The American Thoracic Society has partnered with five new health systems to identify barriers to vaccination and find ways to improve immunization rates. The initiative aims to increase COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia vaccine uptake among high-risk adults with respiratory diseases.
A study of over 15,000 individuals with chronic kidney disease found that young age, Black race, and low education and income were linked to lower flu vaccine uptake. The study suggests that targeted vaccination efforts could improve uptake among those with kidney disease.
A Phase 1 trial of FluMos-v2 has begun at the NIH's Clinical Center, evaluating its safety and immune response. The vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple flu strains, with the potential for less frequent dosing than traditional seasonal vaccines.
Researchers have developed a new vaccination method that induces the production of antibodies in mucus, which can disable viruses. This approach has shown promising results in monkeys, suggesting that oral vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 may be more effective and popular than traditional subcutaneous vaccinations.
A study of health care workers found that co-administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines was not associated with reduced immune response or increased adverse events. The results support the co-administration of these vaccines, suggesting a safer and more efficient vaccination strategy.
A new adjuvanted intranasal vaccine has shown promise in protecting both young and old mice against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The vaccine combines an RNA-based molecule with a nanoemulsion, resulting in a strong immune response.
The Phase 2a trial of OVX836 showed a notable signal of protection against influenza symptoms with an 84% level of protection compared to placebo. The vaccine candidate elicited significant humoral and cellular immune responses, highlighting its potential as a universal influenza vaccine.
Nebraska scientists have made significant progress in developing a safe and effective long-lasting swine flu vaccine. The Epigraph algorithm enables the creation of a universal flu vaccine that protects against multiple types of influenza viruses for at least one year and is suitable for all age groups.
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) collects reports of adverse events after vaccination, but public confusion about its nature and reports has increased. A new report recommends renaming the system to a clearer alternative and making additional changes to reduce misinterpretation.
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.
A clinical trial has started enrolling volunteers to test the experimental H1ssF-3928 mRNA-LNP vaccine, developed by NIAID's Vaccine Research Center, for its safety and ability to induce an immune response. The trial aims to find an optimal dosage and compare it with a current seasonal flu vaccine.
A novel protein nanoparticle vaccine candidate using adjuvants has been developed to boost effectiveness against viral infections. The study found that the vaccine provided complete protection against influenza viral challenges.
A new immunotherapy treatment developed by UCF researchers uses targeted IL-2 to fight respiratory viral infections with improved outcomes in animal studies. The treatment promotes an antiviral inflammatory response and reduces bronchial inflammation.
Researchers from Nemours Children's Health present findings on pediatric mental health, HPV vaccination strategies, primary hypertension in youth, and the effects of social media on pediatric care. The studies aim to improve child well-being and provide innovative approaches to addressing pressing topics.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.
A large study of over 3 million patients receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine found extremely rare cases of retinal vascular occlusion. The researchers concluded that there is no evidence suggesting an association between the vaccine and newly diagnosed RVO, rates similar to those of other vaccinations.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have found that adding small molecules called immunomodulators to vaccine adjuvants can regulate the body's response to vaccines, reducing negative side effects. The study increased antibody response in flu vaccine models and reduced inflammation in typhoid vaccine models.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found a link between hemagglutinin protein stability and flu vaccine effectiveness, as well as pandemic potential in new strains. Incorporating this stability into the vaccine could prevent the emergence of unstable viruses.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates robust T cell responses in haematology patients, on par with healthy individuals. The study provides key insights for future immunisation strategies and shows that mRNA vaccines can elicit strong T cell immunity in patients with co-morbidities.
Researchers examine how chronological and biological age impact vaccine effectiveness, finding that both factors influence immune system capacity to mount responses. The study highlights the need for further research into 'immune aging' risk and departures from healthy aging.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are using mRNA vaccine technology to combat various infectious diseases. A new clinical trial aims to test an mRNA-based vaccine against malaria, with hopes for a rapid adaptive response to virus evolution and the manufacture of combination vaccines.
A new subset of memory B cells, marked by the FcRL5 receptor protein, has been identified as a predictor of long-lived antibody responses to influenza vaccination. These effector memory B cells can be detected seven days after immunization and correlate with vaccine antibody responses months later.
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
A nationwide Danish trial found that emphasizing cardiovascular benefits and a repeat-letter strategy increased vaccinations by 0.89% and 0.73%, respectively. These low-cost interventions have the potential to overcome vaccine hesitancy in high-risk populations, preventing illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.
The Access to Advanced Health Institute has received a $9.9 million award to develop an intranasal bivalent influenza RNA vaccine candidate based on its self-amplifying RNA platform that targets both pandemic A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) influenza virus pathogens.
Researchers developed a vaccine platform that uses nanoscopic particles to deliver antigens, which can stimulate immune responses. The platform showed promise in early trials with mice, with improved survival rates against influenza and HIV.
Researchers used simulations to study the movements of influenza virus proteins, finding that they can clump together and form large aggregates. This discovery could lead to improved vaccines and antiviral treatments by targeting these vulnerable states.
Researchers created an atomic-level computer model of the H1N1 virus, revealing dynamic movement of HA and NA proteins. This discovery provides new insights into the flu vaccine's target sites, suggesting possible strategies for designing future vaccines and antivirals.
A new study provides evidence on when OAS occurs and how it impacts seasonal vaccines and booster shots. The findings suggest that boosting against a new strain can be effective if the new strain is sufficiently different from the previous one.
Researchers explore challenges and propose next-generation vaccine strategies for mucosa-replicating viruses, which evade full immune response due to short incubation periods and nasal mucosa replication. To overcome immune tolerance, significant knowledge gaps must be filled on ideal vaccine formulations, dosage, and techniques.
