COVID-19 Vaccine Research Articles

Safe re-immunization of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-induced nonepisodic angioedema with eosinophilia.

Safe re-immunization of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-induced nonepisodic angioedema with eosinophilia.

Mode of delivery and birth outcomes before and during COVID-19 -A population-based study in Ontario, Canada.

There is lack of clarity on whether pregnancies during COVID-19 resulted in poorer mode of delivery and birth outcomes in Ontario, Canada. We aimed to compare mode of delivery (C-section), birth (low birthweight, preterm birth, NICU admission), and health services use (HSU, hospitalizations, ED visits, physician visits) outcomes in pregnant Ontario women before and during COVID-19 (pandemic periods). We further stratified for pre-existing chronic diseases (asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, diabetes, hypertension). Deliveries before (Jun 2018-Feb 2020) and during (Jul 2020-Mar 2022) pandemic were from health administrative data. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of delivery and birth outcomes, and negative binomial regression for adjusted rate ratios (aRR) of HSU. We compared outcomes between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Possible interactions between study periods and covariates were also examined. 323,359 deliveries were included (50% during pandemic). One in 5 (18.3%) women who delivered during the pandemic had not received any COVID-19 vaccine, while one in 20 women (5.2%) lab-tested positive for COVID-19. The odds of C-section delivery during the pandemic was 9% higher (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.08-1.11) than pre-pandemic. The odds of preterm birth and NICU admission were 15% (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82-0.87) and 10% lower (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.88-0.92), respectively, during COVID-19. There was a 17% reduction in ED visits but a 16% increase in physician visits during the pandemic (aRR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.81-0.84 and aRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.16-1.17, respectively). These aORs and aRRs were significantly higher in women with pre-existing chronic conditions. During the pandemic, healthcare utilization, especially ED visits (aRR = 0.83), in pregnant women was lower compared to before. Ensuring ongoing prenatal care during the pandemic may reduce risks of adverse mode of delivery and the need for acute care during pregnancy.

COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination experiences and perceptions among health workers during the pandemic in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: An analytical cross-sectional study

Background COVID-19 continues to be a disease of global public health importance and requires long-term management and control. Health workers’ (previous) experiences and perceptions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccination/vaccination process will influence not only their subsequent use of control measures but also public experiences/perceptions. We explored the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions, and their predictors, among the health workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Methods We conducted an online-offline analytical cross-sectional survey between March 12 and May 9, 2022 among all categories of health workers (clinical/non-clinical, public/private) working/living in Ebonyi state who consented to participate and were selected by convenience/snowballing techniques. A structured electronic questionnaire was used to collect data: self-administered via WhatsApp and interviewer-administered via KoBoCollect for participants who did not have WhatsApp. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and bivariate/multivariate generalized linear models. Results Of the 1276 health workers surveyed: 55.8% had strong COVID-19 experience and perception, 80.7% had good COVID-19 vaccination expectation and perception, and 87.7% had positive COVID-19 vaccination process experience and perception. The most important predictors of the extent and level of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions were level of place of work (primary-secondary/tertiary), level of attitude towards COVID-19 (vaccination), and level of knowledge about COVID-19. Another important predictor was place of work (public/private). Conclusions The evidence indicate the factors that should guide subsequent policy actions in the strategies to enhance the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions of health workers (and their use of control measures) in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, and other similar contexts. It also indicate factors to be considered by future policy actions regarding similar diseases.

