Epidemiological pattern of COVID-19 and its association with periodontal health in an urban Indian cohort.

Background: Studies have highlighted a possible influence of gingival and periodontal disease (PD) on COVID-19 risk and severity. However, the evidence is based on hospital-based studies and community-level data are sparse. Objectives: We described the epidemiological pattern of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Delhi and evaluated the associations of gingival and PD with incident COVID-19 disease in a regionally representative urban Indian population. Methods: In a prospective study nested within the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South-Asia (CARRS) study, participants with clinical gingival and periodontal status available at baseline (2014-16) (n = 1,727) were approached between October 2021 to March 2022. Information on COVID-19 incidence, testing, management, severity was collected as per the WHO case criteria along with COVID-19 vaccination status. Absolute incidence of COVID-19 disease was computed by age, sex, and oral health. Differences in rates were tested using log-rank test. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate independent associations between gingival and PD and incidence of COVID-19, adjusted for socio-demographic and behavioral factors, presence of comorbidity, and medication use. Results: Among 1,727 participants, the mean age was 44.0 years, 45.7% were men, 84.5% participants had baseline gingival or PD and 89.4% participants had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, 35% (n = 606) participants were tested for COVID-19 and 24% (n = 146/606) tested positive. As per the WHO criteria total number of cases was 210, constituting 12% of the total population. The age and sex-specific rates of COVID-19 were higher among men and older participants, but women aged >60 years had higher rates than men of same age. The incidence rate did not differ significantly between those having gingival or PD and healthy periodontium (19.1 vs. 16.5/1,000 person-years) and there was no difference in risk of COVID-19 by baseline oral disease status. Conclusion: Gingival and PD were not associated with increased risk of COVID-19.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Care in a Tertiary Care Facility.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an overwhelming impact on health care worldwide. Cancer patients represent a subgroup that is vulnerable and is under high risk. It is, therefore, necessary to analyze factors that predict outcomes in these patients so that they can be triaged accordingly to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on cancer management. To date, the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients remain largely unknown. Methods Data of 291 cancer patients undergoing active treatment from March 23 to August 15, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed; the incidence, demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of cancer patients infected by COVID-19 were included in the analysis. Discussion During the index period (March 23-August 15, 2020), 4,494 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were admitted at our institute. In the department of medical oncology out of 578 patients presented to outpatient department, 291 patients were admitted for active treatment. Considering the cancer patients, infection rate was 7.9% (23/291) and mortality 13% (3/23). Median age was 40 years and the majority of patients were male (60%). The most common cancer type was acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented at various stages of treatment. Twenty patients (86.9%) were discharged after full clinical recovery and negative real-time polymerase chain reaction on a nasopharyngeal swab. Anticancer treatment was modified according to the type of cancer under intensive surveillance. Conclusion Although mortality rate in COVID-19 cancer patients is elevated, our results support the feasibility and safety of continuing anticancer treatment during pandemic by endorsing consistent preventive measures, but however should be modified based on the type and prognosis of cancer.

Acute appendicitis presenting with MIS-C secondary to COVID-19.

Acute Appendicitis (AA) is among the most common causes of abdominal pain in children. Several physical exam findings, scoring systems, and imaging studies, such as ultrasonography and computed tomography, exist to assist clinicians in diagnosing acute appendicitis. Despite multiple tools for assessing suspected acute appendicitis, it remains a challenge to diagnose acute appendicitis in the pediatric population. A challenge that becomes increasingly more difficult if presenting with a comorbid condition. With the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and subsequent discovery of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), this case series presents three pediatric cases of acute appendicitis presenting concurrently with MIS-C secondary to prior COVID-19 infection thus illustrating potential complications to diagnosing and managing acute appendicitis.

The Choice between Plasma-Based Common Coagulation Tests and Cell-Based Viscoelastic Tests in Monitoring Hemostatic Competence: Not an either-or Proposition.

