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Youssef A, Ulloa L. Ethical and Legal Debates on Vaccine Infodemics. Cureus 2024; 16:e52566. [PMID: 38371094 PMCID: PMC10874613 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the course of three and a half years, the global toll of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of millions of individuals. Scientific breakthroughs, exemplified by mRNA vaccines, have emerged as crucial tools in saving numerous lives and fortifying our defenses against future pandemics. However, the battle against the virus has been complicated by the dissemination of misleading political and ethical information, resulting in avoidable fatalities. Recognizing this phenomenon, the term 'infodemics' has been coined to denote the proliferation of false or misleading information that hinders effective social responses. Given the historical prevalence of infodemics surrounding vaccinations, this discussion delves into the ongoing ethical and legal deliberations concerning vaccination mandates, an indispensable health intervention in the face of pandemics. Governments bear the responsibility of safeguarding their citizens, acknowledging the social requirements imposed by the collective well-being. The protection of both citizens and healthcare workers becomes paramount, considering the potential risks of infection and mortality associated with individuals refusing vaccination. Historically, governments have played a pivotal role in eradicating pandemics through the implementation of vaccine mandates. However, the contemporary landscape is marked by the infusion of political and misleading misinformation, presenting new challenges. Governments are now confronted with an ethical duty to ensure that citizens possess the necessary information to make informed decisions and safeguard their well-being. While grappling with the realization that extraordinary circumstances demand extraordinary responses, the lessons from past pandemics underscore the imperative of prioritizing public health, especially in the context of the high numbers of casualties worldwide. This discourse explores the ethical and legal dimensions surrounding vaccine mandates, with particular emphasis on their relevance to healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Youssef
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
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Chirico F, Teixeira da Silva JA. Evidence-based policies in public health to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Future Virol 2023; 18:10.2217/fvl-2022-0028. [PMID: 37034451 PMCID: PMC10079004 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental basis for effective health-related policymaking of any democratic nation should be open and transparent communication between a government and its citizens, including scientists and healthcare professionals, to foster a climate of trust, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign. Since misinformation is a leading cause of vaccine hesitancy, open data sharing through an evidence-based approach may render the communication of health strategies developed by policymakers with the public more effective, allowing misinformation and claims that are not backed by scientific evidence to be tackled. In this narrative review, we debate possible causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and links to the COVID-19 misinformation epidemic. We also put forward plausible solutions as recommended in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Chirico
- Post-graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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3
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Collatuzzo G, De Palma G, Violante FS, Porru S, Larese Filon F, Fabianova E, Violán C, Vimercati L, Leustean M, Rodriguez-Suarez MM, Sansone E, Sala E, Zunarelli C, Lodi V, Monaco MGL, Spiteri G, Negro C, Beresova J, Carrasco-Ribelles LA, Tafuri S, Asafo SS, Ditano G, Abedini M, Boffetta P. Temporal trends of COVID-19 antibodies in vaccinated healthcare workers undergoing repeated serological sampling: An individual-level analysis within 13 months in the ORCHESTRA cohort. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1079884. [PMID: 36713452 PMCID: PMC9875291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1079884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Short summary We investigated changes in serologic measurements after COVID-19 vaccination in 19,422 subjects. An individual-level analysis was performed on standardized measurements. Age, infection, vaccine doses, time between doses and serologies, and vaccine type were associated with changes in serologic levels within 13 months. Background Persistence of vaccine immunization is key for COVID-19 prevention. Methods We investigated the difference between two serologic measurements of anti-COVID-19 S1 antibodies in an individual-level analysis on 19,422 vaccinated healthcare workers (HCW) from Italy, Spain, Romania, and Slovakia, tested within 13 months from first dose. Differences in serologic levels were divided by the standard error of the cohort-specific distribution, obtaining standardized measurements. We fitted multivariate linear regression models to identify predictors of difference between two measurements. Results We observed a progressively decreasing difference in serologic levels from <30 days to 210-240 days. Age was associated with an increased difference in serologic levels. There was a greater difference between the two serologic measurements in infected HCW than in HCW who had never been infected; before the first measurement, infected HCW had a relative risk (RR) of 0.81 for one standard deviation in the difference [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-0.85]. The RRs for a 30-day increase in time between first dose and first serology, and between the two serologies, were 1.08 (95% CI 1.07-1.10) and 1.04 (95% CI 1.03-1.05), respectively. The first measurement was a strong predictor of subsequent antibody decrease (RR 1.60; 95% CI 1.56-1.64). Compared with Comirnaty, Spikevax (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.92) and mixed vaccines (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.51-0.74) were smaller decrease in serological level (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.40-0.54). Conclusions Age, COVID-19 infection, number of doses, time between first dose and first serology, time between serologies, and type of vaccine were associated with differences between the two serologic measurements within a 13-month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Collatuzzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco S. Violante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Porru
