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1.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 11: 1338317, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38983365

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The vaccines developed against COVID-19 have different modes of action, with a primary focus on the spike protein of the virus. Adverse effects following vaccination have been reported, including local and systemic symptoms. Understanding the potential side effects on the urinary tract after vaccination is of importance. Actively investigating and comprehending the potential impact on the urinary tract, we can enhance public health strategies and pave the way for safer and more effective vaccination programs. Methodology: The study was based on an online survey that included the Spanish Version of the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS-S); 2,362 men and women replied to the survey. After the application of the exclusion criteria, 1,563 participants were insured. In the context of COVID-19, individuals were questioned regarding several key factors related to their vaccination status and medical history. These factors included the number of vaccine doses received, the specific type of vaccine administered, whether they had previously contracted COVID-19, and the frequency of prior infections, if applicable. Results: A total of 1,563 (74.7% women and 27.3% men) subjects between the ages of 18 and 45 completed the survey and were included in the final analyses. The most frequently administered vaccine type was Pfizer-BioNTech (42.2%), and most subjects received three doses. The proportion of females who received the AstraZeneca vaccine and do not require to urinate during the night is significantly higher compared to males (59.1% vs. 33.3%; p<0.05). The proportion of individuals who urinate five or more times during the night is higher in those who have received a single vaccine dose than in those who have received three doses (2.2% vs. 0.1%; p<0.05). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination has been found to impact the lower urinary tract (LUT) and overactive bladder (OAB). Initially, LUT symptoms worsened, and OABSS-S scores increased after the first vaccine dose in individuals under 45 years old. However, symptoms improved after receiving the third and fourth doses. Gender differences were observed in the vaccination effects. Men vaccinated with AstraZeneca reported a higher number of nighttime voids, while women vaccinated with Moderna reported more daytime voids.

2.
Z Rheumatol ; 2024 Jul 15.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39007934

ABSTRACT

The pandemic led to a global disruption of public life unprecedented in modern times due to an infectious disease, which certainly caused additional special burdens for patients with chronic diseases as well as for personnel in the healthcare system. The German Society of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (DGRh), with its Executive Board and two ad hoc commissions, responded promptly to the complex challenges posed by the pandemic for rheumatological care in Germany with provision of a comprehensive and professionally sound range of information and provided concrete assistance in many situations. The diverse activities of the DGRh in the context of the pandemic led to national and international attention and consideration of its committees and recommendations in national committees and guidelines.

3.
Front Oncol ; 14: 1398078, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39026972

ABSTRACT

Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has revolutionized the management of hematological malignancies. In addition to impressive malignancy-related outcomes, CAR T-cell therapy has significant toxicity-related adverse events, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), immune effector cell-associated hematotoxicity (ICAHT), and opportunistic infections. Different CAR T-cell targets have different epidemiology and risk factors for infection, and these targets result in different long-term immunodeficiency states due to their distinct on-target and off- tumor effects. These effects are exacerbated by the use of multimodal immunosuppression in the management of CRS and ICANS. The most effective course of action for managing infectious complications involves determining screening, prophylactic, and monitoring strategies and understanding the role of immunoglobulin replacement and re-vaccination strategies. This involves considering the nature of prior immunomodulating therapies, underlying malignancy, the CAR T-cell target, and the development and management of related adverse events. In conclusion, we now have an increasing understanding of infection management for CAR T-cell recipients. As additional effector cells and CAR T-cell targets become available, infection management strategies will continue to evolve.

4.
Vaccines (Basel) ; 12(6)2024 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38932400

ABSTRACT

Background: It was to understand HPV vaccination patterns, uptake, perceptions, and sexual risk factors in students at a Midwest public university. Participants: Students were enrolled during the spring 2024 semester at the University of Iowa. Methods: A survey was developed and emailed to 28,095 students asking demographic, general and sexual health, and HPV-related questions. Results: The response rate was 4.9%, with 76% females and a median age of 22. The HPV vaccine uptake was 82%, with 88% recommending the vaccine. Parental preference was the main reason for being unvaccinated. The median age of sexual debut was 17 years, with a median of 2 sexual partners. Vaccination was associated with female, health science, sexually active, and COVID-19/influenza vaccinated students. Conclusions: HPV vaccine uptake at University of Iowa students is higher than the national and Iowa averages. Increased education regarding HPV vaccination is still needed, particularly in males, those not having sex, and those not receiving other vaccines.

