COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccination: Cross-Protection, Co-Administration, Combination Vaccines, and Hesitancy

Real-life experience on COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines co-administration in the vaccination hub of the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy

With the pandemic, there has been a global reduction in influenza virus circulation, with WHO reporting, during 2021/22 season, laboratory testing positivity rate for influenza of less than 3%. Influenza surveillance systems anticipated a peak of influenza cases in the Northern Hemisphere during 2022/2023 season and the Italian Ministry of Health recommended the routinary co-administration of influenza with bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for the 2022/2023 season. At the Vaccination Hub of the University Hospital (UH) of Palermo, more than 700 subjects received influenza and COVID-19 booster doses in co-administration, during the 2021/2022 season. A cross-sectional study analyzing attitudes and factors associated with adherence to influenza and COVID-19 seasonal vaccines co-administration was conducted at the Vaccination Hub of the UH of Palermo, from October to December 2022. Among the 1,263 respondents, 74.7% (n = 944) received the co-administration of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The main reason reported for accepting it was confidence in the recommendations of the Health Ministry (41.3%). At the multivariable analysis, subjects aged ≤ 59 y old (AdjOR: 2.48; CIs95%: 1.89-3.65), male (AdjOR: 1.51; CIs95%: 1.27-1.75), Health-care professionals (HCPs) (AdjOR: 1.66; CIs95%: 1.08-2.57) and those who received co-administration during 2021/2022 (AdjOR: 41.6; CIs95%: 25.5-67.9) were significantly more prone to receive co-administration during 2022/23 season. From data obtained, the role of HCPs in accepting and then promoting co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is crucial, as well as receiving co-administration in the previous season that represented the main drive for accepting it in the following seasons, supporting safety and effectiveness of this procedure.

The evolution of vaccine hesitancy through the COVID-19 pandemic: A semi-structured interview study on booster and bivalent doses

We sought in-depth understanding on the evolution of factors influencing COVID-19 booster dose and bivalent vaccine hesitancy in a longitudinal semi-structured interview-based qualitative study. Serial interviews were conducted between July 25th and September 1st, 2022 (Phase I: univalent booster dose availability), and between November 21st, 2022 and January 11th, 2023 (Phase II: bivalent vaccine availability). Adults (≥18 years) in Canada who had received an initial primary series and had not received a COVID-19 booster dose were eligible for Phase I, and subsequently invited to participate in Phase II. Twenty-two of twenty-three (96%) participants completed interviews for both phases (45 interviews). Nearly half of participants identified as a woman (n = 11), the median age was 37 years (interquartile range: 32-48), and most participants were employed full-time (n = 12); no participant reported needing to vaccinate (with a primary series) for their workplace. No participant reported having received a COVID-19 booster dose at the time of their interview in Phase II. Three themes relating to the development of hesitancy toward continued vaccination against COVID-19 were identified: 1) effectiveness (frequency concerns; infection despite vaccination); 2) necessity (less threatening, low urgency, alternate protective measures); and 3) information (need for data, contradiction and confusion, lack of trust, decreased motivation). The data from interviews with individuals who had not received a COVID-19 booster dose or bivalent vaccine despite having received a primary series of COVID-19 vaccines highlights actionable targets to address vaccine hesitancy and improve public health literacy.

Assessing the determinants of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine co-administration decisions in the elderly

This research examines the low rate of co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines among seniors aged 65 and older in Korea, despite recommendations from authorities and academia worldwide. The study aimed to understand the influence of general characteristics and health beliefs on the vaccination choices of seniors, who were categorized into four groups based on their vaccination status: influenza only, COVID-19 only, both, or neither. A total of 400 participants, aged 65 and above, were selected through proportional stratified random sampling from five major Korean regions for a survey conducted between November 24th and December 15th, 2023. The results indicated no significant differences in general characteristics across these groups. However, regarding the health beliefs showed significant differences in perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy between the influenza-only and co-administration groups. Higher levels of perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy were associated with choosing co-administration. Contrary to previous studies focusing on safety concerns as a primary factor in vaccine hesitancy, this study highlights the role of individual health-related beliefs, particularly perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy, as critical in influencing the decision for co-administration among the elderly in Korea.

COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Coadministration Among Older U.S. Adults

INTRODUCTION

Coadministering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is recommended by public health authorities and intended to improve uptake and convenience; however, the extent of vaccine coadministration is largely unknown. Investigations into COVID-19 and influenza vaccine coadministration are needed to describe compliance with newer recommendations and to identify potential gaps in the implementation of coadministration.

METHODS

A descriptive, repeated cross-sectional study between September 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021 (Period 1) and September 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022 (Period 2) was conducted. This study included community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 66 years who received an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine in Periods 1 and 2. The outcome was an influenza vaccine administered on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine. Adjusted ORs and 99% CIs were estimated using logistic regression to describe the association between beneficiaries' characteristics and vaccine coadministration. Statistical analysis was performed in 2023.

