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Lei B, Mahajan A, Mallick B. Identifying and overcoming COVID-19 vaccination impediments using Bayesian data mining techniques. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8595. [PMID: 38615084 PMCID: PMC11016065 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58902-1] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped human life. The development of COVID-19 vaccines has offered a semblance of normalcy. However, obstacles to vaccination have led to substantial loss of life and economic burdens. In this study, we analyze data from a prominent health insurance provider in the United States to uncover the underlying reasons behind the inability, refusal, or hesitancy to receive vaccinations. Our research proposes a methodology for pinpointing affected population groups and suggests strategies to mitigate vaccination barriers and hesitations. Furthermore, we estimate potential cost savings resulting from the implementation of these strategies. To achieve our objectives, we employed Bayesian data mining methods to streamline data dimensions and identify significant variables (features) influencing vaccination decisions. Comparative analysis reveals that the Bayesian method outperforms cutting-edge alternatives, demonstrating superior performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Lei
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arvind Mahajan
- Department of Finance, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bani Mallick
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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2
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McMann T, Wenzel C, Le N, Li Z, Xu Q, Cuomo RE, Mackey T. Detection and Characterization of Web-Based Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Discussions and Racial and Ethnic Minority Topics: Retrospective Analysis of Twitter Data. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e48004. [PMID: 38038663 DOI: 10.2196/48004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite pediatric populations representing a smaller proportion of COVID-19 cases and having a less severe prognosis, those belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups are at an increased risk of developing more severe COVID-19-related outcomes. Vaccine coverage is crucial to pandemic mitigation efforts, yet since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy has increased and routine pediatric immunizations have decreased. Limited research exists on how vaccine hesitancy may contribute to low pediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake among racial and ethnic minority populations. Objective This study aimed to characterize COVID-19 vaccine-related discussion and sentiment among Twitter users, particularly among racial and ethnic minority users. Methods We used the Twitter application programming interface to collect tweets and replies. Tweets were selected by filtering for keywords associated with COVID-19 vaccines and pediatric-related terms. From this corpus of tweets, we used the Biterm Topic Model to output topics and examined the top 200 retweeted tweets that were coded for pediatric COVID-19 vaccine relevance. Relevant tweets were analyzed using an inductive coding approach to characterize pediatric COVID-19 vaccine-related themes. Replies to relevant tweets were collected and coded. User metadata were assessed for self-reporting of race or ethnic group affiliation and verified account status. Results A total of 863,007 tweets were collected from October 2020 to October 2021. After outputting Biterm Topic Model topics and reviewing the 200 most retweeted tweets, 208,666 tweets and 3905 replies were identified as being pediatric COVID-19 vaccine related. The majority (150,262/208,666, 72.01%) of tweets expressed vaccine-related concerns. Among tweets discussing vaccine confidence, user replies expressing agreement were significantly outweighed by those expressing disagreement (1016/3106, 32.71% vs 2090/3106, 67.29%; P<.001). The main themes identified in the Twitter interactions were conversations regarding vaccine-related concerns including adverse side effects, concerns that the vaccine is experimental or needs more testing and should not be tested on pediatric populations, the perception that the vaccine is unnecessary given the perceived low risk of pediatric infection, and conversations associated with vaccine-related confidence (ie, the vaccine is protective). Among signal tweets and replies, we identified 418 users who self-identified as a racial minority individual and 40 who self-identified as an ethnic minority individual. Among the subcodes identified in this study, the vaccine being protective was the most discussed topic by racial and ethnic minority groups (305/444, 68.7%). Conclusions Vaccine-related concerns can have negative consequences on vaccine uptake and participation in vaccine-related clinical trials. This can impact the uptake and development of safe and effective vaccines, especially among racial and ethnic minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana McMann
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Nicolette Le
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Zhuoran Li
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Qing Xu
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Raphael E Cuomo
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tim Mackey
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, United States
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3
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Knowledge on Parental Hesitancy toward COVID-19 Vaccination of Children 5–11 Years Old. