• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.292-301
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This study attempted to present a strategy to increase behavioral vaccination intention by identifying factors affecting parents' intention to have their children vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by applying the modified theory of planned behavior. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 146 parents of children aged 5 to 17 from August 1 to 30, 2022, and, as a result, 146 data were analyzed. The moderating effect of perceived behavioral control in the relationship between parents' attitude, subjective norms, and behavioral intention for children's COVID-19 vaccination was analyzed using the Process Macro (10,000 bootstrapping, 95% confidence interval), and a simple slope analysis was performed to identify differences by group. Results: The moderating effect of perceived behavioral control was statistically significant in the relationship between parent's attitude and subjective norms for COVID-19 vaccination and behavioral intention. In the simple slope analysis, the reinforcement effect was greatest when the level of perceived behavioral control was high. Conclusion: Since vaccination is most likely when recommended by healthcare providers, it is necessary to ensure that health education through community health experts or mass media can be effectively conducted. In particular, objective information on the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccinations for children, including monitoring of potential side-effects, should be actively reported.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.209-215
• /
• 2023

Purpose: The delay in acceptance or refusal to get vaccinated despite the availability of services is called vaccine hesitancy. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Pakistan faced consistent barriers preventing the eradication of the disease in the country. Similarly with the advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic mass vaccination drives were initiated to a vaccine hesitant population. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Pakistani population. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted during July to September 2021 using a snowball sampling technique targeting the adult population of Pakistan. The modified version of the vaccine hesitancy questionnaire related to the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization Vaccine Hesitancy matrix was distributed online. Results: Out of 973 participants, 52.4% were immediately willing to take the vaccine and constituted the acceptance group whereas the remaining 47.6% who were still not sure formed the hesitant group. Support from leaders was found to be statistically significant for the difference between the hesitant and acceptance groups (p-value=0.027). Hesitant people were concerned about the effectiveness of the vaccine (60.9%) and potential side effects (57.9%) as it was not sufficiently tested prior to launch (44.7%). Age and education were significant factors affecting the acceptance of vaccination. The most trusted source of information regarding vaccination was health care workers (43.8%). Conclusion: A moderately high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was reported in Pakistan. To overcome it, policymakers need to address the reasons for it. Leaders, celebrities, and healthcare workers can play an instrumental role in dispelling conspiracy theories regarding vaccines and making the vaccination drive a success.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.269-282
• /
• 2023

Vitamin D participates in the biological function of the innate and adaptive immune system and inflammation. We aim to specify the effectiveness of the vitamin D supplementation on the side effects BioNTech, Pfizer vaccination, and immunoglobulin G response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in subjects tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this multi-center randomized clinical trial, 498 people tested positive for COVID-19 were divided into 2 groups, receiving vitamin D capsules or a placebo (1 capsule daily, each containing 600 IU of vitamin D) over 14-16 weeks. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the second dose of vaccination. Fourteen to 16 weeks after supplementation, the intervention group had an immunoglobulin G (IgG) increase of 10.89 ± 1.2 g/L, while the control group had 8.89 ± 1.3 g/L, and the difference was significant between both groups (p = 0.001). After the second dose of vaccination, the supplement group significantly increased their 25-hydroxy vitamin D from initially 28.73 ± 15.6 ng/mL and increased to 46.48 ± 27.2 ng/mL, and the difference between them was significant. Those with a higher body mass index (BMI) had the most of symptoms, and the difference of side effects according to BMI level was significantly different. In 8 weeks after supplementation obese participants had the lowest IgG levels than overweight or normal subjects. The proportion of all types of side effects on the second dose was significantly diminished compared with the first dose in the intervention group. Supplementation of 600 IU of vitamin D3 can reduce post-vaccination side effects and increase IgG levels in participants who received BioNTech, Pfizer vaccine.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.19 no.8
• /
• pp.5-12
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze and examine the issues that are directly associated with the United States COVID-19 vaccine distribution and its strategies so that other countries may learn from it and develop sound distribution strategies. Research design, data and methodology: This paper has applied both historical and narrative models to review, identify, and analyze existing literatures to assess the United States' vaccine distribution strategy. Results: Distribution strategy developed by the United States seems to have focused heavily on the basic tenets of physical distribution, i.e., transportation, warehousing, inventory, and large-venue mass-vaccination sites, and the strategy seems to have been successful when looking only at the physical tenets of distribution. However, the analysis indicates that the distribution strategy has not either focused on or included the major activities of distribution, such as inward and outward communication, information, and customer satisfaction. Conclusions: The countries that are currently developing or implementing COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategy should review and learn from the United States' vaccine distribution strategy and its implementation. The countries should include and address all the activities of distribution, including inward and outward communication, information, and customer satisfaction to achieve their vaccination goals, minimize confusion, reduce wasting of doses and vaccine desserts, and improve vaccination rates.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.109-116
• /
• 2010