There has been a significant interest in the last decade in the use of viscoelastic tests (VETs) to determine the hemostatic competence of bleeding patients. Previously, common coagulation tests (CCTs) such as the prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were used to assist in the guidance of blood component and hemostatic adjunctive therapy for these patients. However, the experience of decades of VET use in liver failure with transplantation, cardiac surgery, and trauma has now spread to obstetrical hemorrhage and congenital and acquired coagulopathies. Since CCTs measure only 5 to 10% of the lifespan of a clot, these assays have been found to be of limited use for acute surgical and medical conditions, whereby rapid results are required. However, there are medical indications for the PT/PTT that cannot be supplanted by VETs. Therefore, the choice of whether to use a CCT or a VET to guide blood component therapy or hemostatic adjunctive therapy may often require consideration of both methodologies. In this review, we provide examples of the relative indications for CCTs and VETs in monitoring hemostatic competence of bleeding patients.

The US COVID-19 surveillance environment: An ecological analysis of the relationship of testing adequacy in the context of vaccination.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 testing is a critical component of public health surveillance and pandemic control, especially among the unvaccinated, as the nation resumes in-person activities.This study examined the relationships between COVID-19 testing rates, testing positivity rates and vaccination coverage across US counties. METHODS: Data from the Health and Human Services' Community Profile Report and 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates were used. 3,114 US counties were analyzed from January through September 2021. Associations among the testing metrics and vaccination coverage were estimated using multiple linear regression models with fixed effects for states and adjusted for county demographics. COVID-19 testing rates (PCR testing per 1,000), testing positivity (percentage of all PCR tests that were positive), and vaccination coverage (percentage county population that was fully vaccinated). RESULTS: Nationally, median daily COVID-19 testing rates were highest in January and September (35.5 and 34.6 tests per capita, respectively) and lowest in July (13.2 tests per capita). Monthly testing positivity was between 0.03 and 0.12 percentage points (pp) lower for each pp of vaccination coverage, and monthly testing rates were between 0.08 and 0.22 tests per capita higher for each pp of vaccination coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The quantity of COVID-19 testing was associated with vaccination coverage, implying counties having populations with relatively lower protection against the virus are conducting less testing than counties with relatively more protection. Monitoring testing practices in relation to vaccination coverage may be used to monitor the sufficiency of COVID-19 testing based on population susceptibility to the virus.

Reply to Bareille et al. Are Viscoelastometric Assays of Old Generation Ready for Disposal? Comment on "Volod et al. Viscoelastic Hemostatic Assays: A Primer on Legacy and New Generation Devices. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 860".

We are pleased to see that Bareille et al. have written a Commentary: "Are viscoelastometric assays of old generation ready for disposal?" [...].

COVID-associated non-vasculitic thrombotic retiform purpura of the face and extremities: A case report.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can manifest many rashes. However, thrombotic retiform purpura rarely occurs during COVID-19 illness. Aggressive anti-COVID-19 therapy with a high-dose steroid regimen led to rapid recovery. This immunothrombotic phenomenon likely represents a poor type 1 interferon response and complement activation on the endothelial surface in response to acute infection.

The bidirectional association between diabetes and long-COVID-19 - A systematic review.

Some evidence suggests that diabetes may be a risk factor for the development of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Recent data also indicate that new-onset diabetes may be a complication of COVID-19. Here, we review the existing evidence. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review through August 8, 2022. We included longitudinal studies reporting on the risk of PASC (i.e., sequelae that extend beyond four weeks after initial infection) in people with and without diabetes, and studies reporting on the risk of new-onset diabetes in people with vs without COVID-19 with a minimum of 4-weeks of follow-up. All studies were published in English. Among 5,532 studies screened, 39 were included in the final review. Among 25 studies reporting on diabetes and PASC, 44 % (n = 11) identified diabetes as a significant risk factor for PASC (increased relative risk ranging from 7 % to 342 %) while 56 % (n = 14) did not. Among 14 studies reporting on new-onset diabetes, 12 (86 %) reported that COVID-19 (vs no COVID) was significantly associated with new-onset diabetes with increased risks ranging from 11 % to 276 %. COVID-19 survivors may be at increased risk for new-onset diabetes, but whether pre-existing diabetes is also a risk factor for PASC remains unclear.

