Article
Immunology
Laura J. Helmkamp, Peter G. Szilagyi, Gregory Zimet, Alison W. Saville, Dennis Gurfinkel, Christina Albertin, Abigail Breck, Sitaram Vangala, Allison Kempe
Summary: This study modified the VHS scales to assess hesitancy towards childhood, influenza, and HPV vaccines, identified two latent constructs, made slight adjustments to improve psychometric properties, revealed a strong association between hesitancy and vaccine receipt, and found significant differences in hesitancy drivers among vaccine categories.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tene-Alima Essoh, Gbadebo Collins Adeyanju, Abdu A. Adamu, Haoua Tall, Aristide Aplogan, Collins Tabu
Summary: This study explores the factors contributing to low demand or vaccine hesitancy for childhood and adolescent vaccines in Kenya. Factors such as insufficient knowledge about vaccines, vaccine supply issues, frequent healthcare worker's strikes, poverty, religious beliefs, inadequate vaccination campaigns, and distance to vaccination centers were identified as drivers of low demand. For the newly introduced HPV vaccine, factors such as misinformation, rumors, poor knowledge of cervical cancer and the vaccine, and suspicion about availability only to girls contribute to low uptake.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Catterina Ferreccio
Summary: mRNA vaccine technology is the result of decades of research and has proven to be effective in preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. It is a versatile platform that can be used against various diseases, including cancer, and is suitable for low-income countries due to its simplicity and relatively low cost. The unfair access to COVID-19 vaccines has led to vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine movements worldwide.
Article
Immunology
Lauri E. Markowitz, John T. Schiller
Summary: HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing HPV-attributable cancers and have been introduced into national immunization programs in over 100 countries. The success of these vaccines has sparked interest in ambitious disease reduction goals.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Anup Srivastav, Akhil Vaish, James A. Singleton
Summary: Understanding the impact of vaccine hesitancy on the undervaccination or nonvaccination of childhood vaccines is crucial for increasing vaccine confidence and uptake. This study analyzed data from a national survey in the United States and found varying levels of influence of vaccine hesitancy on different childhood vaccines. The study also examined the factors affecting nonvaccination for influenza, such as sociodemographic characteristics and geographic location. Implementing strategies to improve vaccine confidence and uptake is important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Azure Tariro Makadzange, Patricia Gundidza, Charles Lau, Janan Dietrich, Norest Beta, Nellie Myburgh, Nyasha Elose, Chiratidzo Ndhlovu, Wilmot James, Lawrence Stanberry
Summary: Despite sufficient vaccine supply, less than 25% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa has received a COVID-19 vaccine. This study surveyed individuals who were late-adopters of vaccination in Zimbabwe to understand their attitudes towards vaccine mandates and vaccines for children. The findings suggest that vaccine mandates can help mitigate vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine coverage in Africa.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Manika Suryadevara, Cynthia A. Bonville, Donald A. Cibula, Joseph B. Domachowske
Summary: Cancer prevention education targeted at providers, office staff, patients, and parents improved adolescent HPV vaccine series initiation rates.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
T. Shato, S. Humble, A. Anandarajah, A. Barnette, H. M. Brandt, J. Garbutt, L. Klesges, V. S. Thompson, M. I. Silver
Summary: This study examined the association between sociodemographic characteristics, HPV vaccination hesitancy, and HPV vaccination coverage in five US states. The results showed that age, sex, and parental vaccine hesitancy were significantly associated with the likelihood of HPV vaccination in low coverage areas.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sunny Jung Kim, Jenna E. Schiffelbein, Inger Imset, Ardis L. Olson
Summary: This study found that evidence-based messages in social media can effectively change parents' attitudes and behavioral intentions towards HPV vaccination. Messages that provide scientific evidence and correct misinformation are particularly effective in promoting positive perceptions of the HPV vaccine.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Zheng Wei, Yang Liu, Liuren Zhang, Xiu Sun, Qijing Jiang, Zhenwei Li, Yue Wu, Chuanxi Fu
Summary: This study assessed the vaccine hesitancy levels among guardians of female secondary school students in China and found that 53.9% of the guardians were vaccine hesitant, while only 0.9% had refused HPV vaccines. Certain individual characteristics of the guardians were associated with understanding HPV vaccines, and better knowledge and communication with reliable sources were associated with vaccine nonhesitancy. Practical barriers such as vaccine shortage and busy schedules prevented nonhesitant guardians from vaccinating their children. Promoting HPV knowledge and communication with reliable sources can help combat vaccine hesitancy.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nihal Durmaz, Murat Suman, Murat Ersoy, Emel Orun
Summary: Vaccination hesitancy is an important public health issue. In Turkey, parents who hesitate to vaccinate their children have a negative attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and are influenced by social media. Parents need more information about vaccines to build confidence.
