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Romeiser JL, Schoeneck K. COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Status and Long COVID in the United States: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:688. [PMID: 38932418 PMCID: PMC11209278 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060688] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Early studies have found that the initial COVID-19 vaccination series was protective against severe symptoms and long COVID. However, few studies have explored the association of booster doses on severe disease outcomes and long COVID. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2022 US National Health Interview Survey data to investigate how vaccination status correlates with COVID-19 infection severity and long COVID among previously infected individuals. Participants were categorized into three groups: those who had received at least one booster, those with only the initial complete vaccination series, and those with either an incomplete series or no vaccinations. Out of 9521 survey respondents who reported a past positive COVID-19 test, 51.2% experienced moderate/severe infections, and 17.6% experienced long COVID. Multivariable regression models revealed that receiving at least one booster shot was associated with lower odds of experiencing moderate/severe symptoms (aOR = 0.78, p < 0.001) compared to those unvaccinated or with an incomplete series. Additionally, having at least one booster reduced long COVID odds by 24% (aOR = 0.76, p = 0.003). Completing only the primary vaccine series did not significantly decrease the likelihood of severe illness or long COVID. These findings support the continued promotion of booster vaccinations to mitigate long COVID risks in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L. Romeiser
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Upstate Medical University, 766 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210, USA;
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Lorent D, Nowak R, Figlerowicz M, Handschuh L, Zmora P. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Level and COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters among Healthcare Workers with the Highest SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk-Follow Up Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:475. [PMID: 38793726 PMCID: PMC11126039 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050475] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several vaccines were developed to limit the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, due to SARS-CoV-2 mutations and uneven vaccination coverage among populations, a series of COVID-19 waves have been caused by different variants of concern (VOCs). Despite the updated vaccine formulations for the new VOC, the benefits of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses have raised many doubts, even among high-risk groups such as healthcare workers (HCWs). We examined the factors underlying hesitancy to receive COVID-19 booster vaccine doses and analysed the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response after booster vaccination among HCWs. Our study found that 42% of the HCWs were hesitant about the second booster dose, while 7% reported no intent to get vaccinated with any additional doses. As reasons for not vaccinating, participants most frequently highlighted lack of time, negative experiences with previous vaccinations, and immunity conferred by past infections. In addition, we found the lowest post-vaccination antibody titres among HCWs who did not receive any vaccine booster dose and the highest among HCWs vaccinated with two booster doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagny Lorent
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland; (D.L.); (R.N.); (L.H.)
| | - Rafał Nowak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland; (D.L.); (R.N.); (L.H.)
| | - Magdalena Figlerowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Luiza Handschuh
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland; (D.L.); (R.N.); (L.H.)
| | - Paweł Zmora
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland; (D.L.); (R.N.); (L.H.)
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Airapetian A, Bachmetjev B, Zablockis R. Attitudes of the Lithuanian Population toward COVID-19 Vaccination and Evaluation of Its Effectiveness: A Cross-Sectional Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:313. [PMID: 38399600 PMCID: PMC10890333 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020313] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study delves into the attitudes, beliefs and determinants influencing the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among the Lithuanian population. Materials and Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, a total of 3166 respondents were surveyed. Results: The findings reveal a significant disparity in vaccination rates based on socio-demographic factors, with higher uptake observed among individuals with a university degree, urban residents and those in higher income brackets. Personal beliefs, particularly regarding the vaccine's efficacy in pandemic management, played a pivotal role in vaccination decisions. This study also highlights the influence of external factors, such as the activity of the "anti-vaxxer" movement and the introduction of vaccination certificates. Conclusions: The results emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions and comprehensive public health campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and promote widespread immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Airapetian
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M.K. Ciurlionio 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Benedikt Bachmetjev
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M.K. Ciurlionio 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Rolandas Zablockis
