A new study suggests increasing flu vaccination among US home healthcare workers could significantly reduce flu-related illnesses and hospitalizations among elderly patients. The research highlights the association between HHC staff flu-vaccination rates and patient illness at a national level.
A new study by researchers from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that exposure to alternative health media can affect beliefs about consequential health-care issues like vaccination. After Dr. Mehmet Oz endorsed the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine on a March 2019 episode of “The Dr. Oz Show,” significantly more people in hi...
A retrospective cohort study found that shoulder injuries occurred in fewer than 1 in 10,000 patients who received intramuscular vaccinations administered in the deltoid muscle. Researchers also identified risk factors for developing shoulder conditions, including advanced age, female sex, and receiving pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
A recent survey of over 3,200 NHS healthcare workers found that most preferred education and support as a solution to boost vaccination uptake. The study suggests that mandatory vaccinations may actually worsen trust and lead to thousands of staff leaving the profession.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the uptake of childhood immunizations in Scotland. Researchers analyzed data from over 439,000 vaccine invitations and found higher immunization rates during lockdown periods compared to pre-pandemic years.
Children who receive repeated seasonal flu vaccines develop antibodies that provide broader protection against new strains, including pandemic viruses. This finding informs the design of a universal influenza virus vaccine for children.
A new intranasal flu vaccine constructed with nanoparticles has been shown to offer strong protection against different influenza virus strains in mice. The vaccine elicited multifaceted immune responses, leading to robust cross-protection and long-lasting defense.
Research led by Penn State found that minority individuals are more accepting of a combination influenza-COVID-19 vaccine than COVID-19 alone. The study suggests bundling vaccines may increase future uptake among minorities due to convenience.
Researchers identify a previously overlooked site on the HA protein, known as the 'anchor epitope', which can neutralize a wide range of influenza strains. This discovery has significant implications for the development of universal influenza vaccines and antibody therapies.
Scientists identify a new site of vulnerability on the influenza virus called the anchor, which has potential to recognize broad variety of flu strains. The discovery paves way for rational vaccine design and could lead to improved universal flu vaccines.
A December 2020 survey found that about two-thirds of adults in Jordan, the West Bank, and Syria were unwilling or hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Concerns over vaccine rigor and long-term health risks were primary reasons for hesitation.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2021
The study found that flu vaccination rates are significantly lower among individuals without regular healthcare providers compared to those with a provider. Vaccination rates increased with age and were higher among those with more medical conditions.
Researchers have designed a new nanoparticle adjuvant that significantly improves antibody production following vaccination against HIV, diphtheria, and influenza. The adjuvant speeds up lymph flow to lymph nodes, helps antigens reach B cells before breaking down, and activates inflammatory cytokines for a stronger response.
Researchers discovered a correlation between simultaneous vaccination with the flu and shingles vaccines, resulting in reduced likelihood of administering a flu shot the next year. The study suggests that side effects from the shingles vaccine may be misattributed to the flu vaccine, contributing to this phenomenon.
A retrospective cohort analysis found that an algorithm-based automated text messaging system saved lives and reduced mortality rates by 68% among patients with COVID-19. The system, called COVID Watch, used text messages to monitor symptoms and escalate patients to healthcare providers for further care.
A recent study published in eLife found that limiting inflammation at the time of vaccination may boost immune responses in older people. The researchers discovered that pro-inflammatory signalling pathways negatively impact an optimal vaccine response in older individuals.
A new poll reveals that most people over 50 have received or plan to receive flu shots, with a majority also planning to get additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. The poll highlights differences in vaccine attitudes among older adults of different age groups and backgrounds.
Researchers developed a viral panel that enables simultaneous testing for SARS-CoV-2 and common respiratory viruses, providing insight into coinfections and viral spread. The tool helps predict and mitigate future outbreaks by tracking novel viral variants and their patterns of spread.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
A cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine has effectively provided protection against the flu in children and adolescents. The study found that the vaccine produced a sufficient immune response in children aged two to 18 years, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 54.6 per cent.
New research from an international team of scientists found that poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in Brazil led to increased premature births, lower birth-weight babies, and the need for more cesarean sections. The study suggests that earlier flu vaccination campaigns could better protect pregnant women and their babies.