5.
JMIR Med Inform ; 12: e57164, 2024 Jun 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38904984

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vaccines serve as a crucial public health tool, although vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a significant threat to full vaccine uptake and, consequently, community health. Understanding and tracking vaccine hesitancy is essential for effective public health interventions; however, traditional survey methods present various limitations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to create a real-time, natural language processing (NLP)-based tool to assess vaccine sentiment and hesitancy across 3 prominent social media platforms. METHODS: We mined and curated discussions in English from Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X), Reddit, and YouTube social media platforms posted between January 1, 2011, and October 31, 2021, concerning human papillomavirus; measles, mumps, and rubella; and unspecified vaccines. We tested multiple NLP algorithms to classify vaccine sentiment into positive, neutral, or negative and to classify vaccine hesitancy using the World Health Organization's (WHO) 3Cs (confidence, complacency, and convenience) hesitancy model, conceptualizing an online dashboard to illustrate and contextualize trends. RESULTS: We compiled over 86 million discussions. Our top-performing NLP models displayed accuracies ranging from 0.51 to 0.78 for sentiment classification and from 0.69 to 0.91 for hesitancy classification. Explorative analysis on our platform highlighted variations in online activity about vaccine sentiment and hesitancy, suggesting unique patterns for different vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: Our innovative system performs real-time analysis of sentiment and hesitancy on 3 vaccine topics across major social networks, providing crucial trend insights to assist campaigns aimed at enhancing vaccine uptake and public health.

6.
Arch Dermatol Res ; 316(6): 285, 2024 May 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38796548

ABSTRACT

Biologics and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are immunomodulating and immunosuppressing medications utilized to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis (PSO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and alopecia areata (AA). Special recommendations must be considered when prescribing vaccinations in this population, as the pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccine are recommended to patients ≥ 19-years-old (rather than ≥ 65-years-old and ≥ 50-years-old as in the general population, respectively), along with a yearly influenza and up to date COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, TNF-α and JAK-inhibitors may increase the risk of latent Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation among high-risk patients. Prior to prescribing these medications, a quantitative HepB Surface Antibody (HepB SA) test is performed to determine immunity. This study utilized the SlicerDicer function on EPIC Medical Records to search for any patient ≥ 19-years-old prescribed a biologic or JAK inhibitor for AD, PSO, PsA, or AA between 10/2003 and 10/2023 at a large tertiary institution. Vaccination rates among patients on biologics and JAK inhibitors were low, with rates being significantly lower in patients 19-64 years-old, compared to those ≥ 65 years-old for most disease states (p < 0.01). Among AD, PSO/PsA, and AA patients, on average, 9.39% were vaccinated for influenza, 6.76% for herpes zoster, 16.56% for pneumococcal pneumonia, and 63.98% for COVID-19. Only 3.16% of patients were adequately vaccinated for HepB after an abnormal HepB SA test. Here, extremely low rates of vaccination among patients on biologics and JAK inhibitors at our institution were highlighted, emphasizing the imperative need for ensuring vaccination in this group.


Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata , Arthritis, Psoriatic , Biological Products , Dermatitis, Atopic , Vaccination , Humans , Middle Aged , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology , Dermatitis, Atopic/epidemiology , Male , Adult , Female , Alopecia Areata/immunology , Alopecia Areata/drug therapy , Alopecia Areata/epidemiology , Biological Products/therapeutic use , Biological Products/adverse effects , Aged , Young Adult , Arthritis, Psoriatic/drug therapy , Arthritis, Psoriatic/immunology , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Psoriasis/immunology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/immunology , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2/immunology
7.
J Prev Med Hyg ; 65(1): E98-E104, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38706760

ABSTRACT

In recent years, diphtheria has re-emerged in areas with inadequate vaccination coverage, and Europe has not been spared with several cases among migrants. Diphtheria is a potentially fatal infection caused mainly by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Due to the high mortality rate, especially among young children, the fight against diphtheria is considered one of the first conquests of immunization. In the history of medicine, there is a unique case of an unconventional response to a diphtheria outbreak in which sled dogs were used to overcome the supply difficulties of diphtheria antitoxin. The mass media followed the medical response to the outbreak and raised audience awareness of public health issues. The facts of Nome, Alaska, in 1925 can serve as a catalyst to rethink conventional responses to diphtheria outbreaks in low-income countries today and promote mass media awareness of public health importance.


