Public Vaccination Research Articles

“Double vaccinated, 5G boosted!”: Learning Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccination from Social Media

The sudden onset of the recently concluded COVID-19 pandemic has driven substantial progress in various scientific fields. One notable example is the comprehension of public vaccination attitudes and the timely monitoring of their fluctuations through social media platforms. This approach can serve as a cost-effective means to supplement surveys in gathering public vaccine hesitancy levels. In this paper, we propose a deep-learning framework leveraging textual posts on social media to extract and track users’ vaccination stances in near real-time. Compared to previous works, we integrate into the framework the recent posts of a user’s social network friends to collaboratively detect the user’s genuine attitude towards vaccination. Based on our annotated dataset from X (previously known as Twitter), the models instantiated from our framework can increase the performance of attitude extraction by up to 23% compared to the state-of-the-art text-only models. Using this framework, we successfully confirm the feasibility of using social media to track the evolution of vaccination attitudes in real life. In addition, we illustrate the generality of our framework in extracting other public opinions such as political ideology. We further show one practical use of our framework by validating the possibility of forecasting a user’s vaccine hesitancy changes with information perceived from social media.

Trends and projections of Hepatitis A incidence in eastern China from 2007 to 2021: an age-period-cohort analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the trends in Hepatitis A incidence associated with age, period, and birth cohorts from 2007 to 2021 in Jiangsu Province, China, and projects the future burden through 2031.MethodsData on Hepatitis A cases in Jiangsu Province from 2007 to 2021 were obtained from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System. Joinpoint regression analysis identified significant changes in incidence trends. The age-period-cohort model assessed the effects of age, period, and cohort on Hepatitis A incidence rates. Projections for 2022–2031 were generated using the Bayesian age-period-cohort model.ResultsFrom 2007 to 2021, Hepatitis A incidence in Jiangsu Province significantly declined, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of −10.77%. The decline was more pronounced in males (AAPC = −12.87%) compared to females (AAPC = −7.46%). The overall net drift was −10.61% (95% CI: −11.14% to −10.07%), the net drift for males was −12.77% (95% CI: −13.40% to −12.13%), which was higher than that for females at −7.27% (95% CI: −7.93% to −6.60%). The local drift indicates the incidence of hepatitis A decreased gradually, with the rate of decline slowing in the later period. Descriptive analysis revealed the highest incidence of Hepatitis A cases in the 40–59 age group, while age-period-cohort analysis indicated higher incidence rates in younger individuals. The cohort effect showed a continuous decline from the earliest cohort in 1923–1927 (Overall RR = 64.93, 95% CI: 42.55 to 99.07) to the most recent cohort in 1993–1997 (Overall RR = 0.008, 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.01). But Bayesian age-period-cohort model projections for 2022–2031 suggest that incidence rates will remain low, though they may slightly increase by 2031, with peak incidence shifting to the 60–64 age group.ConclusionThe incidence of Hepatitis A in Jiangsu Province has significantly decreased from 2007 to 2021, primarily due to public health measures and vaccination programs. Future efforts should focus on maintaining vaccination coverage and improving sanitation and hygiene practices to sustain these achievements.

Can high-profile endorsements improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake and reduce hesitancy in Pakistan?

BackgroundWhile low- and middle-income countries continue to struggle to secure adequate COVID-19 vaccine supply, a potentially greater challenge is to induce adequate demand to overcome widespread vaccine hesitancy; vaccination uptake has historically been a contentious political issue in Pakistan. High-level endorsements by trusted actors are one way to potentially increase public vaccine confidence. Methods: Employing a four-armed randomized trial with 2,026 participants in June 2021, we examine whether endorsements by different actors (Prime Minister, prominent religious leader, doctors) influenced participants’ willingness to register for the COVID-19 vaccine. ResultsWe find high levels of vaccine hesitancy with nearly 35% of participants reporting that they do not intend to vaccinate against COVID-19. Endorsements failed to influence participants' desire to register for vaccination, and only 37% agreed to register on spot. However, we find that higher trust in government, male gender, and higher income/wealth were associated with participants' willingness to register. A follow-up phone survey was consistent with the main results. DiscussionOur study finds that endorsements appear to have little effect on people’s immediate willingness to register for vaccination. Our findings suggest messaging on its own may be insufficient to overcome widespread social and structural barriers to vaccine uptake.

Rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XDR lineage derived from recombination between XBB and BA.2.86 subvariants circulating in Brazil in late 2023.

Recombination plays a crucial role in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. The Omicron XBB* recombinant lineages are a noteworthy example, as they have been the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant worldwide in the first half of 2023. Since November 2023, a new recombinant lineage between Omicron subvariants XBB and BA.2.86, designated XDR, has been detected mainly in Brazil. In this study, we reconstructed the spatiotemporal dynamics and estimated the absolute and relative transmissibility of the XDR lineage. The XDR lineage displayed a recombination breakpoint in the ORF1a-coding region, and the most closely related sequences to the 5' and 3' ends of the recombinant correspond to JD.1.1 and JN.1.1 lineages, respectively. The first XDR sequences were detected in November 2023 in the Northeastern Brazilian region, and their prevalence rapidly surged from <1% to 25% by February 2024. The Bayesian phylogeographic analysis supports that the XDR lineage likely emerged in the Northeastern Brazilian region around late October 2023 and rapidly disseminated within and outside Brazilian borders from mid-November onward. The median effective reproductive number of the XDR lineage in Brazil during the initial expansion phase was estimated to be around 1.5, and the average relative instantaneous reproduction numbers of XDR and JN* lineages were estimated to be 1.37 and 1.29 higher than that of co-circulating XBB* lineages. In summary, these findings support that the recombinant lineage XDR arose in the Northeastern Brazilian region in October 2023, shortly after the first detection of JN.1 sequences in the country. In Brazil, the XDR lineage exhibited a higher transmissibility level than its parental XBB.* lineages and is spreading at a rate similar to or slightly faster than the JN.1* lineages.IMPORTANCEThis study highlights the emergence and rapid dissemination of the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 XDR lineage, derived from the Omicron lineages JD.1.1 and JN.1.1. The XDR lineage exhibited equivalent transmissibility to its JN.1* parental lineages and quickly spread across Brazil in late 2023. The findings underscore the critical role of real-time genomic surveillance in detecting novel variants with higher transmission potential. By utilizing phylogenetic and epidemiological methods, this research provides important insights into the molecular dynamics of XDR, which could inform public health responses and vaccine composition updates. The study's significance lies in its ability to document the impact of recombination on viral evolution, offering valuable information to the field of virology and pandemic preparedness.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and 5C psychological antecedents amid the omicron surge in South Korea and China

BackgroundIt is crucial to emphasize the necessity of annual COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations like older and chronically ill individuals. ObjectivesThis study aimed to quantify the level of vaccination acceptance and its 5C psychological antecedents in the South Korean and Chinese populations and also to identify the predictors, considering contextual variations that influence vaccine acceptance in both countries. MethodsA cross-sectional survey study was undertaken in South Korea and China between March 15 and March 30, 2023, coinciding with the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in both nations. The study comprised 1000 participants from South Korea and 3000 participants from China. A chi-square analysis, t-tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to evaluate the factors influencing the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. ResultsA higher degree of vaccine acceptance was observed among Chinese participants (48.5 %), in contrast to the 16.8 % among South Koreans. Analyzing the psychological antecedents for vaccination, the Chinese cohort showed high vaccine confidence, whereas South Koreans had increased constraint perceptions. Psychological antecedents, particularly Confidence, play a significant positive role in vaccine acceptance in both South Korea (OR 2.98, CI [2.26–4.01], p < 0.001) and China (OR 2.93, CI [2.58–3.33], p < 0.001), while Constraints in South Korea (OR 0.83, CI [0.69–0.99], p < 0.05) and China (OR 0.86, CI [0.79–0.94], p < 0.001) contribute negatively to vaccine acceptance. Notably, divergent trends in the impact of age and underlying health conditions on vaccine acceptance were observed. ConclusionsThis study reveals a substantial disparity in acceptance, psychological antecedents, and predictors of vaccine acceptance between China and South Korea. This importance of understanding contextual factors influencing public vaccine acceptance is emphasized. There is an urgent need for robust vaccination strategies that boost confidence and alleviate constraints to COVID-19 vaccination, which should be tailored to the unique contextual factors of each country.

