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Objectives: Since its first appearance in Wuhan December 2019, SARS-CoV2 virus received great attention due to its severe symptoms and high spread causing COVID-19 disease which spread all over the world like a pandemic. The causative virus is capable of human-to-human transmission via droplet and direct contact suggesting that upper respiratory tract is the main site to virus manifestations. There is a great diversity in its clinical picture, although the severe respiratory and neurological symptoms are commonly present;however, other symptoms are present. Although otological manifestations are reported in many COVID-19 patients even in asymptomatic cases, they did not receive much attention compared with other critical manifestations. In this article, we paid our attention specifically to the otological manifestations of COVID-19 and their relevance either to the virus infection, treatment, or vaccination through literature review. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 disease has a deleterious effect on the inner ear. This effect is not only due to SARS-Cov-2 infection, but it could be also due to the ototoxic drugs used for treatment. The COVID-19 vaccinations are found to be implicated in the otological symptoms in some cases.Copyright © 2022, The Author(s).
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AIM: The objective is to explore the general perception, knowledge, and attitude of people in Saudi Arabia toward the COVID-19 vaccination. METHOD(S): An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted with 332 Saudi adult population attending primary health centers in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between May and July2021 using a self-administered questionnaire. All adults, equal, or older than 18 years old of both genders during the period of the study were included and the only exclusion criteria are the age and patient with psychiatric disorder. We use convenience-sampling technique, due to the difficulty to generate sampling frame. Data are going to be entered and analyzed using Statistics Package for the Social Science version 21 software in August 2021. RESULT(S): Majority of participants (93.4%) had good knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, regarding attitude more than 50% have positive attitude toward vaccination. Despite this high level on acceptance 48.5% of the participant in this study disclosed that they are not aware of vaccine side effects. With regard to perception, 66.9% of our study subjects believed that vaccination is necessary to eradicate COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 72.4% thought that everyone should be vaccinated, starting with general public 74.5%, then health worker 57.9%. CONCLUSION(S): Almost most of Saudi population aware about the COVID-19 vaccines. Most Saudi people knew about it through media. A long-term side effect of getting vaccines is the main obstacles toward vaccine acceptance.Copyright © 2023, Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI. All rights reserved.
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There is considerable interest worldwide in developing safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19. Pharmacovigilance of adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) is a key to making informed decisions regarding the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign. In the Kyrgyz Republic, there have been developed a national immunisation information system (IIS) for automated recording of vaccines, vaccinated persons, and AEFIs and a mobile application for AEFI reporting, called Den Sooluk. The aim of the study was to analyse the pattern of AEFIs against COVID-19 in the Kyrgyz Republic. Material(s) and Method(s): the study analysed the spontaneous safety reports submitted to the national IIS database through the Den Sooluk mobile application from 29.03.2021 to 25.09.2022. Result(s): according to the data available by 25.09.2022, the total number of vaccinated people in the country amounted to 2,940,082. At the time, the IIS database included 2111 AEFIs: 1 fatal (and coincidental), 3 severe and 2108 minor ones. AEFIs were more frequent in the young and middle-aged population (81.5%), than in the elderly (18.5%). The following AEFIs were reported: injection site pain (21.25%), fatigue (20.7%), headache (19.8%), body temperature above 38 C (10.10%), miscellaneous symptoms (5.12%), chills (4.41%), dizziness (4.32%), sore throat (3.36%), myalgia (2.9%), and nausea (2.2%). Conclusion(s): all COVID-19 vaccines used in the Kyrgyz Republic can be considered adequately safe. Pharmacovigilance of AEFIs is an integral part of the requirements to ensure the safe use of vaccines, and collecting of spontaneous reports on AEFIs supports adequate functioning of the post-marketing surveillance system. It is essential to provide access to electronic information platforms to health professionals and patients in order to ensure vaccination transparency and coordination and enable quick and safe reporting of AEFIs associated with the use of COVID-19 vaccines.Copyright © NEICON ISP LLC. All rights reserved.
