COVID-19 vaccines: Frequently asked questions and updated answers

Effect of religious fatalism and concern about new variants on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines

Introduction

To protect public health, it is important that the population be vaccinated against COVID-19; however, certain factors can affect vaccine acceptance.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether religious fatalism and concern about new variants have a significant effect on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Methodology

An explanatory study was conducted with 403 adults of legal age captured through non-probabilistic convenience sampling in vaccination centers in the 13 health networks of the Regional Health Directorate of Puno, Peru. Data were collected through a brief scale of religious fatalism, a scale of acceptance of vaccines against COVID-19 and a scale of concern about a new variant of COVID-19.

Results

The proposed model obtained an adequate fit. There was a negative effect of religious fatalism on vaccine acceptance, a positive effect of fatalism on vaccine rejection, a positive effect of concern about new variants on the acceptance of vaccines, and a positive effect of concern about new variants on vaccine rejection.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence for the usefulness of considering both religious fatalism and concern about new variants affect the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in adults in southern Peru.

Adenoviral Vector-Based Vaccine Platform for COVID-19: Current Status

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) breakout had an unimaginable worldwide effect in the 21st century, claiming millions of lives and putting a huge burden on the global economy. The potential developments in vaccine technologies following the determination of the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 and the increasing global efforts to bring potential vaccines and therapeutics into the market for emergency use have provided a small bright spot to this tragic event. Several intriguing vaccine candidates have been developed using recombinant technology, genetic engineering, and other vaccine development technologies. In the last decade, a vast amount of the vaccine development process has diversified towards the usage of viral vector-based vaccines. The immune response elicited by such vaccines is comparatively higher than other approved vaccine candidates that require a booster dose to provide sufficient immune protection. The non-replicating adenoviral vectors are promising vaccine carriers for infectious diseases due to better yield, cGMP-friendly manufacturing processes, safety, better efficacy, manageable shipping, and storage procedures. As of April 2022, the WHO has approved a total of 10 vaccines around the world for COVID-19 (33 vaccines approved by at least one country), among which three candidates are adenoviral vector-based vaccines. This review sheds light on the developmental summary of all the adenoviral vector-based vaccines that are under emergency use authorization (EUA) or in the different stages of development for COVID-19 management.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: Types, Working Principle, and Its Impact on Thrombosis and Gastrointestinal Disorders

In the current scenario of the coronavirus pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), considerable efforts have been made to control the pandemic by the development of a strong immune system through massive vaccination. Just after the discovery of the genetic sequences of SARS-CoV-2, the development of vaccines became the prime focus of scientists around the globe. About 200 SARS-CoV-2 candidate vaccines have already been entered into preclinical and clinical trials. Various traditional and novel approaches are being utilized as a broad range of platforms. Viral vector (replicating and non-replicating), nucleic acid (DNA and RNA), recombinant protein, virus-like particle, peptide, live attenuated virus, an inactivated virus approaches are the prominent attributes of the vaccine development. This review article includes the current knowledge about the platforms used for the development of different vaccines, their working principles, their efficacy, and the impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on thrombosis. We provide a detailed description of the vaccines that are already approved by administrative authorities. Moreover, various strategies utilized in the development of emerging vaccines that are in the trial phases along with their mode of delivery have been discussed along with their effect on thrombosis and gastrointestinal disorders.

Viral vector and nucleic acid vaccines against COVID-19: A narrative review

After about 2 years since the first detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 that resulted in a worldwide pandemic, 6.2 million deaths have been recorded. As a result, there is an urgent need for the development of a safe and effective vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Endeavors for the production of effective vaccines inexhaustibly are continuing. At present according to the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 vaccine tracker and landscape, 153 vaccine candidates are developing in the clinical phase all over the world. Some new and exciting platforms are nucleic acid-based vaccines such as Pfizer Biontech and Moderna vaccines consisting of a messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding a viral spike protein in host cells. Another novel vaccine platform is viral vector vaccine candidates that could be replicating or nonreplicating. These types of vaccines that have a harmless viral vector like adenovirus contain a genome encoding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which induces significant immune responses. This technology of vaccine manufacturing has previously been used in many human clinical trials conducted for adenoviral vector-based vaccines against different infectious agents, including Ebola virus, Zika virus, HIV, and malaria. In this paper, we have a review of nucleic acid-based vaccines that are passing their phase 3 and 4 clinical trials and discuss their efficiency and adverse effects.

Prospective Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals Shielding Autoimmune and Cancer Patients Against the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Special Focus on Matcha

Background

Being "positive" has been one of the most frustrating words anyone could hear since the end of 2019. This word had been overused globally due to the high infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2. All citizens are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, but a red warning sign has been directed towards cancer and immune-compromised patients in particular. These groups of patients are not only more prone to catch the virus but also more predisposed to its deadly consequences, something that urged the research community to seek other effective and safe solutions that could be used as a protective measurement for cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.

Aim

The authors aimed to turn the spotlight on specific herbal remedies that showed potential anticancer activity, immuno-modulatory roles, and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions.

Methodology

To attain the purpose of the review, the research was conducted at the States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). To search databases, the descriptors used were as follows: "COVID-19"/"SARS-CoV-2", "Herbal Drugs", "Autoimmune diseases", "Rheumatoid Arthritis", "Asthma", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" "Nutraceuticals", "Matcha", "EGCG", "Quercetin", "Cancer", and key molecular pathways.

Results

This manuscript reviewed most of the herbal drugs that showed a triple action concerning anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Special attention was directed towards "matcha" as a novel potential protective and therapeutic agent for cancer and immunocompromised patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Conclusion

This review sheds light on the pivotal role of "matcha" as a tri-acting herbal tea having a potent antitumorigenic effect, immunomodulatory role, and proven anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, thus providing a powerful shield for high-risk patients such as cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.