Researchers developed an Internet information system, virusMED, to provide a comprehensive picture of viruses' most important regions. The database contains over 800 strains from 75 different families, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Ebola, and HIV-1, enabling scientists to respond quickly and effectively against the next pathogen.
A team of Black female clinicians and researchers propose an Afrocentric health-promotion approach to combat vaccine hesitancy among Black Canadians. The LEAPS framework encourages providers to respect patients' values, views, and concerns when offering vaccine recommendations.
Racial and ethnic disparities in vaccine uptake have persisted over the last decade, highlighting the urgent need to achieve equity in immunization rates. Concerted efforts are needed to address socio-economic disparities, particularly among adults 65 years or older.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2021
The authors argue that intranasal COVID-19 vaccines could provide additional layers of protection by eliciting immunoglobulin A and resident memory cells in the nasal passages. An ideal vaccination strategy may consist of an intramuscular vaccine combined with an intranasal booster, offering a dual approach to combat respiratory viruses.
The 1918 influenza pandemic and COVID-19 share similar patterns in mortality comparisons due to population adjustments for average life years lost. The study assesses the cumulative health impacts of interventions and provides a basis for decision-making.
A patient with no previous history of facial nerve palsy developed two episodes of Bell's palsy after receiving Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses. The author suggests a potential link between the vaccine and Bell's palsy, emphasizing cautious use for those at risk.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that providing information on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines can significantly increase willingness to be vaccinated. The research showed that adults who received information about vaccine effectiveness scored 20% higher on a measure of willingness to be vacc...
The flu vaccine has been found to protect against severe effects of COVID-19, including ICU admissions, sepsis, and strokes. Patients vaccinated against flu were less likely to visit emergency departments and be admitted to ICUs.
A single-dose, intranasal COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to fully protect mice against lethal infection and block animal-to-animal transmission of the virus. The vaccine targets mucosal cells in the nasal passages and airways, where SARS-CoV-2 infections occur.
Researchers found that vaccines produced in chicken eggs induce an antibody response against a glycan called N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), which is not typically targeted by the immune system. This unexpected finding may impact the effectiveness of flu vaccines grown in eggs.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increased antibody levels in organ transplant recipients who had a suboptimal response to standard vaccination. The study found that booster doses may be necessary for these patients, similar to hepatitis B and influenza vaccinations.
A new universal vaccine may improve cross protection against different flu virus strains in adults and seniors with pre-existing immunity. The grant aims to test this theory in aged populations, addressing a significant public health concern.
Researchers identified conserved parts of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus that triggered strong and effective immune responses. These responses can be harnessed for a universal flu vaccine targeting stable, conserved areas of the HA protein.
Researchers found broadly neutralizing antibodies that target two conserved regions of the H1N1 influenza virus, which also neutralize various other strains. These findings suggest that vaccines targeting these regions could protect against a broader array of flu strains.
The NIH has launched a clinical trial for a novel influenza vaccine that offers long-lasting protection against multiple flu virus strains. The vaccine, known as FluMos-v1, is designed to stimulate antibodies against the HA protein using nanoparticle scaffolds.
A new study shows that the pandemic has boosted older Canadians' willingness to receive the flu shot, with 20% of 50-64 year olds and 8% of those 65+ now more likely to get vaccinated. However, some respondents cited concerns about safety due to COVID-19 co-circulation or fear of exposure.
The vaccine has the potential to improve seasonal flu vaccine effectiveness, produce vaccines faster and use smaller doses. It achieved a strong immune response in mice, providing protection against two different strains of influenza.
A University of Queensland study has found that reduced levels of metabolic hormone leptin are associated with poor vaccine antibody responses in both young and older individuals. The research could lead to the development of new strategies for improving vaccine protection in vulnerable populations.
Researchers identified specific influenza targets to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from severe disease through a universal T cell-based vaccine. The study aims to harness immune responses to protect high-risk populations, including those with high HLA-A*24:02 protein prevalence.
