Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified Th1* cells as a key marker in the body's immune signature following BCG vaccination. The study found that these cells respond well to the vaccine and can help fight the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium that causes TB.
A new study found that Omicron's immune-evading capabilities are significant, but some vaccinated and previously infected individuals have 'stronger' protection. However, the protection from Omicron may be compromised over time.
The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that implementing lottery programs as an incentive for COVID-19 vaccination led to substantial increases in vaccine uptake. The study analyzed data from over 40 states and showed a strong correlation between the implementation of these programs and subsequent vaccine adoption.
Researchers found that transient depletion of regulatory T cells induces dendritic cell maturation and generates adaptive immune responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 antigens. This discovery may improve current vaccine strategies by eliminating the need for adjuvants.
Researchers report that combining infection and vaccination produces high-quality antibodies effective against COVID-19 variants. The study found that prior-infected individuals who received a vaccine had potent antibodies against new variants, contrary to previous findings suggesting reduced potency.
A study found that obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission or death. Additionally, accelerated immunosenescence may be a key mechanism explaining the relationship between obesity and T2DM in severe COVID-19. Vaccination effectiveness may also be impacted by metabolic disorders.
A new study is investigating the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy among three First Nations communities in Canada. The study aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in these communities, with a focus on addressing historical and colonial health disparities.
A survey of 9 European countries and the US found significant differences in vaccine skepticism, with Russia having the lowest percentage at 62% and the UK the highest at 93.9%. Factors such as media use, mental health, and government communication played a role in shaping attitudes towards vaccination.
A survey of 1,100 parents found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy differed by factors such as racial and ethnic background, education level, and previous experience with COVID-19. The study highlights the need for tailored vaccination strategies to address these disparities.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital found that COVID-19 vaccination-related myocarditis is usually mild and has a fast clinical recovery rate in adolescents and young adults. However, long-term monitoring of heart health is recommended due to potential cardiac complications.
A new rapid test developed by Duke University researchers can measure patient immunity against multiple COVID-19 variants like Omicron and Delta. The CoVariant-SCAN test uses a polymer brush coating to detect neutralizing antibodies, allowing for quick and accurate assessment of antibody effectiveness.
A new opinion piece argues that hospitals have an ethical duty to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients, even if it means delaying non-emergency procedures for vaccinated individuals. The author suggests a contingency care standard prioritizing emergency life-support regardless of vaccination status.
A new particulate saponin/TLR agonist vaccine adjuvant has been shown to alter lymph flow and modulate adaptive immunity. This study demonstrates the potential of this ingredient as a more effective vaccine booster.
Researchers have identified pigtailed macaques as a suitable animal model for studying two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses, Kyasanur Forest disease and Alkhurma hemorrhagic disease. The study found that infected macaques exhibited symptoms similar to those in humans, including loss of appetite, dehydration, and hemorrhaging.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of US states failed to follow CDC guidelines for prioritizing cancer patients for COVID-19 vaccinations. The lack of clarity in defining qualifying cancer diagnoses led to unequal vaccination priority, leaving vulnerable patients at risk.
A study by Imperial College London found that the first SARS-CoV-2 spike protein encountered through vaccination or infection influences subsequent immune responses to current and future variants. This 'immune imprinting' affects the rate of decay of protection and impacts antibody levels over time.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the COVID-19 Delta variant may have a reduced ability to be neutralized by vaccines. The researchers analyzed serum samples from vaccinated individuals and found that the Delta variant was more effective at evading vaccine-induced immunity than other variants, such as Beta and Alpha.
A Canadian study found that delaying the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine produces a stronger immune response, which could inform international vaccination strategies. This longer dose interval strategy enables early access to first doses and ensures better protection with the two-dose series.
A study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who survive severe Covid-19 have a significantly greater chance of dying over the next year. The risk is highest for those under 65, with a 233% increased chance of dying compared to uninfected individuals.