RESULTS

Among beneficiaries who received a COVID-19 vaccine, 78.8% in Period 1 (N=6,292,777) and 89.1% in Period 2 (N=4,757,501), received an influenza vaccine at some point during the study period (i.e., before, after, or on the same day as their COVID-19 vaccine), though rates were lower in non-White and rural individuals. Vaccine coadministration increased from 11.1% to 36.5% between periods. Beneficiaries with dementia (aORPeriod 2=1.31; 99%CI=1.29-1.32) and in rural counties (aORPeriod 2=1.19; 99%CI=1.17-1.20) were more likely to receive coadministered vaccines, while those with cancer (aORPeriod 2=0.90; 99%CI=0.89-0.91) were less likely.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Medicare beneficiaries vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza vaccination was high, but coadministration of the 2 vaccines was low. Future work should explore which factors explain variation in the decision to receive coadministered vaccines.

Transformative vaccination: A pentavalent shield against COVID-19 and influenza with betulin-based adjuvant for enhanced immunity

The development of an effective combined vaccine represents a crucial strategy for preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases and reducing the burden on healthcare resources. Developing a combined vaccine against both influenza and the coronavirus is a promising approach, but it is still in the early stages of development. This paper reports on a novel combined pentavalent candidate vaccine that has shown promising results in mice, with statistically significant differences in mean antibody titer against the coronavirus and the influenza antigens compared to placebo. We have shown that the coronavirus antigen is capable of inducing an immune response autonomously, regardless of the presence of the influenza antigens in a combined vaccine. On the other hand, the presence of the coronavirus antigen in a combined vaccine showed to enhance the immune response against some of the studied influenza antigens, suggesting that these antigens may act in synergy and elicit an enhanced immune response. The absence of dose-dependent difference in mean antibody titer within the same antigenic groups of vaccine preparations suggested that even small amounts of the coronavirus and the influenza antigens could induce an immune response just as good as high-dose vaccine preparations, which certainly has important safety and cost implications. The vaccine is soon to be ready for clinical trials and mass production.

Perception, acceptance, and adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines: Insights from Indian population

Background

Vaccination has been pivotal in eradicating numerous infectious diseases. Nonetheless, concerns about the safety and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine persist. This study aimed to gauge the perceptions and experiences of the Indian population concerning COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional survey of 313 participants aged 18 and above from diverse regions in India. Data was sourced using an electronic questionnaire disseminated via Google Forms. The survey evaluated demographics, vaccine awareness, attitudes, and side effects post-vaccination with Covishield and Covaxin.

Results

22.6% of participants exhibited vaccine hesitancy; however, 78.3% believed the advantages superseded the risks. Most participants (81.5%) were aware of vaccine side effects. Most of the Indian respondents (97.1%) accepted the COVID-19 vaccine. Post-vaccination, 27.9% experienced adverse effects such as fever, headache, malaise, dizziness, and pain at the local site. Only 1.3% necessitated hospitalization.

Conclusion

Our study underscores the dichotomy between vaccine apprehensions and real-world experiences. Although concerns surrounding vaccine safety were prevalent, the majority of the Indian respondents (97.1%) accepted the COVID-19 vaccine, with most experiencing only transient, mild side effects. While 22.6% initially exhibited hesitancy, primarily due to misinformation, the actual experience post-vaccination was largely positive. To further address hesitancy, streamlined vaccine awareness campaigns emphasizing the safety and efficacy of vaccination are essential.

Evaluation of the efficacy, safety and influencing factors of concomitant and sequential administration of viral respiratory infectious disease vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There is no clear conclusion on the immunogenicity and adverse events of concomitant administration the viral respiratory infectious disease vaccines. We aimed to evaluate the impact of concomitant administering viral respiratory infectious disease vaccines on efficiencies, safety and influencing factors.

Methods

This meta-analysis included studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, Web of Science, WHO COVID-19 Research, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Randomized controlled trials of the adult participants concomitant administered with viral respiratory infectious disease vaccine and other vaccines were included. The main outcomes were the seroconversion rate and seroprotection rate of each vaccine. Used the Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects method as the main analysis to estimate the pooled RRs and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias for each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, while evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system.

Results

A total of 21 studies comprising 14060 participants with two types of vaccines were retained for the meta-analysis. Concomitant immunization reduced the geometric mean titer (RR: 0.858, 95% CI: (0.785 to 0.939)) and the geometric mean fold rise (0.754 (0.629 to 0.902)) in the SARS-COV-2 vaccine group but increased the seroconversion rate (1.033 (1.0002 to 1.067)) in the seasonal influenza vaccine group. Concomitant administration were influenced by the type of vaccine, adjuvant content, booster immunization, and age and gender of the recipient.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that the short-term protection and safety of concomitant administered were effective. Appropriate adjuvants, health promotion and counselling and booster vaccines could improve the efficiency and safety of Concomitant vaccination.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022343709.

