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Vaccines
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Virus Pandemics and Vaccinations
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Virus Pandemics and Vaccinations

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 September 2025) | Viewed by 5566

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Renata Gili

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Guest Editor
Department of Prevention, Turin Local Health Authority, 10125 Torino, Italy
Interests: public health; vaccines; prevention; infectious diseases; vaccine hesitancy
Dr. Davide Gori

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Interests: public health; vaccines; prevention; infectious diseases; one health; vaccine hesitancy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Matteo Riccò

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Guest Editor
Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Interests: public health; vaccines; prevention; infectious diseases; prevention and protection at work; mass gathering and public health risks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While the COVID-19 pandemic is far from being really over, new health threats are continuously emerging, particularly from the interface between human beings, animals, insects, and the ever-changing environmental landscape of the post-globalization world. In such a setting, not only new and effective vaccine strategies targeting both “ancient” (e.g., pox, measles, and influenza) and invasive pathogens (e.g., zika and dengue) are required, but also new vaccination strategies focusing on humans and animals, from the perspective of the One Health approach. Moreover, in such a context, vaccine hesitancy threatens achieving adequate vaccination coverage worldwide.

The present SI will, therefore, welcome observational and interventional studies, along with systematic reviews and meta-analyses, addressing the topics of vaccines, vaccination strategies, emerging pathogens, infection control, and vaccine hesitancy.

Dr. Renata Gili
Dr. Davide Gori
Dr. Matteo Riccò
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

  • vaccine
  • vaccination strategy
  • one health
  • emerging pathogens
  • vaccine hesitancy

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1489 KB  
Article
Orally Dissolving Film-Based Influenza Vaccines Confer Superior Protection Compared to the Oral Administration of Inactivated Influenza Virus
by Keon-Woong Yoon, Jie Mao, Gi-Deok Eom, Su In Heo, Ki Back Chu, Mi Suk Lee and Fu-Shi Quan
Vaccines 2025, 13(6), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13060600 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 780
Abstract
Background: Self-administered orally dissolving films (ODFs) encapsulating inactivated influenza vaccines represent an effective strategy for stimulating mucosal immunity. While this vaccination method offers several advantages over conventional influenza vaccines, a comparative efficacy study remains lacking. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were immunized [...] Read more.
Background: Self-administered orally dissolving films (ODFs) encapsulating inactivated influenza vaccines represent an effective strategy for stimulating mucosal immunity. While this vaccination method offers several advantages over conventional influenza vaccines, a comparative efficacy study remains lacking. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were immunized with inactivated A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) either via orogastric inoculation or through the oral mucosal delivery using pullulan and trehalose-based ODF vaccines. Each group received equivalent antigen doses across three immunizations. Humoral responses and antibody functionality were assessed using sera collected post-immunization. After lethal viral challenge, other immunological and virological parameters were determined in corresponding tissues. Body weight and survival were monitored over a 14-day period after challenge. Results: ODF vaccination elicited significantly higher virus-specific IgA levels, HAI titers, and neutralizing antibody activity than oral gavage. After the viral challenge, ODF-immunized mice exhibited stronger IgG and IgA responses in respiratory tissues, increased antibody-secreting cells in lungs and spleen, and elevated germinal center B cells and CD8+ T cell responses. Both vaccination methods reduced lung pro-inflammatory cytokines and provided full protection against lethal challenge; however, the ODF group showed lower cytokine levels, better weight maintenance, and reduced viral loads. Conclusions: ODF vaccination elicits more robust systemic and mucosal immune responses than oral vaccination and may serve as a promising alternative method of influenza vaccine delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus Pandemics and Vaccinations)
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11 pages, 955 KB  
Article
The Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines During the Pre-Omicron and Omicron Periods: A Retrospective Test-Negative Case–Control Study
by Romeo Brambilla, Renata Gili, Federica Vigna Taglianti, Jacopo Lenzi, Matteo Riccò, Roberto Burioni, Mariaelisabetta Scarvaglieri, Rachele Rocco, Vittorina Buttafuoco, Rosa Maria Teresa Antonia Cristaudo and Davide Gori
Vaccines 2024, 12(11), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12111245 - 31 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of original and bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in reducing COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among the adult population of Turin, Italy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, test-negative, case–control study of 5768 adults aged ≥50 years who [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of original and bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in reducing COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among the adult population of Turin, Italy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, test-negative, case–control study of 5768 adults aged ≥50 years who had symptoms that were consistent with COVID-19-like illness and were admitted to the hospitals of the Turin Health Unit network from 1 January 2021 to 31 January 2023. We evaluated the effectiveness of the vaccines that at the time of the study were authorized in the European Union (original/bivalent BNT162b2; original mRNA-1273; ChAdOx1-S; Ad26.COV2.S) by comparing the odds of a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated patients with the odds of a positive test in unvaccinated patients. The association between vaccination status, hospitalization, ICU admission and positive SARS-CoV-2 test was estimated by building multivariate adjusted logistic regression models. Results: During the predominance of the pre-Omicron variants, the vaccine effectiveness of two and three doses received in the last 120 days against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations was 93.6% (95% CI: 90.1 to 95.9) and 97.1% (95% CI: 90.8 to 99.1), respectively. During the predominance of the Omicron variant, the vaccine effectiveness of two and three doses was 26.6% (95% CI: −0.6 to 46.5) and 75.2% (95% CI: 68.1 to 80.7), respectively, and it rose to 88% (95% CI: 78.2 to 93.3) for four or five doses of the bivalent vaccine. Conclusions: Our study confirms that the COVID-19 vaccines protect adult patients from hospitalizations, including the subgroup ≥80 years, also during the period of the Omicron variant’s predominance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus Pandemics and Vaccinations)
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Review