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Objective To investigate COVID-19 vaccination status and relevant adverse reactions in patients with psoriasis treated with biological agents, and to explore the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on psoriatic lesions. Methods Clinical data were collected from 572 psoriasis patients aged 18-60 years, who were registered in the management system of psoriasis patients treated with biological agents in the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from May 2019 to June 2021. The COVID-19 vaccination status was investigated by telephone interviews, and the vaccination-related information was obtained by fixed healthcare workers during a fixed time period according to a predesigned questionnaire. Measurement data were compared between two groups by using t test, and enumeration data were compared by using chi- square test or Fisher's exact test. Results The COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate was 43.13%226 casesamong the 524 patients who completed the telephone interview, and was significantly lower in the biological agent treatment group30.79%, 105/341than in the traditional drug treatment group66.12%, 121/183;chi2 = 60.60, P < 0.001. The main reason for not being vaccinated was patients' fear of vaccine safety49.66%, 148/298, followed by doctors' not recommending26.51%, 79/298. In the biological agent treatment group after vaccination, the exacerbation of psoriatic lesions was more common in patients receiving prolonged-interval treatment42.86%, 6/14compared with those receiving regular treatment 4.40%, 4/91;Fisher's exact test, P < 0.001. Skin lesions were severely aggravated in two patients after COVID-19 vaccination, who ever experienced allergic reactions and whose skin lesions did not completely subside after the treatment with biological agents. Conclusions The COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate was relatively low in the psoriasis patients treated with biological agents, and no serious adverse reaction was observed after vaccination. Prolonged-interval treatment due to COVID-19 vaccination ran the risk of exacerbation of skin lesions.Copyright © The Author(s) 2023.
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Background: COVID-19 vaccine uptake has been suboptimal in many lowincome countries. In Malawi, as of end-2022, just over 3.1 million adults have been fully vaccinated, representing ~21% of the adult population. We sought to identify correlates of COVID-19 vaccination among adults in Malawi to inform evidence-based policies and programs. Method(s): A survey was administered among adult (aged >=18) clients at 32 health facilities across Malawi (May-June 2022). We asked about COVID-19 vaccination history and about hypothesized correlates per the WHO Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination model: what people think and feel, social processes, and practical issues. We assessed correlations between these and vaccination status, adjusting for age, HIV status, sex, educational attainment, household wealth, and urban-rural classification using multivariable logistic regression. Result(s): Surveys were conducted with 837 people, median age 39 (IQR 30-49), 56% female, 51% living with HIV and on ART. 33% were up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination per Malawi guidelines (1 dose for J&J;2 doses of AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines), 61% were unvaccinated, and 6% were overdue for a second dose, with no difference by HIV status, religion, or urban-rural classification. Up-to-date individuals were older than those who were not (45 vs 38 years, p< 0.001). The strongest correlates of up-to-date vaccination were believing the vaccine is important and safe, believing vaccination's benefits outweigh its risks, and perceiving social support for vaccination (Table). Of 510 unvaccinated respondents, 54% had been offered the vaccine;the most commonly reported reasons for being unvaccinated were concerns about vaccine side effects (56%) and access-related barriers, such as travel time or cost (19%). Among the unvaccinated, 54% were eager or willing to be vaccinated, 29% were ambivalent, and 18% were opposed. Those opposed were less concerned about COVID-19 infection, did not feel the vaccine is important, and were less confident in the vaccine's safety. Conclusion(s): Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination status was associated with positive attitudes about its importance and safety and perceiving provaccination social norms. Concerns about vaccine side effects were common, but over half of unvaccinated respondents were willing to get vaccinated. Disseminating messages about vaccine safety and ensuring local availability of the vaccine may help address concerns and access barriers, and thus help increase COVID-19 vaccination in Malawi.
