Article
Virology
Ljiljana Markovic-Denic, Srboljub Milicevic, Jovana Todorovic, Vladimir Nikolic, Olivera Djuric, Vuk Marusic, Stefan Dugalic, Brankica Vasiljevic, Miroslava Gojnic-Dugalic
Summary: In Serbia, a high percentage of healthy pregnant women are aware of HPV, with around one-third also knowing about the existence of the HPV vaccine and being willing to vaccinate their children. Factors such as knowledge of the vaccine and the number of children play key roles in determining a mother's willingness to vaccinate against HPV.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gbadebo Collins Adeyanju, Elena Engel, Laura Koch, Tabea Ranzinger, Imtiaz Bin Mohammed Shahid, Micheal G. Head, Sarah Eitze, Cornelia Betsch
Summary: The review identified individual determinants of influenza vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Europe, including psychological aspects, doubts about vaccine effectiveness, lack of knowledge, and influence of healthcare workers and personal antivaccine sentiments. Strategies incorporating increased knowledge, valid risk judgment, and improved dialogue between healthcare providers and pregnant women are important for promoting vaccination uptake.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Vincenza Gianfredi, Pasquale Stefanizzi, Alessandro Berti, Marilena D'Amico, Viola De Lorenzo, Antonio Di Lorenzo, Lorenza Moscara, Silvana Castaldi
Summary: The existing literature on anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant and lactating women was reviewed. The study found that pregnant women had a high level of vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to concerns about adverse events and lack of knowledge. The findings highlight the importance of addressing information gaps and addressing concerns about adverse events.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sarah Geoghegan, Jennifer Faerber, Laura Stephens, Hannah Gillan, Richard J. Drew, Maeve Eogan, Kristen A. Feemster, Karina M. Butler
Summary: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaccines are being tested in clinical trials for pregnant women. Preparatory research is needed to understand factors influencing GBS vaccine acceptance and to develop targeted interventions to improve uptake. A study in the US and Ireland found that awareness and understanding of GBS varied among participants, but overall, there was a high likelihood of vaccine receipt. Factors influencing acceptance included perceived infant benefit, while safety concerns were a barrier. Strong messaging emphasizing safety and potential benefits can help achieve good vaccine uptake.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Naomi Catharine Alys Whyler, Khai Lin Kong, Sushena Krishnaswamy, Michelle Giles
Summary: This study investigates the reasons behind the lower uptake of influenza vaccination among pregnant women outside of influenza season. It reveals a lack of understanding about influenza infection rates during non-influenza season, concerns about safety when receiving multiple vaccinations during pregnancy, and the absence of healthcare provider recommendations for vaccination outside of influenza season. These findings can help improve public health education targeted at pregnant women and healthcare providers to increase influenza vaccine uptake.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shahira Shahid, Hajra Khwaja, Shafi Kalhoro, Junaid Mehmood, Muhammad Farrukh Qazi, Abdinasir Abubakar, Shaza Mohamed, Wasiq Khan, Fyezah Jehan, Muhammad Imran Nisar
Summary: Vaccine hesitancy is a significant issue in public health globally, and this study focuses on the barriers to seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among healthcare workers and pregnant women in Pakistan. The findings reveal low vaccine coverage among healthcare workers and pregnant women, with reasons including side effects, cost, and allergies. Educational campaigns, improving affordability, and government interventions are suggested to improve vaccine uptake.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stefania Bruno, Lorenza Nachira, Leonardo Villani, Viria Beccia, Andrea Di Pilla, Domenico Pascucci, Gianluigi Quaranta, Brigida Carducci, Antonietta Spadea, Gianfranco Damiani, Antonio Lanzone, Bruno Federico, Patrizia Laurenti
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women's knowledge, beliefs, and trust in vaccination and healthcare services. The findings suggest that the pandemic may have positively influenced pregnant women's knowledge and perceptions about vaccines, but had a slight negative impact on their trust in healthcare services.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qinwen Luo, Lin Gan, Yu Xiong, Qin Li, Tao Chen, Xiaojun Tang
Summary: The study found that over half of healthcare workers in Chongqing had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards influenza and its vaccine, but only a small percentage had actually received the vaccine last year. Various strategies such as educational training and on-site vaccination are needed to improve overall vaccination coverage.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Raquel Giacomelli Cao, Lisa Christian, Zhaohui Xu, Lisa Jaramillo, Bennett Smith, Erik A. Karlsson, Stacey Schultz-Cherry, Asuncion Mejias, Octavio Ramilo
