Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Virulence factor made by influenza virus is potential target for vaccine drug development

Researchers found that NS1 suppresses the body's immune responses to viral infection, suggesting a new approach to combat influenza A virus infection. The study proposes developing a live attenuated vaccine based on an engineered influenza A virus lacking NS1 and designing antiviral drugs targeting NS1.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateAug 14, 2017

New vaccine production could improve flu shot accuracy

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new way to produce the seasonal flu vaccine that could speed up production and provide better protection against infection. By keeping the human influenza virus from mutating during production, they generate a perfect match to the target vaccine in a shorter time frame.

SourceDuke University·JournalmBio·DateJul 24, 2017

Ontarians still skeptical of flu shot

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that half of those who avoid flu shots do so due to concerns over vaccine effectiveness and personal immune systems. The study also revealed that moral and religious reasons, as well as past poor vaccine experiences, contribute to avoidance.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJun 12, 2017

Flu shot less effective for obese adults

Researchers found that vaccinated obese adults are twice as likely to develop influenza and flu-like illnesses compared to those of healthy weight. The study suggests that existing blood tests may provide misleading information for obese individuals.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 6, 2017

Who to vaccinate when flu season strikes

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that targeting vaccination efforts at children and the elderly during flu season can have the greatest overall benefit, saving lives and money. The researchers developed a synthetic population model to capture indirect effects of vaccination on community transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Year-round flu vaccinations promote healthier infants in subtropics

Vaccinating pregnant mothers year-round against flu in Nepal reduced infant flu virus infection rates by an average of 30 percent, increasing birth weights by 15 percent. The study also found that expanding year-round flu vaccinations during pregnancy would benefit children in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2017

A little nudge may provide a big boost to flu vaccination rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that a simple behavioral economics technique, known as 'active choice,' can increase flu vaccination rates by up to 37%. By programming electronic health records to alert care providers when a patient is eligible for a flu vaccine, clinics saw significant increases in vaccinations. ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 27, 2017

Parental concerns reduce uptake of child flu vaccine

A recent study found that UK parents' concerns about the child flu vaccine's safety and side effects reduce its uptake. The researchers recommend reinforcing public health messages to address these concerns, focusing on the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing flu and highlighting serious complications of the illness.

SourceKing's College London·JournalVaccine·DateMar 8, 2017

'Who needs a flu shot? -- not me'

A study by Hyunmin Lee found that individuals tend to think the media's coverage of flu epidemics influences others more than themselves. This perception counteracts the message's intended behavior, leading to decreased vaccination intentions.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateFeb 8, 2017

Threading the RSV vaccine needle

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have engineered a live attenuated RSV vaccine candidate that is highly effective in mice and cotton rats. The vaccine, called OE4, induces high levels of antibody production while maintaining its immunogenicity, making it a promising candidate for further clinical investigation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2016

Flu nasal spray provides similar protection against influenza as flu shot: Study

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that flu nasal sprays provide similar protection against influenza as standard flu shots. The study, conducted over three years in a Hutterite colony, shows that the nose spray had a similar effect to the standard flu shot in protecting both children and community members.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

New findings on flu nasal spray

Researchers found that immunizing children with the flu nasal spray did not provide better direct or community protection against influenza than the inactivated influenza vaccine, but offered similar protection. This contradicts earlier studies suggesting the nasal spray vaccine provided better herd immunity.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

Flu vaccine reduces risk of hospital stay for stroke, heart failure for diabetes patients

A new study found that flu vaccination in people with type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced rates of hospital admission for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The vaccine was linked to a 19% reduction in heart attacks, 30% lower risk of stroke, and 22% decrease in heart failure hospitalizations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 25, 2016

Vaccine strategy induces antibodies that can target multiple influenza viruses

Researchers have identified three types of vaccine-induced antibodies that can neutralize diverse strains of influenza virus, which could guide development of a universal flu vaccine. The discovery provides clear evidence that these antibodies can be induced by a vaccine, making them a potential basis for a universal flu vaccine.

Antibodies triggered by avian influenza virus vaccine illuminate a new path toward a universal flu vaccine

A new study suggests that an avian influenza virus vaccine can trigger broad and durable protection against multiple flu strains, offering a promising path toward a universal flu vaccine. The research identifies unique epitopes on the virus and highlights the potential of non-neutralizing antibodies in providing protection.

Does discrimination contribute to lower rates of flu vaccination in racial/ethnic minorities?

A study found that racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to receive flu vaccinations, with those who report discrimination being about half as likely to be vaccinated. However, after adjusting for other factors, the difference becomes nonsignificant, suggesting that perceived discrimination may not be the primary cause of the dispar...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMay 24, 2016