Subject(s)
Diphtheria , Diphtheria/prevention & control , Diphtheria/history , Animals , Humans , History, 20th Century , Dogs , Alaska , Togo , Corynebacterium diphtheriae , Disease Outbreaks , Diphtheria Antitoxin/history , Seasons
8.
J Prev Med Hyg ; 65(1): E105-E112, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38706758

ABSTRACT

In the spring of 1964, polio vaccination with the oral vaccine developed by Albert Sabin began in Italy. Polio was feared in the world and in Italy. Thus, between 1957 and the beginning of 1958, Italian children began receiving the "Salk vaccine", though the results were not particularly convincing. In July 1960, the international scientific community was able to verify the data from the mass testing of the Sabin vaccine. It became clear that the OPV, could prevent the virus from multiplying, thereby providing greater protection and determining the eradication of the disease. In 1960 over 70 million people in the USSR alone had already received the oral vaccine and mass vaccination in the USA would start in March 1961. However, in Italy there was no similar initiative; only later the new vaccine was accepted but was not made compulsory at the beginning. As a result of the commission's report, registration of the "Polioral" vaccine, was authorized in September 1962 but the sale of the vaccine was not authorized until November 1963. At the beginning of 1964, the production of "Polioral" started and the product was marketed and on the 1 st of March 1964, anti-polio vaccination with the "Sabin anti-polio vaccine" also began in Italy. This manuscript focuses on a crucial issue about a historical delay for public health and it points out as the preparation and diffusion of the Sabin polio vaccine demonstrates that decisions regarding health treatments, and specifically vaccination campaigns, must be based exclusively on the results of clinical studies and on independent evaluation by the scientific community. This process ensures trust in vaccines, adequate protection of public health andcitizens' well-being.


Subject(s)
Poliomyelitis , Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral , Italy , Humans , Poliomyelitis/prevention & control , Poliomyelitis/history , Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral/history , History, 20th Century , Vaccination/history , Disease Eradication/history
9.
Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother ; 12: 25151355241249607, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38726045

ABSTRACT

Background: Immunization is one of the most significant health initiatives of recent times. Despite this, vaccine hesitancy is increasing and was listed as one of the top 10 threats to global health by the World Health Organization in 2019. A major factor associated with vaccine hesitancy is thought to be the viral spread of misinformation by a small but active anti-vaccination movement. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the influences of social media on vaccine decision-making in parents. Design: This study is part of a larger body of research that explored vaccine decision-making in parents. Other methods included were an online survey and semi-structured interviews. This study investigated the influence of cyberculture on parents in an online environment. Method: This study employed netnography, a form of qualitative inquiry with its roots in ethnography as methodology and a purpose-designed Facebook page as the means of exploring a purpose-designed online community with a particular focus on the culture, belief systems and influences present. Both manual and computer-assisted thematic analyses were used to analyse the data obtained. Results: Three key themes were identified in this study. These included vaccine safety concerns, the emotional debate and COVID-19-specific issues. The results indicated the presence of strong anti-vaccination sentiment combined with an 'infodemic' of conspiracy theories, misinformation and vitriol with the potential to negatively impact parents seeking immunization information. Conclusion: Given the popularity and accessibility of social media and the ready access to misinformation present online, it is evident that parental vaccine decision-making may be impacted adversely. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals are aware of this and provide adequate and timely education prior to parents seeking information on social media.


Exploring the influence of social media on vaccine decision-making in parents: a netnography This research explored the impact of Facebook interactions on the vaccine decision-making of parents.

10.
Infect Disord Drug Targets ; 24(4): 72-75, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38757699

ABSTRACT

Background: With the emergence of vaccines for COVID-19, mortality and severity of disease have decreased. However, patients with certain comorbidities, such as immunosuppression, CKD, and renal transplant, still have higher mortality rates as compared to the general population. Current data suggests that the risk of developing COVID-19 among transplant patients was reported to be about 5%, which is significantly higher than the risk rate of 0.3% in the general population. Studies utilizing larger sample sizes (i.e., multiple cohorts, sites, hospitals) comparing COVID-19 outcomes among renal transplant patients with a control group are lacking.

Objective: The purpose of this descriptive study was to compare the mortality rate between vaccinated and unvaccinated kidney transplant recipients.

Methods: Participants were recruited at a community-based transplant clinic in West Texas.

