Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francesca Licata, Concetta Paola Pelullo, Giorgia Della Polla, Emma Antonia Citrino, Aida Bianco
Summary: This study investigated the practices, knowledge, and attitudes of Italian healthcare workers (HCWs) regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The findings revealed that a significant number of HCWs had misconceptions about the risks of vaccines and lacked up-to-date knowledge. These findings are valuable for promoting evidence-based recommendations among HCWs.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Maria Rosaria Gualano, Alessio Corradi, Gianluca Voglino, Dario Catozzi, Elena Olivero, Michele Corezzi, Fabrizio Bert, Roberta Siliquini
Summary: The study found that in some settings, the majority of HCWs support mandatory vaccination, but acceptance varies. Vaccinated HCWs more frequently agree with the mandatory vaccination policy. More studies focusing on this as the main outcome are needed to further understand associated characteristics.
Article
Immunology
Alicia Siew Ting Loi, Revathi Sridhar, See Ming Lim
Summary: This study describes the implementation process of a measles and varicella vaccination program and reports a reduction in the number of susceptible healthcare workers exposed to measles, varicella, and disseminated herpes zoster. The vaccination program effectively reduced the number of healthcare workers susceptible to these diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abdulsamet Sandal, Aylin Gungor Cifci, Peri M. Arbak
Summary: This study evaluated the COVID-19 vaccination status and characteristics of Turkish healthcare workers practicing chest medicine. The findings showed that the majority of healthcare workers had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study also identified certain occupational and non-occupational characteristics associated with being non-fully vaccinated.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Chung-Jong Kim, Ji-Yun Bae, Kang-Il Jun, Hae-Sun Chung, Aeyeon Kim, Jihee Kim, Hee-Jung Son, Miae Lee, Hee-Jung Choi
Summary: The study identified a significant number of healthcare personnel with measles antibody deficiency, especially among those born after 1985. Individuals who received the MMR vaccine more than 10 years ago and had only one vaccination record showed lower seropositivity rates. Following revaccination, the majority of participants achieved positive seroconversion for measles.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aleksi Hamalainen, Riitta-Liisa Patovirta, Ella Mauranen, Sari Hamalainen, Irma Koivula
Summary: The study showed that mandated administrators of health care institutions to only employ vaccinated HCWs had positive effects, with vaccination coverage increasing from 59.5% to 99.6%. Most HCWs supported the new policy, although some found it coercive or restricting their self-determination.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Amani Alshehri, Marwa Ahmed, Doaa Bagazi, Ahmad Alghamdi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the adherence of healthcare providers to the international recommendations on influenza and pneumococcal vaccine in patients discharged from the internal medicine department with respiratory diseases. The findings showed that healthcare providers need to pay more attention to adhering to the global recommendations on influenza and pneumococcal vaccine among patients who were recently discharged with respiratory disease. Additional measures are needed to improve adherence to routinely recommended vaccines among adults with respiratory diseases.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Sofie Schumacher, Jon Salmanton-Garcia, Oliver A. Cornely, Sibylle C. Mellinghoff
Summary: Mandatory vaccination policies or multifaceted campaigns can achieve vaccination coverage in healthcare workers of over 90%, while campaigns solely based on education or on-site vaccination may not exceed 40%. These strategies can lead to a substantial relative increase in vaccination coverage.
