Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified 46 specific mutations in the Omicron variant that enable it to evade pre-existing antibodies. These mutations are particularly prevalent in the region where antibodies bind to the virus, making them a key target for future antiviral treatments.
A survey of 1,200 US adults reveals COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy decreased more rapidly among Black individuals than white individuals since December 2020. The study suggests a significant decrease in vaccine hesitancy among Black adults, but still higher compared to white adults.
A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.
A large survey study found an association between moderate depression symptoms and believing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. The study included over 15,000 respondents and examined the psychological impact of vaccine misinformation on mental health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that those who received the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine have a lower risk of experiencing 'breakthrough' COVID-19 cases compared to recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine. The study also found that Moderna recipients were less likely to be hospital...
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and targeted therapies may mount inadequate immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination. The authors recommend antibody level testing and booster vaccinations for these patients.
A new study by Yale researchers found that the Sinovac vaccine, widely used in 48 countries, offers little protection against the Omicron variant. Booster shots are necessary to combat the dominant circulating virus, which has shown to produce no neutralizing antibodies among those who received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine.
A new study of over 4 million adults in the UK found that people with COVID-19 symptoms are less likely to get tested due to barriers such as mild symptoms, poor knowledge of nearby testing sites, and certain demographic factors. The study suggests that targeted messaging and improved education are needed to increase test uptake.
The project aims to address concerns and dispel misinformation about COVID-19 testing and vaccination among women leaving incarceration. Researchers will use a modular system to deliver education on critical health literacy, meeting the unique needs of this underserved population.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that memory T cells formed after previous infection or mRNA vaccination can still recognize the omicron variant, suggesting protection against severe disease. The study also suggests booster immunization may provide benefits beyond neutralizing antibodies.
A new study has found that children in sub-Saharan Africa who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are dying at a rate far greater than children in the US and Europe. Children under 1 year old had nearly five times the risk of death compared to adolescents aged 15-19 years.
A Brazilian study found a correlation between dealing with COVID-19 and environmental disasters, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience. The study also identified a lack of continuity in funding for disaster relief and pandemic response.
A new meta-analysis of COVID-19 vaccine trials found that the placebo effect accounts for more than two-thirds of adverse events, with headache and fatigue being the most common. The study suggests that informing patients about potential side effects could help reduce vaccination hesitancy.
A Rutgers study reveals the professional and personal impact of COVID-19 on Black and Latinx healthcare workers in supportive roles. The findings highlight the critical need for health systems to improve work conditions, including wages, physical demands, and mental well-being, to retain this marginalized workforce.
Climate change sentiments were overwhelmingly pro-human activity action, while vaccine sentiments showed a significant gap between pro and neutral views. The study analyzed 87 million tweets from 2007 to 2016 and found less interaction among users with opposing views on vaccines compared to climate change.
Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that COVID-19 vaccines maintain protection from severe disease nine months after the first shot. Boosters are crucial for older adults, according to lead author Danyu Lin, PhD.
A potential vaccine stimulating skin antioxidant production may help prevent skin cancer. Researchers at Oregon State University have identified TR1, a protein critical to the skin's antioxidant network, as a key target for this approach.
A simulation model estimated a nearly half reduction in total hospitalizations and deaths following the US COVID-19 vaccination program. The study suggests a significant association between vaccination and improved health outcomes during the first six months of 2021.
A new study found that older Europeans who underestimate their health are more likely to adapt their behavior in response to COVID-19 concerns. This group may face increased social isolation and feelings of loneliness as a result.
A unique Irish study found that previous COVID-19 infection and age are associated with lower antibody levels six months after vaccination. The research highlights the importance of boosting vaccinations for vulnerable populations like nursing home residents.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 vaccine administration disparities among low-income, diverse populations. The study found significant racial and ethnic inequities in vaccine uptake and access at federally qualified health centers.
A new study found that providing health information in a foreign language can reduce vaccine hesitancy. In a study conducted in Hong Kong, participants who received the same information in Cantonese showed lower willingness to get vaccinated compared to those who received it in English. The researchers suggest that language choice shou...
A case series found that a fourth dose of an mRNA-based vaccine increases antispike IgG titers in kidney transplant recipients with weak serologic response after three doses. The researchers noted no safety concerns with the additional dose and suggested its use for such patients.
The study investigated the antibody response to 2 or 3 doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine in patients with solid tumors treated with anticancer agents. The researchers found that higher antibody levels were associated with better immune response and reduced risk of severe COVID-19.
A registry study found that people with inflammatory RMDs, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, tolerate their COVID vaccine well, with short-lived reactions being the most common side effect. The majority of participants were able to continue on their normal medication with no changes.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that vaccinated women transfer SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to their breastfed infants, potentially giving them passive immunity against the coronavirus. The research also showed a correlation between vaccine side effects and antibody levels in infant stool.
A booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is required to provide immunity against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, according to a study. The traditional dosing regimens of COVID-19 vaccines available in the US do not produce antibodies capable of recognizing and neutralizing the Omicron variant.
A NIH-funded study discovered a small, temporary increase in menstrual cycle length among women receiving COVID-19 vaccine. The average increase was less than one day, with no change in bleeding days.
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people with immune dysfunction, such as HIV infection or rheumatoid arthritis, had a higher rate of COVID-19 breakthrough infections after vaccination. These individuals also experienced worse outcomes compared to those without immune dysfunction.
