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Teófilo VSG, Pinho PRA, Cordeiro GJ, Saldanha NAF, Matos PMM, Ribeiro RAM, Moreira SM, Miller MSF, Dias ARM, Couto MFR, Norton PMPNS. Spontaneous reporting of adverse reactions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine in health care professionals: A descriptive observational study conducted in a Portuguese hospital. Porto Biomed J 2023; 8:e219. [PMID: 37383526 PMCID: PMC10299789 DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was classified as a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was the first to be authorized in the European Union, based on data from phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials of limited duration. Concerns have been raised regarding the vaccine's safety profile. Some of the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with vaccines may not have been identified during clinical trials. This study aimed to identify ADRs associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in health care professionals at a Portuguese tertiary university hospital. Methods The data used in this analysis consist of ADRs reported through a spontaneous notification system from vaccines administered between December 27, 2020, and January 31, 2021. ADRs were categorized according to the MedDRA terminology. Results A total of 8,605 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines were administered to 4568 health care professionals. ADRs were reported among 520 of the vaccines, with an incidence of 13.56% in women and 5.31% in men. The mean age of the population reporting ADRs was 41.52 years, with a standard deviation of 9.83 years. The most frequent ADRs were myalgia (n = 274), headache (n = 199), pyrexia (n = 164), injection site pain (n = 160), fatigue (n = 84), nausea (n = 81), chills (n = 65), lymphadenopathy (n = 64), and arthralgia (n = 53). Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 15 health care professionals, with no anaphylactic reactions observed. A total of four Important Medical Events were observed, which consisted of two cases of syncope, one case of sudden hearing loss, and one case of transverse myelitis. Conclusion The vaccine was well-tolerated among the study participants. Reactogenicity was greater after the second dose. The incidence of ADRs was higher in women and individuals aged between 40 to 49 years. Systemic adverse reactions were most frequently reported. Systematic monitoring of ADRs of COVID-19 vaccines in real-life context is essential for a more robust establishment of its safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa S G Teófilo
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo R A Pinho
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo J Cordeiro
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno A F Saldanha
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro M M Matos
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui A M Ribeiro
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Salomé M Moreira
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana S F Miller
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia R M Dias
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta F R Couto
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro M P N S Norton
- Occupational Health Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
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Pillai A, Nayak A, Tiwari D, Pillai PK, Pandita A, Sakharkar S, Balasubramanian H, Kabra N. COVID-19 Disease in Under-5 Children: Current Status and Strategies for Prevention including Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:693. [PMID: 36992278 PMCID: PMC10058749 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic hit the globe in early 2020, we have steadily gained insight into its pathogenesis; thereby improving surveillance and preventive measures. In contrast to other respiratory viruses, neonates and young children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have a milder clinical presentation, with only a small proportion needing hospitalization and intensive care support. With the emergence of novel variants and improved testing services, there has been a higher incidence of COVID-19 disease reported among children and neonates. Despite this, the proportion of young children with severe disease has not increased. Key mechanisms that protect young children from severe COVID-19 disease include the placental barrier, differential expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, immature immune response, and passive transfer of antibodies via placenta and human milk. Implementing mass vaccination programs has been a major milestone in reducing the global disease burden. However, considering the lower risk of severe COVID-19 illness in young children and the limited evidence about long-term vaccine safety, the risk-benefit balance in children under five years of age is more complex. In this review, we do not support or undermine vaccination of young children but outline current evidence and guidelines, and highlight controversies, knowledge gaps, and ethical issues related to COVID-19 vaccination in young children. Regulatory bodies should consider the individual and community benefits of vaccinating younger children in their local epidemiological setting while planning regional immunization policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Pillai
- Surya Hospitals, Mangal Ashirwad Building, Swami Vivekananda Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054, Maharashtra, India
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Anuja Nayak
- Bai Jerabai Wadia Hospital for Children, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel East, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepika Tiwari
- Surya Hospitals, Mangal Ashirwad Building, Swami Vivekananda Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pratichi Kadam Pillai
- Surya Hospitals, Mangal Ashirwad Building, Swami Vivekananda Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aakash Pandita
