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Gutfreund MC, Kobayashi T, Callado GY, Pardo I, Hsieh MK, Lin V, Perencevich EN, Salinas JL, Edmond MB, Mendonça E, Rizzo LV, Marra AR. The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in the prevention of post-COVID conditions in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e54. [PMID: 38655026 PMCID: PMC11036435 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Objective We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination against post-COVID conditions (long COVID) in the pediatric population. Design Systematic literature review/meta-analysis. Methods We searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science from December 1, 2019, to August 14, 2023, for studies evaluating the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against post-COVID conditions among vaccinated individuals < 21 years old who received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. A post-COVID condition was defined as any symptom that was present 4 or more weeks after COVID-19 infection. We calculated the pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) (95% CI) for post-COVID conditions between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Results Eight studies with 23,995 individuals evaluated the effect of vaccination on post-COVID conditions, of which 5 observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of children who did not receive COVID-19 vaccines ranged from 65% to 97%. The pooled prevalence of post-COVID conditions was 21.3% among those unvaccinated and 20.3% among those vaccinated at least once. The pooled DOR for post-COVID conditions among individuals vaccinated with at least 1 dose and those vaccinated with 2 doses were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.77-1.49) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.63-1.08), respectively. Conclusions A significant proportion of children and adolescents were unvaccinated, and the prevalence of post-COVID conditions was higher than reported in adults. While vaccination did not appear protective, conclusions were limited by the lack of randomized trials and selection bias inherent in observational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Celidonio Gutfreund
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Takaaki Kobayashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gustavo Yano Callado
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabele Pardo
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Kim Hsieh
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vivian Lin
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eli N. Perencevich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for Access & Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jorge L. Salinas
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael B. Edmond
- Department of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Eneida Mendonça
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Luiz Vicente Rizzo
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre R. Marra
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for Access & Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Bozzola E, Caffarelli C, Santamaria F, Corsello G. Year 2022: exploring COVID-19 pandemic in children. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:128. [PMID: 37770981 PMCID: PMC10540415 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01536-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemics is rapidly changing. In this article, we review progresses published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics in 2022. More data on clinical pictures, prevention strategies and active management in children have been provided. The continued evolution of knowledge has driven transformations in the clinical approach to the disease and allowed key advancements in the care of children with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bozzola
- Pediatric Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinica Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Santamaria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corsello
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Tradigo G, Das JK, Vizza P, Roy S, Guzzi PH, Veltri P. Strategies and Trends in COVID-19 Vaccination Delivery: What We Learn and What We May Use for the Future. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1496. [PMID: 37766172 PMCID: PMC10535057 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091496] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination has been the most effective way to control the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers and types of vaccines have reached considerable proportions, even if the question of vaccine procedures and frequency still needs to be resolved. We have come to learn the necessity of defining vaccination distribution strategies with regard to COVID-19 that could be used for any future pandemics of similar gravity. In fact, vaccine monitoring implies the existence of a strategy that should be measurable in terms of input and output, based on a mathematical model, including death rates, the spread of infections, symptoms, hospitalization, and so on. This paper addresses the issue of vaccine diffusion and strategies for monitoring the pandemic. It provides a description of the importance and take up of vaccines and the links between procedures and the containment of COVID-19 variants, as well as the long-term effects. Finally, the paper focuses on the global scenario in a world undergoing profound social and political change, with particular attention on current and future health provision. This contribution would represent an example of vaccination experiences, which can be useful in other pandemic or epidemiological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Tradigo
- Department of Computer Science, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy;
| | - Jayanta Kumar Das
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translation Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA;
| | - Patrizia Vizza
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Swarup Roy
- Network Reconstruction & Analysis (NetRA) Lab, Department of Computer Applications, Sikkim University, Gangtok 737102, India;