The association between influenza vaccination and the perception of COVID-19 as well as COVID-19 vaccination behavior among community residents in Anhui province, China

Influenza is a significant public health threat associated with high morbidity and mortality globally. This study investigated the influenza vaccination rate (IVR) among community residents in Anhui province, China, and explored the association between participants' influenza vaccination and their key sociodemographic characteristics, perception of COVID-19 as well as COVID-19 vaccination behavior. We found that the IVR among respondents in Anhui province was 27.85% in 2020. Regression analyses revealed that males (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.01 ~ 1.96), residents with above middle school education (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.04 ~ 3.39), considered themselves likely to be infected with COVID-19 (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.04 ~ 2.24), had received the COVID-19 vaccine (OR = 9.85, 95% CI: 3.49 ~ 27.78), did not plan to receive COVID-19 vaccine in the future (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.17 ~ 2.47), and had no adverse reactions after COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.04 ~ 2.27) were associated with a higher IVR. The acceptance of influenza vaccination was mainly associated with respondents' gender, education, perception of COVID-19, history of COVID-19 vaccination in city and countryside community residents in Anhui province.

Co-administration of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines in healthcare workers: Results of two vaccination campaigns in a large teaching hospital in Rome

The concurrent administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines has arisen as a promising approach to bolster protection against respiratory pathogens and improve vaccination rates. However, there remains a lack of data regarding the prevalence of co-administration across several vaccination campaigns, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the acceptance of co-administration strategies among HCWs during the two campaigns following the introduction of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the HCWs of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, a research hospital in Rome. Hospital administrative databases were accessed to gather information about vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 vaccination campaigns. The study included 7399 HCWs. The co-administration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines presented a significant rise in 2022/2023 compared to the previous vaccination campaign (+38%): this was confirmed for every professional category, with the largest increases among resident doctors (+47%) and physicians (+44%), and also for every age category, but it was particularly evident for the youngest health professionals. The probability of co-administration uptake during the 2022/2023 campaign was significantly higher for males, and for those that received co-administration during the 2021/2022 campaign, while the probability was lower for nurses and administrative staff. This study highlights the co-administration procedure as a valuable and effective tool in annual vaccination campaigns for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The procedure's safety and streamlined logistics make it increasingly attractive for implementation, particularly among HCWs.

Exploring missed opportunities for influenza vaccination and influenza vaccine co-administration patterns among Italian older adults: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Missed opportunities constitute a main driver of suboptimal seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) coverage in older adults. Vaccine co-administration is a way to reduce these missed opportunities. In this study, we quantified missed opportunities for SIV, identified some of their socio-structural correlates and documented SIV co-administration patterns.

METHODS

In this registry-based retrospective cohort study, we verified the SIV status of all subjects aged ≥65 years who received at least one dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pneumococcal or herpes zoster vaccines during the 2022/23 influenza season. The frequency of concomitant same-day administration of SIV with other target vaccines was also assessed.

RESULTS

Among 41 112, 5482 and 3432 older adults who received ≥1 dose of COVID-19, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccines, missed opportunities for SIV accounted for 23.3%, 5.0% and 13.2%, respectively. Younger, male and foreign-born individuals were generally more prone to missing SIV. The co-administration of SIV with other recommended vaccines was relatively low, being 11.0%, 53.1% and 17.1% in COVID-19, pneumococcal and herpes zoster cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A sizeable proportion of older adults who received other recommended vaccines during the last influenza season did not receive SIV. This share of missed opportunities, which are subject to some social inequalities, may be addressed by increasing vaccine co-administration rates and implementing tailored health promotion interventions.

Estimated Effectiveness of Coadministration of the BNT162b2 BA.4/5 COVID-19 Vaccine With Influenza Vaccine

Importance

No data comparing the estimated effectiveness of coadministering COVID-19 vaccines with seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) in the community setting exist.

Objective

To examine the comparative effectiveness associated with coadministering the BNT162b2 BA.4/5 bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2-biv [Pfizer BioNTech]) and SIV vs giving each vaccine alone.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective comparative effectiveness study evaluated US adults aged 18 years or older enrolled in commercial health insurance or Medicare Advantage plans and vaccinated with BNT162b2-biv only, SIV only, or both on the same day between August 31, 2022, and January 30, 2023. Individuals with monovalent or another brand of mRNA bivalent COVID-19 vaccine were excluded.

Exposure

Same-day coadministration of BNT162b2-biv and SIV; receipt of BNT162b2-biv only (for COVID-19-related outcomes) or SIV only (for influenza-related outcomes) were the comparator groups. For adults aged 65 years or older, only enhanced SIVs were included.

