Journal Description
Vaccines
Vaccines
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. The American Society for Virology (ASV) is affiliated with Vaccines and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Embase, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Immunology) / CiteScore - Q1 (Pharmacology (medical))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
7.8 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
7.4 (2022)
Latest Articles
Investigating the Spatial Accessibility and Coverage of the Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine: An Ecologic Study of Regional Health Data
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050545 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presented the unique challenge of having to deliver novel vaccines during a public health crisis. For pediatric patients, it was further complicated by the delayed timeline for authorizing the vaccine and the differences in dosing/products depending on the patient’s age.
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The COVID-19 pandemic presented the unique challenge of having to deliver novel vaccines during a public health crisis. For pediatric patients, it was further complicated by the delayed timeline for authorizing the vaccine and the differences in dosing/products depending on the patient’s age. This paper investigates the relationship between the spatial accessibility and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in King County, WA, USA. Public data for COVID-19 vaccine sites were used to calculate spatial accessibility using an enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) technique. Spatial regression analyses were performed to look at the relationship between spatial accessibility and ZIP-code-level vaccination rates. The relationships of these data with other socioeconomic and demographic variables were calculated as well. Higher rates of vaccine accessibility and vaccine coverage were found in adolescent (12- to 17-year-old) individuals relative to school-age (5- to 11-year-old) individuals. Vaccine accessibility was positively associated with coverage in both age groups in the univariable analysis. This relationship was affected by neighborhood educational attainment. This paper demonstrates how measures such as E2SFCA can be used to calculate the accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine in a region and provides insight into some of the ecological factors that affect COVID-19 vaccination rates.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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Open AccessArticle
Immunogenicity and Protective Capacity of Sugar ABC Transporter Substrate-Binding Protein against Streptococcus suis Serotype 2, 7 and 9 Infection in Mice
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Zujie Yan, Ruyi Pan, Junjie Zhang, Jianhe Sun, Xiaochun Ma, Nihua Dong, Xiaohui Yao, Jianchao Wei, Ke Liu, Yafeng Qiu, Katie Sealey, Hester Nichols, Michael A. Jarvis, Mathew Upton, Xiangdong Li, Zhiyong Ma, Juxiang Liu and Beibei Li
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050544 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes substantial disease in pigs. S. suis is also an emerging zoonoses in humans, primarily in Asia, through the consumption of undercooked pork and the handling of infected pig meat
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Background: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes substantial disease in pigs. S. suis is also an emerging zoonoses in humans, primarily in Asia, through the consumption of undercooked pork and the handling of infected pig meat as well as carcasses. The complexity of S. suis epidemiology, characterized by the presence of multiple bacterial serotypes and strains with diverse sequence types, identifies a critical need for a universal vaccine with the ability to confer cross-protective immunity. Highly conserved immunogenic proteins are generally considered good candidate antigens for subunit universal vaccines. Methods: In this study, the cross-protection of the sugar ABC transporter substrate-binding protein (S-ABC), a surface-associated immunogenic protein of S. suis, was examined in mice for evaluation as a universal vaccine candidate. Results: S-ABC was shown to be highly conserved, with 97% amino acid sequence identity across 31 S. suis strains deposited in GenBank. Recombinantly expressed S-ABC (rS-ABC) was recognized via rabbit sera specific to S. suis serotype 2. The immunization of mice with rS-ABC induced antigen-specific antibody responses, as well as IFN-γ and IL-4, in multiple organs, including the lungs. rS-ABC immunization conferred high (87.5% and 100%) protection against challenges with S. suis serotypes 2 and 9, demonstrating high cross-protection against these serotypes. Protection, albeit lower (50%), was also observed in mice challenged with S. suis serotype 7. Conclusions: These data identify S-ABC as a promising antigenic target within a universal subunit vaccine against S. suis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Vaccines)
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Open AccessCommunication
Innate and Adaptive Immune Parameters following mRNA Vaccination in Mice
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Srinivasa Reddy Bonam, Nicholas C. Hazell, Mano Joseph Mathew, Yuejin Liang, Xuxiang Zhang, Zhi Wei, Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh, Drew Weissman and Haitao Hu
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050543 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the standard regarding the current vaccine development pace, as several messenger RNA (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines have proved their ability to induce strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy. We developed 1-methylpseudouridine-containing mRNA-LNP vaccines, expressing either the more conserved SARS-CoV-2