| | - Pietro Hiram Guzzi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Pierangelo Veltri
- Department of Computer Science, Modelling, Electronics and Systems, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
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Cuschieri S, Agius S, Souness J, Brincat A, Grech V. A population-based paediatric Covid-19 vaccination progress and outcomes: The Malta case. ETHICS, MEDICINE, AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 28:100901. [PMID: 37066025 PMCID: PMC10070778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemep.2023.100901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Covid-19 is still pandemic with population vaccination, including among children, remaining the mainstay for hastening the exit from the pandemic. The article provides an insight in Malta's national paediatric vaccination modus operandi, vaccination uptake, and epidemiological trends while exploring geographical social inequalities among the ≤ 15 years cohort up till end of August 2022. Methods The Vaccination Coordination Unit in Malta's only regional hospital provided an account of the strategic roll-out along with anonymised cumulative vaccination doses by age band and district. Descriptive and multivariant logistic regression analyses were performed. Results By mid-August 2022, 44.18% of the under 15's population had received at least 1 vaccine dose. A bi-directional relationship was observed between increased cumulative vaccination and reported Covid-19 cases until early 2022. Central vaccination hubs were set up with invitation letters and SMSs sent to parents. Children residing in the Southern Harbour district (OR: 0.42, P < 0.01) had the highest full vaccination uptake (46.66%) as opposed to the Gozo district (lowest at 27.23%; OR: 0.3, P = 0.01). Conclusion Successful paediatric vaccination is not only dependent on easily accessible vaccination but also on vaccine effectiveness against variants, as well as population characteristics, with potential geographical social inequalities hindering uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cuschieri
- Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - S Agius
- Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - J Souness
- Vaccination Logistics' officer, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - A Brincat
- Vaccination Logistics' officer, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - V Grech
- Department of Paediatric, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Ahmadizar F, Luxi N, Raethke M, Schmikli S, Riefolo F, Saraswati PW, Bucsa C, Osman A, Liddiard M, Maques FB, Petrelli G, Sonderlichová S, Thurin NH, Villalobos F, Trifirò G, Sturkenboom M. Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines Among the Paediatric Population: Analysis of the European Surveillance Systems and Pivotal Clinical Trials. Drug Saf 2023; 46:575-585. [PMID: 37103643 PMCID: PMC10136385 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The European Medicine Agency extended the use of Comirnaty, Spikevax, and Nuvaxovid in paediatrics; thus, these vaccines require additional real-world safety evidence. Herein, we aimed to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines through Covid-19 Vaccine Monitor (CVM) and EudraVigilance surveillance systems and the published pivotal clinical trials. METHODS In a prospective cohort of vaccinees aged between 5 and 17 years, we measured the frequency of commonly reported (local/systemic solicited) and serious adverse drug events (ADRs) following the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Europe using data from the CVM cohort until April 2022. The results of previous pivotal clinical trials and data in the EudraVigilance were also analysed. RESULTS The CVM study enrolled 658 first-dose vaccinees (children aged 5-11 years; n = 250 and adolescents aged 12-17 years; n = 408). Local/systemic solicited ADRs were common, whereas serious ADRs were uncommon. Among Comirnaty first and second dose recipients, 28.8% and 17.1% of children and 54.2% and 52.2% of adolescents experienced at least one ADR, respectively; injection-site pain (29.2% and 20.7%), fatigue (16.1% and 12.8%), and headache (22.1% and 19.3%) were the most frequent local and systemic ADRs. Results were consistent but slightly lower than in pivotal clinical trials. Reporting rates in Eudravigilance were lower by a factor of 1000. CONCLUSIONS The CVM study showed high frequencies of local solicited reactions after vaccination but lower rates than in pivotal clinical trials. Injection-site pain, fatigue, and headache were the most commonly reported ADRs for clinical trials, but higher than spontaneously reported data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Ahmadizar
- Department of Data Science and Biostatistics, Julius Global Health, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicoletta Luxi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Monika Raethke
- Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Sandor Schmikli
- Department of Data Science and Biostatistics, Julius Global Health, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Fabio Riefolo
- Teamit Institute, Partnerships, Barcelona Health Hub, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Putri Widi Saraswati
- Department of Data Science and Biostatistics, Julius Global Health, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Camelia Bucsa
- Pharmacovigilance Research Center, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alhadi Osman
- Department of Data Science and Biostatistics, Julius Global Health, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Francisco Batel Maques
- Laboratory of Social Pharmacy and Public Health, School of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Giuliana Petrelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simona Sonderlichová
- Faculty of Medicine, SLOVACRIN, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Nicolas H Thurin
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC-P 1401, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Felipe Villalobos
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluca Trifirò
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Miriam Sturkenboom
