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1.
Front Immunol ; 13: 1031852, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2323296

ABSTRACT

The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as the more transmissible Delta and Omicron variants, has raised concerns on efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we examined the waning of antibody responses against different variants following primary and booster vaccination. We found that antibody responses against variants were low following primary vaccination. The antibody response against Omicron was almost non-existent. Efficient boosting of antibody response against all variants, including Omicron, was observed following a third dose. The antibody response against the variants tested was significantly higher at one month following booster vaccination, compared with two months following primary vaccination, for all individuals, including the low antibody responders identified at two months following primary vaccination. The antibody response, for all variants tested, was significantly higher at four months post booster than at five months post primary vaccination, and the proportion of low responders remained low (6-11%). However, there was significant waning of antibody response in more than 95% of individuals at four months, compared to one month following booster. We also observed a robust memory B cell response following booster, which remained higher at four months post booster than prior to booster. However, the memory B cell responses were on the decline for 50% of individuals at four months following booster. Similarly, while the T cell response is sustained, at cohort level, at four months post booster, a substantial proportion of individuals (18.8 - 53.8%) exhibited T cell response at four months post booster that has waned to levels below their corresponding levels before booster. The findings show an efficient induction of immune response against SARS-CoV-2 variants following booster vaccination. However, the induced immunity by the third BNT162b2 vaccine dose was transient. The findings suggest that elderly individuals may require a fourth dose to provide protection against SARS-CoV-2.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Aged , Humans , BNT162 Vaccine , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/prevention & control , Antibodies
3.
Lancet Reg Health West Pac ; 35: 100765, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2298908
4.
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology ; 3(S1):s5, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2273861

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The National University Hospital (NUH) is a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Singapore with 60% of patients in 6–8-bed cubicles. NUH recently changed to a time-based deisolation criterion for immunocompetent COVID-19 patients in cohort wards who are afebrile and improved but did not meet the antigen rapid test negative criteria at day 5–6 and who required continued hospital care. The MOH guidelines and studies of viral load trajectory from the SARS-CoV-2 δ (delta) variant suggest that by day 8 of infection, viral loads drop and the risk of transmission is low. We defined a cycle threshold (Ct) value ≥25 as the point at which virus cultures are negative. We assessed whether a time-based deisolation at day 8 correlated with Ct ≥25 during the SARS-CoV-2 ο (omicron) variant pandemic surge. Methods: Data for patients and staff with confirmed positive COVID-19 PCR between January to March 2022 were collected. These data comprised a convenience sample collected retrospectively by the epidemiology team and the obstetrics and gynecology team and were used to deisolate patients. Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs were sent for PCR for all admissions, to confirm diagnosis, for deisolation and/or transfer, and for staff suspected to have COVID-19 as part of hospital staff policy. Results: Overall, 403 observations were obtained. For 145 NP swabs tested by SARS-CoV-2 PCR on day 1, the median Ct value was 19.55 (IQR, 9.01). The median Ct for 87 observations on day 2 was 15.95 (IQR, 3.45). The median Ct value for 14 observations on day 8 was 24.22 (IQR, 5.19). From day 9 to day 37, with 47 observations, the Ct was generally >25. Conclusions: During the SARS-CoV-2 ο (omicron) surge, NP swabs sent on day 8 had a median Ct value of 24.22. After day 8, the median Ct was >25. The discontinuation of isolation precautions on day 8 balances the use of dedicated COVID-19 beds with risk mitigation of transmission for recovered patients who require ongoing hospitalization. Small sample size and heterogeneous reasons for testing NP swabs after day 5 likely skewed our results and limits the generalizability of our results.