Results: Among the group of participants who tested positive for COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022, higher mortality rates and longer hospital stays were noted among those unvaccinated (72% unvaccinated had greater than 5-day length of stay vs. 33% vaccinated).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that vaccination against COVID-19 decreases mortality rates in kidney transplant recipients.

.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Kidney Transplantation , Transplant Recipients , Vaccination , Humans , Male , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/mortality , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Transplant Recipients/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , Texas/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data
11.
Life (Basel) ; 14(5)2024 Apr 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38792562

ABSTRACT

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable diseases. At the same time, they are less likely to respond to vaccinations, and might have a higher rate of vaccine adverse event and faster waning of protective effect. International and national guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccinating people living with HIV against respiratory system disease pathogens including seasonal influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and COVID-19, as well as against sexually transmitted infections, i.e., Hepatitis A and B (HAV, HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the current knowledge regarding the immune and clinical responses elicited by vaccinations in the older adult population living with HIV.

12.
Clin Hematol Int ; 6(2): 31-45, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38817309

ABSTRACT

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has changed the paradigm of management of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma. Infection complications have emerged as a concern that can arise in the setting of therapy and lead to morbidity and mortality. In this review, we classified infection complications into three categories, pre-infusion phase from the time pre- lymphodepletion (LD) up to day zero, early phase from day of infusion to day 30 post-infusion, and late phase after day 30 onwards. Infections arising in the pre-infusion phase are closely related to previous chemotherapy and bridging therapy. Infections arising in the early phase are more likely related to LD chemo and the expected brief period of grade 3-4 neutropenia. Infections arising in the late phase are particularly worrisome because they are associated with adverse risk features including prolonged neutropenia, dysregulation of humoral and adaptive immunity with lymphopenia, hypogammaglobinemia, and B cell aplasia. Bacterial, respiratory and other viral infections, protozoal and fungal infections can occur during this time . We recommend enhanced supportive care including prompt recognition and treatment of neutropenia with growth factor support, surveillance testing for specific viruses in the appropriate instance, management of hypogammaglobulinemia with repletion as appropriate and extended antimicrobial prophylaxis in those at higher risk (e.g. high dose steroid use and prolonged cytopenia). Finally, we recommend re-immunizing patients post CAR-T based on CDC and transplant guidelines.

13.
Cureus ; 16(3): e55861, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38595872

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus infectious disease, that emerged in 2019 (COVID-19) has been a major public health issue not only in Japan, but also worldwide, and the implementation of a proper vaccination strategy has been important. To promote vaccination, the present study compared impressions of COVID-19 vaccinations stratified by the number of vaccinations among healthcare professional university students in Okayama, Japan, and suggests better vaccination strategies. METHOD: A total of 212 Japanese healthcare professional university students were enrolled in this clinical qualitative study using the text mining method. A self-reported questionnaire, including questions such as "What do you think about COVID-19 vaccinations?" was performed. We also examined the number of vaccinations, sex, history of COVID-19 infection, and daily mask use. RESULTS: A total of 5,935 words were obtained and "Think" (169 times) was the most frequently used followed by "Inject" (108 times), "Inoculation" (97 times), "Vaccine" (83 times), "Corona" (66 times) and "Side effects" (49 times). Characteristic words were "Safety" in non-vaccinated subjects and "Side effects" and "Necessary" in vaccinated subjects. In addition, "Safety" in non-vaccinated men and "Frightening" in non-vaccinated women were characteristic and fundamental features. CONCLUSION: Impressions of COVID-19 vaccinations stratified by the number of vaccinations differed among healthcare professional university students. The provision of appropriate information on safety to non-vaccinated subjects and side effects to vaccinated subjects appears to be necessary. In addition, sex-specific information may be required for non-vaccinated subjects.

