Segurança da vacinação contra a COVID-19 em doentes referenciados dos cuidados de saúde primários por alergia ao veneno de himenópteros / COVID-19 vaccination safety in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy referred by primary health care

Introdução: As reações de hipersensibilidade após vacinação contra a COVID-19 têm vindo a ser descritas, embora a anafilaxia seja rara. A hipersensibilidade ao veneno de himenópteros constitui a terceira causa mais frequente de anafilaxia em Portugal, embora não pareça aumentar o risco de anafilaxia à vacinação contra a COVID-19. Objetivos: Avaliar a segurança da vacinação contra a COVID-19 em doentes com história de alergia ao veneno de himenópteros referenciados dos Cuidados de Saúde Primários (CSP). Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo com inclusão dos doentes com alergia ao veneno de himenópteros referenciados pelos CSP ao serviço de Imunoalergologia, para estratificação do risco de reações de hipersensibilidade à vacina contra o SARS-CoV-2, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2021. Resultados: No total, incluíram-se 18 doentes, 72% do sexo feminino, média de idades de 61±18 [21-89] anos. Na caracterização do tipo da reação ao veneno de himenópteros, as reações locais exuberantes corresponderam a 33% de todas as reações referidas. Quanto a sintomas sistêmicos de anafilaxia, foram referidos sintomas mucocutâneos (33%), respiratórios (28%), cardiovasculares (33%) e gastrointestinais (11%). A abelha foi o inseto mais frequentemente implicado (61%). Relativamente aos valores de triptase basal, 3 doentes apresentaram níveis acima do cut-off estabelecido de 11,4 ng/mL, tendo indicação formal para iniciar esquema de vacinação em meio hospitalar. Durante o processo vacinal registrou-se um total de 46 administrações em 18 doentes, todas sem intercorrências. Apenas 5 doentes foram vacinados em meio hospitalar, tendo sido os restantes encaminhados para os CSP. Os doentes com mastocitose confirmada ou suspeita foram submetidos à pré-medicação com anti-histamínico anti-H1 e anti- H2, bem como montelucaste, na véspera e no dia da vacinação. Conclusões: A vacinação contra a COVID-19 é segura em doentes com reação de hipersensibilidade ao veneno de himenópteros. O protocolo utilizado mostrou ser eficaz na segregação de doentes entre CSP e cuidados secundários/terciários.

Introduction: Despite numerous reports of hypersensitivity reactions to COVID-19 vaccination, anaphylaxis is rare. Although hypersensitivity reactions to hymenoptera venom are the third most common cause of anaphylaxis in Portugal, they don't appear to enhance the risk of anaphylactic reaction to COVID-19 vaccination. Objectives: To assess the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with a history of hymenoptera venom allergy. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients with hymenoptera venom allergy referred by primary health care to the Immunoallergology Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary hospital between January and December 2021 to stratify the risk of hypersensitivity reactions to the SARSCoV- 2 vaccine. Results: A total of 18 patients were included: 72% women; mean age 61 (SD, 18 [range 21-89]) years. One-third of all reported reactions to hymenoptera venom were large and local. Topical systemic symptoms of anaphylaxis were mucocutaneous (33%), respiratory (28%), cardiovascular (33%) and gastrointestinal (11%). The honeybee was the most frequently involved hymenoptera species (61%). The basal tryptase levels of 3 patients were above the established cut-off (11.4 ng/mL) and they were formally indicated for vaccination in a hospital setting. Concerning the vaccination process, 46 doses were administered to the 18 patients and no reactions were recorded. Only 5 patients were vaccinated in a hospital environment; the rest were referred to primary health care centers. Patients with confirmed or suspected mastocytosis were premedicated with anti-H1 and anti-H2 antihistamines, as well as montelukast, the day before and on the day of vaccination. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination is safe for patients with hypersensitivity to hymenoptera venom. The risk assessment protocol effectively designated patients to primary or secondary/tertiary health care.

