Acceptance of a COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Related Determinants among the General Adult Population in Kuwait

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the acceptance of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among the general adult population in Kuwait and assess its determinants.Subjects and MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling adults living in Kuwait (n = 2,368; aged ≥21 years). Acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine was inferred if participants indicated that they “definitely or probably will accept vaccination against COVID-19 once a vaccine is available.” Associations were explored by applying a modified Poisson regression to estimate and infer adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsIn total, 53.1% (1,257/2,368) of the participants were willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine once available. Male subjects were more willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine than females (58.3 vs. 50.9%, p < 0.001). Subjects who viewed vaccines in general to have health-related risks were less willing to accept vaccination (aPR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.35–0.44). Moreover, participants who previously received an influenza vaccine were more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine (aPR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31–1.58). Willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 increased as the self-perceived chances of contracting the infection increased (p < 0.001).ConclusionOverall, 53.1% of the study participants demonstrated willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We found several factors influencing the level of acceptance. Since vaccination appears to be an essential preventive measure that can halt the COVID-19 pandemic, factors relating to low vaccine acceptance need to be urgently addressed by public health strategies.     

Humoral response and safety of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: An observational study

BackgroundThe effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the optimal timing of vaccine administration in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) recipients remains inadequately investigated. We examine the effectiveness and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in allo-HSCT recipients.MethodThis prospective observational study included 44 allo-HSCT recipients and 38 healthy volunteers. The proportion of subjects acquiring anti-S1 IgG antibodies were considered as the primary endpoint. The occurrence of adverse events after vaccination and objective deterioration of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were defined as secondary endpoints. In addition, we compared the geometric mean titers (GMT) of anti-S1 antibody titers in subgroups based on time interval between transplantation and vaccination.ResultsA humoral response to the vaccine was evident in 40 (91%) patients and all 38 healthy controls. The GMT of anti-S1 titers in patients and healthy controls were 277 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 120–643) BAU/mL and 532 (95% CI 400–708) BAU/mL, respectively. (p = 0.603). A short time interval between transplantation and vaccination (≤6 months) was associated with low anti-S1 IgG antibody titers. No serious adverse events and deterioration of chronic GVHD were observed. Only one case of new development of mild chronic GVHD was recorded.ConclusionMessenger RNA COVID-19 vaccines induce humoral responses in allo-HSCT recipients and can be administered safely.     

Trends in adolescent COVID-19 vaccination receipt and parental intent to vaccinate their adolescent children,United States,July to October, 2021

IntroductionThere was a five-fold increase in COVID-19 hospitalization case counts among children and adolescents between June and October 2021. However, polls suggest that adolescent COVID-19 vaccination coverage has plateaued in the United States.MethodsUsing the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, we assessed trends in COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents ages 12–17 years, parents’ intention to vaccinate their adolescent children, and their reasons for not intending to vaccinate their children from July to October 2021 using a large, nationally representative survey of U.S. households (n = 59,424). Trends in COVID-19 adolescent vaccination coverage, nationally and by sociodemographic characteristics, factors associated with adolescent vaccination status and parental intent to vaccinate their adolescent children, as well as changes in reasons for non-vaccination were examined using regression models.ResultsReceipt of ≥1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine among adolescents ages 12–17 years increased five percentage points, from 56% (July) to 61% (October), with significant increases across most sociodemographic variables. However, there were no significant changes in parental intention to vaccinate their adolescent children during the same time period. Approximately one-quarter of parents were unsure about or reluctant to vaccinate their children, which remained consistent from July to October. Among those who had not vaccinated their children, lack of trust in the government and vaccines, and the belief that the COVID-19 vaccine is not needed or effective, was higher in October compared to July.ConclusionsParental intention to vaccinate their children has remained relatively stable throughout the late summer and early fall of 2021. Encouraging paediatricians to discuss the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, addressing concerns and misinformation, as well as recommending and offering vaccines are important for increasing parental confidence in vaccines as well as vaccination uptake among adolescents.

KEY MESSAGE

• Receipt of ≥1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine among adolescents ages 12–17 years increased five percentage points, from 56% (July) to 61% (October), with significant increases across most sociodemographic variables.
• Approximately one quarter of parents were unsure about or reluctant to vaccinate their children, which remained consistent from July to October.
• Encouraging paediatricians to discuss the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, addressing concerns and misinformation, as well as recommending and offering vaccines is important for increasing parental confidence in vaccines as well as vaccination uptake among adolescents.

