Articles tagged with Flu Vaccines
A stockpiled vaccine against the 2004 bird flu strain can be combined with a current vaccine to protect against a potential pandemic, researchers say. Giving the old vaccine first primes the body for a second dose of the new vaccine, boosting the immune response.
A European study funded by the ECDC and coordinated by EpiConcept found that one dose of the pandemic flu vaccine provided good protection against H1N1 influenza, particularly in people under 65 and those without chronic conditions. The authors suggest that future studies should focus on the new trivalent vaccine for the 2010-11 season.
Researchers identified broadly protective antibodies against a variety of flu strains in patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain, suggesting a pan-influenza vaccine may be feasible. The antibodies could guide efforts to design a vaccine providing long-lasting protection against a wide spectrum of flu viruses.
Researchers found that people infected with 2009 H1N1 and recovered produced antibodies protective against a variety of flu strains. The study suggests incorporating these defenses into a vaccine could provide broad protection against all influenza strains.
A head-to-head trial found that the adjuvanted split-virus vaccine achieved a more rapid and stronger immune response than the whole-virus vaccine. In young adults, a single dose of the adjuvanted vaccine induced early seroprotection within one week, suggesting potential for reduced dosing frequency.
Researchers found that vaccinating pregnant women against influenza prevents hospitalization in infants by 91.5%. This effective strategy protects young infants without a vaccine, and is cost-effective as it protects two individuals.
A single dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine was found to be safe and induced a strong immune response in individuals with asthma. Participants over 60 with severe asthma required a higher dose for adequate protection.
Scientists have developed a novel flu vaccine using bacteria, which triggers an immune response without the need for eggs. The study, led by John Treanor, showed that the experimental vaccine worked well in people, with about half of participants responding strongly to just one microgram of the vaccine.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals that gaps in seasonal influenza vaccination rates between elderly whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics widen when vaccine supply is delayed or decreased. The study found significant declines in vaccination rates among minority groups during years with shortages.
Researchers at NIAID envision a universal flu vaccine that elicits an unnatural immune response, protecting against multiple flu strains. By targeting a shared region of the flu protein HA, scientists hope to develop a broadly protective vaccine that could replace seasonal vaccines.
A recent study found that inactivated flu vaccines are effective in preventing influenza in infants under 2 years old. The research suggests that most countries' current vaccination guidelines should be reassessed to prioritize infant protection against the virus.
The article discusses ongoing research to improve influenza vaccines, including the development of novel production technologies and approaches such as recombinant virus proteins and universal flu vaccines. These efforts aim to provide better protection against multiple strains of influenza and novel flu viruses in the future.
The NIH has awarded a five-year grant to develop a painless, self-administered flu vaccine using patches containing tiny microneedles. The technology aims to improve vaccination rates, especially among children and the elderly, by reducing the need for medical personnel.
Researchers used multidimensional scaling to create a graphical plot of amino acid sequence data for all strains of H3N2, predicting the dominant strain with high accuracy. The new method can predict whether a new flu strain will become dominant as little as two weeks after its appearance in GenBank, outperforming current methods.
A study found that states with higher past seasonal influenza vaccination coverage or use of other preventive health services showed higher H1N1 vaccine rates. States with lower adult vaccination coverage had longer disease circulation periods, suggesting households may not need vaccinations if someone already has the flu.
A new analysis of old data suggests that bacterial infections associated with the 1918 influenza pandemic may be important in modern pandemics. The study confirms the importance of Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccines in preventing pneumonia and death, which could lead to reduced mortality rates in future outbreaks
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that increasing Medicaid reimbursement for administering influenza shots may boost vaccination rates among poor children. The research analyzed state-by-state data and found a strong correlation between flu vaccination rates and Medicaid reimbursement rates.
A 9-country study found that older people who choose not to have the flu vaccine often rely on indigenous health practices, good general health, and hand hygiene instead. Factors such as feeling vulnerable, trust in the vaccine's effectiveness, and cost also play a significant role in vaccination rates among this age group.
A new computer model predicts that vaccination can mitigate subsequent-wave mechanisms and reduce infection rates even when an epidemic appears to be waning. The model identified four potential mechanisms for a 'third wave' and showed that initiating vaccination earlier, increasing speed, and prioritizing subgroups can significantly re...
A study found that maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy is associated with lower rates of flu infection and hospitalization in infants. Infants born to vaccinated mothers had higher levels of flu antibodies, providing protection against severe illness.
The Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) researchers used computational modeling to predict the potential outcomes of different interventions for the H1N1 flu strain. The study found that vaccinating school-aged children substantially reduced overall disease spread and prevented up to 100 million additional cases.
The seasonal flu vaccine has been shown to lower the risk of first heart attack in adults, with a 19% reduction found in the study. Early vaccination for influenza between September and mid-November was associated with an even higher 21% reduction.
A study published in Eurosurveillance found that nearly 60% of Norway's population had measurable immunity to the pandemic H1N1 virus by January 2010. Vaccination and infection contributed to this increased immunity, with herd immunity also playing a role.
The National Institutes of Health has launched a nationwide research initiative to define changes in the human immune system using human studies. The effort aims to improve vaccine safety, effectiveness, and overall therapeutic outcomes for various infections and diseases.
Healthcare worker seasonal influenza vaccination rates remain low, with a study suggesting combined education and improved vaccine access boost coverage. Long-term care home workers showed significant increases in immunization rates following targeted campaigns.
A new vaccine-delivery patch using dissolving microneedles offers improved immunization against diseases like influenza. The patches simplify immunization programs by eliminating hypodermic needles and their disposal concerns.
Researchers developed a prime-boost vaccine strategy that generated antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple flu strains, including those from different years and subtypes. The vaccine showed significant promise in animal models, with up to 80% survival rate after exposure to high levels of flu virus.
Singapore's A*STAR and Cytos Biotechnology collaborate on a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine targeting influenza hemagglutinin protein. The partnership aims to develop an independent supply of vaccines for Singapore and ASEAN countries, extending Cytos' R&D pipeline.
Researchers at UCLA found that Latinos from Central and South America and those from Mexico are more likely to experience low levels of preventive care, with lower rates of basic screenings such as colorectal cancer screening and influenza vaccinations. Addressing this gap could help reduce healthcare costs by promoting targeted interv...
A study found that mass media coverage of flu-related topics significantly increases vaccination rates and prompts people to get their shots earlier. Researchers analyzed data from over 22 million individuals aged 65+ and found a strong correlation between news reports and vaccination rates, with spikes in activity following news stories.
Researchers found that the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine may also protect against the lethal 1918 Spanish influenza virus, alleviating bioterrorism concerns. The study demonstrates cross-protection, showing that people vaccinated against H1N1 may also be protected against 1918.
A 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine has been found to protect mice from the 1918 Spanish flu virus. The study's results suggest that people vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 or exposed to the virus may have cross-protective antibodies against the 1918 strain, providing potential protection.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new influenza vaccine that targets the HA globular head, bringing science closer to a universal influenza vaccine. The vaccine was shown to be effective against multiple strains in mice, with all vaccinated mice surviving and unvaccinated mice dying.
Researchers have developed a novel influenza vaccine that could represent the next step towards a universal influenza vaccine eliminating seasonal immunizations. The vaccine uses headless hemaglutinin (HA) protein, inducing a broader and more robust immune response in mice.
Global health diplomacy is gaining traction in foreign policy circles, with the WHO Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative aiming to integrate health into international agendas. Experts emphasize the importance of diplomatic engagement for addressing global health challenges and advancing national security objectives.
A PLOS Medicine article examines the challenges of increasing global access to influenza vaccines, citing disagreements between developed and developing countries as a major obstacle. The author calls for further research on ways to address these issues through collective action.
A study found pregnant women had a disproportionately higher risk of death due to 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in the US. Early antiviral treatment was associated with fewer ICU admissions and deaths. Pregnant women are at increased risk due to changes in their immune, cardiac, and respiratory systems.
Scientists discovered that chicken antibodies from vaccinated hens can prevent H5N1 and H1N1 infections in mice, raising hope for an affordable and effective alternative to control influenza outbreaks.
Researchers analyzed vaccination data and found only 35 reports of GBS following 2009 H1N1 vaccination, a rate of 3.5 per 10 million people vaccinated. In contrast, the seasonal flu vaccination in 2009 reported 57 cases, an estimated rate of 7.3 per 10 million vaccinations.
Researchers found that individuals vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine produce antibodies targeting H5 HA, protecting mice from pandemic H1N1 and several H5N1 viruses. However, more work is needed to determine antibody levels and vaccination effectiveness against different influenza virus subtypes.
Researchers in Canada investigated whether seasonal flu vaccination increased the risk of getting pandemic H1N1 flu. Four studies involving over 2,700 people found that prior vaccination was associated with a 68% increased likelihood of pH1N1 illness, but not with hospitalization.