Summary: Influenza vaccination in pregnant women led to upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes on day 1 and plasma cell genes on day 7, which were significantly correlated with increased antibody titers. Compared to non-vaccinated women, those vaccinated during the previous influenza season showed more frequent significant correlations between ISGs and antibody titers.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wesam S. Ahmed, Rana Abu Farha, Abdulsalam M. Halboup, Arwa Alshargabi, Ahmed Al-mohamadi, Eman Y. Abu-rish, Mohammed Zawiah, Yousf K. Al-Ashbat, Sayida Al-Jamei
Summary: In Yemen, there is no policy for seasonal influenza vaccination and the vaccine is not included in the national immunization program. The study found that only 11.3% of the participants received the seasonal influenza vaccine, despite most of them being knowledgeable about its transmission modes. The recommendation of physicians was the main motivator for vaccination.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Amit Bansal, Mai-Chi Trieu, Kristin G. I. Mohn, Rebecca Jane Cox
Summary: Research shows that inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) are generally well tolerated in pregnant women and young children, generating good antibody responses and providing moderate to high protection rates against different influenza types. The efficacy/effectiveness of IIVs is around 50%-70% in pregnant women and 20%-90% in young children against lab-confirmed influenza, but depends on various factors.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Gulzhanat Aimagambetova, Aisha Babi, Torgyn Issa, Alpamys Issanov
Summary: The study found that Kazakhstani women have contrasting attitudes towards the HPV vaccine, with approximately half having positive attitudes and almost half having negative or neutral attitudes. Women with low education levels, high number of children, belief in alternative medicine, and impacted by the failed vaccination program in 2013 are less likely to have a positive attitude towards the vaccine.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sonia Dhaouadi, Ghassen Kharroubi, Amal Cherif, Ines Cherif, Hind Bouguerra, Leila Bouabid, Nourhene Najar, Adel Gharbi, Afif Ben Salah, Nissaf Bouafif ep Ben Alaya, Jihene Bettaieb
Summary: This study aimed to assess the uptake and acceptability of influenza vaccine among pregnant women in Tunisia. The findings revealed low vaccination rates during current pregnancy, but a willingness to receive the vaccine in future pregnancies. Recommendations from healthcare providers were identified as the most trusted source of information.
Article
Immunology
Natalie D. D. Hernandez, Sally Pairman, Alan C. C. Fisher, Ru-fong J. Cheng, Shirley Sylvester
Summary: Pregnant and postpartum women are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19, so understanding their attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines is crucial. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States to assess their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and reasons for vaccine hesitancy. The results showed that the vaccine acceptance varied by country, with India having the highest rate (87%) and the US having the lowest (52%). Safety concerns were the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy among the participants.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shahira Shahid, Shafi Kalhoro, Hajra Khwaja, Mohammad Asif Hussainyar, Junaid Mehmood, Muhammad Farrukh Qazi, Abdinasir Abubakar, Shaza Mohamed, Wasiq Khan, Fyezah Jehan, Muhammad Imran Nisar
Summary: Despite WHO's recommendation, influenza vaccination coverage among high-risk groups remains suboptimal in Afghanistan. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among pregnant women and healthcare workers. Findings showed low awareness among pregnant women but a significant intention to receive the vaccine, while healthcare workers had a high level of vaccine intention but low vaccination rates. Accessibility, cost, and fear of side effects were identified as barriers. Efforts should be made to address knowledge gaps, improve accessibility, and address cost-related issues to increase vaccination coverage among priority groups in Afghanistan.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Kathryn S. Willebrand, Lauren Pischel, Amyn A. Malik, Samuel M. Jenness, Saad B. Omer
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships between January and October 2020. The results show that cruise ships can easily facilitate the spread of COVID-19, resulting in super-spreader events and international transmission.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Breanna Fernandes, Mark Christopher Navin, Dorit Rubinstein Reiss, Saad B. Omer, Katie Attwell
Summary: This study examines the impact of state-level legal interventions on promoting or impeding COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the US since the start of the pandemic.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Jad A. Elharake, Faris Akbar, Amyn A. Malik, Walter Gilliam, Saad B. Omer
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of children and college students, leading to increased anxiety, depression, fatigue, and distress. Factors such as living in rural areas, low family socioeconomic status, and having a connection to healthcare workers have been associated with worse mental health outcomes. Future strategies should prioritize social contacts to support students at higher risk of social isolation during the pandemic.
