Waning of mRNA-1273 vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection in Qatar

BACKGROUND: In early 2021, Qatar launched a mass immunization campaign with Moderna mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. We assessed persistence of real-world mRNA-1273 effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection and against COVID-19 hospitalization and death. METHODS: Effectiveness was estimated using test-negative, case-control study design, between January 1 and December 5, 2021. Effectiveness was estimated against documented infection (a PCR-positive swab, regardless symptoms), and against any severe (acute-care hospitalization), critical (ICU hospitalization), or fatal COVID-19. RESULTS: By December 5, 2021, 2,962 breakthrough infections had been recorded among those who received two mRNA-1273 doses. Of these infections, 19 progressed to severe COVID-19 and 4 to critical, but none to fatal disease. mRNA-1273 effectiveness against infection was negligible for the first two weeks after the first dose, increased to 65.5% (95% CI: 62.7-68.0%) 14 or more days after the first dose, and reached its peak at about 90% in the first three months after the second dose. Effectiveness declined gradually starting from the fourth month after the second dose and was below 50% by the 7th month after the second dose. Effectiveness against severe, critical, or fatal COVID-19 reached its peak at essentially 100% right after the second dose, and there was no evidence for declining effectiveness over time. Effectiveness against symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection demonstrated the same pattern of waning, but effectiveness against symptomatic infection was consistently higher than that against asymptomatic infection and waned more slowly. CONCLUSIONS: mRNA-1273-induced protection against infection appears to wane month by month after the second dose. Meanwhile, protection against hospitalization and death appears robust with no evidence for waning for several months after the second dose.

COVID-19 Vaccine Early Skepticism, Misinformation and Informational Needs among Essential Workers in the USA

This study presents the results of a survey of 1591 hesitant U.S. essential workers, conducted over Pollfish in December 2020 when they were the only group eligible for the vaccine, aiming to describe their concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety, effectiveness and distribution policies. We computed frequencies using the SAS software for each answer, using chi-squared statistics and Cochran–Armitage trend tests to determine how informational needs differ by age, gender, level of education, race, source of COVID-19 information and levels of vaccine acceptance. The results of this study show that freedom of choice, equal access to the vaccine and being able to live a life with no restrictions once vaccinated were important concerns since the early days of the distribution campaign, with 53% (836/1591), 42% (669/1591) and 35% (559/1591) of hesitant respondents, respectively, indicating they would be more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they felt these issues were satisfactorily addressed. Early risk communication and immunization campaign strategies should address not only the reported efficacy and safety of new vaccines, but, as equally important, the population’s perceptions and beliefs regarding personal choice, effectiveness and adverse consequences.

Covid-19 vaccine management (Comirnaty and mrna-1273 Moderna) in a teaching hospital in Italy: a short report on the vaccination campaign

Objectives In this article, we aim to share our experience in the hospital reorganization made to conduct the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, based on the principles of flexibility and adaptability. Study design A descriptive study. Methods The data concerning the organization of the vaccination campaign were taken from the operative protocol developed by the hospital dedicated task force, composed by experts in hygiene, public health, occupational medicine, pharmacists, nurses, hospital quality, and disaster managers. Data about the numbers of vaccine administered daily were collected by the Innovation and Development Operative Unit database. Results Vaccinations against COVID-19 started across the EU on the 27th of December 2020. The first phase of the vaccination campaign carried out in our hospital was directed to healthcare workers immunization including medical residents, social care operators, administrative staff and technicians, students of medicine, and health professions trainees. The second phase was enlarged to the coverage of extremely fragile subjects. Thanks to the massive employment of healthcare workers and the establishment of dynamic pathways, it was possible to achieve short turnaround times and a large number of doses administered daily, with peaks of 870 vaccines per day. From the 27th of December up to the 14th of March a total of 26,341 doses of Pfizer have been administered. 13,584 were first doses and 12,757 were second doses. From the 4th to the 14th of March, 296 first doses of Moderna were dispensed. It was necessary to implement adequate spaces and areas adopting anti-contagion safety measures: waiting area for subjects to be vaccinated, working rooms for the dilution of the vaccine and the storage of the material, vaccination rooms, post-vaccination observation areas, room for observation, and treatment of any adverse reactions, with an emergency cart available in each working area. Conclusions The teaching hospital of Pisa faced the beginning of the immunization campaign readjusting its spaces, planning an adequate hospital vaccination area and providing an organization plan to ensure the achievement of the targets of the campaign. This represented a challenge due to limited vaccine doses supplied and the multisectoral teams of professionals to coordinate in the shortest time and the safest way possible. The organizational model adopted proved to be adequate and therefore exploited also for the second phase aimed to extremely fragile subjects.

COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy in a Diverse Urban Healthcare Worker Population

Objective: To investigate COVID-19 vaccine efficacy (VE) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in an ethnically diverse community healthcare system, during its initial immunization campaign. Methods: HCWs of the system were retrospectively included from the beginning of a COVID-19 vaccination program (December 16, 2020) until March 31, 2021. Those with a prior COVID-19 infection before December 15 were excluded. The Occupational Health department of the system ran a COVID-19 screening and testing referral program for workers, consistently throughout the study period. A master database had been established and updated comprising of the demographics, COVID-19 PCR assays, and vaccinations of each HCW. Andersen-Gill extension of the Cox models were built to estimate the VE of fully/partially vaccinated person-days at risk. Results: Among the 4317 eligible HCWs, 3249 (75%) received any vaccination during the study period. Vaccinated HCWs were older, less likely to be Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or identify as two or more races, and more likely to be medical providers. After adjusting for age, sex, race, and the statewide background incidence at the time of vaccination, we observed a VE of 80.2% (95% CI: 57.5-90.8%) for ≧14 days after the first dose of Pfizer/Moderna, and 95.5% (95% CI: 88.2-98.3%) among those fully vaccinated (i.e. ≧14 days after the second dose of Pfizer/Moderna or the single dose of J&J/Janssen). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in the real world is promising, and these data in concert with culturally appropriate may decrease vaccine hesitancy.

Immunization-campaign reaction of Saudi Arabia citizens and residents during first six months of Coronavirus vaccine existence

The COVID 19 vaccine provide acquired personal immunity against Coronavirus, its effectiveness is the risk of vaccinated participants compared with unvaccinated, reduces Coronavirus infections, efficacy preventing Coronavirus infections 95%. The aim was to prove Coronavirus vaccine effectiveness during the first period six months, that was approved from WHO for KSA, as well immunization-campaign was started at 17/12/2020. So to clarify the extent of its impact on protecting the societal immunity of KSA society. The "Study Proficiency" as used on all persons in KSA, the “Intentional Physical" was prepared the questionnaires. All participants were 100% citizens and residents of KSA was showed the importance of the research topic in the KSA societal immunity. About 96% was agreed that the Coronavirus vaccine exists in KSA, 94% was explained the extent feel protected from Coronavirus infections as a result of taking the Coronavirus vaccine. About half, 46% had received the Coronavirus vaccine, 94% was explained the importance of the Coronavirus vaccine for societal immunity protection and reducing Coronavirus infections in the KSA society. While 92% was urged those who refuse the Coronavirus vaccine to take it, 85% was found an improvement in the KSA societal immunity status of society. About 92% was helped to follow the societal immunity regulations of the Coronavirus vaccine. Showed 96% was confirmed the continuation of societal immunity precautions during the Coronavirus vaccine in the immunization-campaign for vaccination period. That of 84% was affirmed Coronavirus system should be pursued in other countries in order to reduce Coronavirus infections. That found 52% was advising to follow “Precautionary Health Strategy”, 26% was recommended the Coronavirus vaccine must taken to protect the individual and the KSA society, and 14% was protection by medication or therapeutic supplements such as vitamins. It was concluded that the Coronavirus vaccine had a clear effect on protecting the individuals health and societal immunity in the KSA society during first six months of Coronavirus vaccine existence. Despite the presence of a very small number of individuals rejecting the Coronavirus vaccine. It was recommend that the Coronavirus vaccine in the KSA had demonstrated its effectiveness, and therefore citizens and residents must take the Coronavirus vaccine to preserve the KSA individuals society health and societal immunity

Knowledge and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Undergraduate Students from Central and Southern Italy

At the end of 2020, the Italian Ministry of Health launched a national vaccination campaign to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed at appraising levels of knowledge about and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of Italian undergraduates during the first phase of the immunization plan. A web-based questionnaire was administered to students attending universities in Bari, Naples, and Rome during the period February–April 2021. Of the total of 3226 participants, 91.9% were keen to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. More than 80% gave correct answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccine administration, functioning, and effects on community health. However, only 63.8% identified the correct composition of the available vaccines. Knowledge was found to be related to sociodemographic features and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance (p < 0.05). COVID-19 vaccination acceptance was found to be related to having a previous vaccination against influenza (OR 3.806, CI 95% 1.181–12.267; p = 0.025) and knowledge (OR 4.759, CI 95% 2.106–10.753; p = 0.000). These results show a good level of awareness about COVID-19 vaccination in this population, which may indicate the effectiveness of communication strategies accompanying the COVID-19 immunization campaign in Italy.