Acute abducens nerve palsy with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis-like presentation following COVID-19 vaccination

We report two adult cases of abducens nerve palsy presenting immediately (within weeks) after they received the first dose of Covishield vaccination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain obtained after the onset of diplopia demonstrated demyelinating changes. The patients had associated systemic symptoms. Post-vaccination demyelination typically known as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with several vaccines is more common in children. Although the mechanism of the nerve palsy remains unclear, it is suspected to be related to the post-vaccine neuroinflammatory syndrome. Cranial nerve palsies and ADEM-like presentations may represent part of the neurologic spectrum following COVID-vaccination in adults, and ophthalmologists should be aware of these sequelae. Although cases of sixth nerve palsy following COVID vaccination are already reported, associated MRI changes have not been reported from India.

COVID-19 vaccination, dengue hepatitis, and recurrent unilateral anterior uveitis

A 36-year-old Asian Indian male presented with redness and pain in his right eye of 1 week duration. He was diagnosed to have right acute anterior uveitis and had a history of being admitted at a local hospital for dengue hepatitis a month earlier. He had been on adalimumab 40 mg three weekly once and oral methotrexate 20 mg/week for human leucocyte antigen (HLA) B27 spondyloarthropathy and recurrent anterior uveitis. Our patient had re-activation of his anterior chamber inflammation on three distinct occasions: first, 3 weeks following recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the second after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination, and the third after recovery from dengue fever-associated hepatitis. We propose molecular mimicry and bystander activation as the postulated mechanisms for the re-activation of his anterior uveitis. In conclusion, patients with auto-immune diseases can have recurrent ocular inflammation following COVID-19 or its vaccination or dengue fever as seen in our patient. The anterior uveitis is usually mild and responds to topical steroids. Additional immuno-suppression may not be needed. Mild ocular inflammation following vaccination should not deter individuals from getting COVID-19 vaccination.

Are Parents Willing to Vaccinate Their 6- To 11-Year-Old Children Against COVID-19? A Community Based Study in Murshidabad, India

Context/Background: The future of Corona virus disease is still uncertain due to viral mutations. Immuniza-tion against COVID-19 has not yet been introduced for children aged 6-11 years. Parents are instrumental for the success of any immunization programme, being the chief decision makers for their wards. The study aims to assess the perceptions of parents regarding COVID 19 vaccination among children aged 6-11 years in an urban slum of Murshidabad and identify the factors influencing such perceptions among them. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 106 parents in a slum area of Murshidabad, West Bengal. Participants were interviewed using a validated WHO Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). Bivariate and multivariable analysis were done using Chi square test and binary logistic regression respectively. Results: Majority of the study subjects instead of parents were unlikely to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. The major concern centered around the safety (73.5%) of the vaccine. Higher level of education (p=0.003), previous history of COVID-19 infection in the family (p=0.004) and having a children aged between 6-8 years (p=0.006), influenced such perceptions, with the latter being the single most important predictor (AOR 4.126, P=0.007). Conclusions: The likelihood of parents to vaccinate their child was found to be low. This underscores the im-portance of an effective communication strategy when such programme will be rolled out.

Adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional study

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are essential to tear out the COVID-19 pandemic. COVAXIN and COVISHIELD were the first licensed vaccines in India for public use. For safety surveillance reporting, adverse events following immunization were an essential and integral part of the postlicensure phase for benefit- risk analysis of vaccines. Public trust in newly introduced vaccines will be strengthened by monitoring vaccine safety. So this study was planned to find out adverse events following COVISHIELD vaccination and the association of some factors with adverse events following COVISHIELD vaccination among vaccinees at vaccination centers of tertiary care hospitals. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among vaccinees at vaccination centers in tertiary care hospitals. Data was collected through Google forms containing a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 530 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were reported by 146 (39.46%) participants, where one participant experienced more than one AEFI with the COVISHIELD vaccine. The most common reported AEFI were myalgia (104 [19.62%]), fever (104 [19.62%]), and fatigue/lethargy (104 [19.62%]), followed by pain at the injection site (80 [15.09%]). Participants who experienced AEFI with other vaccines and had a previous history of COVID-19 infection were found to be significant independent predictors of AEFI with the COVISHIELD vaccine. Conclusion: Most AEFIs were mild and lasted for a short duration, subsiding on symptomatic treatment. We found only the history of AFFI with other vaccines and previous infection with COVID-19 as significant predictors for the occurrence of AEFI with the COVISHIELD vaccine.