- Medanta Super Specialty Hospital, Sector-A, Pocket-1, Amar Shaheed Path, Golf City, Lucknow 226030, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sachin Sakharkar
- Surya Hospitals, Mangal Ashirwad Building, Swami Vivekananda Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Nandkishor Kabra
- Surya Hospitals, Mangal Ashirwad Building, Swami Vivekananda Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054, Maharashtra, India
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Hosain R, Aquino P, Baccarini C, Smolenov I, Li P, Qin H, Verhoeven C, Hu B, Huang Y, Rubio P. Six-month safety follow-up of an adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 trimeric S-protein subunit vaccine (SCB-2019) in adults: A phase 2/3, double-blind, randomized study. Vaccine 2023; 41:2253-2260. [PMID: 36868877 PMCID: PMC9915113 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the safety of SCB-2019, a protein subunit vaccine candidate containing a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) trimer fusion protein, combined with CpG-1018/alum adjuvants. METHODS This ongoing phase 2/3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial is being conducted in Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, and South Africa in participants ≥ 12 years of age. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 2 doses of SCB-2019 or placebo administered intramuscularly 21 days apart. Here, we present the safety results of SCB-2019 over the 6-month period following 2-dose primary vaccination series in all adult participants (≥18 years of age). RESULTS A total of 30,137 adult participants received at least one dose of study vaccine (n = 15,070) or placebo (n = 15,067) between 24 March 2021 and 01 December 2021. Unsolicited adverse events, medically-attended adverse events, adverse events of special interest, and serious adverse events were reported in similar frequencies in both study arms over the 6-month follow-up period. Vaccine-related SAEs were reported by 4 of 15,070 SCB-2019 recipients (hypersensitivity reactions in two participants, Bell's palsy, and spontaneous abortion) and 2 of 15,067 placebo recipients (COVID-19, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome in one participant and spontaneous abortion in the other one). No signs of vaccine-associated enhanced disease were observed. CONCLUSIONS SCB-2019 administered as a 2-dose series has an acceptable safety profile. No safety concerns were identified during the 6-month follow-up after the primary vaccination. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04672395; EudraCT: 2020-004272-17.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ping Li
- Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Branda Hu
- Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yung Huang
- Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA
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- Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA
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Abufares HI, Oyoun Alsoud L, Alqudah MAY, Shara M, Soares NC, Alzoubi KH, El-Huneidi W, Bustanji Y, Soliman SSM, Semreen MH. COVID-19 Vaccines, Effectiveness, and Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15415. [PMID: 36499742 PMCID: PMC9737588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has captivated the globe's attention since its emergence in 2019. This highly infectious, spreadable, and dangerous pathogen has caused health, social, and economic crises. Therefore, a worldwide collaborative effort was made to find an efficient strategy to overcome and develop vaccines. The new vaccines provide an effective immune response that safeguards the community from the virus' severity. WHO has approved nine vaccines for emergency use based on safety and efficacy data collected from various conducted clinical trials. Herein, we review the safety and effectiveness of the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines and associated immune responses, and their impact on improving the public's health. Several immunological studies have demonstrated that vaccination dramatically enhances the immune response and reduces the likelihood of future infections in previously infected individuals. However, the type of vaccination and individual health status can significantly affect immune responses. Exposure of healthy individuals to adenovirus vectors or mRNA vaccines causes the early production of antibodies from B and T cells. On the other hand, unhealthy individuals were more likely to experience harmful events due to relapses in their existing conditions. Taken together, aligning with the proper vaccination to a patient's case can result in better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneen Imad Abufares
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leen Oyoun Alsoud
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A. Y. Alqudah
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohd Shara
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad H. Semreen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Kounis NG, Mplani V, Koniari I, Kouni S, Plotas P, Tsigkas G, Velissaris D. Hypersensitivity coronary myocardial infarction (Kounis syndrome) and COVID-19 vaccines. J Cardiol Cases 2022; 26:242-243. [PMID: 35611329 PMCID: PMC9119861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jccase.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G. Kounis
- Department of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
- Corresponding author at: Department of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Queen Olgas Square, 7 Aratou Street, Patras 26221, Greece.
| | - Virginia Mplani
- Intensive Care Unit, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Ioanna Koniari
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sophia Kouni
- Department of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Department of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Grigorios Tsigkas
- Department of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
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