Factors Influencing Vaccine Receipt During a 2018 Pediatric Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Campaign in Navi Mumbai, India.

In 2018, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation implemented phase 1 of a public sector typhoid conjugate vaccine campaign in Navi Mumbai, India, targeting all children aged 9 months to 14 years within its administrative boundaries. To assess associations with receipt of vaccine in phase 1, we used generalized estimating equations to calculate estimates of vaccination by child-, household-, and community-level demographics (child education and age; household head education, income, and occupation; community informal settlement percent). Campaign vaccine receipt was most associated with children enrolled in school (odds ratio [OR] = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.18-6.77), the lowest household income tertile when divided into three equal parts (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.43-1.84), and lower community-level socioeconomic status (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.08 per 10% informal settlement proportion). The campaign was successful in reaching the most underserved populations of its target communities.

Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Resistance and Related Fears and Misconceptions

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan and to understand the reasons causing hesitation towards vaccine administration. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was done through an online survey that was created using google forms. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted online from Mar to Aug 2021 in different cities of Pakistan employing nonprobability convenience sampling technique. The link to the questionnaire was shared on different social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Methodology: Any individual over the age of 16 and willing to fill the questionnaire was enrolled. Questionnaire used were standardized Oxford COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale to assess intent and Oxford general vaccine hesitancy scale to assess attitude towards vaccinations in general. SPSS v25 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 589 valid responses were finally analyzed. Among the respondents, 24%(141) showed at least some hesitancy regarding COIVD-19 vaccination and 9%(53) of the respondents showed extreme hesitancy. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a significant positive correlation (p&lt;0.000) between hesitancy to childhood vaccines and COVID vaccine hesitancy. There was also a significant correlation (p&lt;0.000) between belief in conspiracy’s related to COVID-19 virus and refusal to get vaccinated. Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy is present in roughly 1/4th of the study population. Conspiracy theories and low vaccine acceptance among the general public pose a severe danger to COVID-19 vaccination success. Public vaccine education programs should be started to educate the public regarding their fear of vaccination.

Technological Barriers to Routine Genomic Surveillance for Vaccine Development Against SARS-CoV-2 in Africa: A Systematic Review.

The Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, a public-access database for sharing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 genomic sequencing data, has received significantly less data from African countries compared to the global total. Furthermore, the contribution of these data was infrequent and, for some countries, non-existent. The primary aim of this review is to identify the technological barriers to routine genomic surveillance in Africa. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for the relevant articles, and other eligible articles were identified from the reference list examination according to the PRISMA checklist. Eighty-four full-text articles were analysed for eligibility, and 49 published full-texted articles were included in the final qualitative analysis. The main technological barriers identified were limited genomic surveillance capacity, limited genomic sequencing infrastructure, lack of resources and skilled or trained scientists, and the high cost of importing, establishing, and maintaining a genomic sequencing facility. The Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative aims to improve genomic surveillance capacity across Africa, through resources, training, education, infrastructure, and regional sequencing centres. Furthermore, collaborations between African governments and international partners or national, private, and academic institutions are imperative to sustain genomic surveillance in Africa, and investment in genomic sequencing and research and development is paramount. Longer turnaround times interfere with global viral evolution monitoring and national implementation of effective policies to reduce the burden and disease. Establishing effective genomic surveillance systems guides public health responses and vaccine development for diseases endemic in Africa.

