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Graso M, Aquino K, Chen FX, Bardosh K. Blaming the unvaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic: the roles of political ideology and risk perceptions in the USA. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024; 50:246-252. [PMID: 37295936 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Individuals unvaccinated against COVID-19 (C19) experienced prejudice and blame for the pandemic. Because people vastly overestimate C19 risks, we examined whether these negative judgements could be partially understood as a form of scapegoating (ie, blaming a group unfairly for an undesirable outcome) and whether political ideology (previously shown to shape risk perceptions in the USA) moderates scapegoating of the unvaccinated. We grounded our analyses in scapegoating literature and risk perception during C19. We obtained support for our speculations through two vignette-based studies conducted in the USA in early 2022. We varied the risk profiles (age, prior infection, comorbidities) and vaccination statuses of vignette characters (eg, vaccinated, vaccinated without recent boosters, unvaccinated, unvaccinated-recovered), while keeping all other information constant. We observed that people hold the unvaccinated (vs vaccinated) more responsible for negative pandemic outcomes and that political ideology moderated these effects: liberals (vs conservatives) were more likely to scapegoat the unvaccinated (vs vaccinated), even when presented with information challenging the culpability of the unvaccinated known at the time of data collection (eg, natural immunity, availability of vaccines, time since last vaccination). These findings support a scapegoating explanation for a specific group-based prejudice that emerged during the C19 pandemic. We encourage medical ethicists to examine the negative consequences of significant C19 risk overestimation among the public. The public needs accurate information about health issues. That may involve combating misinformation that overestimates and underestimates disease risk with similar vigilance to error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Graso
- University of Groningen Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands
- Otago Business School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Karl Aquino
- Marketing and Behavioural Science Division, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fan Xuan Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kevin Bardosh
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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2
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Rahman IU, Austin A, Nelson N. Willingness to COVID-19 vaccination: Empirical evidence from EU. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15776. [PMID: 37153419 PMCID: PMC10152756 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The unforgettable COVID-19 shock is most likely to be reversed by a viable vaccination strategy. In this paper, we investigate willingness to be vaccinated (WTV) against the COVID-19. Current trends suggest that only around 73% of EU inhabitants (15 and +) were immunized, with more than 104 million people still warranted to be immunized. Vaccine reluctance is a key impediment to conducting immunization programs in the setting of a pandemic. We provide first of its kind empirical evidence on the citizens (N = 11,932) of the EU-27 by employing the recent data from the European Commission. Based on the survey responses, controlling for the correlations in the error terms, we utilize a simulated multivariate probit regression model. Our results show that amongst all the statistically significant drivers of the WTV, the positive perception (vaccination works and has no side effects); R&D information (clarity on how vaccination is developed, tested, authorized) has the largest impact on the WTV. We find that the group of variables on social feedback (Positive perception; social adoption and pressure), and on trustworthy sources of information (R&D info; medical advice) are to be considered for WTV policy. The counteracting policy gaps that act against WTV include vaccination governance dissatisfaction, perception of long-term side effects, growing mistrust in information sources, uncertainty between safety and efficacy, education level, and risky age group. Strategies based on the outcomes of this study are needed to address public acceptance and willingness to vaccinate during a pandemic. This research is novel and offers authorities in-depth insights into the challenges and solutions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and thus to its end via stimulation of the WTV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Ur Rahman
- Center for Trans-Himalaya Studies, School of Economics and Management, Leshan Normal University, 778 Binhe Road, Leshan, China
| | - Arslan Austin
- Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Communication and Environment, Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee 25, 47475, Kamp-Lintfort, Germany
| | - Naveed Nelson
- GCP-Service International Ltd. & Co. KG (GCP-Service) Haus 3, Anne-Conway-Straße 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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3
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Truszkowska A, Zino L, Butail S, Caroppo E, Jiang Z, Rizzo A, Porfiri M. Exploring a COVID-19 Endemic Scenario: High-Resolution Agent-Based Modeling of Multiple Variants. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2023; 6:2200481. [PMID: 36718198 PMCID: PMC9878004 DOI: 10.1002/adts.202200481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Our efforts as a society to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are continuously challenged by the emergence of new variants. These variants can be more infectious than existing strains and many of them are also more resistant to available vaccines. The appearance of these new variants cause new surges of infections, exacerbated by infrastructural difficulties, such as shortages of medical personnel or test kits. In this work, a high-resolution computational framework for modeling the simultaneous spread of two COVID-19 variants: a widely spread base variant and a new one, is established. The computational framework consists of a detailed database of a representative U.S. town and a high-resolution agent-based model that uses the Omicron variant as the base variant and offers flexibility in the incorporation of new variants. The results suggest that the spread of new variants can be contained with highly efficacious tests and mild loss of vaccine protection. However, the aggressiveness of the ongoing Omicron variant and the current waning vaccine immunity point to an endemic phase of COVID-19, in which multiple variants will coexist and residents continue to suffer from infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Truszkowska
