scholarly journals Continued Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination among Urban Healthcare Workers during Delta Variant Predominance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan-Yun Lan ◽  
Amalia Sidossis ◽  
Eirini Iliaki ◽  
Jane Buley ◽  
Neetha Nathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Acquired Immunity ◽  
Epidemiologic Surveillance ◽  
Information Bias ◽  
Background Data ◽  
Prior Infection

Background: Data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) among healthcare workers (HCWs) during periods of delta variant predominance are limited. Methods: We followed a population of urban Massachusetts HCWs (45% non-White) subject to epidemiologic surveillance. We accounted for covariates such as demographics and community background infection incidence, as well as information bias regarding COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination status. Results and Discussion: During the study period (December 16, 2020 to September 30, 2021), 4615 HCWs contributed to a total of 1,152,486 person-days at risk (excluding 309 HCWs with prior infection) and had a COVID-19 incidence rate of 5.2/10,000 (114 infections out of 219,842 person-days) for unvaccinated person-days and 0.6/10,000 (49 infections out of 830,084 person-days) for fully vaccinated person-days, resulting in an adjusted VE of 82.3% (95% CI: 75.1-87.4%). For the secondary analysis limited to the period of delta variant predominance in Massachusetts (i.e., July 1 to September 30, 2021), we observed an adjusted VE of 76.5% (95% CI: 40.9-90.6%). Independently, we found no re-infection among those with prior COVID-19, contributing to 74,557 re-infection-free person-days, adding to the evidence base for the robustness of naturally acquired immunity.

scholarly journals Incidence of COVID-19 reinfection among Midwestern healthcare employees

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262164
Author(s):  
Anne Rivelli ◽  
Veronica Fitzpatrick ◽  
Christopher Blair ◽  
Kenneth Copeland ◽  
Jon Richards
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Protective Immunity ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
Frequent Exposure ◽  
Prior Infection ◽  
Healthcare Employees

Given the overwhelming worldwide rate of infection and the disappointing pace of vaccination, addressing reinfection is critical. Understanding reinfection, including longevity after natural infection, will allow us to better know the prospect of herd immunity, which hinges on the assumption that natural infection generates sufficient, protective immunity. The primary objective of this observational cohort study is to establish the incidence of reinfection of COVID-19 among healthcare employees who experienced a prior COVID-19 infection over a 10-month period. Of 2,625 participants who experienced at least one COVID-19 infection during the 10-month study period, 156 (5.94%) experienced reinfection and 540 (20.57%) experienced recurrence after prior infection. Median days were 126.50 (105.50–171.00) to reinfection and 31.50 (10.00–72.00) to recurrence. Incidence rate of COVID-19 reinfection was 0.35 cases per 1,000 person-days, with participants working in COVID-clinical and clinical units experiencing 3.77 and 3.57 times, respectively, greater risk of reinfection relative to those working in non-clinical units. Incidence rate of COVID-19 recurrence was 1.47 cases per 1,000 person-days. This study supports the consensus that COVID-19 reinfection, defined as subsequent infection ≥ 90 days after prior infection, is rare, even among a sample of healthcare workers with frequent exposure.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and uptake of hepatitis B vaccine among healthcare workers, Makueni County, Kenya 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 765-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
E N Kisangau ◽  
A Awour ◽  
B Juma ◽  
D Odhiambo ◽  
T Muasya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
B Virus

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable infection that can spread in healthcare setting. Data on HBV infections and vaccine in African healthcare workers (HCWs) are limited. We estimated HBV infection prevalence, hepatitis B vaccination status and identified factors associated with vaccination in one Kenyan county. Methods Randomly selected HCWs completed a questionnaire about HBV exposure and self-reported immunization histories, and provided blood for testing of selected HBV biomarkers to assess HBV infection and vaccination status: HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV surface antibodies (anti-HBs). Prevalence odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with vaccination. Results Among 312 HCWs surveyed, median age was 31 years (range: 19–67 years). Of 295 blood samples tested, 13 (4%) were anti-HBc and HBsAg-positive evidencing chronic HBV infection; 139 (47%) had protective anti-HBs levels. Although 249 (80%) HCWs received ≥1 HBV vaccine dose, only 119 (48%) received all three recommended doses. Complete vaccination was more likely among those working in hospitals compared to those working in primary healthcare facilities (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4–4.3). Conclusion We recommend strengthening county HCW vaccination, and collecting similar data nationally to guide HBV prevention and control.