     

Symptomatic but not Asymptomatic COVID-19 Impairs Conditioned Pain Modulation in Young Adults

Pain is a common symptom reported in COVID-19 patients. Impaired endogenous pain-modulatory mechanisms such as conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) have been found in chronic pain conditions but is often overlooked in acute conditions that evoke painful symptoms, such as COVID-19. The purpose was to compare pressure-pain sensitivity, CPM, and EIH function among individuals who previously had COVID-19, both symptomatically and asymptomatically, and a healthy control group. Pressure pain thresholds of 59 participants were assessed in the forearm and leg using a pressure algometer before and after 1) submersion of their dominant foot in cold water (2°C) for 1min; and 2) isometric knee extension performed to task-failure at 25% of their maximal contraction. The CPM response was attenuated in individuals who were infected with symptomatic COVID-19 (N = 26) compared to asymptomatic COVID-19 (N = 13) in arm (-1.0% ± 20.3 vs 33.3% ± 26.2; P < .001) and leg (12.8% ± 22.0 vs 33.8% ± 28.2; P = .014) and compared to controls (N = 20) in arm only (-1.0% ± 26.2 vs 23.4% ± 28.2; P = .004). The EIH response was not different between groups. CPM was impaired in individuals who had symptomatic COVID-19, which may have long-term implications on pain modulation.PerspectiveThis study reveals that CPM was impaired in individuals who had symptomatic COVID-19 during the first wave of COVID-19, pre vaccine. These findings present a preliminary motive to study the long-term implications of COVID-19 and its effects on pain modulation.     

Impact in total ischemic time and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction admissions during COVID-19

BackgroundDespite the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular disease is still the main cause of death in developed countries. Of these deaths, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) account for a substantial percentage of deaths. Improvement in ACS outcomes, are achieved by reducing the time from symptom onset until reperfusion or total ischemic time (TIT). Nevertheless, due to the overwhelming reality at the beginning of the pandemic, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) care may have been compromised.ObjectivesWe evaluated delays in TIT based on the date and timing of admissions in patients with STEMI, by a timeline follow-up form, before and during the current COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsBetween July 2018 and June 2020, two hundred and twelve patients diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were admitted to our medical center. Upon presentation, cases were assigned a timeline report sheet and each time interval, from onset of symptoms to the catheterization lab, was documented. The information was later evaluated to study potential excessive delays throughout ACS management.ResultsOur data evidenced that during the COVID-19 pandemic ACS admissions were reduced by 34.54%, in addition to several in-hospital delays in patient's ACS management including delays in door-to-ECG time (9.43 ± 18.21 vs. 18.41 ± 28.34, p = 0.029), ECG-to-balloon (58.25 ± 22.59 vs. 74.39 ± 50.30, p = 0.004) and door-to-balloon time (57.41 ± 27.52 vs. 69.31 ± 54.14, p = 0.04).ConclusionsDuring the pandemic a reduction in ACS admissions occurred in our hospital that accompanied with longer in-hospital TIT due to additional tests, triage, protocols to protect and prevent infection within hospital staff, and maintenance of adequate standards of care. However, door-to-balloon time was maintained under 90 min.     

Caregivers' Willingness to Accept Expedited Vaccine Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Survey

PurposeThis study determined the predictors of caregivers' willingness to accept an accelerated regulatory process for the development of vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsAn international cross-sectional survey was administered to 2557 caregivers of children in 17 pediatric emergency departments (EDs) across 6 countries from March 26, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Caregivers were asked to select 1 of 4 choices with which they most agreed regarding a proposed COVID-19 vaccine–approval process, in addition to questions regarding demographic characteristics, the ED visit, and attitudes about COVID-19. Univariate analyses were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U test for comparing non–normally distributed continuous variables, an independent t test for comparing normally distributed continuous variables, and a χ² or Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for determining independent factors associated with caregivers' willingness to accept abridged development of a COVID-19 vaccine. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant.FindingsAlmost half (1101/2557; 43%) of caregivers reported that they were willing to accept less rigorous testing and postresearch approval of a new COVID-19 vaccine. Independent factors associated with caregivers' willingness to accept expedited COVID-19 vaccine research included having children who were up to date on the vaccination schedule (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.29–2.31), caregivers' concern about having had COVID-19 themselves at the time of survey completion in the ED (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.05–1.16), and caregivers' intent to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19 if a vaccine were to become available (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.54–2.21). Compared with fathers, mothers completing the survey were less likely to approve of changes in the vaccine-development process (OR = 0.641; 95% CI, 0.529–0.775).ImplicationsLess than half of caregivers in this worldwide sample were willing to accept abbreviated COVID-19 vaccine testing. As a part of an effort to increase acceptance and uptake of a new vaccine, especially in order to protect children, public health strategies and individual providers should understand caregivers' attitudes toward the approval of a vaccine and consult them appropriately.     