EFFECTS OF PUBLIC AWARENESS AND VACCINATION IN MODELING THE DYNAMICS OF MONKEY-POX TRANSMISSION DISEASE IN NIGERIA

Monkey-pox disease is recognized as pathogens, disturbing animals and humans, it is among the family of orthopox virus and the disease causes lymph nodes to swell. In this paper, we developed a deterministic model system for Monkey pox infection by incorporating public awareness parameter and vaccination individual. The study verified the feasible region of the system equations and non-negativity of the solutions is achieved. The disease free and endemic equilibrium states have been obtained. The study computed and analyzed the reproduction number, of the system equations. The study presented and analysed, the global stability of disease free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium state, it has been found that when there is no transmission between human and non-human (), then meaning it is globally asymptotically stable (GAS) at DFE and using nonlinear lyapunov function, the study shows that the endemic equilibrium state is GAS if and unstable if by comparison method of lyapunov functions. Numerical Simulations were done, it was found that the effective reproduction number decreases as vaccination of individual increases, varying the public awareness, the effective reproduction number reduces to zero and becomes stable as public awareness increases. It was discovered that effective reproduction number decreases as public awareness increases.

Adult Immunization Board: A platform to provide guidelines for implementation of adult immunization

Abstract Background Several organizations, including governments, (inter)national public health organizations and vaccine manufactures are currently considering how adult immunization can be further improved to increase health impact and promote a lifelong approach to vaccination. Despite many organizations thinking about ways to improve adult immunization, there is currently no multidisciplinary discussion platform focusing on this topic at the European level. Therefore, a group of experts in the field of adult immunization established the Adult Immunization Board (AIB). Methods AIB is established with the aim of contributing to the reduction of the impact of vaccine-preventable infections and diseases in European adults. AIB works by organizing 2 meetings per year: 1) a technical meeting to discuss specific technical aspects on adult immunization with subject-matter experts, and 2) a country meeting to discuss country specific aspects of adult immunization together with local experts. Results In April 2023 and 2024 the AIB organized its first technical meetings on “Assessing the health burden of vaccine-preventable infections in European Adults (2023)” and “Strategies for introducing and implementing vaccines for adults into National Immunization Programs in Europe (2024)”. In December 2023, the AIB organized its first country meeting in Italy with local experts to learn out best practices in adult immunization and address aspects to improve. Conclusions AIB is a platform that brings together the different key European stakeholders in adult immunization to effectively contribute towards the implementation and optimization of adult immunization programs in Europe. Key messages • Continued efforts to promote research, implementation, awareness, accessibility, and vaccine uptake are crucial to mitigate the burden of (future) infectious diseases in the adult population. • The AIB represents a significant step towards bolstering adult immunization efforts in the EU.

Cultural filters in processing information on COVID vaccines among minoritized groups in London, UK

Abstract Introduction Vaccination coverage among minoritized groups, including migrants, is low in the United Kingdom. Cultural factors are often cited as barriers, yet the broader impact of minoritization on vaccine acceptance remains understudied. We explored the intersection of culture with individual, familial, and systemic factors in shaping trust and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines in East London, UK. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (n = 6) and interviews (n = 19) with individuals from minoritized backgrounds in East London to elicit their perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 and the vaccination programme. Thematic analysis was used to identify individual, social, and systemic factors influencing the processing of perceived value of information on COVID vaccines. Findings Culture was rarely cited as an explicit barrier to vaccine uptake. Instead, participants’ linked their perceived vulnerability and immunity to COVID-19 with age, sex and health status. Information about COVID vaccines was processed and acted upon in the context of gendered family dynamics and support. Community identity, gatekeepers and social networks further influenced the perceived legitimacy of information received. Some participants voiced how their minoritized status shaped trust/mistrust in the national health system’s and government’s delivery of the COVID-19 information and vaccination campaigns Conclusions Unpacking cultural filters is crucial for addressing vaccine-related information barriers in minoritized groups. Going beyond mere language translation, tailored communication materials should address social enablers and systemic barriers. Further, closer collaboration between community gatekeepers and healthcare professionals to facilitate optimal use of these materials is needed to improve vaccine uptake. Key messages • Culture should not be assumed to be the main factor contributing to non-adherence and non-uptake of public health vaccine. • Vaccine uptake can be improved by healthcare workers and key community gate-keepers working collaboratively with minoritized groups.

