Third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for patients with multiple myeloma.

We have reported that IgG antibody responses following two mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations are impaired among patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In the current study, sixty-seven patients with MM were tested for anti-spike IgG antibodies 0-60 days prior to their first vaccination, 14-28 days following the second dose, and both before and 14-28 days after their third dose of the mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 vaccines. After the first two doses, most patients' (93 %) antibody levels declined to ineffective levels (<250 BAU/mL) prior to their third dose (D3). D3 elicited responses in 84 % of patients (61 % full response and 22 % partial response). The third vaccination increased antibody levels (average = 370.4 BAU/mL; range, 1.0-8977.3 BAU/mL) relative to just prior to D3 (average = 25.0 BAU/mL; range, 1.0-683.8 BAU/mL) and achieved higher levels than peak levels after the first two doses (average = 144.8 BAU/mL; range, 1.0-4,284.1 BAU/mL). D3 response positively correlated with mRNA-1273, a > 10-fold change from baseline for the two-dose series, switching from BNT162b2 to mRNA-1273 for D3, and treatment with elotuzumab and an immunomodulatory agent. Lower antibody levels prior to D3, poorer overall response to first two doses, and ruxolitinib or anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody treatment negatively correlated with D3 response. Our results show encouraging activity of the third vaccine, even among patients who failed to respond to the first two vaccinations. The finding of specific factors that predict COVID-19 antibody levels will help advise patients and healthcare professionals on the likelihood of responses to further vaccinations.

Immunoglobulin G antibody response to the Sputnik V vaccine: previous SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals may need just one vaccine dose.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody response against the nucleocapsid protein (NP) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of 86 individuals in Venezuela, before and after receiving the Sputnik V vaccine. METHODS: Antibody responses against NP and RBD were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay just before, 3 weeks after the first, and 6 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. RESULTS: Before vaccination, 59 individuals were seronegative, and 27 seropositive for NP and/or RBD. Of the seronegative cohort, 42% did not develop an IgG immune response against RBD after the first vaccine dose, but 100% had a strong IgG response after 2 doses. All seropositive individuals developed a strong IgG antibody response against RBD after the first vaccine dose, with antibody levels ∼40% higher than seronegative individuals who had received 2 doses. Previously seropositive subjects showed no significant increase in IgG antibody response against RBD after the second vaccine dose. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that 2 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine triggered antibody response in all study individuals. The second Sputnik V dose had no impact on IgG response for those seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antigens before vaccination.

Acceptance, attitudes, and barriers of vaccine booster dose among nursing students: A multicounty survey.

AIM: This study investigated the acceptance and attitudes of nursing students toward the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose in two Gulf Cooperation countries and the potential influencing factors for taking a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. BACKGROUND: The world is still battling coronavirus because of the emerged of variants and because protection against COVID-19 has waned over time. Vaccination is a powerful and effective method of reducing the outbreak of COVID-19 and decreasing the loss of lives. DESIGN: This research was a survey using a cross-sectional design. METHODS: The study's sample was two nursing colleges. The study tool was adopted according to recent information concerning the COVID-19 vaccine published by the World Health Organization. Data was collected through an online survey during March to April. RESULTS: A total of 216 nursing students completed the survey, of which 69.4% (n = 150) were male students and more than half of the participants were from Saudi Arabia (55.1%, n = 119). Two-thirds of the students (75.5%, n = 161) reported that they agreed to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster. The total attitude scores for the students ranged from 28 to 35, with a mean score of 15.8 (SD = 2.5), representing 73% of the highest possible score, with 79.3% classified as 'positive attitude toward booster dose of COVID-19'. Vaccine booster might cause infection, vaccine booster ineffective, worried about adverse effects and not safe were major barriers influencing the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine booster. CONCLUSION: Nursing students revealed high acceptance rates related to COVID-19 vaccine booster. However, more attention should be paid from nursing educators to barriers influencing the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine booster. Preparing nursing students with positive attitude of COVID-19 vaccine booster is very important to patient and community safety. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing educators and managers must make an effort to educate the nursing students regarding safety and effectiveness from COVID-19 vaccine booster and ensure that it is necessary to reduce their perception of the injury of COVID-19 infection.

Facilitators and Barriers to Take up a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Hong Kong: A Population-Based Random Telephone Survey.

A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is effective and safe for older adults. This study investigated facilitators and barriers to take up a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose among older adults in Hong Kong. Participants were Chinese-speaking community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. Telephone numbers were randomly selected from up-to-date telephone directories. A total of 395 participants completed the telephone interview. Logistic regression models were fitted. Among the participants, 31.6% received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. After adjustment for significant background characteristics, positive attitudes toward the booster dose, perceiving significant others would support them to receive the booster dose, and less uncertainty regarding the choice of the booster dose was associated with higher uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Concerns about poorer responses to the booster dose due to older age and the presence of chronic conditions were negatively associated with the dependent variable. In addition, the belief that governmental promotional materials could address their concern and were helpful for them to make decisions was associated with a higher COVID-19 vaccine booster dose uptake. Improving booster dose health promotion materials, modifying perceptions, involving significant others and reducing uncertainty are potentially useful strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine booster dose uptake among older adults.

Current perspectives regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

In immunocompetent people, the mRNA vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 have been shown to be safe and effective against coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). However, results of cohort studies and meta-analyses have indicated that the degree of humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) appears to be lower than that observed in the general population. These inadequate responses are mainly related to the disease itself and to the immunosuppressive effect of therapies administered. In the specific context of CLL, enrolling patients with sub-optimal vaccine-response in pivotal vaccine trials could be considered as an appropriate approach to improve response to the COVID-19 vaccine. These clinical trials should also address the issues of regularity and timing of vaccine booster doses or re-vaccinations, especially in patients undergoing therapy with pathway-targeting agents and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. However, since hypogammaglobulinemia is a serious consequence of CLL, patients who do not have a detectable antibody response should be natural candidates for preventive antibody therapy.

Attitudes of Poles towards the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose: An Online Survey in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 vaccination has now become the most effective way to combat the pandemic, but there is a gradual decline in the protection that it offers over time. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EMA now recommend the use of the so-called booster dose, especially in at-risk groups. The purpose of the study was to assess the attitudes of Poles towards the recommendation to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and to evaluate the main reasons for refusing or delaying the decision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on a proprietary questionnaire distributed via the Internet. There were 1598 respondents, 54 of which did not consent to participate in the survey and/or did not complete the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. As a result, 1528 surveys were included in the final analysis. The vast majority of the respondents, namely 1275 (83.4%), were female, and 772 (50.5%) were residents of cities with a population of over 250,000. RESULTS: Out of all respondents, 38 (2.5%) had already received the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose and 1031 (67.4%) would like to receive it as soon as possible. Forty-five (2.9%) respondents reported that they were completely unwilling to take the booster dose. The occurrence of adverse events after primary vaccination were reported by 79.9% of the survey participants. The most common reasons why the respondents refused to be vaccinated are lack of confidence in the effectiveness of the booster dose and the occurrence of adverse events in them or their loved ones. Age, gender, residence, or relationship status were not shown to affect attitudes towards the expansion of the basic vaccination schedule. CONCLUSIONS: One in three respondents plans to delay or refrain from taking the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. The main reason for refusal to be vaccinated is the belief that the previous vaccination provides sufficient protection.