scholarly journals Rise in 2017-2018 measles morbidity in Serbia and Northwest Russia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 729-734
Author(s):  
V. D. Stoiljkovic ◽  
M. A. Bichurina ◽  
I. N. Lavrentieva ◽  
S. B. Filipovic-Vignjevic ◽  
M. D. Bancevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Measles Virus ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Test System ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Virus Genotypes ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Measles Incidence

In 2017, the WHO registered 23,927 measles cases in 44 out of 53 countries in the European region. In 2018, measles incidence rate increased up to 82,599 cases registered in 48 countries of the region, with a large number of measles-associated deaths. Overall, 72 measles fatalities were registered in 10 European countries, including Serbia (15 cases).Aim of the study: to characterize 2017—2018 epidemiological upsurge of measles incidence rate observed in the Republic of Serbia (RS) and the Northwestern Federal District (NWFD) of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. During the 2017—2018 season, 944 serum samples were collected from patients with measles, rubella, or exanthematous diseases in the NWFD and tested in the Laboratory of Virology at the St. Petersburg Regional Centre for Measles Surveillance (SPbRC). In 2017—2018, 2,946 serum samples from the Republic of Serbia were analyzed in the SPbRC by using ELISA with IgM measles test system (Vector-Best, Russia; or Siemens, Germany). Urine and swab samples were examined by RT-PCR and used for isolation and genotyping of measles viruses.Results. From 2017 to 2018, 5,798 measles cases were registered in the RS, among which 2,946 were laboratory-confirmed (serological testing and/or PCR). Unvaccinated subjects or those with unknown vaccination status accounted for majority of the cases. Children under 5 years of age and adults aged 30 years and over dominated among measles patients. During this season, 15 deaths were reported. Several genotypes of measles virus circulated in the RS, e.g. В3 Dublin, D8 Gir Somnath, and D8 Herborn. In 2018, 109 measles cases were recorded in the NWFD, 5 of which were imported from abroad. Among patients, adults comprised 64.2%, wherein 74.3% were covered by unvaccinated subjects or those with unknown vaccination status. Rise in measles incidence rate linked to multiple importations of various measles virus genotypes: В3 Kabul; B3 Dublin; D8 Frankfurt; D8 Cambridge; and D8 Gir Somnath.

scholarly journals Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitude and Vaccination Status among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Health Facility

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
DC Obu ◽  
UV Asiegbu ◽  
CT Ezeonu ◽  
AFI Una ◽  
CE Arua-Iduma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Surface Antigen ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus Infection ◽  
Virus Vaccination ◽  
B Virus

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis virus B infection through occupational exposure. Having adequate knowledge and proper attitudes toward hepatitis B virus infection are crucial for its prevention. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and hepatitis B virus vaccination status of health care workers. A descriptive cross-sectional study among 120 healthcare workers that attended the World Hepatitis B-Day Celebration in June 2018 was undertaken. Data were obtained with a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude towards HBV infection, and practice of hepatitis B vaccination. Commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen. Data were analyzed using computer software SPSS version 22. The prevalence of HBsAg among the subjects was 4.5%. Only 53(47.7%) of the respondents had good knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection. The majority of respondents 91(82.0%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards hepatitis B virus infection and vaccination. Over 30% of respondents were aware of their hepatitis B virus infection status, and 29(26.1%) of them had received the hepatitis B virus vaccine. The major reason for the poor uptake of hepatitis B virus vaccination was not knowing where to get the vaccine in 40(57.1%) of them. Good knowledge of HBV infection had a statistically significant association with the age of respondents and their years of experience (p<0.05). It is recommended that a healthcare worker should be provided with more education and information on hepatitis B virus infection and vaccination. Also, hepatitis B screening and vaccination should be made mandatory as part of the pre-employment exercise of all healthcare workers with follow up screening before any upgrade or promotional examination exercise.

scholarly journals Out-of-sequence DTP and measles vaccinations and child mortality in Guinea-Bissau: a reanalysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e024893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanne M Thysen ◽  
Amabelia Rodrigues ◽  
Peter Aaby ◽  
Ane B Fisker
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Child Mortality ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Child Survival ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Oral Polio Vaccine ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Guinea Bissau