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030587. [PMID: 36992171 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although vaccines are the safest and the most effective measure to prevent disease, disability, and death from various pediatric infectious diseases, parental vaccine hesitancy is a common and increasing phenomenon worldwide. To contribute to improving our knowledge on parental willingness and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccine administration in children aged 5–11 years, an anonymous online questionnaire was disseminated in Italy after the COVID-19 vaccine’s authorization for this age group. An online survey was conducted using the Crowd Signal platform from 15 December 2021 to 15 January 2022 in Italy among parents of children 5–11 years old. A total of 3433 questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, a “Favorable” position was observed in 1459 (42.5%) parents, a “Doubtful” one in 1223 (35.6%) and a “Hesitant/Reluctant” one in 751 (21.9%). The univariate multinomial logistic regression analysis and the multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the Hesitant/Reluctant parents were younger than 40 years of age, mostly female, with a secondary or middle school degree, an annual income below EUR 28,000, more than one child in the age range from 5 to 11 years, an underestimated consideration of the severity of COVID-19’s effects, and concern regarding the COVID-19 vaccines in general. These results show that in Italy, most parents of children aged 5 to 11 were doubtful or hesitant/reluctant to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 virus. Poor trust in health institutions as well as poor consideration of the epidemiological and clinical relevance of COVID-19 in children seem to have played the biggest roles in forming these attitudes. Moreover, the negative attitude of several parents who previously agreed to immunize their children against other childhood illnesses according to the official national pediatric immunization schedule clearly indicates that only the COVID-19 vaccine was put in doubt or rejected. All these findings lead us to conclude that to improve COVID-19 vaccination coverage in children aged 5 to 11, health authorities should increase parental education on the true clinical relevance of COVID-19 and on the importance of its prevention to hinder the evolution of the pandemic in pediatric subjects and the emergence of new variants, and its relative weight in influencing the efficacy of vaccines.
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Kwolek EM. Does the light at the end of the tunnel shine for everyone? The need for early paediatric participation in vaccine trials during infectious pandemics. CLINICAL ETHICS 2022; 17:346-351. [PMID: 36471720 PMCID: PMC9659690 DOI: 10.1177/14777509211036661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While most of the mortality associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been in elderly populations and adults with significant medical comorbidities, there has been death and morbidity in paediatric populations. As vaccine trial data is released to the public, many people look to the future with hope ; with good vaccine uptake there is the opportunity to reduce the spread of infectious pandemics. Initial vaccine trials were completed with adults and were expanded to include paediatric populations delaying paediatric COVID-19 vaccine initiatives. The exclusion of children from initial vaccine trials during a pandemic is not morally justifiable and fosters distrust with the pharmaceutical and medical industries and inevitably postpones vaccinating children when there is a surplus of available vaccines. The delayed vaccination of children under twelve may have significant public health and economic consequences as there may be ongoing viral transmission in the context of reopening strategies. The safety and efficacy of these candidate vaccines in children should be assessed expeditiously so that distribution to vulnerable paediatric populations is not impacted. Vaccine uptake compliance in the general population is important in establishing herd immunity and ensuring that there is thorough scientific evidence to support vaccination for children is important in establishing community trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Kwolek
- Alberta Children’s Hospital, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University
of Calgary, Canada
- Columbia University in the City of New
York, USA
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5
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Hon Snir S, Teitler Regev S. I have decided about my COVID-19 vaccine, what about my child? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2129929. [PMID: 36315873 PMCID: PMC9746399 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2129929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination has been instrumental in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers of new cases decreasing rapidly even as restrictions to control the spread of the virus were removed. The first stage of the vaccination campaign in Israel covered individuals aged 16 and older, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of the vaccine. While the campaign was later extended to those aged 12 and older, some parents continue to have doubts and concerns about the vaccine. Data were collected via an online questionnaire during April 2021; 516 parents participated. This research adopted a holistic approach that combines factors relating to vaccine acceptance previously reported in the literature. The acceptance of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination among parents varied by their children's age groups, at 44.7%, 53.2%, and 66.4% among parents with children aged 0-6, 6-12, and 12-16, respectively. The results of this study indicate that different sets of variables affect the willingness of parents to vaccinate their children, depending on their child's age. Moreover, a holistic approach is necessary in order to correctly verify the significant variables. Parents who evaluate the vaccine as more beneficial have a higher probability of being willing to vaccinate. In addition, for ages 12-16, parental willingness to vaccinate is associated with access to information, trust, and neighborhood norms. Those evaluating information about the vaccine as more fake news show higher probability to vaccinate their children. The timing of the survey is highly relevant, especially considering the uncertainty about the effectiveness and side effects of the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomit Hon Snir
- Department of Economic and Management, Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel
| | - Sharon Teitler Regev
- Department of Economic and Management, Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel,CONTACT Sharon Teitler Regev Department of Economic and Management, Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley19300, Israel
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Paul S, Mishra CM. Do we need to vaccinate every child against COVID-19: What evidence suggests-A systematic review of opinions. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1002992. [PMID: 36424958 PMCID: PMC9679503 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1002992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
