scholarly journals Serological responses and vaccine effectiveness for extended COVID-19 vaccine schedules in England

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayatri Amirthalingam ◽  
Jamie Lopez Bernal ◽  
Nick J. Andrews ◽  
Heather Whitaker ◽  
Charlotte Gower ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Dose Interval ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Post Dose ◽  
Vaccine Schedule ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Antibody Levels

AbstractThe UK prioritised delivery of the first dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) and AZD1222 (AstraZeneca) vaccines by extending the interval between doses up to 12 weeks. In 750 participants aged 50–89 years, we here compare serological responses after BNT162b2 and AZD1222 vaccination with varying dose intervals, and evaluate these against real-world national vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates against COVID-19 in England. We show that antibody levels 14–35 days after dose two are higher in BNT162b2 recipients with an extended vaccine interval (65–84 days) compared with those vaccinated with a standard (19–29 days) interval. Following the extended schedule, antibody levels were 6-fold higher at 14–35 days post dose 2 for BNT162b2 than AZD1222. For both vaccines, VE was higher across all age-groups from 14 days after dose two compared to one dose, but the magnitude varied with dose interval. Higher dose two VE was observed with >6 week interval between BNT162b2 doses compared to the standard schedule. Our findings suggest higher effectiveness against infection using an extended vaccine schedule. Given global vaccine constraints these results are relevant to policymakers.

scholarly journals Higher serological responses and increased vaccine effectiveness demonstrate the value of extended vaccine schedules in combatting COVID-19 in England

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayatri Amirthalingam ◽  
Jamie Lopez Bernal ◽  
Nick J Andrews ◽  
Heather Whitaker ◽  
Charlotte Gower ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Previous Infection ◽  
Rising Incidence ◽  
The Uk

Introduction In January 2021, the UK decided to prioritise the delivery of the first dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) and AZD1222 (AstraZeneca) vaccines by extending the interval until the second dose up to 12 weeks. Methods Serological responses were compared after BNT162b2 and AZD1222 vaccination with varying intervals in uninfected and previously-infected adults aged 50-89 years. These findings are evaluated against real-world national vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates against COVID-19 in England. Results We recruited 750 participants aged 50-89 years, including 126 (16.8%) with evidence of previous infection; 421 received BNT162b2 and 329 and AZD1222. For both vaccines, over 95% had seroconverted 35-55 days after dose one, and 100% seroconverted 7+ days after dose 2. Following a 65-84 day interval between two doses, geometric mean titres (GMTs) at 14-34 days were 6-fold higher for BNT162b2 (6703; 95%CI, 5887-7633) than AZD1222 (1093; 806-1483), which in turn were higher than those receiving BNT162b2 19-29 days apart (694; 540 - 893). For both vaccines, VE was higher across all age-groups from 14 days after dose two compared to one dose, but the magnitude varied with interval between doses. Higher two-dose VE was observed with >6 week intervals between BNT162b2 doses compared to the authorised 3-week schedule, including ≥80 year-olds. Conclusion Our findings support the UK approach of prioritising the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, with evidence of higher protection following extended schedules. Given global vaccine constraints, these results are relevant to policymakers, especially with highly transmissible variants and rising incidence in many countries.

scholarly journals Serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis disease epidemiology, seroprevalence, vaccine effectiveness and waning immunity, England, 1998/99 to 2015/16

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Findlow ◽  
Helen Campbell ◽  
Jay Lucidarme ◽  
Nick Andrews ◽  
Ezra Linley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screening Method ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Phylogenetic Network ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Bactericidal Antibody ◽  
Ongoing Surveillance ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Conjugate Vaccination

