Vaccination History Research Articles

An interdisciplinary approach: Exploring the five dimensions of the tools deployed by EUVABECO

Abstract To effectively address the complexities of vaccination across the EU, EUVABECO’s 14 partners are implementing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. Twelve pilot projects will be implemented from September 2024 to August 2025 in six MS (BE, DE, EL, LV, LU, PL, PT). These pilots will test innovative tools across five domains-medical, social, industrial, modelling and forecasting, and digital-to optimize vaccination outcomes: Medical/Clinical Tool: A decision support system that aids patients and healthcare professionals by providing current, evidence-based information tailored to individuals, thereby facilitating informed vaccination decisions. Social Tool: Data linkage on an individual level, to enhance the targeting and monitoring of vaccine campaigns, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations. Industrial Tool: An electronic vaccine leaflet that boosts the flexibility and responsiveness of vaccine distribution by offering dynamic, real-time information in local languages to both healthcare providers and patients - regardless of the source and point of use of the vaccine. Modelling and Forecasting Tool: A disease simulator that models infection dynamics and evaluates the impact of public health interventions, crucial for strategic planning and resource allocation. Digital Tool: A citizen-held digital vaccination card that enables individuals to maintain a comprehensive, accessible record of their own vaccination histories, enhancing continuity of care across borders.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Office Employees in Qom, Iran Regarding Dental Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on the Health Belief Model

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 can spread from human to human primarily through respiratory secretions. In this regard, dental procedures can pose a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of office employees in Qom, Iran regarding dental treatment during COVID-19 pandemic based on health belief model (HBM). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 510 office employees in Qom Province. Data collection tools included a demographic form and a KAP questionnaire based on the HBM constructs. Results: The mean age of participants was 36.7±9.1 and 252(52%) were female. The practice variable had a statistically significant relationship with perceived susceptibility (P<0.001), perceived barriers (P<0.001), history of vaccination (P<0.001), and history of chronic diseases (P<0.001). Age had a significant relationship with perceived severity (P<0.001) and perceived benefits (P<0.001). Gender had a significant relationship only with perceived severity (P<0.001). Marital status had a significant relationship with knowledge (P<0.001), perceived severity (P<0.001) and perceived barriers (P=0.03). Educational level had a significant relationship with knowledge (P=0.01), perceived severity (P<0.001), perceived benefits (P<0.001), perceived barriers (P<0.001). History of vaccination had a significant relationship with knowledge (P<0.001), perceived susceptibility (P<0.001), perceived severity (P=0.02), and perceived benefits (P=0.02). History of chronic disease had a significant relationship with perceived susceptibility (P<0.001), perceived severity (P<0.001), perceived benefits (P<0.001), and perceived barriers (P<0.001). Conclusion: knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived barriers of office employees in Qom regarding dental treatment during COVID-19 pandemic are at moderate level. Their perceived susceptibility and severity have a positive relationship with visiting dental clinics.

Immune Response Against Influenza in a Cohort of Repeatedly Vaccinated Adults During the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Seasons

Background/Objectives: The influenza vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is recommended each autumn and winter season by the relevant authorities in EU/EEA countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of repeated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) uptake during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons on vaccine-derived immunity against influenza. Methods: A cohort study of HCWs vaccinated with an annual TIV was conducted from October 2017 to June 2019. The protective antibodies against the influenza vaccine strains were assessed at three time points: prior to vaccination and at one and six months following vaccination for each season. Sera were tested by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Participants were grouped according to their history of TIV vaccination over four seasons (since 2015/16), with the groups designated as “frequently vaccinated” (≥3 vaccines) and “occasionally vaccinated” (≤2 vaccines). Seroprevalence, geometric mean titer (GMT) and seroconversion rate were compared between the frequently and occasionally vaccinated groups. Results: A total of 97 healthcare workers (HCWs) were enrolled in the study; 49 HCWs participated in both seasons. Thirty-two (43.2%) and forty-three (59.7%) individuals had ≥3 vaccines since 2015/2016, at recruitment and during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 influenza seasons, respectively. One month following vaccination, HCWs who had received occasional vaccinations demonstrated a higher prevalence of protective antibodies and a greater GMT for both influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses. For influenza B Victoria, the frequently vaccinated HCWs demonstrated a higher seroprevalence rate, seroconversion, and GMT. Conclusions: Previous vaccination can influence the immune response, although without substantially compromising the immunogenicity of annual influenza vaccination. HCW annual influenza vaccination is required to re-establish and maintain the antibody titers against influenza.