De Novo Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) Post Covid 19 Vaccination: Case Series in A Single Centre in Malaysia

@#Introduction: Mass COVID-19 vaccination has been pivotal in the fight against this pandemic. The occurrence of glomerular disease following COVID-19 vaccinations particularly mRNA vaccine has been reported. The reported cases in the region are limited and number of cases reported are low in contrast to the total number of vaccine doses given worldwide, the healthcare providers should be alerted about such issues to provide swift and proper management. Case Series: Here, we report 3 cases of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) following COVID-19 vaccination and their outcomes. Two of the patients received BNT162b2 vaccination and one received CoronaVac vaccination. The mean age of the patients was 33+/-7 years old. The mean duration onset of FSGS was 23+/-19 days post vaccinations. Two of the patients (BNT162b2 vaccination and CoronaVac vaccination) achieved complete remission after corticosteroid therapy. This is the first reported case of De Novo FSGS following CoronaVac vaccination in the literature. The third patient, who received BNT162b2 vaccination and presented late (42 days post vaccination) was not in remission despite three months of immunosuppressive treatment. Conclusion: The treating physician needs to be aware of the possibility of the development of FSGS associated with COVID-19 vaccination and how to proceed with vaccination schedule in these populations. Overall, the advantage of COVID-19 vaccination far outweighs the possibility of COVID-19 vaccine-associated glomerular disease.

Managing inflammatory arthritis post-COVID-19 vaccination in a patient with hyperuricemia and previously diagnosed with hepatitis B infection presenting with Similar Joint Symptoms with a whole food plant-based diet: A case report

@#In inflammatory arthritis, there is inflammation of one or more joints brought about by immunologic events resulting from complex interactions of environmental trigger(s) in a genetically predisposed individual. The definitive cause of which remains unclear despite substantial research. The purpose of this article is to present a case with the diagnostic challenges associated with the rare coexistence and interplay of probable multiple causative mechanisms/triggers along with hyperuricemia and hepatitis B in the same patient presenting with inflammatory arthritis. It brings to greater attention the potential role of a key diet as an adjunct in the early management of undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis and thus, highlighting the choice of a whole food, plant-based diet (WFPBD) as a single, healthy, cost-effective and well-rounded diet which may be able to target all these different probable causative mechanisms leading to early symptom control and maybe, early disease remission. WFPB diet has been used in the management of differentiated arthritis from psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and other types of inflammatory arthropathy but to date, there is a paucity of available evidence on managing a patient with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis probably resulting from more than one simultaneous environmental triggers with a single key diet.

Changes of specific antibody and neutralizing antibody after voluntary blood donors received COVID-19 vaccine / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the changes in antibody titer of voluntary blood donors after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, so as to provide reference for blood donation strategy, follow-up vaccine development and COVID-19 prevention and treatment for healthy people. 【Methods】 1) The serum from voluntary blood donors 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks after inoculation with two-shot vaccines (inactivated vaccine or recombinant protein vaccine) was collected, and SARS-CoV-2 total antibody (IgG+ IgM+ IgA) detection (colloidal gold method) and neutralizing antibody detection (UPT immunoluminescence method) were conducted. 2) The obtained data were grouped according to collection time, age and gender, and differences between groups were analyzed by t test and ANOVA using SPSS 2.0 statistical software to clarify the trend of total antibodies and neutralizing antibodies. 【Results】 Neutralizing antibodies and total antibodies (IgG+ IgM+ IgA) from voluntary blood donors vaccinated inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine had the same trend of change, both reached their peak at the 2nd and 4th week, respectively, after inoculation, and then decreased gradually. The antibody produced by the recombinant protein vaccine had a higher titer than that from inactivated vaccine, and had slower decline and more lasting protection. The neutralizing antibody and total antibody (IgG+ IgM+ IgA) from different genders and ages were not statistically different. 【Conclusion】 Neutralizing antibodies reached its peak in the second week after vaccination, and total antibody titer reached its peak in the fourth week; both were independent of age and gender. After receiving the vaccine, voluntary blood donors should follow the latest instructions on blood donation intervals issued by the government.

