Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
The omicron variant's infectiousness period is uncertain, with evidence suggesting it may not be shorter than previous variants. Dr Marjolein Irwin-Knoester recommends a maximum of 7-day isolation for most cases, striking a balance between virus infectivity and community acceptance.
A booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, reversing a drop in immunity after two doses. In subjects given CoronaVac or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, the booster raised immunity by a factor of 25 and 7, respectively.
A new study by Santa Fe Institute researchers Katrin Schmelz and Samuel Bowles found that people's opposition to vaccines quadrupled when mandated, but many switched to pro-vaccination as they became more convinced of the vaccines' effectiveness. To increase vaccination rates, policymakers need to focus on building trust and changing h...
A study from the University of New Hampshire found US seafood workers were twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as workers in other food industries. The researchers identified high-density workplaces like seafood processing plants and fishing vessels as major risk factors.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology discovered that vaccination after COVID-19 recovery increases neutralizing antibody levels by up to five times, providing better protection against current coronavirus variants. The study involved 140 volunteers and showed that antibody levels remained high even after 300 days.
The American Society of Transplant Surgeons' COVID-19 Strike Force recommends vaccinating patients on the organ transplant waiting list. This move aims to improve patient safety and reduce transmission risks during the pandemic.
A new study published in Frontiers in Oncology has shown that mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines are well-tolerated by high-risk patients with impaired immunity. The trial enrolled 566 patients and found no evidence of increased adverse events or interference with treatment, reassuring vaccine-hesitant immunocompromised individuals.
A study found that double vaccinated individuals generate a potent and broad neutralizing antibody response after a delta breakthrough infection. This response provides protection against current variants of concern, including omicron.
A study using national claims data found that receiving a single dose of the Janssen vaccine significantly reduced COVID-19-related hospitalizations. The vaccine's effectiveness remained consistent even during the peak of the Delta variant surge, highlighting its durability.
HPV vaccine approval led to increased screening and vaccination rates, resulting in a decrease in HPV-associated cancer cases. The study found significant declines in cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers during this period.
Researchers studied over 8 million people and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and increased risk of immune-mediated neurological disorders. However, infection with SARS-CoV-2 was linked to higher rates of Bell's palsy, encephalomyelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A new COVID-19 vaccine developed at MIT and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has shown promise in preclinical studies, eliciting a strong immune response and protecting animals against viral challenge. The vaccine can be manufactured using engineered yeast, making it an attractive option for low-cost and easy storage.
A new study found that fewer than 2% of babies born to mothers with COVID-19 test positive for the virus, but those with severe cases or diagnosed after childbirth are more likely to be infected. Vaginal births and breastfeeding do not increase the risk of transmission.
A study compared the antibody response in human milk after vaccination with four COVID-19 vaccines, revealing differences in immune system activation. The findings provide valuable insights into vaccine effectiveness and potential impact on infant health.
A comprehensive review of over 60 studies confirms that COVID vaccination is around 80% effective in protecting people with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mRNA vaccines were found to be the most effective, and multiple vaccinations are recommended for better protection.
A study of California state prison staff found that COVID-19 vaccination rates were lower among workers compared to incarcerated individuals, resulting in increased risks of further outbreaks. The plateaued vaccination rates posed significant concerns for continued transmission from prisons to surrounding communities.
Research team finds mutations leading to omicron variant don't affect immune response in people with pre-existing immunity. This suggests individuals who were previously infected or vaccinated may still be protected against breakthrough infections, but humoral immunity may fail.
A project in East St. Louis, Illinois is using a public health model to deploy effective interventions for medically and socially vulnerable residents to obtain COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination services. Critical dialogues are being used to engage participants in discussions about their beliefs on preventive behaviors.
Aled Edwards emphasizes the importance of basic and applied research in developing effective COVID-19 vaccines. He also stresses the need for better vaccination implementation, increased global access to vaccines, and a cultural shift towards viewing access to new medicines as a right rather than an asset.
A Moffitt study found that COVID-19 vaccination led to seroconversion in most cancer patients, but with differing antibody response rates among various cancer types and treatments. Patients with blood cancers had lower seroconversion rates compared to those with solid tumors, highlighting the need for personalized immune responses.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz confirm their bioengineered RSV protein vaccine stimulates a stronger antibody response than the native G protein. The engineered protein is recognized by human RSV-fighting antibodies and may lead to an effective vaccine for severe respiratory disease in children and the elderly.
A new study from the University of Toronto reveals that immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targeted of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada compared to Canadian-born residents. Additionally, migrants expressed greater health concerns related to vaccines and accessing healthcare during the early days of the pandemic.
A Washington State University survey found that 16% of couples in the US are divided on COVID-19 vaccination, with discordant relationships accounting for 15.63% of respondents. The study reveals varying reasons for vaccine refusal, including religious and personal objections.
A study published in JASN found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly protected individuals with kidney failure undergoing dialysis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. Vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization by 52% and mortality rate by 10% compared to unvaccinated individuals.
A large US study found that three doses of mRNA vaccines are necessary to achieve similar protection against the omicron variant as two doses provide against delta and alpha variants. The study also showed that vaccinated patients with omicron were at risk of critical illness and death.
Researchers at West Virginia University are using machine learning and geographic information systems to identify areas with low COVID-vaccine uptake. They aim to pinpoint counties with increased risk of outbreaks, predict where testing is most crucial, and develop targeted interventions to increase testing rates. By acknowledging comm...
A new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that vaccines are most effective when distributed in areas with the highest baseline risks. The researchers used absolute risk reduction to guide the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, prioritizing counties and states with lower numbers needed to vaccinate (NNV).
