Myocarditis, Coagulopathy, and Small Fibre, Sensory, and Multiple Cranial Nerve Neuropathy Complicating BNT162b2 Vaccination: A Case Report.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations can lead to complications, including post-acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PACVS). There has been no report of a patient with PACVS presenting with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), myocarditis/pericarditis, immunodeficiency, or coagulopathy after the second BNT162b2 dose. The patient is a 51-year-old woman with chronic myopericarditis, coagulopathy due to factor-VIII increase and protein-S deficiency, GBS, and a number of other ocular, dermatological, immunological, and central nervous system abnormalities related to the second dose of the BNT172b2 vaccine. GBS manifested with mild, multiple cranial nerve lesions, small fibre neuropathy (SFN) affecting the autonomic system with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypotension, and sensory disturbances in the upper and lower limbs. PACVS was diagnosed months after onset, but despite the delayed diagnosis, the patient benefited from glucocorticoids, repeated HELP apheresis, and multiple symptomatic treatments. The case shows that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination can be complicated by PACVS manifesting as chronic myopericarditis, coagulopathy, GBS with predominant dysautonomia, and impaired immune competence, and that diagnosis of PACVS can be delayed for months. Delayed diagnosis of PACVS may result in a delay in appropriate treatment and the prolongation of disabling symptoms. Patients and physicians should be made aware of PACVS to improve diagnostic and therapeutic management in terms of patient and healthcare system costs.

COVID-19 prophylaxis, diagnostics, and treatment in patients with rheumatic diseases. The Polish experts panel opinion.

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolves, infection management in vulnerable populations requires formalized guidance. Although low-virulence variants of SARS-CoV-2 remain predominant, they pose an increased risk of severe illness in adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Several disease-specific (chronic long-grade inflammation, concomitant immunosuppression) and individual (advanced age, multimorbidity, pregnancy, vaccination status) factors contribute to excess risk in RMD populations. Various post-COVID-19 manifestations are also increasingly reported and appear more commonly than in the general population. At a pathogenetic level, complex interplay involving innate and acquired immune dysregulation, viral persistence, and genetic predisposition shapes a unique susceptibility profile. Moreover, incident cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a trigger factor for the development of autoimmune conditions have been reported. Vaccination remains a key preventive strategy, and encouraging active education and awareness will be crucial for rheumatologists in the upcoming years. In patients with RMDs, COVID-19 vaccines' benefits outweigh the risks. Derivation of specialized diagnostic and therapeutic protocols within a comprehensive COVID-19 care plan represents an ideal scenario for healthcare system organization. Vigilance for symptoms of infection and rapid diagnosis are key for introducing antiviral treatment in patients with RMDs in a timely manner. This review provides updated guidance on optimal immunization, diagnosis, and antiviral treatment strategies.

Causes and Effects of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Pregnant Women and its Association with Adverse Maternal, Placental, and Perinatal Outcomes.

Populations identified to be severely affected by COVID-19, such as pregnant patients, require special consideration in vaccine counseling, access, and provider education. Maternal infection with COVID-19 poses a significant risk to the maternal-fetal dyad with known adverse placenta destruction [1-5]. Despite the widespread access and availability of vaccinations, vaccine hesitancy continues to persist and is highly prevalent in pregnant populations [6-9]. Addressing the multitude of social ecological factors surrounding vaccine hesitancy can aid in providing holistic counseling [10]. However, such factors are foremost shaped by maternal concern over possible fetal effects from vaccination. While changes in policy can help foster vaccine access and acceptance, increasing global provider education and incorporation of motivational interviewing skills are the first steps towards increasing maternal acceptance.

Marital conflict of a nurse family following COVID-19 vaccinations: A case studying.

Vaccination is one of the best strategies to control a pandemic. Although there is much research evidence of its effectiveness, a small percentage of people would not incubate the vaccine. After starting vaccination of healthcare workers as the first group in Iran, there were many debates and concerns regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine and its long-term side effects among them. In this investigation, the impact of these disagreements on the relationship of a nurse couple has been presented. The wife believed that people should incubate the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and the man was anti-vaxxer and he believed that COVID-19 vaccines are not safe and it should be refused. After that, the wife got the COVID-19 vaccine, and their difference in views led to marital conflicts and disturbance in the function of the family. This case study was approved by the Research Council and Ethics Committee of Semnan University of Medical Science. Vaccine refusing could have complicated effects on a community and family. There should be a plan to assess families' function and apply it in the case of disturbance in families' function. Moreover, several strategies should be implemented to persuade anti-vaxxers.

