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Are C-reactive protein and procalcitonin safe and useful for antimicrobial stewardship purposes in patients with COVID-19 - A scoping reviewThe primary objectives of this study were to assess the usefulness of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the diagnosis of bacterial co-infections in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and if their incorporation in antimicrobial stewardship programs is safe and useful, stratified by severity of disease as level of care, intensive care unit (ICU) or non-ICU.
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Geographical migration and fitness dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniaeStreptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia and meningitis worldwide. Many different serotypes co-circulate endemically in any one location. The extent and mechanisms of spread and vaccine-driven changes in fitness and antimicrobial resistance remain largely unquantified.
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Breadth of immune response, immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety for a pentavalent meningococcal ABCWY vaccine in healthy adolescents and young adultsA multicomponent meningococcal serogroups ABCWY vaccine (MenABCWY) could provide broad protection against disease-causing meningococcal strains and simplify the immunisation schedule.
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West Australian parents’ views on vaccinating their children against COVID-19: a qualitative studyAustralian children and adolescents were among the last local cohorts offered COVID-19 vaccines. Despite promising initial uptake, coverage subsequently plateaued, requiring further efforts to improve access and build parents’ recognition of the importance of COVID-19 vaccination.
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Safety and Tolerability of V114 Pneumococcal Vaccine in Infants: A Phase 3 StudyDisease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in children. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are well tolerated and effective at reducing pneumococcal disease caused by vaccine serotypes. VAXNEUVANCE (V114) is a 15-valent PCV containing 13 serotypes in Prevnar 13, plus serotypes 22F and 33F. This large phase 3 study evaluated safety and tolerability of V114 in infants.
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Meningococcal Disease in the Post–COVID-19 Era: A Time to PrepareThe global invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by decreased incidence rates due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as limited social contact, physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Vaccination rates were also lower during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels.
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Mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for children: Attitudes of Western Australian parentsAustralian governments have used vaccine mandates to drive high uptake of routine childhood vaccines and adult Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza vaccines. We sought to understand the attitudes of Western Australian parents regarding mandating COVID-19 vaccines for children, interviewing 44 parents of children aged up to 18 years between May and December 2021. Transcripts were analysed to ascertain parents' attitudes and sources of reasoning.
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Lessons learnt from influenza vaccination in immunocompromised children undergoing treatment for cancerInfluenza infection contributes substantially to global morbidity and mortality, with children undergoing treatment for cancer among the most vulnerable due to immunosuppression associated with disease and treatment. However, influenza remains one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Tracking of activated cTfh cells following sequential influenza vaccinations reveals transcriptional profile of clonotypes driving a vaccine-induced immune responseA vaccine against influenza is available seasonally but is not 100% effective. A predictor of successful seroconversion in adults is an increase in activated circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells after vaccination. However, the impact of repeated annual vaccinations on long-term protection and seasonal vaccine efficacy remains unclear.
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"Fighting the pandemic!" Western Australian pharmacists' perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines: A qualitative studyIn Western Australia, community pharmacists are authorized to administer a range of vaccines without a prescription. Since mid-July 2021, pharmacists can also administer Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Little is known about how pharmacists think and feel about giving and receiving COVID-19 vaccines and how they discuss it with patients.