Articles tagged with Flu Vaccines
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway found low vaccination rates against COVID-19 and influenza, with only 29.9% and 12.1% vaccinated respectively. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve vaccination uptake among expectant mothers.
A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that a strong majority of Americans view the MMR vaccine as safe relative to other vaccines. However, the number of people holding this view is below the threshold required for community immunity, which is worrisome.
A recent poll found that 42% of people over 50 haven't gotten either flu or COVID-19 vaccines in the past six months. The leading reason for not getting vaccinated was a lack of perceived need, despite clear evidence showing vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and death in older adults.
A study found that maternal vaccinations against influenza and pertussis are associated with reduced hospitalization or emergency department visits in infants under 6 months. Implementing maternal vaccination campaigns can enhance infant health outcomes, addressing low vaccination coverage.
The CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making for some childhood vaccinations, allowing parents to choose or skip certain vaccines. However, a survey found that many Americans are unclear about what this means and who can be included as health care providers in the discussion.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds a small but significant drop in the proportion of the public that would recommend getting the MMR vaccine, citing concerns over its safety and effectiveness. The survey also shows declines in perceived safety and effectiveness for other vaccines, such as seasonal flu and Covid-19.
The Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus is a growing concern due to its antigenic variants and reduced vaccine effectiveness. Researchers emphasize the need for swift responses to protect public health.
A new white paper by biostatistician Professor Jeffrey S. Morris analyzes the multicomponent US vaccine safety monitoring system, including VAERS and other components. The study suggests improvements to enhance the system's effectiveness and sustain a robust safety monitoring infrastructure.
Researchers compared four flu vaccines and found varying cellular immune responses across different age groups. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine outperformed others in older adults, while Flucelvax excelled in younger adults.
A recent survey found that only 38% of US adults recommend taking a Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy, while only 42% believe it is safe. Women aged 18-49 are even less likely to support vaccination, with 36% and 28% respectively, suggesting a decline in vaccination rates among childbearing women.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a new function of antibody-making B cells in response to flu infection. These cells produce a key signaling molecule called interleukin-1 beta, which is necessary for developing a robust immune response and forming optimal germinal centers.
A survey of over 1,600 US adults found that most know the negative impacts of smoking and drinking during pregnancy, but uncertainty exists around vaccines and weight gain recommendations. The majority are unsure about recommended vaccines for pregnant individuals, with a notable drop in knowledge since last year.
Researchers have demonstrated a novel vaccine delivery method using dental floss, which stimulates the production of antibodies in mucosal surfaces, such as the lining of the nose and lungs. This technique has shown superior antibody response compared to current oral vaccination methods.
This study uses an analytical model to examine the effects of influenza vaccination on both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. The results show that vaccination provides significant reductions in disease burden, even when vaccine effectiveness is low, but these benefits are limited in high transmission situations.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that a novel mucosal adjuvant enhances protection against various influenza virus challenges. The adjuvant, derived from mature bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, elicited significant and cross-reactive immune responses in mice.
A national study in Sweden reveals that COVID-19 vaccination levels among older people have become increasingly uneven, with regional and socio-economic differences emerging. The study found lower vaccination rates among certain groups, including those born outside Sweden, men, and individuals with low income and education.
A cohort study found that vaccination against influenza alone or with COVID-19 was associated with a small but temporary change in menstrual cycle length. This finding may help clinicians confirm the utility of vaccination for patients concerned about menstrual side effects.
A new vaccine platform developed at the University at Buffalo has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of bird flu. The vaccine, which combines key proteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, shows promise as a versatile and easy-to-produce vaccine that could be effective against evolving bird flu strains.
The study found that influenza vaccination rates increased for Black and Hispanic older adults in rural areas, while decreasing for some white older adults. Determining the reasons behind these disparities is crucial for future research.
Researchers at Lancaster University discovered a new type of vaccine-specific scepticism, where some people perceive COVID-19 vaccines as 'not a vaccine' compared to MMR. This phenomenon may also apply to the flu vaccine, highlighting the need for clear public health messaging.