COVID-19 and vaccination in hereditary angioedema: Single center experience.

Like many microbial agents, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its vaccination may increase the frequency and/or severity of attacks. We aimed to observe/evaluate patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) followed by Sakarya University Research/Training Hospital pediatric allergy unit, Sakarya, Türkiye, for the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Ten HAE patients-3 males and 7 females-were evaluated retrospectively. Their mean age was 31.80 ± 19.15 (min. 12 - max. 66) years. Four of 10 patients were diagnosed with type 1 HAE and 6 with type 2 HAE. Two out of 6 patients (mother and daughter) diagnosed with type 2 HAE had angioedema attacks during COVID-19 disease. Six out of 10 HAE patients received different COVID-19 vaccines available in Türkiye up to third and fourth doses. There was no increase in COVID-19 vaccine-related attacks during, after 72 hours, and up to the year after vaccination. As a result, we consider it safe to administer inactivated and/or mRNA vaccines in our patients with HAE. In addition, catching SARS-CoV-2 infection was not always associated with disease exacerbation or activation.

Prevalence of Penicillin Resistance Among Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates in a General Hospital in Southwest Saudi Arabia: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

Background The rise in infections caused by penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae has become a global concern. However, the magnitude of this problem in Southwest Saudi Arabia has never been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of this bacteria in the region using in vitro data. Materials and methods This study retrospectively studied pneumococcal isolates collected by the Microbiology Laboratory of a general hospital in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia, from January 2013 to December 2017. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 8 mg/L was used as a cutoff concentration to detect the resistant isolates. Results A total of 201 S. pneumoniae isolates were identified using the VITEK® 2 system (bioMérieux SA, Marcy-l'Étoile, France). Most of these isolates (61%) were obtained from respiratory specimens, including sputum, tracheal aspirates, and bronchoalveolar lavage. Eye swabs accounted for 15% of the isolates, blood samples contributed 12%, ear swabs accounted for 7%, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 3.4%. The resistance of S. pneumoniae during the five years varied from 61% to 76%, with an overall resistance of 70% (141/201). The resistance rate per year was 71% (43/60) in 2013, 76% (35/46) in 2014, 61% (22/36) in 2015, 68% (20/29) in 2016, and 66% (21/30) in 2017. Conclusion The data confirm the presence of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae in Southwest Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the high resistance suggests a potential concern, emphasizing the need for penicillin control, surveillance, and vaccination to address this growing problem.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated determinants in Addis Ketema Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A community-based study.

Background: Despite the global surge in the Corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, people's efforts to combat the pandemic have been insufficient. The world has experienced a number of challenges in terms of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Therefore, understanding the community's willingness to receive the vaccine will aid in the creation and implementation of effective COVID-19 immunization. As a result, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study with 419 household heads was undertaken in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To identify factors associated with the outcome and independent variables, bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were used. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were deemed sufficient to declare a significant association. Results: The level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 46.3 % (95 % CI: 43.87-48.73). Moreover, age groups above 58 years (AOR = 0.38, 95: CI: 0.17, 0.84), chronic disease (AOR: 2.09, 95 % CI: 1.28-3.42), a positive attitude (AOR: 1.64, 95 % CI: 1.29-2.04), being a Muslim (AOR: 0.36, 95 % CI: 0.19-0.71) and social support (AOR: 1.7, 95 % CI: 1.04-2.79) were all significantly related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed a lower rate of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Age, chronic disease, attitude, and social support were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Therefore, emphasis should be given for community mobilization, especially for the elderly, those with limited social engagement, and those who have a negative attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Sexually transmitted infections and the HPV-related burden: evolution of Italian epidemiology and policy.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem worldwide, with a high prevalence between the ages of 15 and 25 in most Western countries. High notification rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are reported in the WHO European Region, with differences between countries. In Italy, the total number of STIs alerts increased by 18% from 2020 to 2021. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection; globally one in seven women is infected by this virus, and certain sexual behaviors are important risk factors for HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer (CC), anogenital cancers and cancers of the head and neck. The burden of CC is relevant worldwide, in particular in Europe CC is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women aged 15-44. This HPV-related tumor is preventable through a combined strategy of vaccination and screening for precursor lesions. In Italy, the coverage of organized screening varies from region to region and the average HPV vaccination rate is still far from the expected optimal threshold of 95% at the age of 12. To address the challenges of health promotion and HPV prevention, priority actions are needed such as: promoting education and information at every level, from schools to healthcare professionals. In Italy, education of adolescents on sexual and reproductive health, still remains critical, regionally inhomogeneous and much lower than in other European countries. Equitable measures need to be taken, and schools are an important place for health promotion activities.