- Department of Data Science and Biostatistics, Julius Global Health, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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von Sommoggy J, Grepmeier EM, Apfelbacher C, Brandstetter S, Curbach J. Pediatricians' experiences of managing outpatient care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Germany. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1127238. [PMID: 37138578 PMCID: PMC10150929 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1127238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatricians are important sources of information for parents regarding their children's health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatricians faced a variety of challenges regarding information uptake and transfer to patients, practice organization and consultations for families. This qualitative study aimed at shedding light on German pediatricians' experiences of providing outpatient care during the first year of the pandemic. Methods We conducted 19 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with pediatricians in Germany from July 2020 to February 2021. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, pseudonymized, coded, and subjected to content analysis. Results Pediatricians felt able to keep up to date regarding COVID-19 regulations. However, staying informed was time consuming and onerous. Informing the patients was perceived as strenuous, especially when political decisions had not been officially communicated to pediatricians or if the recommendations were not supported by the professional judgment of the interviewees. Some felt that they were not taken seriously or adequately involved in political decisions. Parents were reported to consider pediatric practices as sources of information also for non-medical inquiries. Answering these questions was time consuming for the practice personnel and involved non-billable hours. Practices had to adapt their set-up and organization immediately to the new circumstances of the pandemic, which proved costly and laborious as well. Some changes in the organization of routine care, such as the separation of appointments for patients with acute infection from preventive appointments, were perceived as positive and effective by some study participants. Telephone and online consultations were established at the beginning of the pandemic and considered helpful for some situations, whereas for others these methods were deemed insufficient (e.g. for examinations of sick children). All pediatricians reported reduced utilization mainly due to a decline in acute infections. However, preventive medical check-ups and immunization appointments were reported to be mostly attended. Conclusion Positive experiences of reorganizing pediatric practice should be disseminated as "best practices" in order to improve future pediatric health services. Further research could show how some of these positive experiences in reorganizing care during the pandemic are to be maintained by pediatricians in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia von Sommoggy
- Medical Sociology, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence: Julia von Sommoggy
| | - Eva-Maria Grepmeier
- Medical Sociology, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Susanne Brandstetter
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Klinik St. Hedwig, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Janina Curbach
- Medical Sociology, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Business Studies, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Gouda N, Dimitriadou M, Sotiriou G, Christoforidis A. The impact of COVID-19 vaccination on glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus on continuous glucose monitoring. Acta Diabetol 2022; 59:1609-1614. [PMID: 36069940 PMCID: PMC9449273 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-022-01968-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the impact of SARS-COV-2 vaccination on the glycaemic control in children and adolescents with T1DM wearing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). METHODS Caregivers of children and adolescents with T1DM were questioned regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during their regular visits at the Pediatric Diabetes Outpatient Clinic. Data regarding Time in Range (TIR) (glucose levels: 70-180 mg/dl) 7 days prior and 7 days after a vaccination dose were collected in patients wearing CGM and data regarding insulin daily doses were also obtained for the insulin pump users. RESULTS From a total of 135 patients eligible for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, 70 (51.9%) children (37 boys, 52.9%) were vaccinated with at least one dose. Seven patients received only one dose, whereas two children received a third booster shot. No statistically significant difference was observed in either TIR (64.19% post vs. 65.53% pre, p = 0.158) or total daily insulin dose (40.08 U/day post vs. 39.32 U/day pre, p = 0,282). Additionally, in ten patients on Hybrid Closed-Loop System the percentage of the automated insulin boluses given post-vaccination was not statistically significant different compared to the boluses given pre-vaccination (15.80% vs. 16.90%, p = 0,491). CONCLUSIONS Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents with T1DM is safe and is not associated with immediate glucose imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Gouda
- 1st Paediatric Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokratio General Hospital, 49 Konstantinoupoleosstr, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Meropi Dimitriadou
- 1st Paediatric Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokratio General Hospital, 49 Konstantinoupoleosstr, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Sotiriou
- 1st Paediatric Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokratio General Hospital, 49 Konstantinoupoleosstr, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Christoforidis
- 1st Paediatric Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokratio General Hospital, 49 Konstantinoupoleosstr, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Paul S, Mishra CM. Do we need to vaccinate every child against COVID-19: What evidence suggests-A systematic review of opinions. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1002992. [PMID: 36424958 PMCID: PMC9679503 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1002992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
