Articles tagged with Flu Vaccines
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A new experimental vaccine against H7N9 avian influenza prompted immune responses in 59% of volunteers who received two injections with an adjuvant booster. Without the adjuvant, immune responses were minimal regardless of vaccine dosage.
Researchers examined new vaccination strategies to combat avian flu, finding that MF59 adjuvant improves immunogenicity and enhances efficacy. The studies also showed that prior exposure to a related antigen can lead to increased antibody responses to subsequent vaccinations.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded seven research contracts to discover novel vaccine adjuvants that safely boost immune responses. The goal is to improve current vaccines, extend the vaccine supply, or enhance efficacy in people with immature or weakened immune systems.
A flu shot is crucial for pregnant women to prevent serious illness and protect their babies from influenza. Vaccinated moms also have a lower risk of flu-related hospitalizations for chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, and other health issues.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment before vaccination impaired antibody responses in mice, while gut bacteria played a crucial role. The study's findings suggest that the microbiome could be harnessed to modulate vaccine efficacy and may explain variations in vaccine responses globally.
A new study reveals that gut microbes play a vital role in stimulating protective immune responses to the seasonal flu vaccine. Researchers found that mice with altered gut microbiota showed reduced antibody responses to vaccination, highlighting the importance of gut microbes in vaccine efficacy.
Racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to get vaccinated against flu due to missed opportunities by healthcare professionals. Offering flu shots more frequently could increase adult vaccination rates to 50% or above for all groups.
A statewide survey in Oregon found that most doctors recommend flu vaccine to healthy pregnant patients, but only half of American women receive the vaccine while pregnant. Doctors who see more pregnant patients or are younger are more likely to recommend vaccination.
A Vanderbilt-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the high-dose flu vaccine is 24% more effective than the standard-dose vaccine in protecting persons ages 65 and over against influenza illness. The study, which enrolled 31,989 participants, showed that the high-dose trivalent vaccine induces significan...
Karl Klose, a UTSA microbiologist, has received a $1 million contract from the US Department of Defense to develop a vaccine against tularemia. The bacteria can be deadly and has been developed as a bioweapon by several countries.
A private South African health plan increased patient use of preventive care services like mammograms and influenza vaccines through a novel retail incentive program. The program offered discounts on retail goods and travel for participants who used preventive services, resulting in a 5% increase in uptake.
A California-based study reveals a strong connection between hospital healthcare personnel influenza vaccination and the rate of influenza-like illnesses in surrounding communities. For every 15 vaccinated healthcare workers, one fewer case of flu is reported in the community.
Vaccination rates among healthcare workers are less than 50%, highlighting the need for policies that balance individual rights with public health. Mandatory flu vaccinations can benefit patient health, but must comply with employment law, provincial human rights codes, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
School-based flu vaccine programs face financial challenges due to low reimbursement rates from third-party payers. Despite parental support for the program, billing and reimbursement issues pose significant problems for administrators.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch are working on a universal flu vaccine that could eliminate the need for annual flu shots. With a $4.4 million grant, they plan to test a vaccine containing antigens from A and B strains of influenza, aiming for approval within five years.
A new study suggests that self-administration of the flu vaccine via a microneedle patch could be feasible and increase vaccination rates. The study found that nearly all participants were able to accurately apply the patches, with significant increases in willingness to receive the vaccine.
Researchers developed a predictive fitness model for influenza, predicting optimal viral strain combinations for vaccines. The model considers innovation and conservation of viruses, providing insights into the complexity of influenza evolution.
A nationwide study in Denmark found that receiving the MMR vaccine on schedule was associated with a lower rate of hospital admissions for any infections, particularly lower respiratory tract infections. The study suggests that timely vaccination averted many hospital admissions between 16 and 24 months.
A study of 55 patients treated for flu at Duke University Hospital found that unvaccinated young adults had severe cases and required intensive treatment. The findings highlight the importance of vaccination in reducing severity and preventing costly hospitalizations.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute developed a new method to design artificial proteins that can stimulate the production of virus-neutralizing antibodies. The approach was tested on a candidate vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), showing promise in rhesus macaques.