A new study by University of Kent researchers identifies 'distrustful complacency' as a key factor behind vaccine resistance, highlighting the importance of both public concern and political trust in driving vaccination uptake.
Researchers developed a multivalent mRNA-based vaccine protecting against all 20 known influenza subtypes, providing broad protection in animal models and paving the way for clinical trials.
A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.
An international study found that flu vaccines significantly reduce pneumonia, hospitalization, and cardiovascular deaths in people with heart failure. The study, led by McMaster University researchers, showed a 40% reduction in pneumonia and 15% reduction in hospitalization.
A new study finds that children with severe forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, are at high risk of seizures triggered by the flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for these children to protect them from complications and prolong their survival.
A study found that media literacy and trust in health experts are more powerful predictors of COVID-19 vaccine intentions than previous behavior or knowledge. Researchers also discovered that people who refused flu vaccines had lower future vaccine intentions despite higher COVID-19 knowledge.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine discovered a high prevalence of COVID-19 co-infections with the flu during the 2021-2022 flu season, peaking at 48% in October 2021. Vaccinations against both viruses appeared to offer protection against co-infections.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that vaccination against influenza significantly lowers the risk of stroke among adults. The study analyzed health records of over four million Albertans and showed that the risk of stroke was reduced in all age groups, not just those at high risk.
Researchers found that reduced NA activity enables HA mutations to become more neutral, and that this process is crucial for predicting future flu strains. The study aims to improve flu vaccine accuracy by understanding the interactions between HA and NA genes.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that COVID-19 booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity against infection, particularly among older adults. The results support the CDC vaccination guidelines recommending COVID-19 boosters and highlight the importance of continued research on factors affecting immunity.
A study found that the 2021/22 influenza vaccine had only 36% effectiveness against A(H3N2) in Canada, with a mismatch between the vaccine strain and the circulating virus. This suggests that the replacement of the vaccine strain for the upcoming season is necessary.
A study published in Neurology suggests that getting an annual flu shot may be associated with a lower risk of stroke. Researchers found that those who received the flu shot were 12% less likely to have a stroke than those who did not, after adjusting for other factors.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a single, universal flu vaccine candidate that induces immunity to conserved M2 ectodomain and multi-subtype neuraminidase proteins, providing broad cross-protection against antigenically diverse influenza A and B viruses in mice. The study shows promising results in young and aged...
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a combination of antiviral drugs and antibody therapies that is more effective than either approach alone. The combination boosts the virus-fighting properties of antibodies, which work by binding to infected cells and triggering the immune system to kill them.
A new poll shows that 61% of people over 50 who have already gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine are very likely to roll up their sleeves for an updated booster shot. Health providers' recommendations will play a crucial role in increasing vaccination rates among older adults.
A novel study found that vaccine-related fears significantly impact flu shot outcomes, reducing vaccination rates and increasing symptoms of dizziness. Researchers recommend interventions to address fear and potential dizziness, such as applied muscle tension techniques.
A study of 980,000 people found that simultaneous administration of COVID-19 mRNA booster and seasonal influenza vaccines was associated with significant increases in reports of systemic reactions. The study suggests that the combination may lead to more severe adverse events, highlighting the need for further research.
A new universal influenza B vaccine protects against different strains and offers robust and sustained cross-immune protection. The double-layered protein nanoparticle vaccine is constructed with a stabilized portion of the influenza virus and induces broadly reactive immune responses.
Researchers have developed a new live-attenuated influenza A vaccine approach using proteolysis-targeting chimeric (PROTAC) viruses. The approach uses the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system of host cells to degrade viral proteins, resulting in sufficiently attenuated but immunogenic vaccines.
Researchers at Georgia State University developed a universal flu vaccine offering broad cross-protection against different strains and subtypes of influenza A viruses. The vaccine, using M2e-stalk protein genetic fusion, induces immunoglobulin G antibodies and protective cellular T cell immunity in mice.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of a novel influenza vaccine, BPL-1357, has begun at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The study aims to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine in healthy adult volunteers.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that flu vaccination was associated with a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in US adults over a four-year period. The study analyzed a large sample of patients and found that consistent flu vaccination every year had the strongest protective effect.
A study found that over 60% of parents of children with kidney disease or hypertension are unsure or unwilling to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. Effective vaccines exist to protect children from COVID-19, and the findings highlight the need for clear communication to address parental concerns.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that physical activity can boost the body's immune response to influenza vaccination. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals and concluded that regular exercise may provide better protection against the flu.
A study found that automated text messaging was comparable to direct phone calls in getting unvaccinated patients to seek COVID-19 shots, with higher response rates among Black patients and those with lower incomes. The study suggests using text messaging as a low-cost alternative to traditional patient outreach.
Scientists have proven that inhaled aerosol vaccines provide stronger immune responses and better protection from respiratory infections compared to nasal sprays. This method delivers vaccine droplets directly into the airway, inducing a broader protective response.
A team of researchers has found a way to block the replication of one strain of the influenza virus in human cells by inhibiting a specific protein modification process called SUMOylation. This breakthrough could lead to highly effective treatments for the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Leading ethicists argue that mandatory flu vaccination for healthcare staff is ethically justified due to the risks of nosocomial infections and staff shortages. In contrast, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate is considered unethical due to the low risk of serious illness among younger staff and concerns over coercion.
Researchers found that left-handed chiral gold nanoparticles increased the immune response in human cells even without an antigen, leading to a 25.8% increase in vaccine efficacy. The discovery uses chirality to enhance immune responses, potentially applicable to various vaccines.
A global trial found that people with heart failure who received an annual flu shot had lower rates of pneumonia and hospitalization on a year-round basis. The study also revealed significant reductions in major cardiovascular events during peak flu season.