The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...
Researchers at University at Buffalo successfully freeze-dried a liposome-based liquid vaccine formula, offering a thermostable solution for future COVID-19 vaccines. The freeze-dried product showed stability at elevated temperatures and induced effective antibody responses in mice.
A large-scale study of over 1.2 million people found breakthrough COVID-19 infections are rare but more frequent and severe in those with weakened immune systems. The study supports the introduction of a third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals to increase protection.
The study found that indoor bars, private parties, and nightclubs were high-risk places for transmitting the Delta variant, with men being more susceptible. Previous infection conferred a 95% protective effect, while two doses of mRNA vaccines provided 67% protection against symptomatic infection.
A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that children with poorly controlled asthma are three to six times more likely to be hospitalized with Covid-19. Experts advise vaccinating these children to reduce the risk of infection and spread in schools and households.
A new programme is seeking to understand the rare condition of blood clotting with low platelets in COVID-19 infection and vaccination. The vast majority of people experience mild reactions, but some develop severe side effects, including blood clots and low platelet levels.
A Kaiser Permanente study found the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be 87% effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and 96% effective in preventing hospitalization. The vaccine's effectiveness persisted even among those with underlying conditions, providing reassurance about its durability.
A nationwide study found decreased cervical cancer incidence and death rates among women and girls aged 15-24 after HPV vaccine introduction. The decline was more pronounced in the younger age group compared to those aged 25-29 and 30-39, suggesting a potential association with vaccination.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
A study using GDPR-compliant mobile phone data found significant decreases in household mixing during the first two lockdowns, but increases during the third, coinciding with the vaccine rollout.
A recent study estimates that COVID-19 vaccination prevented almost 470,000 deaths among people aged 60 years and older across Europe. The authors found that early implementation of vaccination was associated with the largest reduction in expected deaths.
A study found that covid infection risk gradually increases after a second vaccine dose, with protection waning over time. The research suggests that a third (booster) dose might be warranted to prevent breakthrough infections.
A survey of 1,300 healthcare professionals found that emotional distress was associated with the pandemic's severity and lack of vaccination options. The study suggests that healthcare workers may have been at increased risk of mental health issues during this time.
Antibodies that mimic the SARS-CoV-2 virus may explain lingering symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 and rare vaccine side effects like allergic reactions and blood-clotting. This theory, based on classic immunological concepts, suggests a cascade of immune responses that can lead to adverse effects.
A real-world study of BBV152 found that two doses resulted in 50% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 in hospital workers. The study's findings support the importance of a second dose for maximum protection, but highlight limitations in estimating vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes.
A mathematical model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 Delta-like variants, which combine enhanced transmissibility and partial immune escape, will cause more severe pandemics than variants with either trait alone. Vaccination is predicted to be highly beneficial in these cases, preventing more infections and breakthroughs.
People taking immunosuppressants, especially TNF inhibitors, have a weaker antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines. A third dose can drive antibody levels back up, but the duration is unknown.
A study found that individuals under 65 had higher antibody levels than those over 65, with women outperforming men. However, by six months post-vaccination, antibody levels dropped significantly for everyone in the study group.
A recent study found that low-, middle-, and high-income countries hosting COVID-19 vaccine trials received proportionately more doses of vaccines. High-income countries were able to fully vaccinate their populations due to the higher dose allocation, raising concerns about unequal access to life-saving vaccines.
A recent CDC analysis found that vaccination rates among US hospital personnel stalled after initial uptake, with 30% remaining unvaccinated as of September 2021. The analysis, which included data from over 3.3 million healthcare workers, revealed that vaccine mandates and educational efforts could help improve coverage.
Iowa State University researchers validated the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy, which prioritized frontline essential workers, older age groups, and individuals with underlying health factors. The model showed that this approach was highly effective in curbing mortality while keeping case numbers at bay.
