scholarly journals A Narrative Review of COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Barbaros Eroglu ◽  
Rina Fajri Nuwarda ◽  
Iqbal Ramzan ◽  
Veysel Kayser
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Foreseeable Future ◽  
Viral Sequence ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Human Use ◽  
Negative Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world since early 2020 and its health, social, economic, and societal negative impacts at the global scale have been catastrophic. Since the early days of the pandemic, development of safe and effective vaccines was judged to be the best possible tool to minimize the effects of this pandemic. Drastic public health measures were put into place to stop the spread of the virus, with the hope that vaccines would be available soon. Thanks to the extraordinary commitments of many organizations and individuals from around the globe and the collaborative effort of many international scientists, vaccines against COVID-19 received regulatory approval for emergency human use in many jurisdictions in less than a year after the identification of the viral sequence. Several of these vaccines have been in use for some time; however, the pandemic is still ongoing and likely to persist for the foreseeable future. This is due to many reasons including reduced compliance with public health restrictions, limited vaccine manufacturing/distribution capacity, high rates of vaccine hesitancy, and the emergence of new variants with the capacity to spread more easily and to evade current vaccines. Here we discuss the discovery and availability of COVID-19 vaccines and evolving issues around mass vaccination programs.

scholarly journals Silver Linings Reported by Australians Experiencing Public Health Restrictions during the First Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11406
Author(s):  
Narelle Campbell ◽  
Sandra C. Thompson ◽  
Anna Tynan ◽  
Louise Townsin ◽  
Lauren A. Booker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
National Study ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Mental Well Being

This national study investigated the positives reported by residents experiencing the large-scale public health measures instituted in Australia to manage the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Most Australians had not previously experienced the traditional public health measures used (social distancing, hand hygiene and restriction of movement) and which could potentially impact negatively on mental well-being. The research design included qualitative semi-structured phone interviews where participants described their early pandemic experiences. Data analysis used a rapid identification of themes technique, well-suited to large-scale qualitative research. The ninety participants (mean age 48 years; 70 women) were distributed nationally. Analysis revealed five themes linked with mental well-being and the concept of silver linings: safety and security, gratitude and appreciation, social cohesion and connections, and opportunities to reset priorities and resilience. Participants demonstrated support for the public health measures and evidence of individual and community resilience. They were cognisant of positives despite personal curtailment and negative impacts of public health directives. Stories of hope, strength, and acceptance, innovative connections with others and focusing on priorities and opportunities within the hardship were important strategies that others could use in managing adversity.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Covid-19 lockdowns and related public health measures in Austria: a longitudinal online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Łaszewska ◽  
Timea Helter ◽  
Judit Simon
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Extended Duration ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave

Abstract Background Introducing national lockdown has been effective in containing Covid-19. However, several studies indicated negative impacts of lockdowns on the well-being and mental health of many people. In Austria, the first Covid-19-related lockdown was introduced on 16 March 2020 with most restrictions being lifted 1 month later. Seven months after that, in November 2020, the second full lockdown was implemented. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions and experiences of the general population related to the first and second Covid-19 lockdowns in Austria. Methods Two waves of an online survey were conducted in May and December 2020 asking respondents about their concerns related to the Covid-19 illness, personal experiences of the lockdowns, perceptions of and compliance with imposed public health measures, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on different aspects of life during the two lockdowns. Descriptive statistics including frequency analysis were used to compare respondents’ answers collected in the two waves of the survey. T-test and chi-square tests were used to test differences between the two lockdowns. Results Five hundred sixty participants were included in the first wave and a sub-sample of 134 participants in the second wave of data collection. During the second lockdown, study respondents were more concerned about their family members contracting Covid-19 when compared with the first lockdown. Compliance with public health measures was overall lower during the second lockdown, although it varied according to the type of the measure. Closure of schools was seen as the least essential restriction during the second lockdown, while wearing masks gained additional approval between the first and the second lockdown. Larger negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on friendships, leisure activities, education and community were reported during the second lockdown. Conclusions The study found that the extended duration of the pandemic and recurring lockdowns restricting freedom of movement and social contacts appear to have caused significant disruptions to many areas of life. Furthermore, declining adherence to most public health measures over time raises a question about the effectiveness of future lockdown measures.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on the Caribbean islands of the Dutch Kingdom: a unique challenge