5.
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology ; 3(S1):s9, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2286442

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The infection prevention team (IPT) was tasked with providing technical guidance for the construction and setup of a community treatment facility in 3 weeks at a Formula 1 (F1) racing pit to house elderly SARS-CoV-2–positive cases. Methods: The facility was setup with 737 beds including an isolation unit and a resuscitation bay. The multidisciplinary team decided on zone segregation (ie, green and hot zones) and discussed the clean–dirty workflow. IPC measures were revisited, especially regarding the layout of the donning and doffing station, as the facility expanded to accommodate patients with more comorbidities and those who needed dialysis. IPC training for nominated infection control liaison officers (ICLOs) was conducted using a "train the trainer” approach for mask fitting, hand hygiene, donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Enhanced IPC measures, including weekly audit and staff surveillance, were mandatory, and monitoring was performed according to MOH guidelines. Linen and waste management and the cleaning and disinfection process were established at the beginning of the project. Results: Construction was completed within 3 weeks. The setup was completed in November 2021 for 737 beds. There were 758 admissions during the 4-month operation. In total, 12 trained ICLOs oversaw the training of 200 healthcare workers. They conducted 12 IPC audits and provided feedback to all staff. Compliance with PPE practices was inconsistent, and findings were shared during daily after-action reviews for improvement. The greatest challenges were converting the F1 facility to a healthcare facility, training staff with no IPC knowledge, and monitoring IPC on the ground. The trained ICLOs were successful in implementing, practicing, and monitoring IPC measures with minimal assistance from the infection prevention team. Conclusions: Operation began on November 5, 2021, and ceased on March 9, 2022. The community treatment facility construction, setup, and operations were completed within a short timeframe due to the efforts of various stakeholders. We faced many challenges, but we managed to implement and uphold IPC standards from beginning to end.

6.
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology ; 3(S1):s9, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2277944

ABSTRACT

Objectives: COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the community from the SARS-CoV-2 δ (delta) variant wave. To prepare for cases that may be nosocomial or detected late, the infection prevention team constructed a ‘hot ward' tool kit to guide implementation of infection control measures. Methods: We engaged the NUH Facilities Management ventilation engineers to understand every ward's mechanical ventilation setup. With this information, we created of "green” and "hot” zones within ward. After conducting assessments on individual wards, we created the "hot ward” tool kit: (1) 38 ward floor plans indicating ventilation setup, "green” zones, and "hot” zones;(2) a risk matrix to guide ward actions based on cycle threshold (Ct) value and duration of exposure;and (3) "hot ward” checklists. The tool kit was presented to infectious disease clinicians on the infection prevention team and senior nursing leaders for input and guidance. To ensure that these plans were practical, we conducted numerous site walks with HOD and ward nurse managers (ie, for the ICUs and psychiatric units). Finally, the tool kit was shared in a meeting with key stakeholders and senior leaders. It was also uploaded to the NUH COVID-19 quick-reference intranet page for easy staff access. Results: The tool kit was used by 2 general wards when cases of confirmed COVID-19 were detected among patients. Overall, the tool kit helped HOD and nurse managers with the immediate actions required and it provides useful guidance for the infection prevention team to assess and guide decisions regarding whether a ward lockdown is necessary. Conclusions: Although the guidance was useful, from the site walk we learned that the mechanical ventilation system of some wards is shared, making it challenging to prevent cross contamination between wards because any shared ventilation between unmasked areas can be pose a risk for both patients and staff. Additional measures were instituted to mitigate this risk.

8.
Front Public Health ; 10: 1067575, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2245630

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 has exposed weaknesses in our infection control and detection measures, particularly in healthcare settings. Aerial sampling has evolved from passive impact filters to active sampling using negative pressure to expose culture substrate for virus detection. We evaluated the effectiveness of an active air sampling device as a potential surveillance system in detecting hospital pathogens, for augmenting containment measures to prevent nosocomial transmission, using SARS-CoV-2 as a surrogate. Methods: We conducted air sampling in a hospital environment using the AerosolSenseTM air sampling device and compared it with surface swabs for their capacity to detect SARS-CoV-2. Results: When combined with RT-qPCR detection, we found the device provided consistent SARS-CoV-2 detection, compared to surface sampling, in as little as 2 h of sampling time. The device also showed that it can identify minute quantities of SARS-CoV-2 in designated "clean areas" and through a N95 mask, indicating good surveillance capacity and sensitivity of the device in hospital settings. Conclusion: Active air sampling was shown to be a sensitive surveillance system in healthcare settings. Findings from this study can also be applied in an organism agnostic manner for surveillance in the hospital, improving our ability to contain and prevent nosocomial outbreaks.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cross Infection , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Hospitals , Infection Control , Cross Infection/prevention & control
9.
Frontiers in public health ; 10, 2022.
Article in English | EuropePMC | ID: covidwho-2208019