After action review of the COVID-19 pandemic response in North West province, South Africa

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with major disruptions globally. Northwest Province Department of Health (NWDoH) in South Africa set up comprehensive epidemiological emergency response plans for preventing, finding, containing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with the National Disaster Management Act. Objectives: This After-Action Report (AAR) describes the provincial response to the pandemic from September 2020 to October 2022. Method: The AAR was conducted using the World Health Organization AAR methodology. Focus groups discussed five items: coordination, leadership and governance; epidemiology, surveillance and laboratory; case management and continuity of essential services; risk communication and community engagement and COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The timely establishment and activation of provincial intergovernmental and intersectoral coordinating structures led to effective coordination, resource mobilisation, leadership, decision-making and intervention. The effective communication in the department and other stakeholders resulted in improved surveillance data quality, timelier response and increased ownership of data. Dissemination, training and implementation of case management protocols ensured standardised case management. The multi-channel information dissemination targeting different audiences empowered people with real-time knowledge on the infection and encouraged health-seeking behaviours. Conclusion: The AAR demonstrated the importance of coordinated epidemiological, laboratory and communication response that requires significant public health reserve capacity in peacetime for rapid expansion in an emergency. Contribution: This review contributes to the body of knowledge emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and provides guidance on enhanced public health response to future emergencies.

L'hésitation à la vaccination COVID-19 dans les communes de Bamako au Mali / NA

Bien que le développement de vaccins soit un exploit considérable, ce n'est que récemment qu'une attention considérable a été accordée à l'hésitation face au vaccin COVID-19. L'hésitation à la vaccination pourrait être un obstacle à l'optimisation de l'adoption et de l'acceptation des vaccins COVID-19. Cette étude voudrait déterminer les facteurs associés à l'hésitation à la vaccination COVID-19 dans les communes de Bamako au Mali.C'est une étude quantitative, descriptive et transversale utilisant un questionnaire pour déterminer les facteurs associés à l'hésitation à la vaccination COVID-19. La population de cette étude a concerné les adultes vivants dans les communes de Bamako au Mali. Au total 532 personnes vivants dans les communes de Bamako ont acceptéde participer dont plus de la moitié étaient des femmes. Environ 18,6 % avaient déjà reçu au moins une dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19. La peur des réactions secondaires (77 ,1%), était la principale raison de la réticence ou de l'hésitation à la vaccination COVID-19. Cette étude a rapporté une relation significativeentrele statut vaccinalet les caractérisques socio-démographiques à savoir le sexe (p=0,01), l'âge (p=0,02), situation matrimoniale (p=0,04), le niveau d'éducation (p=0,01) et la connaissance sur la vaccination COVID-19 (p=0,002).L'hésitation à l'égard des vaccins est une menace imminente dans la bataille contre le COVID-19, car l'obtention d'une immunité collective dépend de l'efficacité du vaccin lui-même et de la volonté de la population à l'accepter.

Although vaccine development is a considerable feat, it is only recently that considerable attention has been paid to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy could be a barrier to optimizing uptake and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. This study would like to determine the factors associated with hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination in the communes of Bamako in Mali. It is a quantitative, descriptive andcross-sectional study using a questionnaire to determine the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. The population of this study concerned adults living in the communes of Bamako in Mali. A total of 532 people living in the communes of Bamako agreed to participate, more than half of whom were women. About 18.6% had already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Fear of side reactions (77.1%), was the main reason for reluctance or hesitation for COVID-19 vaccination. This studyreported a significant relationship between vaccination status and socio-demographic characteristics, namely gender (p=0.01), age (p=0.02), marital status (p=0.04), education level (p=0.01) and knowledge onCOVID-19 vaccination (p=0.002). Vaccine hesitancy is a looming threat in the battle against COVID-19, as achieving herd immunity depends on the effectiveness of the vaccine itself and the will of the population to prevent it.