ObjectivesTo assess whether the sequence of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP) and measles vaccine (MV) was associated with child survival in a dataset previously used to assess non-specific effects of vaccines with no consideration of vaccination sequence.DesignProspective cohort study analysed using the landmark approach.SettingBandim Health Project’s Health and Demographic Surveillance System covering 100 village clusters in rural Guinea-Bissau. The recommended vaccination schedule was BCG and oral polio vaccine (OPV) at birth, DTP and OPV at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, MV at 9 months and booster DTP and OPV at 18 months of age.ParticipantsChildren aged 9–17 months (main analysis) and 18–35 months (secondary analysis: age of booster DTP) with vaccination status assessed between April 1991 and April 1996.MethodsSurvival during the 6 months after assessing vaccination status was compared by vaccination sequence in Cox-proportional hazards models with age as underlying time. Analyses were stratified by sex and village cluster.Main outcome measureMortality rate ratio (MRR) for out-of-sequence vaccinations compared with in-sequence vaccinations.ResultsAmong children aged 9–17 months, 60% of observations (3574/5937) were from children who had received both MV and DTP. Among these, 1590 observations were classified as in-sequence vaccinations (last DTP before MV), and 1984 observations were out-of-sequence vaccinations (1491: MV with DTP and 493: MV before DTP). Out-of-sequence vaccinations were associated with higher mortality than in-sequence vaccinations (MRR 2.10, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.11); the MRR was 2.30 (95% CI 1.15 to 4.58) for MV with DTP and 1.45 (95% CI 0.50 to 4.22) for DTP after MV. Associations were similar for boys and girls (p=0.77). Between 18 and 35 months the mortality rate increased among children vaccinated in-sequence and the differential effect of out-of-sequence vaccinations disappeared.ConclusionOut-of-sequence vaccinations may increase child mortality. Hence, sequence of vaccinations should be considered when planning vaccination programmes or introducing new vaccines into the current vaccination schedule.

scholarly journals Naturally-acquired immunity in Syrian Golden Hamsters provides protection from re-exposure to emerging heterosubtypic SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan J. Clark ◽  
Parul Sharma ◽  
Eleanor G. Bentley ◽  
Adam C. Harding ◽  
Anja Kipar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Acquired Immunity ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Syrian Golden Hamsters ◽  
Subsequent Exposure ◽  
Acquired Immune Responses ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Prior Infection

AbstractThe ability of acquired immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 to protect after subsequent exposure to emerging variants of concern (VOC) such as B1.1.7 and B1.351 is currently of high significance. Here, we use a hamster model of COVID-19 to show that prior infection with a strain representative of the original circulating lineage B of SARS-CoV-2 induces protection from clinical signs upon subsequent challenge with either B1.1.7 or B1.351 viruses, which recently emerged in the UK and South Africa, respectively. The results indicate that these emergent VOC may be unlikely to cause disease in individuals that are already immune due to prior infection, and this has positive implications for overall levels of infection and COVID-19 disease.

scholarly journals The Effect of Conflict on Healthcare Workers in Syria: Results of a Qualitative Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Abdelrahman ◽  
Rohini Haar
Keyword(s):  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Medical Professional ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Hours Of Work ◽  
Negative Effect

The purpose of this study is to understand how the conflict in Syria, having devasted the healthcare system, has affected Syrian healthcare workers (Joseph et al. 2016). We provide a secondary analysis of a summer 2019 survey Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) conducted with 82 Syrian healthcare workers living in neighbouring countries as well as in northeast and northwest Syria. Our descriptive analysis found that 48 participants reported an average of 16.52 hours of work per day, and 40 participants reported caring for an average of 43 patients per day while working in Syria during the conflict. Sixty-eight participants reported facing barriers to perform their work, and 59 participants reported facing risks as a medical professional. Seventy-one participants experienced traumatic events during their work as a medical professional, and 70 participants experienced stress in the month prior to being interviewed. This analysis illustrates the negative effect an armed conflict has on healthcare workers through disruptions in their workload, training and resources, barriers and risks faced, and mental health and security issues. The study indicates that these factors require long-term consideration in order to protect healthcare workers and improve the health system.

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