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 has exposed weaknesses in our infection control and detection measures, particularly in healthcare settings. Aerial sampling has evolved from passive impact filters to active sampling using negative pressure to expose culture substrate for virus detection. We evaluated the effectiveness of an active air sampling device as a potential surveillance system in detecting hospital pathogens, for augmenting containment measures to prevent nosocomial transmission, using SARS-CoV-2 as a surrogate. Methods We conducted air sampling in a hospital environment using the AerosolSenseTM air sampling device and compared it with surface swabs for their capacity to detect SARS-CoV-2. Results When combined with RT-qPCR detection, we found the device provided consistent SARS-CoV-2 detection, compared to surface sampling, in as little as 2 h of sampling time. The device also showed that it can identify minute quantities of SARS-CoV-2 in designated "clean areas” and through a N95 mask, indicating good surveillance capacity and sensitivity of the device in hospital settings. Conclusion Active air sampling was shown to be a sensitive surveillance system in healthcare settings. Findings from this study can also be applied in an organism agnostic manner for surveillance in the hospital, improving our ability to contain and prevent nosocomial outbreaks.

10.
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology ; 2(S1):s39, 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2184956

ABSTRACT

Background: The National University Hospital (NUH) is a 1,200 bed tertiary-care hospital with no documented nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 among patients for the first year and a half of the pandemic, despite 65% of the patients being housed in 4- to 8-bedded open cubicles with shared bathrooms. However, this arrangement changed in late September 2021 with large community clusters including in healthcare institutions nationally associated with the spread of the δ (delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2. We conducted a retrospective review of hospital epidemiology data to determine risk factors for SARS-COV-2 transmission during this period. Methods: Index patients were defined as the first patient in an open cubicle with a confirmed positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Contacts were defined as being in the same cubicle as a patient before isolation from 2 days before symptom onset, up to 7 days from positive test if asymptomatic. Clinical and patient movement data were obtained manually from routine clinical records. Proximity of the contact from the index was classified as within, or more than, 2 m away, according to the prevailing definition from the Singapore Ministry of Health. A univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. The analysis was deemed exempt from ethics review (reference no. NHG-DSRB-2021/01026). Results: From October 1 to November 30, 2021, 30 index cases occurred in open cubicles identified (median, 9 days after admission;IQR, 19 days). Contact tracing yielded 211 contacts, of whom 10 (4.7%) were infected. Linear regression analysis found the duration of contact for each hour spent in the same room as the index case was the only statistically significant risk variable for contracting COVID-19, with an odds ratio 1.02 (Table 1). Conclusions: Patients in open cubicles are at risk for nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 and other infections. The duration of contact appeared to be more important than vaccination status of index or ward ventilation status. Larger multicentered studies are needed to validate this finding, which has significant implications for infection prevention strategies and pandemic planning.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

11.
Frontiers in immunology ; 13, 2022.
Article in English | EuropePMC | ID: covidwho-2125048

ABSTRACT

The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as the more transmissible Delta and Omicron variants, has raised concerns on efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we examined the waning of antibody responses against different variants following primary and booster vaccination. We found that antibody responses against variants were low following primary vaccination. The antibody response against Omicron was almost non-existent. Efficient boosting of antibody response against all variants, including Omicron, was observed following a third dose. The antibody response against the variants tested was significantly higher at one month following booster vaccination, compared with two months following primary vaccination, for all individuals, including the low antibody responders identified at two months following primary vaccination. The antibody response, for all variants tested, was significantly higher at four months post booster than at five months post primary vaccination, and the proportion of low responders remained low (6-11%). However, there was significant waning of antibody response in more than 95% of individuals at four months, compared to one month following booster. We also observed a robust memory B cell response following booster, which remained higher at four months post booster than prior to booster. However, the memory B cell responses were on the decline for 50% of individuals at four months following booster. Similarly, while the T cell response is sustained, at cohort level, at four months post booster, a substantial proportion of individuals (18.8 – 53.8%) exhibited T cell response at four months post booster that has waned to levels below their corresponding levels before booster. The findings show an efficient induction of immune response against SARS-CoV-2 variants following booster vaccination. However, the induced immunity by the third BNT162b2 vaccine dose was transient. The findings suggest that elderly individuals may require a fourth dose to provide protection against SARS-CoV-2.