It is still debatable whether all children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The comparatively mild cases and low risk of COVID-19 in children compared to adults, as well as the lack of clarity on the relative effects of the disease and vaccine, indicate that the risk-benefit ratio of vaccination in children is more nuanced. To consider and highlight the complexity of policy decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children, we outlined the points regarding for and against vaccination of children against COVID-19 in this systemic review. Using Medical Search Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords, we searched PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The primary search term was COVID-19 vaccination (all synonyms), factors (all synonyms), and among children (all synonyms). A total of 367 articles were searched. Finally, 64 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The major theme/tone of 28 (43.75%) articles was in favor of children's COVID vaccination, and they were highlighting the positive factors, whereas the major theme/tone of 20 (31.25%) articles was against it. Approximately 16 (25.0%) articles were in a neutral position. Major factors highlighted by articles in favor of childhood COVID vaccination were as follows: the increasing rate of disease burden (29 articles), prevention of interruption of academic activities of children or school reopening (24 articles), and a role in defense against COVID infection (21 articles). Major factors against childhood vaccination were as follows: mild infection among children (27 articles), ethical concerns and legal problems regarding the consent of minors (17 articles), and vaccine hesitancy among parents for childhood vaccination (11 articles). Whereas, factors of uncertainty were the role in the reduction of community transmission (19 articles), protection against MIS-C (10 articles), and defense against long COVID (7 articles). Considering all the factors of COVID-19 disease progression among children, a cautious approach will be essential before proceeding with COVID-19 vaccination in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandra Mauli Mishra
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Guidry JPD, Miller CA, Perrin PB, Laestadius LI, Zurlo G, Savage MW, Stevens M, Fuemmeler BF, Burton CW, Gültzow T, Carlyle KE. Between Healthcare Practitioners and Clergy: Evangelicals and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711120. [PMID: 36078836 PMCID: PMC9518019 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Evangelical Christians are among the most hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This study examined the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination uptake among Evangelicals is explained by demographic characteristics, Health Belief Model constructs, and faith-based support factors. Survey research firm Qualtrics recruited 531 U.S. adults and conducted a survey to explore predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who self-identified as Evangelicals in September 2021. A logistic regression showed that those reporting high perceived benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to be vaccinated, while those reporting high perceived barriers were less likely to be vaccinated. Those whose healthcare provider asked them about the vaccine were more likely to be vaccinated than those whose healthcare provider did not ask. Finally, while those who reported information seeking from religious leaders were less likely to be vaccinated, those who reported more faith-based support for vaccination were more likely to be vaccinated. In addition to beliefs about benefits and barriers to vaccination, the role of healthcare providers and clergy were important factors influencing vaccination status. Intervention efforts that capitalize on partnerships between health providers and clergy in supportive congregations may be able to reach undecided Evangelicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine P. D. Guidry
- Media + Health Lab, Robertson School of Media and Culture, Virginia Commonwealth University, 901 W. Main Street, Suite 2216, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Carrie A. Miller
- Department of Public Relations, STEM Translational Communication Center, College of Journalism and Communications, UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Paul B. Perrin
- School of Data Science, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Linnea I. Laestadius
- Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53205, USA
| | - Gina Zurlo
- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA 01982, USA
| | - Matthew W. Savage
- School of Communication, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Michael Stevens
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Bernard F. Fuemmeler
- Massey Cancer Center, Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Candace W. Burton
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Thomas Gültzow
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kellie E. Carlyle
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
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Effiong FB, Makata VC, Elebesunu EE, Bassey EE, Salachi KI, Sagide MR, Abdulameed HT, Uwishema O. Prospects of malaria vaccination in Nigeria: Anticipated challenges and lessons from previous vaccination campaigns. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104385. [PMID: 36046716 PMCID: PMC9421322 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a severe public health issue in Nigeria, with higher morbidity and mortality rates than any other country. An estimated 100 million malaria cases and over 300,000 deaths are recorded yearly in Nigeria. Vaccination is an effective strategy in combating and eliminating infectious diseases such as malaria, thus, the deployment of a prospective malaria vaccine in Nigeria offers hope to the country's health sector. However, vaccination programmes face challenges, particularly in communities that are difficult to reach geographically or culturally, and these obstacles can only be overcome through continued international, national, and individual commitment. There is a need for expanded and continuous public health information, education, and communication particularly on contemporary health issues such as malaria and vaccination hesitancy. This will enable easier implementation and compliance to strategies for the sustainable control and eventual elimination of malaria. This article highlights some of the lessons learned from previous vaccination programs in Nigeria and how the insight gotten can be pivotal in ensuring the success of a prospective malaria vaccination programme in Nigeria. Nigeria has the highest malaria burden worldwide, and the high costs of continued malaria treatment has created an economic burden for the Nigerian health sector. Malaria vaccines undergoing clinical trials have shown great promise and will help to curb the adverse health and socioeconomic effects of the disease.
