A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
Researchers analyzed data from over 184,000 cancer patients to assess COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. The study found that vaccination significantly reduces mortality and serious complications among cancer patients, especially those who received the booster dose.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.
A cohort study found that more than 1 in 5 adults did not recover within 3 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of recovery was lower among women and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease, but higher among vaccinated individuals during the Omicron variant wave.
A global meta-analysis of 1.8m women found COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of infection during pregnancy by 61% and hospitalization by 94%. Vaccination also lowers caesarean section risk by 9%, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy by 12%, and intensive care unit admission for newborns by 8%.
A new study found that at-home antibody tests can accurately identify individuals with inadequate immunity to COVID-19, shedding light on the need for booster vaccinations. The test's results may help high-risk populations make informed decisions about their health.
A new study led by UCSF found that COVID-19 vaccine side effects like headache and tiredness indicate a strong immune response. Those with more symptoms had nearly double the antibody levels of those without, suggesting the vaccine is effective in preventing infection.
A laboratory study found that passive heat exposure stresses the heart, increasing myocardial blood flow in all participants, regardless of age or health status. Adults with a history of CAD are at particular risk and may benefit from minimizing cardiac strain during extreme heat by staying cool.
A 15-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir did not demonstrate a significant improvement in select postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms in vaccinated adults with prolonged symptom duration. Further studies are needed to determine the role of antivirals in PASC treatment.
A new study analyzed over 14,600 scientific publications funded by more than $4 billion in NIH grants, revealing key research topics such as clinical trials, vaccine distribution, and virology. The findings suggest that half of the funding went to five states: North Carolina, Washington, New York, California, and Massachusetts.
A new Yale study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found no link between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and stillbirth outcomes. The research analyzed hundreds of records from the CDC's Vaccine Safety Datalink, comparing receipt of the vaccine to stillbirths versus live births.
A new commentary urges public health researchers to incorporate questions about partisan identity in demographic data collection, arguing that excluding this information could lead to ineffective policy and health promotion interventions. By including partisanship in more public health surveys, researchers can better track its impact o...
A new study by the Colorado School of Public Health found that high ICU occupancy levels during COVID-19 patients' stays contributed to increased mortality rates. The research highlights the critical need for tools to anticipate surges and effective resource management in healthcare systems.
Research by APPC scholars found that increased knowledge about Covid-19 vaccination made a significant difference in reducing the disparity between Black and White Americans' vaccination rates. This increase was associated with improved trust in vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as reduced skepticism towards vaccines.
Patients who received COVID-19 vaccines after acute coronary syndromes had similar rates of primary composite end point and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to unvaccinated patients. Retrospective studies have shown a short-term reduction in MACE risk after COVID-19 vaccination.
A new study by MIT Sloan researchers found that misleading content from mainstream sources, rather than outright misinformation, was the primary driver of vaccine hesitancy on Facebook. This type of content was seen much more widely and generated more skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines.
New research shows updated COVID-19 vaccines still offer reasonably durable protection against infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, but effectiveness decreases over time. Boosters targeting omicron subvariants are less protective against the now-dominant JN.1 strain.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that people who experienced breakthrough COVID-19 infections develop T cells better equipped to recognize and target SARS-CoV-2. The study also discovered that B cells produce more diverse antibodies targeting common epitopes between the vaccine and variants.
A cluster randomized trial found that at-school HPV vaccination significantly increased vaccination coverage, but training general practitioners and education had limited impact. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a school- and primary care-based HPV vaccination intervention.
Researchers found that people with a fixed mindset respond better to loss-based messaging framing when discussing vaccination, highlighting the importance of tailored communication strategies. The study generalized its findings to various contagious viruses and has implications for public health messaging.
Researchers found that repeat COVID-19 vaccinations elicit cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies capable of targeting multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and distantly related coronaviruses. The findings suggest periodic re-vaccination may help build a stock of protective antibodies against emerging variants.
