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Vaccines
Special Issues
Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period
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Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2024 | Viewed by 11453

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dimitrios Papagiannis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Assistant Professor of Public Health, Public Health & Vaccines Lab., Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Gaiopolis Campus, Larissa, Greece
Interests: vaccines; public health; epidemiology; hygiene
Dr. Georgios Rachiotis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Μedical Faculty, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
Interests: epidemiology; occupational health; social determinants of health; medicine; smoking
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted various global problems and opportunities for reorganizing health structures and services. This Special Issue addresses the public health aspects of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, supports decision making, and informs policy changes.

We welcome multidisciplinary work, including submissions from public health specialists, including epidemiologists, original research articles, and evidence-based summaries. The research areas may include:

  • Public health and policy issues linked to vaccination coverage, vaccine research, communication strategies for encouraging vaccine uptake, and vaccine hesitancy.
  • Efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of new variants, novel vaccine platforms, safety, and booster doses.
  • Routine vaccinations in workplaces, infants, and adults during the pandemic.

Dr. Dimitrios Papagiannis
Dr. Georgios Rachiotis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vaccines
  • vaccination coverage
  • hesitancy
  • omicron variant
  • public health interventions

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2835 KiB  
Article
Pertussis Epidemiology in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia, 1948–2023
by Mioljub Ristić, Snežana Medić, Vladimir Vuković, Smiljana Rajčević, Marko Koprivica, Jelena Banjac, Stefan Ljubičić and Vladimir Petrović
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050525 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Viewed by 205
Abstract
Pertussis continues to be a significant public health concern. We aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Vojvodina, which accounts for almost a third of Serbia’s population. Our aim was to determine the overall and age-specific incidence and mortality rates of [...] Read more.
Pertussis continues to be a significant public health concern. We aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Vojvodina, which accounts for almost a third of Serbia’s population. Our aim was to determine the overall and age-specific incidence and mortality rates of pertussis in Vojvodina from 1948 to 2023, as well as the coverage of immunization against pertussis from 1960 to 2023. In the period 1948–2023, 42,259 cases of pertussis were reported. Following the introduction of the DTwP vaccine (1960) in Serbia, the reported incidence of pertussis began to decline. In 2001, for the first time since introduction of pertussis surveillance in Vojvodina, no pertussis cases were reported. Since 2012, the reported incidence of pertussis has once again increased, and peaked (41.1/100,000) in 2023, approaching the incidence rates recorded shortly after the introduction of DTwP vaccine. A shift in the age profile of pertussis from children aged 0–6 years to school-aged children (7–14 years) occurred between 2012 and 2023, when 48.3% of pertussis cases occurred in this age group. Although the incidence rates of pertussis among individuals aged 20 years and older were significantly lower than among younger age groups, there is evidence of an increasing trend in pertussis cases, particularly among those aged 40–49 years, since 2012. Based on the findings of this study, it is imperative to introduce additional booster doses of the aP vaccine for individuals aged 14 years, along with implementing maternal immunization strategies targeting women of childbearing age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)
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14 pages, 1087 KiB  
Article
Association between COVID-19 Booster Vaccination and COVID-19 Outcomes among U.S. Adults
by Kimberly H. Nguyen, Cheyenne McChesney, Ruchi Patel, Robert A. Bednarczyk, Lavanya Vasudevan and Laura Corlin
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050503 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 336
Abstract
Understanding the association between booster vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes can help strengthen post-pandemic messaging and strategies to increase vaccination and reduce severe and long-term consequences of COVID-19. Using the Household Pulse Survey data collected from U.S. adults from 9 December 2022 to 13 [...] Read more.
Understanding the association between booster vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes can help strengthen post-pandemic messaging and strategies to increase vaccination and reduce severe and long-term consequences of COVID-19. Using the Household Pulse Survey data collected from U.S. adults from 9 December 2022 to 13 February 2023 (n = 214,768), this study assessed the relationship between COVID-19 booster vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes (testing positive for COVID-19, moderate/severe COVID-19, and long COVID). Disparities were found in COVID-19 outcomes (e.g., testing positive for COVID-19, moderate/severe COVID-19, and long COVID) by sociodemographic characteristics, region of residence, food insecurity status, mental health status, disability status, and housing type. Receipt of a COVID-19 booster vaccination was negatively associated with testing positive for COVID-19 (aOR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.72,0.79), having moderate/severe COVID-19 (aOR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.88, 0.97), or having long COVID (aOR = 0.86 (0.80, 0.91)). Even among those who tested positive for COVID-19, those who received the booster vaccine were less likely to have moderate/severe COVID-19 and less likely to have long COVID. Communicating the benefits of COVID-19 booster vaccination, integrating vaccination in patient visits, and reducing access barriers can increase vaccination uptake and confidence for all individuals and protect them against the severe negative outcomes of COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)
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7 pages, 1694 KiB  
Communication
Estimating the Impact of Vaccination Campaigns on Measles Transmission in Somalia