Adherence to COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and vaccine hesitancy in US blood donors.

General vaccination rates have been falling globally despite unequivocal health benefits. Noncompliance can result from access barriers and/or hesitant attitudes. Few studies have investigated the prevalence and determinants of noncompliance with COVID-19 vaccination in blood donors. We surveyed blood donors on COVID-19 infection and vaccination history, barriers and motivations for COVID-19 vaccination, and comorbidities. We estimate the prevalence of noncompliance, the prevalence of hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines, and investigate associated factors using multivariable models. From December 2021 to December 2022, 33,610 survey respondents were included. Of these, 24% had not been vaccinated for COVID-19 or had missing vaccination information, and 99% of those who reported reasons for being unvaccinated declared at least one of three hesitant attitudes presented in the survey (safety concerns; personal/cultural/religious beliefs; being young and not worrying about being vaccinated). Among noncompliant donors, <2% reported access barriers. In the multivariable model addressing factors associated with vaccine noncompliance, younger age, male gender, White/Caucasian race, absence of comorbidities, residency in a State with less restrictive COVID-19 policies, and living in micropolitan or rural areas were identified as significant predictors. Younger age and White/Caucasian race were independently associated with vaccine hesitancy among noncompliant donors. We found high rates of noncompliance with COVID-19 vaccination in blood donors, mostly driven by vaccine hesitancy. Understanding vaccine adherence among blood donors-a relatively highly educated and healthy population, with good healthcare access and usually motivated by altruism-could provide key information on determinants of vaccine noncompliance that may be harder to overcome.

Institutional trust, conspiracy beliefs and Covid-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among adults in Ghana.

Vaccine hesitancy is considered one of the ten threats to global health. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy may undermine efforts toward controlling or preventing the disease. Nevertheless, limited research has examined vaccine hesitance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is thus imperative to examine how institutional trust and conspiracy belief in tandem influence the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Using data (n = 2059) from a cross-sectional study in Ghana, this study examines the association between institutional trust, conspiracy beliefs, and vaccine uptake among adults in Ghana using logistics regression. The regression model (model 3) adjusted for variables such as marital status, age, gender, employment, income, and political affiliations. The results show that individuals were significantly less likely to be vaccinated if they did not trust institutions (OR = .421, CI = .232-.531). Similarly, we found that individuals who believed in conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to be vaccinated (OR = .734, CI = .436-.867). We also found that not having a COVID-19-related symptom is associated with vaccine refusal (OR = .069, CI = .008-.618). Similarly, compared to those with a vaccine history, those without a vaccine history are less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine (OR = .286, CI = .108-.756). In conclusion, our results demonstrate the need for enhanced education to tackle conspiracy beliefs about the disease and enhance vaccine uptake. Given the role of trust in effecting attitudinal change, building trust and credibility among the institutions responsible for vaccinations ought to be prioritized.

Occupational differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection: the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS) study in 2022

BackgroundDuring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, essential workers (e.g. medical workers) may be at a high prevalence of contracting COVID-19; however, the trend remains unclear in Japan. This study aimed to investigate occupational differences in the prevalence of COVID-19.MethodsData were retrieved from the 2022 Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey. We analyzed the self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection as of October 2022. We included 21,875 participants aged 20–64 years. Participants were classified into five occupation groups (“medical workers,” “off-site medical workers,” “care workers,” “other essential workers”, and “non-essential workers”), as well as those unemployed. The prevalence ratio of COVID-19 was computed using Poisson regression. We included sex, age, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination history, number of households, education level, and residential area as covariates. Additionally, we performed similar analyses for three time periods: (1) August–September 2022, (2) October 2021 to July 2022, and (3) before September 2021.ResultsThe overall cumulative prevalence of COVID-19, as of October 2022, was 16.5%. Regarding occupation, medical workers had a higher prevalence than non-essential workers (23.5% vs 16.2% (difference: 7.2% point [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.2–10.2])). Similar results were observed among care workers compared with non-essential workers (22.1% vs 16.2% (difference: 5.9% point [95% CI: 2.5%–9.3%])). Other essential workers had a similar prevalence to non-essential workers (17.6% vs 16.2% (difference: 1.4% point [95% CI: -0.1%–2.8%]). In relative terms, medical workers and care workers were associated with an increased prevalence of COVID-19 (prevalence ratio: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.20–1.73] and 1.36 [95% CI: 1.11–1.66], respectively). In addition, we found that younger age, living in endemic region (e.g., Tokyo and Osaka), and living with more than four people contributed to the higher prevalence. According to the time period, the prevalence was significantly higher in medical and care workers than in non-essential workers only during August–September 2022, which corresponded to the severest outbreak period in Japan.ConclusionsIn Japan, medical and care workers had a higher prevalence of contracting COVID-19 compared to non-essential workers. However, this trend emerged during the peak of the COVID-19 spreading in the summer of 2022.