- Center for Urban Science and ProgressTandon School of EngineeringNew York University370 Jay StreetBrooklynNY11201USA,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringTandon School of EngineeringNew York UniversitySix MetroTech CenterBrooklynNY11201USA,Department of Chemical and Materials EngineeringUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville301 Sparkman DriveHuntsvilleAL35899USA
| | - Lorenzo Zino
- Engineering and Technology Institute GroningenUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 4GroningenAG9747The Netherlands,Department of Electronics and TelecommunicationsPolitecnico di TorinoCorso Duca degli Abruzzi 24Turin10129Italy
| | - Sachit Butail
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIL60115USA
| | - Emanuele Caroppo
- Department of Mental HealthLocal Health Unit ROMA 2Rome00159Italy,University Research Center He.R.A.Université Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRome00168Italy
| | - Zhong‐Ping Jiang
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringTandon School of EngineeringNew York University370 Jay StreetBrooklynNY11201USA
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Department of Electronics and TelecommunicationsPolitecnico di TorinoCorso Duca degli Abruzzi 24Turin10129Italy,Institute for InventionInnovation and EntrepreneurshipTandon School of EngineeringNew York UniversitySix MetroTech CenterBrooklynNY11201USA
| | - Maurizio Porfiri
- Center for Urban Science and ProgressTandon School of EngineeringNew York University370 Jay StreetBrooklynNY11201USA,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringTandon School of EngineeringNew York UniversitySix MetroTech CenterBrooklynNY11201USA,Department of Biomedical EngineeringTandon School of EngineeringNew York UniversitySix MetroTech CenterBrooklynNY11201USA
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4
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Huang L, Lai FTT, Yan VKC, Cheng FWT, Cheung CL, Chui CSL, Li X, Wan EYF, Wong CKH, Hung IFN, Lau CS, Wong ICK, Chan EWY. Comparing hybrid and regular COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity against the Omicron epidemic. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:162. [PMCID: PMC9753877 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00594-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEvidence on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among people who recovered from a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection is warranted to inform vaccination recommendations. Using the territory-wide public healthcare and vaccination records of over 2.5 million individuals in Hong Kong, we examined the potentially differential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and mortality between those receiving two homologous doses of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac versus those with a previous infection receiving only one dose amid the Omicron epidemic. Results show a single dose after a SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a lower risk of infection (BNT162b2: adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.475, 95% CI: 0.410–0.550; CoronaVac: adjusted IRR = 0.397, 95% CI: 0.309–0.511) and no significant difference was detected in the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or mortality compared with a two-dose vaccination regimen. Findings support clinical recommendations that those with a previous infection could receive a single dose to gain at least similar protection as those who received two doses without a previous infection.
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Chongloi H. Trial by media: evaluating the role of mainstream media and fact-checking agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTHCARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ijhrh-07-2022-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the function of the media during the COVID-19 pandemic. It tries to understand how media corporations selectively polish a certain narrative against the other. It will also take into consideration the role of fact-checking agencies and its reliability in determining what is right and wrong.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses qualitative methods and relies on secondary data available in academic domains. In this paper, a specific case related with the COVID-19 pandemic is taken up. Conflicting accounts of health professionals both in academic and industry are compared and analysed. Professional integrity of fact-checking agencies as well goes through scrutiny.
Findings
After conducting a critical analysis, it is observed that media houses have violated certain ethics while presenting news and opinions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without any consideration of fair presentation, the mainstream media resorted to presenting vaccine hesitancy as conspiracy and deplatformed such voice from the media. This violates one’s freedom to free speech and expression.
Research limitations/implications
It is a viewpoint from the side of a free speech abolitionist.
Practical implications
Press will realize that it failed in a number of occasions to uphold and protect its ethical values.
Originality/value
A study questioning the role of media during the COVID-9 pandemic is rare. In this regard, adequate literature is always a difficulty considering the amount of censorship imposed by health agencies, academic institutions and the media. This particular study is built of limited yet reliable information made available by academicians and independent health professionals. As such, the value of work which focuses on the alternative perspectives is believed to add value to health professionals, policymakers, media professionals and the general population.
