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Vaccines
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Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination
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Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 February 2023) | Viewed by 78599

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Flavia Ferrantelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
Interests: vaccines; exosomes/extracellular vesicles; endogenously-engineered exosome-based vaccine platform; HIV; SARS-CoV-2; HPV; preclinical trials; T-cell immunity; antibody immunity
Dr. Chiara Chiozzini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
Interests: Vaccines; Exosomes/Extracellular Vesicles; Endogenously-Engineered Exosome-based Vaccine Platform; HIV; SARS-CoV-2; HPV; Preclinical Trials; T-cell Immunityvaccines; exosomes/extracellular vesicles; endogenously-engineered exosome-based vaccine platform; preclinical trials; T-cell immunity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The need for an effective anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine has been clear since the beginning of the global pandemic, in early 2020. Within one year from SARS-CoV-2 identification, with hundreds of ad hoc vaccine studies carried out and tens of candidate vaccines advanced to clinical testing, a few novel vaccines have been approved for emergency use in humans. This unprecedented extraordinary scientific and financial effort has thrived on freely available basic science data, leading to the successful exploitation of innovative platforms against key viral targets. Nonetheless, several questions remain open as to whether the newly approved, or other yet-to-be-identified, vaccines will be able to control the COVID-19 pandemic and for how long, and whether vaccine safety will be acceptable in the long run.

This Special Issue will address the following topics:

  • Rapid vaccine development and its positive/negative implications: speed-up of vaccine technologies, safety and efficacy concerns associated with fast-track evaluation;
  • Challenges: genetic instability, identification of correlate(s) of protection, vaccine-elicited response duration, global-scale production and distribution, protection from infection/disease;
  • Role of HIV vaccine experience in COVID-19 vaccine development;
  • Selection of the best vaccine and vaccination strategy in different settings;
  • Cost–benefit analysis in public health: moderate/severe side effects vs. community (herd) immunity, protection of the most fragile population groups;
  • Future perspectives: new vaccine candidates in the pipeline.

Dr. Flavia Ferrantelli
Dr. Chiara Chiozzini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Pros and cons of COVID-19 vaccine development
  • Correlates of protection
  • SARS-CoV-2 genetic instability
  • Community (herd) immunity and public health
  • Concerns about COVID-19 vaccine
  • COVID-19 vaccine safety and duration of protection against COVID-19
  • HIV vaccine experience
  • Global effort
  • Approval of new vaccine technologies for human use
  • New SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine candidates in the pipeline.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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10 pages, 254 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Level of Anxiety for COVID-19 Vaccinations
by Marcin Świerad, Ilona Świerad, Robert Szydło, Grzegorz Honisz, Mariusz Gąsior, Zbigniew Kalarus and Krzysztof Dyrbuś
Vaccines 2022, 10(6), 915; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10060915 - 9 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1874
Abstract
Research published especially in the last decade indicates the influence of anxiety on the human decision-making process. This study analyzes the anxiety among individuals who decided to undergo vaccinations for COVID-19. The study assesses that the level of education, especially medical education, age, [...] Read more.
Research published especially in the last decade indicates the influence of anxiety on the human decision-making process. This study analyzes the anxiety among individuals who decided to undergo vaccinations for COVID-19. The study assesses that the level of education, especially medical education, age, and gender, had an influence on the level of anxiety in terms of vaccination situations. The STAI self-assessment questionnaire was used. The study was conducted anonymously using the paper-pencil method during two rounds of vaccination; therefore, the respondent sample included mainly medical personnel and elderly people. A total of 898 questionnaires were issued. Age did not affect the trait and state of anxiety, but highly educated people tested during vaccination had a lower anxiety level. Gender had no influence on the trait but did influence the state of anxiety. Overall, women were the group that exhibited a higher level of anxiety than men. Nurses were particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of situational medication in this group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
9 pages, 4728 KiB  
Article
Short-Term and Long-Term COVID-19 Pandemic Forecasting Revisited with the Emergence of OMICRON Variant in Jordan
by Tareq Hussein, Mahmoud H. Hammad, Ola Surakhi, Mohammed AlKhanafseh, Pak Lun Fung, Martha A. Zaidan, Darren Wraith and Nidal Ershaidat
Vaccines 2022, 10(4), 569; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10040569 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2242
Abstract
Three simple approaches to forecast the COVID-19 epidemic in Jordan were previously proposed by Hussein, et al.: a short-term forecast (STF) based on a linear forecast model with a learning database on the reported cases in the previous 5–40 days, a long-term forecast [...] Read more.
