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COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 9947

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Filippo Ansaldi

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Interests: candidiasis

Dr. Amicizia Daniela

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Interests: HPV; meningococcal; tick borne encephalitis vaccines
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Dear Colleagues,

The dramatic and disruptive COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes to health care systems and new challenges to public health. COVID-19 vaccines first became available at the end of 2020, and since then, vaccination has been central to the pandemic response of many countries. The vaccine programme met ever-extending and unprecedented targets in order to offer COVID-19 vaccines to different age groups in a short period of time. Prevention strategies and mass immunisation campaigns have been largely implemented worldwide, and the uptake has exceeded expectations and has been higher than that of other vaccination programmes.

This Special Issue aims to focus on COVID-19 prevention and control with a particular public health perspective. Special interest lies in the analysis and descriptions of policies and strategies concerning vaccination in the context of public health, health policy, and health planning with specific focuses on local, regional, and national approaches, as well as new knowledge on vaccination and any aspect of COVID-19 prevention and control.

The topics should centre around studies related to research articles, reviews, and perspectives directly related to COVID-19 measures, including current and future avenues for the prevention of the disease.

Dr. Filippo Ansaldi
Dr. Amicizia Daniela
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

COVID-19 vaccine
vaccination strategies
public health
COVID-19 prevention and control strategies
health policy

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Courage in Decision Making: A Mixed-Methods Study of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Women of Reproductive Age in the U.K.

by Laura A. Magee, Julia R. Brown, Vicky Bowyer, Gillian Horgan, Harriet Boulding, Asma Khalil, Nathan J. Cheetham, Nicholas R. Harvey, COVID Symptom Study Biobank Consortium, RESILIENT Study Group, Hiten D. Mistry, Carole Sudre, Sergio A. Silverio, Peter von Dadelszen and Emma L. Duncan

Vaccines 2024, 12(4), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12040440 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 412

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower in women of reproductive age (WRA), including pregnant/postpartum women, despite their poorer COVID-19-related outcomes. We evaluated the vaccination experiences of 3568 U.K. WRA, including 1983 women (55.6%) experiencing a pandemic pregnancy, recruited through the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app. Two staggered online questionnaires (Oct–Dec 2021: 3453 responders; Aug–Sept 2022: 2129 responders) assessed reproductive status, COVID-19 status, vaccination, and attitudes for/against vaccination. Descriptive analyses included vaccination type(s), timing relative to age-based eligibility and reproductive status, vaccination delay (first vaccination >28 days from eligibility), and rationale, with content analysis of free-text comments. Most responders (3392/3453, 98.2%) were vaccinated by Dec 2021, motivated by altruism, vaccination supportiveness in general, low risk, and COVID-19 concerns. Few declined vaccination (by Sept/2022: 20/2129, 1.0%), citing risks (pregnancy-specific and longer-term), pre-existing immunity, and personal/philosophical reasons. Few women delayed vaccination, although pregnant/postpartum women (vs. other WRA) received vaccination later (median 3 vs. 0 days after eligibility, p < 0.0001). Despite high uptake, concerns included adverse effects, misinformation (including from healthcare providers), ever-changing government advice, and complex decision making. In summary, most women in this large WRA cohort were promptly vaccinated, including pregnant/post-partum women. Altruism and community benefit superseded personal benefit as reasons for vaccination. Nevertheless, responders experienced angst and received vaccine-related misinformation and discouragement. These findings should inform vaccination strategies in WRA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies)

14 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibody Profiling of Microbial Antigens in the Blood of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Recipients Using Microbial Protein Microarrays

by Hiroaki Saito, Hiroki Yoshimura, Makoto Yoshida, Yuta Tani, Moe Kawashima, Taiga Uchiyama, Tianchen Zhao, Chika Yamamoto, Yurie Kobashi, Toyoaki Sawano, Seiya Imoto, Hyeongki Park, Naotoshi Nakamura, Shingo Iwami, Yudai Kaneko, Aya Nakayama, Tatsuhiko Kodama, Masatoshi Wakui, Takeshi Kawamura and Masaharu Tsubokura