Facilitators and barriers to revaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation among pediatric patients in Ecuador

Abstract Background Revaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a challenge in areas where there is variability of access to vaccines and where special schedules are unfamiliar to physicians and primary care providers. We report the experience of re-immunization practices in pediatric patients after HSCT in Ecuador. Methods The database and medical charts of pediatric patients who had been in follow after HSCT from 2021 to 2023 in Solca Guayaquil was reviewed in order to assess the completeness of the revaccination schedule and to identify facilitators and barriers in implementation of the process. Patients with pediatric infectious diseases follow up where included. Results There were 30 patients who underwent HSCT during the reviewed period. Among them, 7 were excluded because they had not been seen by pediatric infectious diseases. Four patients who had their HSCT before the studied period were later added as they received follow-up by the specialty, therefore a total of 27 patients were included. There were 16 (59.3%) boys, mean age was 11 years (SD 3.6), and 16 (59.3%) lived outside Guayaquil. The most common diseases prompting HSCT were 14 (51.9%) lymphoblastic leukemia, 4 (14.8%) myeloid leukemia, 3 (11.1%) for Hodgkin lymphoma and 3 (11.1%) aplastic anemia. HSCT was performed outside Ecuador in 15 (55.6%) cases. Reimmunization schedule had been initiated in 21 (77.7%) of patients. Public health system was used exclusively in 11 (52.4%) cases, a combination of private and public system in 8 (38.1%) cases and exclusively private system in 2 (9.5%) cases. Among them, 9 (42.9%) had completed all recommended inactivated vaccines. Mean number of visits required for this was 5.1 (SD 1.9). After completion of inactivated vaccines, live vaccines where recommended and had been completed by 2 (9.5%) patients. The main facilitator identified was vaccine confidence and adherence to physician recommendations while the main barriers identified where health system related: a) Lack of awareness in public vaccination centers about special schedules, b) lack of availability of age licensed vaccines in public system and c) Lack of documentation of immunization administrated. Conclusion Health system related logistics (vaccine availability, knowledge of special schedules, coordination with immunization centers) continues to be a main barrier to complete recommended reimmunization schedule after HSCT while confidence in vaccines and adherence is the main facilitator in Ecuador. Government interventions need to be implemented in order to facilitate the process for this population of patients. Figure 1. Revaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Solca Guayaquil (2021 – 2023).

Mobile Phone Text Message Reminders to Improve Vaccination Uptake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mobile phone text message reminders (MPTMRs) have been implemented globally to promote vaccination uptake and recall rates. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of MPTMRs on vaccination recall rates. We included randomized controlled trials of caregivers of children, adolescents, or adults who received MPTMRs for improving vaccine uptake and recall visits. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Scopus to identify relevant studies published up to 24 January 2024. We used Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool to assess the included studies and reported the results as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals, using a random effects model. We identified 25 studies for inclusion. All studies were assessed as having a low risk of bias. The evidence supports MPTMRs for improving vaccination uptake compared to usual care (RR = 1.09 [95%CI: 1.06, 1.13], I2 = 76%). Intervention characteristics, country setting, country economic status, and vaccination type had no bearing on the effectiveness of the intervention. MPTMRs have a positive effect, albeit relatively small, on vaccination uptake. These findings may assist public health practitioners, policymakers, and vaccine researchers in evidence-based decision making that focuses on MPTMRs and their impact on vaccination coverage.

Field Effectiveness of a Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: The 2018 Navi Mumbai Pediatric TCV Campaign.