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The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the standard regarding the current vaccine development pace, as several messenger RNA (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines have proved their ability to induce strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy. We developed 1-methylpseudouridine-containing mRNA-LNP vaccines, expressing either the more conserved SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (mRNA-N) or spike protein (mRNA-S), both based on the prototypic viral sequences. When combining both mRNA-S and mRNA-N together (mRNA-S+N), the vaccine showed high immunogenicity and broad protection against different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including wildtype, Delta, BA.1, BA.5, and BQ.1. To better understand the mechanisms behind this broad protection obtained by mRNA-S+N, we analyzed innate and adaptive immune parameters following vaccination in mice. Compared to either mRNA-S or mRNA-N alone, mice vaccinated with mRNA-S+N exhibited an increase in the innate immune response, as depicted by the higher cytokine (IL-6 and chemokine (MCP-1) levels. In addition, lymph node immunophenotyping showed the maturation and activation of dendritic cells and natural killer cells, respectively. To understand the adaptive immune response, RNA-Seq analyses of the lung and spleen samples of the vaccinated mice were performed in parallel and revealed a stronger immune gene-expression profile in the lung than that in the spleen. Compared to mRNA-S alone, mRNA-S+N vaccination elicited higher levels of expression for genes involved in multiple immune pathways, including T cells, cytokine signaling, antigen presentation, B cells, and innate immunity. Together, our studies provide immunological insights into the mechanisms of broad protection conferred by dual mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Use of Nanoparticles for Vaccine Platform Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Selecting and Tailoring Implementation Strategies to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake in Zambia: A Nominal Group Technique Approach
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Mwansa Ketty Lubeya, Mulindi Mwanahamuntu, Carla J. Chibwesha, Moses Mukosha and Mary Kawonga
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050542 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in cervical cancer prevention. However, many barriers to uptake exist and strategies to overcome them are needed. Therefore, this study aimed to select and tailor implementation strategies to barriers identified by multiple stakeholders in Zambia. The
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The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective in cervical cancer prevention. However, many barriers to uptake exist and strategies to overcome them are needed. Therefore, this study aimed to select and tailor implementation strategies to barriers identified by multiple stakeholders in Zambia. The study was conducted in Lusaka district between January and February 2023. Participants were purposively sampled from three stakeholder groups namely, adolescent girls, parents, and teachers and healthcare workers. With each of the stakeholders’ groups (10–13 participants per group), we used the nominal group technique to gain consensus to tailor feasible and acceptable implementation strategies for mitigating the identified contextual barriers. The identified barriers included low levels of knowledge and awareness about the HPV vaccine, being out of school, poor community sensitisation, lack of parental consent to vaccinate daughters, and myths and misinformation about the HPV vaccine. The lack of knowledge and awareness of the HPV vaccine was a common barrier across the three groups. Tailored strategies included conducting educational meetings and consensus-building meetings, using mass media, changing service sites, re-examining implementation, and involving patients/consumers and their relatives. Our study contributes to the available evidence on the process of selecting and tailoring implementation strategies to overcome contextual barriers. Policymakers should consider these tailored strategies to mitigate barriers and improve HPV vaccine uptake.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Strategies for HPV-Related Cancers)
Open AccessArticle
SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibodies, B Cell and T Cell Immune Responses after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccination in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
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Pattaraphorn Phornkittikorn, Surasak Kantachuvesiri, Abhasnee Sobhonslidsuk, Teerapat Yingchoncharoen, Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul and Jackrapong Bruminhent
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050541 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Immunization against SARS-CoV-2 is essential for vulnerable solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients who are at risk of infection. However, there are concerns about suboptimal immunogenicity, especially in humoral immunity (HMI), and limited exploration of cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. The primary objective of
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Background: Immunization against SARS-CoV-2 is essential for vulnerable solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients who are at risk of infection. However, there are concerns about suboptimal immunogenicity, especially in humoral immunity (HMI), and limited exploration of cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. The primary objective of this study was to assess the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination in SOT recipients. