Masumbuko Claude Kasereka1, Julia Sawatzky2, Michael T Hawkes3. 1. Université Catholique du Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 3. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Electronic address: mthawkes@ualberta.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The current Ebola outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second largest in history and the first in which the recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus - Zaire Ebolavirus (rVSV-ZEBOV) vaccine has been used at scale. We assessed side-effects, satisfaction, and attitudes toward the new vaccine. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey questionnaire from a convenience sample of 90 vaccine recipients and 96 community controls in Eastern DRC. RESULTS: Side-effects were reported in 75/90 (83%) vaccine recipients but only 5 (7%) and 4 (5%) reported arthralgia and rash, respectively. 76/90 (84%) vaccinees were classified as "promoters" (would recommend vaccine to others) and 6/90 (7%) as "detractors." 69/96 (72%) of unvaccinated community controls would wish to be vaccinated if supply were available. 153/186 (82%) would accept vaccination for family members. CONCLUSIONS: The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine was well tolerated, with high acceptability in the community during the current outbreak in the DRC.
BACKGROUND: The current Ebola outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second largest in history and the first in which the recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus - Zaire Ebolavirus (rVSV-ZEBOV) vaccine has been used at scale. We assessed side-effects, satisfaction, and attitudes toward the new vaccine. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey questionnaire from a convenience sample of 90 vaccine recipients and 96 community controls in Eastern DRC. RESULTS: Side-effects were reported in 75/90 (83%) vaccine recipients but only 5 (7%) and 4 (5%) reported arthralgia and rash, respectively. 76/90 (84%) vaccinees were classified as "promoters" (would recommend vaccine to others) and 6/90 (7%) as "detractors." 69/96 (72%) of unvaccinated community controls would wish to be vaccinated if supply were available. 153/186 (82%) would accept vaccination for family members. CONCLUSIONS: The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine was well tolerated, with high acceptability in the community during the current outbreak in the DRC.
Authors: Lindsey D Cunningham; Eduardo F Salgado; Matthew C Aalsma; Jennifer M Garabrant; Julie K Staples; James S Gordon; Michelle P Salyers Journal: BMC Pediatr Date: 2021-10-27 Impact factor: 2.125