Levels of high-sensitive troponin T and mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin after COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Background/Introduction To increase vaccine safety, adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines are continuously monitored. This also includes rare complications of the cardiovascular system. However, it has so far been scarcely investigated whether chronic and subtle, clinically inapparent myocardial and/or vascular injury occurs in a COVID-19 vaccinated population on a broader basis. Purpose The aim of this study was to analyse chronic and subclinical adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines on the cardiovascular system. Vaccine-associated myocardial involvement was examined by measuring high-sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) while mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) levels were evaluated to assess endothelial dysfunction. Methods This was a prospective observational study with a vulnerable population of healthcare workers (HCWs) and elderly (> 70 years) patients who were vaccinated with either the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 adenoviral vector vaccine (AZ) and the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (BNT), or with BNT/BNT between the 12th of January and 30th of November 2021 (Figure 1). HsTnT and MR-proADM was measured in blood samples at three visits (V1: 1st baseline, immediately before vaccination; V2: 3-4 weeks after 1st vaccination; V3: 3-4 weeks after 2nd vaccination). HsTnT levels were further compared with a healthy reference cohort. Results 120 participants were included (V1=119, V2=120, V3=120). 50 (41.7%) received AZ/BNT. 70 (58.3%) were vaccinated with BNT/BNT of whom 20 (16.7%) were elderly and 50 (41.7%) were HCWs. Median hsTnT levels were at 4ng/L, 5ng/L and 4ng/L (V1-V3) for AZ/BNT and at 6ng/L, 6ng/L and 6ng/L (V1-V3) for BNT/BNT, respectively (Figure 2). Levels of MR-proADM were 0.43nmol/L, 0.46nmol/L and 0.44nmol/L (V1-V3) in the AZ/BNT cohort and 0.49nmol/L, 0.43nmol/L and 0.49nmol/L in the BNT/BNT group. Change of hsTnT and MR-proADM values between visits did not show significant increases. Two cases had a transient (7ng/L, 19ng/L, 5ng/L; male, 29 years) or permanent (15ng/L, 21ng/L, 25ng/L; male, 37 years) increase in hsTnT levels, exceeding the upper reference limit (≥ 14ng/L). Compared to the reference population (n=300), median hsTnT was significantly higher at all visits for both vaccination groups (p<0.05), without significant differences between the AZ/BNT and BNT/BNT cohorts. Conclusion(s) With two individual exceptions, no overall chronic myocardial injury or endothelial involvement was observed up to 4 weeks after the 2nd SARS-CoV-2 vaccination when comparing hsTnT and MR-proADM after both vaccinations to baseline values.Figure 1Vaccination scheme.Figure 2.hsTnT values at V1-V3.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults in India: A primary study based on health behavior theories and 5C psychological antecedents model.

Despite the significant success of India's COVID-19 vaccination program, a sizeable proportion of the adult population remains unvaccinated or has received a single dose of the vaccine. Despite the recommendations of the Government of India for the two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the precautionary booster dose, many people were still hesitant towards the COVID-19 full vaccination. Hence, this study aimed to identify the primary behavioral and psychological factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Cross-sectional data was collected via a multi-stage sampling design by using a scheduled sample survey in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India, between 15 July 2022 to 30 September 2022. This study has utilized three health behavior models-the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the 5C Psychological Antecedents of vaccination, and employed bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model to assess the level of vaccine hesitancy and predictive health behavior of the respondents. Results indicate that among the constructs of the HBM and 5C Antecedents models, "perceived benefits", "confidence" and "collective responsibility" showed a lesser likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. However, in the TPB model constructs, a 'negative attitude towards the vaccine' showed a four times higher likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. From the future policy perspective, this study suggested that addressing the issue of 'negative attitudes towards the vaccine' and increasing the trust or confidence for the vaccine through increasing awareness about the benefits of the vaccination in India may reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Healthcare Workers’ Readiness for COVID-19 Vaccination Using Health Belief Model

Objective:: Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination of medical personnel reduces the spread of infection the research aimed to evaluate healthcare professionals' attitudes toward vaccination by the health belief model. Methods:: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used for the study. Results:: Most medical personnel agreed to get the COVID-19 vaccination (84%; n=384). Medical workers over 45 (90%) showed more readiness for vaccination. The main pushbacks against the vaccination included the development of a vaccine in a short period (n=56; 73.7%), fear of side effects (n=49; 64.5%), lack of reliable information about vaccination (n=35; 46.1%), negative information spread by the media (n=26, 34.2%). Recommendations by healthcare workers (63.9%), health authorities (73.1), media (70%), large number of people being vaccinated (72.6%), and provision of trustworthy information (71.3%) facilitate vaccination. Conclusion:: The high rate of COVID-19 vaccination among medical personnel shows that they have a high risk perception of infection. Among Health Belief Model components, cues to actions were most important in willingness to carry out vaccination. Recommendations of the WHO and scientists significantly influence the willingness to carry out vaccination. The regulatory responsibilities of the state and the public's trust in it play a crucial role in raising the population's awareness about the vaccine.

Acceptability of an Incentivized Peer Referral Intervention to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Adults in Yopougon-Est, Côte d'Ivoire.