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate factors that affect immunogenicity and adverse events (AEs) following immunization in SOT recipients. Methods: All adult SOT recipients who received the two-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine at a 12-week interval underwent measurements of HMI by evaluating anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG levels and CMI by investigating SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell and B cell responses before and after complete vaccination, around 2–4 weeks post-vaccination, and compared to controls. AEs were monitored in all participants. Results: The study included 63 SOT recipients: 44 kidney recipients, 16 liver recipients, and 3 heart transplant recipients, along with 11 immunocompetent controls. Among SOT recipients, 36% were female, and the median (IQR) age was 52 (42–61). The median (IQR) time since transplant was 55 (28–123) months. After the second dose, the median (IQR) anti-RBD antibody levels were significantly lower in SOT recipients compared to those in the control group (8.3 [0.4–46.0] vs. 272.2 [178.1–551.6] BAU/mL, p < 0.01). This resulted in a seroconversion rate (anti-RBD antibody > 7.1 BAU/mL) of 51% among SOT recipients and 100% among controls (p = 0.008). Receiving the vaccine beyond one year post-transplant significantly affected seroconversion (OR 9.04, 95% CI 1.04–78.56, p = 0.046), and low-dose mycophenolic acid marginally affected seroconversion (OR 2.67, 95% CI 0.89–7.96, p = 0.079). RBD-specific B cell responses were also significantly lower compared to those in the control group (0 [0–4] vs. 10 [6–22] SFUs/106 PBMCs, p = 0.001). Similarly, S1- and SNMO-specific T cell responses were significantly lower compared to those in the control group (48 [16–128] vs. 216 [132–356] SFUs/106 PBMCs, p = 0.004 and 20 [4–48] vs. 92 [72–320] SFUs/106 PBMCs, p = 0.004). AEs were generally mild and spontaneously resolved. Conclusions: SOT recipients who received the full two-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine demonstrated significantly diminished HMI and CMI responses compared to immunocompetent individuals. Consideration should be given to administering additional vaccine doses or optimizing immunosuppressant regimens during vaccination (Thai Clinical Trial Registry: TCTR20210523002).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue RNA-Based Vaccines Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Immunogenicity and Safety of SARS-CoV-2 Protein Subunit Recombinant Vaccine (IndoVac®) as a Booster Dose against COVID-19 in Indonesian Adults
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Kusnandi Rusmil, Eddy Fadlyana, Rodman Tarigan Girsang, Riyadi Adrizain, Andri Reza Rahmadi, Hendarsyah Suryadinata, Muhammad Gilang Dwi Putra, Frizka Primadewi Fulendry, Dinda Tiaraningrum Nashsyah, Rona Kania Utami, Behesti Zahra Mardiah, I Gusti Ayu Trisna Windiani, I Gusti Agung Ngurah Sugitha Adnyana, Ni Luh Sukma Pratiwi Murti, I Ketut Agus Somia, I Made Susila Utama, Soetjiningsih Soetjiningsih, Ulfa Luthfiani Nurkamila Mutiara and Mita Puspita
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050540 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
According to the WHO target product profile for COVID-19 vaccines, the vaccine in development should be indicated for active immunisation in all populations. Therefore, PT Bio Farma developed a candidate vaccine in a subunit protein recombinant platform to help overcome the issue. This
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According to the WHO target product profile for COVID-19 vaccines, the vaccine in development should be indicated for active immunisation in all populations. Therefore, PT Bio Farma developed a candidate vaccine in a subunit protein recombinant platform to help overcome the issue. This trial was an observer-blind, randomised, prospective intervention study. This study targeted individuals who had received complete primary doses of the authorised/approved COVID-19 vaccine. The groups were divided into the primary inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac®) group, the primary viral vector vaccine (ChAdOx1) group, and the primary mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) group that received the recombinant protein (IndoVac®). The groups were compared with the control and primary mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2). The participants enrolled in the study were from two primary care centres in Bandung City and three primary care centres in Denpasar City. A total of 696 participants were enrolled from 1 September to 31 October 2022. The demographic characteristics of the all-vaccine group showed a uniform distribution. The results showed that, compared with the control, the investigational product had inferior effectiveness 14 days after the booster dose was administered. However, 28 days after the booster dose, the investigational product exhibited non-inferior effectiveness compared with the primary groups that received CoronaVac® (GMR 0.76 (0.57–0.99)) and ChAdOx1 (GMR 0.72 (0.56–59.93)), but the BNT162b2 group (GMR 0.61 (0.39–0.94)) was inferior to the control. At 12 months follow-up after the booster dose, three serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in three participants, with causality not correlated with the investigated products. Neither AEs of special interest nor severe COVID-19 cases were reported throughout the follow-up period; thus, the IndoVac® vaccine as a booster was immunogenic and safe. Until the 6-month follow-up after the booster dose, the IndoVac® vaccine was well tolerated and all reported AEs resolved. This vaccine is registered and can be included in the immunisation programme.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccines and Immune Response)
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Open AccessArticle
In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Molecular Mimicry of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein by Common Short Constituent Sequences (cSCSs) in the Human Proteome: Toward Safer Epitope Design for Vaccine Development
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Yuya Mizuno, Wataru Nakasone, Morikazu Nakamura and Joji M. Otaki
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050539 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Spike protein sequences in SARS-CoV-2 have been employed for vaccine epitopes, but many short constituent sequences (SCSs) in the spike protein are present in the human proteome, suggesting that some anti-spike antibodies induced by infection or vaccination may be autoantibodies against human proteins.