Adopting Covid-19 and Flu Testing Strategies In An Underserved Community

Abstract Introduction/Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on communities worldwide, while little is known about how medically underserved minority communities perceive and experience COVID-19 and/or COVID- 19/Flu combined testing. This research target at a medically underserved community in east Harris County, Texas, and was designed to 1) understand the perception of the single COVID-19 test as well as the COVID-19 and flu combined test, 2) implement different testing strategies in collaboration with the local community. Methods/Case Report Residents in the eligible communities who are age ≥ 18 years or older are recruited through community engagement groups and community originations. Participant’s demographic information, perception and histories of vaccination and testing were collected through a cross-sectional questionnaire. Participants willing to undergo testing were assisted by community health workers, who then collected feedback on test acceptability via follow-up questionnaires. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) A total of 325 individuals participated in the study from Sept 2022-June 2023. 52% of participants are minority ethnicity, including 35% African American and 17% Latino. 11% of participants are uninsured and 32% of participants are from households with income lower than 25,000 a year. We surveyed our participants on their opinion of COVID-19 and Flu testing and vaccination, majority of our participants have had more experience in COVID-19 (92% had been tested and 93% had been vaccinated) than Flu (64% had been tested and 85% had been vaccinated). 96% consider COVID-19 testing tolerable, with major barrier of being tested is fear of painful sampling (49%). PCR testing is the dominant testing method in the community (&amp;gt; 40%) for COVID-19, while only 16% received antigen testing. Conclusion Our findings suggest that while participants recognized the role of COVID-19 testing, there were significant barriers to access and uptake of testing, including concerns about painful sampling, inconvenience, and a lack of trust in the healthcare system. Participants also expressed a desire for clearer information about testing and more accessible testing sites. Participants have less experience with Flu testing and many of whom had never been tested in the past. Our study highlights the need for targeted community education and outreach efforts to increase testing uptake. Development and implementation of these efforts would better prepare us for combating other commutable diseases of public health significance in the future.

Clinical features and risk factors for outcome in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 after complete liberalization of epidemic control in China.

Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are highly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 and death after the complete liberalization of epidemic control in China. We followed the outcomes of the HD patients of Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, from December 6, 2022 to January 8, 2023. The non-contrast enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) was performed on all COVID-19-infected hospitalized patients. We recorded the patient's clinical characteristics, demographic features, vaccination history, treatments, and lung lesions. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression models to identify independent risk factors for COVID-19-related severity and mortality. This study included a total of 858 hemodialysis patients, of which 660 were infected with COVID-19. The mean age was (55.61±14.61) years, with a median (interquartile range) dialysis duration of 44.5 (69.5) months. Over half (60%) of the study participants were male, and the majority had hypertension as a comorbidity. Multivariable analysis revealed that age, pre-dialysis diastolic pressure, fever, white blood cell (WBC) count, potassium, β2-microglobulin level and calcium were independent risk factors for disease severity, while platelets, urea nitrogen and creatinine were identified as independent protective factors. Furthermore, total iron- binding capacity and vaccination were found to be independent protective factors against mortality, and WBC count was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (p &lt; 0.05). The most frequent CT finding among hospitalized patients with chest symptoms was patchy shadow or pleural effusion, observed in 64.8% of cases. More than half of the patients exhibited bilateral lung lesions, and over 60% involved two or more lobes. The majority of HD patients are susceptible to COVID-19. Demographic, clinical features and laboratory indicators can be used to predict the severity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Our findings will assist clinicians in identifying markers for the early detection of high mortality risk in HD patients with COVID-19.