Vaccines 2023, 11(11), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11111694 - 07 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Although studies have demonstrated that infections with various viruses, bacteria, and parasites can modulate the immune system, no study has investigated changes in antibodies against microbial antigens after the COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. IgG antibodies against microbial antigens in the blood of vaccinees were comprehensively analyzed using microbial protein microarrays that carried approximately 5000 microbe-derived proteins. Changes in antibodies against microbial antigens were scrutinized in healthy participants enrolled in the Fukushima Vaccination Community Survey conducted in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, after their second and third COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations. Antibody profiling of six groups stratified by antibody titer and the remaining neutralizing antibodies was also performed to study the dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and the changes in antibodies against microbial antigens. The results showed that changes in antibodies against microbial antigens other than SARS-CoV-2 antigens were extremely limited after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, antibodies against a staphylococcal complement inhibitor have been identified as microbial antigens that are associated with increased levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. These antibodies may be a predictor of the maintenance of neutralizing antibodies following the administration of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies)

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13 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Schoolgoing Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa

by Kate Bergh, Kim Jonas, Zoe Duby, Darshini Govindasamy, Catherine Mathews, Tarylee Reddy, Nevilene Slingers, Granville Whittle and Fareed Abdullah

Vaccines 2023, 11(10), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11101581 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1043

Abstract

(1) Background: By October 2022, vaccination rates with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were low among adolescent girls aged 12–17 (38%) and young women aged 18–34 (45%) in South Africa. This study aimed to measure and identify barriers to and facilitators of motivation to take up, access to, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among schoolgoing adolescent girls and young women in two districts in South Africa. (2) Methods: Using the theory of the HIV prevention cascade, we conceptualised the relationship between motivation, access, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, and associated barriers. Potential barriers and facilitators were identified using bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression. (3) Results: Among all 2375 participants, access was high (69%), but motivation (49%) and vaccination with at least one COVID-19 vaccine (45%) were lower. Fear of injections was a barrier to vaccine uptake (aRR 0.85 95% CI 0.82–0.88), while being tested for COVID-19 (aRR 2.10 95% CI 1.85–2.38) and believing that the COVID-19 vaccine was safe (aRR 1.31 95% CI 1.18–1.44) and would prevent you from getting very sick (aRR 1.11 95% CI 1.04–1.19) were facilitators. (4) Conclusions: The controversy about the value of vaccinating adolescents and the delay in vaccine rollout for adolescents and young adults may have contributed to fears about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as a lack of motivation to get vaccinated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies)

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13 pages, 1343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decrease in Overall Vaccine Hesitancy in College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Kendall Pogue, Jessica D. Altman, Abigail A. Lee, Dashiell S. Miner, Ty J. Skyles, Ruth J. Bodily, Triston B. Crook, Bryce U. Nielson, Kaitlyn Hinton, Lydia Busacker, Zoe E. Mecham, Agnes M. Rose, Scott Black and Brian D. Poole

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071132 - 21 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1035

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic changed our world as we know it and continues to be a global problem three years since the pandemic began. Several vaccines were produced, but there was a considerable amount of societal turmoil surrounding them that has affected the way people view not only COVID-19 vaccines but all vaccines. We used a survey to compare how attitudes towards vaccination have changed in college students during the pandemic. An initial survey was administered in 2021, then a follow-up in 2022. Out of 316 respondents who answered the first survey, 192 completed the follow-up. The survey was designed to measure trends in changes to vaccine attitudes since the COVID-19 pandemic began. By comparing the first survey in 2021 and the follow-up, we found that roughly 55% of respondents’ vaccine attitudes did not change, roughly 44% of respondents’ attitudes towards vaccines became more positive, and only about 1% of the respondents’ vaccine attitudes became more negative. Improved view of vaccines was associated with political views and increased trust in medicine and the healthcare system. Worsened opinions of vaccines were associated with a belief that the COVID-19 vaccine affected fertility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies)

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13 pages, 573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivation and Hesitancies in Obtaining the COVID-19 Vaccine—A Cross-Sectional Study in Norway, USA, UK, and Australia

by Janni Leung, Daicia Price, Caitlin McClure-Thomas, Tore Bonsaksen, Mary Ruffolo, Isaac Kabelenga, Gary Lamph and Amy Østertun Geirdal

Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061086 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

