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Primorac Padjen E, Marcec R, Zidar M, Padjen I, Katanec T, Anic B, Likic R. Comparison of reporting rates of arthritis and arthralgia following AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen vaccine administration against SARS-CoV-2 in 2021: analysis of European pharmacovigilance large-scale data. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:273-281. [PMID: 38142450 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05512-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the reporting rates of arthritis and arthralgia following the administration of four vaccines against SARS-CoV-2: Pfizer-BioNTech (Tozinameran), Moderna (CX-024414), AstraZeneca (Chadox1 NCOV-19), and Janssen (AD26.COV2.S) in 2021. We used data from the EudraVigilance database, specifically analyzing spontaneous reports of suspected adverse reactions (ADRs) from the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) region. Age-group-specific reporting rates were calculated by dividing the number of arthralgia and arthritis reports per 1,000,000 vaccine doses administered per age group. Reporting rates were compared using a rate ratio among the four vaccines, using the AstraZeneca vaccine as a comparator. The AstraZeneca vaccine was associated with the highest rate of arthralgia across all age groups. Arthritis reporting rates were significantly lower, with the AstraZeneca vaccine having the highest rates in most age groups, except the 60-69 and 80+ groups, where the Janssen and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines demonstrated higher reporting rates, respectively. The distribution of arthritis rates did not follow the arthralgia pattern, being higher in the 50-79 age group. This study is the first spontaneous reporting system analysis of arthritis reporting rates post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination at a European level, revealing a higher reporting of suspected musculoskeletal adverse reactions after AstraZeneca vaccination. The findings underscore the need to consider commonly reported events like arthralgia in risk-benefit assessments prior to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Given the high prevalence of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and vaccine hesitancy in this population, our results could influence vaccine choice and acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Marcec
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matija Zidar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Padjen
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Katanec
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branimir Anic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Likic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Voss U, Schermelleh-Engel K, Hauser L, Holzmann M, Fichtner D, Seifert S, Klimke A, Windmann S. Alike but not the same: Psychological profiles of COVID-19 vaccine skeptics. Health Psychol Open 2024; 11:20551029241248757. [PMID: 38681211 PMCID: PMC11047032 DOI: 10.1177/20551029241248757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was a widespread skepticism about vaccination. To elucidate the underlying mental and emotional predispositions, we examined a sample of 1428 participants using latent profile analysis (LPA) on selected personality trait variables, mental health status, and measures of irrational beliefs. LPA revealed five distinct profiles: two classes of non-skeptics and three of skeptics. The smaller non-skeptic class reported the highest rates of mental health problems, along with high levels of neuroticism, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, and external locus of control. The larger non-skeptic class was psychologically well-balanced. Conversely, the skeptic groups shared strong distrust of COVID-19 vaccination but differed in emotional and mental profiles, leading to graded differences in endorsing extreme conspiracy beliefs. This suggests that vaccine skepticism is not solely a result of mental illness or emotional instability; rather extreme skepticism manifests as a nuanced, graded phenomenon contingent on personality traits and conspirational beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Voss
- Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | | | - Leana Hauser
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | | | - Diana Fichtner
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Seifert
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | - Ansgar Klimke
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
- Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
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Salebaigi S. Locked Up and Left Behind: Addressing Cruel and Unusual Punishments among Senior Inmates during COVID-19 across US Prisons. Health Hum Rights 2023; 25:91-102. [PMID: 38145131 PMCID: PMC10733758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on long-standing constitutional violations within the US correctional system, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as senior inmates. By analyzing the impact of COVID-19 in prisons, the challenges faced in implementing preventive strategies, and the specific vulnerabilities of elderly prisoners, this paper identifies potential constitutional infringements experienced by senior inmates during the pandemic and the physical, mental, and social effects of the pandemic on this population. Specifically, this paper aims to bridge the fields of constitutional law, prison reform, elder law, and the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the impact of the pandemic on the rights of senior inmates under the US Constitution's Eighth Amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The objective is to examine whether potential violations have occurred and propose actions to prevent violations in the future while ensuring accountability and redress if such violations occur. To address such violations, the paper emphasizes the need for increased sanitation measures and decarceration as preventive measures in future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabba Salebaigi
- LLM candidate at the University of Connecticut, United States
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Nascimento LG, Dubé È, Burns KE, Brown P, Calnan M, Ward PR, Filice E, Herati H, Ike NAU, Rotolo B, Meyer SB. Informing efforts beyond tailored promotional campaigns by understanding contextual factors shaping vaccine hesitancy among equity-deserving populations in Canada: an exploratory qualitative study. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:209. [PMID: 37805472 PMCID: PMC10559625 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-02025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine hesitancy exists on a continuum ranging between complete adherence and complete refusal due to doubts or concerns within a heterogeneous group of individuals. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the contextual factors influencing attitudes and beliefs shaping COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, qualitative research with equity-deserving groups, accounting for unique lived experiences, remains a gap in the literature. We aim to identify and begin to understand and document the unique contextual factors shaping hesitancy by equity-deserving groups as it relates to relationships with government and health authorities. METHODS Participants were recruited and interviewed between Aug-Dec 2021. Semi-structured interviews using a convergent interviewing technique were conducted with individuals from the general population, as well as individuals who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, members of the LGBT2SQ + community, low-income Canadians, Black Canadians, and newcomers. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed by a team of researchers. Memos were written following interviews and used to complement the thematic analysis of the interview data. Themes are presented in the results section. RESULTS The rationale for hesitancy among equity-deserving groups is consistent with literature documenting hesitancy in the general population. Contextual factors surrounding equity-deserving groups' attitudes and beliefs, however, are unique and relate to a history of oppression, discrimination, and genocide. We identified factors unique to subgroups; for example, religious or fatalistic beliefs among participant who identify as FNMI, fear associated with lack of testing and speed of vaccines' production among participants who identify as FNMI, Black, and LGBT2SQ + , distrust of the healthcare system for LGBT2SQ + and Black Canadians, and distrust of the government and opposition to vaccine mandates for participating who identify as LGBT2SQ + , low-income, FNMI, or Black Canadian. Newcomers stood out as very trusting of the government and accepting of COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSIONS While our data on vaccine hesitancy largely mirror concerns reported in the vast body of literature citing rationale for COVID-19 hesitancy in high-income countries, the contextual factors identified in our work point to the need for wider systemic change. Our results may be used to support efforts, beyond tailored promotion campaigns, to support the confident acceptance of vaccines for COVID-19 and the acceptance of novel vaccines as future infectious diseases emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ève Dubé
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec City, Canada
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Charania NA, Kirkpatrick L, Paynter J. Paediatric COVID-19 vaccination coverage and associated factors among migrant and non-migrant children aged 5-11 years in Aotearoa New Zealand: A population-level retrospective cohort study. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100086. [PMID: 37729755 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with migrant and refugee backgrounds may experience immunisation inequities due to barriers to accessing and accepting vaccines. In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), national reporting can mask inequities in coverage by migration background. This study explored paediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake among children with migrant and refugee backgrounds. METHODS This population-level retrospective cohort study compared rates and determinants of paediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake as of July 2022 amongst migrant and non-migrant children who were aged between 5 and 11 years as of January 2022. Linked de-identified administrative and health data available in Statistics NZ's Integrated Data Infrastructure were used, and univariate and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to determine associations. RESULTS Of the total study population (N = 451,323), 3.5% were overseas-born migrant children, 31.3% were NZ-born migrant children, and 65.3% were NZ-born non-migrant children. Only 50.8% (229,164 out of 451,323) of children had received at least one dose. Migrant children were significantly more likely to have received a COVID-19 vaccination than non-migrant children. Logistic modelling revealed that all factors, including ethnicity, gender, age, family type, household income, deprivation, region, parent COVID-19 vaccination status, and child's previous COVID-19 infection, significantly influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The largest contributing factor was parents' COVID-19 vaccination status. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that NZ's paediatric COVID-19 vaccination programme was able to address logistical and motivational barriers commonly identified amongst migrants and refugees. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH As parents' vaccination status is an important factor in vaccinating their own children, continuous efforts are needed to support confident parental COVID-19 vaccine decision-making. To address social inequities, engagement with marginalised communities to co-design tailored and localised approaches is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia A Charania
- Department of Public Health, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand; Migrant and Refugee Health Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Linda Kirkpatrick
- New Zealand Work Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Janine Paynter
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Pelletier C, Labbé F, Bettinger JA, Curran J, Graham JE, Greyson D, MacDonald NE, Meyer SB, Steenbeek A, Xu W, Dubé È. From high hopes to disenchantment: A qualitative analysis of editorial cartoons on COVID-19 vaccines in Canadian newspapers. Vaccine 2023; 41:4384-4391. [PMID: 37302965 PMCID: PMC10242155 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In Canada, the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved for use in December 2020, marking the beginning of a large vaccination campaign. The campaign was not only unprecedented in terms of reach, but also with regards to the amount of information about vaccines that circulated in traditional and social media. This study's aim was to describe COVID-19 vaccine related discourses in Canada through an analysis of editorial cartoons. We collected 2172 cartoons about COVID-19 published between January 2020 and August 2022 in Canadian newspapers. These cartoons were downloaded and a first thematic analysis was conducted using the WHO-EPIWIN taxonomy (cause, illness, treatment, interventions, and information). From this, 389 cartoons related to COVID-19 vaccines were identified under the treatment category. These were subjected to a second thematic analysis to assess main themes (e.g., vaccine development, campaign progress, etc.), characters featured (e.g., politicians, public figures, public) and position with respect to vaccine (favorable, unfavorable, neutral). Six main themes emerged: Research and development of vaccines; Management of the vaccination campaign; Perceptions of and experiences with vaccination services; Measures and incentives to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake; Criticism of the unvaccinated; and Effectiveness of vaccination. Our analysis revealed a shift in attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination from high hopes to disenchantment, which may reflect some vaccine fatigue. In the future, public health authorities could face some challenges in maintaining confidence and high COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Pelletier
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 6W2, Canada
| | - Fabienne Labbé
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 7G9, Canada
| | - Julie A Bettinger
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28(th) Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Janet Curran
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Janice E Graham
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, 5849 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4H7, Canada
| | - Devon Greyson
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28(th) Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Noni E MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, 5980 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Samantha B Meyer
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Audrey Steenbeek
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Weiai Xu
- Department of Communication, University of Massachusetts Amherst, N308 Integrative Learning Center, 650 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ève Dubé
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 6W2, Canada; Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 2400 avenue d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1E 7G9, Canada; Département d'anthropologie, Université Laval, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck, bureau 3433, 1030 avenue des Sciences Humaines, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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