Religion and “Zero-Dose” Vaccination Status in Children Aged 12 to 23 Months in Benin and Togo: “Evidence of Demographic and Health Survey and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys”

Introduction: The relationship between religion and health has been a topic of interest in the past, and in recent years it has become increasingly visible in the social, behavioural, and health sciences. This work aims to study the influence of religion on the “zero-dose” vaccination status of children aged 12 - 23 months in Benin and Togo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which consisted in carrying out secondary analyzes using the databases of the most recent editions of the Demographic and Health Surveys in Benin and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) in Togo. We extracted data concerning the vaccination status (“1 = zero-dose”, “0 = vaccinated”) of the children, the religious affiliation of the head of the household or the mother and other variables related to the child, the mother, the household and the environment. By means of a logistic regression, the adjusted effect of the religious affiliation of the head of the household or of the mother on the vaccination status at “zero-dose” was determined. Results: A total of 2430 and 933 children were respectively included in the study on behalf of Benin and Togo. The prevalence of “zero-dose” vaccination status in children aged 12 - 23 months was 33.91% (95% CI = 31.67 - 36.23) in Benin and this prevalence was 26.88% (95% CI = 23.50 - 30.55) in Togo. In Benin, there is no evidence in favour of the influence of the religious affiliation of the mother on the “zero-dose” vaccination status of children. In Togo, children living in households whose head was Muslim (ORa = 3.44;95% CI = 1.29 - 9.13) were more likely to be “zero-dose” than those coming from households run by individuals with no religious beliefs. Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand the basis for the excess risk of “zero-dose” vaccination status in children that appears to be associated with the Muslim religion.

Control of highly pathogenic avian influenza through vaccination

The stamping-out strategy has been used to control highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in many countries,driven by the belief that vaccination would not be successful against such viruses and fears that avian influenza virus in vaccinated birds would evolve more rapidly and pose a greater risk to humans.In this review,we summarize the successes in controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza in China and make suggestions regarding the requirements for vaccine selection and effectiveness.In addition,we present evidence that vaccination of poultry not only eliminates human infection with avian influenza virus,but also significantly reduces and abolishes some harmful characteristics of avian influenza virus.

COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake and Associated Factors in Selected Communities in Two Southwestern States in Nigeria

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance have been a major global concern due to the prevalent misinformation and disinformation that has characterized the vaccine rollout worldwide. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance, and associated factors among selected community members in two states in southwestern Nigeria. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling technique. Fifty catchment settlements of 10 health facilities in each of Oyo and Ogun States targeted for a COVID-19 infection prevention and control intervention were randomly selected. Four households were targeted per settlement. All households that refused access were replaced, to ensure a minimum of four households randomly selected per settlement. The primary household decision-maker was interviewed in each household. Information elicited included respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, health history, knowledge, risk and benefit perception about the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine uptake, and willingness to be vaccinated. The study was conducted from July–August 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS IBM version 23. Result: Four hundred household decision-makers were surveyed in Oyo and Ogun states, after replacement. The mean age of the respondents was 43.0 ± 11.0 years. The majority, 346 (86.5%) had heard about COVID-19 vaccination, but only 47 (13.6%) had received a COVID-19 vaccination. Of the 299 respondents who reported not receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, 166 (55.5%) were willing to be vaccinated. In univariate analysis, respondents who were female had tertiary education, perceived that COVID-19 vaccines are free and accessible, perceived that COVID-19 vaccines have minimal side effects, and perceived higher benefits of COVID-19 vaccination had higher odds of being vaccinated. In contrast, younger respondents, respondents with higher knowledge scores on COVID-19 preventive measures, and with chronic illness had lower likelihoods of being vaccinated. In multivariate analysis, only the respondent’s age, perception score on COVID-19 vaccine benefits, knowledge score on IPC measures, and positive response on accessibility and safety were significant after adjusting for other factors. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine uptake rate as well as willingness to receive vaccination were low in the study setting. There is an urgent need for policymakers to embark on well-designed campaigns to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination to increase vaccine uptake.