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Spike protein sequences in SARS-CoV-2 have been employed for vaccine epitopes, but many short constituent sequences (SCSs) in the spike protein are present in the human proteome, suggesting that some anti-spike antibodies induced by infection or vaccination may be autoantibodies against human proteins. To evaluate this possibility of “molecular mimicry” in silico and in vitro, we exhaustively identified common SCSs (cSCSs) found both in spike and human proteins bioinformatically. The commonality of SCSs between the two systems seemed to be coincidental, and only some cSCSs were likely to be relevant to potential self-epitopes based on three-dimensional information. Among three antibodies raised against cSCS-containing spike peptides, only the antibody against EPLDVL showed high affinity for the spike protein and reacted with an EPLDVL-containing peptide from the human unc-80 homolog protein. Western blot analysis revealed that this antibody also reacted with several human proteins expressed mainly in the small intestine, ovary, and stomach. Taken together, these results showed that most cSCSs are likely incapable of inducing autoantibodies but that at least EPLDVL functions as a self-epitope, suggesting a serious possibility of infection-induced or vaccine-induced autoantibodies in humans. High-risk cSCSs, including EPLDVL, should be excluded from vaccine epitopes to prevent potential autoimmune disorders.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Vaccine Characterization, Formulations, and Development)
Open AccessArticle
DNA Vaccine Encoding a Modified Hemagglutinin Trimer of Avian Influenza A Virus H5N8 Protects Mice from Viral Challenge
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Victoria R. Litvinova, Andrey P. Rudometov, Nadezhda B. Rudometova, Denis N. Kisakov, Mariya B. Borgoyakova, Lyubov A. Kisakova, Ekaterina V. Starostina, Anastasia A. Fando, Vladimir A. Yakovlev, Elena V. Tigeeva, Ksenia I. Ivanova, Andrei S. Gudymo, Tatiana N. Ilyicheva, Vasiliy Yu. Marchenko, Artemiy A. Sergeev, Alexander A. Ilyichev and Larisa I. Karpenko
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050538 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
The development of a safe and effective vaccine against avian influenza A virus (AIV) H5N8 is relevant due to the widespread distribution of this virus in the bird population and the existing potential risk of human infection, which can lead to significant public
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The development of a safe and effective vaccine against avian influenza A virus (AIV) H5N8 is relevant due to the widespread distribution of this virus in the bird population and the existing potential risk of human infection, which can lead to significant public health concerns. Here, we developed an experimental pVAX-H5 DNA vaccine encoding a modified trimer of AIV H5N8 hemagglutinin. Immunization of BALB/c mice with pVAX-H5 using jet injection elicited high titer antibody response (the average titer in ELISA was 1 × 105), and generated a high level of neutralizing antibodies against H5N8 and T-cell response, as determined by ELISpot analysis. Both liquid and lyophilized forms of pVAX-H5 DNA vaccine provided 100% protection of immunized mice against lethal challenge with influenza A virus A/turkey/Stavropol/320-01/2020 (H5N8). The results obtained indicate that pVAX-H5 has good opportunities as a vaccine candidate against the influenza A virus (H5N8).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Discoveries and Developments in RNA and DNA Vaccines)
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Open AccessArticle
Very Broadly Effective Hemagglutinin-Directed Influenza Vaccines with Anti-Herpetic Activity
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David C. Bloom, Cameron Lilly, William Canty, Nuria Vilaboa and Richard Voellmy
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050537 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
A universal vaccine that generally prevents influenza virus infection and/or illness remains elusive. We have been exploring a novel approach to vaccination involving replication-competent controlled herpesviruses (RCCVs) that can be deliberately activated to replicate efficiently but only transiently in an administration site in
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A universal vaccine that generally prevents influenza virus infection and/or illness remains elusive. We have been exploring a novel approach to vaccination involving replication-competent controlled herpesviruses (RCCVs) that can be deliberately activated to replicate efficiently but only transiently in an administration site in the skin of a subject. The RCCVs are derived from a virulent wild-type herpesvirus strain that has been engineered to contain a heat shock promoter-based gene switch that controls the expression of, typically, two replication-essential viral genes. Additional safety against inadvertent replication is provided by an appropriate secondary mechanism. Our first-generation RCCVs can be activated at the administration site by a mild local heat treatment in the presence of an antiprogestin. Here, we report that epidermal vaccination with such RCCVs expressing a hemagglutinin or neuraminidase of an H1N1 influenza virus strain protected mice against lethal challenges by H1N1 virus strains representing 75 years of evolution. Moreover, immunization with an RCCV expressing a subtype H1 hemagglutinin afforded full protection against a lethal challenge by an H3N2 influenza strain, and an RCCV expressing a subtype H3 hemagglutinin protected against a lethal challenge by an H1N1 strain. Vaccinated animals continued to gain weight normally after the challenge. Protective effects were even observed in a lethal influenza B virus challenge. The RCCV-based vaccines induced robust titers of in-group, cross-group and even cross-type neutralizing antibodies. Passive immunization suggested that observed vaccine effects were at least partially antibody-mediated. In summary, RCCVs expressing a hemagglutinin induce robust and very broad cross-protective immunity against influenza.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Recent Development of Influenza Vaccine)
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Implementing Adult Hepatitis B Immunization and Screening Using Electronic Health Records: A Practical Guide
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H. Nina Kim, Kelly L. Moore, David L. Sanders, Michaela Jackson, Chari Cohen, Richard Andrews and Camilla S. Graham
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050536 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Importance: Hepatitis B is a serious problem in the United States (US), with up to 2.4 million Americans living with a chronic infection. Only 26–32% of people living with hepatitis B in the US are diagnosed. Additionally, just 30% of all adults are