Outcomes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Hospitalized Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Background The development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is multifactorial. Stress from anxiety is a risk factor for IBD. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is twice as likely in IBD patients. This study explores the outcomes of patients hospitalized for IBD with comorbid GAD. Methods A retrospective analysis utilizing the 2014 USA National Inpatient Sample database was performed to assess the outcomes of hospitalized IBD patients with and without GAD. The outcomes analyzed were sepsis, acute hepatic failure, hypotension/shock, acute respiratory failure, acute deep vein thrombosis, acute renal failure, intestinal obstruction, myocardial infarction, ileus, inpatient mortality, colectomy, intestinal abscess, intestinal perforation, and megacolon. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to explore whether GAD is a risk factor for these outcomes. Results Among 28,173 IBD hospitalized patients in the study, GAD was a comorbid diagnosis in 3,400 of those patients. IBD patients with coexisting GAD were found to be at increased risk for acute hepatic failure (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.80, p = 0.006), sepsis (aOR 1.33, p < 0.001), acute respiratory failure (aOR 1.24, p = 0.018), inpatient mortality (aOR 1.87, p < 0.001), intestinal abscess (aOR 2.35, p = 0.013), and intestinal perforation (aOR 1.44, p = 0.019). The aORs for the remaining outcomes were not statistically significant. Conclusions In hospitalized IBD patients, GAD is a risk factor for sepsis, acute hepatic failure, acute respiratory failure, intestinal abscess, intestinal perforation, and inpatient mortality. IBD and GAD are becoming increasingly common, which will likely lead to a larger number of complications among inpatients with these comorbidities.

Understanding Racial Disparities in COVID-19-Related Complications: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the disproportionate and long-standing health disparities experienced by Black communities. Although it is acknowledged that social determinants of health (SDOH) rather than biological factors likely contribute to this disparity, few studies using rigorous analytic approaches in large, information-rich community-based data sets are dedicated to understanding the underlying drivers of these racial disparities. OBJECTIVE: The overall aim of our study is to elucidate the mechanisms by which racial disparities in severe COVID-19 outcomes arise, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. METHODS: In this protocol, we outline a convergent parallel mixed methods approach to identifying, quantifying, and contextualizing factors that contribute to the dramatic disparity in COVID-19 severity (ie, hospitalization, mortality) in Black versus white COVID-19 patients within the integrated health care system of Kaiser Permanente Georgia (KPGA). Toward this end, we will generate two quantitative cohorts of KPGA members with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between January 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021: (1) an electronic medical record (EMR) cohort including routinely captured data on diagnoses, medications, and laboratory values, and a subset of patients hospitalized at Emory Healthcare to capture additional in-hospital data; and (2) a survey cohort, where participants will answer a range of questions related to demographics (eg, race, education), usual health behaviors (eg, physical activity, smoking), impact of COVID-19 (eg, job loss, caregiving responsibilities), and medical mistrust. Key outcomes of interest for these two cohorts include hospitalization, mortality, intensive care unit admission, hospital readmission, and long COVID-19. Finally, we will conduct qualitative semistructured interviews to capture perceptions of and experiences of being hospitalized with COVID-19 as well as related interactions with KPGA health care providers. We will analyze and interpret the quantitative and qualitative data separately, and then integrate the qualitative and quantitative findings using a triangulation design approach. RESULTS: This study has been funded by a Woodruff Health Sciences grant from December 2020 to December 2022. As of August 31, 2022, 31,500 KPGA members diagnosed with COVID-19 have been included in the EMR cohort, including 3028 who were hospitalized at Emory Healthcare, and 482 KPGA members completed the survey. In addition, 20 KPGA members (10 Black and 10 white) have been interviewed about their experiences navigating care with COVID-19. Quantitative and qualitative data cleaning and coding have been completed. Data analysis is underway with results anticipated to be published in December 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this mixed methods pilot study in a diverse integrated care setting in the southeastern United States will provide insights into the mechanisms underpinning racial disparities in COVID-19 complications. The quantitative and qualitative data will provide important context to generate hypotheses around the mechanisms for racial disparities in COVID-19, and may help to inform the development of multilevel strategies to reduce the burden of racial disparities in COVID-19 and its ongoing sequelae. Incorporating contextual information, elucidated from qualitative interviews, will increase the efficacy, adoption, and sustainability of such strategies. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/38914.

