A COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children aged 12-17 years in Curacao.

Objective: This study aimed to describe and critically evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children in Curacao and provide information about important factors such as parents' vaccination hesitancy and effective strategies for communicating and delivering information about vaccination. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. It was important to identify children aged 12-17 years who were at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection because of the limited medical facilities on the island; children considered to be at high risk were those with diseases such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes mellitus type 2. These children or their caregivers were invited by their pediatricians to be vaccinated as part of a program run by the Public Health Department of Curacao. These high-risk patients were vaccinated between 30 May 2021 and 25 February 2022 in designated child-friendly spaces, with a pediatrician present for guidance and reassurance. Children received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the recommended dose for their age. The primary outcome was a description and evaluation of the attendance for vaccination. The secondary outcomes were side effects after vaccination for the age groups 12-15 years and 16-17 years. Reasons for refusal or nonadherence were also registered. Results: Altogether 51% (24/47) of those aged 16-17 years who were invited were vaccinated compared with 42% (26/69) of those aged 12-15 years who were invited. Altogether, 46% of these high-risk children were vaccinated compared with 48% of children aged 12-17 years without risk factors. In our population, most patients did not experience any side effects and if they did, the side effects were mild. No cases of myocarditis or pericarditis were observed. A lack of trust in the vaccine and a lack of prioritization of vaccination when scheduling daily activities were important factors in refusal and nonadherence. Conclusions: To organize a successful vaccination program in a small community with limited resources for treating high-risk children it is crucial for medical professionals to provide reliable information. Public health initiatives should focus on assuaging parents' fears about vaccines. In addition, ensuring there is good cooperation between doctors and the Public Health Department can help to make implementation successful. Finally, involving pediatricians and using dedicated areas for vaccinating children can help build trust with parents and caregivers.

COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children aged 12–17 years in Curacao