Main Outcomes and Measures

COVID-19-related and influenza-related hospitalization, emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) encounters, and outpatient visits.

Results

Overall, 3 442 996 individuals (57.0% female; mean [SD] age, 65 [16.7] years) were included. A total of 627 735 individuals had BNT162b2-biv and SIV vaccine coadministered, 369 423 had BNT162b2-biv alone, and 2 445 838 had SIV alone. Among those aged 65 years or older (n = 2 210 493; mean [SD] age, 75 [6.7] years; 57.9% female), the coadministration group had a similar incidence of COVID-19-related hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.87-1.24) and slightly higher incidence of emergency department or urgent care encounters (AHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.23) and outpatient visits (AHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11) compared with the BNT162b2-biv-only group. Among individuals aged 18 to 64 years (n = 1 232 503; mean [SD] age, 47 [13.1] years; 55.4% female), the incidence of COVID-19-related outcomes was slightly higher among those who received both vaccines vs BNT162b2-biv alone (AHR point estimate range, 1.14-1.57); however, fewer events overall in this age group resulted in wider CIs. Overall, compared with those who received SIV alone, the coadministration group had a slightly lower incidence of most influenza-related end points (AHR point estimates 0.83-0.93 for those aged ≥65 years vs 0.76-1.08 for those aged 18-64 years). Negative control outcomes suggested residual bias and calibration of COVID-19-related and influenza-related outcomes with negative controls moved all estimates closer to the null, with most CIs crossing 1.00.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, coadministration of BNT162b2-biv and SIV was associated with generally similar effectiveness in the community setting against COVID-19-related and SIV-related outcomes compared with giving each vaccine alone and may help improve uptake of both vaccines.

Socio-demographic determinants of influenza vaccination uptake behavior: A nationwide cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the sociodemographic determinants of flu vaccine uptake among the Saudi population.

METHODS

A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Saudi Arabia in December 2020, and 1,650 participants took the survey. Data were collected electronically using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to establish the association between vaccine uptake behavior and sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants.

RESULTS

Out of the 1650 participants, 31.5% reported having received the flu vaccine during the 2019-2020 flu season. The logistic regression analysis showed that age above 45 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.15-3.05], p=0.002), being married (aOR=1.75, 95% CI: [1.28-3.51], p=0.001), and having a postgraduate degree (aOR=1.51, 95% CI: [1.05-2.23], p=0.044) were significant factors associated with higher vaccine uptake. The study also showed that the perceived risk of getting the flu (aOR=2.15, 95% CI: [1.30-5.72], p=0.001) and knowledge regarding the vaccine (aOR=1.71, 95% CI: [1.08-4.22], p=0.001) were significant factors associated with vaccine uptake.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that efforts to increase flu vaccine uptake should focus on increasing awareness and education regarding the benefits of vaccination, particularly among young individuals.

Safety and Immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 Vaccine Coadministered with Seasonal Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Adults

INTRODUCTION

Vaccination is a critical tool for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza illnesses. Coadministration of the COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, with seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (SIIV) can provide substantial benefits, including streamlining vaccine delivery.

METHODS

In this phase 3 study, healthy 18- to 64-year-olds who had received three previous doses of BNT162b2 were randomized (1:1) to the coadministration group (month 0, BNT162b2 + SIIV; month 1, placebo) or the separate-administration group (month 0, placebo + SIIV; month 1, BNT162b2). The primary immunogenicity objective was to demonstrate that the immune responses elicited by BNT162b2 and SIIV [measured by full-length S-binding immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and strain-specific hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI) titers against four influenza strains 1 month post-vaccination, respectively] when coadministered were noninferior to those elicited by either vaccine administered alone, based on a prespecified 1.5-fold noninferiority margin [lower bound 95% CI for geometric mean ratio (GMR) > 0.67]. Reactogenicity and adverse event (AE) rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

Randomized participants who received study vaccination (N = 1128; coadministration group, n = 564; separate-administration group, n = 564) had a median age of 39 years. Model-adjusted GMRs for coadministration to separate administration were 0.83 (95% CI 0.77, 0.89) for full-length S-binding IgG levels and 0.89-1.00 (lower bound of all 95% CIs > 0.67) for the four influenza strain-specific HAI titers, with all endpoints achieving the prespecified noninferiority criterion. Reactogenicity events were mostly mild or moderate when BNT162b2 was coadministered with SIIV. Serious AEs were reported in < 1% of participants within 1 month after any vaccination; none were considered vaccine-related.

CONCLUSIONS

BNT162b2 coadministered with SIIV elicited immune responses that were noninferior to those elicited by BNT162b2 alone and SIIV alone, and BNT162b2 had an acceptable safety profile when coadministered with SIIV. The results of this study support the coadministration of BNT162b2 and SIIV in adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05310084.

BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccination in children alters cytokine responses to heterologous pathogens and Toll-like receptor agonists

Background

Vaccines can have beneficial off-target (heterologous) effects that alter immune responses to, and protect against, unrelated infections. The heterologous effects of COVID-19 vaccines have not been investigated in children.

Aim

To investigate heterologous and specific immunological effects of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccination in children.

Methods

A whole blood stimulation assay was used to investigate in vitro cytokine responses to heterologous stimulants (killed pathogens, Toll-like receptor ligands) and SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Samples from 29 children, aged 5-11 years, before and 28 days after a second BNT162b2 vaccination were analysed (V2 + 28). Samples from eight children were analysed six months after BNT162b2 vaccination.

Results

At V2 + 28, interferon-γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 responses to S. aureus, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, BCG vaccine, H. influenzae, hepatitis B antigen, poly(I:C) and R848 stimulations were decreased compared to pre-vaccination. For most of these heterologous stimulants, IL-6, IL-15 and IL-17 responses were also decreased. There were sustained decreases in cytokine responses to viral, but not bacterial, stimulants six months after BNT162b2 vaccination. Cytokine responses to irradiated SARS-CoV-2, and spike glycoprotein subunits (S1 and S2) were increased at V2 + 28 for most cytokines and remained higher than pre-vaccination responses 6 months after BNT162b2 vaccination for irradiated SARS-CoV-2 and S1. There was no correlation between BNT162b2 vaccination-induced anti-SARS-CoV2-receptor binding domain IgG antibody titre at V2 + 28 and cytokine responses.

Conclusions

BNT162b2 vaccination in children alters cytokine responses to heterologous stimulants, particularly one month after vaccination. This study is the first to report the immunological heterologous effects of COVID-19 vaccination in children.

The Effect of Pneumococcal, Influenza, and COVID-19 Vaccinations on COVID-19 Hospitalization and Progression in People over 65 Years Old Living in Nursing Homes

Infectious diseases pose a major threat to elderly populations. Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria, influenza-causing viruses, and COVID-19 viruses cause three pathologies in the respiratory system with similar symptoms, transmission routes, and risk factors. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccinations on the status of COVID-19 hospitalization and progression in people over 65 years of age living in nursing homes. This study was performed in all nursing homes and elderly care centers in the Uskudar district of Istanbul.The diagnosis rate of COVID-19 was determined as 49%, the rate of hospitalization as 22.4%, the rate of hospitalization in the intensive care unit as 12.2%. The rate of intubation was determined as 10.4%, the rate of mechanical ventilation as 11.1% and the rate of COVID-19 related mortality rate as 9.7%. When the factors affecting the diagnosis of COVID-19 were examined, the presence and dose of COVID-19 vaccine was protective. When the factors affecting hospitalization status were examined, male sex and presence of chronic disease were risk factors; four doses of COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine together with COVID-19 vaccine were protective. When the factors affecting COVID-19-related death were examined, the male sex was a risk factor; the pneumococcal and influenza vaccine together with COVID-19 vaccine were protective. Our results revealed that the availability of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines positively impacted the progression of COVID-19 disease in the elderly population living in nursing homes.

Surveillance of Influenza and Other Airborne Transmission Viruses during the 2021/2022 Season in Hospitalized Subjects in Tuscany, Italy

Winter in the northern hemisphere is characterized by the circulation of influenza viruses, which cause seasonal epidemics, generally from October to April. Each influenza season has its own pattern, which differs from one year to the next in terms of the first influenza case notification, the period of highest incidence, and the predominant influenza virus subtypes. After the total absence of influenza viruses in the 2020/2021 season, cases of influenza were again recorded in the 2021/2022 season, although they remained below the seasonal average. Moreover, the co-circulation of the influenza virus and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic virus was also reported. In the context of the DRIVE study, oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 129 Tuscan adults hospitalized for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and analyzed by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 and 21 different airborne pathogens, including influenza viruses. In total, 55 subjects tested positive for COVID-19, 9 tested positive for influenza, and 3 tested positive for both SARS-CoV-2 and the A/H3N2 influenza virus. The co-circulation of different viruses in the population requires strengthened surveillance that is no longer restricted to the winter months. Indeed, constant, year-long monitoring of the trends of these viruses is needed, especially in at-risk groups and elderly people.

From COVID-19 vaccine candidates to compulsory vaccination: The attitudes of Italian citizens in the key 7-month of vaccination campaign

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study is to understand the evolution of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance over the key 7-month vaccine campaign in Italy, a period in which the country moved from candidate vaccines to products administered to the public. The research focus points to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine attitudes in adults and their children, propension towards compulsory vaccination, past and present adherence to anti-flu and anti-pneumococcal vaccines, and the reasons for trust/mistrust of vaccines.

