Publications by authors named "S M Knudson"

Background: New vaccines for pregnant women have recently been introduced in some high-income countries to protect infants in early life. Implementing maternal immunisation (MI) successfully in low- and middle-income countries will require planning and adaptations to immunisation and maternal health programs. To inform cost of MI delivery studies, we gathered perspectives from key stakeholders in five countries (Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Nepal) regarding health system requirements, opportunities, and challenges to introducing new maternal vaccines into routine health programs.

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New respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) maternal vaccines have begun roll out in some countries, with efforts in progress to broaden access worldwide and shorten the timeline to access for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Prior to new maternal immunization (MI) introductions, countries will need to evaluate their capacity and readiness for successful introduction. The World Health Organization's Maternal Immunization and Antenatal Care Situation Analysis (MIACSA) project (2016-2019) developed a checklist for countries to self-evaluate their capacity to introduce new maternal vaccines.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study analyzes the molecular composition of polyclonal IgG anti-spike antibodies from SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, and their combination, termed "hybrid immunity."
  • It finds that infection mainly triggers antibodies reactive to the spike S2 and N-terminal domain, while vaccination predominantly induces antibodies that target the receptor-binding domain (RBD).
  • The research also shows how original IgG antibodies can enhance their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 variants after subsequent exposures, highlighted by the SC27 antibody's improved neutralization capabilities and binding affinity.
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Unlabelled: We used plasma IgG proteomics to study the molecular composition and temporal durability of polyclonal IgG antibodies triggered by ancestral SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, or their combination ("hybrid immunity"). Infection, whether primary or post-vaccination, mainly triggered an anti-spike antibody response to the S2 domain, while vaccination predominantly induced anti-RBD antibodies. Immunological imprinting persisted after a secondary (hybrid) exposure, with >60% of the ensuing serological response originating from the initial antibodies generated during the first exposure.

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Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic health systems have shifted necessarily from chronic to infectious disease treatment, but chronic disease remains critical. One large health system uniquely tracks member health behaviors. This analysis compares data from select months of an ongoing monthly cross-sectional survey before and during the pandemic.

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