Researchers found that older adults exposed to seasonal flu viruses before 1968 have higher antibodies against the H5N1 avian flu virus. In contrast, young children who were not exposed had low levels of antibodies that could fight H5N1. The study suggests that younger adults and children would benefit more from H5N1 vaccinations.
Researchers developed a new vaccine platform that provides robust, long-lasting protection against multiple flu strains and COVID-19. The vaccine boasts 100% survival rates in vaccinated mice following challenge with either virus.
The influenza vaccine provided moderate protection against influenza A strains, but strong protection against influenza B. The vaccine was most effective in preventing severe disease among children and adolescents, with a high effectiveness rate.
A study suggests that pre-existing immunity against seasonal H1N1 flu can reduce the severity of bird flu in ferrets. In the study, ferrets with prior H1N1 immunity were protected against severe disease and death caused by H5N1 bird flu, whereas those without prior immunity had more severe illness and fatal outcomes.
A new University of Virginia study found that providing clear information and collaborative learning sessions between patients and healthcare providers increased willingness to get vaccinated. Sixty-three percent of patients reported a strong recommendation from their healthcare provider motivated them to get vaccinated.
Researchers discovered immune cells that can recognise influenza (flu) viruses even as they mutate, providing a potential solution to the annual updates of flu vaccines. The study found that certain T cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections, can detect multiple flu strains, even those that have evolved over a century.
A broadly neutralizing antibody has been shown to protect monkeys against severe H5N1 avian flu disease. The antibody's stable structure ensures it can withstand virus variants, providing universal protection against a globally spreading airborne infection. Serum levels of the antibody remained stable for up to 12 weeks.
A West Virginia University legal scholar argues that current laws favor biologic drugs with longer exclusivity periods, affecting their pricing. The scholar suggests reducing exclusivity for biologics to bring them in line with small-molecule drugs, which could lower drug costs.
Researchers at Texas Biomed identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas that enable it to more easily replicate in human cells and cause severe disease. Approved antivirals still effectively combat the virus, according to mouse studies.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered an antibody-like molecule, E10, that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The molecule targets a conserved part of the virus's surface protein shared across multiple influenza types, providing effective protection against seasonal epidemics.
Researchers identified a molecular signature in blood that predicts vaccine response durability, pointing to megakaryocytes as key players. The discovery may lead to personalized vaccines and better understanding of vaccine science.
A Stanford Medicine-led study has discovered a molecular signature in the blood that can predict how long an individual's vaccine immunity will last. The signature, found in platelet RNA molecules, is associated with megakaryocyte activation in the bone marrow and can forecast longer-lasting antibody responses to various vaccines.
A case-control study found that flu vaccination protects children from all levels of severe influenza illness, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for this population. The findings suggest that vaccine should be administered to pediatric patients to prevent severe influenza.
According to a new survey, over half of U.S. adults believe the RSV vaccine is effective in protecting infants from the virus, up from 42% last year. The rise in perceived effectiveness comes as several politicians have cast doubt on the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
Researchers have developed a way to make the seasonal influenza vaccine more effective by targeting all four subtypes of the flu virus. The method works by tricking the immune system into producing antibodies that can bind to multiple types of viruses, reducing the risk of severe illness.
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip that can measure memory B cells' binding affinity to flu virus, helping track immunity. The device, Shear Activated Cell Sorting (SACS), can compare how well cells bind to original and new variants.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that pregnancy enhances the body's natural immunity to block severe flu infection. By activating a powerful molecule in the nasal cavity, pregnant women may benefit from stronger antiviral defenses against the Influenza A virus.
A recent study found that electronic letter reminders highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of influenza vaccines increased vaccination rates among over 2 million adults in Denmark. The strategy showed a greater impact on those who have had a heart attack, improving flu shot rates by potentially being cardioprotective. The research ...
A unique COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic at the UC Davis MIND Institute has shown remarkable success in increasing vaccination rates among individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The clinic's innovative approach, which incorporates community partners and tailored care plans, has resulted in a 99.3% success rate over two years.
A randomized clinical trial found that simultaneous administration of mRNA COVID-19 and inactivated influenza vaccines had comparable reactogenicity to sequential administration. This suggests a safe option for co-administration of these vaccines.
