Articles tagged with Flu Vaccines
Internal GlaxoSmithKline reports suggest a large discrepancy in adverse event reporting for Pandemrix compared to other GSK pandemic influenza vaccines. The BMJ investigation raises questions about the transparency of information surrounding the vaccine's safety, with significant implications for public health.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is testing the safety and immune-stimulating ability of an experimental nasal influenza vaccine in healthy children and teens. The investigational vaccine, developed by FluGen, Inc., has been designed to replicate only once in the body and prompt a robust immune response.
Researchers found vaccination rates dropped significantly throughout the day at primary care clinics from 44% to 32%. Implementing a nudge in electronic health records increased flu vaccinations by nearly 20% compared to practices with no intervention.
Researchers developed an adjuvanted intradermal flu vaccine that protected ferrets and humans against lethal pandemic flu strains. The vaccine, which can be self-administered via a microneedle, shows promise for rapid production and distribution during pandemics.
A synthetic DNA vaccine has been shown to produce broad immune responses against diverse H3N2 viruses, which have led to high morbidity and mortality in recent years. The vaccine was found to be more effective than traditional vaccines in protecting mice from lethal influenza A infection.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to evaluate the immune-boosting properties of imiquimod cream in combination with an H5N1 influenza vaccine. The study aims to enhance the immune response conferred by the pre-pandemic vaccine, potentially reducing the number of doses required to achieve sufficient immunity.
A modified RNA vaccine elicits protective response in mice to a conserved region of the flu virus, providing broad protection against various strains. The vaccine has shown promise as a universal flu vaccine candidate, which could be given multiple times over a lifetime for long-lasting protection.
A double-layered nanoparticle vaccine made with peptides has been found to effectively protect mice against the influenza A virus. The vaccine triggers immune responses of both B and T lymphocytes, providing broad cross-protection against a wide range of diverse influenza viruses.
Researchers at NIAID developed a 3D model of the 1918 H1 pandemic influenza virus using cryo-electron microscopy. The study found that VLPs are mostly composed of hemagglutinin proteins, influencing vaccine efficacy.
The VaxArray NA reagent kit provides a standardized method for assessing neuraminidase in influenza vaccines, enabling manufacturers to meet current regulatory requirements and prepare for future trends. This breakthrough tool is expected to serve as an important new asset in the push for a more broadly protective or 'universal' flu va...
A new study suggests that vaccinating asthmatic children against the flu could significantly reduce their risk of needing hospitalization for an asthma attack. The study found that kids with influenza or parainfluenza had a 37-per-cent or more chance of not responding to treatment, compared to 13 per cent for children without a virus.
Most non-VA hospitals now require flu vaccination, with nearly 70% of institutions mandating the shot. In contrast, only 4% of VA hospitals have a similar requirement. Vaccination mandates are more effective in reaching high vaccination rates among healthcare workers.
A survey of pediatricians found that delays in receiving influenza vaccine from private and VFC stock pose problems, with 56% delaying vaccinations for patients whose vaccines are out of stock. This highlights the need for systematic changes to address these delays and increase uptake of influenza vaccine among children.
A Phase 2 clinical trial has started in the US to test an experimental universal influenza vaccine, M-001, for its safety and ability to produce broad protective immune responses. The trial aims to provide durable protection against multiple influenza strains, including those that might cause a pandemic.
The Scripps Research team will expand studies on broadly neutralizing antibodies that can neutralize many strains of malaria and influenza. The grant aims to design promising vaccine candidates against these diseases, which kill millions globally each year.
At 43% vaccine coverage, a low-efficacy vaccine (20% effective) could avert over 20 million infections, 61,000 deaths, and 2.2 million lost DALYs in the US. The optimal strategy involves targeting elderly populations as efficacy decreases.
University of Rochester researchers have developed a new live equine influenza vaccine that is safe and more protective than existing vaccines. The vaccine targets the H3N8 strain currently circulating in North America and Europe, and was shown to protect horses against the virus in a small study.
A new study shows a predictive link between VaxArray-measured potency and vaccine-induced immunogenicity in mice. The study found strong correlations between VaxArray assays and serum levels of antibodies targeting influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
A new study by Penn Medicine neurologist Amit Bar-Or presents findings on ocrelizumab's impact on multiple sclerosis patients, including reduced inflammation and lower vaccine response levels. The research also explores the role of ocrelizumab in limiting MS attacks.