A seroprevalence study indicates a high proportion of clinically undiagnosed MPXV infections in men who have sex with men in Berlin, Germany

IntroductionDuring the mpox outbreak in 2022, the highest number of cases in Germany were registered in Berlin, almost all of them in men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the frequency of clinically undiagnosed infections is unknown.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM in Berlin, Germany. Participants were recruited from private practices and community-based checkpoints specialised in HIV and STI care for MSM. They were asked to complete an online questionnaire on socio-demographic data, mpox diagnosis, vaccination history and sexual behaviour, and to provide a blood sample for serological analysis. The samples were tested for antibodies against a range of antigens to distinguish between antibodies induced by mpox infection and MVA vaccination, with pre-immune sera from childhood smallpox vaccination as a confounding factor. Associations of behavioural variables with reported and suspected mpox diagnosis as the outcome were tested using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsBetween the 11th April and 1st July 2023, 1,119 participants were recruited in eight private practices and two community-based checkpoints in Berlin. All participants provided a blood sample for serological testing. Information for the online questionnaire was provided by 728 participants; core data on age and mpox history for participants who did not provide questionnaire data were provided by the practices for an additional 218 participants. A previous diagnosis of mpox was reported for/by 70 participants (7.4%). Using a conservative and strict case definition, we serologically identified an additional 91 individuals with suspected undiagnosed mpox infection. Individuals with reported or suspected mpox infections reported more condomless anal sex partners in the past 3 months (OR = 5.93; 95% CI 2.10-18.35 for 5–10 partners; OR = 9.53; 95% CI 2.72–37.54 for > 10 partners) and were more likely to report sexual contact with partners diagnosed with mpox (OR = 2.87; 95% CI 1.39–5.84).ConclusionA substantial proportion of mpox infections were clinically undiagnosed. The number of condomless anal sex partners was strongly associated with both confirmed and suspected undiagnosed mpox infection. Therefore, mpox control measures based on clinical diagnosis of mpox are likely to have limited effectiveness in preventing mpox transmission in outbreak situations because many infections remain unrecognised and undiagnosed.

The Recent Research Progress of the Tumor mRNA Vaccine.

Tumors have long posed a significant threat to human life and health, and the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine is seen as an attractive approach for cancer immunotherapy due to its developmental simplicity, rapid manufacture, and increased immune safety and efficiency. In this review, we have summarized details of the developmental history of mRNA vaccines, discussed the basic molecular structure and the effect on the stable and translation level of mRNA, analyzed the underlying immune efficiency and mechanisms on tumors, and assessed the current status of clinical research. We explored the treatment and application prospects of mRNA vaccines, aiming to provide perspectives on the future of mRNA tumor vaccines for ongoing clinical research.

Uptake and correlates of influenza vaccine among older adults residing in rural regions of south China: a cross-sectional study.

Seasonal influenza continues to pose a substantial public health challenge for older adults residing in rural areas worldwide. Vaccination remains the most efficacious means of preventing influenza. This study aimed to investigate the extent of influenza vaccine coverage and identify the factors influencing vaccine uptake among older adults in rural regions of south China. A cross-sectional study utilizing convenience sampling was conducted in two rural sites in Guangdong Province. Individuals needed to meet specific inclusion criteria: (1) attainment of 60 years of age or older; (2) originating from rural households; (3) demonstrating a voluntary desire to partake in the survey, either through written or verbal informed consent. Data encompassed variables such as socio-demographic information, influenza infection and vaccination history, knowledge and attitudes toward influenza vaccination, and perceived beliefs regarding the influenza vaccine. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to ascertain the factors associated with influenza vaccine utilization. In the multivariable model, adjustments were made for gender, age, legal marital status, highest educational attainment, and monthly income. A total of 423 participants were ultimately included in this study, with the majority falling within the age range of 60-75 years (81.3%). Only one-third of the participants had received an influenza vaccine in the past year (30.0%). Notably, nearly half of the older adults exhibited hesitancy toward influenza vaccination (45.1%). The multivariable analysis revealed that rural older people with a robust understanding of influenza vaccines and a positive attitude toward them (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41-4.81), along with a high level of trust in vaccination service providers (aOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.01-6.63), were positively associated with receiving influenza vaccination in the past year. This study reveals a low rate of influenza vaccine uptake among older adults residing in rural areas of south China. Given the limited adoption of influenza vaccination and the significant threat it poses, there is an urgent imperative to devise precise interventions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of influenza vaccination programs.