Review
Nursing
Caroline M. Hall, Holly Northam, Adrian Webster, Karen Strickland
Summary: This study explored the determinants of and behavior change models for seasonal influenza vaccination compliance among healthcare personnel, and identified six thematic categories influencing compliance. The Health Belief Model was the most commonly utilized model, and further research is needed to understand the impact of factors such as trust on health-protective behaviors in the context of a pandemic.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jana Shaw, Telisa Stewart, Kathryn B. Anderson, Samantha Hanley, Stephen J. Thomas, Daniel A. Salmon, Christopher Morley
Summary: The study found that willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination varies among healthcare personnel based on hospital roles, with physicians and research scientists exhibiting the highest acceptance. These findings highlight important heterogeneity in personal attitudes among HCPs around COVID-19 vaccines and emphasize the need for tailored communication strategies.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna Korsgaard Eltvedt, Anja Poulsen, Thilde Nordmann Winther, Marie-Louise Von Linstow
Summary: Outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases in hospital settings present challenges globally, with healthcare workers playing a crucial role in preventing nosocomial spread. The debate on vaccination of healthcare workers continues, with some countries implementing mandatory vaccination policies. Barriers such as lack of vaccination policies, inadequate knowledge, and organization around HCWs' immunizations hinder complete vaccination coverage. Efforts to provide information, check vaccination records, and offer necessary vaccinations can help improve staff adherence to vaccination schemes.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jana Shaw, Samantha Hanley, Telisa Stewart, Daniel A. Salmon, Christine Ortiz, Paula M. Trief, Elizabeth Asiago Reddy, Christopher P. Morley, Stephen J. Thomas, Kathryn B. Anderson
Summary: The majority of healthcare personnel have already received or plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there is still hesitancy among some healthcare personnel, particularly in ancillary services. Feasible and effective interventions are needed to address this hesitancy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Della Maneze, Yenna Salamonson, Maxwell Grollman, Jed Montayre, Lucie Ramjan
Summary: This article synthesizes the arguments for and against mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers based on texts and opinions from professionals in different fields. It discusses the long-term impact of mandatory vaccination on the healthcare workforce and highlights the need to balance the rights of the public and healthcare workers during a public health emergency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Munazza Saleem
Summary: Healthcare workers are at risk of contracting and spreading influenza. Mandatory flu vaccination policies can help solve this issue. Despite evidence of vaccine effectiveness, there is resistance to mandatory immunization among healthcare workers. This article discusses the rationale for mandatory influenza vaccination among healthcare workers, its practical and scholarly significance, and the recommendations of health agencies worldwide.
JCPSP-JOURNAL OF THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS PAKISTAN
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
I. Tsiligianni, I Bouloukaki, G. Papazisis, A. Paganas, E. Chatzimanolis, M. Kalatharas, I. Platakis, I. Tirodimos, T. Dardavesis, Z. Tsimtsiou
Summary: Insufficient adult vaccination coverage rates remain an international challenge. This study explored vaccination coverage and predictors of vaccine uptake in Greece and found that perception of disease risk, concerns about side-effects and efficacy, and mistrust in pharmaceutical companies were common factors associated with vaccine uptake. The strongest predictor of vaccination status was the doctor's recommendation, and being well-informed about each vaccine also influenced uptake.
Letter
Allergy
Sophia Hatziantoniou, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Vicky Lampropoulou, Helena C. Maltezou, Evangelos Andreakos, Gregory A. Poland, Athanasios Tsakris
Article
Nursing
Evgnosia Effraimidou, Dimitrios C. Cassimos, Snezana Medic, Maria Topalidou, Maria Theodoridou, Helena C. Maltezou
Summary: Although all European countries have vaccination policies for children, there are no comprehensive studies of pediatric vaccination programs in Europe. The study found variations in vaccination programs and policies among European countries, indicating the need for a consensus-based vaccination program.
JOURNAL OF CHILD HEALTH CARE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
H. C. Maltezou, M. N. Gamaletsou, T. V. Giannouchos, D-M. Koukou, A. Karapanou, F. Sourri, N. Syrimi, N. Lemonakis, E. Peskelidou, K. Papanastasiou, K. Souliotis, A. Lourida, P. Panagopoulos, D. Hatzigeorgiou, N. V. Sipsas
Summary: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, timing, and severity of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated healthcare personnel. The results showed that breakthrough infections were common among fully vaccinated healthcare personnel, but provided considerable protection against hospitalization. These findings may contribute to defining the optimal timing for booster vaccinations.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Helena C. Maltezou, Dimitrios Basoulis, Konstantinos Bonelis, Maria N. Gamaletsou, Theodoros Giannouchos, Eleni Karantoni, Amalia Karapanou, Konstantinos Kounouklas, Maria Effrosyni Livanou, Maria Zotou, Vasiliki Rapti, Panagiota Stamou, Dimitrios Loulakis, Kyriakos Souliotis, Maria Chini, Periklis Panagopoulos, Garyfalia Poulakou, Konstantinos N. Syrigos, Dimitrios Hatzigeorgiou, Nikolaos V. Sipsas
Summary: The study indicates that full (booster) vaccination against COVID-19 is effective in preventing severe outcomes in hospitalized patients during the Delta and Omicron waves. Fully vaccinated patients had lower risks of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death, as well as shorter hospital stays. The overall vaccine effectiveness varied based on the severity and comorbidities of the patients.
Article
Immunology
Helena C. Maltezou, Sophia Hatziantoniou, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Konstantinos Vasileiou, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: The aim of this study was to estimate the rates of anaphylaxis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents in Europe. The results showed that the rate of anaphylaxis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents is low, and continuous monitoring is needed to guide vaccination policies.