Acute Muscle Rigidity Secondary to Tetanus: A Toxicology Simulation Case for Fourth-Year Medical Students.

Introduction: Tetanus is uncommon in the United States secondary to vaccination. However, vaccination hesitancy is increasing. This case challenges medical students to consider tetanus in the differential and understand its complications. Methods: Fourth-year medical students took a pretest on the neurotransmitter glycine and associated disease states. They received two 10-minute lectures on glycine and acid-base abnormalities. Students then participated in a simulation featuring a 27-year-old man bitten by a dog, resulting in tetanus. Required equipment included a mannequin with monitor, a defibrillator, and personal protective equipment. Critical actions consisted of learners dividing up roles amongst each other, using closed-loop communication, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor, choosing to establish IV access and intubate the patient, starting IV fluids, and administering tetanus immunoglobulin. The case ended after 20 minutes. Outcome measurements encompassed performance on a posttest and critical actions. Results: Twenty students participated. Mean pretest and posttest scores were 69.5 and 92.5, respectively (p < .001). All groups completed the items on the critical actions checklist within a 20-minute time frame. Discussion: Rising vaccine hesitancy may increase the likelihood of physicians encountering new cases of tetanus and require them to perform lifesaving management of a patient presenting with muscle rigidity. This simulation provides learners with hands-on experience caring for a patient with tetanus and muscle rigidity. It can improve their knowledge of recognition, assessment, and decision-making toward lifesaving management of tetanus by allowing them to practice their skills in a safe environment.

Consensus Guidelines for Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Diabetes.

Influenza is a prevalent health issue encountered in daily practice. Patients with diabetes mellitus face a higher risk of infections, including influenza, owing to the compromised immune system associated with diabetes. This susceptibility arises from the potential of diabetes mellitus to weaken the immune system. Moreover, elevated blood glucose levels can create a conducive environment for the growth of bacteria and viruses. This consensus is formulated by a multidisciplinary team to serve as practical guidance for the administration of influenza vaccinations to patients with diabetes mellitus in daily practice.

Vaccine Trends in Pakistan: A Review of Immunization Challenges and Setbacks Prompted by Inadequate Disaster Management.

Pakistan bears an incredible burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, and efforts to improve widespread immunization have been hindered by inadequate public health management following disasters and other health emergencies. Through a brief review of Pakistan's health system, an understanding of routine immunization challenges is sought based on the organizational changes made to the planning and delivery of immunization activities. Further, recent immunization trends of measles, polio, and tuberculosis are examined in correspondence to health emergencies prompted by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. The national public health response to each disease is discussed, and insight is given to how the devolution of Pakistan's health system may have influenced the severity of each emergency. Focus is given to the potential immunization challenges and how they may impact future initiatives for the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Although incidence rates suggest increased cases of certain vaccine-preventable diseases and disruptions of immunization activities following recent disasters, further studies may need to be conducted to establish a stronger understanding of the immunization trends noted within this review.

The association of three vaccination doses with reduced gastrointestinal symptoms after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: The protective efficacy of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination against the new-onset gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms following COVID-19 infection is critical among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the optimal protective vaccine dose remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify whether there is a correlation between SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and GI symptoms following Omicron infection in patients with IBD. Methods: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study of IBD patients among three tertiary hospitals in eastern China. Professional physicians collected all data using online questionnaires. The patients were stratified into four groups: patients who were unvaccinated and patients who received one, two, or three vaccination doses. The primary outcome was the presence of any new-onset GI symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection before a negative SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test or a negative self-testing for antigens. Results: In total, 536 patients with IBD (175 unvaccinated, 31 vaccinated, 166 vaccinated with two doses, and 164 vaccinated with three doses) reported having COVID-19 infection. Compared with the unvaccinated, the three vaccination doses group was associated with reduced GI symptoms after infection (adjusted odds ratio = 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.90, P < 0.05). Reduced diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.92, P < 0.05) and nausea or vomiting (adjusted odds ratio = 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.21-0.92, P < 0.05) were observed in the three vaccination doses group compared with the unvaccinated group. Conclusions: In conclusion, in the 536 patients with IBD who reported COVID-19 infection, we found that the three vaccination doses, but not the one or two doses group, were associated with reduced GI symptoms after infection compared with the unvaccinated group.