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. This study aimed to describe and critically evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children in Curacao and provide information about important factors such as parents’ vaccination hesitancy and effective strategies for communicating and delivering information about vaccination. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. It was important to identify children aged 12–17 years who were at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection because of the limited medical facilities on the island; children con- sidered to be at high risk were those with diseases such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes mellitus type 2. These children or their caregivers were invited by their pediatricians to be vaccinated as part of a program run by the Public Health Department of Curacao. These high-risk patients were vaccinated between 30 May 2021 and 25 February 2022 in designated child-friendly spaces, with a pediatrician present for guidance and reassurance. Children received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the recommended dose for their age. The primary outcome was a description and evaluation of the attendance for vaccination. The secondary outcomes were side effects after vaccination for the age groups 12–15 years and 16–17 years. Reasons for refusal or nonadherence were also registered. Results. Altogether 51% (24/47) of those aged 16–17 years who were invited were vaccinated compared with 42% (26/69) of those aged 12–15 years who were invited. Altogether, 46% of these high-risk children were vaccinated compared with 48% of children aged 12–17 years without risk factors. In our population, most patients did not experience any side effects and if they did, the side effects were mild. No cases of myocardi- tis or pericarditis were observed. A lack of trust in the vaccine and a lack of prioritization of vaccination when scheduling daily activities were important factors in refusal and nonadherence. Conclusions. To organize a successful vaccination program in a small community with limited resources for treating high-risk children it is crucial for medical professionals to provide reliable information. Public health initiatives should focus on assuaging parents’ fears about vaccines. In addition, ensuring there is good coop- eration between doctors and the Public Health Department can help to make implementation successful. Finally, involving pediatricians and using dedicated areas for vaccinating children can help build trust with parents and caregivers.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en describir y realizar una evaluación crítica del programa de vacunación contra la COVID-19 para adolescentes de alto riesgo en Curazao, así como proporcionar infor- mación sobre factores importantes, como el recelo de los progenitores con respecto a la vacunación y las estrategias eficaces para comunicar y ofrecer información sobre ella. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal. Debido a las limitaciones de los centros médicos de la isla, era importante seleccionar a los adolescentes de entre 12 y 17 años con un riesgo alto de infección grave por COVID-19; se consideró que tenían un riesgo alto los miembros de este grupo poblacional que presentaban enfermedades como obesidad, hipertensión arterial o diabetes mellitus de tipo 2. Tanto estos adolescentes como sus cuidadores fueron invitados por sus pediatras a vacunarse dentro del marco de un programa impulsado por el Departamento de Salud Pública de Curazao. Estos pacientes de alto riesgo se vacunaron entre el 30 de mayo del 2021 y el 25 de febrero del 2022 en espacios adaptados a la población pediátrica, que contaban con la presencia de un especialista en pediatría para orientarles y tranquilizarles y donde se les administró la vacuna contra la COVID-19 de Pfizer-BioNTech en la dosis recomendada para su edad. El crite- rio de valoración principal fue la descripción y evaluación de la asistencia para recibir la vacuna. El criterio de valoración secundario fueron los efectos secundarios posteriores a la vacunación en los grupos de edad de 12 a 15 años y de 16 a 17 años. También se registraron los motivos para negarse a recibir la vacuna o para el incumplimiento del calendario de vacunación. Resultados. En total, se vacunó al 51% (24/47) de las personas de 16-17 años invitadas, en comparación con el 42% (26/69) de las de 12-15 años. Se vacunó al 46% de esta población de alto riesgo, en comparación con el 48% de la población de 12 a 17 años sin factores de riesgo. En nuestra población, la mayoría de los pacientes no presentaron ningún efecto secundario y cuando los hubo, estos fueron leves. No se observaron casos de miocarditis ni de pericarditis. La falta de confianza en la vacuna y la baja prioridad otorgada a la vacunación a la hora de programar las actividades diarias fueron factores importantes en la negativa a recibir la vacuna o el incumplimiento del calendario de vacunación. Conclusiones. Si se quiere organizar un programa de vacunación exitoso en una comunidad pequeña y con recursos limitados para tratar a la población adolescente de alto riesgo, es crucial que el personal médico proporcione una información fiable. Las iniciativas de salud pública deben centrarse en disipar los temores de los progenitores sobre las vacunas. Asimismo, el hecho de asegurar una buena cooperación entre el personal médico y el Departamento de Salud Pública puede contribuir al éxito de la iniciativa. Por último, la involucración de pediatras y el uso de espacios específicos para la vacunación de la población adolescente pueden ayudar a generar un clima de confianza en progenitores y cuidadores.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e avaliar de maneira crítica o programa de vacinação contra a COVID-19 para adolescentes de alto risco em Curaçao e dar informações sobre fatores importantes, como a hesitação vacinal dos pais e estratégias efetivas para comunicar e fornecer informações sobre a vacinação. Métodos. Este foi um estudo transversal. Era importante identificar os adolescentes entre 12 e 17 anos que tinham alto risco de infecção grave por COVID-19 devido à escassez de estabelecimentos de saúde na ilha; os adolescentes considerados de alto risco tinham obesidade, hipertensão arterial ou diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Esses adolescentes e seus cuidadores foram convidados por seus pediatras a serem vacinados como parte de um programa do Departamento de Saúde Pública de Curaçao. Esses pacientes de alto risco foram vacina- dos entre 30 de maio de 2021 e 25 de fevereiro de 2022 em espaços adaptados para adolescentes e com a presença de um pediatra para orientação e segurança. Os adolescentes receberam a vacina Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 na dose recomendada para a idade. O desfecho primário foi a descrição e a avaliação do comparecimento à vacinação. Os desfechos secundários foram os efeitos colaterais após a vacinação nas faixas etárias de 12 a 15 anos e de 16 a 17 anos. Os motivos de recusa ou não adesão também foram registrados. Resultados. No total, 51% (24/47) dos adolescentes convidados de 16 a 17 anos de idade foram vacinados, em comparação com 42% (26/69) dos adolescentes convidados de 12 a 15 anos de idade. No total, 46% desses adolescentes de alto risco foram vacinados, em comparação com 48% dos adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos sem fatores de risco. Na população do estudo, a maioria dos pacientes não apresentou nenhum efeito colateral e, quando presentes, os efeitos colaterais foram leves. Não foram observados casos de miocardite ou pericardite. A falta de confiança na vacina e a falta de priorização da vacinação ao programar as ativi- dades diárias foram fatores importantes para recusa e não adesão. Conclusões. Para organizar um programa de vacinação bem-sucedido em uma pequena comunidade com recursos limitados para o tratamento de adolescentes de alto risco, é fundamental que os profissionais médi- cos apresentem informações confiáveis. As iniciativas de saúde pública devem se concentrar em aliviar o medo dos pais em relação às vacinas. Além disso, garantir que haja boa cooperação entre os médicos e o Departamento de Saúde Pública pode ajudar no sucesso da implementação. Por fim, o envolvimento de pediatras e o uso de áreas

A COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children aged 12-17 years in Curacao / Programa de vacunación contra la COVID-19 para adolescentes de alto riesgo de 12 a 17 años en Curazao / Programa de vacinação contra a COVID-19 para adolescentes de alto risco com idades entre 12 e 17 anos em Curaçao

ABSTRACT Objective. This study aimed to describe and critically evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children in Curacao and provide information about important factors such as parents' vaccination hesitancy and effective strategies for communicating and delivering information about vaccination. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. It was important to identify children aged 12-17 years who were at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection because of the limited medical facilities on the island; children considered to be at high risk were those with diseases such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes mellitus type 2. These children or their caregivers were invited by their pediatricians to be vaccinated as part of a program run by the Public Health Department of Curacao. These high-risk patients were vaccinated between 30 May 2021 and 25 February 2022 in designated child-friendly spaces, with a pediatrician present for guidance and reassurance. Children received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the recommended dose for their age. The primary outcome was a description and evaluation of the attendance for vaccination. The secondary outcomes were side effects after vaccination for the age groups 12-15 years and 16-17 years. Reasons for refusal or nonadherence were also registered. Results. Altogether 51% (24/47) of those aged 16-17 years who were invited were vaccinated compared with 42% (26/69) of those aged 12-15 years who were invited. Altogether, 46% of these high-risk children were vaccinated compared with 48% of children aged 12-17 years without risk factors. In our population, most patients did not experience any side effects and if they did, the side effects were mild. No cases of myocarditis or pericarditis were observed. A lack of trust in the vaccine and a lack of prioritization of vaccination when scheduling daily activities were important factors in refusal and nonadherence. Conclusions. To organize a successful vaccination program in a small community with limited resources for treating high-risk children it is crucial for medical professionals to provide reliable information. Public health initiatives should focus on assuaging parents' fears about vaccines. In addition, ensuring there is good cooperation between doctors and the Public Health Department can help to make implementation successful. Finally, involving pediatricians and using dedicated areas for vaccinating children can help build trust with parents and caregivers.