Latin American Scientific Production on COVID-19 Vaccines

Background

Currently, there is a worldwide health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic; consequently, it is necessary to find effective vaccines in order to immunize the population and prevent the transmission of the disease. Likewise, it is important to know vaccine progress and efficacy research, mainly in Latin American countries where no studies have been conducted yet to know the scientific production on COVID-19.

Methods

A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out and COVID-19 vaccine publications in Scopus-indexed journals were considered as a unit of analysis for the period between 2020 and June 2021, with authors affiliated to Latin American institutions.

Results

We found 141 published Scopus-indexed COVID-19 vaccine articles with authors affiliated to Latin American institutions. Brazil has the highest scientific production with 33.33%, followed by Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile. Regarding productivity by institution, 137 international institutions have participated in the Latin American COVID-19 vaccine production. The journals with the highest number of published articles are Vaccines and Vaccine. Both journals are located in Q1 of the SJR. The most frequently used descriptor was coronavirus disease 2019.

Conclusion

The Latin American scientific production on COVID-19 vaccines included 141 published Scopus-indexed articles. Likewise, Brazil is the Latin American country with the highest scientific production.

Issues surrounding incentives and penalties for COVID-19 vaccination: The Israeli experience

The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of COVID-19 vaccination in Israel and how these relate to different proposals made about benefits for those vaccinated, and to present the legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding these issues. A retrospective study of COVID-19 vaccination rates in Israel was conducted, with data obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH). Information on benefits proposed or offered for vaccination and restrictions for non-vaccination were obtained from the MOH and presented in a timeline. By March 1st, 51% of the total population, and 91% of those aged 60 and over, had received their first COVID-19 vaccine. Exemption from quarantine was granted to vaccinated or recovered people from 17th January 2021. The 'green pass' incentive scheme, granting access to social, cultural and sporting events for those fully vaccinated or immune, was proposed in December 2020, and came into effect on February 21st 2021. Incentive schemes which impose limitations on those who choose not to vaccinate may motivate some people to take action. Policymakers should use a measured approach to protect public health, with minimum infringement on citizens' rights. Providing transparent and culturally appropriate information on immunization and ensuring maximal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines may help build trust.

Administration of COVID-19 vaccines in immunocompromised patients

Since the beginning of vaccination programs against COVID-19 in different countries, several populations such as patients with specific immunological conditions have been considered as the priorities for immunization. In this regard, patients with autoimmune diseases or those receiving immunosuppressive agents and anti-cancer therapies, need special attention. However, no confirmed data is presently available regarding COVID-19 vaccines in these populations due to exclusion from the conducted clinical trials. Given the probable suppression or over-activation of the immune system in such patients, reaching a consensus for their vaccination is critical, besides gathering data and conducting trials, which could probably clarify this matter in the future. In this review, besides a brief on the available COVID-19 vaccines, considerations and available knowledge about administering similar vaccines in patients with cancer, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, solid organ transplantation, multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and rheumatologic and dermatologic autoimmune disorders are summarized to help in decision making. As discussed, live-attenuated viruses, which should be avoided in these groups, are not employed in the present COVID-19 vaccines. Thus, the main concern regarding efficacy could be met using a potent COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, the vaccination timing for maximum efficacy could be decided according to the patient’s condition, indicated medications, and the guides provided here. Post-vaccination monitoring is also advised to ensure an adequate immune response. Further studies in this area are urgently warranted.

One Year of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Brazil: A Political and Social Overview

Background

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) became the deadliest pandemic of the new millennium. One year after it became a pandemic, the current COVID-19 situation in Brazil is an example of how the impacts of a pandemic are beyond health outcomes and how health, social, and political actions are intertwined.

Objectives

We aimed to provide an overview of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, from a social and political point of view, and to discuss the perspectives from now on.

Methods

This is a narrative review using official, scientific (PubMed, Medline, and SciELO databases) and publicly available data. Press articles were also used that contain important information not found in these databases.

Findings

We address the impacts of COVID-19 in different regions of Brazil, on indigenous populations, health care workers, and how internal social contrasts impacted the pandemics advance across the country. We also discuss key points that culminated in the countrys failed management of the COVID-19 spread, such as poor management of the public health care system, disparities between public and private health care infrastructure, lack of mass testing and viral spread tracking, lack of preparedness and planning to implement strict isolation and social distancing measures, and, most importantly, political instability, a deteriorating Health Ministry and sabotaging attitudes of the countrys president, including anti-scientific actions, underplaying COVID-19 severity, spreading and powering fake news about the pandemic, promoting knowingly inefficient medications for COVID-19 treatment, and interference in collective health policies, including the countrys vaccination plan.

Conclusions

After one year of COVID-19 and a disastrous management of the disease, Brazil has more than 11 million cases, 270,000 deaths, and the highest number of daily deaths due to COVID-19 in the world, most of which could have been avoided and can be credited to negligence of municipal, state, and federal authorities, especially President Jair Messias Bolsonaro. Unfortunately, the country is an example of what not to do in a pandemic setting.

Key Points

One year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Brazil had the second higher number of cases and deaths, and the highest number of daily deaths due to the disease. Lack of massive testing, non-stringent and ineffective collective health policies, poor management of the public health care system, and political instability were the main drivers of the countrys flawed management of the COVID-19 advancement. Anti-science and sabotaging actions by government had a pivotal role in the countrys current situation. Brazil has a large territory and is marked by social contrasts among different regions and states, which showed contrasting data regarding the impact caused by COVID-19. COVID-19 databases and data sharing are important to provide an overview of epidemiological aspects of the disease; however, Brazil lacks standardization in these datasets.