Maintaining the Region of the Americas free of polio: best practices for incident management support teams.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and its Member States have been leading the efforts to eradicate wild poliovirus in the Region of Americas since smallpox's successful elimination in 1971. The region became the first to be certified free of wild poliovirus in 1994. However, in July 2022, an unvaccinated patient with no recent travel history was diagnosed with poliomyelitis in the United States of America. In response to the emergence of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the United States, PAHO established the Polio Incident Management Support Team. This team has been coordinating response efforts, focusing on: coordination, planning, and monitoring; risk communication and community engagement; surveillance and case investigation; vaccination; and rapid response. In this paper, we identified and documented best practices observed following establishment of the Incident Management Support Team (September 2022-2023) through a comprehensive review and analysis of various data sources and country-specific data from the polio surveillance dashboard. The aim was to share these best practices, highlighting technical support and implementation of polio measures by Member States. Despite several challenges, the Americas region remains polio-free. Polio risk is declining, with a July 2023 assessment showing fewer countries at medium, high, and very high risk. This progress reflects improved immunization coverage, surveillance, containment, health determinants, and outbreak preparedness and response. The PAHO Polio Incident Management Support Team has played a key role in supporting these efforts.

La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) y sus Estados Miembros han liderado los esfuerzos para erradicar el poliovirus salvaje en la Región de las Américas desde la eliminación exitosa de la viruela en 1971. En 1994, la Región fue la primera en obtener la certificación de libre del poliovirus salvaje. Sin embargo, en julio del 2022, se diagnosticó poliomielitis a un paciente de Estados Unidos de América no vacunado y sin antecedentes de viajes recientes. Para responder a la aparición de un poliovirus circulante derivado de la vacuna en ese país, la OPS creó el equipo de apoyo a la gestión de incidentes de poliomielitis. Este equipo ha asumido la coordinación de los esfuerzos de respuesta y se ha centrado en la coordinación, la planificación y seguimiento; la comunicación de riesgos y la participación de la comunidad; la vigilancia e investigación de casos; la vacunación; y la respuesta rápida. En este artículo, se determinan y documentan las mejores prácticas observadas después de la creación del equipo de apoyo a la gestión de incidentes (septiembre del 2022-2023) mediante una revisión y un análisis pormenorizados de datos procedentes de diversas fuentes y de datos específicos de los países del panel de vigilancia de la poliomielitis. El objetivo fue poner en común estas mejores prácticas y resaltar el apoyo técnico y la aplicación de medidas contra la poliomielitis por parte de los Estados Miembros. A pesar de los diversos desafíos, la Región de las Américas se mantiene libre de poliomielitis. El riesgo de esta enfermedad es cada vez menor, y la evaluación de julio del 2023 muestra una disminución del número de países con un riesgo medio, alto o muy alto. Este progreso refleja la mejora de la cobertura de inmunización, la vigilancia, la contención, los determinantes de la salud y la preparación y respuesta ante brotes. El equipo de apoyo a la gestión de incidentes relacionados con la poliomielitis de la OPS ha desempeñado un papel fundamental para brindar apoyo a estas iniciativas.