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Background: People with HIV (PWH) have a higher risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19, although medical mistrust may contribute to vaccine hesitancy among PWH. Method(s): PWH from 8 sites in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) completed the clinical assessment of patient-reported outcomes including a vaccine hesitancy instrument as part of routine care from 2/21-4/22. Participants were defined as vaccine hesitant if they had not yet received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and would probably or definitely not receive it. We assessed factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy using logistic regression, and adjusted for demographics, unsuppressed viral load >200 copies/mL, calendar month and time on ART. Result(s): Overall, 3,278 PWH with a median age of 55 responded;19% were female sex at birth;93% were virally suppressed. At the time of survey, 27% reported they had not received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, of whom 27% (n=242;7% overall) reported vaccine hesitancy. Of these 242, 82% expressed concerns about vaccine efficacy;86% about side effects;38% reported distrust of healthcare, 53% reported concerns about vaccine contents (i.e. trackers, live virus);and 24% did not perceive risk from COVID-19. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included female sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.0;95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.5-2.8;Table), Black vs. White race (AOR 1.8;95% CI: 1.3-2.5), age< 30 years (AOR 2.8;95% CI: 1.5-5.2), South/Midwest vs. Northeast region (AOR 1.7;95% CI: 1.2-2.4), years on ART (0.8;0.7-0.9) and unsuppressed viral load (AOR 2.2;95% CI: 1.4-3.5). Hesitancy decreased over time (AOR 0.9 per month;95% CI: 0.8-0.9). Vaccine side effects were the primary concern for women;vaccine contents for Black PWH and those who were unsuppressed;and lack of perceived COVID-19 risk for youth. Conclusion(s): Vaccine hesitancy was reported by approximately 7% of a U.S. multi-site cohort of PWH, and it was more prevalent among Black PWH, women, youth, those with unsuppressed viral loads, and residents of the South/ Midwest. The association between virologic non-suppression and vaccine hesitancy highlights the intertwined challenge of medical mistrust for both HIV and COVID-19. Although vaccine hesitancy decreased over time, renewed efforts will be needed to address concerns of PWH about the COVID-19 vaccine, given the ongoing need for revaccination with the evolution of the pandemic.
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Increased levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been detected in individuals with vaccine complications after the ChAdOx1 nCov vaccine with a correlation between the severity of vaccine side effects and the level of NETosis. DNases may disrupt NETs by degrading their content of DNA, and a balance has been reported between NETs and DNases. Because of this and since the inflammatory marker NETs may be used as a confirmatory test in diagnosing VITT, it is of interest to monitor levels of DNase in patients with increased NETs levels. The current novel rapid DNase ELISA was tested in blood samples of patients with known increased levels of NETs with or without VITT after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. DNase levels in VITT patients were significantly increased compared with normal unvaccinated blood donors and compared with patients with post-vaccination symptoms but not VITT. However, since EDTA was found to inhibit DNase, serum and not EDTA-plasma samples should be applied for DNase testing. The novel DNase assay may serve as a supplementary test to the NETs test when analysing samples from patients with suspected increased NETs levels.Copyright © 2023 The Scandinavian Foundation for Immunology.
