BackgroundThe acceptance of vaccines among pregnant and breastfeeding women is vital to alleviate the risk of contracting and transmitting coronavirus disease 2019 . Therefore, we aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant and breastfeeding/lactating women and the factors associated with the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia. MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant and breastfeeding women living in Saudi Arabia. A 23-item, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant or lactating women. ResultsA total of 160 (53.3%) pregnant women and 140 (46.7%) breastfeeding/lactating mothers participated in the study. When the participants were asked, "Have you been vaccinated or are you planning to take the vaccine during pregnancy or breastfeeding/lactation?" 164 (54.7%) responded with "Yes." When compared with breastfeeding/lactating mothers (54, 38.6%), pregnant women had more concerns about the efficacy and safety of ; p = 0.043). The probability of rejecting COVID-19 vaccination was higher among breastfeeding/lactating women with a lower education level than those with a tertiary education level (odds ratio = 3.42, confidence interval = 1.24, 9.45, p = 0.018). ConclusionsThis study reported high acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of breastfeeding/lactating women. Concern about vaccine safety among many pregnant women was the major reason for hesitancy. Factors such as low education, concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of the vaccine, and doctors' (e.g., obstetrician and gynecologist) recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine were associated with vaccine acceptance.

Background: COVID-19 infection is associated with high mortality, and despite extensive studying the scientific society is still working to find a definitive treatment. Some experts postulated a beneficial role of Deferoxamine. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 adult patients admitted to the ICU who received deferoxamine to those who received standard of care. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study, in the ICU of a tertiary referral hospital in Saudi Arabia to compare all-cause hospital mortality between COVID-19 patients who received deferoxamine and standard of care. Results: A total of 205 patients were enrolled, with an average age of 50.1±14.3, 150 patients received standard of care only, and 55 patients received deferoxamine additionally. Hospital mortality was lower in deferoxamine group (25.5 vs. 40.7%, 95% CI=1.3–29.2%; P=0.045). Clinical status score upon discharge was lower in deferoxamine group (3.6±4.3 vs. 6.2±4, 95% CI: 1.4–3.9; P<0.001), as was the difference between discharge score and admission score (indicating clinical improvement). More patients admitted with mechanical ventilation were successfully extubated in the deferoxamine group (61.5 vs. 14.3%, 95% CI: 15–73%; P=0.001), with a higher median ventilator-free days. There were no differences between groups in adverse events. Deferoxamine group was associated with hospital mortality [odds ratio=0.46 (95% CI: 0.22–0.95); P=0.04]. Conclusions: Deferoxamine may have mortality and clinical improvement benefits in COVID-19 adults admitted to ICU. Further powered and controlled studies are required.