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Fabianova
- Occupational Health Department, Regional Authority of Public Health, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Concepción Violán
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Mataró, Spain,Direcció d’Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord Institut Català de Salut, Barcelona, Spain,Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Marta Maria Rodriguez-Suarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA) and Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Emanuele Sansone
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emma Sala
- Unit of Occupational Health, Hygiene, Toxicology and Prevention, ASST Ospedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Zunarelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lodi
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Spiteri
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Corrado Negro
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jana Beresova
- Occupational Health Department, Regional Authority of Public Health, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - LucÌa A. Carrasco-Ribelles
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Mataró, Spain
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Shuffield S. Asafo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ditano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mahsa Abedini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Paolo Boffetta,
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Alazzam FAF, Shakatreh HJM, Gharaibeh ZIY, Aldrou KKAR, Alkhatib AJ. COVID-19 Vaccinations: Medical, Ethical and Legal Aspects. Med Arch 2022; 76:413-418. [PMID: 36937616 PMCID: PMC10019883 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2022.76.413-418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Following the consideration of COVID-19 as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), developing new vaccinations against COVID-19 was the dream of humanity. Leading companies competed to achieve this task. Several vaccinations have been developed relatively quickly. Objective The aim of the present study was to review the literature regarding medical, ethical, and legal aspects of COVID-19 vaccination. Methods Literature was reviewed regarding various issues of COVID-19 vaccinations. Results and Discussion The main findings showed that a dilemma exists in literature regarding the ethics in general in keeping the rights of individuals to retain their rights to receive the vaccine and considering receiving the vaccination as compulsory. Conclusion As the disease has become pandemic with high mortality rates, keeping the safety of the community has received the priority on individual rights, and many countries considered compulsory vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ahed J Alkhatib
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
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Beccia F, Aulino G, Amantea C, Lontano A, Altamura G, Marziali E, Rossi MF, Pascucci D, Santoro PE, Oliva A, Capelli G, Federico B, Damiani G, Laurenti P. Medical Residents' Behaviours toward Compulsory COVID-19 Vaccination in a Tertiary Hospital in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15985. [PMID: 36498059 PMCID: PMC9736902 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
To maintain safety conditions in the provision of care and assistance, and to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients, the Italian government required compulsory COVID-19 vaccination for HCWs, including medical residents (MRs). The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19 vaccination coverage in MRs in a large tertiary hospital in Italy, before and after the introduction of compulsory vaccination, according to demographic characteristics and specific residency. A database on COVID-19 vaccination status and infection of resident medical doctors was created. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were carried out on the data. A total of 1894 MRs were included in the study. Being vaccinated in the same hospital as the residency program was significantly related to the year of residency and being enrolled in a frontline residency. A significant association between compliance with the compulsory primary cycle vaccination and vaccination in the hospital residency was observed. Being enrolled in the second, third, and last years of residency, and in a frontline residency, were predictive of being vaccinated in the residency hospital. Almost 100% of the MRs participating in the study were vaccinated against COVID-19. Compulsory vaccination of HCWs, alongside greater and clearer information about the risks and benefits of vaccination, represents an important booster to ensure public health and to promote quality and safety of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Aulino
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Carlotta Amantea
- Section of Occupational Health, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Gerardo Altamura
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Rossi
- Section of Occupational Health, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Domenico Pascucci
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Emilio Santoro
- Section of Occupational Health, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health—Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Oliva
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capelli