A 14-Year-Old Boy With Neck Pain, Fevers, and Diffuse Erythematous Rash.

A previously healthy 14-year-old boy developed right-sided neck pain, tachycardia, a diffuse erythematous rash, and subjective fevers over 2 days. He sought medical attention in a local urgent care clinic, where he had a negative Sars-CoV-2 antigen test and was referred to the local emergency department (ED) for persistent tachycardia and further workup. After fluid resuscitation, his tachycardia was not improved, so he was admitted to the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Service. Physical examination showed large areas of erythema and erythroderma of multiple body sites, perioral sparing, increased erythema in flexor skin folds, posterior soft palate petechiae, and a white strawberry tongue. There was a small, tender lesion with surrounding erythema without discharge on his right neck thought to be a possible entry point for infection. Laboratory results showed thrombocytopenia, normal white blood cell count, normal hemoglobin concentration, absolute lymphopenia, and an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) to 130 mg/L. He was started on intravenous fluids and antibiotics for a presumed infectious cause of the rash and laboratory findings. The next morning, an expanded diagnostic workup was undertaken including electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, ferritin, triglycerides, liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), brain natriuretic peptide, coagulation studies, and fibrinogen. With treatment and supportive care, his tachycardia and energy improved, so he was discharged with oral antibiotics and follow-up with the Infectious Disease Clinic in 2 days. When seen in follow-up, he was immediately admitted to the hospital for worsening fatigue, tachycardia, and new findings that prompted multiple consultations, and transfer to pediatric critical care services.

Anxiety and depression among adult tobacco users during the COVID-19 restrictions in India.

Background: The world witnessed a highly contagious and deadly disease, COVID-19, toward the end of 2019. India is one of the worst affected countries. We aimed to assess anxiety and depression levels among adult tobacco users and people who recently quit tobacco during COVID-19 lockdown in India. Materials and methods: The study was conducted across two Indian cities, Delhi and Chennai (July-August, 2020) among adult tobacco users (n = 801). Telephonic interviews were conducted using validated mental health tools (Patient Health Questionnaire-PHQ-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-GAD-7) to assess the anxiety and depression levels of the participants. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to study the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety. Results: We found that 20.6% of tobacco users had depression symptoms (3.9% moderate to severe); 20.7% had anxiety symptoms (3.8% moderate to severe). Risk factors associated with depression and anxiety included food, housing, and financial insecurity. Conclusion: During COVID-19 lockdown, mental health of tobacco users (primarily women) was associated with food, housing and financial insecurity. The Indian Government rightly initiated several health, social and economic measures to shield the most vulnerable from COVID-19, including a ban on the sale of tobacco products. It is also necessary to prioritize universal health coverage, expanded social security net, tobacco cessation and mental health services to such vulnerable populations during pandemic situations.