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Importance: Hepatitis B is a serious problem in the United States (US), with up to 2.4 million Americans living with a chronic infection. Only 26–32% of people living with hepatitis B in the US are diagnosed. Additionally, just 30% of all adults are vaccinated against the virus. In 2022, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated adult hepatitis B vaccination recommendations to include all adults aged 19–59 years and those 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B. Subsequently, in 2023, the CDC recommended that all adults be screened at least one time in their lives. Observations: Electronic health record (EHR) tools (prompts, order sets, etc.) have proven to be an effective method of increasing hepatitis B screening and vaccination, but longstanding challenges and questions around hepatitis B vaccines and tests could prevent effectual EHR implementation. As the new recommendations directly impact providers who may have limited familiarity with hepatitis B, guidance on how to identify eligible patients and triggers, order sets to facilitate vaccine/test selection, and proper documentation and patient follow-up is necessary. Conclusions and Relevance: This communication offers a practical framework for health systems to build an effective EHR strategy for the updated adult hepatitis B recommendations. We also provide comprehensive responses to clinicians’ questions that are frequently asked prior to screening or vaccinating for hepatitis B.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Hepatitis A, B, C and E Vaccines)
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Open AccessArticle
MV140 Mucosal Vaccine Induces Targeted Immune Response for Enhanced Clearance of Uropathogenic E. coli in Experimental Urinary Tract Infection
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Paula Saz-Leal, Marianne Morris Ligon, Carmen María Diez-Rivero, Diego García-Ayuso, Soumitra Mohanty, Marcos Viñuela, Irene Real-Arévalo, Laura Conejero, Annelie Brauner, José Luis Subiza and Indira Uppugunduri Mysorekar
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050535 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
MV140 is an inactivated whole-cell bacterial mucosal vaccine with proven clinical efficacy against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections are primarily caused by uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains, which are unique in their virulence factors and remarkably diverse. MV140 contains a non-UPEC
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MV140 is an inactivated whole-cell bacterial mucosal vaccine with proven clinical efficacy against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections are primarily caused by uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains, which are unique in their virulence factors and remarkably diverse. MV140 contains a non-UPEC strain, suggesting that it may induce an immune response against different UPEC-induced UTIs in patients. To verify this, we experimentally evaluated the cellular and humoral responses to UTI89, a prototypical UPEC strain, in mice vaccinated with MV140, as well as the degree of protection achieved in a UPEC UTI89 model of acute cystitis. The results show that both cellular (Th1/Th17) and antibody (IgG/IgA) responses to UTI89 were induced in MV140-immunized mice. MV140 vaccination resulted in an early increased clearance of UTI89 viable bacteria in the bladder and urine following transurethral infection. This was accompanied by a highly significant increase in CD4+ T cells in the bladder and an increase in urinary neutrophils. Collectively, our results support that MV140 induces cross-reactive humoral and cellular immune responses and cross-protection against UPEC strains.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Vaccine: Mucosal Immunity and Implications)
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Open AccessArticle
Differences in Vaccination Consultation Preferred by Primary Health Care Workers and Residents in Community Settings
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Tianshuo Zhao, Xianming Cai, Sihui Zhang, Mingting Wang, Linyi Chen, Juan Wang, Yajie Yu, Liandi Tao, Xiaoxia Xu, Jing Luo, Chao Wang, Juan Du, Yaqiong Liu, Qingbin Lu and Fuqiang Cui
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050534 - 14 May 2024
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Objective: To evaluate the preference of primary HCWs and residents on vaccination consultation in community health services to provide evidence for vaccine hesitancy intervention strategies. Methods: A discrete choice model (DCM) was constructed to evaluate the preference difference between primary HCWs and residents
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Objective: To evaluate the preference of primary HCWs and residents on vaccination consultation in community health services to provide evidence for vaccine hesitancy intervention strategies. Methods: A discrete choice model (DCM) was constructed to evaluate the preference difference between primary HCWs and residents on vaccination consultation in community health services in China during May–July 2022. Results: A total of 282 residents and 204 HCWs were enrolled in this study. The residents preferred consulting with an HCW-led approach (β = 2.168), with specialized content (β = 0.954), and accompanied by telephone follow-up (β = 1.552). In contrast, the HCWs preferred face-to-face consultation (β = 0.540) with an HCW-led approach (β = 0.458) and specialized content (β = 0.409), accompanied by telephone follow-up (β = 0.831). College residents and residents with underlying self-reported disease may be near-critically inclined to choose traditional consultation (an offline, face-to-face consultation with standardized content and more prolonged duration) rather than a new-media consulting group (an online consultation with specialized content within 5 min). Urban HCWs preferred long-term consultation groups (the resident-led offline consultation with follow-up lasting more than 5 min). In contrast, rural HCWs preferred efficient consultation (the HCW-led, short-duration, standardized offline consultation mode). Conclusion: The selection preference for vaccine consultation reveals a gap between providers and demanders, with different groups exhibiting distinct preferences. Identifying these targeted gaps can help design more acceptable and efficient interventions, increasing their likelihood of success and leading to better resource allocation for policymakers to develop targeted vaccination policies.
