A Literature Review Assessing the Most Common Attributes Used in Stated-Preference Studies Assessing Influenza Vaccination: Do We Know What Health Care Professionals Value?

Objectives: Several attributes may be important in flu vaccine and since Covid-19, the role of health care professionals (HCPs) may have become more important in increasing flu vaccine uptake. We conducted a literature review to assess if previous preference research could inform future flu vaccination policies. Method(s): We conducted a literature review to assess the most common attributes used in stated-preference studies to determine seasonal flu vaccination preferences. PubMed with key terms such as "discrete choice", "stated preference" and "flu/vaccin*" was used to retrieve relevant research. Result(s): In total, twelve studies investigating consumer and HCP preferences for flu vaccines using a discrete-choice experiment were included. Six studies were conducted in vaccine-eligible populations, three were conducted with parents (specifically, two focused on older adults and one elicited preferences directly from HCPs in Hong Kong). Three studies were conducted in the Netherlands, two in Japan and four in China. Vaccine efficacy was most often framed in terms of percentage (n=7). Out of pocket cost and duration of immunity were common attributes. Source of recommendation for vaccination (i.e., regulatory or public health body) was assessed in 25% of the studies. In studies assessing parental preferences for their children influenza vaccination, risks of fewer side effects were, unsurprisingly, preferred. Finally, among HCPs, vaccine effectiveness and vaccination location (staff clinic/mobile vaccination center) were most important and could increase the probability of vaccination. Conclusion(s): Information incompleteness and asymmetry could play a role in vaccine hesitation and/or aversion. To increase vaccination rates, evidence on the attributes perceived to be important to both HCPs and the general population may help the design and delivery of vaccines that match consumers' preferences. Currently, there is a critical need for more stated-preference studies among HCPs to better understand the attributes likely to increase vaccination rates against seasonal influenza.Copyright © 2023

External validation of the parental attitude about childhood vaccination scale.

Introduction: Internal validation techniques alone do not guarantee the value of a model. This study aims to investigate the external validity of the Parental Attitude toward Childhood Vaccination (PACV) scale for assessing parents' attitude toward seasonal influenza vaccination. Methods: Using a snowball sampling approach, an anonymous online questionnaire was distributed in two languages (English and Arabic) across seven countries. To assess the internal validity of the model, the machine learning technique of "resampling methods" was used to repeatedly select various samples collected from Egypt and refit the model for each sample. The binary logistic regression model was used to identify the main determinants of parental intention to vaccinate their children against seasonal influenza. We adopted the original model developed and used its predictors to determine parents' intention to vaccinate their children in Libya, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Sudan. The area under the curve (AUC) indicated the model's ability to distinguish events from non-events. We visually compared the observed and predicted probabilities of parents' intention to vaccinate their children using a calibration plot. Results: A total of 430 parents were recruited from Egypt to internally validate the model, and responses from 2095 parents in the other six countries were used to externally validate the model. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the PACV score, child age (adolescence), and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in children were significantly associated with the intention to receive the vaccination. The AUC of the developed model was 0.845. Most of the predicted points were close to the diagonal line, demonstrating better calibration (the prediction error was 16.82%). The sensitivity and specificity of the externally validated model were 89.64 and 37.89%, respectively (AUC = 0.769). Conclusion: The PACV showed similar calibration and discrimination across the six countries. It is transportable and can be used to assess attitudes towards influenza vaccination among parents in different countries using either the Arabic or English version of the scale.