A Prospective Study on Evaluating the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Vaccination from Birth to 13 Years Old in Kuwait

Background: To prevent infectious diseases and deaths of children, vaccinations play a crucial role in public health strategies in Kuwait. However, it remained uncertain to demonstrate the potential long-term health outcomes of vaccination, including neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and autism. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term health outcomes of vaccination among Kuwait children from birth to thirteen years old. Objectives: This study included the significant objectives: (1) to compare long-term health effects, including chronic and acute conditions for unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and vaccinated children, and (2) to evaluate the association of vaccination with the neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and autism, and the preventable illnesses. Methods: This prospective study involved a sample of 976 children from Kuwait based on mothers’ reporting. Data collection about the vaccination status of children and various health outcomes relevant to chronic and acute illnesses was performed based on structured questionnaires through an online survey. However, participants were classified into unvaccinated (n = 40), partially vaccinated (n = 222), and fully vaccinated (n = 714). Statistical analyses, including the chi-square test, Odds Ratios (OR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and logistic regression, were performed using SAS (Version 9.4) to determine the associations between vaccination status and health outcomes among children. Results: The study disclosed that vaccinated children showed an increased diagnosis of chronic (allergic rhinitis, allergies, autism spectrum, eczema, neuro-developmental disorders, learning disability, ADHD, and any chronic condition) and acute (whooping cough, pneumonia, rubella, hepatitis A or B, measles, mumps, meningitis, influenza, rotavirus, cancer, chronic fatigue, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, conduct disorder, diabetes type 1 or 2, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, seizures, hearing loss, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and depression) illnesses than unvaccinated children. The fully vaccinated children showed an increased prevalence of influenza diagnosis, while partially vaccinated children were more likely to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis than unvaccinated children. In contrast, unvaccinated were more likely to have been diagnosed with chickenpox and encephalopathy than fully and partially vaccinated. Males with chronic and acute conditions had a lower incidence of allergies and pneumonia, respectively, whereas females had a reduced prevalence of acute illnesses, such as whooping cough, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatitis A or B among vaccinated (n = 936;combination of partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated) children. Regarding medication use and health service applications, vaccinated children were more likely to use medications for fever, antibiotics, and allergies. In addition, they showed an increased rate of sick visits and emergency visits in the past twelve months. On the other hand, factors like age (2 - 5 years, 6 - 9 years, and 10 - 13 years), birth type (cesarian), and mother suffering during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) were significantly associated with NDD (learning disability, autism spectrum, and attention deficient hyperactivity disorder) in the adjusted analysis. In the interaction model of age and birth type, age (6 - 9 years;OR 5.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 25.3) and mother suffering (gestational diabetes;OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.2) during pregnancy were associated with NDD. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there are some cases where the infection rate is higher among the vaccinated compared to unvaccinated children, or there are no significant differences between the two groups in Kuwait. Upon controlling the factors in the interaction model, the age of 6 to 9 years and gestational diabetic mothers during pregnancy were associated with the synergistic increment of odds with NDD. These data findings are recommended to verify a larger and diverse group of samples to optimize the vaccination on health outcomes in Kuwait children.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Severe Outcomes among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in West Africa, Togo, 2021

Objectives: More than a year after its introduction, COVID-19 vaccination coverage was low in the Togolese population and little data were available on its benefits for hospitalized patients. This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the prognosis of hospitalized patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the Centre Hospitalier Régional Lomé Commune (Togo) between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022. Primary outcomes (admission to the intensive care unit and death) were presented with frequency and proportion. Mortality rates were presented by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and compared by appropriate statistical tests. Factors associated with inpatient death were described by performing a Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: A total of 604 patients were hospitalized (50.0% women). The mean age was 54.03 ±17.1 years. Only 55 patients were fully vaccinated (9.1%). ICU admission was significantly more frequent in unvaccinated patients than in vaccinated ones (63.0% vs. 38.2%;p Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination had a significant benefit for patients with COVID-19 infection in terms of reducing the risk of death. Based on real-world data from sub-Saharan Africa, this information can help optimize the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination by raising community awareness and increasing vaccine coverage while reducing hesitancy.

