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Scientist warns over pandemic flu vaccine 6-month time lag

A new study published by the University of Leicester suggests that a six-month time lag may occur before effective vaccines can be manufactured during a pandemic flu outbreak. The study proposes a pre-pandemic vaccination approach to mitigate the worst effects of pandemic flu, which could potentially protect people years in advance.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2009

Mid-season flu immunization rates are too low

A new survey of 4,000 American adults reveals that fewer than one-third have been vaccinated against the flu, citing misperceptions and lack of time as main reasons. The CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Week aims to encourage greater use of influenza vaccines through December.

New research on flu vaccination in PLoS Medicine

Two studies published in PLOS Medicine show that increasing flu vaccination rates can decrease the burden of influenza. A universal immunization program in Ontario led to reductions in flu-related deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits compared to other provinces.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 27, 2008

Milestone influenza publication by Elsevier journal Vaccine

The Elsevier journal Vaccine released a comprehensive supplement dedicated to influenza vaccines, supported by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. Key findings include discussions on pandemic influenza vaccine challenges and the importance of robust global surveillance systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalVaccine·DateOct 14, 2008

Flu vaccine not associated with reduced hospitalizations or outpatient visits among young children

A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that the flu vaccine was not associated with reduced hospitalizations or outpatient visits among children under 5. The mismatch between the strains of virus in the vaccine and circulating strains may have contributed to this outcome.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 6, 2008

JCI table of contents: Sept. 18, 2008

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a maternal diet rich in methyl donors increases the development and severity of asthma in mice. The study also identified specific genes modified by methylation as likely underlying causes of the increased disease severity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 18, 2008

Flu shot does not reduce risk of death

Researchers analyzed data from over 700 elderly patients and found no significant reduction in all-cause mortality among those vaccinated against flu. Despite initial reports of a large mortality benefit, the study controlled for various variables and concluded that any potential benefit was small and statistically non-significant.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 29, 2008

Booster vaccination may help with possible future avian influenza pandemic

A recent study suggests that booster vaccination with a newer strain of H5N1 avian influenza can be more effective than simply vaccinating with the current vaccine. The study shows that priming with an earlier vaccine can enhance immune responses to single-dose vaccination schedules, making it a potential strategy for pandemic control.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJul 16, 2008

Gender, time of day affect response to vaccination

Researchers found that men vaccinated in the morning showed strongest immune response to both hepatitis and influenza vaccines. The study's results have implications for vaccination timing, suggesting that adults could be vaccinated at specific times of day to increase their protection against flu.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJul 9, 2008

Tracking influenza's every movement

Researchers traced flu samples from around the world to determine migration patterns, finding Asia is the breeding ground for new strains. The study's 'antigenic map' shows relationships between viruses and helps predict future outbreaks.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2008

Researchers confirm link between common cold and ear infection

A new study confirms the close link between viral colds and ear infections in young children, identifying adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus as primary causes. Researchers recommend avoiding exposure to sick children, day care attendance, and using influenza vaccine to prevent respiratory viral infection.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 13, 2008

Stockpiling influenza vaccine in Hong Kong

Global health experts Laurie Garrett and David Fidler propose stockpiling highly specific influenza vaccines and antiviral medicines in Hong Kong to overcome the virus sharing impasse. The proposal aims to benefit developing countries by ensuring they have access to vaccine, reducing the risk of pandemic influenza.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 20, 2007