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Marinelli F, Caporilli C, Titolo A, Rigante D, Esposito S. Clinical impact and disease evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in familial Mediterranean fever. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106293. [PMID: 35690330 PMCID: PMC9181393 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune system is critically involved in the pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), characterized by dysregulated inflammasome activity and recurrent inflammatory attacks: this is the most common among monogenic autoinflammatory diseases, which shares some biochemical pathways with the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In this short review we explore the overlap in the pathophysiology of FMF and SARS-CoV-2 infection, discussing how to understand better the interaction between the two diseases and optimize management. A poorer outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection seems not to be present in infected FMF patients in terms of hospitalization time, need for oxygen support, need for intensive care, rate of complications and exitus. Long-term surveillance will confirm the relatively low risk of a worse prognosis observed so far in SARS-CoV-2-infected people with FMF. In these patients COVID-19 vaccines are recommended and their safety profile is expected to be similar to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marinelli
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Caporilli
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Annachiara Titolo
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Department of Life Sciences and Global Health, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Esposito S. Manifesto of the pediatricians of Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, in favor of vaccination against COVID in children 5–11 years old. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:40. [PMID: 35248142 PMCID: PMC8898060 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Following the authorization by the regulatory authorities of vaccination against COVID for children aged between 5 and 11, in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, the pediatricians of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), the Cultural Association of Pediatrics, the Italian Federation of Pediatricians (FIMP) and the Italian Union of Family Pediatricians (SIMPeF), who work in the hospital and in the territorial setting, have made a univocal and convinced appeal in favor of vaccination also in this age group. Main findings In order to contribute to a conscious choice, on the part of parents, based on exhaustive and correct information, a 24-point manifesto was developed. The manifesto showed that vaccines against COVID are the most effective and safest tool we have to counter the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination against COVID is a right of children just as it is for adults. Children between 5 and 11 years are not protected from the virus and a large part of the newly infected is this age. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is certainly more benign in children, in some cases it can cause a serious pathology and long COVID. The stress caused by the pandemic, the prolonged closure of schools and the interruption of sports and recreational activities have had a devastating effect on the mental health of children and on the development of their personality. Vaccinating children against COVID serves to protect them from severe forms of disease and long COVID, allowing them to attend school face-to-face and lead a normal social life. The safety of vaccinatin is very high and vaccines against COVID have no influence on fertility nor can they cause developmental or growth side effects. Conclusions The manifesto highlighted that the vaccine against COVID for children aged between 5 and 11 is effective and safe and represents an extraordinary gift for safeguarding health of the younger ones. The invitation, therefore, to parents is to have their children vaccinated against COVID as early as possible.
