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Regular physical activity may boost effectiveness of COVID-19 jab

Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, and how maternal COVID-19 vaccination could prevent stillbirth

A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAJOG Global Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

Needs and challenges for COVID-19 boosters and other vaccines in the U.S.

The US ranks last in vaccination rates among the world's richest countries, with a mortality rate from COVID-19 30 times higher than influenza. Boosters can reduce the risk of dying and hospitalization by over 90%. All US adults and eligible children should receive booster shots to protect against future variants.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2022

Study suggests support across Europe for COVID-19 vaccine equity

A survey of six European countries found strong public support for transferring COVID-19 vaccines to poorer nations and prioritizing those with the greatest need. Europeans consistently prioritized individuals most vulnerable, employed individuals, or those who lost income during the pandemic over unemployed individuals.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 18, 2022

Cancer patients treated with immunotherapy can safely receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, according to JNCCN study

Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 17, 2022

Myocarditis seven times more likely with COVID-19 than vaccines

A recent study by Penn State College of Medicine scientists found that the risk of developing myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle — is seven times higher with COVID-19 infection than with COVID-19 vaccination. Patients with myocarditis can experience chest pains, shortness of breath or an irregular heartbeat.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateOct 13, 2022

Data show Mass General Brigham’s ‘Clinics on Wheels’ increased access to COVID-19 services for underserved populations

The initiative vaccinated a significantly higher rate of young people, non-white populations, and Hispanic people than the average for the state and target communities. The program used a 'double equity' model to engage with local transportation companies and administered over 20,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2022

Study shows that COVID-19 booster jabs provide better immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly Singaporeans

A new study shows that COVID-19 booster jabs significantly improve immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly Singaporeans. The study found that a third vaccine dose boosts low antibody responses and T cell responses in older adults, providing better protection against severe disease.

Survey finds more than 40% of Americans misled others about having COVID-19 and use of precautions

A nationwide survey found that over 42% of Americans misrepresented their COVID-19 status and/or failed to follow public health measures. The most common reasons were a desire to feel normal and exercise personal freedom, with younger age groups and those with greater distrust of science being more likely to engage in misrepresentation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateOct 10, 2022

Research examines which children were most severely sickened by COVID-19 and finds vaccinations were significantly protective

Research found that pre-existing illnesses and residence in the South region were most often associated with severe outcomes in children. Vaccination was significantly protective across all age groups, with infants having more severe illness than older children. Persistent health disparities across racial and geographic lines were also...

COVID-19 vaccine developed by Brazilian scientists is ready for clinical trials

A novel COVID-19 vaccine developed by Brazilian scientists combines two SARS-CoV-2 proteins to trigger a cellular immune response. The vaccine, called SpiN, showed promise in animal trials, protecting against three strains of the virus and reducing viral load by up to 50 times.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

COVID-19: Boosting with an mRNA vaccine offers better protection in people who received two doses of CoronaVac

A large observational study in Brazil found that mRNA boosting offers considerably better protection against COVID-19 than inactivated CoronaVac boosting, particularly among elderly individuals. The findings have immediate implications for guiding boosting strategies in countries where most of the population received inactivated vaccines.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was found to lower the risk of severe outcomes including preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage. Vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 3, 2022

ASU scientists discover dual-function messenger RNA

Researchers have discovered a new pathway for producing telomerase RNA from protein-coding messenger RNA, offering potential innovations in mRNA vaccines and understanding of telomere biology. This finding has implications for reversing cellular aging and extending human lifespan.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Evangelical Christians were less likely to get COVID-19 vaccine after conversations with faith leaders

A VCU-led study found that evangelical Christians who sought information from their religious leaders were less likely to get vaccinated, while those who spoke with a health care provider were more likely. The study highlights the influence of faith-based and healthcare providers on vaccine decision-making.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 28, 2022

Exposure to air pollution worsens COVID-19 outcomes, even among the fully vaccinated

Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

JAMA study shows COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and prior infection provide durable protection against severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection

A new study published in JAMA highlights the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and prior infection in reducing the risk of future infection, hospitalization, and death. The study shows that primary vaccination and booster doses provide strong protection against severe outcomes, even after a year and a half.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 27, 2022

As few as 1 in 5 COVID cases may have been counted worldwide, mathematical models suggest

Mathematical models suggest that only 1 in 5 COVID-19 cases were counted worldwide, resulting in an estimated 600 million to 2.4 billion actual cases globally. The wide range of estimated cases highlights the problems with accuracy of reported numbers due to data tampering, inconsistent reporting, and lack of uniformity.

Acquired immunity against random food allergens may protect some lucky people against COVID-19

A recent study finds that exposure to proteins in common foods, vaccines, bacteria, and viruses can prime the immune system to attack SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that individuals with a history of exposure to these agents may be less susceptible to severe illness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

Novel method to predict behavior of different COVID-19 waves in the vaccinated or previously infected

Researchers developed a faster, more affordable method to analyze serological data and predict COVID-19 wave behavior. The study showed that vaccination boosted immunity, with hybrid immunity producing higher protection levels. Antibody levels rose quickly after the first dose, especially in cities where case numbers were highest.

SMART and NTU Singapore develop a quick test kit to determine a person’s immunity against COVID-19 and its variants

A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a quick test kit that can determine a person's immunity against COVID-19 and its variants based on antibodies detected in a blood sample. The test kit, which requires just 10 minutes to show results, can be easily adapted for new variants of concern and other diseases.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2022

SMART and NTU Singapore develop a quick test kit to determine a person’s immunity against COVID-19 and its variants

A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeNews article·DateSep 21, 2022