ABSTRACT
Vaccination is a critical strategy to prevent COVID-19. We describe the effects of a vaccine drive implemented in Emory Dialysis centers on COVID-19 vaccine uptake, infection rates and outcomes. Emory Dialysis, serving an urban population, conducted a COVID-19 vaccination drive (i.e. vaccine education and onsite vaccine administration) across its 4 dialysis centers (~750 patients) from March—April 2021. Monthly COVID-infection and vaccination rates were tracked from March 2020—September 2021. We assessed the effect of the drive on the COVID-19 vaccine uptake, infection rates and outcomes including hospitalizations and 30-day mortality. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with COVID-19, 14 days after the vaccination drive (to reflect fully vaccinated status). Patients were stratified by vaccination status and descriptive statistics were performed. From March 2020–April 2021, monthly COVID-19 infection rates were 0.41—4.97% and vaccination rates were 0–6%. From May–September 2021 (post-vaccination drive), the monthly COVID-19 infection rates ranged from 0–2.50% and vaccination rates were 67.4–76.1%. In the post-vaccination period, 34 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19;26 were fully vaccinated and 8 were unvaccinated. Among the 34 patients, the median age was 57 years [interquartile range (IQR) 47–73], 29% were female and 79.4% were Black. Compared to unvaccinated group, the vaccinated group was older (62 years [IQR 50-73] vs. 50 years [IQR 41-60], p=0.06), and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (46.2% vs. 25.0%, p=0.62);otherwise, patient characteristics were similar between the groups. Twelve patients (48.1%) in the vaccinated group vs. 6 patients (75.0%) in the unvaccinated group were hospitalized for COVID-infection (p=0.26). Three patients (11.5%) in the vaccinated group vs. 2 patients (25%) in the unvaccinated group (p=0.35) died within 30-days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Providing vaccinations at dialysis centers may improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake and outcomes. Studies evaluating the long-term effects of vaccination programs in dialysis centers are needed.
ABSTRACT
As the COVID-19 virus has spread worldwide, much attention has been paid to its impact on the health and wellbeing of adults, with less attention to how the virus has impacted on young children. This article draws on documentation and video data from a kindergarten in Aotearoa New Zealand. It discusses the working theories of 4 year-old children whose teachers encouraged them to draw, construct images, explain and tell stories about their experiences, ideas and feelings about the virus. A main argument is that children’s working theories about the virus, knowledge of the virus and sense of personal control over keeping themselves safe developed over time. Arts-based and storytelling pedagogy were central in enabling children to communicate with others, to be understood themselves and to extend their own understanding. © 2021 EECERA.