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Heilmann E, Tembo T, Fwoloshi S, Kabamba B, Chilambe F, Kalenga K, Siwingwa M, Mulube C, Seffren V, Bolton-Moore C, Simwanza J, Yingst S, Yadav R, Rogier E, Auld AF, Agolory S, Kapina M, Gutman JR, Savory T, Kangale C, Mulenga LB, Sikazwe I, Hines JZ. Trends in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among pregnant women attending first antenatal care visits in Zambia: A repeated cross-sectional survey, 2021-2022. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003073. [PMID: 38568905 PMCID: PMC10990173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 serosurveys help estimate the extent of transmission and guide the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. We measured SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among women attending ANC clinics to assess exposure trends over time in Zambia. We conducted repeated cross-sectional SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys among pregnant women aged 15-49 years attending their first ANC visits in four districts of Zambia (two urban and two rural) during September 2021-September 2022. Serologic testing was done using a multiplex bead assay which detects IgG antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein and the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD). We calculated monthly SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence by district. We also categorized seropositive results as infection alone, infection and vaccination, or vaccination alone based on anti-RBD and anti-nucleocapsid test results and self-reported COVID-19 vaccination status (vaccinated was having received ≥1 dose). Among 8,304 participants, 5,296 (63.8%) were cumulatively seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from September 2021 through September 2022. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence primarily increased from September 2021 to September 2022 in three districts (Lusaka: 61.8-100.0%, Chongwe: 39.6-94.7%, Chipata: 56.5-95.0%), but in Chadiza, seroprevalence increased from 27.8% in September 2021 to 77.2% in April 2022 before gradually dropping to 56.6% in July 2022. Among 5,906 participants with a valid COVID-19 vaccination status, infection alone accounted for antibody responses in 77.7% (4,590) of participants. Most women attending ANC had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and most SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was infection-induced. Capturing COVID-19 vaccination status and using a multiplex bead assay with anti-nucleocapsid and anti-RBD targets facilitated distinguishing infection-induced versus vaccine-induced antibody responses during a period of increasing COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Zambia. Declining seroprevalence in Chadiza may indicate waning antibodies and a need for booster vaccines. ANC clinics have a potential role in ongoing SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance and can continue to provide insights into SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics to inform near real-time public health responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Heilmann
- Public Health Institute, Oakland, California, United States of America
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tannia Tembo
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sombo Fwoloshi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Felix Chilambe
- Adult Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kalubi Kalenga
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mpanji Siwingwa
- Adult Centre of Excellence, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Victoria Seffren
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - John Simwanza
- Surveillance and Disease Intelligence, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Samuel Yingst
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ruchi Yadav
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Eric Rogier
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Andrew F. Auld
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Simon Agolory
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Muzala Kapina
- Surveillance and Disease Intelligence, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Julie R. Gutman
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Theodora Savory
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Lloyd B. Mulenga
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jonas Z. Hines
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
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Ayieko S, Jaoko W, Opiyo RO, Orang’o EO, Messiah SE, Baker K, Markham C. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Subjective Norms Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant Women in Kenya: An Online Cross-Sectional Pilot Study Using WhatsApp. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:98. [PMID: 38248561 PMCID: PMC10815556 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been recommended, but the perceptions related to uptake remain unexplored. This pilot study aimed to explore how perceptions influence COVID-19 vaccine uptake among a sample of 115 pregnant women in Kenya, recruited via WhatsApp. Data were collected using an adapted online questionnaire between May and October 2022. Logistic analyses assessed the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination uptake and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) constructs: attitudes and subjective norms. COVID-19 vaccination coverage was 73%, with vaccine hesitancy estimated at 41.4% among the unvaccinated group. Most participants had completed college education and had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines. There was no significant effect of enrollment in WhatsApp pregnancy groups on attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Pregnant women were concerned about vaccine effectiveness (31.1%), and almost one-half (47.3%) were discouraged from receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Positive attitudes towards vaccination were associated with COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 2.81; 95% CI 1.12-7.04; p = 0.027), but no significant relationship was found between COVID-19 vaccination and strong subjective norms (influences to get COVID-19 vaccines). Our findings suggest that strategies to improve vaccination should consider targeting attitudes and proximal social networks (friends/family) to facilitate vaccination decision-making. WhatsApp can be used for research distribution and enhance the dissemination of accurate information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Ayieko
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 19676, Nairobi 00202, Kenya;
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi 00202, Kenya
| | - Rose Okoyo Opiyo
- Department of Public and Global Health, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi 00202, Kenya;
| | | | - Sarah E. Messiah
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75207, USA;
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kimberly Baker
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Christine Markham
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.B.); (C.M.)