Researchers from Flinders University and international experts have found a link between COVID-19 vaccine complications and a rare blood disease related to adenovirus infections. The study identified identical molecular fingerprints in both vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) and classic adenoviral vectored VITT.
Research suggests that presenting a balanced and pragmatic approach can foster respect and increase willingness to engage in discussions with those holding opposing views. By focusing on practical solutions and showing concern for both sides' interests, individuals can break down polarized debates and build bridges.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have successfully produced the QS-21 adjuvant in yeast, which is currently extracted from tree bark. The production process is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for lowering vaccine costs and increasing availability.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that people in Europe primarily consume trustworthy news, but a small percentage rely on questionable sources. The ratio of questionable news to reliable news consumption differs between countries, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches to fighting misinformation.
A third Covid vaccine dose has been shown to improve defensive antibody responses in some clinically extremely vulnerable patients. The trial found that 90% of patients who received a booster dose developed significant antibodies, but more than half of those with low initial responses saw no improvement.
A new study aims to investigate whether vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can protect children at increased genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The AVAnT1A Study, the largest intervention study to date, examines the relationship between viral infections and early childhood development.
A new research project showed that mobile vaccination teams are an effective way to increase vaccination uptake in remote areas of Sierra Leone. Immunization rates increased by up to 26% in trial villages, and the cost was about $33 per person, making it a cost-effective intervention.
Researchers developed a simple and efficient method for diversifying reactive end-groups on poly(2-oxazoline)s, enabling rapid exploration of poly(2-oxazoline)-based nanomedicine platforms. The approach was shown to produce POx-based lipid nanoparticles comparable in transfection capability to their PEGylated counterparts.
A team of scientists has developed a novel vaccine approach that induces long-lasting protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus in pre-clinical models. The Clec9A-RBD antibody construct targets specific dendritic cells, leading to exceptional durability of immune responses and potential to address shortcoming of current mRNA vaccines.
Researchers developed a new 'proactive vaccinology' approach to build vaccines before disease-causing pathogens emerge. The Quartet Nanocage vaccine trains the immune system to target specific regions of eight coronaviruses, providing broad protection against known and unknown strains.
Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.
A survey across 23 countries found that the global population's overall trust in vaccination did not diminish despite COVID-19 pandemic challenges. More than 60% of participants reported increased willingness to get vaccinated for diseases other than COVID-19, suggesting a general openness to vaccination. The study emphasizes the impor...
A new survey of 23,000 respondents from 23 countries reports mixed signals on the current acceptance of vaccines generally, especially COVID-19 boosters. The study found that global uptake of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose rose to 87.8%, but intent to get a booster was lower compared to previous years.
New research reveals updated vaccines provide a strong immune response against previous strains and emerging variants of COVID-19. Regular vaccinations are recommended for older people or those with underlying medical conditions to combat the virus.
A study found a significant increase in negative tweets about vaccines after COVID-19 jabs became available, coinciding with government and healthcare announcements. The researchers argue that a new approach is needed to address negative messaging, avoiding terms like 'anti-vaxxers'.
A Brazilian study found that a major bivalent COVID-19 vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against the original coronavirus strain and subvariants of omicron. The vaccine's effectiveness was confirmed, but its importance in controlling disease was limited by its focus on the original strain.
A new study published in JAMA found X's Community Notes resulted in hundreds-of-millions of views of accurate and credible COVID-19 vaccine education, suggesting considerable potential for correcting misinformation. The notes typically addressed obvious misinformation, offering corrections from credible sources.
A new UK/German study suggests that perceptions of serious side effects are less than half as important as common side effects, such as fatigue or pain at the injection site, when making a decision to be vaccinated. The study found that educating the public about vaccine safety and efficacy is crucial in boosting vaccination uptake.
A cohort study found statistical signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination in children aged 12-17 years, consistent with previous reports. Seizures after mRNA-1273 vaccinations in younger age groups require a robust epidemiologic investigation to confirm findings.
A large-scale study of 3.9 million children found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization among kids in California. The study suggests that vaccination is an effective strategy to prevent severe COVID-19 cases in pediatric populations.