A universal influenza vaccination program in Ontario, Canada, reduced influenza cases by two-thirds and deaths by more than a quarter. The program's economic attractiveness was found to be comparable to targeted programs, with an estimated cost-effectiveness of Can$11,000 per quality-adjusted-life-year gained.
Research suggests that including both strains of influenza B in the seasonal flu vaccine could improve its effectiveness in preventing the disease. Studies found that vaccines containing only one strain of influenza B were less effective in protecting against the flu, particularly in children.
A new study reveals that resident dendritic cells capture and present flu viruses to B-lymphocytes, activating an immune response. Harnessing this function could lead to more effective vaccines.
Studies found that healthcare personnel are more likely to be vaccinated if their close contact co-workers are vaccinated. A mandatory vaccination policy also significantly improved vaccination rates, with some hospitals increasing participation by over 90%. These strategies hold implications for hospital-based flu vaccination campaigns.
Researchers analyzed data from 147 countries from 1990-2007 and found that receipt of GAVI support accelerated Hib vaccine adoption by 63%, while neighboring countries' use accelerated it by 50%. High vaccine prices hindered adoption, with lack of stable financing policies having a more detrimental effect.
The study analyzed data from 147 countries to identify factors that influence the time taken to introduce routine vaccination. Vaccine price and GAVI eligibility were found to be associated with quicker decisions to adopt vaccination, speeding up the process by 63% and 50%, respectively. Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Barnes discusses the growin...
A clinical trial in rural Canadian communities found that immunizing children against seasonal influenza significantly protects unvaccinated individuals via herd immunity. The study, conducted among Hutterite youth aged 36 months to 15 years, showed a 61% effective rate of indirect protection.
A recent study found that vaccinating children with inactivated influenza vaccine can reduce rates of influenza in their community, offering protection to unimmunized residents. The study suggests that selective vaccination among school-aged children may be an effective strategy for interrupting community-wide transmission of the virus.
The American Society for Microbiology honors Samuel L. Katz with the Maurice Hilleman/Merck Award for his decades-long work on vaccine development. Katz, a renowned expert in vaccine research, has made significant contributions to pathogenesis, vaccine discovery, and disease prevention.
A Texas-based consortium has launched a biotherapeutic manufacturing initiative, Project GreenVax, to produce vaccines for infectious diseases like influenza at a fraction of current time. The project utilizes tobacco plants and could provide vaccine protection to citizens worldwide that cannot currently afford them.
A Chilean hospital's early use of antiviral treatment and aggressive management improved outcomes for H1N1 patients, with virtually all receiving treatment within 48 hours. The hospital also implemented life support measures such as ECMO to further reduce severe cases and deaths.
The Cochrane Systematic Review found that the evidence for influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 65 and over is limited, with most studies being of low quality and open to bias. The review suggests that vaccination has modest benefits at best.
A Johns Hopkins Hospital campaign made seasonal flu vaccinations free and convenient, resulting in a double national average vaccine rate of 71.3% among staff. The hospital's policy requiring employees to wear face masks if not vaccinated also encouraged vaccination.
A new study predicts the impact and cost-effectiveness of different vaccination options for pandemic influenza, revealing that prioritizing high-risk individuals is likely very cost-effective. The model was applied to the 2009 H1N1 outbreak and accurately predicted when the epidemic would peak and who should be vaccinated.
According to a recent Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health poll, nearly half of Americans (44%) think the H1N1 flu outbreak is over, while concerns about getting sick have decreased. Meanwhile, most adults do not intend to get vaccinated, with 61% citing reasons such as safety risks and lack of perceived risk.
A study by WashU Medicine found that making flu shots mandatory in 2008 increased vaccination rates among BJC HealthCare employees to over 98 percent. The program's success was attributed to consistent communication and support from hospital leadership.
A mandatory influenza vaccination policy improved the vaccination rate among 26,000 employees at a large health care system from 54% to 98%. The study found that medical and religious exemptions were granted to 411 employees, with eight terminated for non-compliance.
The updated childhood vaccine schedule recommends the H1N1 influenza vaccine for children over 6 months and prioritizes combination vaccines. The revised schedule also includes recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal vaccines, aiming to protect against cervical cancer and meningococcal disease.
Researchers found that RA patients treated with rituximab are partially protected by the influenza vaccine, but its effectiveness is drastically reduced in the first 6 months following treatment. The study's results suggest that RA activity was not influenced by the flu vaccine administration.