12.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 19(21)2022 Oct 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2090192

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Healthcare workers all over the world were prioritized for vaccination against COVID-19 in view of the high-risk nature of their job scopes when vaccines were first available in late 2020. Vaccine hesitancy was an important problem to tackle in order to achieve a high vaccination rate, especially for vaccines that were developed using mRNA technology. We aimed to use the '3Cs' model to address vaccine hesitancy to ensure maximal uptake of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. METHODS: Various measures were used to reduce the confidence, complacency, and convenience barriers. The staff vaccination clinic was on-site and centralized, with appointments given in advance to ensure vaccine availability and to reduce wait time, providing convenience to staff. Direct and repeated communications with the staff via multiple channels were used to address vaccine safety and efficacy so as to promote confidence in the vaccines and overcome complacency barriers. To further encourage staff to get vaccinated, staff were allowed time off for vaccination when at work. Staff with a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 or those caring for immunocompromised patients were prioritized to take the vaccines first. The collection of data on adverse events was via on-site monitoring and consultation at Occupational Health Clinic (OHC). RESULTS: Nearly 80% of staff had completed vaccination when the vaccination exercise ended at the end of March 2021. With the loosening of the contraindications to vaccination over time, staff vaccination rates reached 89.3% in early July and nearly 99.9% by the end of the year. No major or serious vaccine-related medication or administration errors were reported. No staff had anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: By using the '3Cs' model to plan out the vaccination exercise, it is possible to achieve a high vaccination rate coupled with effective and customized communications. This multi-disciplinary team approach can be adapted to guide vaccination efforts in various settings in future pandemics.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Influenza, Human , Occupational Health Services , Vaccines , Humans , COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use , COVID-19/prevention & control , Tertiary Care Centers , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Singapore/epidemiology , Vaccination
13.
Nat Commun ; 13(1): 4615, 2022 08 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2036813

ABSTRACT

Understanding the impact of age on vaccinations is essential for the design and delivery of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we present findings from a comprehensive analysis of multiple compartments of the memory immune response in 312 individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Two vaccine doses induce high antibody and T cell responses in most individuals. However, antibody recognition of the Spike protein of the Delta and Omicron variants is less efficient than that of the ancestral Wuhan strain. Age-stratified analyses identify a group of low antibody responders where individuals ≥60 years are overrepresented. Waning of the antibody and cellular responses is observed in 30% of the vaccinees after 6 months. However, age does not influence the waning of these responses. Taken together, while individuals ≥60 years old take longer to acquire vaccine-induced immunity, they develop more sustained acquired immunity at 6 months post-vaccination. A third dose strongly boosts the low antibody responses in the older individuals against the ancestral Wuhan strain, Delta and Omicron variants.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Viral Vaccines , Aged , Antibodies, Viral , Antibody Formation , BNT162 Vaccine , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Humans , Middle Aged , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccination , Vaccines, Synthetic , mRNA Vaccines
14.
Microbiol Spectr ; 10(5): e0225722, 2022 Oct 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2019797