by Niket Thakkar, Ali Haji Adam Abubakar, Mukhtar Shube, Mustafe Awil Jama, Mohamed Derow, Philipp Lambach, Hossam Ashmony, Muhammad Farid, So Yoon Sim, Patrick O’Connor, Anna Minta, Anindya Sekhar Bose, Patience Musanhu, Quamrul Hasan, Naor Bar-Zeev and Sk Md Mamunur Rahman Malik
Vaccines 2024, 12(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12030314 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968
Abstract
Somalia is a complex and fragile setting with a demonstrated potential for disruptive, high-burden measles outbreaks. In response, since 2018, Somalian authorities have partnered with UNICEF and the WHO to implement measles vaccination campaigns across the country. In this paper, we create a [...] Read more.
Somalia is a complex and fragile setting with a demonstrated potential for disruptive, high-burden measles outbreaks. In response, since 2018, Somalian authorities have partnered with UNICEF and the WHO to implement measles vaccination campaigns across the country. In this paper, we create a Somalia-specific model of measles transmission based on a comprehensive epidemiological dataset including case-based surveillance, vaccine registries, and serological surveys. We use this model to assess the impact of these campaign interventions on Somalian’s measles susceptibility, showing, for example, that across the roughly 10 million doses delivered, 1 of every 5 immunized a susceptible child. Finally, we use the model to explore a counter-factual epidemiology without the 2019–2020 campaigns, and we estimate that those interventions prevented over 10,000 deaths. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)
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11 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
Adherence to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Recommendations among Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rome, Italy
by Francesco Mondera, Vincenzo Cammalleri, Francesca Maria Forestiero, Federica Turatto, Giovanni F. M. Direnzo, Anna Napoli, Francesca Pirelli, Nirinalisera Razafimpanana, Ettore Rossi, Valentina Baccolini, Lilia Cinti, Carolina Marzuillo, Massimo Barra, Guido Antonelli, Aldo Badiani and Paolo Villari
Vaccines 2023, 11(9), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11091434 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1085
Abstract
Adherence to vaccination recommendations is a challenge for national immunization programs. We quantified adherence to COVID-19 vaccination recommendations in people with substance use disorders (SUDs) attending an outpatient addiction center in Rome, Italy; we investigated the determinants of adherence, and also analyzed patient [...] Read more.
Adherence to vaccination recommendations is a challenge for national immunization programs. We quantified adherence to COVID-19 vaccination recommendations in people with substance use disorders (SUDs) attending an outpatient addiction center in Rome, Italy; we investigated the determinants of adherence, and also analyzed patient risk perception and compliance with preventive measures. A multivariable logistic regression model identified predictors of adherence to vaccination recommendations, with statistical validity tested by estimating adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). From December 2021 to January 2022, 200 SUD patients completed a questionnaire, 80% of whom reported being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (minimum one dose). Negative predictors of vaccine uptake included being non-Italian (aOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–0.97), having coexisting comorbidities (aOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13–0.95), and previous use of heroin (aOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08–0.71). No difference was found for cocaine use, demographic characteristics, previous COVID-19 infection, methadone therapy, or compliance with preventive measures. Major reasons for non-adherence to vaccination recommendations were fear of side effects, insufficient recognition of the importance of vaccination, bureaucratic issues, and lack of trust in the authorities. Given their vulnerability, additional efforts are needed to facilitate access to vaccination for people with SUDs, and to limit disinformation around vaccines.. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)
9 pages, 235 KiB  
Communication
Factors of Compliance of Dental Patients in Primary Health Care Services during the Pandemic
by Sofia Zachari, Dimitrios Papagiannis, Ourania Kotsiou, Foteini Malli, Evangelos C. Fradelos and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis
Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040844 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1075
Abstract
The compliance of dentists with good hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic was essential to minimize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 strains, and the pandemic has significantly interrupted the provision of oral health care to many individuals. We aimed to examine, in a cross-sectional [...] Read more.
The compliance of dentists with good hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic was essential to minimize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 strains, and the pandemic has significantly interrupted the provision of oral health care to many individuals. We aimed to examine, in a cross-sectional study, factors affecting dental patients’ compliance in primary dental health settings during the pandemic period. The present study was conducted on 300 dental patients visiting four private dental offices in the city of Larissa in Central Greece during the period October–December 2021. The patients in the study sample were of an average age of 45.79 years with a standard deviation of 15.54 years, and 58% of the sample were females. A significant proportion of the participants, 22%, reported that they would be influenced if they knew that the dentist had been ill with COVID-19 despite being fully recovered. A total of 88% of the participants reported that they would feel safe if they knew their dentist was vaccinated against COVID-19. Regarding the information received by dentists, 88% of the participants agreed that the dentist’s role is important in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and 89% of them agreed that the information they received from the dentist about the COVID-19 pandemic was sufficient. One-third of the total sample reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted keeping dental appointments, and 43% of the sample kept scheduled appointments. A total of 98% reported that the dentist followed all health protocols against COVID-19 and that their office was equipped to follow health protocols. In the present study, we observe that dentists had adequate knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices of infection control protocols against COVID-19 during the second wave, according to patients’ perceptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)

