanding patients with chronic disease' knowledge, attitudes, and intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine and related factors are necessary to control the mortality of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine among patients with chronic disease in Southern Ethiopia.Methods and materialsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 patients with chronic diseases having a follow-up at the hospitals of the Southern region of Ethiopia from November 14, 2021, to December 24, 2021. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to show the association of variables with knowledge, attitude, and intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The associations of variables were declared with the use of a 95% CI and P-value < 0.05.ResultsOverall, 79.2, 70.9, and 58.2% of participants had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and intent to take the COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Age ≥49 years old (AOR = 1.643; 95% CI = 1.008–3.060) and college and above level of education (AOR = 3.002; 95% CI = 1.897–5.021) were found to be significantly associated with knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine. College and above level of education (AOR = 1.510; 95% CI = 1.002–3.975) and good knowledge (AOR = 3.560; 95% CI = 1.481–6.120) were found to be significantly associated with intention to take COVID-19 vaccine.Conclusion and recommendationIntention to take the COVID-19 vaccine was low among patients with chronic diseases to achieve herd immunity. Therefore, a holistic and multi-sectoral partnership is necessary for a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Further health education and communication are very crucial methods to improve vaccine acceptance and lastly to achieve herd immunity.