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Open AccessReview
Current Progress in Vaccines against Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review and Update
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Thilo Gambichler, David Schrama, Riina Käpynen, Sera S. Weyer-Fahlbusch, Jürgen C. Becker, Laura Susok, Florian Kreppel and Nessr Abu Rached
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050533 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that mainly occurs in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Due to the success of immune checkpoint inhibition in MCC, the importance of immunotherapy and vaccines in MCC has increased in recent years. In this article,
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Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that mainly occurs in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Due to the success of immune checkpoint inhibition in MCC, the importance of immunotherapy and vaccines in MCC has increased in recent years. In this article, we aim to present the current progress and perspectives in the development of vaccines for this disease. Here, we summarize and discuss the current literature and ongoing clinical trials investigating vaccines against MCC. We identified 10 articles through a PubMed search investigating a vaccine against MCC. From the international clinical trial database Clinical.Trials.gov, we identified nine studies on vaccines for the management of MCC, of which seven are actively recruiting. Most of the identified studies investigating a vaccine against MCC are preclinical or phase 1/2 trials. The vaccine principles mainly included DNA- and (synthetic) peptide-based vaccines, but RNA-based vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and the combination of vaccines and immunotherapy are also under investigation for the treatment of MCC. Although the management of MCC is changing, when compared to times before the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors, it will still take some time before the first MCC vaccine is ready for approval.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Therapeutic Approaches in Dermatological Diseases)
Open AccessArticle
The Limitations of a Hypothetical All-Variant COVID-19 Vaccine: A Simulation Study
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Robert J. Kosinski
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050532 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This paper simulates a hypothetical pan-coronavirus vaccine that confers immediate sterilizing immunity against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. Simulations used a SEIIS (susceptible, exposed, infective, immune, susceptible) spreadsheet model that ran two parallel subpopulations: one that accepted vaccination and another that refused it. The two
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This paper simulates a hypothetical pan-coronavirus vaccine that confers immediate sterilizing immunity against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. Simulations used a SEIIS (susceptible, exposed, infective, immune, susceptible) spreadsheet model that ran two parallel subpopulations: one that accepted vaccination and another that refused it. The two subpopulations could transmit infections to one another. Using data from the United States (US), the simulated vaccine was tested against limiting factors such as vaccine hesitancy, slow vaccination distribution, and the development of high-transmission variants. The vaccine was often successful at reducing cases, but high-transmission variants and discontinuation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as masking greatly elevated cases. A puzzling outcome was that if NPIs were discontinued and high-transmission variants became common, the model predicted consistently higher rates of disease than are actually observed in the US in 2024. However, if cumulative exposure to virus antigens increased the duration of immunity or decreased the infectivity of the virus, the model predictions were brought back into a more realistic range. The major finding was that even when a COVID-19 vaccine always produces sterilizing immunity against every SARS-CoV-2 variant, its ability to control the epidemic can be compromised by multiple common conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines)
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Open AccessArticle
Differential Regulation of DC Function, Adaptive Immunity, and MyD88 Dependence by MF59 and AS03-like Adjuvants
by
Jayachandra Reddy Nakkala, Yibo Li, Labone Akter, Xinliang Kang and Xinyuan Chen
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050531 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
MF59 and AS03 are squalene emulsion-based vaccine adjuvants with similar compositions and droplet sizes. Despite their broad use in licensed influenza vaccines, few studies compared their adjuvant effects and action mechanisms side by side. Considering the majority of adjuvants act on dendritic cells
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MF59 and AS03 are squalene emulsion-based vaccine adjuvants with similar compositions and droplet sizes. Despite their broad use in licensed influenza vaccines, few studies compared their adjuvant effects and action mechanisms side by side. Considering the majority of adjuvants act on dendritic cells (DCs) to achieve their adjuvant effects, this study compared MF59 and AS03-like adjuvants (AddaVax and AddaS03, respectively) to enhance antigen uptake, DC maturation, ovalbumin (OVA) and seasonal influenza vaccine-induced immune responses. Considering MF59 was reported to activate MyD88 to mediate its adjuvant effects, this study also investigated whether the above-explored adjuvant effects of AddaVax and AddaS03 depended on MyD88. We found AddaVax more potently enhanced antigen uptake at the local injection site, while AddaS03 more potently enhanced antigen uptake in the draining lymph nodes. AddaS03 but not AddaVax stimulated DC maturation. Adjuvant-enhanced antigen uptake was MyD88 independent, while AddaS03-induced DC maturation was MyD88 dependent. AddaVax and AddaS03 similarly enhanced OVA-induced IgG and subtype IgG1 antibody responses as well as influenza vaccine-induced hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers, whileAddaS03 more potently enhanced OVA-specific IgG2c antibody responses. Both adjuvants depended on MyD88 to enhance vaccine-induced antibody responses, while AddaVax depended more on MyD88 to achieve its adjuvant effects. Our study reveals similarities and differences of the two squalene emulsion-based vaccine adjuvants, contributing to our improved understanding of their action mechanisms.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Adjuvants and Their Roles in Vaccine Development)
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Open AccessReview
Live Attenuated Vaccines against Tuberculosis: Targeting the Disruption of Genes Encoding the Secretory Proteins of Mycobacteria