Acceptance of Rubella-Containing Vaccine and Factors Associated with Acceptance among Women of Reproductive Age in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: To investigate the acceptance and factors influencing acceptance of rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) among women of reproductive age in Guangdong, Henan, Hubei, Liaoning, Shanxi, Sichuan and Zhejiang provinces of China. Methods: Using a stratified sampling method, we selected one urban and one rural community health services center in each of two cities in seven provinces. From these centers, we recruited women 15–49 years of age to complete a questionnaire on their willingness to receive RCV and factors influencing willingness. The survey instrument was adapted from the behavioral and social drivers (BeSD) of vaccination survey tool developed by the World Health Organization. Results: Among 1286 participants, 981 (76.3%) were willing to receive RCV. Awareness of rubella ranged from 12.4% to 70.6%. Willingness to receive RCV differed significantly by region, occupation, vaccination history, and awareness. All latent variables of the structural equation model (SEM) were positively correlated with willingness, and all standardized paths were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). Thinking and Feeling had direct positive effects on Social Processes (β = 0.789) and Practical Issues (β = 0.542), thereby indirectly affecting motivation. Conclusions: Women of reproductive age had high willingness to receive the rubella vaccination, but their general awareness of rubella was relatively low. It is necessary to strengthen the health education of women of reproductive age regarding rubella to improve RCV coverage.

Incomplete Immunity for Varicella and Measles in Pediatric Organ Transplant Candidates. Real World Experience From an Infectious Diseases Pre-Transplantation Clinic.

Vaccinating pediatric solid organ transplant candidates against measles and varicella is crucial due to the risk of severe disease in immunosuppressed recipients and general avoidance of live virus vaccines post-transplantation. The world saw a resurgence of measles starting 2012 prompting the American Society of Transplantation in 2015 to release guidelines on recognition, prevention, and post-exposure prophylaxis of this disease in solid transplant recipients. This study aims to assess the extent of incomplete immunity to these viruses in candidates and the approach to immunity optimization during a period of heightened awareness. A cross-sectional study from 2012 to 2016 at Cleveland Clinic Children's included pediatric solid organ transplant candidates. Data on vaccination history, serology, and demographics were collected. Incomplete immunity was defined by incomplete vaccination or seronegativity. Among 91 candidates, 54.9% had complete varicella vaccination. Serological varicella immunity among patients tested varied by age: < 7 years, 50.0% positive in patients with complete schedules, none in the incomplete; ≥ 7 years, 50.0% positive in patients with complete schedules, 65.5% in the incomplete. For measles, 69.2% had complete vaccination, with immunity varying by age among those tested: < 7 years, 84.6% positive in patients with complete schedules, 42.9% in the incomplete; ≥ 7 years, 81.0% with complete, 62.5% with incomplete. Only 31.1% of those who qualified for a varicella additional dose and 28% who qualified for an additional measles dose received it, respectively. Incomplete immunity to varicella and measles was prevalent in pediatric solid organ transplant candidates at our center during the study period. Despite an increase in global measles activity, our efforts to optimize immunity through additional vaccine doses were only partially successful. Future research should focus on addressing strategies and understanding barriers to ensure timely vaccination for this vulnerable population prior to transplant, especially during periods of increased viral activity.

Invited Commentary: Thirty-five Years of Leaky Vaccines.

Over the past 35 years, the term "leaky vaccine" has gained widespread use in both mathematical modeling and epidemiologic methods for evaluating vaccines. Here we present a short history as we recall it of how the term was coined in the context of the history of sporozoite malaria vaccines that were thought to be possibly leaky in the 1980s. We draw a contrast with the all-or-none vaccine mechanism and review a few consequences for study design and population level effects. We invite readers to contribute information covering the time period preceding our memories in the 1980s as we may have overlooked something.