COVID-19 Vaccination status among Health care workers diagnosed with COVID-19 in a tertiary care institute of Uttarakhand: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Vaccines are considered as the one of the main pillars in halting and ending the presently on-going coronavirus disease (COVID-19 disease) pandemic which has spread globally since it was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019. In the absence of specific therapy, infection prevention practices and mass vaccination remains the mainstay in controlling the disease. Objectives: Objective of the study was to assess COVID-19 vaccination status, socio-demographic and clinical profile among healthcare workers diagnosed with COVID-19. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey from 1st March 2021 to 30th June 2021 among healthcare workers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a tertiary care institute of Uttarakhand, India was conducted, and universal sampling was used. Institutional Ethics Committee approved this study. Results: Total 662 healthcare workers were diagnosed with COVID-19. 429 (64.8%) of these COVID-19 diagnosed healthcare workers had received either single (129,30%) or both dose (300,70%) of COVID-19 vaccine while remaining 233 (35.2%) belonged to non-vaccinated group. History of exposure to COVID-19 positive patients was higher in vaccinated (66.4%) than in non-vaccinated group (55%) (p = 0.004). Hospitalisation was found to be higher among non-vaccinated (5.6%) than vaccinated group (2.3%) (p = 0.029). Conclusions: This study concludes that being vaccinated against COVID-19 disease provides protection against severe infection and reduces the need for hospitalization.

COVID-19 and cervical lymphadenopathy

COVID-19 has brought a number of diseases secondary to viral infection, and there have been several reports on clinical manifestations related to vaccination. One of the effects reported in the literature, either related to the disease or to the vaccines, is the occurrence of cervical lymphadenopathy, which can result in a misleading differential diagnosis of malignant neoplasms. It is important that the specialist be aware of this differential diagnosis for an accurate management of cases.

Perceptions on COVID-19 Vaccination among People Aged more than 50 years in Urban Field Practice Area of Department of Community Medicine in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Hyderabad: A Reflection from Focus Group Discussions

Background: Despite several efforts to limit the viral transmission, the COVID-19 vaccine has been the only “the ray of hope” to end the pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy could reduce coverage and hinder herd immunity. People’s intention to get vaccinated can be shaped by several factors, including risk perception which, in turn, is influenced by effect. The need to acquaint oneself to the beliefs, concerns, and circumstances of one’s own population in the community becomes important for successful implementation of the program. Therefore, the present study was conducted to gain insights into perceptions of vaccination. Objectives: The objective is to understand the felicitating factors and hindering factors for acceptance of vaccines by the population among people aged 50 years in urban field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine in a Tertiary care teaching hospital, Hyderabad. Subjects and Methods: Data were extracted from audio recording of five focus group discussions that were conducted in the urban field practice care of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Hyderabad through open-ended questions. Categories, subcategories, and themes were created by deductive approach. Results: The motivating factors for vaccine acceptance were found to be fear of getting disease, wanting to return normalcy, and trust in treating doctors, whereas, barriers were fear of death due to vaccine, opacity in vaccine details, anxiety, and misinterpretation of adverse events. Conclusion: Having a clear understanding about the belief system of the target population could help in designing the guidelines for vaccination program to escalate the immunization and increase the acceptance.

Necrosis of uveal melanoma post-COVID-19 vaccination

A 49?year?old Indian male presented with rapidly progressive vision loss 1 day after receiving the second dose of BNT162b2 mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) vaccine (Pfizer?BioNTech, NY, USA). The eye had secondary angle closure glaucoma, bullous retinal detachment, and massive intraocular hemorrhage. Ultrasound showed an ill?defined subretinal mass with moderate internal reflectivity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an enhancing heterogeneous subretinal mass. Histopathology showed a necrotic melanocytic lesion arising from the posterior edge of the ciliary body and choroid. Necrotic uveal melanoma was confirmed after expert histopathology opinion. Uveal melanomas can rarely present with tumor necrosis following mRNA COVID?19 vaccination.

Coronavirus disease-19 vaccination and chemosensory dysfunction

Background: Chemosensory disturbances such as altered smell and taste sensations have a strong impact on health and quality of life. The lack of awareness of these chemosensory symptoms post-coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 vaccination has led to apprehension. When adequately addressed, it can encourage people to take vaccines which are a life-saving tool in this pandemic. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence and duration of altered smell and taste post-COVID-19 vaccination. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted during January–August 2021. The Institutional Ethical Committee clearance was obtained. Data was collected from 242 COVID-19 vaccine beneficiaries majority of them being health care workers by online and offline survey questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS 21. Results: Out of 250 respondents, 242 completed the study. About 95% of them received CoviShield, 3.8% Covaxin, and 1.3% Pfizer. Perception of altered smell (olfactory dysfunction), taste (gustatory dysfunction), and both smell and taste was reported by 5.8%, 8.27%, and 2.61% of study participants. The mean duration was 3.43 ± 2.03 and 4 ± 1.64 days for altered smell and taste, respectively, with complete recovery. Conclusion: Chemosensory disturbances were reported in a small percentage of vaccine beneficiaries and all of them recovered within a few days completely without any medications. Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19 and we should emphasize on its health and lifesaving benefits and reassure those chemosensory disturbances have complete recovery.