14.
Cureus ; 16(3): e56425, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38638797

ABSTRACT

Introduction Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) plays a vital role in viral-induced hypercoagulability through the initiation of a cytokine storm. This mechanism has been found to predispose unvaccinated patients to systemic complications including arterial thrombosis (AT) with poor 30-day amputation-free survival rates. There remains, however, little understanding regarding the incidence in patients who have received a COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to assess the incidence, management and outcomes of vaccinated patients with COVID-19 who develop thrombotic complications to reduce amputation and direct mortality. Methods The case notes of all emergency patients with COVID-19 referred to the vascular services in a tertiary referral centre between November 2021 and April 2022 were reviewed. Patients who were unvaccinated or admitted with stroke or coronary thrombosis were excluded. The study was undertaken to measure 30-day outcomes. Results Between November 2021 and April 2022, 167,290 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Norfolk. Thirty-one patients under the vascular service had COVID-19, of which, one patient was unvaccinated. Only one vaccinated patient was referred with AT and had a positive COVID-19 result two days after admission. Above-knee amputation was performed within 30 days and he survived. Seventeen percent of patients contracted COVID-19 during their hospital admission. Conclusion The incidence of acute limb ischaemia in vaccinated patients is low; however, the 30-day outcomes remain poor. Compared to unvaccinated patients, there was a significant reduction in the presentation of AT in vaccinated patients during that timeframe, despite a higher background number of COVID-19 cases. Therefore, vaccination may minimise the risk of AT.

15.
Vaccines (Basel) ; 12(4)2024 Mar 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38675748

ABSTRACT

Background: The pandemic has proven to be a particular challenge for healthcare workers, not only in the professional but also individual sense. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced their well-being and caused psychological distress. Undoubtedly, direct contact with sick patients, the fight against the pandemic, and observing the epidemiological situation influenced the attitudes of this group towards COVID-19 and vaccinations. The aim of the study was to analyse the level of anxiety among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess attitudes towards vaccinations against COVID-19. Methods: The cross-sectional study followed the recommendations of STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). A convenience purposive sampling method was used and the study was led among nurses and doctors employed in healthcare facilities. The study used a survey and the Trait Anxiety Scale SL-C. Results: The study included 385 participants, with an average age of 48.41 ± 6.76 years. The nurses constituted 55% of the study group and the doctors 45%. A total of 70% of healthcare workers had over 10 years of work experience. Over half of the subjects (57%) became infected with COVID-19. A total of 85% of respondents have received vaccination. A total of 71% of respondents believe vaccinations are harmless. Frequently, the participants assessed their level of anxiety as moderate. Conclusions: Almost all surveyed doctors chose to be vaccinated, while the percentage of vaccinated nurses was significantly lower. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the employment position has a significant influence on the decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In self-assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare professionals experienced a moderate level of anxiety. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccination reduced the level of anxiety.

16.
Vaccines (Basel) ; 12(4)2024 Apr 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38675760

ABSTRACT

Diphtheria and tetanus could lead to serious morbidity. We aimed to evaluate immunity levels by measuring specific IgG antibodies for diphtheria and tetanus in serum samples from a nationally expanded sample of the Greek population. A geographically stratified sampling approach based on regional units (NUTS level 2) was applied by considering variables such as age group (30-80+) and sex. In total, 1201 persons (47.7% males and 52.3% females) participated in the survey. Bivariate analysis revealed a negative relationship between diphtheria and tetanus median antibody titers and age. The overall seropositivity rate for diphtheria IgG antibodies (≥0.10 IU/mL) was estimated at 31.5%. Regarding tetanus, the total seropositivity rate was estimated at 59.5% (tetanus IgG antibodies ≥0.10 IU/mL). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age groups <40 years and 40-59 years were independently associated with tetanus seropositivity. Logistic regression also revealed that male sex and being aged 60-69 years were independent risk factors for diphtheria-related seropositivity. Lastly, being resident of some regions was an independent risk factor for both diphtheria- and tetanus-related seropositivity. The present study shows that Greek adults are still not completely immune to diphtheria and tetanus. It is likely possible to achieve optimal immunization coverage by implementing serviceable public health initiatives after comprehending real community needs.

17.
World J Clin Oncol ; 15(3): 378-380, 2024 Mar 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38576600

ABSTRACT

Cancer immunotherapy is an effective with critical approaches in the treatment of oncological patients. Whilst numerous research and clinical trials are underway to develop endogenous immunotherapy approaches, it is necessary to focus on fundamental issues and identify barriers to basic clinical progress. Addressing these challenges and the new pathways will require researchers and clinicians to join forces to accelerate the understanding of the complex interactions between cancer and the immune system and focus resources on developing better treatments for patients.