CHILD PSYCHIATRY & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scott E. Bokemper, Gregory A. Huber, Erin K. James, Alan S. Gerber, Saad B. Omer
Summary: Through two randomized experiments, the study found that reframing social distancing as recklessness instead of bravery and highlighting the need for individuals to take action to protect each other were the most effective messages in increasing people's beliefs and intentions related to social distancing. These findings are crucial for developing effective public health campaigns.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeff R. Gehlhausen, Alicia J. Little, Christine J. Ko, Marc Emmenegger, Carolina Lucas, Patrick Wong, Jon Klein, Peiwen Lu, Tianyang Mao, Jillian Jaycox, Eric Wang, Nelson Ugwu, Cate Muenker, Dilgash Mekael, Rhonda Q. Klein, Robert Patrignelli, Richard Antaya, Jennifer McNiff, William Damsky, Kathy Kamath, John Shon, Aaron M. Ring, Inci Yildirim, Saad Omer, Albert Ko, Adriano Aguzzi, Akiko Iwasaki
Summary: An increased incidence of chilblains during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been observed, but there is limited direct evidence linking it with viral infection. This study found that the percentage of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients diagnosed with COVID toes was similar to the background seroprevalence at that time.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Douglas J. Opel, Noel T. Brewer, Alison M. Buttenheim, Timothy Callaghan, Richard M. Carpiano, Chelsea Clinton, Jad A. Elharake, Lisa C. Flowers, Alison P. Galvani, Peter J. Hotez, Jason L. Schwartz, Regina M. Benjamin, Arthur Caplan, Renee DiResta, Rekha Lakshmanan, Yvonne A. Maldonado, Michelle M. Mello, Wendy E. Parmet, Daniel A. Salmon, Joshua M. Sharfstein, Saad B. Omer
Article
Immunology
Amyn A. Malik, Neel R. Gandhi, Olivier Marcy, Elisabetta Walters, Mathurin Tejiokem, Giang Do Chau, Saad B. Omer, Timothy L. Lash, Mercedes C. Becerra, Irene N. Njuguna, Sylvia M. LaCourse, Elizabeth Maleche-Obimbo, Dalton Wamalwa, Grace C. John-Stewart, Lisa M. Cranmer
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) as a diagnostic biomarker for CHIV tuberculosis and construct a prediction score to improve specificity of diagnosis. The results showed that the prediction score had high sensitivity and specificity, enabling rapid initiation of tuberculosis treatment when microbiological testing is unavailable.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Matthew Z. Dudley, Erin E. Barnett, Alex Paulenich, Saad B. Omer, Holly Schuh, Tina M. Proveaux, Alison M. Buttenheim, Nicola P. Klein, Paul Delamater, SarahAnn M. McFadden, Kavin M. Patel, Daniel A. Salmon
Summary: In October 2021, Emergency Use Authorization was granted for COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11. California plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for school children once the vaccines receive full FDA approval. A survey conducted in California found that 26% of parents did not intend to vaccinate their child against COVID-19, indicating skepticism and potential pushback. However, 17% of parents were unsure, suggesting that public health messaging could influence vaccine confidence and uptake. Research and outreach efforts should target hesitant parents.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Mary E. Petrone, Carolina Lucas, Bridget Menasche, Mallery Breban, Inci Yildirim, Melissa Campbell, Saad B. Omer, Edward C. Holmes, Albert Ko, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Akiko Iwasaki, Craig B. Wilen, Chantal B. F. Vogels, Joseph R. Fauver
Summary: Developing a timely and effective response to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern is crucial for public health. Global health surveillance relies not only on genomic data but also on methods that utilize genomic data to estimate the epidemiological dynamics of emerging lineages. In this study, the differences in reporting delays among SARS-CoV-2 VOCs were analyzed, indicating that these delays may have delayed the global response to the Mu variant. The nonsystematic biases in the reporting of genomic data could impede the assessment of future emerging variants.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Adeel A. Butt, Peng Yan, Obaid S. Shaikh, Saad B. Omer, Florian B. Mayr, Victor B. Talisa
