Covid-19: Why the Balkans’ vaccine rollout lags behind most of Europe

Boytchev, Hristio

doi:10.1136/bmj.n2412

Cited by 13 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…Despite convincing efficacy data and reassuring maternal and infant safety data from this trial, the higher proportion of preterm births in the vaccine group has caused concern among some FDA advisers 7 . Although this trial was not powered to detect a difference in preterm birth, a similar signal regarding increased incidence of preterm birth was reported in a GlaxoSmithKline RSV vaccine trial published in February 2022 3,8 . Notably, the proportions of preterm birth in both arms of this study were markedly lower than the overall US preterm rate in 2021 (10.5%), likely reflecting the highly selected nature of the study participants 9 .…”

supporting

confidence: 52%

EBNEO Commentary: Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in pregnancy for infant protection

Proaño,

Flannery

2023

Acta Paediatrica

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supporting

confidence: 52%

EBNEO Commentary: Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in pregnancy for infant protection

Proaño,

Flannery

2023

Acta Paediatrica

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“…In a worldwide phase III trial, this maternal vaccine was associated with 81.8 and 70.9% reduction in medically attended severe LRTI within 90 and 150 days after birth, respectively [79 && ]. Safety concerns, however, have been raised due to a minimal and not statistically significant increase in premature births in the vaccinated A trial with another maternal vaccine was halted in 2022 because of a significant increase in preterm births [80]. EMA considered the maternal RSV vaccine well tolerated after gestational age 24 weeks, whereas the FDA only approves administration relatively late in pregnancy, during weeks 32 through 36, as precaution against possible preterm birth [81].…”

Section: Maternal Immunizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outpatient respiratory syncytial virus infections and novel preventive interventions

Hak,

Venekamp,

Wildenbeest

et al. 2023

Current Opinion in Pediatrics

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Purpose of review With interventions to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection within reach, this review aims to provide healthcare professionals with the latest information necessary to inform parents and assess the potential impact of RSV prevention on everyday practice. We address frequently asked questions for parental counseling. Recent findings Numerous studies emphasize the major burden of RSV on young children, parents, healthcare and society. In the first year of life, about 14% of healthy term infants visit a doctor and 2% require hospitalization due to RSV. In older children (1--5 years), RSV infections and associated morbidity (wheeze, acute otitis media) are major drivers of outpatient visits. A novel maternal RSV vaccine and long-acting mAb can provide protection during infants’ first months of life. This maternal vaccine showed 70.9% efficacy against severe RSV infection within 150 days after birth; the mAb nirsevimab reduces medically attended RSV infections by 79.5% within 150 days after administration. Both gained regulatory approval in the USA (FDA) and Europe (EMA). Summary Novel RSV immunizations hold promise to reduce the RSV burden in infants, with substantial impact on everyday practice. Tailored parental guidance will be instrumental for successful implementation. Awaiting pediatric vaccines, RSV infections beyond infancy will still pose a significant outpatient burden.

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“…Among the countries in the European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA), where vaccines against COVID-19 are available and affordable, Bulgaria reports the lowest immunization coverage [5] and the most pronounced vaccine distrust [6,7]. According to the COVID-19 Unified Information Portal, as of December 13, 2021, a total of 3 494 341 doses of vaccines against COVID-19 have been delivered in Bulgaria, or 31.8% of the population (over 18 years) have completed a vaccination course.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reporting adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines: The case of Bulgaria

et al. 2022

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As a member state of the European Union, where vaccines against COVID-19 are available and affordable, Bulgaria reports the lowest immunization coverage and the most pronounced vaccine distrust. The present study aimed to assess the self-reported adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination as a possible tool to increase the trust in vaccines. A cross-sectional survey-based study, covering 761 vaccinated respondents, was conducted in Plovdiv (469 with an mRNA vaccine and 292 with an adenoviral vector vaccine). Descriptive statistics parametric and non-parametric methods were applied. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The median age of the respondents was 42 years, females (72.5%). At least one adverse reaction was reported in 89.9% of those immunized with mRNA vaccine and 93.8% in the adenoviral vector vaccine group (p>0.05). They were mild to moderate and resolved within several days. The levels of local reactions were comparable: 91.7% in those who received mRNA and 89.7% in those who received an adenoviral vector vaccine (p = 0.366). The most common types of systemic reactions were fatigue, headache, and muscle pains. An association was found between the systemic reactions and the type of vaccine administered: 59.7% in mRNA recipients and 89.4% in adenoviral vector vaccinees (p<0.001). None of the registered systemic reactions required medical attention. There were 3 reports of generalized urticaria after an mRNA and 2 after an adenoviral vector vaccine. The reported reactions are relatively high but expected and no adverse events have been reported that are not listed in the official Summary of Product Characteristics.

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Covid-19: Why the Balkans’ vaccine rollout lags behind most of Europe

Abstract: Covid-19: Why the Balkans' vaccine rollout lags behind most of Europe Europe's successful vaccine rollout has not extended to the east of the continent. Hristio Boytchev asks what's been holding the Balkan countries back Hristio Boytchev freelance journalist

Cited by 13 publications

References 1 publication

EBNEO Commentary: Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in pregnancy for infant protection

EBNEO Commentary: Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in pregnancy for infant protection

Outpatient respiratory syncytial virus infections and novel preventive interventions

Reporting adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines: The case of Bulgaria

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