It is still debatable whether all children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The comparatively mild cases and low risk of COVID-19 in children compared to adults, as well as the lack of clarity on the relative effects of the disease and vaccine, indicate that the risk-benefit ratio of vaccination in children is more nuanced. To consider and highlight the complexity of policy decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children, we outlined the points regarding for and against vaccination of children against COVID-19 in this systemic review. Using Medical Search Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords, we searched PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The primary search term was COVID-19 vaccination (all synonyms), factors (all synonyms), and among children (all synonyms). A total of 367 articles were searched. Finally, 64 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The major theme/tone of 28 (43.75%) articles was in favor of children's COVID vaccination, and they were highlighting the positive factors, whereas the major theme/tone of 20 (31.25%) articles was against it. Approximately 16 (25.0%) articles were in a neutral position. Major factors highlighted by articles in favor of childhood COVID vaccination were as follows: the increasing rate of disease burden (29 articles), prevention of interruption of academic activities of children or school reopening (24 articles), and a role in defense against COVID infection (21 articles). Major factors against childhood vaccination were as follows: mild infection among children (27 articles), ethical concerns and legal problems regarding the consent of minors (17 articles), and vaccine hesitancy among parents for childhood vaccination (11 articles). Whereas, factors of uncertainty were the role in the reduction of community transmission (19 articles), protection against MIS-C (10 articles), and defense against long COVID (7 articles). Considering all the factors of COVID-19 disease progression among children, a cautious approach will be essential before proceeding with COVID-19 vaccination in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandra Mauli Mishra
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Safety after BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents Aged 10-17 Years in Thailand. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101765. [PMID: 36298630 PMCID: PMC9612063 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 affected child health and impacted learning because of the resulting onsite school closures. This prospective cohort study included children aged 10-17 who received two 4 µg doses of BBIBP-CorV administered intramuscularly 21-28 days apart. To assess vaccine safety, 36,808 participants were then followed with paper- and web-based online questionnaire surveys that captured local and systemic reactogenicities following vaccine administration on days 1, 7, and 30. Among participants, 76% (27,880) reported reactogenicity within the first 24 h and 7 days following the first dose. Half (51.41%) of participants experienced pain at the injection site; the majority of cases were mild in severity. Injection site tenderness (37.93%) was another common local reaction. Fatigue (37.89%), myalgia (33.56%), and headache (26.76%) were the most common systemic reactions. On days 2-7 after the first dose, 25.85% of participants experienced adverse reactions. Following the second dose, reactogenicity was 7.6% and 1.09% within 24 h and between days 2-7. The majority of reactions were of mild to moderate severity. We report that two doses of the BBIBP-CorV caused mild to moderate side effects in adolescents in Thailand. The findings confirm the vaccine's safety profile in this age group.
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10
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Esposito S, Caminiti C, Giordano R, Argentiero A, Ramundo G, Principi N. Myocarditis Following COVID-19 Vaccine Use: Can It Play a Role for Conditioning Immunization Schedules? Front Immunol 2022; 13:915580. [PMID: 35833128 PMCID: PMC9271782 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.915580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis (MYO) is a relatively uncommon inflammatory disease that involves the heart muscle. It can be a very severe disease as it can lead to the development of acute or chronic heart failure and, in a not marginal number of cases, to death. Most of the cases are diagnosed in healthy people younger than 30 years of age. Moreover, males are affected about twice as much as females. Viruses are among the most common causes of MYO, but how viral infection can lead to MYO development is not precisely defined. After COVID-19 pandemic declaration, incidence rate of MYO has significantly increased worldwide because of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. After the introduction of anti-COVID-19 vaccines, reports of post-immunization MYO have emerged, suggesting that a further cause of MYO together with the SARS-CoV-2 infection could increase the risk of heart damage during pandemic. Main aim of this study is to discuss present knowledge regarding etiopathogenesis and clinical findings of MYO associated with COVID-19 vaccine administration and whether the risk of this adverse events can modify the initially suggested recommendation for the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pediatric age. Literature analysis showed that MYO is an adverse event that can follow the COVID-19 immunization with mRNA vaccines in few persons, particularly young adults, adolescents, and older children. It is generally a mild disease that should not modify the present recommendations for immunization with the authorized COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Despite this, further studies are needed to evaluate presently undefined aspects of MYO development after COVID-19 vaccine administration and reduce the risk of development of this kind of vaccine complication. Together with a better definition of the true incidence of MYO and the exact role of the various factors in conditioning incidence variations, it is essential to establish long-term evolution of acute COVID-19 related MYO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Susanna Esposito,