by
Raja Veerapandian, Shrikanth S. Gadad, Chinnaswamy Jagannath and Subramanian Dhandayuthapani
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050530 - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic infectious disease affecting humans, causes over 1.3 million deaths per year throughout the world. The current preventive vaccine BCG provides protection against childhood TB, but it fails to protect against pulmonary TB. Multiple candidates have been evaluated to either
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Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic infectious disease affecting humans, causes over 1.3 million deaths per year throughout the world. The current preventive vaccine BCG provides protection against childhood TB, but it fails to protect against pulmonary TB. Multiple candidates have been evaluated to either replace or boost the efficacy of the BCG vaccine, including subunit protein, DNA, virus vector-based vaccines, etc., most of which provide only short-term immunity. Several live attenuated vaccines derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and BCG have also been developed to induce long-term immunity. Since Mtb mediates its virulence through multiple secreted proteins, these proteins have been targeted to produce attenuated but immunogenic vaccines. In this review, we discuss the characteristics and prospects of live attenuated vaccines generated by targeting the disruption of the genes encoding secretory mycobacterial proteins.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Vaccines for Infectious Pathogens)
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Determinants of Parental Intention to Vaccinate Young Adolescent Girls against the Human Papillomavirus in Taiwan: An Online Survey Study
by
Pei-Yun Lin, Tai-Ling Liu, Li-Ming Chen, Meng-Jung Liu, Yu-Ping Chang, Ching-Shu Tsai and Cheng-Fang Yen
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050529 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Since 2018, Taiwan has included the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into its national immunization program for junior high school girls. However, the reports of side effects following vaccination have increased parental concerns. This study investigated parental intentions regarding the HPV vaccination for their
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Since 2018, Taiwan has included the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into its national immunization program for junior high school girls. However, the reports of side effects following vaccination have increased parental concerns. This study investigated parental intentions regarding the HPV vaccination for their daughters and related factors in Taiwan. A total of 213 parents of girls aged between 12 and 15 years participated in an online survey. The survey collected data on various factors, including the parental intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV; the motivation behind the vaccinations, as measured using the Motors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Acceptance Scale; an understanding of the reasons behind the government’s promotion of HPV vaccinations; concerns regarding the side effects of vaccinations for their daughters; an awareness of the reported side effects of HPV vaccines experienced by some individuals; the exposure to information on HPV vaccines from social media; and mental health status, measured using the Brief Symptom Rating Scale. The associations between these variables and the parental intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV were examined using a multivariable linear regression analysis model. The findings revealed a moderate to high level of intention among participants to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Parents who perceived a greater value in HPV vaccination for their daughters’ health (B = 0.524, standard error [se] = 0.039, p < 0.001) and had greater autonomy in decision-making regarding vaccination (B = 0.086, se = 0.038, p = 0.026) exhibited a higher intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Conversely, parents who expressed greater concern regarding the side effects of HPV vaccines for their daughters had a lower intention to vaccinate (B = −0.762, se = 0.203, p < 0.001). Based on these findings, this study recommends integrating these factors into the design of intervention programs aimed at enhancing parental intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination Progress in COVID-19 and HPV)
Open AccessReview
The Platform Technology Approach to mRNA Product Development and Regulation
by
John H. Skerritt, Carolyn Tucek-Szabo, Brett Sutton and Terry Nolan
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050528 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) medicinal products can be considered a platform technology because the development process is similar for different diseases and conditions, with similar noncoding mRNA sequences and lipid nanoparticles and essentially unchanged manufacturing and analytical methods often utilised for different products. It
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mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) medicinal products can be considered a platform technology because the development process is similar for different diseases and conditions, with similar noncoding mRNA sequences and lipid nanoparticles and essentially unchanged manufacturing and analytical methods often utilised for different products. It is critical not to lose the momentum built using the platform approach during the development, regulatory approval and rollout of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. This review proposes a set of modifications to existing regulatory requirements for mRNA products, based on a platform perspective for quality, manufacturing, preclinical, and clinical data. For the first time, we address development and potential regulatory requirements when the mRNA sequences and LNP composition vary in different products as well. In addition, we propose considerations for self-amplifying mRNA, individualised oncology mRNA products, and mRNA therapeutics. Providing a predictable development pathway for academic and commercial groups so that they can know in detail what product characterisation and data are required to develop a dossier for regulatory submission has many potential benefits. These include: reduced development and regulatory costs; faster consumer/patient access and more agile development of products in the face of pandemics; and for rare diseases where alternatives may not exist or to increase survival and the quality of life in cancer patients. Therefore, achieving consensus around platform approaches is both urgent and important. This approach with mRNA can be a template for similar platform frameworks for other therapeutics and vaccines to enable more efficient development and regulatory review.
