Adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines and measures to prevent them.

Recently, The Lancet published a study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and the waning of immunity with time. The study showed that immune function among vaccinated individuals 8 months after the administration of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine was lower than that among the unvaccinated individuals. According to European Medicines Agency recommendations, frequent COVID-19 booster shots could adversely affect the immune response and may not be feasible. The decrease in immunity can be caused by several factors such as N1-methylpseudouridine, the spike protein, lipid nanoparticles, antibody-dependent enhancement, and the original antigenic stimulus. These clinical alterations may explain the association reported between COVID-19 vaccination and shingles. As a safety measure, further booster vaccinations should be discontinued. In addition, the date of vaccination should be recorded in the medical record of patients. Several practical measures to prevent a decrease in immunity have been reported. These include limiting the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including acetaminophen to maintain deep body temperature, appropriate use of antibiotics, smoking cessation, stress control, and limiting the use of lipid emulsions, including propofol, which may cause perioperative immunosuppression. In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccination is a major risk factor for infections in critically ill patients.

Five important preventive measures against exacerbation of coronavirus disease.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is mainly transmitted through droplets and aerosols [1]. Viral RNA is predominantly detected in the oral and nasal cavities; however, it has also occasionally been detected in stool, urine, and lacrimal samples. Infection prevention through use of masks, handwashing, and social distancing may be challenging. Although a lockdown in urban areas can slow the spread of infection and allow time for preparing an adequate response, it is difficult to determine the optimal time for unlocking and lifting quarantine measures and to prevent further spread once people resume their daily schedules. As the virus is spreading worldwide, in part owing to asymptomatic carriers, the incidence of infection will likely continue to fluctuate until herd immunity is achieved, which may take several months to years [2].

Risk of heparinoid use in cosmetics and moisturizers in individuals vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Recently, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) after vaccination with the vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. These reports state that heparin was not used around the vaccination period in all cases. HIT after vaccination is more common in women; thus, heparinoid use can be suspected to induce HIT.