Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A recent study of nearly 114,000 patients found that the risk of a COVID-19 breakthrough infection was low overall, but higher in people with HIV. The study highlights the need for continued vaccination efforts and monitoring among this vulnerable population.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that people in Republican counties were more likely to die from COVID-19, with nearly 73 more deaths per 100,000 people compared to Democratic counties. The disparity was due to structural and policy differences in the more conservative counties.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may be essential for kidney transplant patients in Japan to prevent severe disease and infection. Researchers found that only a third of patients developed sufficient antibodies after two doses, highlighting the need for additional protection.
A pregnant woman battled COVID-19 for 22 days before receiving life-saving ECMO treatment. After a successful delivery of a healthy baby boy via emergency C-section, the mother made a full recovery with extensive physiotherapy.
New research suggests that official vaccine mandates can motivate hesitant individuals to seek vaccination, with announcements of mandates having a significant impact on vaccination rates. The study used Canadian provinces and European countries to explore the relationship between mandates and vaccine uptake.
A Norwegian study found that vaccinated mothers had a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in their infants within the first four months of life. The study analyzed all live births between September 2021 and February 2022 and showed a significant reduction in infections among vaccinated infants.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that three doses of the same vaccine or a combination of different vaccines work equally well in preventing COVID-19 infections. The research suggests that the number of vaccine doses is key to improving immunity, rather than the combination of vaccine types.
A study suggests switching from intramuscular to subcutaneous injection may ease post-vaccination fatigue in humans, similar to findings in mice. Researchers identified molecular characteristics linked to increased fatigue and correlated them with baseline gene expression of immune cells.
A single-center study found lower pneumonia frequency and severity in fully vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients. The study included 467 patients who underwent chest CT during hospitalization for symptomatic COVID-19, with significant reductions in pneumonia frequency and severity observed in those fully vaccinated.
A survey study found that Americans are more willing to have surgery during a pandemic if they and hospital staff are vaccinated. Urgent or lifesaving surgeries were viewed as essential, while outpatient surgeries carried less risk of COVID-19 transmission.
A study published in Brain, Behaviour and Immunity found that lower neighbourhood cohesion is associated with a lower response to COVID-19 vaccines. Social cohesion was also linked to feelings of loneliness, which reduced the antibody response.
Researchers found conversion messages to be more effective than one-sided messages in convincing vaccine-hesitant individuals to get vaccinated. The study showed that messages sharing a personal story of someone changing their mind about vaccines increased pro-vaccine attitudes and behavioral intentions among high hesitancy participants.
A survey of hospital staff in two Swiss hospitals found that those who were hesitant or refused vaccination displayed higher impatience and lower expectations for public vaccination rates. This has implications for future health campaigns, as medical staff serve as role models for the general public.
A study of 2.6 million Chicago residents found that zip codes with low vaccination rates had higher COVID-19 mortality rates during the Alpha and Delta waves. This inequitable coverage exacerbated existing racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 deaths.
Children previously infected with COVID-19 or MIS-C are not protected against the newer Omicron variant. However, vaccination shows protective effects, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
A new study found that the delta variant surge in the US was partially due to overestimating population immunity, with only 67% of southern New Englanders actually immune. This underestimation led to inaccurate projections and an incorrect assumption about herd immunity.
A UC Riverside study focuses on farm-working communities in the region, highlighting misinformation, lack of trust, and insecurity as major factors. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities and increase vaccine acceptance among vulnerable populations.
Researchers simulated COVID-19 transmission on a university campus, finding that universal mask usage and high vaccination rates can curb new infections. The study suggests that at least 93% of students should be vaccinated during highly transmissible variant outbreaks.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital studied mRNA vaccine safety in pregnant women, finding no Spike protein expression in placentas. The study provides further evidence of mRNA vaccine safety, supporting expanded vaccination efforts for vulnerable populations.
A cohort study of healthcare workers and community participants found that fully vaccinated individuals had significantly less secondary transmission and shorter viable virus duration than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. The study suggests that vaccination status affects SARS-CoV-2 shedding and transmission.
New experiments in mice contradict fears that COVID-19 vaccination affects fetal growth and fertility. Vaccination is shown to protect the fetus from infection, while infection reduces fetal growth. The study adds further evidence against popular claims of vaccine harms during pregnancy.
Researchers assessed COVID-19 prevention measures in NYC public schools against the Delta variant, finding secondary attack rates and transmission patterns among students, teachers, and staff. Vaccination status played a significant role in preventing delta variant transmission.
The current monkeypox outbreak is more widespread than previous ones outside of Africa, with significant cases reported in Europe, the UK, and North America. A notable increase in cases among men who have sex with men has been observed, although the cause remains unclear.
A population-scale study found COVID-19 vaccination is effective in most cancer patients but offers lower protection and wanes quickly. Vaccine effectiveness was lower (65.5%) in cancer patients compared to the general population (69.8%), with higher hospitalization and death risks despite vaccination.
A study published in AJR found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccination-induced axillary lymphadenopathy resolves after a mean of 97 days. Longer resolution times were observed with Moderna vaccination, receipt of second doses, and thicker cortical thickness at presentation.
Studies found people infected and vaccinated had similarly robust antibody responses against variants alpha through omicron; Immune memory cells against common cold coronaviruses may be markers of longer immunity. Researchers hope to improve vaccines with these insights.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that the repurposed antibiotic clofoctol may be an effective therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2 infected mice, with decreased viral load, reduced inflammatory gene expression, and lowered pulmonary pathology. Further studies are needed to confirm its potential as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.
A study of 50 people found that higher body weights were inversely correlated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels six months after receiving two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The findings suggest that weight may impact immune response to the vaccine.