18.
J Bioeth Inq ; 21(1): 57-66, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38427178

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic broke out at the end of 2019, and throughout 2020 there were intensive international efforts to find a vaccine for the disease, which had already led to the deaths of some five million people. In December 2020, several pharmaceutical companies announced that they had succeeded in producing an effective vaccine, and after approval by the various regulatory bodies, countries started to vaccinate their citizens. With the start of the global campaign to vaccinate the world's population against COVID-19, debates over the prioritization of different sections of the population began around the world, but the prison population has generally been absent from these discussions. APPROACH AND FINDINGS: This article presents the approach of Jewish ethics regarding this issue, that is, that there is a religious and a moral obligation to heal the other and to take care of his or her medical well-being and that this holds true even for a prisoner who has committed a serious crime. Hence, prisoners should be vaccinated according to the same priorities that govern the administration of the vaccine among the general public. ORIGINALITY: The originality of the article is in a comprehensive and comparative reference between general ethics and Jewish ethics on a subject that has not yet received the proper attention.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Judaism , Prisoners , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , Vaccination/ethics , Pandemics/prevention & control , Moral Obligations , Jews , Prisons
19.
Vaccine ; 42(11): 2919-2926, 2024 Apr 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38553291

ABSTRACT

Behavioural science constructs can be incorporated into messaging strategies to enhance the effectiveness of public health campaigns by increasing the occurrence of desired behaviours. This study investigated the impact of behavioural science-informed text message strategies on COVID-19 vaccination rates in 18-39-year-olds in an area of low uptake in London during the first vaccination offer round in the United Kingdom. This three-armed randomised trial recruited unvaccinated residents of an urban Central London suburb being offered their first vaccination between May and June 2021. Participants were randomised to receive the control (current practice) text message or one of two different behavioural science-informed COVID-19 vaccine invitation strategies. Both intervention strategies contained the phrase "your vaccine is ready and waiting for you", aiming to evoke a sense of ownership, with one strategy also including a pre-alert message. The main outcome measures were vaccination rates at 3 and 8 weeks after message delivery. A total of 88,820 residents were randomly assigned to one of the three trial arms. Each arm had a vaccine uptake rate of 27.2 %, 27.4 % and 27.3 % respectively. The mean age of participants was 28.2 years (SD ± 5.7), the mean index of multiple deprivation was 4.3 (SD ± 2.0) and 50.4 % were women. Vaccine uptake varied by demographics, however there was no significant difference between trial arms (p = 0.872). Delivery was successful for 53.6 % of text messages. Our choice of behavioural science informed messaging strategies did not improve vaccination rates above the rate seen for the current practice message. This likely reflects the wide exposure to public health campaigns during the pandemic, as such text messages nudges were unlikely to alter existing informed decision-making processes. Text message delivery was relatively low, indicating a need for accurate mobile phone number records and multi-modal approaches to reach eligible patients for vaccination. The protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04895683) on 20/05/2021.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Text Messaging , Vaccines , Humans , Female , Adult , Male , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19/prevention & control , Reminder Systems , Vaccination
20.
Vaccines (Basel) ; 12(3)2024 Mar 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38543899

ABSTRACT

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic profoundly impacted people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Disease-related aspects and demographic factors may influence vaccination rates, infection susceptibility, and severity. Despite prior research, comprehensive real-world data obtained throughout the pandemic remain limited. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection patterns in a large monocentric real-world cohort. We collected prospective data from medical visits at the MS Center Dresden, Germany, from the pandemic's beginning until 31 May 2022. Logistic regression and rank correlation analyses were used to explore associations between SARS-CoV-2 outcomes and patient characteristics. Of 2115 pwMS assessed (mean age 46.5, SD ± 12.9; median expanded disability status scale 2.5), 77.9% were under disease-modifying treatment (DMT), primarily B-cell depletion (25.4%). A total of 35.5% reported SARS-CoV-2 infections, and 77.4% were fully vaccinated. PwMS with increased disability, older age, and comorbidities were associated with higher vaccination rates, possibly due to the awareness of these populations regarding complications of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Infections were more common in younger females, people with a lower degree of disability, those with relapsing MS, and those who were not vaccinated. PwMS on B-cell depletion reported more infections than untreated pwMS and those receiving other types of disease-modifying therapy, despite higher vaccination rates. Most infections were mild, with no severity differences according to demographic or disease-related factors, except for gender. Notably, all fatal cases occurred in unvaccinated pwMS. Our studies suggest that demographic and disease-related factors, especially age and the use of B-cell depletion, significantly influenced SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection rates in our cohort. These factors may be considered in future preventive campaigns in further pandemics.

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