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Prolonged inflammation associated with long COVID restored to healthy levels within two years post-infection: Singapore study

Researchers found that patients with persistent symptoms of long COVID experienced sustained inflammation and abnormal immune responses. However, after receiving a vaccine dose 12-16 months post-infection, these markers recovered to levels comparable to healthy vaccinated individuals.

Tuberculosis BCG vaccine found ineffective against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

The BCG vaccine, primarily developed to prevent tuberculosis, was found ineffective against COVID-19 in a large international trial involving nearly 4,000 healthcare workers. Researchers discovered that vaccination increased the risk of symptomatic disease during the first six months following enrolment.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

MU researcher finds similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between Canadian provinces and American states before vaccines were available

A study by University of Missouri researchers found similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between certain US states and Canadian provinces, highlighting the importance of localized public health strategies. The findings suggest that factors such as population density, age, and socioeconomic conditions may have contributed to these s...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCanadian Studies in Population·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

Are pandemic lockdowns and vaccinations complements or substitutes? Lessons learned from COVID-19 should be considered in future pandemics

Researchers found that boosting vaccine use can reduce lockdown intensity and duration, but the relationship varies based on factors like disease severity and vaccination speed. The study suggests a nuanced approach to balancing lockdowns and vaccinations in future pandemics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·DateMay 30, 2023

Study investigates how the severity of effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in England was affected by the mass vaccination campaign and emergence of Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants between May 2020 and March 2022

Researchers analyzed hospitalization and fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in England between May 2020 and March 2022. The study found that the mass vaccination campaign significantly reduced severe effects of the virus, with notable improvements after the emergence of Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 25, 2023

Vaccine hesitancy persists among parents

A new review of published research finds that vaccine hesitancy among parents is a persistent issue, with concerns about childhood vaccines persisting over time. The study highlights significant disparities in vaccination rates across states and demographic groups, including lower rates among Black and Hispanic children.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPediatric Clinics of North America·DateMay 23, 2023

Infarction growth, penumbral consumption after reperfusion in COVID vaccine-naïve patients

A recent study found that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased infarct growth and ongoing tissue consumption even after successful reperfusion through angiography. This suggests a potentially aggressive clinical course for patients with COVID-19 and large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeCase study·DateMay 18, 2023

Use of immunization information systems in ascertainment of COVID-19 vaccinations for claims-based vaccine safety and effectiveness studies

The study found that supplementing COVID-19 claims records with Immunization Information Systems vaccination data increased vaccinated individual numbers, yet potential under-recording remained. Improving reporting to Immunization Information Systems could enable frequent updates of vaccination status for all individuals and vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 16, 2023

National study recommends starting SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination three months after bone marrow transplant

A large, prospective study led by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center recommends that cancer patients receive SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination three to four months after bone marrow transplant. The study found that early vaccination can provide crucial protection against severe COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2023

COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil

Researchers found that Fiocruz's partnership with AstraZeneca was crucial to the success of COVID-19 vaccine production in Brazil. The partnership demonstrated the importance of technology transfer agreements, regulatory support, and political skill. Bio-Manguinhos facility played a significant role in producing vaccines, making over 5...

Study identifies messages about vaccinating children against COVID-19 that resonate best with vaccine-hesitant parents

A study from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that the 'trusted parents' and 'safe and tested' message types increased Black parents' intentions to vaccinate their children. Messages emphasizing vaccine safety and efficacy were effective in addressing concerns among hesitant parents.

Declines in racial disparities in COVID mortality in 2021 were largely driven by increases in white mortality and changing pandemic geography

A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2023

Russian researchers explain origins of dangerous coronavirus variants

Researchers have identified mechanisms behind the emergence of new and contagious coronavirus variants by analyzing over three million genome sequences. The study found that concordant substitutions occurring at other sites influence the likelihood of a substitution occurring at a specific site, leading to unexpected variant emergence.

BCG vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2023

Big Data research points out Omicron outbreak had lower mortality rates compared to previous strains of Covid-19

A Brazilian study analyzed data from over 40,000 patients admitted to ICUs and found lower mortality rates during the Omicron outbreak compared to previous strains of Covid-19. Vaccination coverage contributed to the lower mortality observed in the Omicron period, but vulnerable patients remain at risk.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalIntensive Care Medicine·DateApr 24, 2023

Gut bacteria could be behind weaker immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine

A study published in Communications Biology suggests that gut bacteria's digestion of fucose sugar may be behind weaker immune responses to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Individuals with lower T-cell responses had higher expression of genes FOS and ATF3, which are part of a larger group controlling T-cell survival and activity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

Narrative risk messaging and vaccine hesitancy

Focusing public health messages on protecting oneself versus others has a significant impact on vaccination rates. A study found that messages emphasizing protection of one's community led to higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination than those focused on personal protection.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 18, 2023

Risks of removing ovaries at benign hysterectomy may outweigh the benefits for women at low risk for ovarian cancer

Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

The first line of vaccines was highly effective at restricting COVID-19’s damage, according to a new Concordia study

The primary COVID-19 vaccines provided adequate protection against transmission, hospitalization, and death, but their effectiveness waned in the face of the Omicron variant. The study found that vaccines developed prior to Omicron's emergence were 83% effective against infection at baseline, but this decreased to 47% by 40 weeks.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

One of first studies to assess new bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccine shows it is highly effective in reducing deaths and hospitalizations

A new study found that the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine reduced hospitalization and death risks by 72% and 68%, respectively, in adults aged 65 years and older. The study highlights the importance of bivalent booster vaccination in high-risk populations.

T-cell vaccine for COVID-19 may last longer than current vaccines

A new AI-generated vaccine targeting T-cells provides broad coverage against future COVID-19 variants, potentially lasting longer than current antibody-based vaccines. This innovation has the potential to be used for seasonal flu and other vaccines, offering a long-lasting solution to emerging viral diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 13, 2023