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Tung TH, Lin XQ, Chen Y, Wu H, Zhang MX, Zhu JS. Why do parents willingness-to-pay to vaccinate their children against COVID-19? A real-world evidence in Taizhou, China. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:1-9. [PMID: 35061958 PMCID: PMC8920241 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2014731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Hsin Tung
- Evidence-based Medicine Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongwei Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mei-Xian Zhang
- Evidence-based Medicine Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
- Public Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian-Sheng Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
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Rudan I, Adeloye D, Katikireddi V, Murray J, Simpson C, Shah SA, Robertson C, Sheikh A. The COVID-19 pandemic in children and young people during 2020-2021: A complex discussion on vaccination. J Glob Health 2021; 11:01011. [PMID: 35047183 PMCID: PMC8763337 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.01011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Rudan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Davies Adeloye
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Josie Murray
- COVID-19 Surveillance Lead, Public Health Scotland, Fife, UK
| | - Colin Simpson
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Chris Robertson
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK and Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - EAVE II collaboration
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, Glasgow, UK
- COVID-19 Surveillance Lead, Public Health Scotland, Fife, UK
- School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK and Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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Bono SA, Siau CS, Chen WS, Low WY, Faria de Moura Villela E, Pengpid S, Hasan MT, Sessou P, Ditekemena JD, Amodan BO, Hosseinipour MC, Dolo H, Siewe Fodjo JN, Colebunders R. Adults' Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine for Children in Selected Lower- and Middle-Income Countries. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 10:11. [PMID: 35062672 PMCID: PMC8778348 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged between 12 and 15 years old was recently obtained in the United States and Europe, we aimed to assess the willingness to vaccinate children with a COVID-19 vaccine in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, we launched an online cross-sectional survey in several LMICs. Questions relating to socio-demographic information, knowledge of COVID-19, level of fear/worry of being infected with COVID-19, and willingness to vaccinate children with the COVID-19 vaccine at 50%, 75% and 95% effectiveness levels, were asked. Of the 6571 participants (mean age = 39 ± 14 years), 64.0%, 72.6%, and 92.9% were willing to vaccinate children at 50%, 75%, and 95% effectiveness levels, respectively. Respondents who were undergraduates, who were more worried/fearful about COVID-19, had higher knowledge scores regarding COVID-19, and a higher belief that COVID-19 vaccination is important to protect others, were more willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination of children. COVID-19 vaccination of children will limit the spread of the virus, especially in schools; it may decrease the need for school closures which has a negative effect on child development. Findings from this study are useful for health promotion strategies during COVID-19 vaccination implementation among children in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Awang Bono
- School of Social Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia;
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Won Sun Chen
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia;
| | - Wah Yun Low
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Asia Europe Institute, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Edlaine Faria de Moura Villela
- Disease Control Coordination, Sao Paulo State Health Department, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil;
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Supa Pengpid
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - M Tasdik Hasan
- Jeeon Bangladesh Ltd., Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
- Department of Primary Care & Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Philippe Sessou
- Research Unit on Communicable Diseases, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01 BP 526, Benin;
| | - John D. Ditekemena
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 7948, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
| | - Bob Omoda Amodan
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Loudel Towers, Level 4, Kampala 7272, Uganda;
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- University of North Carolina Malawi, Lilongwe 999119, Malawi
| | - Housseini Dolo
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako BP 1805, Mali;
| | - Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.N.S.F.); (R.C.)
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaounde P.O. Box 25625, Cameroon
| | - Robert Colebunders
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.N.S.F.); (R.C.)
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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Parents of Children and Adolescents Living in Brazil. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101115. [PMID: 34696223 PMCID: PMC8540804 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The immunization of large portions of populations in low/middle-income countries is considered one of the key measures to limit the development of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, parental vaccine hesitancy might be an important obstacle to pediatric vaccination. The aim of this survey was to study the prevalence and extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents of children and adolescents living in Brazil. Methods: Caregivers of children and adolescents referred to the emergency department of Hospital Estadual de Bauru, São Paulo (Brazil) were invited to fill in a validated questionnaire on vaccine hesitancy and to report their willingness for themselves and their offspring to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total of 501 consecutive caregivers filled in the survey. Response rate was 100%. A minority (N = 14, 2.8%) of caregivers were hesitant about vaccines. Despite this, half of them declared they were willing to vaccinate their offspring against COVID-19. Conclusions: This survey identifies that vaccine hesitancy is very low among caregivers living in Brazil and that even many of the hesitant caregivers are willing to vaccinate their offspring against COVID-19. This study highlights the importance of offering the COVID-19 vaccination to the whole population, including subjects that present uncertainty about other vaccines.