Review
Virology
Helena C. Maltezou, Amalia Papanikolopoulou, Sofia Vassiliu, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Georgia Nikolopoulou, Nikolaos V. Sipsas
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the circulation, seasonality, and morbidity of respiratory viruses. Co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza were mainly reported during the first wave of the pandemic. However, the overall incidence of co-infections may be higher due to limited testing during that period. While animal models indicate severe lung pathology and high fatality, the clinical course and prognosis of co-infected patients remain inconclusive in human cases. It is important to consider the timing of each respiratory virus infection, but such information is lacking in reported cases. With the evolving epidemiology and availability of vaccines and treatments, early findings should not be extrapolated to the present times. Multiplex real-time PCR-based assays can improve diagnosis, infection control, and surveillance. Vaccination against both COVID-19 and influenza is crucial for high-risk groups. Further studies are needed to understand the impact and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory virus co-infections in the coming years.
Article
Immunology
Fotini Boufidou, Sophia Hatziantoniou, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Helena C. C. Maltezou, Konstantinos Vasileiou, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Snezana Medic, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study provides an updated assessment of anaphylaxis incidence associated with COVID-19 vaccines based on pharmacovigilance data. The latest analysis shows a lower incidence of anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactic shock compared to previous estimates. The study also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring through specialized pharmacovigilance databases for ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Article
Microbiology
Amalia Papanikolopoulou, Panagiotis Gargalianos-Kakolyris, Athina Stoupis, Nikos Moussas, Anastasia Pangalis, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Genovefa Chronopoulou, Nikos Pantazis, Maria Kantzanou, Helena C. Maltezou, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study investigated the association between the incidence of CRPA bacteremia, antibiotic consumption, and infection control measures in a hospital from 2013 to 2018. The findings showed a significant decrease in the consumption of certain antibiotics and a decrease in the incidence of CRPA in most clinics and departments. Increased isolation rates of MDR carrier patients were correlated with a decreased incidence of CRPA bacteremia in the adults ICU. Interestingly, an increase in the use of hand-hygiene solutions was associated with a decrease in antibiotic consumption. In conclusion, multimodal infection control interventions resulted in a significant reduction of CRPA bacteremia.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Filetti, Claudia Lombardo, Carla Loreto, George Dounias, Massimo Bracci, Serena Matera, Lucia Rapisarda, Venerando Rapisarda, Caterina Ledda, Ermanno Vitale
Summary: Environmental exposure to fibers of respirable size, including fluoro-edenite, has been found to cause chronic respiratory diseases and carcinogenic effects in humans. This is a public health issue that requires the identification of biomarkers for assessing the health status of individuals exposed to fluoro-edenite fibers and for early diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma in asymptomatic patients.
Article
Immunology
Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda, Helena C. Maltezou
Summary: Despite evidence of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and refusal among healthcare personnel have become a major concern. A survey among Italian healthcare personnel who refused COVID-19 vaccination and were suspended from work revealed that they had good knowledge of occupational vaccinations but strong anti-vaccination beliefs. They were against mandatory vaccination policies and expressed doubts about the expected benefits and safety of vaccines.
Review
Biology
Caterina Ledda, Massimo Bracci, Alba Spadafora, Giuseppe Motta, Giuseppe Smecca, Dolores Catelan, Venerando Rapisarda
Summary: This systematic review examines the influence of occupational exposures on prostate cancer risk. The results indicate that firefighters exposed to harmful substances, individuals engaged in physically strenuous work, and workers with chronic night shift routines have an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, exposure to certain chemicals is associated with an increased risk.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Helena C. Maltezou, Caterina Ledda, Nikolaos V. Sipsas
Summary: This systematic review assessed the impact of COVID-19 on absenteeism among healthcare personnel. The findings showed that COVID-19 was a major driver of absenteeism among healthcare personnel, with the duration of absence varying based on different factors. COVID-19 vaccination, routine testing, and the use of personal protective equipment were found to significantly improve absenteeism. The study highlights the need for ongoing research and the establishment of networks to monitor morbidity and absenteeism among healthcare personnel in real-time and inform vaccination policies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raffaella Lazzarini, Maria Fiorella Tartaglione, Veronica Ciarapica, Francesco Piva, Matteo Giulietti, Gianluca Fulgenzi, Margherita Martelli, Caterina Ledda, Ermanno Vitale, Marco Malavolta, Lory Santarelli, Massimo Bracci
Summary: This study found that high-irradiance blue or red light exposure reduces the viability of keratinocytes and induces cell death and cell cycle arrest. It also affects mitochondrial density and morphology. Proteomic analysis identified the key roles of TXNRD1 and AKR1C3 in the cellular response to high-irradiance blue or red light exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