A Rutgers University study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates were exceptionally high among LGBTQ+ adults in New Jersey and New York, but HPV vaccination had the lowest uptake rates. The study highlights age as a key predictor of vaccination uptake for most vaccines studied.
A new study at an allergy clinic in a diverse community found that self-identified non-White patients were less likely to show vaccine hesitancy than the White patient group. Ethnicities included in the study showed Black, Hispanic and Asian ethnicities with lower rates of refusal compared to Whites.
A nationwide clinical trial found that electronic letter-based nudges significantly increased influenza vaccination in young and middle-aged patients with chronic diseases. The results suggest a scalable, cost-efficient strategy to boost public health.
A Spanish study found that the influenza vaccination campaign for children aged 6-59 months was effective in preventing acute respiratory infections and hospitalization. The study estimated the vaccine to be 70% effective against any influenza type and 77% effective against severe cases.
A mathematical model suggests vaccinating children and teens against the flu can protect the elderly in tropical countries. Vaccination strategies focus on age-specific groups, with a particular emphasis on protecting older adults when vaccine supplies are limited.
Researchers found that natural immunity from previous flu infections enhances vaccine efficacy, leading to stronger and broader antibody responses. This could benefit individuals who contract the flu each year, potentially improving protection against future strains.
A new poll from Michigan Medicine shows that nearly half of people age 50 and older plan to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. However, some older adults with high risk of severe illness appear unlikely to seek the vaccine, highlighting the need for increased encouragement from clinicians and other sources.
The seasonal influenza vaccine was found to be safe in women with successive pregnancies, regardless of the interpregnancy interval and type of vaccine used. The study's findings support recommendations for vaccinating pregnant individuals or those who may become pregnant during the influenza season.
The authors recommend short-term voluntary vaccination of farm workers at exposure risk, medium-term refreshment of vaccine stockpiles, and long-term exploration of pre-pandemic immunization strategies to build population immunity. They call on global partners and governments to address H5N1 and other pandemic influenza threats through...
A new universal flu vaccine candidate has shown strong immune response and protection against severe infection in mice. The vaccine, developed using the COBRA methodology, targets multiple strains of influenza viruses, including H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1, which pose a high risk to humans.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that high-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines provided better protection against flu symptoms and hospitalization for people 65 years and older during the 2022-2023 flu season. The study included nearly half a million participants and showed significant advantages of these vac...
Scientists discovered that T follicular helper cells indirectly control the anti-influenza response, leading to less effective immunity. The study found that the current flu vaccine formulation could be improved by excluding internal proteins and targeting surface proteins.
A nasal spray flu vaccine candidate developed by UW–Madison researchers has shown safety and potential to bolster protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza in vulnerable individuals. Administered alongside the annual flu shot, the vaccine may provide better protection for seniors.
A novel two-step vaccination strategy has been developed to combat seasonal flu, pairing an intramuscular injection with a nasal spray of a weakened live-virus. The approach resulted in a strong immune response and reduced shedding of the vaccine candidate from the upper respiratory tract.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed two nasal sprays, NanoSTING and NanoSTING-SN, to prevent respiratory virus transmission. NanoSTING is an immune activator that can protect against multiple viruses, while NanoSTING-SN is a pan-coronavirus vaccine that can prevent transmission to unvaccinated individuals.
A comprehensive meta-analysis found that interventions increasing access to vaccines and providing transportation assistance tripled vaccination odds, particularly in low-income countries. Financial incentives also showed a moderate effect, but were less impactful.
Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a nasal COVID-19 vaccine that halted transmission in hamsters, showing promise for controlling respiratory infections. The vaccine targeted the virus's entry points in the nose and mouth, reducing viral replication and preventing spread.
Researchers developed a universal influenza vaccine that targets the internal structural proteins of the virus, providing lifetime immunity against evolving viruses. Six out of 11 nonhuman primates inoculated with the vaccine survived exposure to the H5N1 virus, while unvaccinated primates succumbed to the disease.
Researchers at Georgia State University developed nanoparticle vaccines that enhance cross-protection against diverse influenza virus variants. These vaccines produce potent cellular and mucosal immune responses, broadening protection against strain-specific and short-lived immunity.