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Liang B, Xiang T, Wang H, Li Z, Quan X, Feng X, Li S, Lu S, Fan L, Xu L, Wang T, Wang X, Zhu B, Wang J, Yang D, Liu J, Zheng X. Robust humoral and cellular immune responses in long-term convalescent COVID-19 individuals following one-dose SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966098. [PMID: 35979361 PMCID: PMC9377315 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths worldwide. Preliminary results exhibited excellent efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in preventing hospitalization and severe disease. However, data on inactivated vaccine-induced immune responses of naturally infected patients are limited. Here, we characterized SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific IgG (anti-S-RBD IgG) and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 wild type and variants of concerns (VOCs), as well as RBD-specific IgG-secreting B cells and antigen-specific T cells respectively in 51 SARS-CoV-2 recovered subjects and 63 healthy individuals. In SARS-CoV-2 recovered patients, a single dose vaccine is sufficient to reactivate robust anti-S-RBD IgG and NAbs. The neutralizing capacity against VOCs increased significantly post-vaccination no matter healthy individuals or SARS-CoV-2 recovered patients. In addition, RBD-specific IgG-secreting B cells in SARS-CoV-2 recovered patients were significantly higher than that in healthy vaccine recipients. After the vaccine booster, the frequencies of specific IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cell, IL-2+ CD4+ T cell, and TNF-α+ CD4+ T cell responses were significantly increased in SARS-CoV-2 recovered patients. Our data highlighted the safety and utility of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine and demonstrated that robust humoral and cellular immune response can be reactivated by one-dose inactivated vaccine in SARS-CoV-2 recovered patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyun Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Tiandan Xiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xufeng Quan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuemei Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sumeng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sihong Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junzhong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Zheng,
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Oberemok VV, Andreeva OA, Laikova KV, Novikov IA, Puzanova YV, Kubyshkin AV. Anti-coronavirus vaccines will not accelerate the transition of humanity to a non-pandemic period, but the pandemic will take fewer victims. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:521-536. [PMID: 35397666 PMCID: PMC8994861 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaccination rate worldwide has reached enormous proportions, and it is likely that at least 75% of the world's population will be vaccinated. The controversy is that, while people aged 65 and older suffer a significantly higher mortality rate from COVID-19, plans are being made to vaccinate young people under the age of 20. Equally thorny is the question of vaccinating people who already have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, as well as B and T memory cells, because they contracted and survived the virus. The possible consequences of large-scale vaccination are difficult to predict, when some people do not have access to the vaccine at all and others have already received 3 doses of the vaccine. SARS-CoV-2 will circulate through the human population forever and continue to mutate, as viruses do. Therefore, in the coming years, the need to develop and use effective vaccines and medicines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 will remain urgent in view of the high mortality rate from this disease. To date, three vaccine platforms have been most used: adenoviral vector, inactivated, and mRNA. There is some concern about the side effects that occur after vaccination. Whether modern anti-coronavirus vaccines can raise the safety threshold, only time will answer. It is obvious that the pandemic will end, but the virus will remain in the human population, leaving behind invaluable experience and tens of millions of victims. This article is based on search retrieves in research articles devoted to COVID-19 mainly published in 2020-2021 and examines the possible consequences of the worldwide vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and suggests that, while anti-coronavirus vaccines will not magically transport humanity to a non-pandemic world, they may greatly reduce the number of victims of the pandemic and help us learn how to live with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Oberemok
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea.
