A Scenario-Based Evaluation of COVID-19-Related Essential Clinical Resource Demands in China

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is a global crisis,and medical systems in many countries are overwhelmed with supply shortages and increasing demands to treat patients due to the surge in cases and severe illnesses.This study aimed to assess COVID-19-related essential clinical resource demands in China,based on different scenarios involving COVID-19 spreads and interventions.We used a susceptible–exposed–infectious–hospitalized/isolated–removed(SEIHR)transmission dynamics model to estimate the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations with corresponding essential healthcare resources needed.We found that,under strict non-pharmaceutical interventions(NPIs)or mass vaccination of the population,China would be able to contain community transmission and local outbreaks rapidly.However,under scenarios involving a low intensity of implemented NPIs and a small proportion of the population vaccinated,the use of a peacetime–wartime transition model would be needed for medical source stockpiles and preparations to ensure a normal functioning healthcare system.The implementation of COVID-19 vaccines and NPIs in different periods can influence the transmission of COVID-19 and subsequently affect the demand for clinical diagnosis and treatment.An increased proportion of asymptomatic infections in simulations will not reduce the demand for medical resources;however,attention must be paid to the increasing difficulty in containing COVID-19 transmission due to asymptomatic cases.This study provides evidence for emergency preparations and the adjustment of prevention and control strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.It also provides guidance for essential healthcare investment and resource allocation.

Factors Associated with PCV13 Vaccine Hesitancy in Parents under an Innovative Immunization Strategy:a Cross-Sectional Study—Weifang City,Shandong Province,China,2021

Summary What is already known on this topic?Pneumococcal diseases(PDs)are serious threats to child health.Although vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent these diseases,the pneumococcal vaccination coverage rate is still relatively low in China.What is added by this report?This study investigated the factors associated with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine(PCV13)vaccine hesitancy in parents under an innovative immunization strategy.

Willingness of Caregivers to Have Their Children Vaccinated with Pneumococcal Vaccines in the Context of an Innovative Immunization Strategy—Weifang City,Shandong Province,2021

Summary What is already known about this topic?Pneumococcal diseases(PDs)pose a serious health threat to children.Vaccination is the most costeffective intervention to prevent PDs,but pneumococcal vaccines coverage among children is low in China.What is added by this report?This study investigated the willingness of children’s caregivers to have their children vaccinated with pneumococcal vaccines under an innovative policy to offer 1-dose of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines at no charge to families.The research found that 70.51%of caregivers were willing to have their infants receive pneumococcal vaccines and that reducing the cost of vaccines may increase caregivers’willingness.What are the implications for public health practice?This is the first evaluation in China of acceptance of pneumococcal vaccines among children under a 1-dose,cost-free policy.The results provide scientific evidence for updating local and national pneumococcal immunization strategies to promote the use of the pneumococcal vaccine.