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Priscilla Maria ◽  
Lung Jeung ◽  
Ashley Duits ◽  
Jamiu Busari
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Caribbean Islands ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Caribbean

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic progresses, countries are depending on one another to acquire knowledge regarding effective measures to contain the virus. Public health measures to suppress transmissions have proven successful in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Implementing and adhering to these interventions is challenging, with governments struggling to find a balance between necessary mitigation and suppression strategies, and interruptions of social-economic activities. While large high-income countries are struggling to keep their health systems and economies moving forward, small island developing states are facing even more significant challenges. Many Caribbean islands, including the six islands within the Dutch Kingdom, have been quick to implement stringent public health measures, yet they are facing unique challenges.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts: Is Afghanistan Prepared?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Faisal Wardak ◽  
Ali Rahimi ◽  
Attaullah Ahmadi ◽  
Shekiba Madadi ◽  
Shamim Arif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Public Trust ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Control And Prevention

A country’s preparedness for a prompt and successful implementation of vaccination programs plays a pivotal role in disease control and prevention. As it stands now, Afghanistan seems to be ill-prepared to embrace a successful implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program because of a spate of challenges. These include, but are not limited to, the insufficient number of vaccinators, a dearth of fully integrated functioning cold chain, challenging geographical barriers, cultural issues, insecurity, and protracted conflict. The COVID-19 infodemic along with vaccine mistrust in the country will lead to a pervasive public vaccine hesitancy in Afghanistan, which will present serious obstacles to the COVID-19 immunization efforts. The politicization of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the complaints of embezzlement and misuse of the pandemic aid have already eroded public trust during the pandemic. To ensure a large-scale and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the cold chain infrastructure should be strengthened, and the immunization personnel trained. Antivaccination propaganda and misinformation should be tackled with effective communication approaches and effective community engagement, which consider culturally relevant messages appropriate to the culture and people. The allegations of corruption should be addressed to revive public trust in public health interventions, including COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID Appropriate Behaviour compliance and Vaccine Hesitancy: Findings from a COVID-19 Health Education Campaign in a Government Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi, India

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Aritrik Das ◽  
Glory Ghai ◽  
Mohd Alam ◽  
Geeta Pardeshi ◽  
Jugal Kishore
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Education Campaign ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Credible Information

Abstract Introduction Public health measures remain the best available approach to tackle the COVID pandemic. However, little is currently known about the compliance and acceptance of these measures by people in India. Methods The Department of Community Medicine, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, organized a health education campaign for raising awareness on COVID-19 in the hospital premises over a period of 15 days in May2021. Educational and interactive sessions were conducted by medical residents, interns and staff. Data on compliance to public health measures was collected and analysed using SPSS 21. All quantitative variables were descriptively analysed while qualitative data was narratively analysed. Results 84(12.57%) of those observed were wearing their mask incorrectly. Social distancing was inadequate at 16 sites. 69(10.33%) reported to have received single or both doses of vaccine. Common reasons for not getting vaccinated included doubts about vaccine efficacy, eligibility, adverse events, availability and accessibility. Conclusions Mask usage was universal, but directives on correct protocol of wearing masks needs to be widely circulated. Credible information about vaccine safety, efficacy, availability and accessibility needs to be available to the community to build confidence in COVID-19 vaccination.

scholarly journals Application of Aptamer-Based Assays to the Diagnosis of Arboviruses Important for Public Health in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Corrêa Argondizzo ◽  
Dilson Silva ◽  
Sotiris Missailidis
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Arboviral Diseases