METHODS

Italian residents aged 16->65 years were invited to complete an online survey from September 2020 to April 2021. The survey contained 13 questions: 3 on demographic data; 8 on vaccine attitudes; and 2 open-ended questions about the reasons of vaccine confidence/refusal. A preliminary word frequency analysis has been conducted, as well as a statistical bivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 21.537 participants, the confidence of those in favor of the COVID-19 vaccine increases of 50 % and the number of people who wanted more information decreases by two-third. Willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 also increased from 51 % to 66.5 %. Only one-third of the strong vaccine-hesitant participants, i.e. 10 %, remained hostile. Compulsory vaccination showed a large and increasing favor by participants up to 78 %, in a way similar to their propensity for children's mandatory vaccination (70.6 %). Respondents' past and present adherence to anti-flu and anti-pneumococcal vaccines does not predict their intentions to vaccinate against COVID-19. Finally, a semantic analysis of the reasons of acceptance/refusal of COVID-19 vaccination suggests a complex decision-making process revealed by the participants' use of common words in pro-and-cons arguments.

CONCLUSION

The heterogeneity in the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, determinants and opinions detected at different ages, genders and pandemic phases suggests that health authorities should avoid one-size-fits-all vaccination campaigns. The results emphasize the long-term importance of reinforcing vaccine information, communication and education needs.

Association of dual COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination with COVID-19 infection and disease severity

The clinical guideline states that COVID-19 vaccination can be administered concurrently with Influenza (flu) vaccination (dual vaccination). Using data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey, we conducted descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regressions to examine the association between dual vaccination status and self-reported COVID-19 infection and severity. Among 21,387 (weighted 185,251,310) U.S. adults, about 22% did not receive either the flu or COVID-19 vaccine, 6.0% received the flu vaccine only, 29.1% received the COVID-19 vaccine only, and 42.5% received both vaccines. In the multivariate analysis, individuals with dual vaccination (OR, 0.65, 95% CI, 0.56-0.75) and COVID-19 vaccine only (OR, 0.71, 95% CI, 0.61-0.82) were significantly less likely to report COVID-19 infection when compared with those unvaccinated. There was no significant difference in self-reported COVID-19 symptom severity by vaccination status. The results suggest that dual vaccination may be an effective strategy to reduce the contagious respiratory disease burden.

The impact of seasonal influenza vaccination uptake on COVID-19 vaccination attitudes in a rural area in Greece

INTRODUCTION

Promoting vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly and persons with comorbidities, is important for reducing the incidence of severe disease and death.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study of factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination, including previous influenza vaccination, among all persons who received medical services in a rural area in Crete, Greece, between October 2020-May 2021.

RESULTS

Among 3129 participants, receipt of influenza vaccination in 2020-21 was strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccination, as was influenza vaccination in 2019-20, albeit to a lesser extent. In addition, persons older than 59 years (with exception of those 90 + years old) and those who lived closer to the hospital/health center, were more likely to vaccinate for COVID-19. Persons younger than 40 years of age, females, persons with mental illness or neurologic disease, were also less likely to vaccinate for COVID-19 (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 vaccination was more likely among those who were vaccinated for influenza before and during the pandemic. Access to healthcare services and specific comorbidities, were important influencers for vaccination, underlying the importance of tailored interventions to enforce vaccination in high-risk groups.

Combining Influenza and COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Strategy to Improve Vaccination Uptake Necessary for Managing the Health Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The uptake of COVID-19 booster vaccines has been significantly low. Therefore, it is questionable whether combining the COVID-19 booster vaccines with influenza vaccines can increase the population’s interest in taking such vaccines and manage the health pandemic effectively. Methodology: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a synthesis of the findings and summary of a total of 30 research articles based on the topic, ‘combining influenza and COVID-19 booster vaccination strategy’ was undertaken. The research articles were identified from three databases, namely, PubMed, Cochran Library, and Google Scholar using specific keywords and inclusion criteria. However, research articles that were not peer-reviewed and not published in English were excluded from the systematic review and meta-analysis. The average risk ratio of the intervention group getting a combination of COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccines from the samples of the included studies was 0.78 with regard to a 95% CI. Such risk ratio is based on the null hypothesis of the current study that combining COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccines can increase the uptake of COVID-19 booster vaccines. On the other hand, the heterogeneity between such studies was I2 = 35%, while the statistical significance of their findings occurred at p < 0.05. The average p-value of the included research studies was p = 0.62 with the proportion of studies with significant p-values being 63.33% which is equivalent to 19 out of 30 studies. Therefore, the null hypothesis was not rejected in more than half of the studies. Results: A synthesis of the chosen research articles revealed that when influenza and COVID-19 booster vaccines are combined, there is potential for an increase in the uptake of the latter, mainly because many populations have already been accustomed to taking influenza vaccines on an annual basis. Conclusions: In this way, through such findings, medical health experts can make informed decisions to increase the population’s willingness to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccines.