Changes in COVID-19 vaccination receipt and intention to vaccinate by socioeconomic characteristics and geographic area,United States,January 6 – March 29, 2021

IntroductionPrevious studies suggested that almost one-third of U.S. adults did not plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine once it is available to them. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in vaccine intentions and attitudes by sociodemographic characteristics and geographic areas, factors associated with vaccination intent, and reasons for non-vaccination among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.MethodsData from six waves of the Household Pulse Survey (6 January – 29 March 2021) were analyzed. Differences between January and March were assessed using t-tests. Factors associated with vaccination intent were examined in multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsFrom early January to late March, vaccination receipt of ≥1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or intention to definitely get vaccinated increased from 54.7 to 72.3%; however, disparities in vaccination intent continued to exist by age group, race/ethnic groups, and socioeconomic characteristics. Vaccine receipt and the intent were the lowest for region 4 (southeastern U.S.) throughout this period. Adults who had a previous COVID-19 diagnosis or were unsure if they have had COVID-19 were less likely to intend to get vaccinated [prevalence ratio = 0.92 (95%CI: 0.90–0.93) and 0.80 (95%CI: 0.74–0.85), respectively]. The belief that a vaccine is not needed increased by more than five percentage points from early January to late March.ConclusionIntent to definitely get a COVID-19 vaccine increased by almost 18 percentage points from early January to late March; however, younger adults, adults who are non-Hispanic Black or other races, adults of lower socioeconomic status, and adults living in the southeastern U.S. region (Region 4) continue to have higher coverage gaps and levels of vaccine hesitancy. Emphasizing the importance of vaccination among all populations, and removing barriers to vaccines, may lead to a reduction of COVID-19 incidence and bring an end to the pandemic.

KEY MESSAGES

• Receipt of ≥1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and intent to probably or definitely get vaccinated increased from early January to late March; however, disparities in vaccine intent continued to exist by age group, race/ethnic groups, and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Vaccine receipt and the intent were the lowest for region 4 (southeastern U.S.) compared to other regions during this period.
• Adults who had a previous COVID-19 diagnosis or were unsure if they have had COVID-19 were less likely to intend to get vaccinated; overall, the belief that a vaccine is not needed to be increased by more than 5% points from early January to late March.

     

Adverse reactions to the first and second doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers

IntroductionIn the current coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the messenger RNA vaccines have been shown to help protect high-risk groups from COVID-19. Among healthcare workers vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, a survey was conducted to analyze the relationship between the incidence and severity of adverse reactions after vaccination.MethodsWe conducted a prospective self-reported survey of adverse reactions among healthcare workers vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty®) in Japan. After the first and second dose of vaccine, local and systemic reactions for 8 days after vaccination were reported by volunteer participants using a website. After receiving vaccination, 374 respondents participated in this matched-pair study.ResultsBoth the incidence and severity of adverse reactions tended to be higher after the second vaccine dose than after the first dose. However, the incidence and numeric rating scale (NRS) score of muscle and skin pain were nearly the same after the first and second doses. In a comparison by sex, women had significantly higher incidence and NRS scores for adverse reactions such as headache, skin pain, erythema, and itching. The results also showed that younger age groups had higher incidence rates and NRS scores for all adverse reactions investigated, except for muscle pain, compared with older age groups.ConclusionSome adverse reactions to the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty® COVID-19 vaccine showed gender and age differences. However, generally speaking, all side reactions disappear within a week. Therefore, these side reactions are not a significant concern in recommending vaccination.     