Vaccine hesitancy persists as a barrier to vaccine uptake among adults across geographies. We pilot-tested an incentivized peer referral intervention in Yopougon-Est, Côte d'Ivoire, to encourage adults who recently received COVID-19 vaccination to discuss their experiences and motivate family and friends to seek vaccination. From May through June 2023, the intervention operated at 2 vaccination sites, where staff approached individuals immediately after receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Interested vaccine recipients received up to 9 referral coupons to distribute among their social circles, with a small financial incentive (approximately US$3) offered for each person they referred who returned to 1 of the 2 sites for COVID-19 vaccination. We collected data on numbers of people vaccinated and coupons returned. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 referred vaccine recipients and 7 public health officials. During the 6-week intervention, 450 newly vaccinated individuals were offered the opportunity to enroll, with 197 opting to distribute coupons. Nearly half (45%) of these peer mobilizers who distributed coupons referred at least 1 person who subsequently came in for vaccination, and most of this subset had 2 or more completed referrals. Qualitative findings revealed that coupons served as effective reminders, sparking discussions within social networks and prompting vaccine-seeking behavior. According to the referred vaccine recipients, hearing about their peers' vaccination experience influenced uptake. Vaccine recipients and public health officials found the small referral incentive acceptable. Officials noted the intervention's potential utility and cost effectiveness, suggesting possible sustainability. This incentivized peer referral intervention, capitalizing on peer networks and social norms, holds promise for increasing vaccine uptake in Yopougon-Est and potentially in other vaccination contexts globally. Practitioners can leverage the implementation guide and training materials we developed to replicate the intervention at larger scale and assess impact on vaccination trends.

COVID-19 in the Arab countries: Three-year review

Background Twenty-two Arab countries share a common language, history, and culture. Nevertheless, governmental policies, healthcare systems, and resources differ from one Arab country to another. We have been following Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the beginning in each Arab country. In the present study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 in the Arab world and to compare these findings with other significantly affected countries. Methods Websites of the World Health Organization, World COVID-vaccinations tracker, Worldometer, and Ministries of Health were used to extract COVID-19 data in all Arab countries between the period January 2020 to December 2022. Results All Arab countries had 14,218,042 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, 13,384,924 total recovered cases and 173,544 total related deaths. The trend demonstrated that the third quarter of 2021 recorded the highest death toll and the first quarter of 2022 recorded the highest number of confirmed and recovered cases. Compared to the top 15 affected countries, the Arab world ranked last as it had the lowest overall incidence per million population (PMP) of 31,609. The data on total deaths PMP showed that India had the lowest number of deaths with only 377 cases followed by the Arab world with 386 cases. Conclusions Although the number of confirmed, death, and subsequently recovered cases of COVID-19 have greatly reduced in the last quarter of 2022 in most Arab countries, many Arab countries still need to re-campaign about COVID-19 vaccines and raise awareness programs about boosters. COVID-19 has had a relatively smaller impact on Arab countries than on other countries that have been significantly affected.

‘It's not for the children's sake’: A qualitative inquiry into the barriers and facilitators underlying parents' decision-making for vaccinating children against influenza in Denmark

Recently, the Danish Health Authority began recommending vaccinating children aged 2–6 years against seasonal influenza, underscoring the pivotal role of children in its transmission dynamics within the wider population and the need to protect vulnerable population groups after COVID-19. Under a third followed the recommendation. For the routine Danish childhood vaccine program coverage is usually well above 90%.Through a qualitative in-depth study with 28 key informants during the 2022/2023 influenza season, we investigated the barriers and facilitators of parents' decision-making for vaccinating their children against influenza. We found that parents' decision-making was influenced by a range of factors that present barriers or facilitators at the individual or collective levels, depending on personal antecedents and family situations. We also gained insights on how COVID-19 mass vaccination shaped parents’ attitudes and awareness toward influenza vaccination, explaining why many parents who fully complied with the COVID-19 recommendations elected to opt out of influenza.The implications of these findings extend beyond the concrete context of parent's decision-making regarding influenza vaccination, contributing to our understanding of vaccine confidence in at least two ways. First, the limited public controversy regarding childhood influenza vaccination allows for a perspective onto low vaccine uptake that does not resort to the usual framing of a well-defined “crisis”. Second, the interaction between COVID-19 vaccination and the childhood influenza vaccination reveals how the massive pressure on parents to vaccinate themselves and their children against COVID-19 contributed to an erosion of vaccine confidence in general.