Modeling poliovirus surveillance and immunization campaign quality monitoring costs for Pakistan and Afghanistan for 2019-2023

Background The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategic Plan for 2019-2023 includes commitments to monitor the quality of immunization campaigns using lot quality assurance sampling surveys (LQAS) and to support poliovirus surveillance in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Methods We analyzed LQAS and poliovirus surveillance data between 2016 and 2020, which included both acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case-based detection and the continued expansion of environmental surveillance (ES). Using updated estimates for unit costs, we explore the costs of different options for future poliovirus monitoring and surveillance for Pakistan and Afghanistan. Results The relative value of the information provided by campaign quality monitoring and surveillance remains uncertain and depends on the design, implementation, and performance of the systems. Prospective immunization campaign quality monitoring (through LQAS) and poliovirus surveillance will require tens of millions of dollars each year for the foreseeable future for Pakistan and Afghanistan. Conclusions LQAS campaign monitoring as currently implemented in Pakistan and Afghanistan provides limited and potentially misleading information about immunization quality. AFP surveillance in Pakistan and Afghanistan provides the most reliable evidence of transmission, whereas ES provides valuable supplementary information about the extent of transmission in the catchment areas represented at the time of sample collection.

EDUKASI PEMBERIAN IMUNISASI MR (MEASLES RUBELLA) PADA IBU YANG MEMILIKI ANAK USIA BALITA

Campak dan Rubella merupakan penyakit infeksi menular melalui saluran nafas yang disebabkan oleh virus Campak dan Rubella.Vaksin MR (Measles Rubella) memberikan manfaat seperti dapat melindungi anak dari kecacatan dan kematian akibat komplikasi pneumonia, diare, kerusakan otak, ketulian, kebutaan, dan penyakit jantung bawaan. Indonesia telah berkomitmen untuk mencapai eliminasi campak dan pengendalian rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) pada tahun 2020. Berdasarkan hasil surveilans dan cakupan imunisasi, maka imunisasi campak rutin saja belum cukup untuk mencapai target eliminasi campak. Sedangkan untuk akselerasi pengendalian rubella/CRS maka perlu dilakukan kampanye imunisasi tambahan sebelum introduksi vaksin MR ke dalam imunisasi rutin. Program Pengabdian Masyarakat ini melalui penerapan Ipteks bagi masyarakat bertujuan mengenalkan dan tercapainya cakupan imunisasi measles rubella. Kegiatan pengabmas dilaksanakan hari Rabu tanggal 18 Februari 2021 pukul 10.00 Wib, tempat pelaksanaan di Puskesmas Nanggalo Padang. Peserta yang hadir jumlah 15 orang ibu-ibu yang mempunyai anak usia balita. Berdasarkan hasil kegiatan tersebut terjadinya peningkatan pengetahuan ibu yang mempunyai anak usia balita tentang pemberian imunisasi MR. Diharapkan petugas kesehatan meningkatkan edukasi tentang pemberian imunisasi MR. Kata Kunci: Imunisasi MR (Measles Rubella) ABSTRACT Measles and Rubella are infectious diseases that are transmitted through the respiratory tract caused by the measles and rubella viruses. The MR (Measles Rubella) vaccine provides benefits such as protecting children from disability and death due to complications of pneumonia, diarrhea, brain damage, deafness, blindness and heart disease. built-in. Indonesia has committed to achieve elimination of measles and control of rubella / Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by 2020. Based on the results of surveillance and immunization coverage, routine measles immunization alone is not sufficient to achieve the target of measles elimination. Meanwhile, for the acceleration of rubella / CRS control, it is necessary to carry out an additional immunization campaign before the introduction of the MR vaccine into routine immunization. This Community Service Program through the application of science and technology for the community aims to introduce and achieve measles rubella immunization coverage. Community service activities will be carried out on Wednesday, February 18, 2021 at 10.00 WIB, the place of implementation is at the Nanggalo Padang Health Center. Participants who attended were 15 mothers who have children under five. Based on the results of these activities there is an increase in the knowledge of mothers who have children aged under five about giving MR immunization. It is hoped that health workers will increase education about MR immunization. Keywords: immunization MR (Measles Rubella)Campak dan Rubella merupakan penyakit infeksi menular melalui saluran nafas yang disebabkan oleh virus Campak dan Rubella.Vaksin MR (Measles Rubella) memberikan manfaat seperti dapat melindungi anak dari kecacatan dan kematian akibat komplikasi pneumonia, diare, kerusakan otak, ketulian, kebutaan, dan penyakit jantung bawaan. Indonesia telah berkomitmen untuk mencapai eliminasi campak dan pengendalian rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) pada tahun 2020. Berdasarkan hasil surveilans dan cakupan imunisasi, maka imunisasi campak rutin saja belum cukup untuk mencapai target eliminasi campak. Sedangkan untuk akselerasi pengendalian rubella/CRS maka perlu dilakukan kampanye imunisasi tambahan sebelum introduksi vaksin MR ke dalam imunisasi rutin. Program Pengabdian Masyarakat ini melalui penerapan Ipteks bagi masyarakat bertujuan mengenalkan dan tercapainya cakupan imunisasi measles rubella. Kegiatan pengabmas dilaksanakan hari Rabu tanggal 18 Februari 2021 pukul 10.00 Wib, tempat pelaksanaan di Puskesmas Nanggalo Padang. Peserta yang hadir jumlah 15 orang ibu-ibu yang mempunyai anak usia balita. Berdasarkan hasil kegiatan tersebut terjadinya peningkatan pengetahuan ibu yang mempunyai anak usia balita tentang pemberian imunisasi MR. Diharapkan petugas kesehatan meningkatkan edukasi tentang pemberian imunisasi MR. Kata Kunci: Imunisasi MR (Measles Rubella) ABSTRACT Measles and Rubella are infectious diseases that are transmitted through the respiratory tract caused by the measles and rubella viruses. The MR (Measles Rubella) vaccine provides benefits such as protecting children from disability and death due to complications of pneumonia, diarrhea, brain damage, deafness, blindness and heart disease. built-in. Indonesia has committed to achieve elimination of measles and control of rubella / Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by 2020. Based on the results of surveillance and immunization coverage, routine measles immunization alone is not sufficient to achieve the target of measles elimination. Meanwhile, for the acceleration of rubella / CRS control, it is necessary to carry out an additional immunization campaign before the introduction of the MR vaccine into routine immunization. This Community Service Program through the application of science and technology for the community aims to introduce and achieve measles rubella immunization coverage. Community service activities will be carried out on Wednesday, February 18, 2021 at 10.00 WIB, the place of implementation is at the Nanggalo Padang Health Center. Participants who attended were 15 mothers who have children under five. Based on the results of these activities there is an increase in the knowledge of mothers who have children aged under five about giving MR immunization. It is hoped that health workers will increase education about MR immunization. Keywords: immunization MR (Measles Rubella)