Vacinação contra a COVID-19: avanços no setor da saúde no Brasil / Vaccination against COVID-19: advances in the health sector in Brazil / Vacunación contra COVID-19: avances en el sector salud en Brasil

Objetivo: averiguar o progresso da execução da vacinação contra a COVID-19 nos estados da federação, com o propósito de construir um ranking na efetividade da vacinação segundo a filiação política dos respectivos governantes. Metodologia: tratou-se de pesquisa qualitativa em que as informações foram coletadas em sítios oficiais do governo federal e sítios oficiais das governadorias estaduais. Resultados: os resultados mostraram que as estratégias de enfrentamento da doença bem como o avanço da vacinação nos estados da federação estão pari passu, não havendo destaque positivo ou negativo entre os entes, nas variáveis analisadas. Independentemente de partido ou ideologia, os estados seguem as orientações do Ministério da Saúde com resultados muito semelhantes. Conclusão: concluiu-se que o Brasil vem demonstrando maturidade no enfrentamento de mais uma pandemia.

Objective: verify the progress of the implementation of vax against COVID-19 in the states of Brazil, to build a vax effectiveness ranking according to the political affiliation of each governor. Methods: this was qualitative research in which information was collected from official websites of the federal government and official websites of state governors. Results: the results showed that the strategies to fight the disease, as well as the advance of vaccination in the states, are pari passu, with no federated entity that stands out positively or negatively in the analyzed variables. Regardless of party or ideology, states follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and take similar decisions with very similar results. Conclusion: Brazil has been showing maturity in facing another pandemic.

Objetivo: verificar el avance de la implementación de la vacunación contra el COVID-19 en los estados de Brasil, con el objectivo de construyer un ranking sobre la efectividad de la vacunación según la filiación política de los respectivos gobernantes. Metodología: esa fue una investigación cualitativa en la que se recopiló información de sitios web oficiales del gobierno federal y sitios web oficiales de gobernadores estatales. Resultados: los resultados arrojaron que las estrategias para combatir la enfermedad, con el avance de la vacunación en los estados de la federación están pari passu, sin una entidad federativa que se destaque positiva o negativamente en las variables analizadas. Independientemente del partido o la ideología, los estados siguen los lineamientos del Ministerio de Salud y toman decisiones con resultados muy similares. Conclusión: se concluyó que Brasil ha venido mostrando madurez para el enfrentamiento de esa nueva pandemia.

Knowledge and Acceptance of COVID-19 (SARS CoV2) Vaccination among Foundation students in a College in Kedah, Malaysia

@#Introduction: To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia started vaccination of front-liners and adults in the community. The latter group might have insufficient knowledge to accept COVID-19 vaccination, therefore this research was to assess the knowledge and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among youths, specifically students in a Malaysian college. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 481 foundation students in Kolej MARA Kulim (KMKU). The minimum sample size, using Epi Info was 214. Students answered an online questionnaire using google form which included demographic data (age, gender) and ten questions on knowledge and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. For knowledge questions, students answered “yes”, “no” or “don’t know”, correct answer scoring 1. For acceptance questions, a 5-point Likert scale was used ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. EXCEL and SPSS version 23 were used for analysis with Chi-square test done to test association (significant for p-value <0.05). Results: The response rate was 65.1% with 313 students, (45.4% males, and 54.6% females) aged 18-19 years. The majority (83.7%) had satisfactory to excellent knowledge scores (mean = 6.66 (SD=2.299, 95% CI 6.40-6.91), median = 7 (± IQR =3), while 16.3% obtained poor scores (≤ 4). The majority (90%) accepted vaccination. Higher knowledge scores were associated with higher acceptance rates in both genders (p-value= 0.000). Significantly more females (90.6%) than males (80.3%) had positive attitude towards vaccination (p-value = 0.009). Conclusions: The majority of the foundation students in KMKU were knowledgeable on COVID-19 vaccination and willing to receive the vaccination against the novel coronavirus.