Two studies found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine generates high enough antibody levels to neutralize BA.2 and deltacron, as well as other omicron sublineage variants. Booster shots show stronger protection against these variants than just two doses, particularly against deltacron.
Researchers evaluated various vaccination, testing, and surveillance measures to control Omicron variant spread on a university campus. The study found that routine surveillance and vaccination efforts were effective in reducing case numbers and hospitalizations.
A large study found that vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a decrease in the likelihood of long Covid symptoms. Receiving a first and second vaccine dose was linked to a sustained reduction in long Covid symptoms, especially those severe enough to limit daily activities.
A community-focused approach led by Boston Medical Center significantly improved COVID-19 vaccination uptake in historically disinvested Black and Latino communities. The initiative administered over 100,000 first doses, with a focus on mobile vaccination events and community-based clinics.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that mRNA vaccines show better protection against COVID-19 variants compared to viral vector vaccines. The research, conducted among healthcare workers, revealed higher neutralizing antibody responses in mRNA vaccine recipients against VOCs, including Omicron.
Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.
A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.
New research published in CMAJ found that 11% of patients discharged from COVID-19 hospitalization were readmitted or died within 30 days. Notably, the rates of readmission were consistent with admissions for other medical conditions.
Researchers compared SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers after Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in immunosuppressed patients. The study found differing antibody responses among these individuals, who have decreased immune responses to standard vaccines.
Two projects aim to vaccinate 40,000 and 60,000 people in Ethiopia against cholera, using the OCV vaccine developed by IVI. The mass vaccination campaign will also establish a disease monitoring system to strengthen local public health capabilities.
Researchers found that a single mRNA vaccine booster shot can provide the same level of protection as three doses, making it a promising investment for resource-poor countries. The study suggests that this strategy could benefit billions of people worldwide and help combat emerging COVID-19 variants.
Researchers found that MS patients treated with Rituximab who have higher B cell counts of 40/µL or more develop protective levels of antibodies after vaccination. This suggests that measuring B cell level before vaccination is crucial for increasing the chance of a positive response.
A new study found that individuals high in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are less likely to wear masks or get vaccinated. However, those who do choose to participate may be more likely to encourage others to do so. Researchers suggest using unique messaging strategies to tap into these personalities.
A new study reveals that racial discrimination in medical settings can lead to low confidence in the health system and increased vaccine refusal among ethnic minority groups. The research found that nearly one in ten participants who refused a COVID-19 vaccine reported experiencing poorer service due to their race or ethnicity.
A COVID vaccine designed for oral administration neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus in mucosal tissues, limiting infections and airborne transmission. The study found vaccinated hamsters were less symptomatic and shed fewer viral particles after exposure.
A study found that vaccines induce immune responses beyond neutralizing antibodies, involving T cells and the Fc receptor, to control viral replication and prevent severe disease. The researchers observed dose-dependent effects on these immune mechanisms, providing insights for future vaccine design and boosting.
Researchers found antibody levels in people with severe obesity are significantly lower than normal weight controls after receiving two doses of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or CoronaVac vaccine. The study suggests that individuals with severe obesity may generate a weaker immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.
A study involving hypothetical COVID-19 vaccines found that effectiveness and risk of side effects significantly influence people's vaccine preferences. The attributes of actual vaccines may not be as crucial for those already open to vaccinations.
The 100-year-old BCG vaccine has been found to protect newborns and young infants against multiple bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19. The study identified changes in metabolite and lipid profiles that correlate with innate immune system responses.
A recent study found that 78.3% of autistic adults in Pennsylvania reported receiving or intending to get a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 42% of overall adults. The research identified key factors driving vaccine acceptance and hesitancy, such as feelings of increased loneliness and concerns about vaccine safety.
State bans on affirmative action policies are associated with lower enrollment of underrepresented minority students in public medical schools. The study found a 5.5 percentage point decrease in enrollment of underrepresented students relative to control schools.
A workplace-based guaranteed financial incentive of $1,000 significantly increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake among employees at a US company. The study suggests that such incentives can be an effective strategy to improve vaccination rates.
A study across eight European countries found that conventional vaccination campaign messages are ineffective due to factors like low health literacy and conspiracy theories. The research suggests a need for targeted messaging strategies tailored to specific groups and communication channels.
A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death among heart transplant recipients. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, compared vaccinated and unvaccinated patients at a single center and showed a notable difference in outcomes.
A study from the University of Illinois Chicago explores key themes and topics from COVID-19 vaccine-related tweets, identifying changes in public attitudes towards vaccination and concerns about effectiveness. The research provides insights for policymakers to frame policies and programs to accelerate vaccine uptake.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that adult vaccination rates and social determinants of health impacted children's mental health during the pandemic. Stress surrounding the pandemic decreased in children after vaccinations were rolled out for adults in December 2020.
A study of over 15 million COVID-19 vaccine doses found a potential link between vaccination and the development of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. The research assessed the risk of GBS after vaccination with Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
A Belgian study assessed the risk factors of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in fully vaccinated people, finding mRNA vaccines offered greater protection than viral vector jabs. Breakthrough infections were more common in those who received viral vector vaccines, while prior Covid infection and vaccination provided added protection.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.
A study found that 98.7% of pregnant Californians surveyed were aware of COVID-19 vaccines, but over half were hesitant to receive them due to a lack of information. The most common reason for hesitation was uncertainty about the vaccine's effect on pregnancy and fetal development.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that unvaccinated individuals pose a significant risk to vaccinated people, even when vaccination rates are high. The research suggests that mixing between unvaccinated and vaccinated populations can lead to substantial new infections among the vaccinated.
A study of over 20,000 Canadian adults hospitalised with COVID-19 found that vaccination significantly lowers the risk of ICU admission and death. Vaccination with one, two, or three doses reduced the likelihood of ICU admission by 34% and odds of dying by 22%.