Use of Call Centers in Polio Eradication Efforts in Island Settlement in Chad

Background: One of the four key strategies of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is high immunization coverage, with oral polio vaccine as part of routine immunization schedules. However, given the weak routine immunization structures in the African Region, coverage is enhanced with supplemental immunization activities (SIAs), and mop-up immunizations. Unfortunately, anecdotal information show that vaccination teams sometimes omit some catchments areas without immunization. This paper thus describes the use of “Call Centers” in detecting missed populations and taking prompt corrective action. Method: The study was based on review of call records during polio supplemental immunization campaigns in Bol Districts in Chad from February to May 2018. The immunization coverage resulting from these campaigns was compared with that of February 2018. A compilation of data – details on communities, community leaders, and their phone numbers was performed. On the eve of the campaign, community leaders were alerted on the vaccinators’ visitThe community leaders were called on the eve of the campaign to alert them on the visit of the vaccinators. At the end of each day, activities (visits as well) were reviewed at the coordination centres Vaccinators were asked to return to any community where community leaders did not confirm visits). Result: Telephone calls allowed the verification and confirmation of the vaccinators visits in 92% of cases. Villages where vaccination was planned but which were not reached were revisited. More than 1,011 children were caught up through this approach in 10 villages in the Bol district. Conclusion: In conclusion, call centers played significantly higher role in generating covering more children with immunization during immunization campaign.

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2: Review of Mutations, Role of the Host Immune System

Since the reporting of the first cases of coronavirus in China and the publication of the first sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, the virus has undergone numerous mutations. In Europe, the spring outbreak (March–April) was followed by a drop in the number of cases and deaths. The disease may have evolved into a milder form. The increase in PCR-positive cases in late summer 2020 did not lead to the expected increase in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths, based on the severity of the disease in the spring. This difference in disease severity could be due to factors independent of the virus or to the evolution of the virus. This review attempts to identify the mutations that have appeared since the beginning of the pandemic and their role in the temporal evolution of the pandemic. There are a cell and humoral type cross-reactivity in a large part of the population to common cold coronaviruses (HCoVs) and SARS-CoV-2. Evolutionarily important mutations and deletions have emerged in the SARS-CoV-2 genes encoding proteins that interact with the host immune system. In addition, one of the major mutations (in viral polymerase) is logically associated with a higher frequency of mutations throughout the genome. This frequency fluctuates over time and shows a peak at the time when the epidemic was most active. The rate of mutations in proteins involved in the relationship to the immune system continues to increase after the first outbreak. The cross-reactivity on the 1 hand and the viral mutations observed on the other hand could explain the evolution of the pandemic until the summer of 2020, partly due to the evolution of the virus in relation to the host immune system. The immunization campaign began in December 2020: concerns are emerging about a possible escape of the circulating variants vaccines in early 2021. These variants could also escape immunity acquired through infection with the 2020 strains.