Revaccination after Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Prior COVID-19 Vaccination: Case Report

Background: Acute kidney injury associated with proteinuria has been reported following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 several times since 2021. Decisions about subsequent revaccination in these patients have been difficult because of the uncertainty of the consequences of doing so, and the absence of publications to help determine whether revaccination may be considered safe or not. Purpose: We present a case report of a 59-year-old Canadian man who developed severe acute kidney injury associated with moderate proteinuria following his first COVID-19 vaccine with the Moderna vaccine (an mRNA vaccine). He required haemodialysis for 2 weeks, which was initiated when his creatinine reached 1002 μmol/l. A kidney biopsy showed changes consistent with acute tubular necrosis. The patient was cautioned that repeat vaccination might result in further kidney injury which might be irreversible. However, he badly wanted to attempt a second COVID-19 vaccination, to facilitate a family vacation across several countries in Europe, at a time when travel restrictions were in place in many countries for persons who had not completed a course of vaccines. Method: Following deliberations, the patient chose to try a different type of Covid-19 vaccine. On this occasion, he was vaccinated with the Novavax vaccine (a subunit COVID-19 vaccine). Following this, close monitoring of his urine to detect proteinuria and blood testing for acute kidney injury were carried out on days 1, 3, 7, and 60 after vaccination. Furthermore, a year after his repeat vaccination, his kidney function and urinalysis were again assessed. Result and Conclusions: The patient did not develop acute kidney injury or worsening proteinuria following repeat vaccination. It remains unclear if acute kidney injury with proteinuria is caused by Covid-19 vaccination, or simply an incidental association. This case report suggests that it is may be reasonable for patients with acute kidney injury after COVID-19 vaccination to consider trying a different type of vaccine. In situations where a new virulent strain of virus emerges or in patients at risk of severe complication from infection, it may be reasonable to consider revaccination following appropriate counselling with close monitoring of renal function.

2024: Is There a Place for Freedom of Choice about Vaccination Based on Messenger RNA?

In 2024, COVID-19 vaccination became mandatory in Brazil for children aged 6 months to 4 years. The product available for this purpose is the BNT162b2 messenger RNA, whose potential risks are still not fully known compared to those of immunizations based on other platforms. This study assessed the current short term benefit/risk of BNT162b2 in pediatric population as a basis for discussion about the mandatory use or the freedom of choice on mRNA products in this age group. Methods. The epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome was evaluated in Brazil based on freely available public data in the years 2022 and 2023, in children aged 6 months to 4 years. Results. The number needed to treat (NNT) with BNT162b2 to prevent one death from COVID-19 in this age group ranged from 208,856 to 548,246. The number needed to harm (NNH) of vaccine-associated death can range from 42,373 to 909,090. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate a borderline short-term benefit/risk balance of the BNT162b2 vaccine for the Brazilian population aged 6 months to 4 years. In this scenario, free informed choices regarding the use of mRNA products should be guaranteed for all.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Cases and Vaccinations in the State of Georgia, United States: A Spatial Perspective

This study evaluates the distribution of COVID-19 cases and mass vaccination campaigns from January 2020 to April 2023. There are over 235,000 COVID-19 cases and over 733,000 vaccinations across the 159 counties in the state of Georgia. Data on COVID-19 was acquired from usafact.org while the vaccination records were obtained from COVID-19 vaccination tracker. The spatial patterns across the counties were analyzed using spatial statistical techniques which include both global and local spatial autocorrelation. The study further evaluates the effect of vaccination and selected socio-economic predictors on COVID-19 cases across the study area. The result of hotspot analysis reveals that the epicenters of COVID-19 are distributed across Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties. It was also affirmed that the vaccination records followed the same pattern as COVID-19 cases’ epicenters. The result of the spatial error model performed well and accounted for a considerable percentage of the regression with an adjusted R squared of 0.68, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) 387.682 and Breusch-Pagan of 9.8091. ESDA was employed to select the main explanatory variables. The selected variables include vaccination, population density, percentage of people that do not have health insurance, black race, Hispanic and these variables accounted for 68% of the number of COVID-19 cases in the state of Georgia during the study period. The study concludes that both COVID-19 cases and vaccinated individuals have spatial peculiarities across counties in Georgia state. Lastly, socio-economic variables and vaccination are very important to reduce the vulnerability of individuals to COVID-19 disease.

Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology

Objective:To describe and determine the association between Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology.Methods:Conducted in a tertiary hospital in Medan,Indonesia,from April 30th 2022 to June 30th 2022,this single-center cross-sectional study involved Covid-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated women with singleton full-term pregnancies delivering live fetuses via cesarean section.Maternal characteristics,placental pathologies,and the placental index were documented at enrollment.The association between Covid-19 vaccination status and placental pathology was assessed.Results:The study enrolled 200 pregnant women,including 110 vaccinated women and 90 unvaccinated women.No significant differences were observed in birthweight(P=0.48),placental index(P=0.48),and placental pathology findings[intervillous bleeding(P=0.20),increased syncytial knots(P=0.83),chorangiosis(P=0.13),villous stromal edema(P=0.13),vascular dilation and congestion(P=0.13),and vascular wall thrombus(P=0.71)]between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.Conclusions:This study revealed no statistically significant association between Covid-19 vaccination and placental pathology.The findings support the safety of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy,in regards to changes of the placental pathology.

COVID-19 vaccination produces exercise-responsive SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells regardless of infection history

Background:The mobilization and redistribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)specific T-cells and neutralizing antibodies(nAbs)during exercise is purported to increase immune surveillance and protect against severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).We sought to determine if COVID-19 vaccination would elicit exercise-responsive SARS-CoV-2 T-cells and transiently alter nAb titers.Methods:Eighteen healthy participants completed a 20-min bout of graded cycling exercise before and/or after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.All major leukocyte subtypes were enumerated before,during,and after exercise by flow cytometry,and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 were determined using whole blood peptide stimulation assays,T-cell receptor(TCR)-βsequencing,and SARS-CoV-2 nAb serology.Results:COVID-19 vaccination had no effect on the mobilization or egress of major leukocyte subsets in response to intensity-controlled graded exercise.However,non-infected participants had a significantly reduced mobilization of CD4+and CD8+naive T-cells,as well as CD4+central memory T-cells,after vaccination(synthetic immunity group);this was not seen after vaccination in those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection(hybrid immunity group).Acute exercise after vaccination robustly mobilized SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells to blood in an intensity-dependent manner.Both groups mobilized T-cells that reacted to spike protein;however,only the hybrid immunity group mobilized T-cells that reacted to membrane and nucleocapsid antigens.nAbs increased significantly during exercise only in the hybrid immunity group.Conclusion:These data indicate that acute exercise mobilizes SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells that recognize spike protein and increases the redistribution of nAbs in individuals with hybrid immunity.

Study of Factors Associated with the Practice of Vaccination against COVID-19 among Medical Science Students in Dakar (Senegal)

Introduction: Almost a year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senegal embarked on a vaccination campaign to protect its population. The objective of this study was to identify the factors influencing the COVID-19 vaccination practices within a health training university in Dakar. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study carried out from October 21 2021 to February 21 2022 among students at the Elhadj Ibrahima Niass private University in Dakar, Senegal. A 28-question online questionnaire was sent to all students enrolled at the university during this period. Results: Of the 576 students who responded, the average age was 22.60 years, with females predominating (57.81%). Medical students accounted for 66.14% of participants, pharmacy 22.40% and dental surgery 11.46%. Of these, 42.01% were bachelor’s students, 29.51% master’s students and 28.47% doctoral students. Vaccination coverage was 50.35%. Students who considered COVID-19 to be very dangerous were more likely to be vaccinated (OR = 5.05 [2.24-11.9]). Those with poor knowledge of vaccines were less likely to be vaccinated (OR = 0.07 [0.03-0.18]), as were those with poor knowledge of contraindications to vaccination (OR = 0.49 [0.28-0.86]). No association was found between vaccination status and socio-demographic or educational characteristics. Conclusion: In view of the importance of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination, our results suggest that it is important to involve health students in the Ministry of Health’s awareness-raising strategies, because their support is necessary for better public awareness.

De Novo Glomerular Diseases after COVID-19 Vaccination: Consequence or Coincidence?

