ABSTRACT
Background Vaccination is a critical intervention in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Various levels of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance have been observed around the world. However, a high percentage of the general population and healthcare professionals (HCPs), refuse the COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to examine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCPs and the general population in Cyprus. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted, using a self-administered questionnaire to collect information covering various potential determinants including sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, trust in the healthcare system, satisfaction with it, utilization of preventive healthcare services, COVID-19 vaccination information, and general vaccination knowledge. Results A total of 2582 participants completed the survey, with 53.5% of individuals in the general population, and 70.0% of the HCPs received the COVID-19 vaccination. We found that as the age increases by one year among the general population, the odds of being vaccinated against COVID-19 increase by 1.02 units (95% 1.00-1.03, p-value=0.035), whilst those with increased trust in national healthcare authorities’ guidelines (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 3.41-4.61) and increased vaccination knowledge scores (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. Furthermore, male HCPs (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.01-3.59), and those who reported increased trust in national healthcare authorities’ guidelines (OR = 5.38, 95% CI: 3.65-7.95) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. Conclusions Public health policymakers can use national campaigns and long-term planning to build public trust in national healthcare authorities and educate and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination. Such strategies could pave the way for adequate vaccine uptake and prepare the public for unfavorable scenarios, such as future pandemics. Key messages • Our results revealed the importance of vaccination knowledge and trust in healthcare system in respect to COVID-19 vaccination uptake. • The urgent need for national campaigns and long-term planning to build public trust in national healthcare authorities.
ABSTRACT
The frequency of COVID-19 infection in neonates and the management and outcome of SARS-CoV in this age group is a field that is, as yet, poorly docu-mented. This review summarizes the current literature regarding the clinical characteristics, management and outcome of neonates with confirmed CO-VID-19. Current evidence shows that COVID-19 rarely affects neonates severely, with most cases being asymptomatic, while the most commonly reported clinical symptom is respiratory distress. The clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are similar to those of non-pregnant adult patients with COVID-19. Neonates born to mothers who are categorized as either diagnosed cases, or suspected cases of COVID-19, should be treated according to the latest guidelines. It is of great importance to conduct large-scale, well-designed cohort studies, in order to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on neonatal health.