| | - Caterina Caminiti
- Research and Innovation Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Argentiero
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Greta Ramundo
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
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11
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Bilotta C, Perrone G, Zerbo S, Argo A. COVID-19 Vaccination in Pediatric Population: A Necessity or Obstruction to the Protection of the Right to Health? Biojuridical Perspective. Front Public Health 2022; 10:874687. [PMID: 35707056 PMCID: PMC9191355 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.874687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most recently debated topics worldwide is the mass vaccination of children against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Next, the risk/benefit ratio of COVID-19 vaccination and infection in children are compared. Nonetheless, the real question in this debate is as follows: Does the vaccine represent a necessary tool or is it an obstacle in protecting the right to health? From a public health point of view, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, in Canada, recommends COVID-19 vaccination in the pediatric population. Based on Article 25 of the Draft Articles on State responsibility, vaccination can be considered a social act necessary for protecting the individual's right to health. The 1989 New York Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Regulation number 219/1111 state that the opinion of a minor aged >12 years is considerable. However, this validity of opinion is related to age and degree of discernment. The onset of adverse events following the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine may lead to compensation in the near future. Recent studies have identified a new COVID-19-related pediatric pathology, known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Other studies have demonstrated that myocarditis in the pediatric population might occur following COVID-19 vaccine administration. In June 2021 in the USA, the Center for Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices declared that the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 in the pediatric population outweighed the risks. In the meantime, whereas the bioethical debate remains open, monitoring the real risk/benefit ratio of vaccination in the pediatric population is crucial.
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Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Pediatric Long COVID-19: A Case Series. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050514. [PMID: 35624901 PMCID: PMC9138973 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Few data are available regarding the incidence and the evolution of neuropsychiatric manifestations in children with a history of COVID-19. We herein report five consequent cases of pediatric patients with psychiatric and neurological symptoms of long COVID-19. All patients, mainly males, reported asymptomatic-to-mild COVID-19 and underwent home self-isolation. Abnormal movements, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation were the most recurrent symptoms observed from a few weeks to months after the resolution of the acute infection. A later onset was observed in younger patients. Blood tests and brain imaging resulted in negative results in all subjects; pharmacological and cognitive behavioral therapy was set. A multifactorial etiology could be hypothesized in these cases, as a result of a complex interplay between systemic and brain inflammation and environmental stress in vulnerable individuals. Longer follow-up is required to observe the evolution of neuropsychiatric manifestation in the present cohort and other young patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Esposito S. Manifesto of the pediatricians of Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, in favor of vaccination against COVID in children 5–11 years old. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:40. [PMID: 35248142 PMCID: PMC8898060 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Following the authorization by the regulatory authorities of vaccination against COVID for children aged between 5 and 11, in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, the pediatricians of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), the Cultural Association of Pediatrics, the Italian Federation of Pediatricians (FIMP) and the Italian Union of Family Pediatricians (SIMPeF), who work in the hospital and in the territorial setting, have made a univocal and convinced appeal in favor of vaccination also in this age group. Main findings In order to contribute to a conscious choice, on the part of parents, based on exhaustive and correct information, a 24-point manifesto was developed. The manifesto showed that vaccines against COVID are the most effective and safest tool we have to counter the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination against COVID is a right of children just as it is for adults. Children between 5 and 11 years are not protected from the virus and a large part of the newly infected is this age. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is certainly more benign in children, in some cases it can cause a serious pathology and long COVID. The stress caused by the pandemic, the prolonged closure of schools and the interruption of sports and recreational activities have had a devastating effect on the mental health of children and on the development of their personality. Vaccinating children against COVID serves to protect them from severe forms of disease and long COVID, allowing them to attend school face-to-face and lead a normal social life. The safety of vaccinatin is very high and vaccines against COVID have no influence on fertility nor can they cause developmental or growth side effects. Conclusions The manifesto highlighted that the vaccine against COVID for children aged between 5 and 11 is effective and safe and represents an extraordinary gift for safeguarding health of the younger ones. The invitation, therefore, to parents is to have their children vaccinated against COVID as early as possible.
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