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(This article belongs to the Section DNA and mRNA Vaccines)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Immunogenicity of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
by
Lorenzo Losa, Ippazio Cosimo Antonazzo, Giuseppe Di Martino, Giampiero Mazzaglia, Silvio Tafuri, Lorenzo Giovanni Mantovani and Pietro Ferrara
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050527 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Background: The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), consisting of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) and the AS01B adjuvant system, effectively prevents herpes zoster (HZ). In the absence of a well-defined correlate of protection, it is important to monitor the RZV immune response,
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Background: The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), consisting of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) and the AS01B adjuvant system, effectively prevents herpes zoster (HZ). In the absence of a well-defined correlate of protection, it is important to monitor the RZV immune response, as a proxy of clinical effectiveness. Methods: This systematic review examined post-vaccination parameters: humoral and cell-mediated immunity, avidity index, geometric mean concentration of antibody (GMC), and immunity persistence. The meta-analysis used a random-effects model, and subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted. Results: Among 37 included articles, after one month from RZV-dose 2, the pooled response rate for anti-gE humoral immunity was 95.2% (95%CI 91.9–97.2), dropping to 77.6% (95%CI 64.7–86.8) during immunosuppression. The anti-gE cell-mediated immunity-specific response reached 84.6% (95%CI 75.2–90.9). Varying factors, such as age, sex, coadministration with other vaccines, prior HZ, or live-attenuated zoster vaccine, did not significantly affect response rates. RZV induced a substantial increase in gE avidity. Immunity persistence was confirmed, with more rapid waning in the very elderly. Conclusions: This systematic review indicates that RZV elicits robust immunogenicity and overcomes immunocompromising conditions. The findings underscore the need for further research, particularly on long-term immunity, and have the potential to support HZ vaccination policies and programs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Varicella and Zoster Vaccination)
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Open AccessArticle
Parental Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake for Children over 5 Years of Age in Texas
by
Paula M. Cuccaro, Jihye Choi, Yordanos M. Tiruneh, Journey Martinez, Jing Xie, Michelle Crum, Mark Owens and Jose-Miguel Yamal
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050526 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children, yet parental hesitancy towards vaccinating children against the virus persists. We conducted a telephone-administered weighted survey in Texas to examine parents’ sociodemographic factors and medical conditions associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention for parents with
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The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children, yet parental hesitancy towards vaccinating children against the virus persists. We conducted a telephone-administered weighted survey in Texas to examine parents’ sociodemographic factors and medical conditions associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention for parents with unvaccinated children ages 5–17 years. We collected responses from 19,502 participants, of which 4879 were parents of children ages 5–17 years. We conducted multiple logistic regression with Lasso-selected variables to identify factors associated with children’s vaccination status and parents’ intention to vaccinate their children. From the unweighted sample, less than half of the parents (46.8%) had at least one unvaccinated child. These parents were more likely to be White, English-speaking, not concerned about illness, privately insured, and unvaccinated for COVID-19 themselves (p < 0.001). In the adjusted regression model, parents who were unvaccinated (vs. having COVID-19 booster, aOR = 28.6) and financially insecure (aOR = 1.46) had higher odds of having unvaccinated children. Parents who were Asian (aOR = 0.50), Black (aOR = 0.69), Spanish-speaking (aOR = 0.57), concerned about illness (aOR = 0.63), had heart disease (aOR = 0.41), and diabetes (aOR = 0.61) had lower odds of having unvaccinated children. Parents who were Asian, Black, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking, concerned about illness for others, and vaccine-boosted were more likely to have vaccination intention for their children (p < 0.001). Children’s vaccination is essential to reduce COVID-19 transmission. It is important to raise awareness about the value of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination while considering parents’ sociodemographic and medical circumstances.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance, Intention, and/or Hesitancy and Its Association with Our Health and/or Important Areas of Functioning)
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