Hesitation towards COVID-19 booster vaccination among dialysis patients: a cross-sectional study in Taizhou, China

PurposeThis research aimed to explore hesitation towards the COVID-19 booster vaccine among dialysis patients and study the association between COVID-19 pandemic-induced health behavior and vaccination hesitancy.MethodsA self-administered online questionnaire evaluating dialysis patients’ hesitation to take COVID-19 booster vaccination was conducted between March 24 and 22 April 2022 in Taizhou, China. The logistic regression method was applied to identify factors associated with vaccination hesitancy, and all data were analyzed using R software.ResultsOf the 365 study participants, 272 (74.5%) individuals hesitated to take the booster dose. Health behavior was found to be a significant factor for hesitation to take COVID-19 vaccines, with OR (95% CI) of 1.09 (1.02–1.17). Influenza vaccination history was also significantly associated with the hesitation (OR (95% CI) = 0.39 (0.21–0.74)). In addition, participants with higher education levels exhibited lower vaccine hesitancy compared to those with junior secondary or below, with ORs (95% CIs) of 0.49 (0.27–0.91) for senior secondary and 0.35 (0.14–0.89) for junior college or above, respectively.ConclusionThe proportion of hesitancy for taking the booster vaccination of the COVID-19 vaccine was high among dialysis patients. Health behaviors, influenza vaccination history, and education levels were risk factors in their vaccination hesitancy. These findings may aid efforts to help vaccinate people with underlying diseases against future pandemics.

Atypical Mumps; are We Heading Towards an Outbreak?

Mumps, caused by the mumps virus, is a contagious disease primarily affecting children and young adults. While typically presenting with salivary gland swelling and systemic symptoms, mumps can lead to various complications including SNHL, orchitis/ oophoritis, aseptic meningitis. Recent observations suggest atypical features in mumps cases, raising concerns of a potential outbreak in India. To discuss the etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation in cases of atypical mumps with increasing number of cases, a prospective multicentric study was conducted across five major centers - SMS Medical College Jaipur, RDBP Jaipuria Hospital, Jaipur, Shri Ashwini Saxena ENT Hospital Rewari, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and SP Medical College Bikaner, in India to evaluate patients with acute salivary gland swellings. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, including demographics, presenting symptoms, history of vaccination, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes. Patients were followed for four weeks post-treatment to monitor for delayed complications. Among 53 patients, a bimodal age distribution was observed, with peaks in early adolescents and middle-aged individuals. Vaccination status was recorded based on recall. Fever and salivary gland swelling were predominant symptoms, with a significant proportion experiencing submandibular gland involvement. Elevated serum amylase and CRP levels correlated with disease severity and prolonged symptomatic resolution. Notably, cases of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and airway complications emerged as significant concerns. The study highlights a shift in mumps demographics, with higher age groups affected and increased incidence of complications like SNHL and airway compromise. International trends also suggest periodic outbreaks and evolving clinical manifestations post-COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to mumps resurgence include lack of vaccination or vaccine efficacy, population immunity, and seasonal variations. India appears to be facing a potential mumps outbreak, characterized by atypical features and increased risk of complications like SNHL and airway compromise. Serum amylase and CRP serve as valuable markers for disease severity. Early recognition and management of complications are crucial, emphasizing the importance of mumps immunization to mitigate the impact of the disease. ENT specialists should remain vigilant for emerging complications, particularly SNHL, advocating for comprehensive immunization strategies.

Health of Saudi Women in the Post-Pandemic Era: Candidiasis Incidence and Post COVID-19 and COVID-19-Vaccination.

Candidiasis, commonly known as yeast infection, affects people worldwide due to the overgrowth of Candida species. Of several types, genital candidiasis, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), primarily caused by C. albicans is frequently observed in females of reproductive age. Candidiasis has also become a serious issue in the post-pandemic era, as it occurs as a secondary infection in COVID-19 patients during or after the course of viral illness. Therefore, this study investigated the incidence of C. albicans infections in women of reproductive age, and its relationship with the incidence of COVID-19 and vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the awareness of women on candidiasis and its subsequent impact on the occurrence of infection. A survey-based quantitative study was conducted in which primary data were collected from participants using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 200 women aged 18-45 were selected through random sampling. Apart from their sociodemographic characteristics, the history of COVID-19 incidence, COVID-19 vaccination, and candidiasis occurrences among respondents were recorded. Their level of awareness and knowledge of candidiasis, along with their perceptions of strategies for mitigating the risk of incidence, were also evaluated. The collected data were analysed using different statistical tools. The findings of this study revealed a positive correlation between candidiasis, viral infection, and vaccination, regardless of the type and dosage of vaccine administered. Furthermore, both COVID-19 incidence and vaccination had a positive and significant impact on the occurrence of candidiasis among Saudi women. Despite certain limitations, this study has theoretical and managerial implications for improved management of candidiasis in the post-COVID era.