Background In 1999, the United Kingdom (UK) was the first country to introduce meningococcal group C (MenC) conjugate vaccination. This vaccination programme has evolved with further understanding, new vaccines and changing disease epidemiology. Aim To characterise MenC disease and population protection against MenC disease in England. Methods Between 1998/99–2015/16, surveillance data from England for laboratory-confirmed MenC cases were collated; using the screening method, we updated vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates. Typing data and genomes were obtained from the Meningitis Research Foundation Meningococcus Genome Library and PubMLST Neisseria database. Phylogenetic network analysis of MenC cc11 isolates was undertaken. We compared bactericidal antibody assay results using anonymised sera from 2014 to similar data from 1996–1999, 2000–2004 and 2009. Results MenC cases fell from 883 in 1998/99 (1.81/100,000 population) to 42 cases (0.08/100,000 population) in 2015/16. Lower VE over time since vaccination was observed after infant immunisation (p = 0.009) and a single dose at 1–4 years (p = 0.03). After vaccination at 5–18 years, high VE was sustained for ≥ 8 years; 95.0% (95% CI: 76.0– 99.5%). Only 25% (75/299) children aged 1–14 years were seroprotected against MenC disease in 2014. Recent case isolates mostly represented two cc11 strains. Conclusion High quality surveillance has furthered understanding of MenC vaccines and improved schedules, maximising population benefit. The UK programme provides high direct and indirect protection despite low levels of seroprotection in some age groups. High-resolution characterisation supports ongoing surveillance of distinct MenC cc11 lineages.

scholarly journals Vaccine effectiveness against severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) COVID-19 hospitalisations estimated from real-world surveillance data, Slovenia, October 2021

2022 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Grgič Vitek ◽  
Irena Klavs ◽  
Veronika Učakar ◽  
Mojca Serdt ◽  
Maja Mrzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Infections

We estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) against severe COVID-19 during October 2021, using Slovenian surveillance data. For people fully vaccinated with any vaccine in age groups 18–49, 50–64, ≥ 65 years, VE was 86% (95% CI: 79–90), 89% (85–91), and 77% (74–81). Among ≥ 65 year-olds fully vaccinated with mRNA vaccines, VE decreased from 93% (95% CI: 88–96) in those vaccinated ≤ 3 months ago to 43% (95% CI: 30–54) in those vaccinated ≥ 6 months ago, suggesting the need for early boosters.

scholarly journals A Study of Varicella Seroprevalence in a Pediatric and Adolescent Population in Florence (Italy). Natural Infection and Vaccination-Acquired Immunization

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Beatrice Zanella ◽  
Angela Bechini ◽  
Benedetta Bonito ◽  
Marco Del Riccio ◽  
Alessandra Ninci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Infection ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Varicella Vaccination ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Disease Notification ◽  
Test Elisa ◽  
Vaccine Schedule ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns ◽  
Dose Vaccine

Background: Varicella is a well-known infectious disease that can have severe complications, also in young children. The Universal Varicella Vaccination (UVV) program was introduced in Tuscany (Italy) in 2003, with a two-dose vaccine schedule given to children between their 13th and 15th month, and at 5–6 years old, as a monovalent for varicella (V) or tetravalent (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV)) formulation. Although varicella notifications have dramatically fallen in the last two decades, varicella disease underreporting remains a challenge. Methods: A qualitative immunoenzymatic test (ELISA) was used to measure the presence of anti-varicella antibodies in 165 sera of subjects aged 1–18 years residing in the province of Florence (Italy). Information regarding the anamnestic and vaccination status (including disease notification) was also collected. Results: Our study showed an overall varicella seropositivity of 75.8% (reaching the maximum at 96.3% in the 15–18 years age group). We found that varicella disease notification had been recorded for only 7/165 subjects; however, since 42/165 recalled having had the disease, we can hypothesize that some of them must have been underreported. Furthermore, our study showed that the presence of antibodies after the varicella vaccination remained over time, lasting up to 12 years. Conclusions: Although varicella seroprevalence is <95% in almost all our age groups (except for the 15–18 years age group), our data are encouraging and reflect the success of the introduction of the UVV program and the vaccination campaigns promoted in the Tuscany region.