A study by the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that only 62-65% of adults aged 65+ received pneumococcal or influenza vaccines, highlighting a growing public health concern. The study suggests using Immunization Information Systems to improve vaccination rates and address financial barriers.
A new study published in Diabetologia confirms that working-age adults with diabetes are at a higher risk of influenza compared to non-diabetic individuals. The research suggests that vaccinating this group could be cost-effective and mitigate healthcare costs associated with flu-related hospitalizations.
Researchers found that a new adjuvant improved flu vaccine effectiveness in mice and showed promise for the elderly. The study also highlighted the importance of characterizing immune responses following intra-nasal vaccinations, particularly with novel adjuvants.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that sending text messages to low-income obstetric patients resulted in a significant increase in influenza vaccination rates. Women who received the messages were 30% more likely to be vaccinated, with a subgroup showing a 61.9% vaccination rate.
A study found that simultaneous administration of these vaccines increases the risk of fever in young children, with about a third experiencing a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher on the day of or day after vaccination.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that men with high testosterone levels have a weakened immune response to the flu vaccine, whereas women and men with lower testosterone levels have a stronger response. The study also discovered that testosterone interacts with genes in a way that dampens immune response.
A new study suggests that testosterone levels may affect the body's response to vaccines, with men often experiencing weaker antibody responses than women. Researchers found that men with high levels of testosterone had suppressed immune responses, which could be linked to their sex-specific differences in infections and vaccinations.
Researchers at Emory Vaccine Center compared the molecular signatures induced by five different vaccines to predict vaccine effectiveness and stimulate immune responses. The study suggests that gene expression predictors are dependent on vaccine type, rather than universal.
Pretreating intradermal vaccination with near-infrared laser light improves vaccine effectiveness by increasing immune system activity and survival rates in a mouse model. The treatment also increases antibody production and dendritic cell concentrations, indicating a safe alternative to chemical adjuvants.
Researchers at Tufts University found that wolfberries can increase immune system activity and protect against the flu virus in older mice who received the flu vaccine. The study suggests potential benefits for humans as well, where age-related weakening of the immune system reduces vaccine effectiveness.
A new guideline recommends most immunocompromised patients receive annual influenza shots, while those with cancer or undergoing chemotherapy should not. The guideline aims to provide 'one-stop shopping' for clinicians caring for immunocompromised patients.
Researchers have identified that seasonal flu escapes immunity by making just a single amino acid substitution, occurring at seven specific places on its surface. This new understanding could lead to more effective flu vaccines.
Research suggests that northern China conduct annual vaccinations starting in October, while southernmost provinces vaccinate in February. The study aims to optimize the timing of future vaccination programs and provides a clear picture of influenza seasonally across China.
A University of Michigan study found that reminder letters sent to parents of children with chronic conditions increased vaccination rates. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry was used to identify high-risk kids and prompt vaccinations during the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic.
Individuals with a known gelatin allergy can experience mild to severe reactions from the flu shot, including hives, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Precautions should be taken when receiving the vaccine, such as having a board-certified allergist administer it.
Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a microchip-based technology called immunosignature diagnosis that can rapidly measure an individual's vaccine response. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the costs and timeframes of vaccine testing, allowing for more effective vaccines to be identified.
A meta-analysis found that receiving an influenza vaccination was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The greatest treatment effect was seen among patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), such as heart attack or unstable angina.
New research led by Dr. Jacob Udell found that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke by over 50% among those who have had a heart attack. The study also suggests that the vaccine's heart-protective effects may be even greater among those who receive a more potent vaccine.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that flu shots reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 36-55% among patients with a history of heart disease. The vaccine's protective effects were greater in those who received a more potent vaccine.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to generate antibodies that target multiple flu viruses, offering new hope for developing a single vaccine against all strains. The study used the immune suppressant rapamycin to shift the immune response and favor production of broadly specific antibodies.