Typbar-TCV®, a typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), was prequalified by the World Health Organization in 2017. We evaluated its effectiveness in a mass vaccination program targeting children 9 months to 14 years in Navi Mumbai, India, from September 2018 to July 2020. We compared laboratory-confirmed typhoid cases from six clinical sites with age-matched community controls. Of 38 cases, three (8.6%) received TCV through the campaign, compared with 53 (37%) of 140 controls. The adjusted odds ratio of typhoid fever among vaccinated children was 0.16 (95% CI: 0.05-0.55), equivalent to a vaccine effectiveness of 83.7% (95% CI: 45.0-95.3). Vaccine effectiveness of Typbar-TCV in this large public sector vaccine introduction was similar to prior randomized controlled trials, providing reassurance to policymakers that TCV effectiveness is robust in a large-scale implementation.

Evidence brief on facilitators, barriers and hesitancy of COVID-19 booster doses in Canada.

Understanding the facilitators, barriers and hesitancy to accepting COVID-19 booster doses is important for encouraging recommended vaccination. This evidence brief summarizes literature on the intention to accept or reject COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and the factors associated with intention/uptake among individuals in Canada. A database of COVID-19 literature established at the Public Health Agency of Canada was searched for articles referencing vaccination and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards COVID-19 boosters. A grey literature search of Canadian governmental and academic institutions was also conducted. Primary research conducted in Canada (n=21) and relevant systematic reviews of the global literature (n=8) were included in this evidence brief. Intentions to get a booster dose in the general population have decreased between 2021-2023, with intentions varying across subpopulations. In Canada and within the global systematic reviews, facilitators, barriers and hesitancy were similar. Older age was the most common factor positively associated with intention/uptake of a booster, and the most common motivators were government/healthcare provider recommendations and helping to protect others. The main reasons for hesitancy were concerns about vaccine side effects and a lack of belief in the vaccine's efficacy. Intentions to get a booster dose have decreased in Canada. Understanding the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and motivators for obtaining a booster can help guide future public health COVID-19 booster vaccination programs.

The Potential of mRNA Vaccines to Fight Against Viruses.

Vaccines have always been a critical tool in preventing infectious diseases. However, the development of traditional vaccines often takes a long time and may struggle to address the challenge of rapidly mutating viruses. The emergence of mRNA technology has brought revolutionary changes to vaccine development, particularly in rapidly responding to the threat of emerging viruses. The global promotion of mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has demonstrated the importance of mRNA technology. Also, mRNA vaccines targeting viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and Ebola are under development. These vaccines have shown promising preventive effects and safety profiles in clinical trials, although the duration of immune protection is still under evaluation. However, the development of mRNA vaccines also faces many challenges, such as stability, efficacy, and individual differences in immune response. Researchers adopt various strategies to address these challenges. Anyway, mRNA vaccines have shown enormous potential in combating viral diseases. With further development and technological maturity, mRNA vaccines are expected to have a profound impact on public health and vaccine equity. This review discussed the potential of mRNA vaccines to fight against viruses, current progress in clinical trials, challenges faced, and future prospects, providing a comprehensive scientific basis and reference for future research.

Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines in Iraqi Kurdistan: A Population-Based Study.

Background and aim The COVID-19 pandemic has globally impacted all sectors. Early vaccine development was crucial to curb the spread of the virus. However, concerns about vaccine safety and side effects have led to hesitancy. This study aims to examine and compare side effects associated with Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm vaccines in Iraqi Kurdistan. Materials and methods A population-based study was conducted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from September 2022 to April 2023, involving 1,340 participants recruited through face-to-face interviews and online forms. The questionnaire collected demographic data and information on COVID-19 infection and vaccination status. Results Among the participants, 52.76% were females, with a mean age of 29.21 years (±13.09 SD). Of these, 67.84% received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and 60.9% had a prior COVID-19 infection. About 76.94% experienced post-vaccination side effects, lasting an average of 2.8 days (±1.92 SD). Notably, 60% reported no or mild side effects. Common side effects across all vaccines included injection site pain, fever, headache, and fatigue. Side effects were more frequent after the first dose and were highest with Oxford/AstraZeneca, followed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Sinopharm (p = 0.001). Higher rates of side effects were observed in participants aged 36-60, females, married individuals, those with chronic conditions, previously infected individuals, and those who contracted COVID-19 post-vaccination (p = 0.001). Conclusions This study reveals that most of the participants experienced either no side effects or only mild reactions following vaccination, with none of the side effects being serious. These findings are expected to boost public confidence and increase vaccine uptake, especially with booster doses now available.