scholarly journals Implementation Strategies for Improving Vitamin D Status and Increasing Vitamin D Intake in the UK: Current Controversies and Future Perspectives. Proceedings of the 2nd Rank Prize Funds Forum on Vitamin D

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-60
Author(s):  
J.L. Buttriss ◽  
S.A. Lanham-New ◽  
S. Steenson ◽  
L. Levy ◽  
G.E. Swan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Cost Information ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Minority Ethnic Groups ◽  
Modelling Studies ◽  
Clinical Consequences ◽  
The Uk

Abstract A multi-disciplinary expert group met to discuss vitamin D deficiency in the UK, and strategies for improving population intakes and status. Changes to UK Government advice since the 1st Rank Forum on Vitamin D (2009) were discussed, including rationale for setting a RNI (10µg/day;400IU/day) for adults and children (4+ years). Current UK data show inadequate intakes among all age groups, and high prevalence of low vitamin D status among specific groups (e.g. pregnant women and adolescent males/females). Evidence of widespread deficiency within some minority ethnic groups, resulting in nutritional rickets (particularly among Black and South Asian infants), raised particular concern. It is too early to establish whether population vitamin D status has altered since Government recommendations changed in 2016. Vitamin D food fortification was discussed as a potential strategy to increase population intakes. Data from dose-response and dietary modelling studies indicate dairy products, bread, hens’ eggs and some meats as potential fortification vehicles. Vitamin D3 appears more effective than vitamin D2 for raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, which has implications for choice of fortificant. Other considerations for successful fortification strategies include: i) need for ‘real-world’ cost information for use in modelling work; ii) supportive food legislation; iii) improved consumer and health professional understanding of vitamin D’s importance; iv) clinical consequences of inadequate vitamin D status; v) consistent communication of Government advice across health/social care professions, and via the food industry. These areas urgently require further research to enable universal improvement in vitamin D intakes and status in the UK population.

scholarly journals Performance in complex life situations: effects of age, cognition, and walking speed in virtual versus real life environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Kafri ◽  
Patrice L. Weiss ◽  
Gabriel Zeilig ◽  
Moshe Bondi ◽  
Ilanit Baum-Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Real World ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Shopping Mall ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
The Real ◽  
Gait Parameters

Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) enables objective and accurate measurement of behavior in ecologically valid and safe environments, while controlling the delivery of stimuli and maintaining standardized measurement protocols. Despite this potential, studies that compare virtual and real-world performance of complex daily activities are scarce. This study aimed to compare cognitive strategies and gait characteristics of young and older healthy adults as they engaged in a complex task while navigating in a real shopping mall and a high-fidelity virtual replica of the mall. Methods Seventeen older adults (mean (SD) age = 71.2 (5.6) years, 64% males) and 17 young adults (26.7 (3.7) years, 35% males) participated. In two separate sessions they performed the Multiple Errands Test (MET) in a real-world mall or the Virtual MET (VMET) in the virtual environment. The real-world environment was a small shopping area and the virtual environment was created within the CAREN™ (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment) Integrated Reality System. The performance of the task was assessed using motor and physiological measures (gait parameters and heart rate), MET or VMET time and score, and navigation efficiency (cognitive performance and strategy). Between (age groups) and within (environment) differences were analyzed with ANOVA repeated measures. Results There were no significant age effects for any of the gait parameters but there were significant environment effects such that both age groups walked faster (F(1,32) = 154.96, p < 0.0001) with higher step lengths (F(1,32) = 86.36, p < 0.0001), had lower spatial and temporal gait variability (F(1,32) = 95.71–36.06, p < 0.0001) and lower heart rate (F(1,32) = 13.40, p < 0.01) in the real-world. There were significant age effects for MET/VMET scores (F(1,32) = 19.77, p < 0.0001) and total time (F(1,32) = 11.74, p < 0.05) indicating better performance of the younger group, and a significant environment effect for navigation efficiency (F(1,32) = 7.6, p < 0.01) that was more efficient in the virtual environment. Conclusions This comprehensive, ecological approach in the measurement of performance during tasks reminiscent of complex life situations showed the strengths of using virtual environments in assessing cognitive aspects and limitations of assessing motor aspects of performance. Difficulties by older adults were apparent mainly in the cognitive aspects indicating a need to evaluate them during complex task performance.