Arbovirus infections represent a global public health problem, and recent epidemics of yellow fever, dengue, and Zika have shown their critical importance in Brazil and worldwide. Whilst a major effort for vaccination programs has been in the spotlight, a number of aptamer approaches have been proposed in a complementary manner, offering the possibility of differential diagnosis between these arboviruses, which often present similar clinical symptoms, as well as the potential for a treatment option when no other alternative is available. In this review, we aim to provide a background on arbovirus, with a basic description of the main viral classes and the disease they cause, using the Brazilian context to build a comprehensive understanding of their role on a global scale. Subsequently, we offer an exhaustive revision of the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches offered by aptamers against arboviruses. We demonstrate how these promising reagents could help in the clinical diagnosis of this group of viruses, their use in a range of diagnostic formats, from biosensors to serological testing, and we give a short review on the potential approaches for novel aptamer-based antiviral treatment options against different arboviral diseases.

Mandatory Public Health Measures for Coronavirus-19 Are Associated With Improved Mortality, Equity and Economic Outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 002073142110493
Author(s):  
Brita Lundberg ◽  
Kathryn McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Statistical Life ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Cohort Study Design ◽  
Mortality Cost ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Nonpharmaceutical Interventions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The U.S

The impact of public health measures on the coronavirus-2019 pandemic was analyzed by comparing mandatory versus voluntary nonpharmaceutical interventions between 2 comparable European countries and among 3 U.S. states. Using an ecological retrospective cohort study design, we examine differences in mortality, economic impact, and equity. Compared to voluntary policies, mandatory shelter-in-place policies were associated with a 3- to 5-fold lower population-adjusted mortality in the U.S. model and between 11- to 12-fold lower in the European one. Voluntary shelter-in-place measures were associated with overall increased mortality cost, as measured by value of a statistical life; somewhat greater decreases in gross domestic product; and substantial negative impacts on minority communities, who experienced markedly increased mortality rates (the percentage of minority deaths was 2.3 and 4 times greater in the U.S. model and 14.5 times higher in the European one) and mortality cost (2.7- and 4.5-fold higher in the U.S. model and 11.1-fold higher in the European one). We conclude that voluntary policies are less effective than mandatory ones, based on historical precedent and the current analysis. Negative effects on health equity mirrored the increased mortality outcomes of voluntary policies, and there was no apparent economic benefit associated with voluntary measures.

Konflik Kekerasan, Otonomi Daerah dan Integrasi Nasional

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Kusnanto Anggoro
Keyword(s):  
Early Warning ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Corrective Action ◽  
Demographic Changes ◽  
Local Autonomy ◽  
Foreseeable Future ◽  
National Integration ◽  
Pattern Change ◽  
The Social ◽  
Cultural Tensions

In a decade of reform, several changes had been occurred. Some adjustments could be considered as a success, while others potentially could trigger conflicts. Historical conflict remnants in Indonesia were hard to restrain. Hence, national integration remains crucial in the foreseeable future. Local autonomy could be an avenue to resolve the problem of national integration in a particular context. However, local autonomy could result in the reverse end. In the midst of conflict pattern change and development over the last decade, bureaucracy (local and national) has to be able to foresee any sign of conflict (early warning) in order to be able to anticipate. Conflict recognition could be observed through various indications, ranging from demographic changes, deterioration of the social-economic situation, and/or cultural tensions. Failure to do corrective action on such deviation would lead to a greater risk of conflict occurrence.

Pandemic Disease, Public Health, and Ethics

2019 ◽  
pp. 796-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxwell Smith ◽  
Ross Upshur
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Pandemic Preparedness ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Ethical Frameworks ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Face ◽  
Conducting Research

Infectious disease pandemics raise significant and novel ethical challenges to the organization and practice of public health. This chapter provides an overview of the salient ethical issues involved in preparing for and responding to pandemic disease, including those arising from deploying restrictive public health measures to contain and curb the spread of disease (e.g., isolation and quarantine), setting priorities for the allocation of scarce resources, health care workers’ duty to care in the face of heightened risk of infection, conducting research during pandemics, and the global governance of preventing and responding to pandemic disease. It also outlines ethical guidance from prominent ethical frameworks that have been developed to address these ethical issues and concludes by discussing some pressing challenges that must be addressed if ethical reflection is to make a meaningful difference in pandemic preparedness and response.

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