Objectives: The pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus has required decision-makers to act in the face of the substantial uncertainties. In this study, we evaluated the potential impact of the pandemic response strategies in the Republic of Korea using a mathematical model. Methods: We developed a deterministic model of a pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in a structured population using the demographic data from the Korean population and the epidemiological feature of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009. To estimate the parameter values for the deterministic model, we used the available data from the previous studies on pandemic influenza. The pandemic response strategies of the Republic of Korea for novel influenza A (H1N1) virus such as school closure, mass vaccination (70% of population in 30 days), and a policy for anti-viral drug (treatment or prophylaxis) were applied to the deterministic model. Results: The effect of two-week school closure on the attack rate was low regardless of the timing of the intervention. The earlier vaccination showed the effect of greater delays in reaching the peak of outbreaks. When it was no vaccination, vaccination at initiation of outbreak, vaccination 90 days after the initiation of outbreak and vaccination at the epidemic peak point, the total number of clinical cases for 400 days were 20.8 million, 4.4 million, 4.7 million and 12.6 million, respectively. The pandemic response strategies of the Republic of Korea delayed the peak of outbreaks (about 40 days) and decreased the number of cumulative clinical cases (8 million). Conclusions: Rapid vaccination was the most important factor to control the spread of pandemic influenza, and the response strategies of the Republic of Korea were shown to delay the spread of pandemic influenza in this deterministic model.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.12
• /
• pp.5955-5958
• /
• 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, continues to have high prevalence in many countries of Asia. The main challenge is the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis and aflatoxin, for example in China. HBV vaccination should be the major preventive tactic in Asian countries. The burden of HCC is low in Iran because most cases are due to HBV and this infection was less common. Although in Iran, a mass vaccination program started in 1993, its impact on decreasing the burden of HCC due to HBV can only be expected in future decades.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.58 no.2
• /
• pp.73-79
• /
• 2018

Outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in vaccinated sow herds from occurrence to stabilization were monitored and analyzed in terms of serology and reproductive performance. Three different conventional pig farms experienced severe reproductive failures with the introduction of a type 1 PRRSV. These farms had adopted mass vaccination of sows using a type 2 PRRSV modified live vaccine (MLV). Therefore, to control the type 1 PRRSV, an alternative vaccination program utilizing both type 1 and type 2 MLV was undertaken. Following whole herd vaccinations with both types of MLV, successful stabilization of PRRS outbreaks was identified based on serological data (no viremia and downward trends in ELISA antibody titers in both sows and suckling piglets) and recovery of reproductive performance. Additionally, through comparison of the reproductive parameters between outbreak and non-outbreak periods, it was identified that PRRSV significantly affected the farrowing rate and the number of suckling piglets per litter at all three pig farms. Comparison of reproductive parameters between periods when the different vaccination strategies were applied revealed that the number of piglets born in total and born dead per litter were significantly increased after the introduction of the type 1 PRRS MLV.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.473-483
• /
• 1987