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Bruno Federico
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health—Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health—Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
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Iliyasu Z, Garba RM, Aliyu MA, Gajida AU, Amole TG, Umar AA, Abdullahi HM, Tsiga-Ahmed FI, Kwaku AA, Kowalski MS, Salihu HM, Aliyu MH. "I Would Rather Take the Vaccine Than Undergo Weekly Testing": Correlates of Health Workers' Support for COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13937. [PMID: 36360818 PMCID: PMC9658226 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the support for vaccine mandates and uptake among clinical and non-clinical staff at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria, focusing on variation of survey responses based on job position, socio-demographic characteristics, and perceived risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Using an explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods design and deploying a pragmatic paradigm, 370 healthcare workers were administered structured questionnaires. This was followed by in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of respondents to further clarify the responses regarding support for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine mandate. Findings demonstrated that less than one-half of respondents supported the COVID-19 mandate, and only one in three had received the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. Support for the vaccine mandate and vaccine uptake were predicted by profession, work experience, number of children, health status, and risk perception. Support for the vaccine mandate was ascribed to ethical and professional duty, whereas opposition was associated with respect for autonomy and human rights. This study documents the need to enhance support for vaccine mandates and uptake among healthcare workers through sustainable strategies, as Nigeria's healthcare workers are considered a source of trust and role models for the rest of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubairu Iliyasu
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria
| | - Rayyan M. Garba
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria
| | - Mansur A. Aliyu
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria
| | - Auwalu U. Gajida
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo G. Amole
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria
| | - Amina A. Umar
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Aminatu A. Kwaku
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria
| | - Meira S. Kowalski
- Medicine, Health, and Society Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Hamisu M. Salihu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Muktar H. Aliyu
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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Ogunleye OO, Godman B, Fadare JO, Mudenda S, Adeoti AO, Yinka-Ogunleye AF, Ogundele SO, Oyawole MR, Schönfeldt M, Rashed WM, Galal AM, Masuka N, Zaranyika T, Kalungia AC, Malande OO, Kibuule D, Massele A, Chikowe I, Khuluza F, Taruvinga T, Alfadl A, Malik E, Oluka M, Opanga S, Ankrah DNA, Sefah IA, Afriyie D, Tagoe ET, Amu AA, Msibi MP, Etando A, Alabi ME, Okwen P, Niba LL, Mwita JC, Rwegerera GM, Kgatlwane J, Jairoun AA, Ejekam C, Mavenyengwa RT, Murimi-Worstell I, Campbell SM, Meyer JC. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic across Africa: Current Status of Vaccinations and Implications for the Future. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1553. [PMID: 36146631 PMCID: PMC9504201 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of effective vaccines in December 2020 marked a significant step forward in the global response to COVID-19. Given concerns with access, acceptability, and hesitancy across Africa, there is a need to describe the current status of vaccine uptake in the continent. An exploratory study was undertaken to investigate these aspects, current challenges, and lessons learnt across Africa to provide future direction. Senior personnel across 14 African countries completed a self-administered questionnaire, with a descriptive analysis of the data. Vaccine roll-out commenced in March 2021 in most countries. COVID-19 vaccination coverage varied from low in Cameroon and Tanzania and up to 39.85% full coverage in Botswana at the end of 2021; that is, all doses advocated by initial protocols versus the total population, with rates increasing to 58.4% in Botswana by the end of June 2022. The greatest increase in people being fully vaccinated was observed in Uganda (20.4% increase), Botswana (18.5% increase), and Zambia (17.9% increase). Most vaccines were obtained through WHO-COVAX agreements. Initially, vaccination was prioritised for healthcare workers (HCWs), the elderly, adults with co-morbidities, and other at-risk groups, with countries now commencing vaccination among children and administering booster doses. Challenges included irregular supply and considerable hesitancy arising from misinformation fuelled by social media activities. Overall, there was fair to reasonable access to vaccination across countries, enhanced by government initiatives. Vaccine hesitancy must be addressed with context-specific interventions, including proactive programmes among HCWs, medical journalists, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka O. Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
| | - Joseph O. Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti 362103, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti 360211, Nigeria
| | - Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Adekunle O. Adeoti
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti 360211, Nigeria
| | | | - Sunday O. Ogundele
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Modupe R. Oyawole
- Department of Pharmacy, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Marione Schönfeldt
- Child, Youth and School Health Directorate, National Department of Health, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