The effect of the severity COVID-19 infection on electrocardiography

ObjectiveAcute myocardial damage is detected in a significant portion of patients with coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) infection, with a reported prevalence of 7–28%. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between electrocardiographic findings and the indicators of the severity of COVID-19 detected on electrocardiography (ECG).MethodsA total of 219 patients that were hospitalized due to COVID-19 between April 15 and May 5, 2020 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of COVID-19 infection: severe (n = 95) and non-severe (n = 124). ECG findings at the time of admission were recorded for each patient. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were retrieved from electronic medical records.ResultsMean age was 65.2 ± 13.8 years in the severe group and was 57.9 ± 16.0 years in the non-severe group. ST depression (28% vs. 14%), T-wave inversion (29% vs. 16%), ST-T changes (36% vs. 21%), and the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) (17% vs. 7%) were more frequent in the severe group compared to the non-severe group. Multivariate analysis revealed that hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.03–5.67; p = 0.041), the severity of COVID-19 infection (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.09–2.65; p = 0.026), presence of cardiac injury (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.45–7.60; p = 0.004), and d-dimer (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.29–10.06; p = 0.014) were independent predictors of ST-T changes on ECG.ConclusionST depression, T-wave inversion, ST-T changes, and the presence of fQRS on admission ECG are closely associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection.     

Antibody responses induced by the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in healthcare workers in a single community hospital in Japan

IntroductionThe effectiveness of several vaccines against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been reported in the real-world setting. However, it is still unknown how long antibodies persist following vaccination and whether or not the persistence of antibodies has a protective effect against COVID-19.MethodsHealthcare workers who had received two doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were enrolled, and a single-center study was conducted at the National Hospital Organization Hakodate National Hospital. Serum samples from all participants were collected 13–21 weeks (median: 20 weeks) after the second dose of vaccination. The antibody titers were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S). Data on characteristics of the participants were gathered from patient records and interview sheets.ResultsA total of 401 participants, among whom 70.1% were women and the median age was 42 years, were evaluated in this study. None of the participants had a definite COVID-19 history, and all participants who received complete vaccination showed positive antibody titers. The antibody titer was observed to be higher in participants with younger age (p < 0.001) and those who were females (p = 0.028). Despite the higher risk of infection than that of the general public, no vaccinated staff developed breakthrough infections.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the significant contribution of the BNT162b2 vaccine in the acquisition of anti-SARS-CoV-2S antibodies; therefore, the general population should benefit from these two vaccine doses, which are expected to be protective for at least five months.     

An epidemiological evaluation of COVID-19 in La paz,Bolivia

IntroductionThe Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia) has experienced four major waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) so far. Although the ministry of health has been tracking morbidity and mortality through each wave, epidemiology of COVID-19 in Bolivia is not well defined, despite a need for more accurate measurement of the number of cases and deaths to allow for forecasting of the pandemic. This study examined prevalence of COVID-19 at community level, determinants of its occurrence and vaccine effectiveness.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in La Paz city on 2,775 individuals between March 2020 and February 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on COVID-19 morbidity, mortality and vaccination status.ResultsOf the 2,775 participants, 1,586 (57.1%) were infected with COVID-19, and 187 (6.7%) were suspected cases. The mortality rate was 2.9%. Sinopharm, Johnson & Johnson, Gamaleya, Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna and AstraZeneka vaccines are in use, and all vaccines have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of onset. Risk for mortality was significantly lower in the vaccinated group with an odds ratio of 0.037 (95％ confidential interval: 0.01–0.10, p-value: <0.001).ConclusionsActual prevalence of COVID-19 in La Paz (the prevalence rate: 63.8%, including suspected case) was higher than that reported by the Ministry of Health and Sports in Bolivia (7.5%). In addition, vaccination has contributed significantly to the control of the COVID-19 epidemic in Bolivia. We believe that our report will be useful for COVID-19 prevention strategies in Bolivia for the future.     

Wearing a N95 mask increases rescuer's fatigue and decreases chest compression quality in simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation

ObjectivesN95 mask is essential for healthcare workers dealing with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, N95 mask causes discomfort breathing with marked reduction in air exchange. This study was designed to investigate whether the use of N95 mask affects rescuer's fatigue and chest compression quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).MethodsAfter a brief review of CPR, each participant performed a 2-minute continuous chest compression on a manikin wearing N95 (N95 group, n = 40) or surgical mask (SM group, n = 40). Compression rate and depth, the proportions of correct compression rate, depth, complete chest recoil and hand position were documented. Participants' fatigue was assessed using Borg score.ResultsSignificantly lower mean chest compression rate and depth were both achieved in the N95 group than in the SM group (p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, the proportion of correct compression rate (61 ± 19 vs. 75 ± 195, p = 0.0067), depth (67 ± 16 vs. 90 ± 14, p < 0.0001) and complete recoil (91 ± 16 vs. 98 ± 5%, p = 0.0248) were significantly decreased in the N95 group as compared to the SM group. At the end of compression, the Borg score in the N95 group was significantly higher than that in the SM group (p = 0.027).ConclusionWearing a N95 mask increases rescuer's fatigue and decreases chest compression quality during CPR. Therefore, the exchange of rescuers during CPR should be more frequent than that recommended in current guidelines when N95 masks are applied.     