Desde a eliminação bem-sucedida da varíola em 1971, a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) e seus Estados Membros têm estado à frente de iniciativas para erradicar o poliovírus selvagem na Região das Américas. Em 1994, a região foi a primeira do mundo a ser certificada como livre do poliovírus selvagem. Entretanto, em julho de 2022, um paciente não vacinado e sem histórico de viagens recentes foi diagnosticado com poliomielite nos Estados Unidos da América. Em resposta ao surgimento de um poliovírus derivado de vacina circulante nos Estados Unidos, a OPAS criou a Equipe de Apoio à Gestão de Incidentes de Poliomielite. A equipe vem administrando os esforços de resposta, concentrando-se em: coordenação, planejamento e monitoramento; comunicação de risco e envolvimento da comunidade; vigilância e investigação de casos; vacinação; e resposta rápida. Neste documento, identificamos e documentamos as melhores práticas observadas após a criação da Equipe de Apoio à Gestão de Incidentes (setembro de 2022 a 2023) por meio de uma revisão e análise abrangentes de diversas fontes de dados e dados específicos de cada país fornecidos por meio do painel de vigilância da poliomielite. O objetivo foi compartilhar essas melhores práticas, destacando o apoio técnico e a implementação de medidas contra a poliomielite pelos Estados Membros. Apesar de vários desafios, a Região das Américas continua livre da poliomielite. Um levantamento de julho de 2023 demonstrou que o risco da poliomielite vem diminuindo, com menos países com risco médio, alto ou muito alto. Essa evolução é resultado de melhoras na cobertura vacinal, vigilância, contenção, preparação, determinantes de saúde e resposta a surtos. A Equipe de Apoio à Gestão de Incidentes de Poliomielite da OPAS foi fundamental para apoiar esses esforços.

Factors associated with intention to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 booster dose: a cross-sectional study in Peru.

Introduction: The pandemic of COVID-19 continues to impact people worldwide, with more than 755 million confirmed cases and more than 6.8 million reported deaths. Although two types of treatment, antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy, have been approved to date, vaccination has been the best method to control the spread of the disease. Objective: To explore factors associated with the intention to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 booster dose in Peru. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, using virtual and physical surveys of adults with two or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine, where the dependent variable was the intention to be vaccinated (IBV) with the booster dose. We calculated prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals, using generalized linear models of the Poisson family with robust varying, determining associations between sociodemographic, clinical, and booster dose perception variables. Results: Data from 924 adults were analyzed. The IBV of the booster doses was 88.1%. A higher prevalence was associated with being male (aPR = 1.05; 95% CI [1.01-1.10]), having a good perception of efficacy and protective effect (PR = 3.69; 95% CI [2.57-5.30]) and belonging to the health sector (PR = 1.10; 95% CI [1.04-1.16]). There was greater acceptance of the recommendation of physicians and other health professionals (aPR = 1.40; 95% CI [1.27-1.55]). Conclusions: Factors associated with higher IBV with booster dose include male gender, health sciences, physician recommendation, and good perception of efficacy.

Vaccination in pregnancy. Consensus document of the CAV-AEP and the SEGO.

During pregnancy, physiological changes in the immune response make pregnant women more susceptible to serious infection, increasing the risk for the mother as well as the foetus, newborn and infant. All women should be correctly and fully vaccinated as they enter their reproductive years, especially against diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, rubella and varicella. In addition to the recommended vaccines, in risk situations, inactivated vaccines could be administered to women who were not correctly vaccinated before, while attenuated vaccines are contraindicated. Despite the fact that vaccination during pregnancy is a very important preventive measure and the existing recommendations from public health authorities, scientific societies and health professionals, the vaccination coverage could clearly be improved, especially against influenza and SARS-CoV-2, so any health professional involved in the care of pregnant women should proactively recommend these vaccines. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), through its Advisory Committee on Vaccines, and the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SEGO) recommend vaccination against the following diseases during pregnancy: against influenza and COVID-19, in any trimester of pregnancy and during the postpartum period (up to 6 months post birth) in women not vaccinated during pregnancy; against pertussis, with the Tdap vaccine, between weeks 27 and 36 of gestation (in the CAV-AEP recommendations, preferably between weeks 27 and 28); and against RSV, with RSVPreF, between weeks 24 and 36 of gestation, preferably between weeks 32 and 36.

Investigation of an mpox outbreak affecting many vaccinated persons in Chicago, IL-March 2023-June 2023.