A new study finds that only half of adults with cardiovascular disease report getting a flu shot annually, highlighting the need for better vaccination efforts. Patients with certain conditions and those who attend college are more likely to receive a flu vaccine.
Researchers developed an intranasal influenza vaccine using recombinant hemagglutinin and found it enhanced immune responses in mice. The vaccine showed superior immunoenhancing properties and conferred protection against both same and different virus strains.
A nationwide survey of US patients on dialysis found that 20% were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with rates higher among certain groups. The study highlights the need for targeted outreach efforts to address concerns about vaccine safety and side effects.
A new UC San Diego study found that Republicans' willingness to get vaccinated increased over time, while Democrats' views remained stable. The study also showed that Republicans were less trusting of media and viewed the COVID-19 virus as less threatening than Democrats.
Research at UCLA Health Sciences suggests that elderly patients of female physicians are more likely to be vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. The trend holds across all racial and ethnic groups studied, with Black patients being about 14 percentage points less likely to be vaccinated than white patients.
Researchers have developed next-generation influenza vaccines that protect against a wide variety of seasonal and pandemic strains, including avian viruses H5N1 and H7N9. These nanoparticle-based vaccines spur strong immune responses in animal trials, potentially lowering the risk of bad flu seasons.
A recent study found that people who received a flu shot last flu season were significantly less likely to test positive for COVID-19 and had fewer complications if they did. Researchers reviewed medical charts for over 27,000 patients and discovered a strong association between flu vaccination and reduced COVID-19 infections.
MIT researchers develop a vaccination strategy that creates an army of T cells ready at the respiratory tract's mucosal surfaces, boosting immune responses. The approach uses albumin proteins to ferry vaccines across mucosal barriers, offering a quicker response to viral invaders and potential treatment for lung cancer.
A recent study from Washington State University found that doctor-patient communication plays a crucial role in building trust and increasing vaccination rates during a pandemic. By discussing the pros and cons of vaccines, doctors can help patients make informed decisions and ultimately receive vaccinations.
A nanoparticle-based vaccine has been shown to produce protective antibodies against multiple H1 and H3 influenza A viruses in nonhuman primates. The vaccine's broad immunity suggests it may provide long-term protection, offering a promising solution to the challenge of creating a universal flu vaccine.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that demonstrates promising signs of protection against more than a dozen swine flu strains and outperforms leading commercial vaccine. The Epigraph vaccine stimulates an immune response against multiple closely related viral strains, providing broader immunity and better cellular-level responses.
A novel algorithm, Epigraph, has been used to create a broadly reactive influenza vaccine for swine flu and may also be applicable to developing a pan-coronavirus vaccine. The immune responses to the vaccine showed promising breadth against diverse viral variants.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the uptake of seasonal flu vaccines among people aged 65 and over in the USA. Among those who received a vaccine, minorities were 26-32% less likely to receive the High Dose Vaccine, which is more effective in older adults.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia found that flu vaccination significantly reduces COVID-19 symptoms and complications in children. The review of over 900 pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed that those who received the flu vaccine had lower odds of experiencing respiratory problems or severe disease.
A new study links the 2019-2020 flu season to a more transmissible strain of Type B influenza virus. Younger individuals were disproportionately affected due to limited exposure to other B viruses, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination and preparedness strategies.
A new intranasal influenza vaccine demonstrated a durable immune response in a Phase 1 study, producing higher antibody levels compared to oral vaccination. The vaccine induced mucosal immunity and neutralizing antibodies at 26 weeks after vaccination, with sustained protection lasting up to five years.
A nationwide survey conducted by UC Davis found that over a third of Americans are unlikely or hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns about its safety and effectiveness. The study also identified demographic characteristics, media consumption habits, and political affiliations as factors influencing vaccination intentions.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that state laws promoting flu vaccinations for hospital workers can substantially reduce the number of influenza-related deaths. States with vaccination mandates saw an average reduction in mortality of about two deaths per 100,000 persons, primarily among older adults.
A new study suggests that vaccinating people over 60 is the most effective way to mitigate mortality from COVID-19. The analysis shows that vaccinating older adults will most effectively reduce deaths, even if vaccination of younger adults is projected to avert the greatest incidence of disease.