Uptake of COVID‐19 Vaccines and Intention to Vaccinate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

Effectiveness, Safety, and Immunogenicity of a Second COVID‐19 Vaccine Booster in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Protocol

Older adults remain highly vulnerable to severe COVID‐19 outcomes due to immunosenescence and comorbidities. Although booster vaccination strategies have reduced hospitalizations and mortality, evidence regarding the effectiveness, safety, and immunogenicity of a second COVID‐19 vaccine booster dose in older adults remains fragmented. This systematic review and meta‐analysis protocol aims to critically evaluate the available evidence from randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials (NRCTs) regarding the effectiveness, safety, and immunogenicity of the second COVID‐19 vaccine booster in older adults worldwide.

Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo Virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Implementation evaluation of the COVID-19 vaccination: Speed, equity and mortality trends

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination campaign in South Africa constituted the most significant public health intervention in recent history, occurring against the backdrop of a prevailing quadruple burden of disease. Aim To evaluate the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, focusing on rollout speed and geographic equity and to examine the temporal associations between vaccination coverage and mortality trends. Setting All South African residents aged 12 years and older who were eligible for COVID-19 vaccination during the study period. Methods A retrospective, ecological population-based time-series analysis to assess vaccination rollout trends and geographic equity, and to examine the association between vaccination coverage and excess mortality. The Logic Model and the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework were applied to interpret implementation performance. Results The vaccination campaign expanded rapidly in the early phases, but vaccination activity declined significantly over a three-year period (p < 0.001). By February 2024, approximately 49.7% of the eligible population had received at least one dose, below the national target of 67%. Coverage was higher in metropolitan than in district municipalities (p < 0.05). Statistically significant non-causal temporal associations were observed between vaccination coverage and excess mortality. Conclusion Early vaccine coverage was achieved, but uptake was insufficient to meet national coverage targets. Geographic disparities suggest potential inequities in access, offering empirical insights to strengthen primary health care integration, equitable service delivery, and data-driven implementation strategies. Contribution This study supports dual-framework implementation science for evaluating large-scale public health interventions to inform health system strengthening and emergency preparedness.

Ebola: how soon could a Bundibugyo vaccine be ready?

As the Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the first of four vaccine candidates has entered clinical trials. Katharine Lang reports on what is known about them and the UK’s key role in the trials

COVID-19 Vaccination in Children: A Global Perspective

Vaccines are an important way to manage infectious diseases worldwide. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, various vaccines are being prepared and approved for use. Many countries have approved these vaccines for use among the paediatric population. The vaccines have some side effects in the adult population, and some side effects were also found in the paediatric population in different trials, although they are very rare. The paediatric population is also one of the important age groups, taking into account their lower biological reserve and their being less likely to follow the non-pharmacological interventions. In the current scenario of poor vaccination coverage in adults, is it justified to vaccinate the paediatric age group? Thus, the current review was planned to review policy-level factors determining starting COVID-19 vaccination among children.

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines and Duration of Protection Against Hospitalisation During the 2024/25 Season in Northern Ireland, UK

Seasonal influenza causes substantial morbidity and hospitalisation each year. We estimated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory‐confirmed influenza‐associated hospitalisation among patients in Northern Ireland (NI) during the 2024/25 influenza season.