- Clinic of Chest Diseases, Immunology and Allergology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, M.K. Ciurlionio 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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Sikora D, Rzymski P. The Heat about Cultured Meat in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Acceptance Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4649. [PMID: 37960301 PMCID: PMC10647623 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultured meat, produced by culturing animal cells in vitro, is gaining increasing interest. The first products obtained using this technology were authorized for human consumption in Singapore and the United States, and more are likely to follow in other parts of the world. Therefore, it is important to assess the attitudes toward such meat in various populations and understand the grounds for its acceptance and rejection. The present cross-sectional online study of adult Poles (n = 1553) aimed to evaluate knowledge of cultured meat, the main reasons and fears associated with its production and consumption, and willingness to buy it and factors influencing such willingness. Most respondents (63%) were familiar with the concept of cultured meat, and 54% declared to purchase it when available. However, concerns over safety were expressed by individuals accepting (39%) and rejecting (49%) such meat. The main motivations for choosing it included limiting animal suffering (76%) and environmental impacts of meat consumption (67%), although over half of responders willing to buy these products were driven by curiosity (58%). Multiple logistic regression revealed that odds (OR; 95%CI) for accepting cultured meat were significantly increased for adults aged 18-40 (1.8; 1.2-2.7); women (1.8; 1.2-2.7); meat eaters (8.7; 5.6-13.6); individuals convinced that animal farming adversely affects the climate (7.6; 3.1-18.3), surface waters (3.1; 1.2-8.1), and air quality (3.0; 1.2-7.6); those familiar with cultured meat concept (4.2, 2.2-8.4); and those revealing high openness to experience (1.7; 1.2-2.4). The results highlight that the Polish population may be moderately ready to accept cultured meat and identify the groups resistant to accepting it. Well-designed and transparent promotion of these products is required to increase the general public's understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of cultured meat technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Sikora
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Fredry St. 10, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
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Sobierajski T, Rzymski P, Małecka I, Augustynowicz E. Trust in Physicians in the Context of HPV Vaccination of Children from the Perspective of Social Exchange Theory: A Representative Study of Polish Parents. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1618. [PMID: 37897019 PMCID: PMC10611301 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101618] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaccination of children against human papillomavirus (HPV) effectively prevents HPV infection and HPV-related cancers in women and men. However, HPV vaccination programs are met with vaccine hesitancy, which varies between countries. The coverage in Poland is low, although introducing nationally funded HPV vaccination for girls aged 12-13 in mid-2023 may increase it. The uptake of the HPV vaccine in adolescents is highly affected by parental decisions, which in turn can be influenced by interactions with the physician. The present representative study aimed to analyze the acceptance of the HPV vaccine among Polish parents (n = 360) and the level of trust in HPV vaccination in the pediatrician/general practitioner who takes care of their children aged 9-15 years. The data were gathered in September 2022 using computer-assisted telephone interviews. Most surveyed parents reported trusting their child's physician regarding vaccine recommendations (89.2%) and vaccinated their child with all or most of the vaccines recommended by a national vaccination guideline (94.7%). However, 13.3% declared themselves as moderate or strong vaccine opponents, a group characterized by high (83.4%) distrust in physicians. There was no difference in the awareness of HPV in groups varying in trusting the physicians, but parents who trusted them were more frequently aware of the HPV vaccine. Parental willingness to vaccinate their child against HPV was highly differentiated by the level of trust in the child's physician. The results highlight that trust in physicians is a critical factor shaping decisions for children's vaccination, stressing a continuous need to improve strategies to communicate with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Sobierajski
- Center of Sociomedical Research, Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Resocialization, University of Warsaw, 26/28 Krakowskie Przedmieście Str., 00-927 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland;
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ilona Małecka
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 10 Fredry Str., 61-701 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Ewa Augustynowicz
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health NIH—National Research Center, 24 Chocimska Str., 00-791 Warsaw, Poland;
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Rzymski P, Pokorska-Śpiewak M, Jackowska T, Kuchar E, Nitsch-Osuch A, Pawłowska M, Babicki M, Jaroszewicz J, Szenborn L, Wysocki J, Flisiak R. Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1502. [PMID: 37766178 PMCID: PMC10537111 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community, leading to the development, investigation, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this narrative review, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its responsible management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure the accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of the long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers, who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
| | - Leszek Szenborn
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
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