| | - Wafaa M. Rashed
- Children’s Cancer Hospital, Egypt-57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo 11441, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M. Galal
- Biomedical Research Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo 11774, Egypt
| | - Nyasha Masuka
- CIMAS, Cimas House, Borrowdale Office Park, Borrowdale Road, Harare P.O. Box 1243, Zimbabwe
| | - Trust Zaranyika
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe
| | - Aubrey C. Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Oliver O. Malande
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Egerton University, Nakuru P.O.Box 536, Kenya
- East Africa Centre for Vaccines and Immunization (ECAVI), Namela House, Naguru, Kampala P.O. Box 3040, Uganda
| | - Dan Kibuule
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Busitema University, Mbale P.O. Box 236, Uganda
| | - Amos Massele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hurbert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania
| | - Ibrahim Chikowe
- Pharmacy Department, Formerly College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre P.O. Box 278, Malawi
| | - Felix Khuluza
- Pharmacy Department, Formerly College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre P.O. Box 278, Malawi
| | - Tinotenda Taruvinga
- Department of Global Health and Development (GHD), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London WC1E 7TH, UK
| | - Abubakr Alfadl
- National Medicines and Poisons Board, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum P.O. Box 303, Sudan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elfatih Malik
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Margaret Oluka
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Kenya
| | - Sylvia Opanga
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Kenya
| | - Daniel N. A. Ankrah
- Department of Pharmacy, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana
| | - Israel A. Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe PMB 31, Ghana
| | - Daniel Afriyie
- Pharmacy Department, Ghana Police Hospital, Accra P.O. Box CT104, Ghana
| | - Eunice T. Tagoe
- Department of Management Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0QU, UK
| | - Adefolarin A. Amu
- Pharmacy Department, Eswatini Medical Christian University, P.O. Box A624, Swazi Plaza, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Mlungisi P. Msibi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Swazi Plaza P.O. Box A624, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Ayukafangha Etando
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Swazi Plaza P.O. Box A624, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Mobolaji E. Alabi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-natal (UKZN), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Patrick Okwen
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Ndamukong Street, Bamenda 5175, Cameroon
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide University, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Loveline Lum Niba
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Ndamukong Street, Bamenda 5175, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health, University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
| | - Julius C. Mwita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Godfrey M. Rwegerera
- Department of Medicine, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Joyce Kgatlwane
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Ammar A. Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai P.O. Box 67, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Chioma Ejekam
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos PMB 21266, Nigeria
| | - Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa
- Medical Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe
| | - Irene Murimi-Worstell
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen M. Campbell
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
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Chavda VP, Sonak SS, Munshi NK, Dhamade PN. Pseudoscience and fraudulent products for COVID-19 management. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62887-62912. [PMID: 35836045 PMCID: PMC9282830 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
As of now, the COVID-19 pandemic has become uncontrolled and is spreading widely throughout the world. Additionally, new variants of the mutated viral variants have been found in some countries that are more dangerous than the original strain. Even vaccines cannot produce complete protective immunity against the newer strains of SARS-CoV-2. Due to such a dreadful situation, lots of fear and depression have been created among the public. People are looking for the treatment of the disease at any cost and there is a race in the market to provide treatment and make money, whether it is effective or not! In such a condition, many fraud products, remedies, and myths have come into the market, which is falsely claimed to be effective for the disease and can harm the patients. Hence, FDA has banned such products and remedies. In this review, we have compiled all such fraudulent and pseudosciences identified for COVID-19. Currently, in the pandemic time, health agencies are approving the repurposed medicines based on the small-scale clinical data for emergency uses that become ineffective (most of the cases) after large randomized clinical studies. Proper vigilance strategies need to be defined by the regulatory agencies of the nation and routine awareness programs shall be arranged for educating the people and healthcare workers on routine updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Shreya S Sonak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth's Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nafesa K Munshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth's Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pooja N Dhamade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth's Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
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