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Case Report: This is a 50-year-old man that presented to the ED complaining of generalized weakness and acute loss of ability to ambulate which has been progressing for a month. Patient began having left arm and leg weakness, which started in his fingertips of his left upper extremity and soon moved proximally to upper left arm. Symptoms then progressed to right upper and lower arms. Symptoms further continued to progress making the patient bedridden. On presentation, CT head showed a C1/C2 subluxation possibly chronic without significant focal soft tissue swelling. CT cervical spine showed C1-C2 subluxation, possibly chronic. MRI of brain was unremarkable pre and postcontrast without focal findings or abnormal enhancement and showed redemonstration of the C1-C2 subluxation as described on CT scan. MRI of cervical spine showed at the level of C1 there is spinal canal stenosis. However, there is no direct pressure upon the cord/medulla. Upon evaluation, patient had significant motor weakness and required maximal assistance for movement. Patient was moreover noted to have flaccidity of muscles associated with weakness with no bulbar weakness. Patient had no difficulty in breathing or with speech. A lumbar tap was performed which showed elevated protein, WBC, and glucose. Upon further investigation, patient stated that he received his (3rd dose) of the Moderna Vaccine for Covid-19 about a month before the onset of symptoms and felt fine. Two weeks later, he began experiencing subjective fevers, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue that lasted for a week and then self-resolved. Approximately another two weeks later is when patient began noticing his neurological symptoms. Possible Guillain-Barre Syndrome post Campylobacter Jejuni (C. Jejuni) infection vs. post Covid-19 vaccine induced GBS was suspected at this point and patient was started on Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). Stool cultures were collected for C.Jejuni which came back negative. Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel PCR Feces also came back negative. Patient was discharged to a rehab center and planned to receive another round of IVIG for 5 days. Conclusion(s): Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune-mediated neurological disorder affecting peripheral nerves and nerve roots, that presents as acute sensorimotor neuropathy starting with distal paresthesia that progresses to weakness of legs and arms, noteably, flaccid paralysis. GBS has several triggers namely infections such as C. jejuni, cytomegalovirus, M. pneumoniae, Epstien-Barr virus and Zika virus. There has also been several case reports and studies that have shown increased incidence of GBS vaccines such as influenza vaccine. Furthermore, there has been several studies that have linked GBS to COVID-19 vaccine. With COVID-19 cases continuing to persist, and increasing advocacy for vaccination against the disease, GBS should be considered as very rare but possible side effect of the vaccine.
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BACKGROUND: To counteract the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines have been licensed since December 2020. Shortly after the start of the vaccination campaigns, occasional allergic reactions related to vaccines were described, thus, leading to concerns in many patients with a history of allergies. The aim of this work was to evaluate which anamnestic events represented a reason for an allergology work-up before COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, the results of the allergology diagnostics are described. METHODS: We performed a retrospective data analysis of all patients who presented at the Center for Dermatology, Allergology and Dermatosurgery of the Helios University Hospital Wuppertal during the years 2021 and 2022 for allergology work-up prior to COVID-19 vaccination. Demographic data, allergological history, reason for the consultation in the clinic and results of allergology diagnostic tests including reactions after vaccination were included. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients presented for allergology work-up with COVID-19 vaccines. In about half of the cases, the reasons for the presentation to the clinic were doubts and concerns about allergic reactions and side effects. In all, 26.9% (25/93) of the presented patients had not previously received a COVID-19 vaccine yet and 23.7% (22/93) of patients developed non-allergic reactions after prior COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., headache, chills, fever, malaise). Of the patients, 46.2% (43/93) were successfully vaccinated in the clinic due to a complex allergological history, while the remaining 53.8% (50/93) were subjected to outpatient vaccination in the vaccination practice. Only one patient with known chronic spontaneous urticaria developed a mild angioedema of the lips a few hours after vaccination; however, we do not consider this episode an allergic reaction to the vaccine due to the time delay. CONCLUSION: Allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccines are rare, but many patients with a positive medical history of allergies are concerned about allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination. Thus, public work by practicing allergologists is important during vaccination campaigns to meet the concerns and fears of the population, especially of patients with allergies in their medical history.