BACKGROUND: After months of few mpox cases, an increased number of cases were reported in Chicago during May 2023; predominantly among fully vaccinated patients. We investigated the outbreak scope, differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, and hypotheses for monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection after vaccination. METHODS: We interviewed patients and reviewed medical records to assess demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics, mpox vaccine status, and vaccine administration routes. We evaluated serum antibody levels after infection and compared patient viral genomes with MPXV sequences in available databases. We discussed potential vaccine compromise with partners who manufactured, handled, and administered vaccine associated with breakthrough infections. RESULTS: During March 18-June 27, 2023, we identified 49 mpox cases; 57% of these mpox patients were fully vaccinated (FV). FV patients received both JYNNEOS doses subcutaneously (57%), intradermally (7%), or via heterologous administration (36%). FV patients had more median sex partners (3, IQR=1-4) versus not fully vaccinated (NFV) patients (1, IQR=1-2). Thirty-six of 37 sequenced specimens belonged to lineage B.1.20 of clade IIb MPXV, which did not demonstrate any amino acid changes relative to B.1, the predominant lineage from May 2022. Vaccinated patients demonstrated expected humoral antibody responses; none were hospitalized. No vaccine storage excursions were identified. Approximately 63% of people at risk for mpox in Chicago were FV during this period. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation indicated cases were likely due to frequent behaviors associated with mpox transmission, even with relatively high vaccine effectiveness and vaccine coverage. Cases after vaccination might occur in similar populations.

COVID-19 vaccination uptake in children with epilepsy and vaccine hesitancy among their parents: a survey.

This study explored the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination coverage among children with epilepsy (CwE), factors affecting vaccination coverage, and the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on epilepsy after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A questionnaire was administered to CwE and their parents at the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between December 12, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Data were analyzed using the t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The analysis included 250 CwE who responded to the survey; of these, 152 (60.8%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in parents whose CwE were not vaccinated was mostly due to concerns of vaccine-related exacerbation of seizures and of vaccine-related adverse reactions (44.30% and 41.90% of the respondents, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that vaccination and number of doses of vaccine did not affect seizure incidence within 1 month of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Logistic regression analysis showed that CwE below primary school age, and those taking two or more antiseizure medication (ASMs) were less likely to be vaccinated (p = 0.007).   Conclusion: The primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy among parents of unvaccinated CwE were concerns regarding seizure exacerbation and adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination. CwE who were below primary school age and those who took two or more ASMs were less likely to be vaccinated. Addressing parents' concerns is necessary to build their confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and ensure that CwE are vaccinated. What is Known: • People with epilepsy have a higher risk of severe and fatal COVID-19 than those without epilepsy but, despite this, COVID-19 vaccination coverage is considerably lower in people with epilepsy than in people without epilepsy. What is New: • In unvaccinated children with epilepsy, the foremost reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents were concerns about seizure exacerbation and vaccine-related adverse reactions. • Vaccination and number of doses of vaccine did not exacerbate seizures in children with epilepsy, those below primary school level and those taking two or more antiseizure medications were less likely to be vaccinated.

Determinants of non-vaccination against seasonal influenza during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of influenza non-vaccination during pregnancy in Canada. METHODS: Biological mothers of children born between December 2018 and March 2019 were surveyed about vaccinations they had received during pregnancy, reasons for non-vaccination, obstetrical history, and demographics. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to measure associations between various sociodemographic factors as well as obstetrical history, and non-vaccination against influenza. We analyzed data from 2361 mothers. RESULTS: Factors associated with non-vaccination included being followed during pregnancy by a midwife compared to by an obstetrician-gynecologist (OR 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17‒3.50); having two or more past live births compared to none (OR 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01‒2.49); having an education level below high school diploma compared to a bachelor's degree or above (OR 2.50; 95% CI, 1.06‒5.90); and having a household income below $60,000 (OR 2.46; 95% CI, 1.42‒4.24) or between $60,000 and $99,999 (OR 2.77; 95% CI, 1.70‒4.52) compared to a household income of $140,000 or more. The province or territory of prenatal care proved to be an important factor in non-vaccination, with statistically significant odds ratios for certain provinces: OR 7.50 (95% CI, 1.40‒40.26) for Ontario, 8.23 (95% CI, 1.53‒44.23) for Newfoundland and Labrador, and 11.39 (95% CI, 2.14‒60.60) for Quebec, as compared to the territories. CONCLUSION: Despite universal access to influenza vaccines in Canada during pregnancy, regional variations and socioeconomic disparities in non-vaccination are still observable.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Identifier les déterminants de la non-vaccination contre la grippe pendant la grossesse au Canada. MéTHODES: Notre étude porte sur 2 361 mères biologiques d'enfants nés entre décembre 2018 et mars 2019 qui ont été interrogées sur les vaccins reçus pendant leur grossesse, les raisons de non-vaccination, leurs antécédents obstétricaux, et leurs caractéristiques démographiques. Des modèles de régression logistique simple et multiple ont été utilisés pour mesurer les associations entre divers facteurs sociodémographiques, les antécédents obstétricaux, et la non-vaccination contre l'influenza. RéSULTATS: Les facteurs associés à la non-vaccination comprennent le suivi de grossesse par une sage-femme par rapport à un obstétricien-gynécologue (RC 2,02; IC 95% : 1,17‒3,50); avoir eu deux naissances vivantes ou plus par rapport à aucune (RC 1,58; IC 95% : 1,01‒2,49); avoir une scolarité inférieure au diplôme d'études secondaires par rapport à un baccalauréat ou plus (RC 2,50; IC 95% : 1,06‒5,90); et avoir un revenu du ménage inférieur à 60 000 $ (RC 2,46; IC 95% : 1,42‒4,24) ou entre 60 000 $ et 99 999 $ (RC 2,77; IC 95% : 1,70‒4,52) par rapport à un revenu ménager de 140 000 $ ou plus. La province ou le territoire de soins prénataux s'est avéré un facteur important de la non-vaccination avec des rapports de cote statistiquement significatifs pour certaines provinces : RC 7,50 (IC 95% : 1,40‒40,26) pour l'Ontario, 8,23 (IC 95% : 1,53‒44,23) pour Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, et 11,39 (IC 95% : 2,14‒60,60) pour le Québec, comparativement aux territoires. CONCLUSION: Malgré l'accès universel aux vaccins antigrippaux au Canada durant la grossesse, des variations régionales et des disparités socioéconomiques en non-vaccination persistent.