A Rice University study predicts the 2018 flu vaccine will have limited efficacy against the dominant circulating strain of influenza A due to viral mutations related to egg production. The pEpitope method accurately predicted vaccine efficacy rates for over 40 years of flu records and suggests a more accurate predictor than ferret tests.
Researchers found that influenza vaccines rarely induce antibodies against the neuraminidase protein, while natural infection does. This suggests that vaccines should be optimized to target NA for broad protection against diverse strains.
A comprehensive review of scientific literature shows that directly facilitating vaccination and reducing barriers are key to increasing immunization rates. Interventions such as reminders, prompts, and presumptive announcements can lead to higher vaccination uptake.
A comprehensive review of scientific findings on vaccination behavior reveals that shaping patients' and parents' behavior is more effective than trying to change their minds. The report highlights the importance of leveraging favorable intentions and correcting misinformation through clear and intuitive communication.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are conducting trials to test the safety and efficacy of an H7N9 influenza vaccine. The vaccine, developed by Sanofi Pasteur, will be evaluated in healthy volunteers and elderly adults, with different dosages and adjuvant combinations tested.
Researchers present a modified small-molecule drug that targets the RNA polymerase subunit of the influenza virus, reducing its ability to replicate and spread. The compound could potentially eliminate the virus or slow down its reproduction, offering a new treatment option for patients with flu.
Two new clinical trials are enrolling volunteers to test an experimental H7N9 influenza vaccine candidate in the US. The Phase 2 studies will evaluate different dosages and vaccination schedules of the inactivated vaccine, as well as an adjuvant to boost immune responses.
A team of researchers from James Cook University and Cardiff University have created a fully synthetic flu vaccine that protects mice from swine flu and works on human cells in the laboratory. The vaccine is hyper-stable, meaning it can survive stomach acid and human blood, making it suitable for oral administration.
A multi-institutional study found that mandatory flu vaccines for health care workers increase participation by up to 30% and reduce absenteeism during critical patient surges. Vaccinated health care workers had a 30% reduction in absenteeism compared to non-vaccinated workers.
A multi-institutional study found that mandatory flu vaccines for healthcare workers increased vaccination rates by up to 30% and reduced absenteeism by about 6%. Vaccinated healthcare workers had a 30% lower rate of absenteeism compared to non-vaccinated colleagues.
Researchers found that constant media coverage increased vaccinations by 79% in the Jewish population and 71% among high socio-economic subgroups. Positive media sentiments also prompted an increase in polio vaccines, while negative sentiments had no noticeable effect.
Research analyzed six studies and found that getting the flu vaccine reduced the risk of dying from any cause by about half during flu season and by one-fifth during the rest of the year. Vaccination was also associated with a 22 percent reduction in the risk of being hospitalized for cardiovascular problems.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has unveiled a strategic plan to develop a universal influenza vaccine. The plan focuses on three key areas: improving understanding of influenza transmission, characterizing protective immunity, and designing universal vaccines.
Researchers found that adding hope to health messages can significantly predict intentions to take actions against skin cancer. Self-efficacy and hope also played a role in adopting sun safety measures.
The new test kit, developed with licensed monoclonal antibodies from the US FDA, offers a rapid and sensitive potency assay for dose-sparing and adjuvanted flu vaccines. This enables a faster vaccine response in severe outbreaks or pandemics, addressing the need for speed in combating deadly avian H7N9 viruses.
New research suggests that immune history with flu plays a significant role in vaccine effectiveness, rather than egg adaptations. The study found that antibodies produced from previous encounters with flu tend to take precedence over new vaccinations, making the vaccine less protective for those with a history of infection.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 35 healthy adults and found a marked increase in antibody-producing B cells and circulating T follicular helper cells after vaccination. The study's findings suggest that intranasal vaccination might be more effective than injections, with implications for ideal inoculation routes.
Researchers developed a universal vaccine to combat influenza A viruses, producing long-lasting immunity in mice and protecting them against seasonal flu vaccines. The nanoparticles target the stalk of the HA protein, offering universal protection against various influenza viruses.
A new study published in mBio found that people with higher levels of anti-HA stem antibodies have less viral shedding when they get the flu, but do not have fewer or less severe signs of illness. The study suggests that these antibody levels are not independent predictors of whether someone becomes sick or how severely.
A new vaccine approach developed at UCLA may help lower hospitalizations due to the flu. The researchers used genomics to identify and eliminate the virus' defense mechanisms, enabling a safe and highly effective vaccine candidate that can be taken as a nasal spray.
