COVID-19 Vaccine Research Articles

Factors associated with menstrual-related disturbances following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: a Spanish retrospective observational study in formerly menstruating women

Background A growing body of evidence suggests a potential link between the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and menstrual changes in women who were menstruating at the time of vaccination. Nevertheless, the prevalence of this event in those with secondary amenorrhea for different causes, i.e. formerly menstruating women, remains unclear. It is plausible that, analogous to those observed in currently menstruating women, they experienced some degree of alteration in their reproductive health, defined here as menstrual-related disturbances. Objective The aim was to analyze this phenomenon and identify the factors associated with the occurrence of menstrual-related disturbances in this subpopulation. Study design: A retrospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Spanish in December 2021 using an online survey (N = 17,512). The present analysis includes a subpopulation of vaccinated and formerly menstruating women (N = 548). General characteristics, medical history, and adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination were recorded. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and McNemar mid-P tests were performed. Bivariate logistic regression was then used to identify the key factors influencing this unexpected event. Results In comparison with the first dose, significantly higher percentages of respondents experienced menstrual-related disturbances (dose 1: 38.5 percent vs. dose 2: 44.8 percent) after receiving the second one. Among them, those related to the length and flow stand out, being of long-term nature in about 17–20 percent of cases. Interindividual factors influencing this unexpected event after receiving the dose 1 may include weight, perimenopause, preexisting diagnoses of non-autoimmune rheumatic/articular conditions, use of hormonal contraceptives, suffering from other vaccine side effects − such as arm pain and the number of previous pregnancies; for dose 2, these factors may include suffering from menstrual-related alterations after receiving dose 1, as well as the use of hormonal contraceptives and perimenopause. Conclusion Formerly menstruating women might experience long-term menstrual-related disturbances following COVID-19 vaccination. Potential influencing factors include weight, perimenopause, rheumatic/articular conditions, hormonal contraceptives, vaccine side effects and previous pregnancies.

Unraveling Cardiovascular Risks and Benefits of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review.

The rapid development and deployment of mRNA and non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have played a pivotal role in mitigating the global pandemic. Despite their success in reducing severe disease outcomes, emerging concerns about cardiovascular complications have raised questions regarding their safety. This systematic review critically evaluates the evidence on the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 vaccines, assessing both their protective and adverse impacts, while considering the challenges posed by the limited availability of randomized controlled trial (RCT) data on these rare adverse events. In adherence to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic review using the Scopus database, incorporating articles published from January 2020 to July 2024. Our search included terms related to COVID-19 vaccines and cardiovascular conditions. We selected relevant studies from case-control studies, cohort studies, and clinical trials, while excluding descriptive analyses, cross-sectional studies, and conference reports. Case reports were also included due to the limited availability of extensive RCT data on the rare cardiovascular adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 6037 articles initially screened, 410 were assessed in detail and 175 studies were ultimately included. The review identified a variety of cardiovascular adverse effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA vaccines were primarily linked to myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly in younger males, with lower cardiac risks compared to COVID-19 infection. Adenoviral vector vaccines were associated with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. Inactivated vaccines had fewer severe cardiovascular reports but still presented risks. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was most commonly observed following mRNA vaccination. Case reports provided valuable additional insights into these rare events, highlighting clinical presentations and potential risk factors not fully captured by larger epidemiological studies. This review reveals a nuanced cardiovascular risk profile for COVID-19 vaccines, with mRNA vaccines linked to rare myocarditis and pericarditis in young males and a higher incidence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in females. Adenoviral vaccines show a notable association with thrombosis. Despite these risks, the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes outweigh the potential complications, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance, case report documentation, and personalized risk assessment. The inclusion of case reports was critical, as they provided valuable real-world data that complemented the findings from large-scale studies and RCTs.

A lyophilised formulation of chimpanzee adenovirus vector for long-term stability outside the deep-freeze cold chain

