Articles tagged with Vaccination
Researchers have discovered compact viral RNA elements that can stabilize mRNA, increasing protein production. These elements, called tailons, work by extending the poly(A) tail of mRNA, slowing its degradation. This breakthrough offers a simple way to develop longer-lasting and more efficient mRNA technologies for various applications.
A study of Reddit posts about the maternal Tdap vaccine found pregnant women seeking information to clarify concerns and better understand healthcare provider advice. Many posters asked for reassurance around vaccine safety or their choice to refuse the vaccine, but few posts contained discussions of vaccine hesitancy.
Researchers at the Batista Lab have identified a gap in current malaria vaccines, which only target one region of the parasite. Adding short peptides to these regions can broaden the immune response and improve protection.
A cost analysis of the 2025 New Mexico measles outbreak found it carried an estimated societal cost of $5.4 million, with vaccination-related activities accounting for about $2.1 million. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining strong vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.
Researchers at Penn State and the USDA have identified 10 genomic variants associated with increased virulence in Marek's disease virus, a deadly illness affecting chickens. The study could inform the design of more effective vaccines that can prevent future breakthroughs.
The study highlights how school-entry vaccine requirements strengthen the connection between healthcare and education systems, ultimately improving children's health outcomes. By requiring vaccinations at school entry points, these policies create a valuable interface for public health interventions.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have made significant progress in understanding the causes of long COVID, focusing on changes in virus-specific immune cells. Specifically, they found that people with long COVID have distinctive changes in CD8 T cells, which are specialized to protect against specific viruses.
A survey of U.S. adults found that most are unaware of the CDC's vaccine recommendations during pregnancy, with uncertainty prevailing across four vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. Women aged 18-49 were significantly more informed about the recommended vaccines than other age groups.
A new study reveals that Republican lawmakers sponsored 86% of antivaccine bills introduced in state legislatures after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers supported provaccine bills, highlighting partisan polarization's impact on vaccine access and public health.
A global vaccine trial evaluated fractional doses of COVID-19 boosters, finding they produced strong immune responses comparable to full-dose boosters. This could lead to extended vaccine supplies, improved equity in vaccination programs and reduced costs, especially in low-income countries.
A study found that measles-containing vaccines were administered to only 15% of children in this age group between 2015 and 2025. This proportion remained stable over time, but disparities in vaccine uptake existed among minoritized racial and ethnic groups.
A new study at RMIT University has identified conditions that help protect mRNA particles in dry vaccine patches, providing practical guidance for future patch design. This research could make future mRNA vaccines easier to store and distribute, particularly in lower-resource settings where cold-chain logistics are a barrier.
A fatal rabies case in an 11-year-old boy underscores the risks of human contact with bats, even without visible bites or scratches. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial to prevent death from rabies if administered promptly after exposure.
A study found that administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day is not associated with an increased risk of serious or clinically meaningful adverse events. The research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, involved 2.5 million patients in the US Department of Veterans Affairs health care system and compared thos...
A study of 193 countries finds that armed conflict leads to more measles cases, even a year after fighting ends. Socioeconomic decline is the strongest connection between conflict and measles, as it erodes health foundations and population vulnerability.
A study of over 3,200 emergency department patients across the US found that nearly all participants were aware of influenza vaccination, but 58.4% had not received a flu vaccine within the past year. Among those who declined vaccination, fear of side effects and lack of information were common concerns.
A new study found that an mRNA influenza vaccine helps the immune system recognize a wider range of viruses, offering stronger protection. The vaccine is currently under review by the FDA and could offer benefits in reducing hospitalizations and deaths if approved.
A new study found that AI-powered chatbots can make vaccine-hesitant parents more likely to say they will immunize their children against HPV, but no more than standard written public health materials. Additionally, the effects of the chatbots did not last longer than those of government health materials.