Attitudes and Levels of Concern and Trust Towards COVID-19 Vaccination Among Patients Hospitalized at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran

Introduction: This study aimed to explore hospitalized patients' attitudes, concerns, and trust regarding Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 patients hospitalized at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran, in 2022. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. The questionnaire included questions about demographic information, attitudes towards vaccination (7 items), levels of concern (14 items), and trust (15 items). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 software. Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests applied. Results: Fifty-three (41.4%) of cases had a history of two vaccinations. Sinopharm was used in 28.12% of patients. The average attitude score was 8.21 ± 2.88, significantly associated with age (p = 0.02), nationality (p = 0.01), education (p = 0.01), and vaccination history (p = 0.02). The mean concern score was 35.41 ± 11.87, significantly linked to gender (p = 0.01) and vaccination history (p = 0.02). The average trust score was 40.50 ± 13.64, significantly associated with age (p = 0.04), gender (p = 0.01), vaccination history (p = 0.01), hospitalization history due to COVID-19 (p = 0.03), and COVID-19 infection history (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The vaccination rate among participants was acceptable. However, concerns about vaccination and its complications were the primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Given that vaccine acceptance across various community groups is as crucial as vaccine development, it is recommended that health organizations provide information on vaccine benefits and address concerns about potential side effects.

SARS-CoV-2-specific plasma cells are not durably established in the bone marrow long-lived compartment after mRNA vaccination.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines are effective at protecting from severe disease, but the protective antibodies wane rapidly even though SARS-CoV-2-specific plasma cells can be found in the bone marrow (BM). Here, to explore this paradox, we enrolled 19 healthy adults at 2.5-33 months after receipt of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine and measured influenza-, tetanus- or SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in long-lived plasma cell (LLPC) and non-LLPC subsets within the BM. Only influenza- and tetanus-specific ASCs were readily detected in the LLPCs, whereas SARS-CoV-2 specificities were mostly absent. The ratios of non-LLPC:LLPC for influenza, tetanus and SARS-CoV-2 were 0.61, 0.44 and 29.07, respectively. In five patients with known PCR-proven history of recent infection and vaccination, SARS-CoV-2-specific ASCs were mostly absent from the LLPCs. We show similar results with measurement for secreted antibodies from BM ASC culture supernatant. While serum IgG titers specific for influenza and tetanus correlated with IgG LLPCs, serum IgG levels for SARS-CoV-2, which waned within 3-6 months after vaccination, were associated with IgG non-LLPCs. In all, our studies suggest that rapid waning of SARS-CoV-2-specific serum antibodies could be accounted for by the absence of BM LLPCs after these mRNA vaccines.

Features of the covid-19 epidemic and characteristics of patients during the spread of the delta SARS-COV-2 in Russia

Aim: To study the manifestations of the COVID-19 epidemic and the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adult patients with a new coronavirus infection during the dominance of the Delta SARS-COV-2 in the Russian Federation.Materials and Methods: Study included patients aged ≥18 years with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, detected in the period from 09/01/2021 to 11/30/2021 (n= 2 619 298) in 85 Russian regions.Results: There were 2 periods of rise and decline in the COVID-19 incidence and mortality during the spread of the Delta SARS-CoV-2 in Russia: June-September and OctoberDecember 2021 (Wald – Wolfowitz criterion, p&lt;0,05). The median age of patients was 49 [36–63] years, 61,1% were women. Most of patients were 30–39 years old (21,0%), the lowest proportion was among 18–29 years old (12.1%) (p&lt;0,05). Proportion of patients with mild disease was 75,4%, moderate – 18,8%, severe – 3,3%, extremely severe – 2,5% (p&lt;0.05). Hospitalization rate was 23,7%, proportion of patients treated in the intensive care unit was 12.9%, and rate of invasive mechanical ventilation was 9,8%. The median period from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis was 3 [1-6] days, the duration of the disease and hospitalization was 13,0 [10–16] and 12,0 [9–17] days, respectively. The median age of the deceased patients was 73 [65–82] years, of which 59,1% were women, 61,5% were persons ≥70 years old. The presence of one or more comorbidities was found in 73,9% of deceased patients (OR=17,1; 95% CI: 16,8–17,3).Conclusion: during the period of the spread of the Delta SARS-COV-2 variant in Russia, the number of patients with severe and extremely severe disease among adult patients without taking into account the vaccine history was 5,8%. Old age and the presence of concomitant diseases were key risk factors for adverse outcomes of COVID-19.