scholarly journals Real-World Evidence of Caplacizumab Use in the Management of Acute TTP

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Dutt ◽  
Rebecca J Shaw ◽  
Matthew James Stubbs ◽  
Jun Yong ◽  
Benjamin Bailiff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Real World ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Patient Access Scheme ◽  
Fda Approval ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Real World Evidence ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Von Willebrand

The cornerstone of life-saving therapy in immune mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) has been plasma exchange (PEX) combined with immunomodulatory strategies. Caplacizumab, a novel anti-von Willebrand factor nanobody, trialled in two multicentre, randomised-placebo-controlled trials leading to EU and FDA approval, has been available in the UK through a patient-access scheme. Data was collected retrospectively from 2018-2020 for 85 patients receiving caplacizumab, including 4 children, from 22 UK hospitals. Patient characteristics and outcomes in the real-world clinical setting were compared with caplacizumab trial endpoints and historical outcomes in the pre-caplacizumab era. 84/85 patients received steroid and rituximab alongside PEX; 26% required intubation. Median time to platelet count normalisation (3 days), duration of PEX (7 days) and hospital stay (12 days) was comparable with RCT data. Median duration of PEX and time from PEX initiation to platelet count normalisation was favourable compared with historical outcomes (p&lt;0.05). TTP recurrence occurred in 5/85 patients; all with persistent ADAMTS13 activity &lt;5iu/dL. Of 31 adverse events in 26 patients, 17/31 (55%) were bleeding episodes and 5/31 (16%) were thrombotic events (two unrelated to caplacizumab); mortality was 6% (5/85), with no deaths attributed to caplacizumab. In 4/5 deaths caplacizumab was introduced &gt;48 hours after PEX initiation (3-21 days). This real-world evidence represents the first and largest series of TTP patients receiving caplacizumab outside clinical trials, including paediatric patients. Representative of true clinical practice, the findings provide valuable information for clinicians treating TTP globally.

Real world heart failure epidemiology and outcome: a population-based analysis of 1,990,162 heart failure patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Leszek ◽  
M Zaleska-Kociecka ◽  
D Was ◽  
K Witczak ◽  
K Bartolik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Real World ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
The Real ◽  
Incidence Prevalence

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death and hospitalization in developed countries. Most of the information about HF is based on selected cohorts, the real epidemiology of HF is scarce. Purpose To assess trends in the real world incidence, prevalence and mortality of all in-and outpatients with HF who presented in public health system in 2009–2018 in Poland. Methods It is a retrospective analysis of 1,990,162 patients who presented with HF in Poland in years 2009–2018. It is a part of nationwide Polish Ministry of Health registry that collects detailed information for the entire Polish population (38,495,659 in 2013) since 2009. Detailed data within the registry were collected since 2013. HF was recorded if HF diagnosis was coded (ICD-10). Results The incidence of HF in Poland fell down from 2013 to reach 127,036 newly diagnosed cases (330 per 100,000 population) in 2018 that equals to 43.6% drop. This decrease was mainly driven by marked reduction in females (p&lt;0.001; Fig. 1A) and HF of ischaemic etiology (HF-IE vs HF-nonIE, Fig. 1B. p&lt;0.001). The HF incidence per 100,000 population decreased across all age groups with the greatest drop in the youngest (Table 1). The prevalence rose by 11.6% to reach 1,242,129 (3233 per 100,000 population) in 2018 with significantly greater increase in females and HF-IE (both p&lt;0.0001, Fig. 1C and D, respectively). The HF prevalence per 100,000 population increased across all age groups except for the 70–79 years old. (Table 1). Mortality increased by 28.5% to reach 142,379 cases (370 per 100,000 population) in 2018. The rise was more pronounced among females (p=0.015, Fig. 1E) and in HF-IE (p&lt;0.001, Fig. 1F). The HF mortality per 100 000 population increased across all age groups, except for the 50–59 subgroup (Table 1). Conclusions Heart failure incidence plummeted in years 2013–2018 in Poland due to drop in newly diagnosed HF-IE. Despite that fact, the prevalence and mortality increased with rising trends in HF-IE. Figure 1. Incidence, prevalence, mortality trends Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): The project is co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund under the Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development and it is being carried out by the Analyses and Strategies Department of the Polish Ministry of Health