A study finds that maternal RSV prefusion F vaccination protects against RSV-associated acute respiratory illness and lowers hospitalization rates among infants under 1 year. The findings support the effectiveness of this vaccine in preventing severe respiratory illnesses.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal RSV vaccination reduces hospitalization risk in young infants by nearly 70%. The vaccine also showed effectiveness against severe lung infections caused by the virus.
A new study identifies five core values shaping COVID-19 vaccination decisions among Black and Hispanic parents, including safety, knowledge, trust, humanity, and autonomy. Understanding these values can inform targeted public health campaigns to reduce racial disparities in childhood vaccination rates.
A study by Finnish researchers found that MMR vaccines provide sustained protection against measles transmission in Finland, maintaining herd immunity despite high vaccination coverage. The study identified a 'firewall population' of individuals with sufficient immunity to prevent infection and limit viral spread.
Research from Harvard Medical School confirms pediatric flu vaccines effectively reduce childhood flu cases, with fall-born children being more likely vaccinated and less likely to catch the flu. The study's findings provide additional support for flu vaccination, highlighting its public health benefits.
A nationally representative survey of empaneled adults found that most Americans understand how STIs spread, but there are significant gaps in public knowledge about which infections can be prevented through vaccination. The survey also revealed strong awareness of common transmission pathways and some basic facts about STIs.
A new study presents dual immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using RSVpreF and nirsevimab, showing reduced hospitalizations among infants in France. The study found that this combined approach demonstrates potential for enhanced RSV prevention and protection
Researchers created a new way to boost T-cell response to mRNA vaccines, yielding more powerful anti-cancer effects and stronger protection against infectious diseases. The innovation enabled the immune system to completely eradicate most tumors in mouse models.
The study found substantial state-level variation in HPV vaccine uptake, with Northeastern states exhibiting higher rates and Southern states showing lower rates. Several sociodemographic factors were not significant predictors of vaccination rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake.
A study of over 400 pregnant women found that vivid mental images are directly linked to their opinion of vaccines and whether they get vaccinated. Positive mental images were associated with increased vaccination rates, while negative images predicted higher hesitancy towards certain vaccines.
A study found mitochondrial morphological abnormalities and downregulation of mitochondria-related genes in patients who developed myocarditis after mRNA vaccination. Treatment with antioxidants and pharmacological inhibitors suppressed the condition. Sex hormones may also play a role in preventing cardiac dysfunction.
A systematic review of 59 studies found no association between aluminium-adjuvanted vaccines and serious or long-term health outcomes, including autism, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and myalgia. Persistent nodules or granulomas at the injection site were the most consistently documented reactions.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that the US missed four out of seven measles elimination status indicators, with most at risk. The latest outbreak has spread continuously for over a year and affected 45 states since January 2025.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that FluMist can trigger an immune response directly in nasal tissue, training immune cells to recognize and fight influenza virus infection. This response stays in the upper airways and cannot be detected via blood samples.
A new study by researchers at Mount Sinai overturns the assumption that immune cells are essential for generating immunity from mRNA vaccines. Instead, non-immune cells such as muscle and liver cells play a role in shaping the immune response.
A new study suggests that seasonal influenza vaccines may significantly reduce the risk of death from H5N1 infection. The study found that vaccines including a specific component, neuraminidase N1, reduced H5N1-related mortality by approximately 73 percent in vaccinated animals.
A recent study found that lower vaccination coverage among infants born to unscreened mothers is associated with a substantial increase in HBV infections. The researchers used simulation modeling to examine the impact of different levels of newborn vaccination coverage and maternal screening on HBV infection rates.
Brief delays in hepatitis B vaccine initiation result in substantial increases in virus infections, adverse health outcomes, and healthcare expenses. Economic evaluations reveal the significant financial burden of such delays on individuals and society.
Targeted birth-dose vaccine recommendation may increase neonatal HBV infections unless maternal screening improves or infant vaccination coverage increases. Universal screening and vaccination remain essential safeguards against these infections.