- Department of DNA Technologies of Engineering Center, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - O A Andreeva
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
- Department of DNA Technologies of Engineering Center, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
| | - K V Laikova
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
- Department of DNA Technologies of Engineering Center, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
| | - I A Novikov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
| | - Y V Puzanova
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
- Department of DNA Technologies of Engineering Center, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
| | - A V Kubyshkin
- Department of DNA Technologies of Engineering Center, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
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Pugh J, Savulescu J, Brown RCH, Wilkinson D. The unnaturalistic fallacy: COVID-19 vaccine mandates should not discriminate against natural immunity. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2022; 48:371-377. [PMID: 35256487 PMCID: PMC9132858 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccine requirements have generated significant debate. Here, we argue that, on the evidence available, such policies should have recognised proof of natural immunity as a sufficient basis for exemption to vaccination requirements. We begin by distinguishing our argument from two implausible claims about natural immunity: (1) natural immunity is superior to 'artificial' vaccine-induced immunity simply because it is 'natural' and (2) it is better to acquire immunity through natural infection than via vaccination. We then briefly survey the evidence base for the comparison between naturally acquired immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. While we clearly cannot settle the scientific debates on this point, we suggest that we lack clear and convincing scientific evidence that vaccine-induced immunity has a significantly higher protective effect than natural immunity. Since vaccine requirements represent a substantial infringement of individual liberty, as well as imposing other significant costs, they can only be justified if they are necessary for achieving a proportionate public health benefit. Without compelling evidence for the superiority of vaccine-induced immunity, it cannot be deemed necessary to require vaccination for those with natural immunity. Subjecting them to vaccine mandates is therefore not justified. We conclude by defending the standard of proof that this argument from necessity invokes, and address other pragmatic and practical considerations that may speak against natural immunity exemptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Pugh
- The Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Savulescu
- The Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca C H Brown
- The Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dominic Wilkinson
- The Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Newborn Care, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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9
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Hollinghurst J, Hollinghurst R, North L, Mizen A, Akbari A, Long S, Lyons RA, Fry R. COVID-19 risk factors amongst 14,786 care home residents: an observational longitudinal analysis including daily community positive test rates of COVID-19, hospital stays and vaccination status in Wales (UK) between 1 September 2020 and 1 May 2021. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6577098. [PMID: 35511729 PMCID: PMC9070807 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccinations have been prioritised for high risk individuals. AIM Determine individual-level risk factors for care home residents testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal observational cohort study using individual-level linked data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank. SETTING Fourteen thousand seven hundred and eighty-six older care home residents (aged 65+) living in Wales between 1 September 2020 and 1 May 2021. Our dataset consisted of 2,613,341 individual-level daily observations within 697 care homes. METHODS We estimated odds ratios (ORs [95% confidence interval]) using multilevel logistic regression models. Our outcome of interest was a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. We included time-dependent covariates for the estimated community positive test rate of COVID-19, hospital inpatient status, vaccination status and frailty. Additional covariates were included for age, sex and specialist care home services. RESULTS The multivariable regression model indicated an increase in age (OR 1.01 [1.00,1.01] per year), community positive test rate (OR 1.13 [1.12,1.13] per percent increase), hospital inpatients (OR 7.40 [6.54,8.36]), and residents in care homes with non-specialist dementia care (OR 1.42 [1.01,1.99]) had an increased odds of a positive test. Having a positive test prior to the observation period (OR 0.58 [0.49,0.68]) and either one or two doses of a vaccine (0.21 [0.17,0.25] and 0.05 [0.02,0.09], respectively) were associated with a decreased odds. CONCLUSIONS Care providers need to remain vigilant despite the vaccination rollout, and extra precautions should be taken when caring for the most vulnerable. Minimising potential COVID-19 infection for care home residents when admitted to hospital should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ronan A Lyons
- Population Data Science, Swansea University, Wales, UK
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10
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Bardosh K, de Figueiredo A, Gur-Arie R, Jamrozik E, Doidge J, Lemmens T, Keshavjee S, Graham JE, Baral S. The unintended consequences of COVID-19 vaccine policy: why mandates, passports and restrictions may cause more harm than good. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e008684. [PMID: 35618306 PMCID: PMC9136690 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination policies have shifted dramatically during COVID-19 with the rapid emergence of population-wide vaccine mandates, domestic vaccine passports and differential restrictions based on vaccination status. While these policies have prompted ethical, scientific, practical, legal and political debate, there has been limited evaluation of their potential unintended consequences. Here, we outline a comprehensive set of hypotheses for why these policies may ultimately be counterproductive and harmful. Our framework considers four domains: (1) behavioural psychology, (2) politics and law, (3) socioeconomics, and (4) the integrity of science and public health. While current vaccines appear to have had a significant impact on decreasing COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality burdens, we argue that current mandatory vaccine policies are scientifically questionable and are likely to cause more societal harm than good. Restricting people's access to work, education, public transport and social life based on COVID-19 vaccination status impinges on human rights, promotes stigma and social polarisation, and adversely affects health and well-being. Current policies may lead to a widening of health and economic inequalities, detrimental long-term impacts on trust in government and scientific institutions, and reduce the uptake of future public health measures, including COVID-19 vaccines as well as routine immunisations. Mandating vaccination is one of the most powerful interventions in public health and should be used sparingly and carefully to uphold ethical norms and trust in institutions. We argue that current COVID-19 vaccine policies should be re-evaluated in light of the negative consequences that we outline. Leveraging empowering strategies based on trust and public consultation, and improving healthcare services and infrastructure, represent a more sustainable approach to optimising COVID-19 vaccination programmes and, more broadly, the health and well-being of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bardosh