A recent study found that high-risk travelers, including those with medical comorbidities and pregnant women, account for nearly 20 percent of patients using the Boston Area Travel Medicine Network. These travelers often visited destinations with malaria and typhoid risk, highlighting the need for pre-travel care.
A UK-based study found that expanding flu vaccination policies to include children aged 5-16 could significantly reduce the number of flu infections and deaths. The current policy targets adults over 65 and high-risk groups, which has shown success in reducing morbidity and mortality.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has renewed a 10-year contract with the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development, providing up to $135 million in annual funding. The center will conduct basic research, clinical studies, and vaccine development to combat existing and emerging i...
The NIH has awarded nine new contracts to strengthen the scope of its Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units, increasing funding from eight to nine institutions. The VTEUs will expand their ability to conduct research in domestic and international locations, including resource-poor settings.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded contracts to nine institutions, including Group Health Research Institute, to expand vaccine and treatment evaluation units. These centers will conduct clinical trials for promising candidate vaccines and therapies, aiming to protect the public from infectious diseases.
Duke Medicine has been named a Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU) to evaluate vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics. The VTEU will focus on vaccine development for diseases other than HIV, with potential annual funding of up to $135 million.
Researchers have found no significant evidence of an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers who received the H1N1 influenza vaccine during pregnancy. The study, which followed over 1,000 pregnant women across the US and Canada, also found that vaccinated women were more likely to deliver earlier, but only slightly so.
Researchers found no evidence of an increased risk for specific major birth defects in mothers who received the flu shot. However, there was a slight increase in preterm delivery rates among vaccinated women during certain seasons.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding new bird flu vaccine studies to protect against a deadly strain that caused severe disease in China last spring. The study aims to fine-tune the process of creating an effective vaccine, with the goal of preventing future pandemics.
Researchers at the University of Maryland are developing a vaccine to protect adults from the H7N9 influenza virus, which has caused 135 human cases and 44 deaths in China. The study aims to gather critical information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and its ability to induce an immune response.
Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivered an effective and long-lasting influenza vaccine, providing 100% protection in mice over one year. The vaccine used virus-like particles coated on needles, reducing refrigeration needs and potential side effects.
A McMaster study found that new mothers and obese individuals are more susceptible to severe influenza outcomes, despite not being considered high-risk groups. The research highlights the need for precise definition of risk factors to optimize vaccine allocation during epidemics.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that sequential vaccination with distinct influenza strains can stimulate immune responses against multiple strains. This approach offers an alternative to creating a universal flu vaccine by targeting conserved regions of the virus, potentially providing long-term immunity.
Older African-American and Hispanic male cancer survivors are more likely to miss specialist visits and preventive care, such as vaccinations, compared to their white counterparts. The study found that disparities persist despite access to Medicare and adjustments for factors like education and insurance.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that the flu shot is effective in preventing the flu, even if the virus going around does not match the vaccine. The review of over 40 years of data showed significant protection against both matched and mismatched flu strains.
A 13-year Kaiser Permanente study found no association between vaccination and increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Researchers controlled for seasonality and analyzed 415 cases, finding only 25 patients had received a vaccine in the six weeks prior to illness onset.
According to a study published in PLOS ONE, the flu vaccine likely prevented approximately 13 million illnesses and over 110,000 hospitalizations in the US between 2006 and 2011. The researchers estimated this impact based on vaccination coverage and vaccine effectiveness.
A new report suggests that vaccinating more children and young adults for influenza could significantly reduce the number of lives lost and economic burden associated with seasonal influenza. The study's findings suggest that programs targeting these age groups would have the best payoff in breaking the annual transmission cycle.
A four-year analysis of Loyola University Health System's mandatory flu vaccination policy shows that workers do not quit due to the requirement. The policy led to a 99 percent compliance rate and enhanced patient safety.
A four-year analysis found that mandatory influenza vaccination in a university medical center led to a near-universal vaccination rate, with fewer than 15 employees out of 8,000 choosing termination over vaccination. The policy also enhanced patient and staff safety, resulting in improved outcomes.