Introduction: Vaccination against COVID-19 has proven highly effective in preventing severe forms of the disease. However, the literature reports several cases associating renal damage and the anti-COVID vaccine. The aim of our work was to report a case series of patients who developed glomerulopathy after anti-COVID-19 vaccine. We evaluated the type of vaccine, the clinico-biological profile, and the anatomopathological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects. Material and Methods: Prospective descriptive study conducted at the Nephrology Department of CHU IbnSina in Rabat between December 2021 and June 2022 including 9 patients who presented with glomerulopathy after the 1st dose of anti-COVID-19 vaccine. We excluded patients followed for nephropathy. Results: The mean age of our patients was 33 ± 16 years with a sex ratio of 0.8. Six patients received an inactivated vaccine, 2 patients received a mRNA vaccine and 1 patient received a viral vector vaccine. The mean delay between the onset of signs and the date of the first vaccine dose was 3.1 +/? 0.65 months (1 - 6 months). All patients had a nephrotic syndrome, 2 pure and 7 impure: 3 patients had acute renal failure and microscopic hematuria, 2 patients had microscopic hematuria and 2 patients had acute renal failure. Histologically, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was noted in 4 patients, lupus nephropathy in 3, and membranous nephropathy (MN) in 2. Specific treatment was administered to each patient, depending on the histological type of renal involvement and the context. After 6 months, complete remission was achieved in 5 patients, with no improvement in 2, and one patient was placed on hemodialysis. One patient died of another cause. Conclusion: The causal link between anti-COVID 19 vaccination and renal disease is highly probable, but remains to be confirmed.

Assessment of the Vaccination Status of Children Aged 6 to 30 Months in a Tertiary Level Health Care Center in Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction: Vaccination coverage in Côte d’Ivoire over the period 2011 to 2015 was below the target of 95% for all antigens. The objective of this study was to analyze the vaccination status of children aged 6 to 30 months with a view to improving vaccination coverage. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place from June to September 2018 in a tertiary health center, focusing on children aged 6 to 30 months with a correctly completed health record. The parameters studied were sex, age, educational level of mothers, dates of vaccine administration and reason for missed vaccination opportunities. Results: We retained 212 children. The sex ratio was 1.21 and 93% had received the BCG vaccine before the age of 1 month. The average ages of combined and co-administered vaccines for the 1st and 2nd doses were 7.66 ± 3.81 and 12.88 ± 3.95 weeks, respectively. The median was 16.57 weeks for the 3rd dose. The proportion of vaccinated subjects was greater than 90% for the BCG vaccine and the 3 doses of combined vaccines, and 77% for the yellow fever and measles vaccines. The reasons for non-vaccination were attributable to the children’s parents and health facilities. Conclusion: Improving vaccination coverage requires regular supply of vaccines to centers, and the involvement of all health professionals, community and religious leaders in the vaccination awareness process.

Humoral Response and Tolerance of Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in Adults Senegalese Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Prospective Study

Introduction: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination has been proposed in several countries as the main preventive measure despite very limited data, particularly in dialysis patients. We conducted this study to assess the immunological response to vaccination in Senegalese hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective study, in two dialysis centers in Dakar from March 30th to August 30th, 2021 including patients on hemodialysis for >6 months, vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 according to the vaccination schedule recommended by WHO. A vaccine response was considered positive when seroconversion was observed after one dose of vaccine. The clinical efficacy of immunization was defined as the absence of new COVID-19 infection in patients who received a complete vaccination. Results: Among the 81 patients included in the study, 7.4% had anti-Spike IgM antibodies before their first vaccination. Seroprevalence of IgM antibodies was 38.3% one month after the first vaccine dose (at M1) and 8.6% one month after the second dose (at M4). Anti-Spike IgG antibodies were present in 40.3% of patients before vaccination, in 90.1% at M1, and in 59.7% at M4. Among patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, 10.2% had IgM antibodies at M0, 31.6% at M1, and 10.5% at M4 post-vaccination. Similarly, seroprevalences of IgG antibodies in this subgroup were 31.5%, 61.3%, and 50.0% respectively at M0, M1, and M4 post-vaccination. A comparison of seroconversion rates between M0 and M4 showed significant differences only for IgG in COVID-19 naive patients. Mean duration in dialysis and the existence of previous COVID-19 infection were associated with patients’ vaccinal response after the two doses. Age, gender and the use of immunosuppressive treatment did not influence post-vaccinal antibody production. Conclusion: Vaccination against COVID-19 in Senegalese hemodialysis patients induced a low seroconversion rate but it was well tolerated. Moreover, the induced protection was neither strong nor durable, particularly in patients with longer duration in dialysis.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage among University Students in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Introduction: Hepatitis B is an infectious disease that remains a real public health problem in Africa. Students represent a group at risk for this disease. The objective of this study was to estimate the hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate among students in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A systematic search of databases (PubMed, AJOL) and a manual search of Google Scholar was conducted to retrieve all published studies reporting hepatitis B vaccination coverage among students in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled coverage rate was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: A total of 35 studies were included and included 20,520 students. The mean age was 22.1 ± 5.1 years with a predominance of female sex (sex ratio F/M = 1.05). The vaccination coverage rate was 28.8% [95% CI: 22.9% - 34.7%]. Disaggregation allowed to estimate coverage rates of 29.8% [95% CI: 22.9% - 36.7%], 23.4% [95% CI: 9.4% - 37.4%] and 17.0% [95% CI: 14.4% - 19.5%] respectively in West Africa, East Africa and Central Africa. Conclusion: Less than a third of students in sub-Saharan Africa are protected against hepatitis B. However, the majority of this target group is at risk of infection. It would be relevant to screen and, if necessary, vaccinate all new students.