Subject(s)
Angioedema , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccination/adverse effectsABSTRACT
In the last two years, billions of individuals worldwide have been safely vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, a substantial number of people experience mild to moderate side effects, which may hamper vaccine and booster uptake;understanding the processes underlying differential responses to these vaccines can help to improve global vaccination efforts. Variation in HLA has been linked to disease outcome in COVID-19, and HLA-A*03:01 has previously been reported to increase risk for side effects following vaccination. Here, we expand on those findings, examining HLA variation for association with vaccine side effects in 6470 patients of European ancestry from the United States. In our cohort, ~30% of individuals experienced systemic side effects (e.g., fever, chills, headache) after their initial vaccination series, while that proportion climbed to >60% in individuals receiving booster doses. We confirm the association of HLA-A*03:01 with systemic side effects to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (OR = 1.52 [95% CI 1.23-1.97], p = 0.002). We observed similar effect size of this allele in individuals reporting side effects from the initial series or boosters (OR = 1.25 [95% CI 1.15-1.53];p>0.0001), but comparatively higher effect size in individuals who subsequently experienced breakthrough infections (OR = 2.11 [95% CI 1.12-4.31];p = 0.04). Our results confirm prior reports regarding HLA association with vaccine side effects, and suggest that the immunopathology underlying the HLAA* 03:01 association with side effects may increase those individuals' propensity for breakthrough infections after vaccination. Our results highlight the need to explore the functional mechanisms underlying this association to improve vaccine design and implementation strategies against emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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By June 1, 2022, there were 38 prophylactic COVID-19 vaccines approved in 197 countries around the world. The ongoing approval of new vaccines and the accumulation of more than a year's worth of data on their use give particular importance to the consolidation and analysis of information on the safety of such vaccines. The aim of study was to analyse the information on adverse events after immunisation (AEFIs) with coronavirus vaccines in the individual case safety reports entered into the VigiBase database by June 1, 2022. Material(s) and Method(s): the author analysed safety reports retrieved from VigiBase through the VigiLyze interface in the expert access mode. The search was carried out using the generic keyword "Covid-19 vaccine" in combination with the trade names of all 38 coronavirus vaccines. Result(s): the article presents consolidated information on the number and content of the safety reports on COVID-19 vaccines. The author noted that the reports were characterised by a high level of information completeness and quality, which could be due to the fact that the main reporters were the countries with developed pharmacovigilance systems. The analysis of patient complaints showed that the reported symptoms of AEFIs coincided with the manifestations of side effects of the vaccines included in the package leaflets. The author carried out a review of the cases of serious AEFIs and the cases of adverse events of special interest requiring additional monitoring after immunisation. It revealed a positive correlation of individual vaccines with the cases of somnolence in post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion(s): the data obtained on the global safety of coronavirus vaccines may be of practical interest to doctors, researchers, developers, and healthcare regulators.Copyright © 2023 Safety and Risk of Pharmacotherapy. All rights reserved.
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Background: During the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccination in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued recommendations that patients with a history of any previous vaccine allergy be referred to an allergist for further review on suitability to proceed with mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. We review the evaluation of these patients with suspected vaccine allergies prior to receiving mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Method(s): Between 8 April and 22 September 2021, 304 patients were evaluated prior to receiving the COVID-19 vaccinations. Of these, 63 (20.7%) patients with suspected immediate hypersensitivity reactions to non-COVID polysorbate-containing vaccines proceeded to have skin prick test (SPT) and Intradermal test (IDT) to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-3350, polysorbate 80 and polysorbate 20 containing products. Another 62 (20.4%) who reported delayed hypersensitivity reactions to polysorbate-containing vaccines proceeded to have direct inoculation (DI) of the Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine under the supervision of an allergist. The remaining 242 (76.6%) finally assessed not allergic polysorbate-or tolerated previous non-polysorbate- containing vaccines were recommended to proceed with COVID-19 vaccinations at the community vaccination sites. 99 patients in the SPT/IDT and DI group completed a questionnaire-based survey to report any post vaccination reactions. (Figure 1) Results: Of 63 patients who underwent SPT/IDT, 2 (3.2%) with equivocal IDT tolerated both doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine without major allergic reactions. 61 (6.8%) patients with negative SPT/IDT and 62 (100%) in the DI group completed both doses of BNT162b2 vaccination without major reactions. Among those who completed the questionnaire survey, 13 (13%) reported reactions including non-specific rashes and mild urticaria/angioedema post first dose vaccine. All subsequently completed the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine following allergist review;with 8 (61.5%) reporting similar mild skin reactions. Conclusion(s): Majority of those with suspected reactions to polysorbate containing vaccines are able to tolerate the BNT162n2 vaccine which contains PEG-2000. Skin tests prior to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination is unnecessary. Those who report mild potentially allergic reactions after the first dose are able to tolerate the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine.