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Update on Viral Infections Involving the Central Nervous System in Pediatric Patients. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8090782. [PMID: 34572214 PMCID: PMC8470393 DOI: 10.3390/children8090782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are mainly caused by viruses, and these infections can be life-threatening in pediatric patients. Although the prognosis of CNS infections is often favorable, mortality and long-term sequelae can occur. The aims of this narrative review were to describe the specific microbiological and clinical features of the most frequent pathogens and to provide an update on the diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for viral CNS infections in children. A literature analysis showed that the most common pathogens worldwide are enteroviruses, arboviruses, parechoviruses, and herpesviruses, with variable prevalence rates in different countries. Lumbar puncture (LP) should be performed as soon as possible when CNS infection is suspected, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples should always be sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Due to the lack of specific therapies, the management of viral CNS infections is mainly based on supportive care, and empiric treatment against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection should be started as soon as possible. Some researchers have questioned the role of acyclovir as an empiric antiviral in older children due to the low incidence of HSV infection in this population and observed that HSV encephalitis may be clinically recognizable beyond neonatal age. However, the real benefit-risk ratio of selective approaches is unclear, and further studies are needed to define appropriate indications for empiric acyclovir. Research is needed to find specific therapies for emerging pathogens. Moreover, the appropriate timing of monitoring neurological development, performing neuroimaging evaluations and investigating the effectiveness of rehabilitation during follow-up should be evaluated with long-term studies.
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Use of Monoclonal Antibody to Treat COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents: Risk of Abuse of Prescription and Exacerbation of Health Inequalities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070673. [PMID: 34358099 PMCID: PMC8308584 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in infected patients are a new class of antiviral agents approved as a type of passive immunotherapy. They should be administered to adults and children (≥12 years old, weighing ≥ 40 kg) with SARS-CoV-2 positivity, and who are suffering from a chronic underlying disease and are at risk of severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. The aim of this manuscript is to discuss the benefit-to-risk of mAb therapy to treat COVID-19 in pediatric age, according to current reports. A problem is that the authorization for mAbs use in children was given without studies previously evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mAbs in pediatric patients. Moreover, although the total number of children with chronic severe underlying disease is not marginal, the risk of severe COVID-19 in pediatric age is significantly reduced than in adults and the role of chronic underlying disease as a risk factor of severe COVID-19 development in pediatric patients is far from being precisely defined. In addition, criteria presently suggested for use of mAbs in children and adolescents are very broad and may cause individual clinicians or institutions to recommend these agents on a case-by-case basis, with an abuse in mAbs prescriptions and an exacerbation of health inequalities while resources are scarce. Several questions need to be addressed before their routine use in clinical practice, including what is their associated benefit-to-risk ratio in children and adolescents, who are the patients that could really have benefit from their use, and if there is any interference of mAb therapy on recommended vaccines. While we wait for answers to these questions from well-conducted research, an effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine for vulnerable pediatric patients remains the best strategy to prevent COVID-19 and represents the priority for public health policies.
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17
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García-Montero C, Fraile-Martínez O, Bravo C, Torres-Carranza D, Sanchez-Trujillo L, Gómez-Lahoz AM, Guijarro LG, García-Honduvilla N, Asúnsolo A, Bujan J, Monserrat J, Serrano E, Álvarez-Mon M, De León-Luis JA, Álvarez-Mon MA, Ortega MA. An Updated Review of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines and the Importance of Effective Vaccination Programs in Pandemic Times. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050433. [PMID: 33925526 PMCID: PMC8146241 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic was declared a year ago, the search for vaccines has become the top priority in order to restore normalcy after 2.5 million deaths worldwide, overloaded sanitary systems, and a huge economic burden. Vaccine development has represented a step towards the desired herd immunity in a short period of time, owing to a high level of investment, the focus of researchers, and the urge for the authorization of the faster administration of vaccines. Nevertheless, this objective may only be achieved by pursuing effective strategies and policies in various countries worldwide. In the present review, some aspects involved in accomplishing a successful vaccination program are addressed, in addition to the importance of vaccination in a pandemic in the face of unwillingness, conspiracy theories, or a lack of information among the public. Moreover, we provide some updated points related to the landscape of the clinical development of vaccine candidates, specifically, the top five vaccines that are already being assessed in Phase IV clinical trials (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, AZD1222, Ad26.COV2.S, and CoronaVac).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Coral Bravo
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lara Sanchez-Trujillo
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Service of Pediatric, Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Ana M. Gómez-Lahoz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Luis G. Guijarro
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (CIBEREHD), Department of System Biology, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain;
| | - Natalio García-Honduvilla
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Angel Asúnsolo
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Julia Bujan
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Encarnación Serrano
- Los fresnos of Health Centre, Health Area III, Torrejon de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology, Oncology Service an Internal Medicine, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, (CIBEREHD), 28806 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Juan A De León-Luis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- First of May Health Centre, Health Area I, Rivas Vaciamadrid, 28521 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Miguel A. Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Cancer Registry and Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, 28806 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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