Adverse Events following AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Study in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction: Pharmaceutical companies have boosted vaccine production following the global COVID-19 pandemic. In Côte d’Ivoire, the first vaccination campaign with the AstraZeneca vaccine began on March 1, 2021, as part of the Covax program. Despite the positive benefit/risk balance, the adverse effects of vaccination should not be minimized. Objective: To identify adverse events of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccination for better management. Materials and Methods: This is a case of a 57-year-old obese (BMI = 39 kg/m2) female health care worker who experienced adverse events in March 2021 after the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine administered 4 weeks apart. These were subject to mandatory case reporting. Results: Major post-vaccination events occurred in a noisy systemic picture with parameters showing significant disturbances. Biological surveillance remains costly and makes the accountability of the vaccine complex. Conclusion: Vaccination remains the ultimate weapon in the fight against endemic diseases but should not overshadow the reporting of adverse events.

Investigating Non-Compliance with COVID-19 Vaccination through Hesitancy, Refusal, and Access Limitation: A Community-Based Survey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Vaccination plays a pivotal role in mitigating the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccination campaigns encounter obstacles, especially in developing countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study aimed at investigating the roles of vaccine hesitancy, refusal, and access barriers, while identifying individual-level factors associated with non-vaccination in Mbujimayi, DRC. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three health districts and included 1496 residents. Attitudes and behaviors related to seeking COVID-19 vaccination were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to assess factors potentially affecting non-compliance with vaccination. Results: Among participants (median age = 33, IQR = 23.3, M/F sex ratio = 0.7), 60% displayed misconceptions about COVID-19 or its vaccine, while only 35.2% perceived COVID-19 as a significant health threat. Vaccination coverage was estimated at 49.1% (95% CI: 47.5;52.6), with 71.8% of vaccinated individuals having received one dose. Among the unvaccinated individuals, 50.9% expressed no intention to be vaccinated in the future, citing hesitation (30.4%) or refusal (39.6%) mainly due to side effects or distrust of vaccines. Conversely, 32.7% of the unvaccinated persons expressed access barriers despite willingness to be vaccinated. Misconceptions about COVID-19 and its vaccines were the main drivers of vaccination non-compliance. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate significant vaccine non-compliance driven by hesitancy, refusal, and access barriers. Strategies to enhance vaccination coverage and pandemic preparedness should address misconceptions, sociodemographic barriers, and geographic disparities.