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Ayieko S, Baker K, Messiah SE, Lewis B, Markham C. Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Decision-Making Behaviors among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1233. [PMID: 37515048 PMCID: PMC10384512 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, uptake among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa has been low. This scoping review aimed to identify and characterize determinants influencing COVID-19 vaccination decision-making behaviors among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa. We searched five online databases for articles on COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa. We identified studies published in English between March 2020 and April 2023 that assessed vaccine-specific issues, psychosocial constructs, and contextual factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination decision-making behaviors. Of the fourteen studies identified, over half (57.1%) were cross-sectional; three used qualitative research methods; and three involved multi-country participants. Most studies assessed COVID-19 vaccination acceptability and willingness. Overall, 85.7% of the publications examined knowledge, attitudes, or both as critical factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake during pregnancy was low in Sub-Saharan Africa (14.4-28%). While most current studies assess COVID-19 vaccination knowledge, research on maternal vaccination in Sub-Saharan Africa would benefit from the inclusion of theory-informed and driven studies that measure additional psychosocial factors and contextual constructs. Future studies should also employ study designs that can determine causal pathways of vaccination determinants and vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Ayieko
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kimberly Baker
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sarah E Messiah
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brianna Lewis
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christine Markham
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity and HIV Viral Load Among Mozambican Pregnant Women. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:115-121. [PMID: 36287578 PMCID: PMC9819199 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003120] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prevalence estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa are limited, particularly among pregnant women and in those living with HIV. This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Mozambican HIV-infected pregnant women during the first year of the pandemic, before COVID-19 vaccines were deployed in the country. SETTING The study was conducted in Manhiça district, a semirural area in southern Mozambique. METHODS A prospective cohort study including pregnant women living with HIV was conducted from November 2019 to June 2021. Women were enrolled at the first antenatal care clinic visit and followed until postpartum. HIV viral load and IgM/IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were determined in blood samples at first antenatal care clinic visit and at delivery. Associations between SARS-CoV-2 serostatus and maternal characteristics at enrolment were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 397 women were enrolled. SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies were detected in 7.1% of women at enrolment and in 8.5% of women at delivery. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 45 women (11.3%; 95% confidence interval 8.4 to 14.9%) during the study period; the first seropositive sample was identified in September 2020. Having undetectable HIV viral load was associated with seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM [odds ratio 3.35 (1.10 to 11.29); P = 0.039]. CONCLUSION Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in this cohort of Mozambican unvaccinated pregnant women was similar to reported global estimates of approximately 10% in pregnancy for 2021. The findings also suggest that pregnant women with high HIV viral load may have an impaired immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and might need to be carefully managed in case of COVID-19.