Researchers investigate link between HPV vaccination and autoimmune disorder anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Cases associated with HPV vaccination have been reported, but underlying mechanism unclear. The study uses phylogenetic analysis of microRNA biomarkers to explore this association.
Researchers at UC Riverside demonstrate a new vaccine strategy targeting a common viral genome part, eliminating the need for annual booster shots. The vaccine uses small RNA molecules to boost the immune system, making it safe for babies and those with weakened immunity.
Researchers analyzed data on 9060 family physicians to find a correlation between those with the largest share of unvaccinated patients, typically serving marginalized communities, who had less support in their practices. These physicians were more likely to be male, older, and work in fee-for-service models than the remaining 90%.
A new study found that younger people from high-income areas accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in New York City. This led to lower coverage rates in low-income areas with high proportions of older residents, resulting in higher mortality rates over the year.
Researchers found RSV was less common but similar in severity to COVID-19 and influenza among unvaccinated patients. Among vaccinated patients, RSV disease was more severe than both COVID-19 and influenza for serious outcomes.
A large multi-state study found COVID-19 vaccines are as effective for adults with anxiety or depression as for those without these conditions. Unvaccinated individuals with mental illness had a higher rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 than those without a psychiatric diagnosis.
A groundbreaking study demonstrates that intradermal administration of naked mRNA induces robust vaccination against SARS CoV-2 in mice and primates. The novel approach avoids the use of lipid nanoparticles, which can cause adverse reactions, allowing for multiple doses over a lifetime.
Georgia Tech researchers have developed a trivalent vaccine that offers broad protection against not only SARS-CoV-2 variants but also other bat sarbecoviruses. The groundbreaking vaccine has shown complete protection with no trace of virus in the lungs, marking a significant step toward a universal vaccine for coronaviruses.
A recent study found a significant association between COVID-19 vaccine adverse events and political party affiliation. The more Republican states were, the higher the reported adverse events among vaccine recipients and clinicians.
Researchers found a 32% vaccine uptake among patients asked about receiving the flu shot and a 41% uptake for those who received a pamphlet, watched a video, and were told about benefits. The study suggests a systematic approach to increase vaccine uptake among underserved populations.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly interrupted pediatric healthcare, resulting in foregone care, well-child visits, and vaccinations for vulnerable populations. Non-Hispanic White children were less likely to experience these gaps, while virtual school formats increased the risk of foregone care.
A study found that an annual vaccination campaign with a second dose for children under 2 years old and individuals aged 50 and over can significantly reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare spending. The optimal timing for the second vaccination is delivering it 5 months after initial vaccination.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccine uptake was low across all four UK nations, with only 35% of children receiving the first dose. The study also revealed disparities in vaccination rates based on age, sex, household factors, and location.
A new AI system can predict people's attitudes towards vaccines using a small set of demographic and judgment variables. The study, which analyzed 3,476 adults in the US, found that the predictive model was accurate with moderate to high precision.
Researchers found that early antibiotic treatment accelerated recovery in COVID-19 patients. The study used a combination of antibiotics, including amoxicillin and rifaximin, within the first three days of infection. This treatment significantly reduced the risk of long-term COVID symptoms.
A study of over 11,000 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ who experienced stroke after COVID-19 bivalent vaccination found no evidence of a significantly elevated stroke risk during the days immediately following vaccination. The researchers concluded that the vaccine's safety profile is supported by this analysis.
Researchers found that adding a note to play up psychological sense of ownership was more effective at convincing people to get the booster. This approach outperformed lab findings and expert insights, highlighting the importance of reproducibility in behavioral science.
A new multitasking substance has been identified to prevent and treat both flu and COVID-19 infections concurrently. The long-acting recombinant cytokine protein rhIL-7-hyFc demonstrated therapeutic and preventive effects against various respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Research suggests that long COVID's impact on the health system is due to high volumes of COVID-19 cases rather than symptom severity. Symptoms reported with long COVID include fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, but are indistinguishable from those experienced by individuals with seasonal influenza or other post-viral illnesses.