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alex de Figueiredo
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel Gur-Arie
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Oxford-Johns Hopkins Global Infectious Disease Collaborative (GLIDE), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Euzebiusz Jamrozik
- Oxford-Johns Hopkins Global Infectious Disease Collaborative (GLIDE), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ethox and the Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James Doidge
- Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC), London, UK
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Trudo Lemmens
- Faculty of Law and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Salmaan Keshavjee
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janice E Graham
- Department of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Biggs AT, Littlejohn LF. Vaccination and natural immunity: Advantages and risks as a matter of public health policy. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 8:100242. [PMID: 35373176 PMCID: PMC8957290 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Biggs
- Naval Special Warfare Command, 2000 Trident Way, Coronado, CA 92155, USA
| | - Lanny F Littlejohn
- Naval Special Warfare Command, 2000 Trident Way, Coronado, CA 92155, USA
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12
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Mărcău FC, Purec S, Niculescu G. Study on the Refusal of Vaccination against COVID-19 in Romania. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020261. [PMID: 35214719 PMCID: PMC8879492 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The refusal to be inoculated with the anti-COVID-19 vaccine by a part of the Romanian population becomes a barrier against controlling and stopping this particularly infectious virus. The rapid evolution of COVID-19 vaccines has created confusion regarding health and safety. Many Romanian citizens refuse vaccination because of fears generated by uncertainties based on information obtained from fake news. At the present moment, January 2022, Romania has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the European Union, below 45% of the total population. In our study, we want to identify the determining factors behind the refusal of vaccination, offering a sociological analysis that, we hope, will help to understand this phenomenon. The analysis revealed that 81% of the respondents trust the mandatory vaccines under the national scheme and 57.3% trust the optional ones other than the anti-COVID-19 vaccines (like Rotavirus, Hepatitis A and B, Influenza, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, etc.) and have less confidence in the anti-COVID-19 vaccines. The study also reveals a very high percentage of respondents who trust fake news claims.
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13
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Ye Y, Zhang Q, Wei X, Cao Z, Yuan HY, Zeng DD. Equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines makes a life-saving difference to all countries. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:207-216. [PMID: 35102361 PMCID: PMC8873023 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01289-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite broad agreement on the negative consequences of vaccine inequity, the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is imbalanced. Access to vaccines in high-income countries (HICs) is far greater than in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As a result, there continue to be high rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths in LMICs. In addition, recent mutant COVID-19 outbreaks may counteract advances in epidemic control and economic recovery in HICs. To explore the consequences of vaccine (in)equity in the face of evolving COVID-19 strains, we examine vaccine allocation strategies using a multistrain metapopulation model. Our results show that vaccine inequity provides only limited and short-term benefits to HICs. Sharper disparities in vaccine allocation between HICs and LMICs lead to earlier and larger outbreaks of new waves. Equitable vaccine allocation strategies, in contrast, substantially curb the spread of new strains. For HICs, making immediate and generous vaccine donations to LMICs is a practical pathway to protect everyone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ye
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qingpeng Zhang
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xuan Wei
- Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhidong Cao
- The State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hsiang-Yu Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel Dajun Zeng
- The State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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14
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Kim P, Gordon SM, Sheehan MM, Rothberg MB. Duration of SARS-CoV-2 Natural Immunity and Protection against the Delta Variant: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 75:e185-e190. [PMID: 34864907 PMCID: PMC8690283 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be highly protective against reinfection and symptomatic disease. However, effectiveness against the highly transmissible Delta variant and duration of natural immunity remain unknown. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 325,157 patients tested for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 09 March 2020 to 31 December 2020 (Delta variant analysis) and 152,656 patients tested from 09 March 2020 to 30 August 2020 (long-term effectiveness analysis) with subsequent testing through 09 September 2021. The primary outcome was reinfection, defined as a positive PCR test >90 days after initial positive test. Results Among 325,157 patients tested before 31 December 2020, 50,327 (15.5%) tested positive. After 01 July 2021 (Delta dominant period), 40 (0.08%) of the initially positive and 1,494 (0.5%) of the initially negative patients tested positive. Protection of prior infection against reinfection with Delta was 85.4% (95% CI, 80.0-89.3). For the long-term effectiveness analysis, among 152,656 patients tested before 30 August 2020, 11,186 (7.3%) tested positive. After at least 90 days, 81 (0.7%) of the initially positive patients and 7,167 (5.1%) of the initially negative patients tested positive. Overall protection of previous infection was 85.7% (95% CI, 82.2-88.5) and lasted up to 13 months. Patients over age 65 had slightly lower protection. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly protective against reinfection with the Delta variant. Immunity from prior infection lasts for at least 13 months. Countries facing vaccine shortages should consider delaying vaccinations for previously infected patients to increase access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Kim
