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Rapid acting, oral vaccines are coming soon

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.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Osivax announces publication in The Lancet Infectious Diseases of Phase 2a data for broad-spectrum influenza vaccine candidate, OVX836

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.

SourceTrophic Communications·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2023

Vaccine hesitancy persists among parents

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPediatric Clinics of North America·DateMay 23, 2023

COVID vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

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.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

UM School of Medicine researchers chart path forward on developing mRNA vaccines for infections beyond COVID-19

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the association of influenza vaccination with COVID-19 infection and associated outcomes

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.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

Flu vaccine lowers risk of stroke

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2022

Researchers explore gene interactions in influenza to help improve accuracy of flu vaccines

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.

Universal flu vaccine protects against variants of both influenza A and B viruses, biomedical sciences researchers find

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...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Old drug, new trick: Researchers find combining antiviral drugs and antibody therapy could treat seasonal flu and help prevent next flu pandemic

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateAug 16, 2022

New universal flu vaccine offers broad protection against influenza A virus infections, researchers find

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.

SourceGeorgia State University·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

UTHealth Houston study: Flu vaccination linked to 40% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateJun 24, 2022

Study: Text messaging shows promise in reaching unvaccinated patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2022