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RESUMO Objetivo. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e avaliar de maneira crítica o programa de vacinação contra a COVID-19 para adolescentes de alto risco em Curaçao e dar informações sobre fatores importantes, como a hesitação vacinal dos pais e estratégias efetivas para comunicar e fornecer informações sobre a vacinação. Métodos. Este foi um estudo transversal. Era importante identificar os adolescentes entre 12 e 17 anos que tinham alto risco de infecção grave por COVID-19 devido à escassez de estabelecimentos de saúde na ilha; os adolescentes considerados de alto risco tinham obesidade, hipertensão arterial ou diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Esses adolescentes e seus cuidadores foram convidados por seus pediatras a serem vacinados como parte de um programa do Departamento de Saúde Pública de Curaçao. Esses pacientes de alto risco foram vacinados entre 30 de maio de 2021 e 25 de fevereiro de 2022 em espaços adaptados para adolescentes e com a presença de um pediatra para orientação e segurança. Os adolescentes receberam a vacina Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 na dose recomendada para a idade. O desfecho primário foi a descrição e a avaliação do comparecimento à vacinação. Os desfechos secundários foram os efeitos colaterais após a vacinação nas faixas etárias de 12 a 15 anos e de 16 a 17 anos. Os motivos de recusa ou não adesão também foram registrados. Resultados. No total, 51% (24/47) dos adolescentes convidados de 16 a 17 anos de idade foram vacinados, em comparação com 42% (26/69) dos adolescentes convidados de 12 a 15 anos de idade. No total, 46% desses adolescentes de alto risco foram vacinados, em comparação com 48% dos adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos sem fatores de risco. Na população do estudo, a maioria dos pacientes não apresentou nenhum efeito colateral e, quando presentes, os efeitos colaterais foram leves. Não foram observados casos de miocardite ou pericardite. A falta de confiança na vacina e a falta de priorização da vacinação ao programar as atividades diárias foram fatores importantes para recusa e não adesão. Conclusões. Para organizar um programa de vacinação bem-sucedido em uma pequena comunidade com recursos limitados para o tratamento de adolescentes de alto risco, é fundamental que os profissionais médicos apresentem informações confiáveis. As iniciativas de saúde pública devem se concentrar em aliviar o medo dos pais em relação às vacinas. Além disso, garantir que haja boa cooperação entre os médicos e o Departamento de Saúde Pública pode ajudar no sucesso da implementação. Por fim, o envolvimento de pediatras e o uso de áreas exclusivas para a vacinação de adolescentes podem ajudar a criar confiança nos pais e cuidadores.

Effects of biofeedback on trunk sway during dual tasking in the healthy young and elderly.

We examined the effect of biofeedback of trunk sway on balance control while walking and performing a simultaneous cognitive or motor task. Thirteen healthy elderly (mean age (+/-S.E.M.) 70.8+/-2.0 years) and 16 healthy young (mean age 21.5+/-0.7 years) subjects performed three gait tasks while wearing body-worn gyroscopes, mounted at L1-3, to measure trunk sway. The gait tasks were walking normally, walking and counting backwards in 7's, and walking while carrying a tray with cups of water. Differences in trunk sway were examined when subjects performed the gait tasks with or without a head mounted actuator system which provided subjects with vibro-tactile, auditory and visual biofeedback of trunk sway. In the young, trunk pitch (fore-aft) angles, and trunk roll (sideways) and pitch angular velocities were significantly reduced using biofeedback across all three gait tasks. In the elderly, the same angle and angular velocities were also significantly reduced while walking normally. During walking while carrying a tray, only trunk sway velocities were significantly reduced, whereas no improvements were seen for walking while counting backwards. Counting backwards ability significantly improved with feedback. Young participants were able to perform a dual task during gait and employ biofeedback to reduce trunk sway. Elderly participants were not able to reduce sway using biofeedback during the cognitive task but were able to reduce sway velocities with biofeedback during the motor task.

Directional effects of biofeedback on trunk sway during gait tasks in healthy young subjects.

Biofeedback of trunk sway is a possible remedy for patients with balance disorders. Because these patients have a tendency to fall more in one direction, we investigated whether biofeedback has a directional effect on trunk sway during gait. Forty healthy young participants (mean age 23.1 years) performed 10 gait tasks with and without biofeedback. Combined vibrotactile, auditory and visual feedback on trunk sway in either the lateral or anterior-posterior (AP) direction was provided by a head-mounted actuator system. Trunk roll and pitch angles, calculated from trunk angular velocities measured with gyroscopes, were used to drive the feedback. A reduction in sway velocities occurred across all tasks regardless of feedback direction. Reductions in sway angles depended on the task. Generally, reductions were greater in pitch. For walking up and down stairs, or over barriers, pitch angle reductions were greater with AP than lateral feedback. For tandem and normal walking, reductions were similar in pitch and roll angles for both feedback directions. For walking while rotating or pitching the head or with eyes closed, only pitch angle was reduced for both feedback directions. These results indicate that the central nervous system is able to incorporate biofeedback of trunk sway from either the AP or lateral direction to achieve a reduction in both pitch and roll sway. Greater reductions in pitch suggest a greater ability to use this direction of trunk sway biofeedback during gait.