The study found that low influenza vaccination rates among children are associated with increased healthcare visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. Achieving a 70% immunization rate could prevent up to 2.2 million outpatient visits and 123 pediatric deaths during high-incidence flu seasons.
A new study examined measles vaccination coverage in a primary care network following a large post-elimination outbreak. The findings show that MMR coverage remained below herd immunity levels, highlighting the fragility of measles elimination.
Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, marking progress in cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination programmes show significant reductions in infections and precancerous lesions, with early administration increasing full protective potential.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mRNA vaccines can trigger strong anti-tumor responses even without certain immune cell subtypes, suggesting a novel pathway for cancer treatment. The study found that both cDC1 and cDC2 dendritic cells play a role in stimulating T-cell responses.
Researchers found that extending vaccination opportunities, involving community members, and providing financial incentives are effective ways to increase vaccine uptake. The study analyzed international trial evidence and highlighted the most effective components across different populations and contexts.
Researchers found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by half for those who got infected, even if they didn't get vaccinated beforehand. The study's findings suggest prioritizing influenza vaccination among high-risk populations could have significant public health impact.
Persistent inequalities remain a major barrier to achieving universal protection against life-threatening infections. The study found that PCV booster retention has dropped in England since the schedule change, disproportionately affecting children in more deprived areas.
The Johns Hopkins team developed a therapeutic intranasal DNA vaccine against tuberculosis that accelerated disease clearance, improved treatment outcomes, and stimulated immune responses. The vaccine combines two genes to direct the immune system to fight drug-tolerant bacterial persisters, showing promise for treating TB.
Among highly boosted patients with cancer, overall postacute sequelae risk was not elevated compared to noninfected patients; hospitalized COVID-19 patients remained at increased risk despite therapeutics. Vaccination and boosting remain important in mitigating long COVID among immunocompromised patients
A nationwide survey in Switzerland found that HPV vaccination uptake among adults was lower than among adolescents, with only 27% of those aged 18-45 vaccinated. The survey also revealed significant differences between genders, age groups, and levels of knowledge about HPV, highlighting the need for targeted information and tailored co...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
Researchers reveal that skin-cell calcium channel TRPV3 is activated by plant-derived fragrant molecules, leading to enhanced immune responses and potential new vaccine adjuvants. The study provides a novel understanding of immune crosstalk and offers a safer approach to enhancing vaccine efficacy.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) 2026 childhood vaccine schedule, which is based on evidence and better reflects current disease epidemiology. The ACP's Immunization Committee found the AAP recommendations to be more evidence-based than the CDC's recommendations, particularly i...
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing
The American College of Physicians advises all adults aged 75 or older to receive a protein subunit Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Adults aged 60-74 with comorbid conditions may also consider receiving the vaccine. The benefits outweigh the harms in this age group.
Researchers found that adding native forest litter rapidly reshaped soil microbial communities and improved their functional potential. This low-cost strategy could help accelerate ecological recovery in degraded landscapes worldwide.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will host a webinar highlighting recent clinical advances in breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Researchers will present key findings from ASH and SABCS meetings, impacting treatment outcomes.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of invasive cervical cancer, with sustained protection observed for 13-15 years after vaccination. The study also showed a population-level decline in cervical cancer cases over time.
A new study found that US newborn hepatitis B virus vaccination rates declined by over 10 percentage points in the last 2 years. This decline reverses 6 years of growth and is aligned with WHO and CDC coverage estimates through 2022.
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway found low vaccination rates against COVID-19 and influenza, with only 29.9% and 12.1% vaccinated respectively. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve vaccination uptake among expectant mothers.
A new study of over 3 million adults found that booster vaccines reduced the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. The effectiveness was similar for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccines, but protection declined over time.
A novel vaccination approach cleared harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in an animal model of infection. The experimental vaccine protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence through mucosal immunization.