Vaccination and Measles Epidemic in the Republic of Congo

Measles is a highly infectious, vaccine-preventable viral disease. Often forgotten, it is potentially fatal. Its main symptoms are: fever, cough, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and skin rash. Serological diagnoses by ELISA test based on the detection of anti-measles virus immunoglobulins M and G (IgM and IgG), are used respectively for the confirmation of suspected cases notified by means of clinical signs of the disease in health structures of the twelve departments of the Republic of Congo involved in the epidemiological surveillance of the disease, and for the evaluation of the immunity conferred by vaccination. During 2021, 459 suspected cases of measles were reported and sampled throughout the country, despite the administration under the Expanded Routine Immunization Program (EPI), of 2 doses of the combined measles-rubella vaccine (RR1 and RR2) in 2020. The notification rate was higher in the south of the country, more precisely in the health structures of the departments of Pointe-Noire (42%) and Brazzaville (11%). During the year 2021, 459 suspected cases of measles were notified and sampled throughout the country with a high notification rate in the south of the country, more precisely in the health structures of the Pointe-Noire departments (42%) and Brazzaville (11%). The samples consisting of human blood (serum) were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory and analyzed by various ELISA tests for the detection of anti-measles immunog-lobulins M and G. The analysis of the results obtained shows that the measles virus circulated in all departments of the country. 154 cases (33.55%) were confirmed positive by IgM ELISA and 98 positive cases (63.63%) were patients vaccinated against measles. Vaccination coverage in RR1 of [50%-95% [(first dose) as well as the lowest RR2 < 50% (second dose) undoubtedly because the COVID-19 pandemic could be the cause of the high frequency of cases positive vaccinated. The non-detection of IgG immunoglobulins in vaccinated patients observed by IgG ELISA tests revealed that 63.26% of vaccinated patients were not immunized against the measles virus. These results confirm those obtained during the Elisa IgM analysis and make it possible to deduce that the quality, the number of doses not properly administered, the individual characteristics of the people as well as the poor conservation of the administered vaccine (non-compliance with the cold chain) would explain the high proportion of positive cases of vaccinated measles observed.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Covid-19 and their relationship with Covid-19 booster vaccination status among women with infertility

Objective:To elucidate the relationship among knowledge,attitudes,and practices regarding Covid-19 and their relationship with booster vaccination status among women with infertility.Methods:This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed online and offline among women with infertility who visited an infertility clinic in Jakarta,Indonesia.We assessed the patient’s knowledge,attitudes,and practices regarding Covid-19 and their relationship with booster vaccination status and sociodemographic profile.Results:A total of 178 subjects participated in this study,and most participants(92.6%)had received booster Covid-19 vaccines.From the questionnaire,74.2%had good knowledge,and 99.4%had good attitudes regarding Covid-19;however,only 57.9%of patients had good practices.A weak positive correlation existed between knowledge and attitudes(r=0.11,P=0.13)and a moderate negative correlation between attitudes and practices(r=-0.44,P=0.56).Participants’knowledge about vaccines and infertility was correlated with booster vaccination status(P=0.04).Academic background(P=0.01)and attitudes(P=0.01)were also correlated with booster vaccination status.The significant determinants of hesitance of receiving Covid-19 booster vaccines were high school education or below(OR=0.08,95%CI 0.02-0.36)and poor practices(OR=0.21,95%CI 0.05-0.95).Conclusions:The majority of the participants had received the Covid-19 booster vaccine and had good knowledge and attitudes but poor practices regarding Covid-19.Most participants had poor knowledge about the relationship between infertility and the Covid-19 vaccine.The general population should be more informed and reminded about practices to prevent Covid-19 and the relationship between vaccination and fertility to increase the number of people who receive Covid-19 booster vaccines.

Perception of Medical Students towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination in a Private Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Prevention is one of the safe schemes against the high prevalence of viral Hepatitis. Negative perceptions or perceptions about the risks of hepatitis B among medical students and health care workers may influence the behavioral pattern and adoption of preventive measures against the virus and can affect the uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccine. This study assesses the perception of medical students towards Hepatitis B virus infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination in a Private Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in August 2021 among 236 clinical medical students using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and analysed using the IBM SPSS 28 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: Two-thirds of respondents were of the opinion that they are at risk of contracting HBV. Half were of the opinion that the risk is very much while a third believed the risk is moderate. Among those who think they are not at risk of contracting HBV, the majority felt so because they are vaccinated while 10.3% believe that they are safe. 43.2% of respondents think that HBV Vaccine is very effective in preventing HBV infection while 39.8% think it is slightly effective, and 7.6% think it is not effective. Almost all respondents, 99.2% are of the opinion that HBV Vaccination is important for students while 0.8% think it is not important. The majority of the respondents at 95.8% were willing to be screened for HBV. The majority (85.6%) of respondents are willing to pay for HBV Vaccine as against 14.4% of respondents who are not willing to pay. Conclusion: Summarily, 21 (8.9%) of the students had a negative perception of Hepatitis B Vaccination, and 215 (91.1%) had a positive perception of Hepatitis B Vaccination. Perception-sustaining events like seminars, workshops, road shows, and campaigns should be organized among students and health workers.