Researchers discover that training the innate immune system through β-glucan can prime it to respond more robustly to threats, including infections and chemotherapy. This approach could lead to new strategies for preventing neutropenia and improving treatment outcomes.
Repeated influenza vaccination significantly reduced hospital admissions for severe flu in older adults, with consistent effectiveness across seasons and patient age.
A new poll suggests that nursing homes should require flu shots for all staff and patients to protect vulnerable patients from serious complications. The majority of respondents (73%) also believe that non-medical staff should be vaccinated, while 71% think visitors should be required to get vaccinated before visiting loved ones.
The current flu vaccine is predicted to be effective against the majority of H3N2 flu viruses in the US, but may not protect against minority groups. Scientists have identified a mutation that can shift the vaccine virus to the minority group, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Researchers highlight the challenges of preparing seasonal influenza vaccines in eggs, citing reduced effectiveness rates of 40-60 percent. They also emphasize the need for targeted research on manufacturing strategies and vaccine antigens to improve vaccine efficacy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a genetic mutation in the FluMist intranasal flu vaccine that has the potential to be altered to enhance its protective effect. The mutation reduces virus production, but reversing it makes the virus more active and induces a stronger immune response.
Children vaccinated against influenza are less likely to experience serious complications from the virus that could land them in hospital. The flu vaccine has been shown to be effective at preventing influenza hospitalizations in young kids, with a significant reduction in risk seen for both fully and partially vaccinated children.
A randomized controlled trial found that text message reminders increased vaccine uptake among eligible patients, with the greatest effect seen in children under five years old. The study suggests cost-efficient strategies to improve vaccine uptake, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The article highlights the lessons learned from past infectious disease outbreaks, including HIV/AIDS and SARS, to inform current responses to emerging threats such as Zika. The NIAID Director emphasizes the importance of sustained support for scientific research and effective communication with policymakers and communities.
Researchers at the University of Bergen found no negative effects from annual influenza vaccination on developing natural immunity. Annual vaccination actually provides a better first line defence against infection, without preventing natural immunity.
A new study found that a mutation in the H3N2 strain of the virus is responsible for the low efficacy of last year's influenza vaccine. The team suggests investing in new technologies to produce egg-free vaccines, while emphasizing the importance of annual flu vaccination.
A study found that temporarily pausing methotrexate use for two weeks after flu vaccination improves the immune response in RA patients, with a higher rate of satisfactory responses and seroprotection rates. This approach has potential clinical implications, including improved vaccine efficacy without increasing disease activity.
A study suggests that targeting the 'stalk' of the hemagglutinin protein, which remains relatively constant across flu strains, could provide broad protection against seasonal and pandemic strains. However, the results also show that the stalk can mutate in response to immune pressure.
Researchers at UGA and Sanofi Pasteur developed a broadly protective vaccine against multiple strains of H3N2 influenza, which neutralized 100% of the viruses over a five-year period. The vaccine has the potential to replace seasonal flu vaccines with year-round manufacturing, reducing production time.
Researchers developed a 4-in-1 flu shot that provides broad protection against influenza by targeting ancestral genes of four major strains. The vaccine was shown to be effective in mice, with those receiving the highest dose not getting sick.
A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals that egg-based production causes the virus to target bird cells, disrupting the major antibody target site on the surface. This mutation renders the flu vaccine less effective in humans, with recent vaccines proving only 33% effective against H3N2 viruses.
Researchers are developing a universal influenza vaccine that would protect against all strains of flu globally. Current vaccines have varying effectiveness, with some years seeing only 10% effectiveness.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that young leukemia patients who received the flu vaccine were still susceptible to flu infections, highlighting the need for additional measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Researchers emphasize the importance of hand washing and other precautions.
A new study of children from Sweden and Finland found that the swine flu vaccine Pandemrix did not increase the risk of developing autoantibodies against insulin-producing beta cells or type 1 diabetes. In fact, vaccinated children in Finland showed a reduced risk of developing autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have developed a new influenza vaccine that uses a nanoscale, controlled-release capsule to provide quick and long-lasting protection against pandemic A strains. The vaccine is based on the M2 protein, which remains constant across different flu viruses.
Researchers recommend expanding flu vaccine recommendation to middle-aged adults with chronic health conditions due to modest effectiveness of standard-dose vaccine. High-dose and recombinant trivalent vaccines show promise in providing better protection for high-risk patients.