Reports of acute adverse events in mRNA COVID-19 vaccine recipients after the first and second doses in Japan

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a co-formulated two-in-one inactivated whole virus particle COVID-19/influenza vaccine

Due to the synchronous circulation of seasonal influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is need for routine vaccination for both COVID-19 and influenza to reduce disease severity. Here, we prepared individual WPVs composed of formalin-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 WK 521 (Ancestral strain; Co WPV) or influenza virus [A/California/07/2009 (X-179A) (H1N1) pdm; Flu WPV] to produce a two-in-one Co/Flu WPV. Serum analysis from vaccinated mice revealed that a single dose of Co/Flu WPV induced antigen-specific neutralizing antibodies against both viruses, similar to those induced by either type of WPV alone. Following infection with either virus, mice vaccinated with Co/Flu WPV showed no weight loss, reduced pneumonia and viral titers in the lung, and lower gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, as observed with individual WPV-vaccinated. Furthermore, a pentavalent vaccine (Co/qFlu WPV) comprising of Co WPV and quadrivalent influenza vaccine (qFlu WPV) was immunogenic and protected animals from severe COVID-19. These results suggest that a single dose of the two-in-one WPV provides efficient protection against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infections with no evidence of vaccine interference in mice. We propose that concomitant vaccination with the two-in-one WPV can be useful for controlling both diseases.

Side effects following first dose of COVID-19 vaccination in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vaccines are strongly recommended globally as an effective measure to prevent serious illness from and spread of COVID-19. Concerns about safety following vaccination continue to be the most common reason that people do not accept the vaccine. This retrospective study was carried out on 4341 people who received the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BBIBP-CorV, or mRNA-1273 vaccine at Jio Health Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Post-injection side effects were either reported by participants or actively collected by health care staff by means of telemedicine. Local side effects were reported by 35.5% of all individuals, with pain being the most common symptom (33.3%). Systemic side effects were reported by 44.2% of individuals, with fever (25.3%) and fatigue (21.4%) being the most common. Age ≤60 years, female gender, and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 were significant independent risk factors for both local and systemic side effects, while a history of allergy was significant as a risk factor for local side effects. A total of 43 individuals (1.0%) reported concerning symptoms of rare severe complications, which were addressed and treated by physicians via Jio Health app.

Characteristics of Persistent Symptoms Manifested after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: An Observational Retrospective Study in a Specialized Clinic for Vaccination-Related Adverse Events

Background: Although many adverse reactions after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported, there have been few comprehensive studies on persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with various persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed for patients who visited a specialized clinic established at Okayama University Hospital to evaluate adverse events after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during the period from April 2021 to March 2023. Results: Descriptive analysis was performed for 121 of 127 patients who visited the clinic during the study period, and separate analysis was performed for the other 6 patients who had serious complications, who required treatment with prednisolone, and who had persistent symptoms. The median [interquartile range] age of the patients was 48 years [31-64 years], and the patients included 44 males (36.4%) and 77 females (63.6%). The most frequent symptoms were sensory impairment (34 patients, 28.1%), general fatigue (30 patients, 24.8%), fever/low-grade fever (21 patients, 17.4%), and headache (21 patients, 17.4%). Serious complications included myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), sarcoidosis, aseptic meningitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs), tendon adhesions, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: Although causal relationships were not determined, 15 persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were characterized. All of the symptoms had onset from 12 hours to one week after vaccination, with 10 symptoms persisting for 6 months or longer. The most frequent symptom was sensory impairment.

COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, which can present itself as an initial symptom. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction. There is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.

AIM

To thoroughly explore the epidemiology and clinical aspects of COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction, including its manifestations, potential mechanisms, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, impact on quality of life, prognosis, and management and prevention strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough systematic search across various databases and performed an extensive literature review. Our review encompassed 113 studies published in English from January 2000 to April 18, 2023.

RESULTS

According to most of the literature, gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and ultimate prognosis. Numerous factors can influence gastrointestinal autonomic nervous functions. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a well-documented affinity for both neural and gastrointestinal tissues, and the virus can produce various gastrointestinal symptoms by reaching neural tissues through different pathways. These symptoms include anorexia, dysgeusia, heartburn, belching, chest pain, regurgitation, vomiting, epigastric burn, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and constipation. Diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom, followed by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although COVID-19 vaccination may rarely induce autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms, COVID-19-induced autonomic effects significantly impact the patient's condition, general health, prognosis, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper recognition are crucial for improving outcomes. It is important to consider the differential diagnosis, as these symptoms may be induced by diseases other than COVID-19-induced autonomic dysfunction. Treating this dysfunction can be a challenging task.