Targeting gut microbiota for immunotherapy of diseases.

With advances in next-generation sequencing technology, there is growing evidence that the gut microbiome plays a key role in the host's innate and adaptive immune system. Gut microbes and their metabolites directly or indirectly regulate host immune cells. Crucially, dysregulation of the gut microbiota is often associated with many immune system diseases. In turn, microbes modulate disease immunotherapy. Data from preclinical to clinical studies suggest that the gut microbiota may influence the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition, the most critical issue now is a COVID-19 vaccine that generates strong and durable immunity. A growing number of clinical studies confirm the potential of gut microbes to enhance the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. However, it is still unclear how gut bacteria interact with immune cells and what treatments are based on gut microbes. Here, we outline recent advances in the effects and mechanisms of the gut microbiota and its metabolites (tryptophan metabolites, bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and inosine) on different immune cells (dendritic cells, CD4+T cells, and macrophages). It also highlights innovative intervention strategies and clinical trials of microbiota-based checkpoint blocking therapies for tumor immunity, and ongoing efforts to maintain the long-term immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines. Finally, the challenges to be overcome in this area are discussed. These provide an important basis for further research and clinical translation of gut microbiota.

Quantitative assay to analyze neutralization and inhibition of authentic Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

To date, there is no licensed vaccine for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Therefore, MERS-CoV is one of the diseases targeted by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) vaccine development programs and has been classified as a priority disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). An important measure of vaccine immunogenicity and antibody functionality is the detection of virus-neutralizing antibodies. We have developed and optimized a microneutralization assay (MNA) using authentic MERS-CoV and standardized automatic counting of virus foci. Compared to our standard virus neutralization assay, the MNA showed improved sensitivity when analyzing 30 human sera with good correlation of results (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r = 0.8917, p value < 0.0001). It is important to use standardized materials, such as the WHO international standard (IS) for anti-MERS-CoV immunoglobulin G, to compare the results from clinical trials worldwide. Therefore, in addition to the neutralizing titers (NT50 = 1384, NT80 = 384), we determined the IC50 and IC80 of WHO IS in our MNA to be 0.67 IU/ml and 2.6 IU/ml, respectively. Overall, the established MNA is well suited to reliably quantify vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies with high sensitivity.

Comprehensive Analysis of Omicron Subvariants: EG.5 Rise, Vaccination Strategies, and Global Impact.

The emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted significant developments in the understanding, monitoring, and response to these strains. This comprehensive review focuses on two prominent variants of interest (VoI), XBB. 1.5 (Kraken) and XBB.1.16 ("Arcturus"), along with seven variants under observation (VuM), including EG.5. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified these variants in July 2023, highlighting EG.5's noteworthy rise in prevalence. EG.5, also known as "Eris," has exhibited an increased effective reproductive rate, prompting concerns about its contagiousness and immune evasion capabilities. With an altered spike protein in the Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD), EG.5 shares similarities with XBB.1.5 but surpasses it in prevalence, constituting 20% of COVID-19 cases in the United States by late August. EG.5's subvariant, EG.5.1, poses challenges with mutations like Q52H and F456L, contributing to its ability to bypass neutralizing antibodies. The global distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants presents a dynamic landscape, with XBB.1.16 and other strains gaining prominence. The advent of the BA.2.86 variant further complicates the scenario, with its notable spread in regions lacking robust viral surveillance. A thorough analysis of mutations reveals the evolving nature of the Omicron variant, with distinct amino acid changes characterizing XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and EG.5. The WHO designates EG.5 as a "variant of interest" due to its increased contagiousness and potential immune evasion, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring. The risk assessment of EG.5 underscores its rapid development and growing prevalence globally. While booster vaccines targeting XBB.1.5 are in development, antiviral medications like nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) continue to exhibit efficacy. In the context of the evolving variants, the FDA has granted emergency use authorization for updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting circulating strains, reflecting the adaptability of vaccination strategies to address emerging challenges. This comprehensive overview provides a nuanced understanding of the diverse Omicron subvariants, their global impact, and the ongoing efforts to combat their spread through vaccination and therapeutic interventions.

Influence of grandchildren on COVID-19 vaccination uptake among older adults in China: a parallel-group, cluster-randomized controlled trial.