BackgroundThe adenovirus-vaccine platform has come to prominence with the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The objective of this study was to validate a formulation that was suitable for lyophilisation and long-term storage at 5 (2–8) °C.MethodsVaccine stability was assessed up to five years at 5 °C using a lyophilised formulation of the chimpanzee-adenovirus vector ChAd155 encoding a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen. Vaccine potency was assessed by functional infectivity assay. Other assessments of vaccine stability included those for capsid integrity, particle content, and DNA release. Vaccine efficacy and safety were assessed after two years in a murine model of RSV challenge and a rabbit toxicology model, respectively.ResultsHere, we show that the potency loss from lyophilisation was 0.12 log10. The potency loss over five years at 5 °C was estimated at 0.21 log10 (95%CI 0.10–0.30). This coincides with a 25% increase in the ratio of non-infectious particles/infectious particles. After two years of storage at 5 °C, (i) the loss of infectivity was 0.17 log10; (ii) the vaccine remained immunogenic and effective at clearing RSV from the lungs in a mouse-challenge model; and (iii) the vaccine was not associated with any adverse safety signal in a rabbit toxicology model.ConclusionsThe 5-year stability of the lyophilised adenovirus-vector vaccine is within our acceptable limit ( < 0.3 log10 decrease). Its formulation process is amenable to manufacturing scale-up and should help in providing adenovirus-based vaccines where the cold chain is problematic, such as in low-income countries, and in pre-epidemic stockpiling.

Are psychological attitudes towards vaccination an expression of personality? A cross-sectional study on COVID-19 vaccination in France

BackgroundThe capacity of the 7C model’s psychological antecedents, which include confidence in vaccines, complacency, convenience, calculation, collective responsibility, confidence in the wider system, and social conformism, to explain variance in COVID-19 vaccine intentions and behaviours has been documented. However, it remains unclear whether the attitudes represented by the 7C psychological antecedents are specific to vaccination or if they are, in fact, an expression of underlying personality traits.MethodsFrom February to June 2022, French adults completed self-administered questionnaires assessing COVID-19 vaccination history, the 7C antecedents, and personality traits (“ComCor” and “Cognitiv” studies). Vaccination behaviours were studied through three outcomes: at-least-one-dose vaccination status by 2022 (N = 49,019), up-to-date vaccination status (N = 46,566), and uptake speed of first dose (N = 25,998). Personality traits were evaluated using the French version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-Fr). Multivariable logistic regressions and Cox models predicting vaccine behaviours were run with the 7C antecedents, both with and without personality traits.ResultsAmong the 49,019 participants, 95.0% reported receipt of at least one dose and 89.8% were up to date with recommendations. All 7C antecedents were significantly associated with the outcomes. The inclusion of personality traits did not substantially alter the effect estimates of the association between the 7C antecedents and vaccination behaviours, with differences between effect sizes of models with and without personality traits being < 5%.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the 7C psychological antecedents of vaccination are not the mere expression of personality and that their impact on vaccine behaviours is independent of personality traits. As such, the 7C antecedents may be modifiable by appropriate information and vaccine promotion.Trial registrationThe “ComCor” study received ethical approval by the Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud Ouest et Outre Mer 1 on 21/09/2020. The addition of the “Cognitiv” questionnaire received ethical approval by the Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud Ouest et Outre Mer 1 on 01/02/2022. The data protection authority Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) authorised the processing of data on 21/10/2020. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT04607941.

Evaluation of preventive medicine amongst people living with human immunodeficiency virus attending a hospital-based care setting.

With improved outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to the use of anti-retroviral therapy, ensuring adequate preventative healthcare and management of HIV-related comorbidities is essential. To evaluate adherence with recommended guidelines for comorbidity and immunisation status screening amongst people living with HIV within a hospital-based setting across two timepoints. A single-centre retrospective case series was conducted at a hospital between 2011 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were ≥18 years, confirmed diagnosis of HIV and commencement of care within study period. Medical data were reviewed over two 12-month periods to capture comorbidity screening and vaccination adherence using established guidelines (Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, Alfred Screening tool and Australian Technical Advisory Group recommendations). Descriptive statistics were obtained with IBM spss (version 29.0). Of 102 patients, 82 (80.4%) were male and 55 (53.9%) born overseas. Nineteen (18.6%) patients entered in 2011, with a median of 36.5 months from service entry to exit. Within 12 months of entry 56 (55.4%) participants had influenza vaccination recorded. Within the last 12 months, 94.8% had recorded COVID-19 vaccination, with improvements in pneumococcal (72.3%) and hepatitis B (82.8%) since service entry. Recording of comorbidity screening was >90% for blood pressure, weight and renal function at both timepoints, however, suboptimal (<10%) for substance misuse, cognitive and osteoporosis screening. There is a disparity amongst comorbidity screening and documentation of vaccination status. Further measures are required to target improvements in immunisation, bone health, substance misuse and cognitive impairment screening.

Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Associated Factors among Health Care Workers in Imo State, Nigeria

Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Associated Factors among Health Care Workers in Imo State, Nigeria

Applying a diffusion of innovations framework to characterise diffusion groups and more effectively reach late adopters: a cross-sectional study on COVID-19 vaccinations in Canada in late 2021

BackgroundRogers’ diffusion of innovation theory suggests innovations are adopted in stages by different groups (innovators/early adopters, early majority, late majority and late adopters). In healthcare, this could mean that there...

Facilitators and Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Meat Processing Workers in Nebraska: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Using the COM-B Model.

The meat processing industry was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deemed essential, the meat processing workforce faced the risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Along with other essential workforces, meat processing workers were prioritized in the national approach to receive COVID-19 vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This mixed methods study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake by meat processing workers in Nebraska through interviews (n = 29), a survey (n = 857), and application of the COM-B model. We found that facilitators for vaccine uptake included having information about the vaccine available; providing vaccines at the workplace, in pharmacies, and throughout the community to increase accessibility; feeling that there was a social responsibility to get vaccinated; believing that the vaccine was protective; and the use of various incentives. Barriers for vaccine uptake included workers' personal health issues; not having the right information to make an informed decision; logistical and contextual issues that made it challenging to get vaccinated; the disconnect between faith and science; individual choice being highly valued; and uncertainty and misinformation causing fear of the vaccine. Understanding facilitators and barriers to vaccine uptake by meat processing workers is critical to informing public health interventions, evidence-informed guidelines and policies, and tailored messaging to increase vaccination coverage among an essential workforce that inherently assumes occupational risk during infectious disease events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for public health practitioners are provided.

Parental Factors Associated With Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination in US Children Younger Than 5 Years.

Objectives. To determine the association between parental characteristics and MMR (measles-mumps- rubella) vaccination status of children in the United States. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from July 2023 to April 2024 using a digital health survey via OutbreaksNearMe, weighted to target national population characteristics. We analyzed the responses of 19 892 parents of children younger than 5 years to examine the association between self-reported parental characteristics (i.e., sociodemographics, politics, COVID-19 vaccination status) and children's MMR vaccination rates using logistic regression. Results. Children of parents who received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine had higher MMR vaccination rates (80.8%) than did children of unvaccinated parents (60.9%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.68, 2.00). We observed lower MMR vaccination rates among children of parents who identified as Republican versus Democratic (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.64, 0.82), parents on Medicaid or Medicare versus private insurance (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.76, 0.95), and minority (OR = 0.44) versus White (OR = 0.71) parents. We found higher MMR vaccination rates in the Northeast and Midwest United States. Conclusions. Early data indicate that parental sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 vaccine status are associated with children's MMR vaccine uptake, emphasizing the need for further investigations into multipronged public health interventions. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 16, 2025:e1-e5. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307912).

Impaired Hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccination responses show strong concordance in hemodialysis patients with end stage renal disease

BackgroundPatients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis are at increased risk for infection and impaired vaccination responses. We analyzed overlap and influencing factors of vaccination responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV).MethodsSARS-CoV-2 and HBV vaccination response was assessed in a cohort of German ESRD hemodialysis patients. Anti-HBs- and SARS-CoV-2 anti-S-IgG were analyzed by ELISA. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from clinical files.ResultsSixty-four patients with complete information on HBV and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses were included. More than one-third (35.4%) of non-responders upon HBV vaccination were identified. Unresponsiveness after HBV and poor response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination showed strong overlap, and overall, 70.3% of patients were classified into concordant HBV/SARS vaccination response groups. HBV vaccination non-responsiveness, but not poor SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination immunity was associated with obesity, while poor SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses were associated increased age.ConclusionOur findings confirm previous reports on impaired vaccination response in hemodialysis patients and show that post-vaccination humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2 and HBV display strong overlap in this vulnerable patient group. These results may help to adapt vaccination strategies in this highly vulnerable population.Trial registration: German Clinical Trial Registry, DRKS00021152.