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Objective: Vaccines are one of the promising approaches to control the pandemic. The aim of this study, which was conducted on healthcare workers who previously were or were not infected with COVID-19, was to evaluate the undesirable effects that developed after the CoronaVac (Sinovac Life Sciences, Beijing, China). Method(s): Volunteers who were administered the first dose of inactivated CoronaVac vaccine between January 14-24, 2021, were included in this retrospective study. Demographic information was obtained from the questionnaire results and from the data of the applications made due to side effects. Result(s): 911 healthcare workers, 232 of whom had a history of COVID-19 were included in the study. The mean age of those with a history of COVID-19, was 36 (20-66), and 33.6% were men. 26.7% were doctors, 34.9% were nurses, 155 (66.8%) worked in internal and 62 (26.7%) in surgical units. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, gender, task, and the departments they worked in. Comorbidities were present in 25.9% of the group with a history of COVID-19;the most common disease was asthma (5.6%). Allergy history was 4.3% in the group with COVID-19 and 7.8% in the other group (p=0.070). The incidence of post-vaccine adverse events (62.9%) was higher in those with a history of COVID-19 than in those without (57.1%). The most common adverse event was a headache, and it was significantly higher in the group who had COVID-19 compared to those who had not (36.6% vs. 27.7%;p=0.01). Conclusion(s): In our study, we observed that the rates of undesirable effects after vaccination were high in individuals with a history of COVID-19. Although it is thought that this situation may be related to the developing antibody response rates, the insufficient number of cases and the lack of determination of the antibody response after infection and vaccination are a disadvantage of the study.Copyright © 2023, DOC Design and Informatics Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to understand why patients avoid or continuously postpone immunization. The authors aim to understand the impact of the increasingly active spread of anti-vaccine arguments of the vaccination opponents, as well as the general distrust in the pharmaceutical industry, science and healthcare professionals in patients with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) and recurrent Angioedema (AE) in North Macedonia. Method(s): A total of 92 patients diagnosed with AE and 35 patients diagnosed with HAE underwent structured interview conducted during routine check-ups. Result(s): 52 of the AE patients and 10 of the HAE patients stated that they are indecisive or opposed to vaccination, mostly because of a generalized negative attitude towards vaccines. The patients often stated that their attitude is based on a personal or a family member's negative experience with vaccines (76.9% of AE and 60% of HAE patients opposed to vaccination). When asked about the basis of such opinion, the patients' answers were vague and unspecific. The majority stated that they do not recall the source of information, some speculated about possible role of vaccines in autism diagnosis of a close family member, allergies or other pediatric diseases caused by vaccines, despite the lack of proof of connection. Such examples can be explained with the human tendency to remember negative information, although they have read such information somewhere on the internet or social media with no reliable source or validation. Confirmation bias is the tendency of individuals to seek information that confirm their existing hypothesis, while avoiding explanations that do not fit in with their opinion. Because of this, the previously formed negative attitude towards vaccines, can cause any negative symptoms to be misinterpreted as vaccine side-effects, additionally reaffirming the negative attitude. 61.5% of AE and 70% of HAE patients opposing vaccination stated that they believe that vaccines lead to serious adverse events, do not protect the individuals and society from infective diseases and are not sufficiently tested prior to their use. Conclusion(s): In conclusion, the author considers that continuous education of patients is a key condition for an improved rate of COVID-19 immunization of HAE and AE patients.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic ravaged China, made its way to Thailand and Japan, and ultimately spread across the globe. Despite all efforts to contain the virus, hundreds of millions of positive cases and millions of deaths have been reported worldwide. Due to the vastness and severity of this virus, there was a desperate need for a vaccine, quickly. The COVID-19 vaccination was created urgently under emergency use authorization (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in less than one year, a process typically taking over 10 years. With this expedited creation time, there is also a shortened time frame for clinical trials, which is commonly used to evaluate for effectiveness and identify any potential side effects or adverse reactions to the created vaccine. We will discuss some potential side effects of receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. In this case report, we discuss one individual who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and experienced a previous unreported adverse side effect of non-self-remitting bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. This reaction was not originally seen during the clinical trial phase of the vaccine creation, which caused this individual to obtain a full medical workup including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and blood work and ultimately needing surgical intervention to have the axillary lymphadenopathy excised. We aim to shed light on a new, undocumented adverse reaction that should be included in physicians' differential diagnoses in individuals after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. This information could help future patients avoid unnecessary extensive medical workups, surgical procedures, being exposed to anesthesia, or having the burden of additional unwarranted healthcare costs.