Three simple approaches to forecast the COVID-19 epidemic in Jordan were previously proposed by Hussein, et al.: a short-term forecast (STF) based on a linear forecast model with a learning database on the reported cases in the previous 5–40 days, a long-term forecast (LTF) based on a mathematical formula that describes the COVID-19 pandemic situation, and a hybrid forecast (HF), which merges the STF and the LTF models. With the emergence of the OMICRON variant, the LTF failed to forecast the pandemic due to vital reasons related to the infection rate and the speed of the OMICRON variant, which is faster than the previous variants. However, the STF remained suitable for the sudden changes in epi curves because these simple models learn for the previous data of reported cases. In this study, we revisited these models by introducing a simple modification for the LTF and the HF model in order to better forecast the COVID-19 pandemic by considering the OMICRON variant. As another approach, we also tested a time-delay neural network (TDNN) to model the dataset. Interestingly, the new modification was to reuse the same function previously used in the LTF model after changing some parameters related to shift and time-lag. Surprisingly, the mathematical function type was still valid, suggesting this is the best one to be used for such pandemic situations of the same virus family. The TDNN was data-driven, and it was robust and successful in capturing the sudden change in +qPCR cases before and after of emergence of the OMICRON variant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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12 pages, 4381 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Pandemic Development in Jordan—Short-Term and Long-Term Forecasting
by Tareq Hussein, Mahmoud H. Hammad, Pak Lun Fung, Marwan Al-Kloub, Issam Odeh, Martha A. Zaidan and Darren Wraith
Vaccines 2021, 9(7), 728; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9070728 - 2 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3123
Abstract
In this study, we proposed three simple approaches to forecast COVID-19 reported cases in a Middle Eastern society (Jordan). The first approach was a short-term forecast (STF) model based on a linear forecast model using the previous days as a learning data-base for [...] Read more.
In this study, we proposed three simple approaches to forecast COVID-19 reported cases in a Middle Eastern society (Jordan). The first approach was a short-term forecast (STF) model based on a linear forecast model using the previous days as a learning data-base for forecasting. The second approach was a long-term forecast (LTF) model based on a mathematical formula that best described the current pandemic situation in Jordan. Both approaches can be seen as complementary: the STF can cope with sudden daily changes in the pandemic whereas the LTF can be utilized to predict the upcoming waves’ occurrence and strength. As such, the third approach was a hybrid forecast (HF) model merging both the STF and the LTF models. The HF was shown to be an efficient forecast model with excellent accuracy. It is evident that the decision to enforce the curfew at an early stage followed by the planned lockdown has been effective in eliminating a serious wave in April 2020. Vaccination has been effective in combating COVID-19 by reducing infection rates. Based on the forecasting results, there is some possibility that Jordan may face a third wave of the pandemic during the Summer of 2021. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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7 pages, 1282 KiB  
Case Report
COVID-19 Vaccination Might Induce Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Attacks: A Case Report
by Anne Marie Lund and Mohammad Al-Mahdi Al-Karagholi
Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 823; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10050823 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3116
Abstract
A 30-year-old male diagnosed three years previously with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) presented to the department of neurology with an accumulation of attacks mimicking previous RCVS attacks and fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for RCVS after receiving the first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The [...] Read more.
A 30-year-old male diagnosed three years previously with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) presented to the department of neurology with an accumulation of attacks mimicking previous RCVS attacks and fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for RCVS after receiving the first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The neurologic exam, blood samples, electrocardiogram (ECG), and computer tomography of the head (CTC) were normal. The patient was treated with the angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist, losartan, with a good response and was discharged with a prescription for losartan lasting until three days after the second Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. No further RCVS attacks were reported. These findings indicate that the COVID-19 vaccine might induce RCVS attacks in susceptible individuals, and targeting the angiotensin 2 receptor could be a preventive option. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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14 pages, 778 KiB  
Perspective
Virus-Induced CD8+ T-Cell Immunity and Its Exploitation to Contain the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
by Maurizio Federico
Vaccines 2021, 9(8), 922; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9080922 - 18 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3541
Abstract
The current battle against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus-2 benefits from the worldwide distribution of different vaccine formulations. All anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in use are conceived to induce anti-Spike neutralizing antibodies. However, this strategy still has unresolved issues, the most relevant of which are: [...] Read more.