CONCLUSION

To ensure the best possible outcomes for COVID-19 patients, it is essential to take a multidisciplinary approach involving providing supportive care, treating the underlying infection, managing dysfunction, monitoring for complications, and offering nutritional support. Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial, and prompt intervention should be taken if necessary. Furthermore, conducting thorough research on the gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is vital to manage it effectively.

COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, which can present itself as an initial symptom. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction. There is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.

AIM

To thoroughly explore the epidemiology and clinical aspects of COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction, including its manifestations, potential mechanisms, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, impact on quality of life, prognosis, and management and prevention strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough systematic search across various databases and performed an extensive literature review. Our review encompassed 113 studies published in English from January 2000 to April 18, 2023.

RESULTS

According to most of the literature, gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and ultimate prognosis. Numerous factors can influence gastrointestinal autonomic nervous functions. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a well-documented affinity for both neural and gastrointestinal tissues, and the virus can produce various gastrointestinal symptoms by reaching neural tissues through different pathways. These symptoms include anorexia, dysgeusia, heartburn, belching, chest pain, regurgitation, vomiting, epigastric burn, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and constipation. Diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom, followed by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although COVID-19 vaccination may rarely induce autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms, COVID-19-induced autonomic effects significantly impact the patient's condition, general health, prognosis, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper recognition are crucial for improving outcomes. It is important to consider the differential diagnosis, as these symptoms may be induced by diseases other than COVID-19-induced autonomic dysfunction. Treating this dysfunction can be a challenging task.

CONCLUSION

To ensure the best possible outcomes for COVID-19 patients, it is essential to take a multidisciplinary approach involving providing supportive care, treating the underlying infection, managing dysfunction, monitoring for complications, and offering nutritional support. Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial, and prompt intervention should be taken if necessary. Furthermore, conducting thorough research on the gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is vital to manage it effectively.

COVID-19, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS, "long COVID") and post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PCVS, "post-COVIDvac-syndrome"): Similarities and differences

Worldwide there have been over 760 million confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and over 13 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered as of April 2023, according to the World Health Organization. An infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to an acute disease, i.e. COVID-19, but also to a post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS, "long COVID"). Currently, the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are increasingly being noted and studied. Here, we summarise the currently available indications and discuss our conclusions that (i) these side effects have specific similarities and differences to acute COVID-19 and PACS, that (ii) a new term should be used to refer to these side effects (post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome, PCVS, colloquially "post-COVIDvac-syndrome"), and that (iii) there is a need to distinguish between acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (ACVS) and post-acute COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PACVS) - in analogy to acute COVID-19 and PACS ("long COVID"). Moreover, we address mixed forms of disease caused by natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. We explain why it is important for medical diagnosis, care and research to use the new terms (PCVS, ACVS and PACVS) in order to avoid confusion and misinterpretation of the underlying causes of disease and to enable optimal medical therapy. We do not recommend to use the term "Post-Vac-Syndrome" as it is imprecise. The article also serves to address the current problem of "medical gaslighting" in relation to PACS and PCVS by raising awareness among the medical professionals and supplying appropriate terminology for disease.

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: A Retrospective Observational Pharmacovigilance Study

Background and Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused millions of deaths worldwide. The mRNA vaccines prevented the figure from being more severe. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety of COVID-19 vaccines by analyzing the adverse events following immunization (AEFIs).

Methods

A retrospective observational pharmacovigilance study was conducted, based on the collection of reports of suspected AEFIs reported between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 at the Naples 3 local health authority. AEFIs were stratified and described according to mRNA vaccine, demographics, clinical status, description of AEFI, and degree of severity. In 2021, local health authority Asl Naples 3 South received 1164 reports of suspected adverse events that occurred following the administration of mRNA vaccines.

Results

During the reporting period, 746 reports were related to the Comirnaty vaccine (64.1%), 281 to the Vaxzevria vaccine (24.1%), 107 to the Spikevax vaccine (9.2%), and 30 to the Jcovden vaccine (2.6%); 89.3% of the reports were classified as not serious (N = 1039 reports), the remaining 10.7% as serious (N = 125 reports).

Conclusions

This retrospective pharmacovigilance study demonstrates that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe in all population groups.

Pharmacovigilance is an activity that ensures the safety of health care treatments. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the administration of vaccines whose efficacy and safety is to be evaluated. In the year 2021, an analysis of all reported adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) to the vaccine was conducted on a sample of about 1 million people with the aim of understanding efficacy and safety. All adverse events were divided by age, sex, type of reaction, and severity. Serious reactions were divided into subcategories to report the most common critical issues. At the conclusion of the work, it can be seen that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe but can give serious cardiovascular (12% of the total number of serious reports) and neurological (one serious case that led to the development of Guillain Barré syndrome) side effects that need to be monitored by medical personnel.