ABSTRACT

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, countries around the world are switching toward vaccinations and boosters to combat the pandemic. However, waning immunity against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (WT) and variants have been widely reported. Booster vaccinations have shown to be able to increase immunological protection against new variants; however, the protection observed appears to decrease quickly over time suggesting a second booster shot may be appropriate. Moreover, heterogeneity and waning of the immune response at the individual level was observed suggesting a more personalized vaccination approach should be considered. To evaluate such a personalized strategy, it is important to have the ability to rapidly evaluate the level of neutralizing antibody (nAbs) response against variants at the individual level and ideally at a point of care setting. Here, we applied the recently developed cellulose pulled-down virus neutralization test (cpVNT) to rapidly assess individual nAb levels to WT and variants of concerns in response to booster vaccination. Our findings confirmed significant heterogeneity of nAb responses against a panel of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and indicated a strong increase in nAb response against variants of concern (VOCs) upon booster vaccination. For instance, the nAb response against current predominant omicron variant was observed with medians of 88.1% (n = 6, 95% CI = 73.2% to 96.2%) within 1-month postbooster and 70.7% (n = 22, 95% CI = 66.4% to 81.8%) 3 months postbooster. Our data show a point of care (POC) test focusing on nAb response levels against VOCs can guide decisions on the potential need for booster vaccinations at individual level. Importantly, it also suggests the current booster vaccines only give a transient protective response against some VOC and new more targeted formulations of a booster vaccine against specific VOC may need to be developed in the future. IMPORTANCE Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 induces protection through production of neutralization antibodies (nAb). The level of nAb is a major indicator of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We developed a rapid point-of-care test that can monitor the nAb level from a drop of finger stick blood. Here, we have implemented the test to monitor individual nAb level against wild-type and variants of SARS-CoV-2 at various time points of vaccination, including post-second-dose vaccination and postbooster vaccination. Huge diversity of nAb levels were observed among individuals as well as increment in nAb levels especially against Omicron variant after booster vaccination. This study evaluated the performance of this point-of-care test for personalized nAb response tracking. It verifies the potential of using a rapid nAb test to guide future vaccination regimens at both the individual and population level.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vaccines , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Antibodies, Viral , Pandemics , COVID-19/prevention & control , Antibodies, Neutralizing , Vaccination
15.
Clin Transl Immunology ; 11(8): e1403, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2003593

ABSTRACT

Objective: Despite the high vaccine efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, there are individuals who developed excessive reactogenic and/or allergic responses after the first mRNA dose and were considered ineligible for further mRNA doses. CoronaVac, an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, is recommended in Singapore as an alternative. Methods: Individuals, ineligible for further mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) because of excessive reactive responses to prime mRNA vaccination, were recruited and offered two doses of CoronaVac as booster vaccination 38-224 days post their mRNA vaccine dose. Individuals who did not develop any excessive reactive responses after the prime mRNA vaccination were also recruited and given another mRNA vaccine as booster vaccination. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 21 and 90 post first CoronaVac dose and mRNA dose, respectively, for analysis. Results: We showed that two CoronaVac booster doses induced specific immunity in these mRNA vaccine-primed individuals. Although the spike-specific antibody response was lower, their memory B cell response against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein was similar, compared with individuals who received two BNT162b2 injections. The spike-specific memory T cell response also increased following CoronaVac booster doses. However, specific immunity against the Omicron variant was low, similar to individuals with two BNT162b2 doses. Conclusion: Our findings showed that while mRNA vaccine-primed individuals can opt for two subsequent doses of CoronaVac, an additional dose may be necessary to achieve protection, especially against newly emerging immune escape variants such as Omicron.

17.
Bioengineering & Translational Medicine ; 7(2), 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-1848906

ABSTRACT

There is clinical need for a quantifiable point‐of‐care (PoC) SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody (nAb) test that is adaptable with the pandemic's changing landscape. Here, we present a rapid and semi‐quantitative nAb test that uses finger stick or venous blood to assess the nAb response of vaccinated population against wild‐type (WT), alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variant RBDs. It captures a clinically relevant range of nAb levels, and effectively differentiates prevaccination, post first dose, and post second dose vaccination samples within 10 min. The data observed against alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants agrees with published results evaluated in established serology tests. Finally, our test revealed a substantial reduction in nAb level for beta, gamma, and delta variants between early BNT162b2 vaccination group (within 3 months) and later vaccination group (post 3 months). This test is highly suited for PoC settings and provides an insightful nAb response in a postvaccinated population.