Changes in diagnostic usefulness of the JRS scoring system in COVID-19 pneumonia by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

IntroductionThe Japanese Respiratory Society (JRS) scoring system is a useful tool for the rapid presumptive diagnosis of atypical pneumonia in non-elderly (aged <60 years) patients. As SARS-CoV-2 vaccination progresses, COVID-19 in elderly people has markedly reduced. We investigated changes in diagnostic usefulness of the JRS scoring system in COVID-19 pneumonia between the Delta variant group (vaccination period) and non-Delta variant group (before the vaccination period).MethodsThis study was conducted at five institutions and assessed a total of 1121 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (298 had the Delta variant). During the vaccination period, the Delta variant has spread and replaced the Alfa variant. We evaluated the vaccination period as the Delta variant group.ResultsAmong the six parameters of the JRS scoring system, matching rates of two parameters were higher in the Delta variant group than the non-Delta variant group (pre-vaccination period): age <60 years (77.5% vs 42.2%, P < 0.0001) and no or minor comorbid illness (69.1% vs 57.8%, p = 0.0007). The sensitivity of the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was significantly higher in the Delta variant group compared with the non-Delta variant group (80.2% vs 58.3%, p < 0.0001). When the diagnostic sensitivity was analyzed for different ages, the diagnostic sensitivities for the Delta variant and non-Delta variant groups were 92.6% and 95.5% for non-elderly patients and 39.1% and 32.5% for elderly patients, respectively.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that the JRS scoring system is a useful tool for distinguishing between COVID-19 pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia in the COVID-19 vaccination period, but not before the vaccination period.     

Quantitative-analysis of computed tomography in COVID-19 and non COVID-19 ARDS patients: A case-control study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess whether the computed tomography (CT) features of COVID-19 (COVID+) ARDS differ from those of non-COVID-19 (COVID−) ARDS patients.Materials and methodsThe study is a single-center prospective observational study performed on adults with ARDS onset ≤72 h and a PaO₂/FiO₂ ≤ 200 mmHg. CT scans were acquired at PEEP set using a PEEP-FiO₂ table with VT adjusted to 6 ml/kg predicted body weight.Results22 patients were included, of whom 13 presented with COVID-19 ARDS. Lung weight was significantly higher in COVID− patients, but all COVID+ patients presented supranormal lung weight values. Noninflated lung tissue was significantly higher in COVID− patients (36 ± 14% vs. 26 ± 15% of total lung weight at end-expiration, p < 0.01). Tidal recruitment was significantly higher in COVID− patients (20 ± 12 vs. 9 ± 11% of VT, p < 0.05). Lung density histograms of 5 COVID+ patients with high elastance (type H) were similar to those of COVID− patients, while those of the 8 COVID+ patients with normal elastance (type L) displayed higher aerated lung fraction.     

Delayed headache after COVID-19 vaccination: a red flag for vaccine induced cerebral venous thrombosis

BackgroundHeadache is a frequent symptom following COVID-19 immunization with a typical onset within days post-vaccination. Cases of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) have been reported in adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccine recipients.FindingsWe reviewed all vaccine related CVT published cases by April 30, 2021. We assessed demographic, clinical variables and the interval between the vaccination and onset of headache. We assessed whether the presence of headache was associated with higher probability of death or intracranial hemorrhage.We identified 77 cases of CVT after COVID-19 vaccination. Patients’ age was below 60 years in 74/77 (95.8%) cases and 61/68 (89.7%) were women. Headache was described in 38/77 (49.4%) cases, and in 35/38 (92.1%) was associated with other symptoms. Multiple organ thrombosis was reported in 19/77 (24.7%) cases, intracranial hemorrhage in 33/77 (42.9%) cases and 19/77 (24.7%) patients died. The median time between vaccination and CVT-related headache onset was 8 (interquartile range 7.0–9.7) days. The presence of headache was associated with a higher odd of intracranial hemorrhage (OR 7.4; 95% CI: 2.7–20.8, p < 0.001), but not with death (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.18–1.47, p = 0.213).ConclusionDelayed onset of headache following an adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccine is associated with development of CVT. Patients with new-onset headache, 1 week after vaccination with an adenovirus vector-based vaccine, should receive a thorough clinical evaluation and CVT must be ruled out.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10194-021-01324-5.     

