Insights for COVID-19 in 2023

Abstract

Predictions for a near end of the pandemic by the World Health Organization should be interpreted with caution. Current evidence indicates that the efficacy of a fourth dose of classical mRNA vaccines (BT162b2 or mRNA-1273) is low and short-lived in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in its predominant variant (Omicron). However, its efficacy is high against severe symptomatic infection, hospitalization and death. The new vaccines being introduced are bivalent and active against the Omicron variants. Potential new vaccines to be introduced in the coming year include a vaccine based on a recombinant protein that emulates the receptor binding domain of the Spike protein under development by the Spanish company Hipra, as well as vaccines for nasal or oral administration. Available information suggests that vaccines against COVID-19 can be administered in association with influenza vaccination without particular complications. New drugs against COVID-19, both antiviral and anti-inflammatory, are under investigation, but this does not seem to be the case with monoclonal antibodies. The indication to use masks in some circumstances will be maintained next year in view of the accumulation of scientific data on their efficacy. Finally, the long COVID or Post-COVID syndrome may continue to affect a very high proportion of patients who have had the disease, requiring combined diagnostic and therapeutic resources.

Factors Influencing Parent and Guardian Decisions on Vaccinating Their Children Against SARS-CoV-2: A Qualitative Study

“…Increasing overall vaccine coverage is greatly needed, particularly as new variants continue to emerge. 9 , 10 There is an urgent need to increase coverage in children specifically, given the protective benefits and the broader epidemiologic dividend of vaccinating children. 11 Unfortunately, in a recent survey of 1847 US adults, only 62% thought COVID-19 vaccines were safe for children ages 12 to 17, 55% thought they were safe for children ages 5 to 11, and 48% thought they were safe in very young children (0-4).…”

The status of COVID-19 vaccines in India: A review

“…Previously, several articles have been published on the impact of COVID-19 on environmental factors, where multiple study showed a significant correlation between climatic indicators like humidity, temperature, due point, wind speed rainfall and SARS-CoV-2 induced fatality. 27. , 28.…”

COVID‐19 and cancer: Dichotomy of the menacing dilemma

“…[19][20][21][22] However, the ongoing risks posed by emergence of newer and rapidly evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2 (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Omicron to name a few) have raised concerns against the management practices and demand timely research to combat the situation. [23][24][25][26][27][28] Therefore, the significance of this review lies in unraveling the intricate interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and cancer and present an arena of scientific inquiry holding potential ramifications for clinical practice and therapeutic strategies. By synthesizing the available knowledge, the objectives of this review are to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen at the juncture of COVID-19 and cancer, ultimately guiding future research directions and shaping the evolution of cancer care in a postpandemic landscape.…”