18.
Lancet Respir Med ; 10(7): 679-688, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1783871

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Myopericarditis is a rare complication of vaccination. However, there have been increasing reports of myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, especially among adolescents and young adults. We aimed to characterise the incidence of myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, and compare this with non-COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching four international databases from Jan 1, 1947, to Dec 31, 2021, for studies in English reporting on the incidence of myopericarditis following vaccination (the primary outcome). We included studies reporting on people in the general population who had myopericarditis in temporal relation to receiving vaccines, and excluded studies on a specific subpopulation of patients, non-human studies, and studies in which the number of doses was not reported. Random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian and Laird) were conducted, and the intra-study risk of bias (Joanna Briggs Institute checklist) and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach) were assessed. We analysed the difference in incidence of myopericarditis among subpopulations, stratifying by the type of vaccine (COVID-19 vs non-COVID-19) and age group (adult vs paediatric). Among COVID-19 vaccinations, we examined the effect of the type of vaccine (mRNA or non-mRNA), sex, age, and dose on the incidence of myopericarditis. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021275477). FINDINGS: The overall incidence of myopericarditis from 22 studies (405 272 721 vaccine doses) was 33·3 cases (95% CI 15·3-72·6) per million vaccine doses, and did not differ significantly between people who received COVID-19 vaccines (18·2 [10·9-30·3], 11 studies [395 361 933 doses], high certainty) and those who received non-COVID-19 vaccines (56·0 [10·7-293·7], 11 studies [9 910 788 doses], moderate certainty, p=0·20). Compared with COVID-19 vaccination, the incidence of myopericarditis was significantly higher following smallpox vaccinations (132·1 [81·3-214·6], p<0·0001) but was not significantly different after influenza vaccinations (1·3 [0·0-884·1], p=0·43) or in studies reporting on various other non-smallpox vaccinations (57·0 [1·1-3036·6], p=0·58). Among people who received COVID-19 vaccines, the incidence of myopericarditis was significantly higher in males (vs females), in people younger than 30 years (vs 30 years or older), after receiving an mRNA vaccine (vs non-mRNA vaccine), and after a second dose of vaccine (vs a first or third dose). INTERPRETATION: The overall risk of myopericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is low. However, younger males have an increased incidence of myopericarditis, particularly after receiving mRNA vaccines. Nevertheless, the risks of such rare adverse events should be balanced against the risks of COVID-19 infection (including myopericarditis). FUNDING: None.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myocarditis , Adolescent , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Child , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Myocarditis/epidemiology , Myocarditis/etiology , Vaccination/adverse effects
20.
Food Qual Prefer ; 97: 104482, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1719758

ABSTRACT

Sudden loss of smell and/or taste has been identified as an early symptom of SARS-CoV-2 2019 (COVID-19) infection, and presents an effective target for prompt self-isolation and reducing community spread. The current study sought to develop and test a novel, rapid, self-administered test to objectively measure smell and taste losses associated with COVID-19, and administered self-report questionnaires to characterise symptoms associated with COVID-19 in Singapore. Participants (N = 99) completed questionnaires to record recent changes in smell and taste ability. This was followed by the 'Singapore Smell and Taste Test' (SSTT), a personal, objective testing kit for daily self-assessment of smell and taste function at their place of residence. Seventy-two recruited participants were confirmed as COVID-19 positive at baseline, of which 58 completed the SSTT at home. Of these, 36.2% had objectively measured smell and/or taste loss. The SSTT measures of smell and taste function were positively associated with participants' self-reported smell and taste acuity, and rated smell intensity of 6 common household items. This study presents the first application of the SSTT as a rapid, cost-effective, objective tool to self-monitor smell and taste function in a residential setting, and ensures comparability across individuals through the use of standardised stimuli. The SSTT has potential for future application in populations with limited access to formal COVID-19 testing as a self-administered objective method to monitor sudden changes in smell and taste, and to prompt early self-isolation, in order to reduce community transmission of COVID-19.

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