Impact of Influenza in South-East Asia

Influenza infection is asymptomatic in up to 75% of cases, but outbreaks result in significant morbidity. Reports found that severe influenza complications tend to occur among the very young (<5 years) and very old (>65 years), especially those with underlying co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Even with no co-morbidity, some older persons with severe influenza may require hospitalisation or intensive care, with increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. In South-East Asia, influenza was often seen as a mild problem and was not deemed notifiable until the appearance of the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009. For decades the data made available were based on extrapolated estimates collected mainly from paediatric populations, resulting in inconsistent findings. Following expanded surveillance across the region using national surveillance systems for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), and better diagnostic methods, improved estimates of disease burden was achieved in South-East Asia. However, two studies conducted in 2008-2010 reported findings ranging from 2-3% to 11%. With regards to increased risk of complications, the estimated global annual attack rates for influenza were 5-10% in adults and 20-30% in children, resulting in 3-5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000-650,000 deaths. A study In Singapore reported that influenza is associated with annual excess mortality rates (EMR) of 11-14.8 per 100 000 person-years, especially affecting the elderly;these rates are comparable to that of the USA. As for hospitalisation rates of children under 5 years with seasonal influenza, the USA estimated a rate of 1.4 per 100,000. Comparable rates were reported in Singapore (0.7-0.9), Thailand (2.4), Viet Nam (3.9-4.7), and the Philippines (4.7). In 2018, an updated study reported a mean annual influenza-associated respiratory EMR of 4.0-8.8 per 100 000 individuals, with South-East Asia showing a high mortality rate of 3.5-9.2 per 100,000 individuals. It was already estimated in Thailand in 2004 that influenza resulted in USD23-63 million in economic costs, with the main contribution from lost productivity due to missed workdays. Thus, comparable to countries in temperate climate, the clinical and socioeconomic impact of influenza in South-East Asia appear to be just as substantial. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, global influenza incidence dropped dramatically. In South-East Asia, the trend in influenza detections was similar to the rest of the world, with numbers slightly higher than average in early 2020, followed by a quick drop-off by the end of April 2020. After April 2020, the detection rate remained low until late July 2020, when Influenza A(H3N2) predominated in Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste;influenza B in Lao People's Democratic Republic but with an upsurge in A(H3N2) activity. Following a two-year hiatus, influenza outbreaks began to re-emerge significantly since early 2022. From February through August 2022, influenza activity in the southern hemisphere remained lower than in pre-COVID-19 pandemic years, but was at the highest level compared to similar periods since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons for the reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic include non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), reduced population mixing and reduced travel, and possibly viral interference between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus in the same host. In general, the reduction in influenza detections however does not appear to be associated with lack of testing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to recommend that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses. Although influenza vaccine is not commonly used in most countries in South-East Asia, its burden is similar in other parts of the world where influenza vaccine is now routinely used. Currently, the countries in South-East Asia that are providing free influenza vacc na ion for those at high risk include Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Lao People's Democratic Republic.Copyright © 2023

Overview on Mrna Vaccines Beyond Covid-19

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: COVID-19 pandemic has made an extraordinary impact on global vaccine technology platform developments. Never in human history have there at least 6 vaccine platforms including: inactivated, protein subunit, VLP and other 3 new platforms i.e., mRNA, viral vector, and DNA, with more than 160 vaccine candidates being developed and tested in clinical trials. Nonetheless, among these several vaccine platforms, mRNA vaccine has been proven to be one of the most effective vaccines against COVID-19. There are two mRNA vaccines authorized for emergency use within a year and currently more than 20 mRNA vaccines are in clinical trials. The main advantages of mRNA vaccines are that they are speedily to design and develop, induce strong antibody and T-cell responses, manufacturing faster and at a lower cost. However, one of the major limitations is that it must be stored in cold temperatures. Currently more than billion doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have been given globally. mRNA vaccines will be a key platform for next pandemics preparedness, it is therefore establishing this platform in various regions and LMICs is critical. Beyond COVID-19: A number of viral and cancer mRNA vaccines have been developing even before COVID-19. At least 12 mRNA vaccines against various infectious diseases are now in clinical evaluation, including Chikungunya virus, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza virus type3, HIV, Influenza, Nipah, Rabies, Lasa, RSV, Zika, Varicella-zoster virus. Only few are entering phase 3 such as a CMV vaccine, RSV, seasonal influenza. Current mRNA cancer vaccines development, including brain, breast, melanoma, esophagus, lung, ovarian, prostate and solid tumors. Most are aimed for personalized therapy. By 2023, at least 1 viral mRNA vaccine may get approval, whereas a cancer vaccine might take much longer time. Nevertheless, the remaining challenge at the global level is how to truly overcome the vaccine inequity issues in a sustainable way.Copyright © 2023

- Mass gatherings and vaccines usefulness.