The Vaccine Godmother: Dr. Gagandeep Kang's Pioneering Journey in Global Health and Vaccine Development.

Dr. Gagandeep Kang is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and virologist known for her pioneering work in the study of gastrointestinal diseases, diarrheal infections, and vaccine development. This article highlights her career, beginning with her medical education at Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, where she embarked on her groundbreaking research in enteric diseases, particularly rotavirus, a major cause of child mortality globally. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has led groundbreaking research on rotavirus, contributing to the development of two WHO-approved vaccines tailored for Indian communities: Rotavac (Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad, India) and Rotasiil (Serum Institute of India, Pune, India). Beyond her research, Dr. Kang has held significant advisory roles on national and global platforms, including WHO's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). She has authored over 300 scientific publications and coauthored the bestselling book "Till We Win,"which details India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Infosys Prize in Life Sciences, the Fellowship of the Royal Society, and the Canada Gairdner Global Health Award. Dr. Kang's career exemplifies her dedication to advancing public health, vaccine development, and global health initiatives, making her a trailblazer in the field of microbiology and virology.

An Application of an Initial Full Value of Vaccine Assessment Methodology to Measles-Rubella MAPs for Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Measles and rubella micro-array patches (MR-MAPs) are a promising innovation to address limitations of the current needle and syringe (N&S) presentation due to their single-dose presentation, ease of use, and improved thermostability. To direct and accelerate further research and interventions, an initial full value vaccine assessment (iFVVA) was initiated prior to MR-MAPs entering phase I trials to quantify their value and identify key data gaps and challenges. The iFVVA utilized a mixed-methods approach with rapid assessment of literature, stakeholder interviews and surveys, and quantitative data analyses to (i) assess global need for improved MR vaccines and how MR-MAPs could address MR problem statements; (ii) estimate costs and benefits of MR-MAPs; (iii) identify the best pathway from development to delivery; and (iv) identify outstanding areas of need where stakeholder intervention can be helpful. These analyses found that if MR-MAPs are broadly deployed, they can potentially reach an additional 80 million children compared to the N&S presentation between 2030-2040. MR-MAPs can avert up to 37 million measles cases, 400,000 measles deaths, and 26 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). MR-MAPs with the most optimal product characteristics of low price, controlled temperature chain (CTC) properties, and small cold chain volumes were shown to be cost saving for routine immunization (RI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to N&S. Uncertainties about price and future vaccine coverage impact the potential cost-effectiveness of introducing MR-MAPs in LMICs, indicating that it could be cost-effective in 16-81% of LMICs. Furthermore, this iFVVA highlighted the importance of upfront donor investment in manufacturing set-up and clinical studies and the critical influence of an appropriate price to ensure country and manufacturer financial sustainability. To ensure that MR-MAPs achieve the greatest public health benefit, MAP developers, vaccine manufacturers, donors, financiers, and policy- and decision-makers will need close collaboration and open communications.

COVID-19 vaccine wastage in private and public healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, COVID-19 vaccinations commenced in May 2021. This study investigated the extent and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine (C19V) wastage in KZN and strategies undertaken to mitigate loss. This two-phase multicenter study was conducted at private and public healthcare facilities from May 2021 to July 2022. KZN reported 2% Pfizer and 1% Janssen C19V wasted, mainly due to expiry. C19V waste-minimization strategies reported by 100% public and private sector vaccination leads included cold chain monitoring, designated trained staff and the use of stock-management systems. The WHO's risk-mitigation factors should be implemented continuously to minimize vaccine wastage.