BCG-induced DNA methylation changes improve COVID19 vaccine immunity without decreasing the risk for COVID19 infection

Abstract Background The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine induces trained immunity, an epigenetic-mediated increase in innate immune responsiveness. Therefore, this clinical trial evaluated if BCG-induced trained immunity could decrease COVID-19-related frequency or severity. Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of healthcare workers randomized participants to vaccination with BCG TICE® or placebo (saline). Enrollment included 529 healthcare workers randomized to receive BCG or placebo. Primary analysis evaluated COVID-19 disease frequency, while secondary analysis evaluated coronavirus immunity in a subset of participants. Study enrollment ceased early in December 2020 following introduction of COVID-19-specific vaccines. Results Study enrollment was halted early, prior to reaching the targeted recruitment and was not powered to detect a decrease in COVID-19 frequency. Symptomatic COVID-19 occurred in 21 of 263 and 10 of 266 participants in the BCG and placebo arms, respectively (p= 0.50, Fisher’s exact test). Participants vaccinated with BCG, but uninfected with COVID-19, demonstrated increased coronavirus vaccine immunity (increase spike-inducible levels of TNF, IL6, and IL-1β) twelve months after BCG vaccination compared to participants receiving placebo. Immune responsiveness to COVID-19 antigens correlated with BCG-induced DNA methylation changes. Conclusion Due to early study closure, the study was not powered to evaluate COVID-19 frequency. Secondary analysis demonstrated that twelve months following vaccination, BCG increased coronavirus vaccine immunity compared to those who did not receive BCG. This increase in COVID-19 vaccine immunity correlated with BCG-induced DNA methylation changes.

Neutralising and Non-neutralising Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2: Role during Infection and in the Evolution of Antigenic structure

Relevance. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, remains a global public health threat despite the end of the pandemic. In the four years since the onset of the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 genome has undergone significant changes, particularly in the gene encoding the spike (S) protein. These changes resulted from the accumulation of immune responses in the human population, allowing the virus to evade the immune response. A significant proportion of the population was infected early in the pandemic or vaccinated with vaccines based on earlier variants of the virus. The emergence of new mutant variants raises concerns about the potential for severe COVID-19 in previously infected or vaccinated individuals.Аim. To examine the specifics of antibody formation, as well as the spectrum and functional activity of these antibodies in patients with COVID-19.Conclusions. Antibodies produced in response to infection or vaccination show diversity in spectrum and functional activity. Changes in the viral genome may reduce antibody effectiveness, highlighting the importance of monitoring new SARS-CoV-2 variants and developing adapted vaccines. These data will be key in shaping COVID-19 vaccination and treatment strategies in a changing epidemiological situation.

An Explorative Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Intention among Parents in India.

India's National COVID Vaccination Program recommended vaccination of children ages 6-12 years in April 2022. This study assessed vaccine acceptance among mothers to better understand potential barriers and facilitators of national acceptance of pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Qualitative data were collected through three focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers who had children younger than 12 years of age; FGD-1 was composed of mothers who worked at a tertiary medical center in India, whereas FGD-2 and FGD-3 were composed of mothers who sought care at urban and rural community health centers. Investigators recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed FGDs by inductive thematic analysis. Emerging themes related to pediatric COVID-19 vaccination were categorized as knowledge and awareness, attitudes and perception, vaccine intent and facilitators, and future recommendations to promote vaccine uptake. FGD-2 and FGD-3 participants displayed limited knowledge and false beliefs regarding the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, but mothers in FGD-1 demonstrated adequate knowledge, likely because they are health care providers. Mothers in all three FGDs expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy because of concerns of side effects and low disease prevalence in children. They reported much more fear about giving the vaccine to their children than they felt about receiving it themselves. Overall, education was negatively correlated with vaccine knowledge, but mothers in all groups shared similar hesitancy about their intention to accept the vaccine for their children. Educating parents in India about the COVID-19 vaccine, especially its safety and efficacy in children, is crucial to the success of a national vaccine program.

The Association Between COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake and Information-Seeking Behaviors Using the Internet: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic, declared in March 2020, profoundly affected global health, societal, and economic frameworks. Vaccination became a crucial tactic in combating the virus. Simultaneously, the pandemic likely underscored the internet's role as a vital resource for seeking health information. The proliferation of misinformation on social media was observed, potentially influencing vaccination decisions and timing. This study aimed to explore the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination rates, including the timing of vaccination, and reliance on internet-based information sources in Japan. Using a cross-sectional study design using a subset of panel data, this nationwide survey was conducted in 7 waves. A total of 10,000 participants were randomly selected through an internet survey firm, narrowing down to 8724 after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the COVID-19 vaccination date, divided into vaccinated versus unvaccinated and early versus late vaccination groups. The main exposure variable was the use of internet-based information sources. Control variables included gender, family structure, education level, employment status, household income, eligibility for priority COVID-19 vaccination due to pre-existing medical conditions, and a health literacy scale score. Two regression analyses using generalized estimating equations accounted for prefecture-specific correlations, focusing on vaccination status and timing. In addition, chi-square tests assessed the relationship between each information source and vaccination rates. Representing a cross-section of the Japanese population, the regression analysis found a significant association between internet information seeking and higher vaccination rates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.42 for those younger than 65 years; aOR 1.66 for those aged 65 years and older). However, no significant link was found regarding vaccination timing. Chi-square tests showed positive associations with vaccination for television, government web pages, and web news, whereas blogs and some social networking sites were negatively correlated. Internet-based information seeking is positively linked to COVID-19 vaccination rates in Japan, underscoring the significant influence of online information on public health decisions. Nonetheless, certain online information sources, including blogs and some social networks, negatively affected vaccination rates, warranting caution in their use and recognition. The study highlights the critical role of credible online sources in public health communication and the challenge of combating misinformation on less regulated platforms. This research sheds light on how the digital information landscape influences health behaviors, stressing the importance of accurate and trustworthy health information amidst global health emergencies.

Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19-Related Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Case Series

Background and Objectives: Although reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare disease, the condition may occur with COVID-19 infection. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of RCVS through a systematic review of case reports and case series that reported on COVID-19-related RCVS. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The search was confined to articles published between 17 November 2019 and 14 August 2024. The search terms were (“COVID-19” OR “SARS CoV-2”) AND (“RCVS” OR “Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome”). The search protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024491818). A total of twenty-four cases were included, nine case series consisting of nineteen cases and five cases from our hospital. Clinical characteristics were investigated, including risk factors, symptoms, brain and angiographic findings, treatment options, and prognoses. Results: The average age was 37.1 years, and females comprised 70.8% of the cohort. COVID-19 vaccination was administered in five cases. Vasoconstriction was most frequently noted in middle cerebral arteries (90.9%). Among the included patients, 12 (50.0%) experienced strokes as a complication of RCVS, and the mortality rate was 9.1%. Follow-up imaging findings were available for 14 of the 24 cases (58.3%). Among these, vasoconstriction was fully improved in 64.3%, partially improved in 28.6%, and aggravated in 7.1%. Conclusions: While the recovery rate of vasoconstriction on brain angiographic findings was not uncommon, our systematic review indicates a potential for a relatively poor neurological prognosis in COVID-19-related RCVS.

Different COVID-19 vaccines and their respective technological platforms: systematic review of clinical trials

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccination in reducing severe cases and deaths. However, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants raises concerns about the efficacy and safety of available vaccines, mainly due to the diversity of technological platforms used in their development. Objectives: To elucidate the current knowledge about the main vaccine against COVID-19 and their respective technological platforms, licensed and in the licensing phase. Methods: Systematic review according to the PRISMA statement of articles published from 2020, through the PubMed database. Results: The search resulted in fifty studies, of which twenty-one were included. Clinical trials addressed vaccines that use mRNA platforms (n=4), non-replicant viral vector (n=3), attenuated virus (n=2), inactivated vaccine (n=1), recombinant protein nanoparticles (n=3), vaccine using virus-like particles (n=1), subunit vaccine (n=1), DNA vaccine (n=1). Most of the vaccines showed good tolerability and induced neutralizing antibodies against various variants of SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Except for the non-replicant viral vector vaccine, intranasal ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 that did not induce mucosal and systemic immune responses, and the DNA vaccine, which induced only a good cellular response, the other vaccines demonstrated good tolerability and efficacy in inducing immune responses.

Nanotechnology in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2: Advances in Antiviral Therapies and Applications

Innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies must be developed to combat the emergence of new viral pathogens and the resurgence of known viruses. Using nanotechnology to enhance antiviral therapeutic efficacy through improved drug delivery, targeted viral inhibition, and immune modulation has emerged as a transformative approach to addressing these viral threats. SARS-CoV-2, hemorrhagic viruses, and zoonotic pathogens can be combated with nanotechnology-based platforms, including nanogels, dendrimers, and metal-based nanoparticles. As a result of recent advances in nanoparticle engineering, "smart" systems can respond to viral infection markers, deliver therapeutics to specific sites, and control drug release profiles. Using nanotechnology to develop vaccines, such as mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, can enhance immune responses and accelerate vaccine rollout. Additionally, multifunctional nanomaterials enable early and accurate detection of viral pathogens using antiviral diagnostics. As well as discussing advances in addressing viral resistance, this review examines theranostic applications, integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within single nanostructures. This study highlights the potential for nanomedicine to revolutionize antiviral therapies, improve treatment outcomes, and develop rapid-response solutions to future viral threats by examining the recent applications of nanotechnology in viral disease management.