Background: Vaccinations protect the public against serious diseases or death; however, some individuals are hesitant in obtaining them. We aim to contribute to the understanding of the challenges of vaccination roll-out by examining the motivations, hesitancies, and their associated factors, in obtaining the COVID-19 vaccines two years into the pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional online surveys were conducted in Norway, the USA, the UK, and Australia (N = 1649). The participants self-reported whether they had obtained one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Those who had obtained a vaccine reported the reason for their motivation, and those who had not obtained a vaccine reported the reason for their hesitancies. Results: More than 80% of the total sample obtained a COVID-19 vaccine because of public health recommendations and trusted that it was safe. Among those who had not obtained one, the most frequent reason was concerns about side effects. Most who obtained the vaccine reported that they believed in science, but many of those who had not obtained one reported distrust. Among those who had not obtained a vaccine, reports of distrust in policies and science were frequent. Concerns about side effects were more common in males and those with lower education, and those living in rural or remote areas. Conclusion: People who endorsed the vaccine believed that the vaccine reduces the risk of illness, protects the health of others, and had trust in scientific vaccination research. Conversely, the most frequent reason for vaccine hesitancy was concerns about side effects, followed by distrust in healthcare and science. These findings could inform public health strategies that aim to increase vaccination rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies)

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14 pages, 499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Who Is at Higher Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection? Results from a Northern Region of Italy

by Maria Francesca Piazza, Daniela Amicizia, Francesca Marchini, Matteo Astengo, Federico Grammatico, Alberto Battaglini, Camilla Sticchi, Chiara Paganino, Rosa Lavieri, Giovanni Battista Andreoli, Andrea Orsi, Giancarlo Icardi and Filippo Ansaldi

Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111885 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to spread worldwide, generating a high impact on healthcare systems. The aim of the study was to examine the epidemiological burden of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and to identify potential related risk factors. A retrospective observational study was conducted in Liguria Region, combining data from National Vaccines Registry and Regional Chronic Condition Data Warehouse. In the study period (September 2021 to May 2022), 335,117 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in Liguria, of which 15,715 were reinfected once. During the Omicron phase (which predominated from 3 January 2022), the risk of reinfection was 4.89 times higher (p < 0.001) than during the Delta phase. Unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals with at least one dose for more than 120 days were at increased risk of reinfection compared with vaccinated individuals with at least one dose for ≤120 days, respectively (odds ratio (OR) of 1.26, p < 0.001; OR of 1.18, p < 0.001). Healthcare workers were more than twice as likely to be reinfected than non-healthcare workers (OR of 2.38, p < 0.001). Lower ORs were seen among people aged 60 to 79 years. Two doses or more of vaccination were found to be protective against the risk of reinfection rather than a single dose (mRNA vaccines: OR of 0.06, p < 0.0001, and OR of 0.1, p < 0.0001; vector vaccines: OR of 0.05, p < 0.0001). Patients with chronic renal failure, cardiovascular disease, bronchopneumopathy, neuropathy and autoimmune diseases were at increased risk of reinfection (OR of 1.38, p = 0.0003; OR of 1.09, p < 0.0296; OR of 1.14, p = 0.0056; OR of 1.78, p < 0.0001; OR of 1.18, p = 0.0205). Estimating the epidemiological burden of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and the role played by risk factors in reinfections is relevant for identifying risk-based preventive strategies in a pandemic context characterized by a high circulation of the virus and a high rate of pathogen mutations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies)

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10 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intentions of Patients with Hypertension to Receive a Booster Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Taizhou, China

by Chen-Qian Ying, Xiao-Qing Lin, Li Lv, Yan Chen, Jian-Jun Jiang, Yun Zhang, Tao-Hsin Tung and Jian-Sheng Zhu

Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1635; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101635 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1616

Abstract

COVID-19 patients with hypertension have increased hospital complications and mortality rates. Moreover, these patients also have lower antibody titers after receiving the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. Therefore, patients with hypertension should receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster. To promote the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine booster among hypertensive patients, this study investigated patients’ willingness and factors that influence patients with hypertension to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster. From July 2021 to August, 410 patients with hypertension were surveyed. Overall, 76.8% of patients were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster, as 82.7% of patients without comorbidities and 72.7% of patients with comorbidities were willing to receive the vaccine booster. The main factors that influenced the willingness of patients with hypertension to receive a booster dose were the preventive effect of the vaccine (χ² = 52.827, p < 0.05), vaccine safety (χ² = 42.423, p < 0.05), vaccine knowledge (χ² = 7.831, p < 0.05), presence of comorbidities (χ² = 4.862, p < 0.05), disease control (χ² = 5.039, p < 0.05), and antihypertensive treatments (χ² = 12.565, p < 0.05). This study’s findings highlight the need to promote knowledge about booster vaccination among patients and health management. These measures would improve patients’ willingness and knowledge about the vaccine and their health status, which are the main factors that influence patients’ intention to receive booster vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccination with Public Health Perspective: Prevention and Control Strategies)

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