The Importance of COVID-19/Influenza Vaccines Co-Administration: An Essential Public Health Tool

Vaccine co-administration is an important tool with several advantages for public health, among which is the increase of vaccination coverage, as well as economic and logistical benefits. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the immune response to the COVID-19 first booster dose in healthcare workers (HCWs) who chose co-administration and in HCWs who received only COVID-19 vaccination and to investigate personal opinions about the experience of co-administration. We carried out a retrospective analysis involving two groups of HCWs, both vaccinated with the complete primary cycle and the first booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but one of them was also vaccinated, at the same time as the first booster dose, with the influenza vaccine. Active phone calls were also performed, and specific questions about the onset of side effects and general opinions were asked. A good immune response was found in both two groups without any statistically significant difference in the immune response. No severe reactions occurred in either group. A greater part of the sample was completely satisfied, and they would do it again. Our findings are totally in favor of the co-administration, considering the many positive aspects provided by administering, at the same time, more vaccines.

Coadministration of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review of clinical studies

The lifting of non-pharmaceutical measures preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (and other viruses, including influenza viruses) raises concerns about healthcare resources and fears of an increased number of cases of influenza and COVID-19. For the 2021-2022 influenza season, the WHO and >20 European countries promoted coadministration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Recently, the French Health Authority recommended coupling the COVID-19 vaccination with the 2022-2023 influenza vaccination campaign for healthcare professionals and people at risk of severe COVID-19. The present systematic review examines published data on the safety, immunogenicity, efficacy/effectiveness, and acceptability/acceptance of coadministration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. No safety concerns or immune interferences were found whatever the vaccines or the age of vaccinated subjects (65- or 65+). No efficacy/effectiveness data were available. The results should reassure vaccinees and vaccinators in case of coadministration and increase vaccine coverage. Healthcare systems promoting coupled campaigns must provide the necessary means for successful coadministration.

Immunogenicity of third dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine co-administered with influenza vaccine: An open question

In October 2021, the Italian Ministry of Health has planned the offer of a booster dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for healthcare workers (HCWs), recommending the simultaneous administration of the third anti-SARS-CoV-2 dose and the influenza vaccine. The immunogenicity and serological response of co-administration are questioned. This is a retrospective cohort pilot study. We evaluated in a sample of HCWs the serological response 1 month after the administration of the third dose, comparing it between subjects who chose for co-administration (Cominarty+Flucelvax) and subjects who preferred the administration of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The study population comprised 20 HCWs, 9 (45.0%) chose co-administration (Group 1), and 11 (55.0%) preferred the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine alone (Group 2). A statistical significant difference of the variation of IgG anti-spike-protein antibodies between the serological evaluation at 1 month after the third dose and the serological evaluation 1 month after the basal routine with Comirnaty between Group 1 (-4,842.9; 95%CI = -15,799.2-6,113.2) and Group 2 (9,258.9; 95%CI = 1,081.0-17,435.9; p-value = 0.029) was reported. New scientific evidences are necessary to clarify this critical issue to guarantee both the best immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination and an high vaccine coverage for influenza vaccination.

Adherence to Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Catch-Up Campaign at the Romagna Local Health Authority (Italy), a Multi-Center Retrospective Observational Study

Herpes Zoster (shingles) is an infection that occurs when varicella-zoster virus reactivates from the latent state. Incidence and severity of Herpes Zoster disease increase with age. Antiviral drugs are the elective treatment; however, prevention of disease reactivation through effective and safe vaccines is available in Italy out-of-pocket from age 65 onwards. The Romagna Local Health Authority (northern Italy) administered catch-up vaccinations in March–May 2022 for immunizations not performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, adherence rates to the catch-up campaign and recall activities adopted in two centers were investigated. The uptakes for only the catch-up vaccinations were 11.4% and 12.4%. Having suffered from Herpes Zoster or having family members who suffered from it would not seem to be drivers of increased uptake. Although sending text-messages to all involved patients was the main motivation for vaccine uptake (85.7–95.1%), word of mouth and web/news advertising also contributed to adoption in Center No. 2. In both centers, the need for greater synergy between public health departments and general practitioners to engage their patients emerged, as did the need for additional recall measures. Studying the main drivers of vaccine hesitancy, especially at the local level, can help in targeting campaigns and catch-up activities in order to achieve widespread acceptance.

Association between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection and its outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

World Health Organization recommends that influenza vaccines should benefit as much of the population as possible, especially where resources are limited. Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the greatest threats to health systems worldwide. The present study aimed to extend the evidence of the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 to promote the former.