The uptake of COVID-19 booster vaccination among older adults in China is suboptimal. Here, we report the results of a parallel-group cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of promoting COVID-19 booster vaccination among grandparents (≥60 years) through a health education intervention delivered to their grandchildren (aged ≥16 years) in a Chinese cohort (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200063240 ). The primary outcome was the uptake rate of COVID-19 booster dose among grandparents. Secondary outcomes include grandparents' attitude and intention to get a COVID-19 booster dose. A total of 202 college students were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention arm of web-based health education and 14 daily reminders (n = 188 grandparents) or control arm (n = 187 grandparents) and reported their grandparents' COVID-19 booster vaccination status at baseline and 21 days. Grandparents in the intervention arm were more likely to receive COVID-19 booster vaccination compared to control cohort (intervention, 30.6%; control, 16.9%; risk ratio = 2.00 (95% CI, 1.09 to 3.66)). Grandparents in the intervention arm also had greater attitude change (β = 0.28 (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.52)) and intention change (β = 0.32 (95% CI, 0.12 to 0.52)) to receive a COVID-19 booster dose. Our results show that an educational intervention targeting college students increased COVID-19 booster vaccination uptake among grandparents in China.

How did we protect children against COVID-19 in Iran? Prevalence of COVID-19 and vaccination in the socio-economic context of COVID-19 epidemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant risks to children worldwide. This study aimed to assess the COVID-19 protection status of children and explored the relationship between household socio-economic status and COVID-19 morbidity and preventive measures, including vaccination and mask-wearing, in two cities in Iran. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2022 among 7 to 18-year-old children and their families in Tehran and Karaj. A total of 3,022 samples were selected using stratified multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through interviews with children and adults, using questionnaires and was analyzed with Stata software version 14. The analysis focused on 2,878 children with a median age of 12. Over half (54%) reported that the pandemic negatively affected their family's financial status, with 45% describing its impact on children's needs as negative or very negative. Just under 50% of respondents consistently wore masks during the study period, and around 54% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Reasons for not getting vaccinated included concerns about side effects, ineligibility for the target age group, and overcrowding at vaccination sites. The odds of not getting vaccinated were significantly lower for children aged 15-18, with boys more likely to refuse vaccination than girls. The financial impact of the pandemic in Iran affected families' ability to meet their children's needs. Moreover, low vaccination acceptance rates increased children's vulnerability to health problems and contributed to COVID-19 infections. Efforts should be made to increase vaccination acceptance, particularly among immigrant populations.

Mathematical modeling of two strains tuberculosis and COVID-19 vaccination model: a co-infection study with cost-effectiveness analysis

Tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection is currently the major issue of public health in many nations, including Ghana. Therefore, to explore the effects of the two Tuberculosis strains on COVID-19, we suggest a Tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection model. The study also provides the most economical and effective control methods to reduce the co-infection of tuberculosis and COVID-19. Based on the behavioral patterns of the two Tuberculosis strains and COVID-19 reproduction numbers, the stability of the co-infection model is examined. We explore the sensitivity of the parameters to examine the effect of the drug-resistant and drug-sensitive strain of Tuberculosis on the co-infection of COVID-19. We determine the most cost-effective and optimal treatment strategies that aim to maximize outcomes while minimizing tuberculosis and/or COVID-19 incidences, cost-effectiveness, and optimization approaches. The outcomes of this work contribute to a better understanding of Tuberculosis and COVID-19 epidemiology and provide insights into implementing interventions needed to minimize Tuberculosis and COVID-19 burden in similar settings worldwide.

Herpesviral Keratitis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: Analysis of NHIS Database in Korea.

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of herpesviral keratitis associated with 4 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines approved in South Korea, using large-scale data from the National Health Insurance Service. The study included 8,528,254 individuals, with cohorts categorized based on COVID-19 vaccination status. Two investigations were conducted: The first aimed to assess the risk of new-onset herpesviral keratitis while the second study focused on the risk of relapse in individuals with a preexisting diagnosis. Propensity score matching was used for cohort balancing, and various covariates, including vaccine types and comorbidities, were considered. Statistical analyses, including Cox proportional hazard regression, were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and assess the risk of herpesviral keratitis. Individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccination exhibited a higher risk of new-onset herpesviral keratitis compared with the unvaccinated control group (aHR 1.43, 95% confidence interval, 1.19-1.73). Both mRNA and non-mRNA vaccines demonstrated an increased risk. Individuals with preexisting herpetic keratitis who received COVID-19 vaccination showed a higher risk of relapse herpesviral keratitis compared with the unvaccinated control group (aHR 1.98, 95% CI, 1.29-3.03). Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the results. This analysis of a large national health insurance database suggests an increased risk of both new-onset and relapse of herpesviral keratitis associated with COVID-19 vaccination in South Korea. While COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for pandemic control, health care providers should be aware of potential herpesvirus reactivation and consider appropriate prophylaxis and treatment for at-risk individuals.