Understanding and mitigating negative affect in preventive health behaviors: Evidence from the COVID-19 vaccination process.

The study investigated the willingness for vaccine uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic (April-June 2021), and explored the effect of both mindfulness and health education in managing negative affect post-vaccination. In study 1, a sample of 468 Chinese college students completed a one-time survey, assessing loneliness, stress, medical fear, and vaccination likelihood. Results showed that medical fear mediated the relationship between loneliness, stress and vaccination likelihood. In study 2, 70 college students were randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions (mindfulness, health education, and control) during vaccination. Participants in mindfulness group showed lower negative affect scores than the control group post-intervention (p = 0.019). However, no significant difference was reported between health education with the other two conditions. As such, medical fear would be an important factor to target for improving the likelihood of vaccine uptake. Furthermore, a short mindfulness intervention was effective to improve experience of vaccination through mitigating negative affect.

Optimization of Mother-to-Child Hepatitis B Virus Prevention Program: Integration of Maternal Screening and Infant Post-vaccination Serologic Testing.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the impact on mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of a HBV-prevention program that incorporates maternal antiviral prophylaxis is hindered by the limited availability of real-world data. METHODS: This study analyzed data on maternal HBV screening, neonatal immunization, and post-vaccination serologic testing (PVST) for HBsAg among at-risk infants born to HBV carrier mothers from the National Immunization Information System during 01/01/2008-31/12/2022. Through linkage with the National Health Insurance Database, information of maternal antiviral therapy was obtained. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore MTCT risk in relation to infant-mother characteristics and prevention strategies. RESULTS: Totally, 2,460,218 deliveries with maternal HBV status were screened. Between 2008 and 2022, the annual HBsAg and HBeAg seropositivity rates among native pregnant women aged 15-49 years decreased from 12.2% to 2.6% and from 2.7% to 0.4%, respectively (p for both trends < 0.0001). Among the 22,859 at-risk infants undergoing PVST, the MTCT rates differed between infants born to HBsAg-positive/HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive mothers (0.75% and 6.33%, respectively; p < 0.001). The MTCT rate was 1.72% (11/641) for infants born to HBeAg-positive mothers with antiviral prophylaxis. MTCT risk increased with maternal HBeAg-positivity (OR 9.29, 6.79-12.73) and decreased with maternal antiviral prophylaxis (OR 0.28, 0.16-0.49). For infants with maternal HBeAg-positivity, MTCT risk was associated with mothers born in the immunization era (OR 1.40, 1.17-1.67). CONCLUSIONS: MTCT was related to maternal HBeAg-positivity and effectively prevented by maternal prophylaxis in the immunized population. At-risk infants born to maternal vaccinated cohorts might possibly pose further risk.