Introduction: Mass gatherings (MGs) are usually pre-planned large events that are known to amplify the risk of infectious disease (1). Although, the risk and pattern of diseases at mass gatherings vary depending on the features of the event such as crowding, shared accommodation, possibilities of the participants to prolonged exposure and close contact with infectious individuals, type of activities, and also the characteristics of the participants including their age & immunity to infectious agents, many of these can be prevented by appropriate vaccinations (2, 3). The aim of this article is to present a summary of the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in MGs. Method(s): The method used to develop this article weas based on a litterature review. A summaryzing process of the documented risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in MGs was conducted to extract the most useful knowledge on this topic. It explored also available evidence on the effectiveness of vaccination policies for reducing disease transmission associated with these events and also the outstanding questions that need to be addressed for future consideration of some new and promising vaccines. Pubmed- Medline, Scopus, web of science and google Scholar were used to search over the published litterature. Result(s): The current Hajj vaccination policy includes mandatory vaccination for all pilgrims against meningococcal disease. This is in addition to mandatory vaccination against yellow fever, polio and Sarscov2 for pilgrims coming from endemic region. The Saudi Ministry of Health also strongly recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for all pilgrims, particularly those at high risk of infection complications. Data on the vaccination requirements for other mass gathering events such as Kumbh Mela and other religious, sports and entertainment events are still clearly lacking. Travelers to the FIFA 2022, Qatar, were advised to remain up-to-date with routine vaccines. Apart from the hajj settings, no data are available on the possible impact of the current vaccination policy on the control of infectious disease transmission in mass gatherings. The available data demonstrate that the current vaccination policy and health requirement for hajj is effectively contributing towards controlling the transmission of infectious diseases associated with Hajj pilgrimage (37), however evidence on effectiveness is clearly lacking. Moreover, there is no vaccination policy as part of health requirements for attendance in Kumbh Melain India. Conclusion(s): While taking into account local immunization policies of countries of origin and countries of travel, for diseases with known effective prequalified vaccines, WHO recommends that travelers at risk of developing complications, or at increased risk of acquiring and spreading infection such as those attending mass events, should consider vaccination as a preventive measure. Such policies are effective when these are driven by evidence and its effectiveness are measured through large scale studies. Mots cles: Mass Gatherings, Vaccines, Vaccination, Prevention Declaration de liens d'interets: Les auteurs n'ont pas precise leurs eventuels liens d'interets.Copyright © 2023

Impact of COVID-19 on native Hawaiians with asthma in Hawaii

Introduction/Aim: Asthma remains the leading cause of chronic respiratory illness among Native Hawaiian (NH) adults in Hawaii. People with moderate to severe asthma are at a higher risk for developing severe respiratory symptoms caused by COVID-19. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with asthma take extra precautions to prevent exposure to COVID-19. These recommendations include social/physical distancing, avoiding large crowds, staying home whenever possible, controlling asthma with medications and using an asthma action plan. The purpose of this study is to describe the impact COVID-19 had on asthma and asthma management among Native Hawaiian adults in Hawaii. Method(s): A qualitative interview using a cultural approach of kukakuka (talk story) was conducted to learn more about how participants managed their asthma since March 2020 and to understand the impact COVID-19 had on their management. Thematic content analysis was used to identify main themes. Result(s): 25 interviews were conducted between October 2021 and September 2022. Participants self-identified as Native Hawaiian and resided within the State of Hawaii. Ages ranged from 22 to 87 with majority of participants identifying as female. Three main themes emerged from the 25 participant interviews. The themes included: (1) asthma support, (2) lifestyle strategies to manage asthma, and (3) worry over COVID-19. Conclusion(s): The impact of COVID-19 increased preventative behaviors among Native Hawaiian adults with asthma. Participant's worry over COVID-19 resulted in vigilant behaviour with a reduction in reported asthma episodes. In addition, participants adjusted their lifestyle and found support through technology. These findings lend itself to developing a survey to explore behavioural practices related to prevention of other respiratory illnesses which can exacerbate asthma such as the seasonal flu as well as on-line resources to provide preventative strategies to reduce illness transmission.

Pediatric initiative on improving uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the time of regular COVID-19 prevention and control, it has been a medical priority to standardize the management of other diseases (like seasonal influenza) and relevant vaccination, especially to prevent the epidemic of both seasonal influenza and COVID-19 in winter and spring. In the influenza season of winter and spring, children are among those most vulnerable to influenza, making primary schools, secondary schools and nursing centers an influenza epicenter. To reduce the chance of infection among children, Global Pediatric Pulmonology Alliance (GPPA )has organized an expert team to make a proposal. This proposal introduces the epidemiologic features of child influenza, the status quo of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessity of child influenza shots during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, vaccination strategies based on national and international guidelines/consensuses are elaborated for the reference of relevant people from all walks of life.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

The epidemiological pattern of seasonal influenza in four sentinel sites in Iraq.