Summary: In previously uninfected, nonhospitalized, high-risk persons with COVID-19, the use of molnupiravir does not significantly reduce the rate of hospitalization or death within 30 days of diagnosis. However, asymptomatic patients might experience a benefit.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Richard M. Carpiano, Timothy Callaghan, Renee DiResta, Noel Brewer, Chelsea Clinton, Alison P. Galvani, Rekha Lakshmanan, Wendy E. Parmet, Saad B. Omer, Alison M. Buttenheim, Regina M. Benjamin, Arthur Caplan, Jad A. Elharake, Lisa C. Flowers, Yvonne A. Maldonado, Michelle M. Mello, Douglas J. Opel, Daniel A. Salmon, Jason L. Schwartz, Joshua M. Sharfstein, Peter J. Hotez
Article
Cell Biology
Bruno Andraus Filardi, Valter Silva Monteiro, Pedro Vellosa Schwartzmann, Vivian do Prado Martins, Luis Eduardo Rosa Zucca, Gabriela Crispim Baiocchi, Amyn A. Malik, Julio Silva, Anne M. Hahn, Nicholas F. G. Chen, Kien Pham, Eddy Perez-Then, Marija Miric, Vivian Brache, Leila Cochon, Rafael A. Larocca, Roberto Della Rosa Mendez, Douglas Bardini Silveira, Aguinaldo Roberto Pinto, Julio Croda, Inci Yildirim, Saad B. Omer, Albert I. Ko, Sten H. Vermund, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Akiko Iwasaki, Carolina Lucas
Summary: The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages resulted in increased transmission rates and reduced vaccine protection. Homologous CoronaVac booster doses showed lower efficiency in enhancing immune response compared to heterologous BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 boosters, especially in individuals over 50 years old. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of heterologous vaccination strategies for older adults fully vaccinated with CoronaVac during the Omicron wave.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Anis Barmada, Jon Klein, Anjali Ramaswamy, Nina N. Brodsky, Jillian R. Jaycox, Hassan Sheikha, Kate M. Jones, Victoria Habet, Melissa Campbell, Tomokazu S. Sumida, Amy Kontorovich, Dusan Bogunovic, Carlos R. Oliveira, Jeremy Steele, E. Kevin Hall, Mario Pena-Hernandez, Valter Monteiro, Carolina Lucas, Aaron M. Ring, Saad B. Omer, Akiko Iwasaki, Inci Yildirim, Carrie L. Lucas
Summary: A study found that rare immune-mediated cardiac tissue inflammation can occur after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Contrary to early hypotheses, the underlying mechanisms of this pathology do not involve hypersensitivity myocarditis or hyperimmune humoral response. Instead, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteases were observed, along with expansion of activated T cells and NK cells, and inflammation and fibrosis in monocytes. These findings provide insights into the cytokine-dependent pathology of vaccine-associated myopericarditis and have implications for vaccine development and clinical care.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ines Gonzalez Casanova, Angel M. Alonso-Gomez, Dora Romaguera, Estefania Toledo, Linzi Li, Elena Fortuny, Luis Lopez, Raul Ramallal, Jordi Salas-Salvado, Lucas Tojal-Sierra, Olga Castaner, Alvaro Alonso
Summary: This study investigated the associations between lifestyle, weight, heart structure, and cognitive functioning, as well as the potential mediating role of heart structure in these associations. The results showed no significant associations between lifestyle, weight, and cognition, and no mediating effects of heart structure were observed. Due to the limited sample size, larger studies should be conducted to examine potential cardiovascular factors mediating the association between lifestyle and cognition.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nour J. Youssef, Nadim K. Tfaily, Mohammad Bahij M. Moumneh, Celina F. Boutros, Jad A. Elharake, Amyn A. Malik, SarahAnn M. McFadden, Bayan Galal, Inci Yildirim, Kaveh Khoshnood, Saad B. Omer, Ziad A. Memish, Ghassan S. Dbaibo
Summary: Lebanese healthcare workers show relatively high acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are still barriers such as concerns about insufficient research. The WHO and healthcare providers are the most trusted sources of COVID-19 information. These findings are important for informing Lebanese health authorities in improving vaccine uptake.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)