Sequential intranasal booster triggers class switching from intramuscularly primed IgG to mucosal IgA against SARS-CoV-2.

The persistent emergence of COVID-19 variants and recurrent waves of infection worldwide underscores the urgent need for vaccines that effectively reduce viral transmission and prevent infections. Current intramuscular (IM) COVID-19 vaccines inadequately protect the upper respiratory mucosa. In response, we have developed a nonadjuvanted, interferon-armed SARS-CoV-2 fusion protein vaccine with IM priming and intranasal (IN) boost sequential immunization. Our study showed that this sequential vaccination strategy of the IM+IN significantly enhances both upper respiratory and systemic antiviral immunity in a mouse model, characterized by the rapid increase in systemic and mucosal T and B cell responses, particularly the mucosal IgA antibody response. The IN boost triggered a swift secondary immune response, rapidly inducing antigen-specific IgA+ B cells. Further BCR-seq analysis indicated that these IgA+ B cells primarily arise through direct class switching from pre-existing IgG+ B cells in draining lymph nodes. Notably, our clinical studies reveal that the IN boost after IM vaccination elicited a robust systemic IgA antibody response in humans, as measured in serum. Thus, our cytokine-armed protein vaccine presents a promising strategy for inducing rapid and potent mucosal protection against respiratory viral infections.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake Among Australian Healthcare Professionals: An Archetype for Success

Background/Objectives: Qualitative research suggests there may be identifiable characteristics that form a health professional (HCP) archetype associated with habitual seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). However, the validity of this archetype requires further investigation, ideally within a theoretical framework that can elucidate this association and its generalisability to other vaccines. This study aims to confirm key HCP archetype characteristics associated with SIV, as informed by prior qualitative research findings, and test the generalisability of the association between this archetype and SIV to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Method: A cross-sectional survey was designed and distributed to an Australian HCP sample consisting of practicing nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and medical practitioners. The anonymous online survey measured key characteristics that predict vaccination behaviour and intention. Results: Most participants (n = 173) demonstrated habitual SIV behaviour (77.91%) associated with the intention to vaccinate in the future. Survey findings supported the HCP archetype, as key constructs were associated with vaccination intention and behaviour, including heightened professional responsibility, vaccine confidence, and protection of self and patients. Furthermore, results suggested progressing vaccination intention to behaviour, overcoming vaccine complacency, is possible through the provision of free, accessible vaccination services. These critical factors were broadly generalisable to the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions: A vaccination-positive HCP archetype, supported by access to free, convenient vaccination services, was associated with the likelihood of future vaccination behaviour, including in future pandemic response scenarios. However, it will be important to ensure that HCP vaccine knowledge gaps are minimised to enhance trust in this cohort to enable broad success.

Association between COVID-19 anxiety syndrome and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the postpandemic era: a cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had profound psychophysiological and socioeconomic effects worldwide. COVID-19 anxiety syndrome (CAS) is a specific cluster of maladaptive coping strategies, including perseveration and avoidance behaviours, in response to the perceived threat and fear of COVID-19. CAS is distinct from general COVID-19 anxiety. The level of CAS in the postpandemic era remained unknown. Despite extensive research on general COVID-19 anxiety and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (CVH), few studies have investigated the association between CAS and CVH. The present study aimed to assess the level of CAS and the prevalence of CVH and explore the association between CAS and CVH in the general population of Hong Kong.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods and completed an online or a paper-based questionnaire comprising two well-validated instruments. The COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS), which includes the C-19ASS-P and C-19ASS-A subscales, was used to evaluate CAS in terms of perseveration and avoidance behaviours. The COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (CVHS) was used to determine the presence of CVH.ResultsThis study included 389 participants. The median C-19ASS-P and C-19ASS-A scores were 8 (Interquartile range (IQR) 5–13) and 3 (IQR 0–6), respectively. The CVHS scores revealed a CVH prevalence of 68.1%. A significantly larger proportion of participants with CVH rated “hesitant” compared with those without CVH across all the CVHS items. Furthermore, the median C-19ASS-P and C-19ASS-A scores were significantly higher for participants without CVH than for those with CVH.ConclusionsOur findings revealed that CAS persists and CVH is common in the postpandemic era and that CAS is associated with CVH. Comprehensive interventions addressing both informational and psychological aspects are needed to increase the rate of vaccine acceptance and to mitigate the effect of CAS on public health outcomes.