The CDC's four-tiered vaccine prioritization strategy outperformed most approaches in reducing deaths and cases, while some optimizations could improve outcomes. The study found that prioritizing healthcare workers and individuals under 16 was optimal, but strategies focusing on comorbidities were also effective.
Many older adults plan extended trips, considering COVID-19 cases at their destination. Vaccinated adults face a lower risk of severe infection compared to unvaccinated peers. Most respondents would make necessary preparations for travel, such as bringing enough medications and medical supplies.
Researchers at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a new anti-malarial antibody that provides significant protection against malaria, outperforming existing best-in-class antibodies. The breakthrough could lead to improved distribution of monoclonal antibodies in endemic countries.
A study found that vaccination rates among Indian children improved significantly between 1992 and 2016, with a 70% drop in child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, zero-dose children remained concentrated among disadvantaged groups, including low-income households and mothers with limited education.
A new nasal vaccine, Protollin, is being tested in humans for the first time to prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease progression. The trial aims to determine safety and tolerability, as well as its effects on the immune system.
A study found that linking health code colour to vaccination status in China could increase willingness to vaccinate by 8.61% among hesitant individuals. However, concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness remain a barrier.
A proposal suggests that wealthier nations should pay a COVID-19 vaccine tax to support COVAX, an international initiative buying and distributing vaccines for the world's poorest. The tax would be proportional to how much they spend on jabs for their own populations.
States allowing minors to consent to HPV vaccination without parental involvement showed higher vaccine series initiation rates from 2015 to 2018, according to a JAMA Pediatrics analysis of nearly 82,000 adolescents. The study found increased vaccine uptake in these states compared to those with parental consent requirements.
A new test can determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies within 10 minutes, allowing for larger-scale screening and mass monitoring. The rapid cellulose pull-down viral neutralisation test has been developed using protein engineering technology and offers quick results with high accuracy.
Researchers investigated the impact of mRNA vaccines on dialysis patients' immunity against Sars-Cov-2 variants. They found that while many produce reactive T cells, protective antibodies are formed less frequently. This immunological memory can be strengthened through vaccination and repeated contact with the pathogen.
A KU study reveals that individuals' political ideologies play a crucial role in shaping their health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, conducted using two surveys and a review of existing data, found that ideology was a significant predictor of health behavior, especially when compared to other factors such as age,...
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that mothers with disease-acquired immunity and those with vaccine-immunity produced high levels of antibodies in their breast milk, providing neutralization against SARS-CoV-2. The antibodies, including IgA and IgG, existed for three months after infection or vaccination.
Researchers have developed innovative ways to avoid clouds of coronavirus in public waiting lines, classrooms, and live musical performances. Periodic movements in lines can cause aerosol transmission, while heating in winter and air conditioning in summer create 'dead zones' that spread airborne diseases.
A study of nearly 2000 healthcare workers found that being vaccinated against COVID-19 decreased asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection detection compared to unvaccinated staff. Vaccination status was associated with reduced risk of infection.
A large group of patients with diverse cancer types received two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, showing modestly impaired immune responses. Booster vaccine doses enhanced immunity in most patients.
A study of 77 lactating parents found a higher prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk among unvaccinated mothers, suggesting potential protection against COVID-19. The study also identified a link between vaccine-induced immunity and increased neutralizing activity in human milk.
The article highlights the importance of recovering routine vaccination rates after the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccinations for MMR, DTaP, polio, and HPV have seen significant drops, posing dire consequences to population health. Experts emphasize the need for stakeholders to drive awareness, facilitate access, and build vaccine confidence.
The article highlights the critical need for routine vaccinations to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. A decline in vaccine rates, particularly among children, poses a significant risk to future population health and overtaxes the healthcare system.
People with blood cancers are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness; research suggests they don't always achieve optimal protection from vaccination. A new study found that patients with lymphoma were more likely to develop post-vaccination COVID-19 infection compared to those with other blood cancers.