METHODS

In this systematic review, four electronic databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, were searched for related studies published up to May 2022. All odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 36 studies, encompassing 55,996,841 subjects, were included in this study. The meta-analysis for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection provided an OR of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73-0.87). The statistically significant estimates for clinical outcomes were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.72-0.96) for intensive care unit admission, 0.69 (95% CI: 0.57-0.84) for ventilator support, and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.52-0.93) for fatal infection, while no effect seen in hospitalization with an OR of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.68-1.10).

CONCLUSION

Influenza vaccination helps limit SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe outcomes, but further studies are needed.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42022333747.

Transition to endemic: acceptance of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses among Canadian adults in a national cross-sectional survey

Background

Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been proposed as solutions to waning immunity and decreased effectiveness of primary doses against infection with new SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, the effectiveness of additional vaccine doses relies on widespread population acceptance. We aimed to assess the acceptance of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses (third and annual doses) among Canadian adults and determine associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a national, cross-sectional online survey among Canadian adults from October 14 to November 12, 2021. Weighted multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with third and annual dose acceptance and indecision, compared to refusal. We also assessed influences on vaccine decision-making, and preferences for future vaccine delivery.

Results

Of 6010 respondents, 70% reported they would accept a third dose, while 15.2% were undecided. For annual doses, 64% reported acceptance, while 17.5% were undecided. Factors associated with third dose acceptance and indecision were similar to those associated with annual dose acceptance and indecision. Previous COVID-19 vaccine receipt, no history of COVID-19 disease, intention to receive an influenza vaccine, and increasing age were strongly associated with both acceptance and indecision. Chronic illness was associated with higher odds of acceptance, while self-reported disability was associated with higher odds of being undecided. Higher education attainment and higher income were associated with higher odds of accepting additional doses. Minority first language was associated with being undecided about additional doses, while visible minority identity was associated with being undecided about a third dose and refusing an annual dose. All respondents reported government recommendations were an important influence on their decision-making and identified pharmacy-based delivery and drop-in appointments as desirable. Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines was viewed positively by 75.5% of the dose 3 acceptance group, 12.3% of the undecided group, and 8.4% of the refusal group.

Conclusions

To increase acceptance, targeted interventions among visible minority and minority language populations, and those with a disability, are required. Offering vaccination at pharmacies and through drop-in appointments are important to facilitate uptake, while offering COVID-19/influenza vaccine co-administration may have little benefit among those undecided about additional doses.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14025-8.

Adjuvanted versus non-adjuvanted standard-dose influenza vaccines in preventing all-cause hospitalizations in the elderly: a cohort study with nested case-control analyses over 18 influenza seasons

BACKGROUND

The higher effectiveness of adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (aTIV) versus non-adjuvanted (na) formulations in preventing all-cause hospitalization has been demonstrated for a single influenza season and in institutionalized elderly only. This study evaluated the relative vaccine effectiveness for aTIV vs. non-adjuvanted trivalent (naTIV) and/or quadrivalent (naQIV) influenza vaccines in preventing all-cause hospitalizations across 18 influenza seasons in primary care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using Health Search Database, a nested case-control analysis was conducted in a cohort of older adults being vaccinated with aTIV or naTIV/naQIV. Conditional logistic regression was adopted to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of all-cause hospitalizations occurred during the epidemic period.

RESULTS

Of 58,252 patients vaccinated with aTIV and naTIV/naQIV for the first time, 2,504 cases of all-cause hospitalization (3.46 per 1,000 person-weeks) during the 18 influenza seasons were identified. Compared with naTIV/naQIV, aTIV was associated with a 12% reduced the odds of all-cause hospitalizations (OR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

In an 18-season cohort of older adults, aTIV reduced the risk of all-cause hospitalizations when compared with naTIV/naQIV. Our findings confirm additional benefits for adjuvanted influenza vaccines in older adults.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination: What Happens to the Flu Shot When the Campaigns Overlap? Experience from a Large Italian Research Hospital

Influenza represents a threat to global health and health care workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of contracting the influenza virus in the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought back the importance of influenza vaccination, as the influenza virus can circulate together with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this report is to describe the actual flu vaccination coverage among healthcare workers of a research hospital and the trend changes, with respect to the past flu vaccination campaigns, in light of the present pandemic and COVID-19 vaccination. A Pearson’s χ2 test was used to test the correlation of flu vaccination coverage, across all professional categories, between the last two years. A linear regression model was adopted to predict the total vaccination coverage of this year. A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.01) was observed in vaccination coverage among all the professional categories with a 50% reduction in vaccination trends between the last two years. Analyzing the data from the previous six flu vaccination campaigns, the expected value, according to the linear regression model, was estimated to be 38.5% while the observed value was 24%. The decrease in vaccination coverage may be due to the fear of the pandemic situation and especially to the uncertainty related to the consequences of a concurrent administration which may overload the immune system or may be more reactogenic. The COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to promote and support large-scale influenza vaccination among HCWs through structured programs, adequate funding, and tailored communication strategies.