Introduction: Influenza is an acute viral infection with significant morbidity and mortality. It occurs annually each winter, which is called seasonal influenza, and is preventable through safe vaccine. Aim: The aim of this work is to know the epidemiological pattern of patients with seasonal influenza in Iraqi sentinel sites. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on records of patients who attended four sentinel sites and registered to have influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), and laboratory investigated. Results: The total number of cases was 1124; 36.2% of them aged 19-39 years; 53.9% were female; 74.9% lived in urban areas; 64.3% diagnosed as ILI; and 35.7% as SARI; 15.9% had diabetes, 12.7% had heart disease, 4.8% had asthma, 3% had a chronic lung disease, and 2% had hematological disease; 94.6% did not get influenza vaccine. About COVID-19 vaccine, 69.4% were not vaccinated, 3.5% got only one dose, and 27.1% completed two doses. Only the SARI cases needed admission; among them, 95.7% were cured. 6.5% were diagnosed with influenza-A virus, 26.1% had COVID-19, and 67.5% were negative. Among those with influenza, 97.3% had H3N2 subtype and 2.7% had H1N1 pdm09. Conclusions: The percentage of influenza virus in Iraq is relatively small. The age, classification of case (ILI or SARI), having diabetes, heart disease, or immunological disease, and taking COVID-19 vaccine have a significant association with influenza. Recommendations: It is needed for similar sentinel sites in other health directorates and for rising health education about seasonal influenza and its vaccine.

Cost-Effectiveness of Vaccination of Older Adults with an MF59®-Adjuvanted Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Compared to Standard-Dose and High-Dose Vaccines in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Individuals aged 65 years and above are at increased risk of complications and death from influenza compared with any other age group. Enhanced vaccines, as the MF59®-adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) and the high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (HD-QIV), provide increased protection for older adults in comparison to the traditional standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccines (SD-QIV). This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of aQIV compared to SD-QIV and HD-QIV in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden for adults aged ≥65 years. A static decision tree model was used to evaluate costs and outcomes of different vaccination strategies from healthcare payer and societal perspectives. This model projects that compared to SD-QIV, vaccination with aQIV could prevent a combined total of 18,772 symptomatic influenza infections, 925 hospitalizations, and 161 deaths in one influenza season across the three countries. From a healthcare payer perspective, the incremental costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained with aQIV versus SD-QIV were EUR 10,170/QALY in Denmark, EUR 12,515/QALY in Norway, and EUR 9894/QALY in Sweden. The aQIV was cost saving compared with HD-QIV. This study found that introducing aQIV to the entire population aged ≥65 years may contribute to reducing the disease and economic burden associated with influenza in these countries.

Frequency of Influenza Infection in Symptomatic Patients Suspected of Having COVID-19

Background and Aim: About one billion people have infected with the influenza A virus each year. The continued spread of SARS-CoV-2 especially in the winter season may increase the co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses, which may worsen the severity of the disease and increase mortality. In respiratory infections, primary identification of the underlying source of infection is necessitated to find appropriate treatment and to improve individual patient management. Therefore, it is essential to accurately and immediately diagnose these two diseases. This study aimed to assess the frequency of influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19 among individuals suspected of having a respiratory infection. Materials and Methods: In this study, 861 patients presenting from 19 November 2021 to 18 January 2022 in Kavosh medical laboratory (Golestan, Gorgan, Iran) with suspected viral respiratory tract infection who underwent RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2/influenza were included. Data analysis was performed using appropriate descriptive statistics. Results and Conclusions: A total of 184 patients were confirmed with COVID-19/influenza. 90 patients with COVID-19 (48.9%) and 94 patients (51.1%) with influenza (92 with influenza A and 2 with influenza B) were collected in the present study. Influenza/COVID-19 ratio was 1/0.95. Two cases of co-infection with COVID-19/influenza were observed. During the influenza season, influenza/COVID-19 ratio in patients with suspected respiratory infection was 1/0.95. Patients with influenza were significantly younger than patients with COVID-19 and the proportion of males and females was not meaningfully different in the COVID-19 and influenza patients. © 2023, This is an original open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-noncommercial 4.0 International License which permits copy and redistribution of the material just in noncommercial usage with proper citatio

Decision-making in Arab and Jewish society about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and the seasonal influenza vaccination