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22 pages, 2593 KB  
Review
Therapeutic Vaccines for Non-Communicable Diseases: Global Progress and China’s Deployment Pathways
by Yifan Huang, Xiaohang Lyu and Yiu-Wing Kam
Vaccines 2025, 13(8), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13080881 - 20 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major threat to global public health, with the disease burden particularly severe in developing countries, China being one of them. The preventive and control effects of traditional treatment methods on NCDs are limited, and innovative strategies [...] Read more.
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major threat to global public health, with the disease burden particularly severe in developing countries, China being one of them. The preventive and control effects of traditional treatment methods on NCDs are limited, and innovative strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, vaccine technology has expanded from the field of infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therapeutic vaccines have shown the potential to intervene in chronic diseases through immunomodulation, but their research and development (R & D), as well as promotion, still face multiple challenges. Methods: This article systematically reviews the current development status of NCD vaccines worldwide and points out the imbalance in their matching with disease burden: current research focuses on the field of cancer, while there is a lack of targeted vaccines for high-burden diseases such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease; the progress of independent R & D in China lags behind, and there are implementation obstacles such as uneven distribution of medical resources between urban and rural areas and low public willingness to be vaccinated. Results: By analyzing the biological mechanisms of NCD vaccines and non-biological challenges, phased solutions are proposed: In the short term, focus on target discovery and improvement of vaccine accessibility. In the medium term, strengthen multi-center clinical trials and international technology sharing. In the long term, build a digital health monitoring system and a public–private partnership financing model. Conclusions: The breakthrough of NCD vaccines requires interdisciplinary collaboration and systematic policy support. Their successful application will reshape the paradigm of chronic disease prevention and control, providing a new path for global health equity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus Pandemics and Vaccinations)
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Other

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18 pages, 523 KB  
Systematic Review
Strategies to Increase Vaccinations in Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
by Giuseppina Lo Moro, Federica Golzio, Sara Claudia Calabrese, Giacomo Scaioli, Alessandro Basile, Roberta Siliquini and Fabrizio Bert
Vaccines 2025, 13(9), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13090964 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although vaccinations are a priority for patients with cancer, achieving high coverage remains challenging. Evidence on effective strategies in oncology settings is still limited. This systematic review aimed to identify interventions to improve vaccination uptake or reduce hesitancy among cancer patients. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Although vaccinations are a priority for patients with cancer, achieving high coverage remains challenging. Evidence on effective strategies in oncology settings is still limited. This systematic review aimed to identify interventions to improve vaccination uptake or reduce hesitancy among cancer patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, including studies published up to the end of 2023. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024511008). Results: Out of 10,927 non-duplicate records, 15 studies describing unique interventions were included. All studies were published between 2011 and 2022, primarily conducted in Europe/UK (40%) and in North America (40%). The most common study design was pre-post (60%), and 33.3% included a control group. Most interventions were multi-component (60%) and were classified into three main categories: educational materials/campaigns (46.7%), reminders (40%), and patient counselling (33.3%). Additional components included guideline development in two studies. Some studies also highlighted the importance of specific key figures, such as dedicated professionals, general practitioners, and pharmacists. Interventions mainly targeted patients (40%), with 33.3% addressing both healthcare professionals and patients and 26.7% professionals only. They most frequently concerned vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease (26.7%), pneumococcal disease alone (26.7%), or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (26.7%). Vaccination uptake was the primary outcome in 86.7% of studies, with 66.7% reporting significant improvements. Conclusions: This review identified a variety of strategies, with education, reminders, and counselling as key components. Multicomponent interventions and those involving both patients and providers were most promising. However, methodological limitations and limited generalizability highlighted the need for more rigorous research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus Pandemics and Vaccinations)
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9 pages, 186 KB  
Brief Report
Evaluating Vaccination Status and Barriers in Children with Rheumatic Diseases
by Shine Vazhappilly, Babatope O. Adebiyi, Racheal Githumbi, Nicole A. Johnson, Otto G. Vanderkooi and Heinrike Schmeling
Vaccines 2025, 13(4), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13040384 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 653
Abstract
Background: This study aims to evaluate the vaccination status of children with rheumatic diseases (RD) compared to healthy controls (HC) and immunization barriers, as studies examining the vaccination status and factors promoting or hindering vaccination among children RD remain limited. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: This study aims to evaluate the vaccination status of children with rheumatic diseases (RD) compared to healthy controls (HC) and immunization barriers, as studies examining the vaccination status and factors promoting or hindering vaccination among children RD remain limited. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on children with RD (in a rheumatology clinic) and HC (in a fracture clinic) at a tertiary care center in Canada. Demographics, diagnosis, treatments, and vaccine status were obtained from health records and a provincial electronic vaccine database. A patient/caregiver questionnaire was used to capture perceived immunization barriers, concerns, and satisfaction. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analysis. Results: The study involved 144 children with RD and 111 HC. Data from 94 children with RD and 86 HC, all lifelong Alberta residents, were analyzed for objective vaccination status. Most vaccines were received at rates of 80% or higher, except the influenza vaccine, which had the lowest adherence (34% in RD vs. 21% in HC). In 31% of RD children, vaccinations were withheld due to active disease, healthcare provider advice, or caregiver concerns about side effects. In 27% HC, vaccinations were withheld due to side effects. Both groups primarily relied on their family doctor for vaccination information, and 85% or more expressed satisfaction with the information received. Conclusions: Most children with RD and HC received recommended vaccines, but influenza vaccination gaps were identified. Knowledge about vaccine contraindications in RD is well understood, but perceived safety concerns limit vaccination completeness. Healthcare providers, especially family doctors, pediatricians, and rheumatologists, should be providing education resources for vaccines and be proactive in discussing the safety and necessity of vaccinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus Pandemics and Vaccinations)
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