Changes of blood indicators in blood donors after COVID-19 vaccination / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the changes of blood routine, biochemical indexes and coagulation indexes of voluntary blood donors after COVID-19 vaccination, so as to provide a scientific basis for blood donation strategy and to ensure blood safety. 【Methods】 From March to August 2021, 55 blood donors who had received COVID-19 vaccination were sampled at the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks after vaccination for blood routine, biochemical and coagulation indexes testing. The changes were analyzed. 【Results】 At the second week after vaccination, abnormal blood routine indicators occurred 16(5.82%) occasions, abnormal biochemical indicators 159(36.14%) occasions; at the 4th week after vaccination, abnormal blood routine indicators 14(5.10%) occasions and abnormal biochemical indexes 151(34.32%) occasions. There was no difference in blood routine and biochemical indexes before and after vaccination(P>0.05). Among the coagulation indexes, the incidence of abnormal increase of FⅧ activity at the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks after vaccination were 34.5%(19/55), 40%(22/55) and 50.9%(28/55), respectively. The the incidence of abnormal increase of TT were 3.6%(2/55), 7.2%(4/55) and 21.8%(12/55), respectively. Both TT and FⅧ activity had a tendency of increasing(P<0.05), APTT had an decreasing trend(P<0.05), and FIB content took on dynamical changes(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The blood indicators of blood donors after receiving COVID-19 vaccination are almost within the normal reference values. They can donate regularly according to the required interval, which may help to improve the potential transient changes of coagulation function.

Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force

Abstract Objective: To provide guidelines on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) to rheumatologists considering specific scenarios of the daily practice based on the shared-making decision (SMD) process. Methods: A task force was constituted by 24 rheumatologists (panel members), with clinical and research expertise in immunizations and infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients, endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (BSR), to develop guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IMRD. A consensus was built through the Delphi method and involved four rounds of anonymous voting, where five options were used to determine the level of agreement (LOA), based on the Likert Scale: (1) strongly disagree; (2) disagree, (3) neither agree nor disagree (neutral); (4) agree; and (5) strongly agree. Nineteen questions were addressed and discussed via teleconference to formulate the answers. In order to identify the relevant data on COVID-19 vaccines, a search with standardized descriptors and synonyms was performed on September 10th, 2021, of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and LILACS to identify studies of interest. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of nonrandomized studies. Results: All the nineteen questions-answers (Q&A) were approved by the BSR Task Force with more than 80% of panelists voting options 4—agree—and 5—strongly agree—, and a consensus was reached. These Guidelines were focused in SMD on the most appropriate timing for IMRD patients to get vaccinated to reach the adequate covid-19 vaccination response. Conclusion: These guidelines were developed by a BSR Task Force with a high LOA among panelists, based on the literature review of published studies and expert opinion for COVID-19 vaccination in IMRD patients. Noteworthy, in the pandemic period, up to the time of the review and the consensus process for this document, high-quality evidence was scarce. Thus, it is not a substitute for clinical judgment.

The first year of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Africa: challenges and lessons learned

Introduction: in the first year following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, only 6.8% of the total population in the 47 countries in the WHO African Region have received full vaccination. In an emergency context, the intra-action review helps countries to assess their progress and document what has worked and not worked. Methods: we reviewed and identified the key lessons and challenges documented in the reports from intra-action review of COVID vaccine roll out in 22 African countries. Results: all countries documented high level political commitment, but a serious shortage of COVID-19 vaccines and funding. Seven countries identified gaps in microplanning because of lack of funding or due to the unpredictability in the type and volume of vaccine supplies. The shortage of operational funding also affected training of health workers and hampered the expansion of service delivery. The countries implemented multi-channel communications and social mobilisation activities, alongside social media engagement and social listening. However, country capacity was limited in terms of timely responding to infodemics. Hesitancy among health workers and the general population was a challenge in most of the countries. Conclusion: countries have gained valuable experiences exploring various COVID-19 vaccination delivery models, including implementing the integration of COVID-19 vaccination within routine health care programs. There is a need to regularly monitor or do studies measuring public perceptions towards COVID-19 vaccination in order to drive the demand generation efforts, as well as use evidence in addressing hesitancy