Research Framework: Examining the behavioral, cognitive, social, cultural and logistic factors that affect health behavior and influence decision-making has become more and more important in the field of public health. Most studies indicate that Arab minority groups in Western countries are usually less compliant in vaccinating their children. On the other hand, an examination of vaccination compliance among the Arab population of Israel before the coronavirus crisis reveals a different picture marked by very high vaccination compliance, even relative to the Jewish majority. According to recent figures from the Ministry of Health (2019), the compliance rates in the Arab population for the seasonal influenza vaccination and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are almost twice as high as the compliance rates in the Jewish population for the same vaccinations. In addition, it is interesting to note that prior to the coronavirus crisis no groups in Arab society exhibited vaccination hesitancy, in contrast to the situation in Jewish society. Objective: The current study seeks to investigate the decision-making process of mothers in Arab society with respect to two vaccinations: the HPV vaccination and the seasonal influenza vaccination. Further, it seeks to examine the variables related to this process and their correlation with the emotional and cognitive considerations manifested in the process of making decisions about vaccinations.Research methodology: This study is based on a sequential explanatory design. The first stage entailed gathering and analyzing the qualitative data: a) content analysis of 18 explanatory materials published by the health maintenance organizations and the Ministry of Health that were designed to promote the HPV vaccination in the Arab society;b) conducting in-depth interviews with mothers from Arab society and health professionals (N=70 mothers and N=20 nurses from Arab society). Based on this stage, a quantitative questionnaire was constructed and answered by different subgroups from the representative sample of the investigated population: N=693, comprising six subgroups (Muslims, Christians, Northern Bedouins, Druse, secular Jews, religious Jews). A total of 693 mothers participated in the study. The participants included mothers from almost the entire spectrum of the Israeli population. The Arab population was defined as the primary research population, while the national Jewish population (secular and religious/traditional groups) served for comparison purposes. The ultra-Orthodox population was not included in the study. The mixed research method adopted in this study facilitated integration of the perspectives and means for understanding the relevant considerations in vaccination compliance (Creswell, 2013). Data triangulation made it possible to achieve better cross-checking of the data and to develop strong and validated arguments backed up by data collected from subgroups in the Arab population, while using the Jewish population as a control group (Creswell, 2013). Main findings: The research findings indicate that for the most part the decision-making process of mothers in Arab society relies upon an automatic system (as defined by Kahneman, 2011) based on various emotional heuristics emerging from this study. We described the research findings along two paths: 1) variables we referred to as internal socialcultural variables that are inherent in the social structure of the Arab population;2) variables we called external variables that are related to how the health system conveys information on the issue of vaccinations to Arab society. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Patients with Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases are insufficiently protected against vaccine-preventable influenza and pneumococcal infections due to low vaccination rates

Background: Patients with Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs) treated with immunosuppressive drugs are at an increased risk of infections and a more complicated course of the infection, including vaccine-preventable infections. National and international guidelines have specified vaccination strategies in patients with IMIDs. However, the adherence to these guidelines in clinical practice is uncertain. Therefore, we evaluated the current vaccination status of patients with IMIDs at the outpatient clinic of the Erasmus MC Rotterdam. Method(s): Between August 2022 and October 2022, a survey was sent out to patients with various IMIDs at the rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology outpatient clinics. Only patients on immunosuppressive treatment were included. The survey contained questions on patient demographics, disease characteristics and current vaccination status. Result(s): The survey was sent out to 3,345 patients with IMIDs, of whom 1,094 patients filled in the questionnaire (response rate 32.7%). Mean age was 51 +/- 16 years and 40.8% were male (Table 1). Patients were treated by a dermatologist (n=306), gastroenterologist (n=414) and/or rheumatologist (n=527). Overall, 55.1% of patients received a yearly influenza vaccination and 9.2% occasionally (Table 2). Furthermore, 8.7% of patients received the pneumococcal vaccination five-yearly and 1.4% occasionally. Both the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates were highest in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (64.1%, and 14.7%, respectively). On the contrary, patients with hidradenitis suppurativa had the lowest rates for both the influenza vaccination (32.3%) and pneumococcal vaccination (n=0). Overall, 91.7% of patients (n=1,003) received one or more COVID-19 vaccinations. Conclusion(s): Patients with Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases are insufficiently protected against vaccine-preventable infections due to low vaccination rates. Better implementation strategies of current guidelines on seasonal influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination are required. A high rate of COVID-19 vaccination was observed, possibly indicating the willingness of patients to receive vaccinations. Further research into facilitators and barriers to vaccination in these specific patient populations is required.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on recommended vaccine uptake in a single-practice primary care COPD cohort in the UK