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Marcenac P, McCarron M, Davis W, Igboh LS, Mott JA, Lafond KE, Zhou W, Sorrells M, Charles MD, Gould P, Arriola CS, Veguilla V, Guthrie E, Dugan VG, Kondor R, Gogstad E, Uyeki TM, Olsen SJ, Emukule GO, Saha S, Greene C, Bresee JS, Barnes J, Wentworth DE, Fry AM, Jernigan DB, Azziz-Baumgartner E. Leveraging International Influenza Surveillance Systems and Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:S26-S33. [PMID: 36502434 DOI: 10.3201/eid2813.212248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A network of global respiratory disease surveillance systems and partnerships has been built over decades as a direct response to the persistent threat of seasonal, zoonotic, and pandemic influenza. These efforts have been spearheaded by the World Health Organization, country ministries of health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nongovernmental organizations, academic groups, and others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked closely with ministries of health in partner countries and the World Health Organization to leverage influenza surveillance systems and programs to respond to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Countries used existing surveillance systems for severe acute respiratory infection and influenza-like illness, respiratory virus laboratory resources, pandemic influenza preparedness plans, and ongoing population-based influenza studies to track, study, and respond to SARS-CoV-2 infections. The incorporation of COVID-19 surveillance into existing influenza sentinel surveillance systems can support continued global surveillance for respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.
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Zavala E, Fesshaye B, Lee C, Mutwiwa S, Njagi W, Munyao P, Njogu R, Gur-Arie R, Paul AM, Holroyd TA, Singh P, Karron RA, Limaye RJ. Lack of clear national policy guidance on COVID-19 vaccines influences behaviors in pregnant and lactating women in Kenya. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2127561. [PMID: 36315852 PMCID: PMC9746464 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2127561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of maternal and newborn morbidity and maternal death. In Kenya, pregnant and lactating women (PLW) were ineligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines until August 2021. How shifts in policy influence vaccine behaviors, such as health worker recommendations and vaccine uptake, is not well documented. We conducted qualitative interviews with PLW, health workers, and policymakers in Kenya to understand how different stakeholders' perceptions of national policy regarding COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy shaped vaccine behaviors and decision-making. Policymakers and health workers described pervasive uncertainty and lack of communication about the national policy, cited vaccine safety as their primary concern for administering COVID-19 vaccines to PLW, and expressed that PLW were inadequately prioritized in the COVID-19 vaccine program. PLW perceived the restrictive policy as indicative of a safety risk, resulting in vaccine hesitancy and potentially exacerbated inequities in vaccine access. These findings support the need for the development and dissemination of effective vaccine communication guidelines and the prioritization of PLW in COVID-19 vaccination policies and campaigns. To ensure PLW do not face the same inequities in future epidemics, data on infectious disease burdens and vaccine uptake should be collected systematically among pregnant women, and PLW should be included in future vaccine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonor Zavala
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,CONTACT Eleonor Zavala Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205USA
| | - Berhaun Fesshaye
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Clarice Lee
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Rachel Gur-Arie
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alicia M. Paul
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taylor A. Holroyd
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Prachi Singh
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruth A. Karron
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Center for Immunization Research, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rupali J. Limaye
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Rupali J. Limaye Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 W Wolfe St E5521, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Paul AM, Lee C, Fesshaye B, Gur-Arie R, Zavala E, Singh P, Karron RA, Limaye RJ. Conceptualizing the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Pregnant and Lactating Women, Male Community Members, and Health Workers in Kenya. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10784. [PMID: 36078503 PMCID: PMC9518350 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women are at greater risk of adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several factors which can influence the ways in which pregnant women perceive COVID-19 disease and behaviorally respond to the pandemic. This study seeks to understand how three key audiences-pregnant and lactating women (PLW), male community members, and health workers-in Kenya conceptualize COVID-19 to better understand determinants of COVID-19 related behaviors. This study used qualitative methods to conduct 84 in-depth interviews in three counties in Kenya. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Emerging themes were organized based on common behavioral constructs thought to influence COVID-19 related behaviors and included myths, risk perception, economic implications, stigma, and self-efficacy. Results suggest that risk perception and behavioral attitudes substantially influence the experiences of PLW, male community members, and health workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health prevention and communication responses targeting these groups should address potential barriers to preventive health behaviors, such as the spread of misinformation, financial constraints, and fear of social ostracization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. Paul
- International Vaccine Access Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Clarice Lee
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Berhaun Fesshaye
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rachel Gur-Arie
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eleonor Zavala
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Prachi Singh
- International Vaccine Access Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ruth A. Karron
- Center for Immunization Research, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rupali J. Limaye
- International Vaccine Access Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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