A study of fully vaccinated patients with cancer who experienced breakthrough COVID-19 found a 13% mortality rate. Fully vaccinated patients were at high risk for hospitalization and death, even after receiving booster vaccines.
A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.
A new study reveals that mRNA vaccines activate a type of helper cell called T follicular helper cells, which assist in creating powerful antibodies and drive the development of immune memory. This strong response helps prevent severe disease and death, even against highly mutated variants like omicron.
A study of 18 Connecticut colleges found that COVID-19 cases were associated with higher social contact and lower testing rates. The authors suggest that colleges should continue testing residential students and implementing mitigation strategies.
A new study finds that the Omicron variant can evade immunity from previous infections and vaccines, with antibodies from double-vaccinated individuals showing reduced neutralizing activity. The study suggests the need for new vaccines and treatments to combat evolving variants.
Recent studies have shown that booster doses can restore vaccination effectiveness to over 90% in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, continued research highlights the importance of nonpharmaceutical interventions such as mask-wearing and social distancing in reducing COVID-19 cases and limiting variant emergence.
A study of 1.2 million symptomatic adults found that unvaccinated individuals had a higher risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 compared to vaccinated adults. The analysis suggests that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic COVID-19.
A study published in PNAS found that trust and knowledge about vaccination are stronger predictors of vaccination than Covid-specific factors. Background beliefs and behavior regarding vaccination in general were more than twice as predictive of the change in vaccination as beliefs about the pandemic itself.
Austrian researchers developed a detailed epidemiological model to study the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes. The agent-based simulation tool helps balance safety and quality of life, considering vaccination rates and testing accuracy. With a high vaccination rate, major outbreaks are no longer expected.
New research reveals that COVID-19 vaccinated kidney transplant recipients have impaired antibody responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1.351 and B.1.617.2. The study found that these patients require additional vaccinations to maintain high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers developed a fair-diverse allocation optimization framework to optimize the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and testing supplies. The model aims to get limited resources to the most vulnerable subgroups while ensuring fairness and diversity, independent of demographic background.
A study of nearly 20,000 adults found that serious COVID-19 vaccine side effects are extremely rare among those who received vaccination. The online survey collected data on health and COVID-19-related events for daily, weekly, and monthly periods.
A new study reveals the sophisticated mechanism by which adenoviruses infect human cells and transfer foreign DNA into their nucleus. Protein V plays a crucial role in increasing the virus particle's stability and preventing premature DNA release, which triggers an anti-viral alarm system.
A COVID-19 antibody survey in Sierra Leone found significant underreporting of cases and low vaccination rates, posing a risk to populations with limited immunity. The study's findings call for rapid vaccine deployments and support for intellectual property waivers to address the pandemic's progression.
Despite receiving three vaccinations, kidney transplant patients have inadequate cellular and humoral protection against SARS-CoV-2, with around 90% showing little to no protection. Researchers are now investigating the efficacy and safety of a human antibody cocktail in these patients.
Researchers create plan for proactively developing drug cocktails against virus families, aiming to provide effective treatments in weeks, not months. The approach prioritizes combination therapy to reduce disease spread and limit viral adaptation.
A Phase II trial will investigate a prime-boost regimen using two different COVID-19 vaccines, with the goal of expanding access to vaccines in Africa. The study aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a mixed schedule of COVID-19 vaccines.
A new study found that multi-level interventions promoting staff training and early HPV vaccination starting at age 11 can sustain on-time vaccinations over several years. These findings suggest that targeted public health investments can improve vaccination rates, saving lives from HPV-related cancers.
A study by Iowa State University found that vaccine scarcity reduces perceived vaccination priority and increases vaccine hesitancy. Participants with higher levels of compassion were less likely to book an appointment when vaccines were described as scarce.
Researchers evaluated the quality of supporting evidence for FDA emergency use authorizations of COVID-19-related diagnostic tests, medical devices, and treatments. The study found that some authorizations lacked adequate evidence to support their approval.
A study found that Covid-19 vaccine protection wanes after three months, increasing the risk of hospitalization and death from severe disease. Booster programs are recommended to maintain maximum protection.
A new study suggests that breakthrough infections generate 'super immunity' to COVID-19, providing a robust immune response against the delta variant and potentially other variants. The study found that antibodies generated from breakthrough cases were 1,000% more effective than those from vaccinated individuals.
A study of nearly 5 million Danish residents finds mRNA vaccines associated with a low risk of myocarditis or myopericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. Absolute numbers are low, even in younger age groups.
Research from Queen Mary University of London and Cardiff University found that certain MS treatments can reduce Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness in people with MS. The largest peer-reviewed study on the topic provides high-quality evidence to inform clinicians' guidance on treatment options.
A novel vaccine, TOH-Vac1, replicates inside the body's cells and generates a powerful immune response in mice and monkeys. The vaccine is based on a strain of vaccinia virus used to vaccinate against smallpox and can be programmed to protect against multiple variants.
Researchers have discovered a fundamental role of the TBK1 enzyme in deciding B cell fate, crucial for developing effective vaccines for diseases like COVID-19 and malaria. The study reveals that TBK1 is necessary for germinal center formation and high-quality antibody production.
A new poll of people over 50 finds most are finding joy and staying resilient amid the pandemic, but a sizable minority feel significant stress, particularly about COVID-19 risk. The poll highlights the importance of focusing on those in poor health and finding safe ways to enjoy favorite activities.
A study published in CMAJ found that hospital health care workers in Quebec had high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest rates were reported in hospitals with outbreaks, particularly those from older facilities.