Introduction: Immunisation against vaccine-preventable disease is a critical aspect of COPD care. UK recommendations are annual influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccine (as a single-dose) and shingles vaccine if aged >=70 years. Aims and objectives: This retrospective study aimed to determine/characterise influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccination status in a single-practice primary care COPD cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic. SARSCoV-2 aspects were also evaluated. Method(s): All registered patients with COPD were identified via ICD-10 codes. Extracted data included COPD parameters and comorbidities. Vaccine-specific details were identified using SNOMED codes. Result(s): Records identified 378 patients with COPD;mean age 71 years (range 29-98). Mean % predicted FEV1 was 66.7%;49.2% reported a score of >=3 on the MRC Breathlessness Scale. Pneumococcal vaccination was reported for 83.1%. Shingles vaccine uptake in eligible patients was 64.3%. Influenza vaccine uptake (for 2021/22) was 87.8% (89.3% in those >=65 years)- higher than in prior influenza seasons;2018/19 (77.7%),2019/20 (77.1%) and 2020/21 (83.1%)-indicating a relative increase during the pandemic;6% in 20/21 and 12.7% in 21/22 versus 18/19 and 19/20 respectively. COPD severity, comorbidities and gender did not influence vaccine uptake. SARSCov-2 vaccine uptake for dose 1 and 2 was 97.4% and 93.4% for a booster dose. From January-December 2021, 22 patients (5.6%;range 52-98 years) had confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection (all of whom were immunized). Conclusion(s): Uptake of recommended vaccines in COPD patients was high;seasonal influenza vaccine uptake showed a trend increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Total Stromal Fraction (TSF)-Fortified Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Source: An Emerging Regenerative Realm Against COVID-19 In-duced Pulmonary Compromise

The inception of the COVID-19 pandemic has jeopardized humanity with markedly dam-pening of worldwide resources. The viral infection may present with varying signs and symptoms, imitating pneumonia and seasonal flu. With a gradual course, this may progress and result in the deadliest state of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI). More-over, following recovery from the severe brunt of COVID-19 infection, interstitial portions of alve-oli have been found to undergo residual scarring and further to have compromised air exchange. Such alterations in the lung microenvironment and associated systemic manifestations have been recognized to occur due to the extensive release of cytokines. The mortality rate increases with advancing age and in individuals with underlying co-morbidity. Presently, there is no availability of specific antiviral therapy or any other definitive modality to counter this progressive worsening. However, we believe principles and advancing cell-based therapy may prove fruitful in subjugating such reported worsening in these patients. This article reviews eminent knowledge and relevant ad-vancements about the amelioration of lung damage due to COVID-19 infection using adipose tis-sue-derived-total stromal fraction (TSF).Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

Pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination: does the COVID-19 pandemic make a difference?

Background: Influenza vaccine uptake in most European countries remains low, despite the World Health Organization's target of 75%. Community pharmacists play a vital role in promoting vaccination; however, they have been reported to be vaccine-hesitant. This study aimed to investigate changes in pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Methods: In December 2020, all members of the Swiss Association of Pharmacists were invited to participate in an online, cross-sectional survey. This study assessed pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination by surveying influenza vaccine uptake during the 2019-20 influenza season and possible reasons for their decision(s), in addition to their intention to receive COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination(s) during the 2020-21 influenza season. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess predictors of vaccine uptake and intention. Results: Of 5900 Swiss pharmacists, 569 (9.6%) completed the survey. The self-reported influenza vaccination coverage among pharmacists during the 2019-20 season was 48.0%. The primary reason for vaccine uptake was the belief that all healthcare workers should be vaccinated, whereas the main reason for refusal was a lack of concern about contracting influenza. The proportions of participants who intend to accept influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the 2020-2021 season, when available, were 63.3% and 66.5%, respectively. The most important predictor of high willingness to be vaccinated against influenza in 2020-21 was vaccination history (OR = 3.73; 95% CI = 1.47-9.50), while the most critical predictor of willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was the intention to be vaccinated against influenza (OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.74-6.84). Conclusions: Findings indicated that although pharmacists' readiness to accept seasonal influenza vaccination significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine uptake among them remains suboptimal. This is consistent with what has been reported in the literature.

Resurgence of different influenza types in China and the US in 2021.

Various nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were implemented to alleviate the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak. The transmission dynamics of other respiratory infectious diseases, such as seasonal influenza, were also affected by these interventions. The drastic decline of seasonal influenza caused by such interventions would result in waning of population immunity and may trigger the seasonal influenza epidemic with the lift of restrictions during the post-pandemic era. We obtained weekly influenza laboratory confirmations from FluNet to analyse the resurgence patterns of seasonal influenza in China and the US. Our analysis showed that due to the impact of NPIs including travel restrictions between countries, the influenza resurgence was caused by influenza virus A in the US while by influenza virus B in China.