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its related consequences caused a higher risk of mental health problems for nurses. Hence, this study aims to reduce the level of fear and stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and promote active coping among Egyptian nurses. Method(s): This quasi-intervention study was conducted on 125 nurses working at Benha's University hospitals, who were selected by a systematic random sampling technique within the time interval of March 2021 to July 2021. The study was conducted using the fear of COVID-19 scale, the stress scale of depression, anxiety and stress scales, and the Brief (COPE) inventory scale. Result(s): The mean ages of the studied nurses were 36.70 +/- 9.50. Almost half of the studied nurses were males and married. Before the intervention, 47.2% of nurses had severe stress levels while 82.4% had a high level of fear of COVID-19. Experience years, type of department, and worries about vaccine side effects were the predictors of the fear of COVID-19. A significant difference (p =.000) was found between both mean stress and fear scores pre-intervention (15.27 +/- 5.47 and 25.56 +/- 6.13) and post-intervention (4.87 +/- 2.14 and 11.92 +/- 2.43). The most prevalent coping strategies among nurses before the intervention were self-distraction (5.03 +/- 1.53), followed by behavioral disengagement and self-blaming. However, after the intervention, religion was found to be the utmost coping mechanism (6.12 +/- 1.17), followed by positive reframing and acceptance. Conclusion(s): The majority of the nurses in the study reported a significant fear of COVID-19, and around half of the nurses had severe stress as a result. After the intervention, the stress and fear scores were reduced by half or even less. Age, longer work experience, and worries about the vaccine were the predictors of fear of COVID-19. The coping strategies used after the intervention shifted toward active coping strategies.Copyright © 2023 Omar et al.
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Since December 2019 the world has been dealing with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The first SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was made available in Europe at the end of 2020. 202 volunteers from the vicinity of the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt took part in this study;their IgG levels recognizing the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 were determined. The aim was to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 titer levels of vaccinated, recovered and vaccinated plus recovered persons. We could show that there is a significant difference in the antibody levels of vaccinated, vaccinated plus recovered and only recovered probands. Additionally, the highest antibody levels were found in triple vaccinated persons. Furthermore, the Moderna vaccine seems to have a higher immune response.Copyright © 2022
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Introduction: Myocarditis is an adverse reaction discovered after the marketing of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. Nevertheless, this effect is not mentioned as an adverse reaction in the summary of product characteristics of other types of vaccines against this disease. Objective(s): In this work, we aim to present the cases of myocarditis after vaccination against COVID-19 reported to the national Tunisian centre of pharmacovigilance. Method(s): We present the cases of myocarditis reported after the COVID-19 vaccination. All cases are diagnosed according to Brighton's case definition of myocarditis. The vaccines causality assessment was estimated by the French imputability updated method of Begaud et al. Result(s): We included five patients. The sex ratio (M/F) was 4. The mean age was 30 years. All patients had no notable cardiovascular history and did not report any significant past medical history. The onset of symptoms was two days post-vaccination in three patients. The predominant reported symptoms are chest pain and dyspnea in the five cases. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the myocarditis diagnosis in four patients (not performed for one patient). All cases were classified as definitive cases according to the Brighton case definition of myocarditis. No patient required hospitalization in a cardiac intensive care unit. All the patients recovered from acute myocarditis within a few days. Conclusion(s): Reported cases of myocarditis post-COVID-19 vaccination in our population are rare, not severe, and have a quick favorable outcome.Copyright © 2022