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven M Gordon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Megan M Sheehan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael B Rothberg
- Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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15
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Halperin DT, Hearst N, Hodgins S, Bailey RC, Klausner JD, Jackson H, Wamai RG, Ladapo JA, Over M, Baral S, Escandón K, Gandhi M. Revisiting COVID-19 policies: 10 evidence-based recommendations for where to go from here. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2084. [PMID: 34774012 PMCID: PMC8590121 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies to control coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) have often been based on preliminary and limited data and have tended to be slow to evolve as new evidence emerges. Yet knowledge about COVID-19 has grown exponentially, and the expanding rollout of vaccines presents further opportunity to reassess the response to the pandemic more broadly. MAIN TEXT We review the latest evidence concerning 10 key COVID-19 policy and strategic areas, specifically addressing: 1) the expansion of equitable vaccine distribution, 2) the need to ease restrictions as hospitalization and mortality rates eventually fall, 3) the advantages of emphasizing educational and harm reduction approaches over coercive and punitive measures, 4) the need to encourage outdoor activities, 5) the imperative to reopen schools, 6) the far-reaching and long-term economic and psychosocial consequences of sustained lockdowns, 7) the excessive focus on surface disinfection and other ineffective measures, 8) the importance of reassessing testing policies and practices, 9) the need for increasing access to outpatient therapies and prophylactics, and 10) the necessity to better prepare for future pandemics. CONCLUSIONS While remarkably effective vaccines have engendered great hope, some widely held assumptions underlying current policy approaches call for an evidence-based reassessment. COVID-19 will require ongoing mitigation for the foreseeable future as it transforms from a pandemic into an endemic infection, but maintaining a constant state of emergency is not viable. A more realistic public health approach is to adjust current mitigation goals to be more data-driven and to minimize unintended harms associated with unfocused or ineffective control efforts. Based on the latest evidence, we therefore present recommendations for refining 10 key policy areas, and for applying lessons learned from COVID-19 to prevent and prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Halperin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Norman Hearst
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Hodgins
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Robert C Bailey
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Richard G Wamai
- Integrated Initiative for Global Health, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph A Ladapo
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mead Over
- Center for Global Development, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Escandón
- School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
- Department of Microbiology, Universidad del Valle, Grupo de Investigación en Virus Emergentes VIREM, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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16
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Dietert RR. Microbiome First Approaches to Rescue Public Health and Reduce Human Suffering. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111581. [PMID: 34829809 PMCID: PMC8615664 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The is a sequential article to an initial review suggesting that Microbiome First medical approaches to human health and wellness could both aid the fight against noncommunicable diseases and conditions (NCDs) and help to usher in sustainable healthcare. This current review article specifically focuses on public health programs and initiatives and what has been termed by medical journals as a catastrophic record of recent failures. Included in the review is a discussion of the four priority behavioral modifications (food choices, cessation of two drugs of abuse, and exercise) advocated by the World Health Organization as the way to stop the ongoing NCD epidemic. The lack of public health focus on the majority of cells and genes in the human superorganism, the microbiome, is highlighted as is the "regulatory gap" failure to protect humans, particularly the young, from a series of mass population toxic exposures (e.g., asbestos, trichloroethylene, dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls, triclosan, bisphenol A and other plasticizers, polyfluorinated compounds, herbicides, food emulsifiers, high fructose corn syrup, certain nanoparticles, endocrine disruptors, and obesogens). The combination of early life toxicity for the microbiome and connected human physiological systems (e.g., immune, neurological), plus a lack of attention to the importance of microbial rebiosis has facilitated rather than suppressed, the NCD epidemic. This review article concludes with a call to place the microbiome first and foremost in public health initiatives as a way to both rescue public health effectiveness and reduce the human suffering connected to comorbid NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney R Dietert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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17
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Doshi P. Covid-19: Spreading vaccine "misinformation" puts licence at risk, US boards tell physicians. BMJ 2021; 375:n2417. [PMID: 34598924 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n2417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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18
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Godlee F. It is our governments’ duty to protect health. Assoc Med J 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n2334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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