Examining emergency medical services' prehospital transport times for trauma patients during COVID-19

IntroductionLonger prehospital times were associated with increased odds for survival in trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected emergency medical services (EMS) prehospital times for trauma patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study compared trauma patients transported via EMS to six US level I trauma centers admitted 1/1/19–12/31/19 (2019) and 3/16/20–6/30/20 (COVID-19). Outcomes included: total EMS pre-hospital time (dispatch to hospital arrival), injury to dispatch time, response time (dispatch to scene arrival), on-scene time (scene arrival to scene departure), and transportation time (scene departure to hospital arrival). Fisher's exact, chi-squared, or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, alpha = 0.05. All times are presented as median (IQR) minutes.ResultsThere were 9400 trauma patients transported by EMS: 79% in 2019 and 21% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients were similar in demographics and transportation mode. Emergency room deaths were also similar between 2019 and COVID-19 [0.6% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.13].There were no differences between 2019 and during COVID-19 for total EMS prehospital time [44 (33, 63) vs. 43 (33, 62), p = 0.12], time from injury to dispatch [16 (6, 55) vs. 16 (7, 77), p = 0.41], response time [7 (5, 12) for both groups, p = 0.27], or on-scene time [16 (12−22) vs. 17 (12,22), p = 0.31]. Compared to 2019, transportation time was significantly shorter during COVID-19 [18 (13, 28) vs. 17 (12, 26), p = 0.01].ConclusionThe median transportation time for trauma patients was marginally significantly shorter during COVID-19; otherwise, EMS prehospital times were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Willingness to Accept Expedited COVID-19 Vaccine Research for Children Aged <12 Years After Adult Vaccine Approval

PurposeThe goal of this study was to assess if caregivers’ attitudes toward the regulatory process of approving the vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for children aged <12 years changed after a vaccine was approved for adults.MethodsThis was a larger scale COVIPAS (COVID-19 Parental Attitude Study) survey of caregivers presenting with their children aged ≤12 years for emergency care in 12 hospitals in the United States, Canada, and Israel. The study compared willingness to support abridged research into COVID-19 vaccines for children between the peak of the pandemic (March–May 2020) and after a COVID-19 vaccine became available for adults (December 2020–March 2021).FindingsA total of 1956 surveys were included in the analyses. Overall, 385 (30.9%) caregivers in the pre–vaccine approval period and 250 (35.3%) caregivers in the post–adult vaccine phase supported abridged research into COVID-19 vaccines (P < 0.001). In both phases, mothers were less likely to favor abridged approval. Those with children who were fully vaccinated based on the pediatric schedule in their country favored abridged approval in phase 1 (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–3.08) but less so in phase 2. In both phases, age and concerns of parents that they had COVID-19 or their child had COVID-19 were not associated with changes in response between phases.ImplicationsWillingness to expedite vaccine approval increased after the emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccine for adults. Mothers are much less likely to approve expedited approval. No significant changes have been found in the composition of caregivers willing to forego regulatory demands on vaccine approval.     

COVID-19 vaccination readiness among nurse faculty and student nurses

BackgroundUnprecedented efforts are underway to develop COVID-19 vaccines, widely seen as critical to controlling the pandemic. Academic nursing leaders must be proactive in assuring widespread faculty and student vaccination uptake.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe nursing faculty and student nurse factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine readiness.MethodsCross-sectional online survey of nursing faculty and student nurses at a university affiliated with an academic medical center was conducted.FindingsMost full-time faculty (60%) intended to receive the vaccine; but only 45% of adjunct faculty and students reported intending to get vaccinated. The major reasons for not getting vaccinated were vaccine safety and side effects. Collectively, participants reported a low level of knowledge related to vaccine development.DiscussionAs the most trusted profession, nurses will play a decisive role in counseling patients about COVID-19 risks and benefits. Findings suggest that academic nursing leaders need to consider faculty and student vaccine concerns and provide vaccine development education.