Case Report: Branch retinal vein occlusion following COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection while taking oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptive use, vaccination for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are risk factors for venous thromboembolism. Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) generally develops mid-60s patients. Herein, we present a case of BRVO caused by the above mentioned risk factors in a young woman. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about BRVO associated with oral contraceptives, COVID-19 vaccination, and SARS-CoV-2. A 21-year-old woman presented with loss of visual acuity in her right eye for 10 days. She had been receiving oral contraceptives for 2 years for oligomenorrhea before noticing ophthalmological symptoms. Despite having received two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, she contracted COVID-19 and developed fever, sore throat, cough, low back pain, and general malaise about 40 days before the initial visit. However, only cough persisted for more than a month. The right eye showed BRVO with macular edema (ME). She did not smoke nor had diabetes or hypertension. Blood test results, including cardiolipin antibody IgG, were normal. She was treated with an intravitreal aflibercept injection. ME in the fundus showed rapid improvement and resolution. Although more than 20 months have passed since the first injection, there has been no relapse of ME. The combination of oral contraceptive use, COVID-19 vaccination, and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection could induce the development of venous thromboembolism, thereby leading to BRVO. Given that cases of COVID-19 have increased globally, patients with retinal vein occlusion who use oral contraceptives are likely to be encountered more frequently.

Perception and Belief of Healthcare Workers regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study and Geographic Information System Mapping

The COVID-19 new deaths’ highest numbers in Southeast Asia were reported from Indonesia, with 8,784 new deaths. Healthcare workers (HCWs) have several roles in the COVID-19 vaccine implementation. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine perception and belief among HCWs and identify demographic mapping by using the geographical information system. This study used a quantitative method with cross-sectional design, wherein 112 registered HCWs in the Indonesian hospital and healthcare centre were shared a survey questionnaire using Google Forms® and then visualised it through geographic mapping. The perception of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine was considered good but in contrast to the belief. There was a significant relationship between age [ p value = .021; odds ratio (OR): 2.692; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.229–5.896] and also HCWs’ workplace ( p value = .040; OR: 0.231; 95% CI: 0.0620–0.862) towards the belief of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Developing strategies to decrease HCWs and public hesitation and increase trust is vital for implementing vaccination programmes.

The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on China’s overall and sectoral stock returns: a quantile-based analysis

ABSTRACT This research analyzes the response of China’s stock market returns (overall and sector-specific) to COVID-19 vaccines. We examine these relationships using quantile-on-quantile (QQR) regression and causality-in-quantile (CQ) approaches. The empirical results show that the higher quantiles of COVID-19 vaccines propel the higher quantiles of the Shanghai stock returns (SSR). Simultaneously, the higher quantiles of COVID-19 vaccines negatively influence the lower quantiles of the Shanghai stock returns. On the sectoral level, consumer discretionary, basic materials, industrial, utilities, and telecommunication sectors exhibit similar trends to those observed in the Shanghai stock market. The study emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccines tend to increase Shanghai stock returns during bullish market condition, and this impact becomes adverse when the market showcases a bearish trend. These findings serve as insights for policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders.

Cost–benefit analysis of the COVID-19 vaccination model incorporating different infectivity reductions

The spread and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present a worldwide economic and medical burden to public health. It is imperative to probe the effect of vaccination and infectivity reductions in minimizing the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, we analyze a mathematical model incorporating different infectivity reductions. This work provides the most economical and effective control methods for reducing the impact of COVID-19. Using data from Ghana as a sample size, we study the sensitivity of the parameters to estimate the contributions of the transmission routes to the effective reproduction number Re. We also devise optimal interventions with cost–benefit analysis that aim to maximize outcomes while minimizing COVID-19 incidences by deploying cost-effectiveness and optimization techniques. The outcomes of this work contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 epidemiology and provide insights into implementing interventions needed to minimize the COVID-19 burden in similar settings worldwide.