A large US study found that 92% of reported adverse events following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were non-serious, with most side effects being mild and decreasing substantially after one day. The study also found that less than 1% of participants reported seeking medical care after vaccination.
A study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that people with congenital heart defects who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to require intensive care or need a ventilator. The risk of severe illness was higher among those with additional health conditions, older adults, and men.
The case study examines Rutgers' comprehensive universitywide plan, leveraging internal expertise to develop a swift and effective response. The university required vaccinations for students, promoting resilience and community, and demonstrated the role institutions can play in addressing significant issues.
Researchers discover unique glycoprotein structure of Nipah and Hendra viruses, which could provide blueprint for vaccine design and antibody treatments. The findings suggest a multi-pronged approach to prevent and treat these deadly illnesses.
A new study found that cervical cancer incidence is increasing in low-income US counties, while plateauing in high-income counties. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2018 and estimated trends by county-level household income and smoking prevalence.
A study evaluating Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness found significant protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents. The vaccine was administered in two doses to 542 participants between 12 and 18 years old, demonstrating high efficacy.
Researchers found that mRNA vaccines lose effectiveness against all three Omicron subvariants, BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2, while only bebtelovimab remains effective as a treatment. The study highlights the need for booster shots to sustain immunity.
The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas has awarded a grant extension to Dr. Rakhshanda Rahman, allowing her to provide no-cost mammograms and Pap smears to underinsured and uninsured women in the Permian Basin. The program aims to address high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in West Texas.
A study used data from 1.3 million adults to compare the effectiveness of full vaccination with the Janssen and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines against COVID-19-related hospitalization rates. The results showed that Janssen vaccine was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization compared to Pfizer-BioNTech.
A Washington State University study suggests that partisan media exposure and pre-existing attitudes play a significant role in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The findings indicate that individuals with positive vaccine attitudes and lower conservative media consumption are more likely to have higher vaccine intention.
A single-center study found that trauma patients were less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, even as vaccines became more widely available. The study suggests that trauma centers can play a crucial role in introducing the vaccination conversation with high-risk patients.
Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can have multiple variants in one person, with some hiding in specific cells like kidneys or spleens. This can make complete virus clearance more difficult, as the body struggles to defend against dominant strains.
Researchers found that two-dose mRNA vaccines against the original and early variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus offer little to no protection against the omicron variant. A third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster shot, however, enhances immune response and provides comparable protection to the delta variant.
A team led by City University of Hong Kong researcher Dr Zhang Qingpeng found that donating 46% to 80% of COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries can significantly reduce infection rates and mortality. The study suggests prioritizing vaccines for countries with high incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how antibodies generated by COVID-19 vaccines confer protection against symptomatic infections. The study found that vaccine efficacy is linked to the level of neutralization titre and could enable testing of future vaccines before clinical trials.
Researchers found that some painkillers and fever medications may help fight infection, while others can weaken the immune system. The review highlights the need for more studies on the impact of these medicines on infectious diseases.
Mutations in SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can resist neutralizing antibodies and therapeutics, highlighting the need for improved vaccines and treatments. The study mapped out these 'escape variants' to understand their molecular mechanisms.
A study evaluated COVID-19 vaccine mandates for US states, revealing differences between schools and childcare settings. The results show varying levels of vaccination requirements among states, impacting healthcare professionals.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop durable immunity against variants for at least 11 months. The research suggests that immune protection may endure long-term, potentially reducing the need for vaccine booster shots.
A new study from Washington State University finds that people with a strong desire to travel are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The research also reveals that emotional appeals and loss-based messaging can be effective in changing vaccine intentions.
A study analyzing 185 million COVID-19 vaccine doses found no connection between vaccination and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The results indicate that vaccination is not associated with the development of this condition.
The WHO European Region has seen significant success in diphtheria immunization, with high coverage rates and only a few reported cases. However, suboptimal surveillance systems and inadequate laboratory capacity may contribute to the persistence of sporadic cases.
A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that severe COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirths. The research highlights the importance of vaccination against severe disease to protect both mothers and babies.
A study of 2.6 million patients in Israel suggests a possible association between the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The effect size is very small, indicating that further research is needed to confirm this potential link.
Researchers tracked a Mongolian gazelle traveling over 18,000 km, while new studies on raccoon movement inform improved vaccination strategies against wildlife disease. In contrast, urban bird species exhibit varying body weights and lifespans based on city characteristics.
A University of Ottawa group is conducting research to equip healthcare professionals with resources to aid patients in French-speaking minority settings make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccines. The project aims to address language barriers and combat patient disinformation.
Two studies found a slight increase in the risk of intracranial thrombosis events following AstraZeneca vaccination. The risks were higher in people under 70 years old, with an estimated excess risk of 0.9–3 per million.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that reported cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and adolescents who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were rare. Only one case was estimated per million vaccinated individuals in this age group, according to the CDC.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...
An analysis of pre-Omicron data found that COVID-19 vaccines retain nearly all their ability to prevent severe disease up to six months after full vaccination. Protection against severe COVID-19 dropped by an average of 10 percentage points over the same interval.
A study by MedUni Vienna found that dual-vaccinated and recovered individuals have virtually no protection against infection with the current Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, a third Corona vaccination provides partial blockade of Omicron.
Experts recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering baseline mortality risk calculation and surgical factors. Patients with persistent symptoms or moderate to severe COVID-19 may require longer delays than 7 weeks.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the risk of immediate allergic reactions to a second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines is low among patients who experienced an immediate allergic reaction to their first dose. The study included 1,366 patients and showed no significant increase in severe immediate reactions or anaphylaxis.