Article
Immunology
Liba Sokolovska, Maria Isaguliants, Franco M. Buonaguro
Summary: The international online conference VAC & VAC 2022 addressed various aspects of COVID-19 vaccine research and development, including mass vaccination strategies, vaccine compliance and hesitancy, acceptance of novel vaccine approaches, and preclinical and animal models. The conference attracted nearly 150 participants from 14 countries and featured renowned experts from leading research institutions worldwide. This report summarizes the conference presentations and discussions.
Article
Immunology
Diana Wangeshi Njuguna, Nour Mahrouseh, Osarugue Victory Isowamwen, Orsolya Varga
Summary: The study found that children had limited knowledge about HPV infection and vaccination, most participants opposed vaccination of boys, parents and community members had negative attitudes towards HPV vaccination, and similar patterns of inadequate knowledge and strong opposition were observed in both Mombasa and Tana-River.
Article
Immunology
Dominik Wawrzuta, Mariusz Jaworski, Joanna Gotlib, Mariusz Panczyk
Summary: Social media platforms enable the rapid spread of misinformation and false statements by anti-vaxxers, leading to increased vaccine hesitancy. An analysis of Facebook comments in Poland revealed 12 different negative arguments against COVID-19 vaccines, including 5 specific to the pandemic. This data can be used to monitor societal attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines and highlight the importance of real-time monitoring due to the rapidly changing popularity of certain arguments on social media.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Meron Dera, Abigiya Wondimagegnehu, Zeytu G. Asfaw
Summary: Female students and parents in Jimma Town, Ethiopia have a high level of hesitancy towards the HPV vaccine, mainly due to widespread misinformation in the community. Therefore, it is important to increase community awareness with the help of healthcare professionals in order to improve HPV vaccine uptake.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Mallory K. Ellingson, Robert A. Bednarczyk, Sean T. O'Leary, Jason L. Schwartz, Eugene D. Shapiro, Linda M. Niccolai
Summary: Health care provider recommendations play a crucial role in parents' decisions to vaccinate their adolescents. However, the delivery of high-quality recommendations for vaccination varies widely. Factors influencing providers' recommendations include attitudes and beliefs, patient characteristics, community context, and vaccine policies. A multi-level framework is proposed to understand and improve providers' recommendations.
JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2023)
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
Immunology
Avnika B. Amin, Jacqueline E. Tate, Lance A. Waller, Timothy L. Lash, Benjamin A. Lopman
Summary: The effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine is worse in countries with high genotype diversity, particularly against G2P[4]. Previous studies on genotype-specific vaccine efficacy have been inconclusive due to small sample sizes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
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
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
Immunology
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Ruitong Zhao, Corey Mullins, Laura Corlin, Paul Beninger, Robert A. Bednarczyk
Summary: This study analyzed the vaccination patterns and factors associated with the immunization status of U.S. children aged 19 to 35 months. The study found that from 2015 to 2020, the proportion of children completing the recommended schedule increased, while the proportion following alternative or unknown schedules was lowest. Additionally, the percentage of children not up-to-date with vaccinations decreased. However, there was no change in the percentage of children receiving zero vaccinations. The study also found that lower-income or uninsured families were more likely to follow alternative or unknown schedules or not be up-to-date with vaccines. Therefore, increased efforts are needed to promote timely adherence to recommended vaccination schedules, especially among populations with significant disparities in coverage, through tailored approaches to increase confidence in and access to vaccines.
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
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Robert A. Bednarczyk, Heather M. Brandt
Summary: Despite being recommended for routine adolescent use, HPV vaccination uptake in the United States lags behind that of other vaccines such as Tdap and MCV4. Initiating the vaccine series at a younger age, as early as 9 years old, may help improve HPV vaccination rates. This study analyzed data from the NIS-Teen and found that 4.0% of US adolescents initiated HPV vaccination at 9-10 years old, with higher rates among younger birth cohorts. Completion rates for the vaccine series were highest after 3-4 years, with 93% of 13-year-olds completing the series after initiating at ages 9-10.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(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)
Review
Immunology
Avnika B. Amin, Jordan E. Cates, Zihao Liu, Joanne Wu, Iman Ali, Alexia Rodriguez, Junaid Panjwani, Jacqueline E. Tate, Benjamin A. Lopman, Umesh D. Parashar
Summary: There is currently no evidence to suggest substantial long-term vaccine-related selective pressures on circulating genotypes. The prevalence of G2P[4] may increase temporarily after vaccine introduction.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Brianna M. White, Chad Melton, Parya Zareie, Robert L. Davis, Robert A. Bednarczyk, Arash Shaban-Nejad
Summary: This paper examines the role of social messaging shared by Persons in the Public Eye in shaping public opinion and online discourse during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that the emotions expressed by public figures on social media have consistently influenced public sentiment and discourse.
BMJ HEALTH & CARE INFORMATICS
(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)