scholarly journals Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (Shingrix) real-world effectiveness in the first two years post-licensure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hector S Izurieta ◽  
Xiyuan Wu ◽  
Richard Forshee ◽  
Yun Lu ◽  
Heng-Ming Sung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Herpes Zoster ◽  
Real World ◽  
Postherpetic Neuralgia ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Zoster Vaccine ◽  
Post Market ◽  
Recombinant Zoster Vaccine ◽  
Dose Vaccine

Abstract Background Shingrix™ (recombinant zoster vaccine) was licensed to prevent herpes zoster, dispensed as two doses given 2–6 months apart, among adults ages ≥50 years. Clinical trials yielded efficacy of &gt;90% for confirmed herpes zoster,but post-market vaccine performance has not been evaluated. Efficacy of a single dose, delayed second dose, or among persons with autoimmune or general immunosuppressive conditions have also not been studied. We aimed to assess post-market vaccine effectiveness of Shingrix. Methods We conducted a cohort study among vaccinated and unvaccinated Medicare Part D community dwelling beneficiaries ages &gt;65 years. Herpes zoster was identified using a medical office visit diagnosis with treatment, and postherpetic neuralgia using a validated algorithm. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting to improve cohort balance, and marginal structural models to estimate hazard ratios. Results We found a vaccine effectiveness of 70.1% (95% CI, 68.6–71.5) and 56.9% (95% CI, 55.0–58.8) for two and one doses, respectively. The two-dose vaccine effectiveness was not significantly lower for beneficiaries 80+ years, for second doses received at ≥180 days, or for individuals with autoimmune conditions. The vaccine was also effective among individuals with immunosuppressive conditions. Two-dose vaccine effectiveness against postherpetic neuralgia was 76.0% (95% CI, 68.4-81.8). Conclusions This large real-world observational study of effectiveness of Shingrix demonstrates the benefit of completing the two-dose regimen. Second doses administered beyond the recommended 6 months did not impair vaccine effectiveness.Our effectiveness estimates were lower than the clinical trials estimates, likely due to differences in outcome specificity.

scholarly journals Differential Influence of Age on the Relationship between Genetic Mismatch and A(H1N1)pdm09 Vaccine Effectiveness

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 619
Author(s):  
Lirong Cao ◽  
Shi Zhao ◽  
Jingzhi Lou ◽  
Hong Zheng ◽  
Renee W. Y. Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Amino Acid Mutation ◽  
Epidemic Season ◽  
Vaccine Component ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
The Relationship

Assessment of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) and identification of relevant influencing factors are the current priorities for optimizing vaccines to reduce the impacts of influenza. To date, how the difference between epidemic strains and vaccine strains at genetic scale affects age-specific vaccine performance remains ambiguous. This study investigated the association between genetic mismatch on hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes and A(H1N1)pdm09 VE in different age groups with a novel computational approach. We found significant linear relationships between VE and genetic mismatch in children, young adults, and middle-aged adults. In the children’s group, each 3-key amino acid mutation was associated with an average of 10% decrease in vaccine effectiveness in a given epidemic season, and genetic mismatch exerted no influence on VE for the elderly group. We demonstrated that present vaccines were most effective for children, while protection for the elderly was reduced and indifferent to vaccine component updates. Modeling such relationships is practical to inform timely evaluation of VE in different groups of populations during mass vaccination and may inform age-specific vaccination regimens.

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