Edible vaccines: a nutritional substitute for traditional immunization

Edible vaccines are created from transgenic plants and animals and contain immunostimulant. Edible vaccines, to put it simply, are medications generated from plants or animals. In underdeveloped countries, oral vaccines are less expensive and more widely available. Researchers came up with the idea of edible vaccines, in which edible plant pieces are employed as a vaccine factory. To make edible vaccinations, scientists put desired genes into plants and then force the plants to generate the proteins expressed in the genes. Transgenic plants are the result of transformation, whereas transformation is the act of converting plants. The edible vaccination promotes mucosal immunity. Dendritic cells in the gut can assist native T cells activate and differentiate into follicular T-helpers (Tfh). T and B cells will respond precisely to a reliable, digestible immunization. Potato, tomato, banana, carrots, tobacco, papaya, algae, and a variety of other plants are utilised as alternative agents for standard vaccinations. Malaria, cholera, hepatitis, rabies, measles, rotavirus, diarrhoea cancer treatments and treatment of covid-19 are among the illnesses for which plant-based vaccines have been created. It takes time and dedication to develop and sell edible vaccinations. Many edible vaccines for animal and human ailments have been developed and have gone through various levels of clinical testing. The importance of plant-based vaccinations is emphasized in this article.

Defining the determinants of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and viral control in a dose-down Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine study in nonhuman primates.

Despite the rapid creation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines, the precise correlates of immunity against severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still unknown. Neutralizing antibodies represent a robust surrogate of protection in early Phase III studies, but vaccines provide protection prior to the evolution of neutralization, vaccines provide protection against variants that evade neutralization, and vaccines continue to provide protection against disease severity in the setting of waning neutralizing titers. Thus, in this study, using an Ad26.CoV2.S dose-down approach in nonhuman primates (NHPs), the role of neutralization, Fc effector function, and T-cell immunity were collectively probed against infection as well as against viral control. While dosing-down minimally impacted neutralizing and binding antibody titers, Fc receptor binding and functional antibody levels were induced in a highly dose-dependent manner. Neutralizing antibody and Fc receptor binding titers, but minimally T cells, were linked to the prevention of transmission. Conversely, Fc receptor binding/function and T cells were linked to antiviral control, with a minimal role for neutralization. These data point to dichotomous roles of neutralization and T-cell function in protection against transmission and disease severity and a continuous role for Fc effector function as a correlate of immunity key to halting and controlling SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants.

Integrin α5 Is Regulated by miR-218-5p in Endothelial Progenitor Cells.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cell injury is a common nidus of renal injury in patients and consistent with the high prevalence of AKI reported during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This cell type expresses integrin α5 (ITGA5), which is essential to the Tie2 signaling pathway. The microRNA miR-218-5p is upregulated in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) after hypoxia, but microRNA regulation of Tie2 in the EPC lineage is unclear. METHODS: We isolated human kidney-derived EPCs (hkEPCs) and surveyed microRNA target transcripts. A preclinical model of ischemic kidney injury was used to evaluate the effect of hkEPCs on capillary repair. We used a genetic knockout model to evaluate the effect of deleting endogenous expression of miR-218 specifically in angioblasts. RESULTS: After ischemic in vitro preconditioning, miR-218-5p was elevated in hkEPCs. We found miR-218-5p bound to ITGA5 mRNA transcript and decreased ITGA5 protein expression. Phosphorylation of 42/44 MAPK decreased by 73.6% in hkEPCs treated with miR-218-5p. Cells supplemented with miR-218-5p downregulated ITGA5 synthesis and decreased 42/44 MAPK phosphorylation. In a CD309-Cre/miR-218-2-LoxP mammalian model (a conditional knockout mouse model designed to delete pre-miR-218-2 exclusively in CD309+ cells), homozygotes at e18.5 contained avascular glomeruli, whereas heterozygote adults showed susceptibility to kidney injury. Isolated EPCs from the mouse kidney contained high amounts of ITGA5 and showed decreased migratory capacity in three-dimensional cell culture. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the critical regulatory role of miR-218-5p in kidney EPC migration, a finding that may inform efforts to treat microvascular kidney injury via therapeutic cell delivery.

SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain displayed on HBsAg virus-like particles elicits protective immunity in macaques.

Authorized vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 remain less available in low- and middle-income countries due to insufficient supply, high costs, and storage requirements. Global immunity could still benefit from new vaccines using widely available, safe adjuvants, such as alum and protein subunits, suited to low-cost production in existing manufacturing facilities. Here, a clinical-stage vaccine candidate comprising a SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain-hepatitis B surface antigen virus-like particle elicited protective immunity in cynomolgus macaques. Titers of neutralizing antibodies (>104) induced by this candidate were above the range of protection for other licensed vaccines in nonhuman primates. Including CpG 1018 did not significantly improve the immunological responses. Vaccinated animals challenged with SARS-CoV-2 showed reduced median viral loads in bronchoalveolar lavage (~3.4 log10) and nasal mucosa (~2.9 log10) versus sham controls. These data support the potential benefit of this design for a low-cost modular vaccine platform for SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern or betacoronaviruses.

Outcomes of COVID-19 in children with cancer – Report from the Indian Pediatric Oncology Group (InPOG) COVID-19 registry in India

Introduction The clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in children with cancer have been variable worldwide. Therefore, we aimed to collect data from all regions in India through a national collaborative study and identify factors that cause mortality directly related to COVID-19 infection. Methods Data was collected prospectively on children across India on cancer therapy and diagnosed with COVID-19 infections from 47 centers from April 2020 to October 2021. Information was recorded on the demographics, the number of children that required intervention, and the outcome of the infection. In addition, we analyzed the impact of the delta variant in 2021. Results A total of 659 children were studied, of whom 64% were male and 36% were female. The data from the eastern region was sparse, and this was a collection bias. COVID-19 infection was predominantly seen in children less than five years. The delta variant had a higher impact in the southern region, and this was statistically significant. Of the 659 children, 30 children died (4.5%), however only 7 of the deaths were directly attributed to COVID-19 infection (1%). Conclusion The study reports the largest nationally representative cohort of children with cancer and COVID-19 to date in India. We identified demographic and clinical factors associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients with cancer. Complete characterization of the cohort has provided further insights into the effects of COVID-19 on cancer outcomes. The low mortality allows us to recommend that specific cancer treatments be continued without delays in therapy.

Identification of groups at high risk for under-coverage of seasonal influenza vaccination: A national study to inform vaccination priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: Seasonal influenza vaccination is an important public health strategy to reduce preventable illness, hospitalization, and death. Because of overlapping risk factors for severe illness from seasonal influenza and COVID-19, uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccination has heightened importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed receipt of seasonal influenza vaccination among COVID-19 priority groups and further examined socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine among US adults. METHODS: Using the 2018 National Health Interview Survey, we classified 24,772 adults into four COVID-19 priority groups: healthcare workers, medically vulnerable, non-healthcare essential workers, and the general population. We performed multiple logistic regression to compare the relative odds of receiving the influenza vaccine by COVID-19 priority group, socio-demographics, and health-related factors. RESULTS: Healthcare workers, medically vulnerable adults, essential workers, and the general population comprised 8.9%, 58.4%, 6.6%, and 26.1 % of the US population, respectively. Compared with healthcare workers, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of receiving influenza vaccine were significantly lower in medically vulnerable adults (aOR=0.43, 95% CI=0.37, 0.48), essential workers (aOR=0.28, 95% CI=0.23, 0.34), and the general population (aOR=0.32, 95% CI=0.28, 0.37). Being young, male, Black, and having no health insurance were associated with lower relative odds of receiving the flu vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Patterns of influenza vaccine cause concern for under-coverage of populations at high risk for both seasonal influenza and COVID-19. Achieving optimal protection against vaccine-preventable respiratory illness in US adults will require emphasis on those employed outside of the healthcare sector, younger age groups, and adults with lower socioeconomic resources.