The current battle against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus-2 benefits from the worldwide distribution of different vaccine formulations. All anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in use are conceived to induce anti-Spike neutralizing antibodies. However, this strategy still has unresolved issues, the most relevant of which are: (i) the resistance to neutralizing antibodies of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and (ii) the waning of neutralizing antibodies. On the other hand, both pre-clinical evidence and clinical evidence support the idea that the immunity sustained by antigen-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes can complement and also surrogate the antiviral humoral immunity. As a distinctive feature, anti-SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T-driven immunity maintains its efficacy even in the presence of viral protein mutations. In addition, on the basis of data obtained in survivors of the SARS-CoV epidemic, this immunity is expected to last for several years. In this review, both the mechanisms and role of CD8+ T-cell immunity in viral infections, particularly those induced by SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, are analyzed. Moreover, a CD8+ T-cell-based vaccine platform relying on in vivo engineered extracellular vesicles is described. When applied to SARS-CoV-2, this strategy was proven to induce a strong immunogenicity, holding great promise for its translation into the clinic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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11 pages, 235 KiB  
Perspective
Accelerated Development of COVID-19 Vaccines: Technology Platforms, Benefits, and Associated Risks
by Ralf Wagner, Eberhard Hildt, Elena Grabski, Yuansheng Sun, Heidi Meyer, Annette Lommel, Brigitte Keller-Stanislawski, Jan Müller-Berghaus and Klaus Cichutek
Vaccines 2021, 9(7), 747; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9070747 - 6 Jul 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4794
Abstract
Multiple preventive COVID-19 vaccines have been developed during the ongoing SARS coronavirus (CoV) 2 pandemic, utilizing a variety of technology platforms, which have different properties, advantages, and disadvantages. The acceleration in vaccine development required to combat the current pandemic is not at the [...] Read more.
Multiple preventive COVID-19 vaccines have been developed during the ongoing SARS coronavirus (CoV) 2 pandemic, utilizing a variety of technology platforms, which have different properties, advantages, and disadvantages. The acceleration in vaccine development required to combat the current pandemic is not at the expense of the necessary regulatory requirements, including robust and comprehensive data collection along with clinical product safety and efficacy evaluation. Due to the previous development of vaccine candidates against the related highly pathogenic coronaviruses SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the antigen that elicits immune protection is known: the surface spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 or specific domains encoded in that protein, e.g., the receptor binding domain. From a scientific point of view and in accordance with legal frameworks and regulatory practices, for the approval of a clinic trial, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut requires preclinical testing of vaccine candidates, including general pharmacology and toxicology as well as immunogenicity. For COVID-19 vaccine candidates, based on existing platform technologies with a sufficiently broad data base, pharmacological–toxicological testing in the case of repeated administration, quantifying systemic distribution, and proof of vaccination protection in animal models can be carried out in parallel to phase 1 or 1/2 clinical trials. To reduce the theoretical risk of an increased respiratory illness through infection-enhancing antibodies or as a result of Th2 polarization and altered cytokine profiles of the immune response following vaccination, which are of specific concern for COVID-19 vaccines, appropriate investigative testing is imperative. In general, phase 1 (vaccine safety) and 2 (dose finding, vaccination schedule) clinical trials can be combined, and combined phase 2/3 trials are recommended to determine safety and efficacy. By applying these fundamental requirements not only for the approval and analysis of clinical trials but also for the regulatory evaluation during the assessment of marketing authorization applications, several efficacious and safe COVID-19 vaccines have been licensed in the EU by unprecedentedly fast and flexible procedures. Procedural and regulatory–scientific aspects of the COVID-19 licensing processes are described in this review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pros, Cons and Perspectives of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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