Review

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10 pages, 253 KiB  
Review
Changes in the Epidemiology of Rubella: The Influence of Vaccine-Introducing Methods and COVID-19
by Naruhito Otani, Masayuki Shima, Takashi Ueda, Kazuhiko Nakajima, Yoshio Takesue, Takuma Yamamoto and Toshiomi Okuno
Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081358 - 12 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1413
Abstract
Rubella is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. Congenital rubella syndrome is a risk for all newborns if pregnant women are infected with rubella, raising an important public health issue. Rubella is a vaccine-preventable disease, and routine immunization has been conducted [...] Read more.
Rubella is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. Congenital rubella syndrome is a risk for all newborns if pregnant women are infected with rubella, raising an important public health issue. Rubella is a vaccine-preventable disease, and routine immunization has been conducted in Japan. The timing of the vaccine approval did not differ from that in the United States. In 2004, endemic rubella was eliminated in the United States. However, recent rubella outbreaks have occurred in Japan. This may be related to differences in the introduction of routine rubella immunization. In Japan, routine rubella immunization was initially introduced only for junior high school girls, and the rate of susceptibility is high among males who have not received rubella vaccination, causing an outbreak. Therefore, in Japan, measures have been taken to decrease the number of susceptible males in the vaccination-free generation. The coronavirus pandemic has also affected the epidemiology of rubella as well as other infectious diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

28 pages, 1593 KiB  
Systematic Review
Healthcare Workers’ Attitudes towards Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Marios Politis, Sotiris Sotiriou, Chrysoula Doxani, Ioannis Stefanidis, Elias Zintzaras and Georgios Rachiotis
Vaccines 2023, 11(4), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11040880 - 21 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5191
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 vaccine mandates are considered a controversial public health policy both in public debate and among healthcare workers (HCWs). Thus, the objective of this systematic review is to give a deep insight into HCWs’ views and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination mandates amid [...] Read more.
Background: COVID-19 vaccine mandates are considered a controversial public health policy both in public debate and among healthcare workers (HCWs). Thus, the objective of this systematic review is to give a deep insight into HCWs’ views and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination mandates amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic literature search of five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was conducted between July 2022 and November 2022. Original quantitative studies that addressed the attitudes of HCWs regarding COVID-19 vaccine mandates were considered eligible for this systematic review. All the included studies (n = 57) were critically appraised and assessed for risk of systematic bias. Meta-analyses were performed, providing a pooled estimate of HCWs’ acceptance towards COVID-19 vaccine mandates for: 1. HCWs and 2. the general population. Results: In total, 64% (95% CI: 55%, 72%) of HCWs favored COVID-19 vaccine mandates for HCWs, while 50% (95% CI: 38%, 61%) supported mandating COVID-19 vaccines for the general population. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 is a highly controversial issue among HCWs. The present study provides stakeholders and policy makers with useful evidence related to the compulsory or non-compulsory nature of COVID-19 vaccinations for HCWs and the general population. Other: The protocol used in this review is registered on PROSPERO with the ID number: CRD42022350275. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)
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