Present study was undertaken to find when is right time for vaccination against Measles, Mumps and Rubella and what is the seropositive conversion rate after those vacinations. For this purpose, sera from 106 infants and children adimitted in Prediatric Department of Won Kwang University Hospital, Iri, Chonbuk, Korea were divided into 3 groups, such as (1) Vaccination group with definite information when it was given, (2) Unknown group whether vaccination was given or not, (3) Not vaccinated group. They were tested of IgG and IgM antibodies against Measles, Mumps and Rubella using Enzyme Immunoassay method and the following results were obtained. 1. Infants below 6 month of age showed to have IgG antibodies which seemed to have been transferred from mother in 87.8%(29/33) for Measles, 78.8%(26/33) for Mumps and 39.4%(13/13) for Rubella. And they showed IgM antibodies which are thought to have been produced by recent infection in 24.2%(8/33) for Measles, 48.5%(16/33) for Mumps and 9.1%(3/33) for Rubella. 2. Positivity of antibody IgG against Rubella was observed remarkably lower than it is against Measles and Mumps being only 39.4%(13/33) in $0{\sim}5$ month, 30.8%(8/26) in $6{\sim}11$ months, 30%(3/10) in $12{\sim}14$ months and 62.9%(22/35) in $18{\sim}36$ months of age. 3. ${\Delta}OD's$ of IgG and IgM antibodies against Measles were observed increasing with age being 0.444, 0.220 in $0{\sim}5$ months, 0.326, 0.134 in $6{\sim}11$ months, 0.581, 0.140 in $12{\sim}14$ months, 0.512, 0.000 in $15{\sim}17$ months and 0.887, 0.278 in $18{\sim}36$ months of age, respectively. 4. ${\Delta}OD's$ of IgG and IgM antibodies against Mumps were observed increasing with age being 0.427, 0.340 in $0{\sim}5$ months, 0.400, 0.249 in $6{\sim}11$ months, 0.694, 0.314 in $12{\sim}14$ months, 0.539, 0.165 in $15{\sim}17$ months and 0.854, 0.350 in $18{\sim}36$ months of age, respectively. 5. Vaccination for Measles, Mumps and Rubella is generally to start at 15 months of age in Korea, by which age their antibodies are found to exsist in more than 80% of tested samples. So, it seems to be very reasonable to start the vaccination schedule at earlier age than it does currently. 6. From the present study, it seems to have been clearly confirmed that Enzyme Immunoassay method is a reliable method with good reproducibility for mass survey of IgG and IgM antibodies against Measles, Mumps and Rubella in infants and children.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.249-259
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Since patients on hemodialysis (HD) are known to be vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many studies were conducted regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in HD patients in Western countries. Here, we assessed antibody response of HD patients for 6 months post-vaccination to identify the duration and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Asian population. Materials and Methods: We compared antibody response of the COVID-19 vaccine in HD patients with healthy volunteers. Patient and control groups had two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and mRNA-1273, respectively. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured before vaccination, 2 weeks after the first dose, 2 and 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the second dose. Neutralizing antibody was measured before vaccination and at 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after second dose. Since the third dose was started in the middle of the study, we analyzed the effect of the third dose as well. Results: Although antibody production was weaker than the control group (n=22), the patient group (n=39) showed an increase in IgG and neutralizing antibody after two doses. And, 21/39 patients and 14/22 participants had a third dose (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in the patient group, mRNA-1273 in the control group), and it did not affect antibody response in both group. Trend analysis showed IgG and neutralizing antibody did not decrease over time. Age, sex, and HD vintage did not affect antibody production in HD patients. Patients with higher body mass index displayed better seroresponse, while those on immunosuppressants showed poor seroresponse. Conclusion: Two doses of vaccination led to significant antibody response in HD patients, and the antibody did not wane until 6 months.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.179-183
• /
• 2024

In 2023, an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea, resulted in nine confirmed cases, comprising 8.4% of the national total, a disproportionately high percentage. Epidemiological investigations indicated a significant role of biting insects in viral transmission, particularly in the northern region. However, human-mediated transmission between farms under the same management was also identified. Clinical presentations in infected cattle varied, ranging from anorexia and skin nodules to severe systemic illness. Control measures included culling and burial of infected animals, a standstill order on susceptible livestock movement, and a mass vaccination campaign encompassing all 21,983 cattle in Incheon. Movement restrictions were gradually lifted following negative test results in designated surveillance, protection, and control zones. Environmental testing conducted 30 days after restriction removal allowed for restocking of previously affected farms. This outbreak highlights the vulnerability of the South Korean cattle industry to LSD and emphasizes the critical need for robust preventative measures, including enhanced vector control strategies and widespread vaccination.