Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that older individuals produce higher levels of protective antibodies after infection or vaccination, providing better defense against emerging variants. Antibodies from infected individuals 50+ years old reacted strongly to the Delta variant, outperforming those from vaccinated adults under 50.
Rutgers researchers have developed a new way to deliver DNA molecules into skin cells using suction technique similar to ancient healing practice of cupping. The method generated a strong immune response about 100 times stronger than an injected vaccine alone, leading to licensing for human clinical trials.
A pediatric practice in Rochester, NY, demonstrates success in vaccinating eligible patients and their caregivers during regular visits, showcasing a model for addressing vaccine hesitancy. The approach found positive outcomes, including increased comfort and trust among caregivers.
Two new studies show that people who think they'll have an allergic reaction or believe they've had one to the first vaccine can still be fully vaccinated. The studies found that 100 patients with PEG allergies and 25 patients with adverse events following immunization tolerated the full vaccine series without severe symptoms.
COVID-19 vaccinations have been shown to be safe for advanced breast cancer patients, with no notable differences between vaccine brands. The second dose is crucial to induce an immune response, which has been found in 80% of patients with solid tumours.
Researchers will identify and track SARS-CoV-2 variants using genomic sequence analyses. The project aims to understand the emergence and spread of the virus in West Virginia, helping public health officials prepare for future outbreaks.
A new review highlights the complexity of vaccinating children under 12 years against COVID-19, weighing risk and benefit. The review suggests that further data is needed to confirm the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing disease in this age group.
A national survey found that half of US vaccine hesitant individuals believe nothing will convince them to get vaccinated. Most cited concerns about vaccine safety as the reason for their unwillingness.
Researchers found a clear link between people's expectations and actual vaccine side effects, suggesting that psychological factors can predict which individuals will experience more symptoms. The study aims to help overcome lingering vaccine hesitancy by reframing the way we think about side effects.
A recent study estimates that the net manufacturing costs for 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine ready for shipping range from $0.54 to $0.98. Companies charge significantly higher prices, despite discounts and tiered pricing for low-income countries, which are likely to prolong the global pandemic.
A decision-support tool aided healthcare workers in distinguishing COVID-19 vaccination symptoms from actual infections, preserving the workforce during a surge. The study found that providing this guidance helped curb the spread of COVID-19 and reduced missed workdays.
A study of 8,889 vaccinated patients and 88,898 unvaccinated patients found the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine to be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results support mass vaccination efforts globally amid variant spread.
A new report highlights the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus, which can lead to up to 150,000 infant deaths annually. Maternal vaccination is seen as a cost-effective solution to reduce this toll, with significant health benefits in all regions.
Conspiracy theorists used the conditional nature of science to erode trust in public health authorities' recommendations, making community immunity elusive. The Annenberg Public Policy Center scholar argues that exploiting scientific funding structures and updates fueled conspiracy theories.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine investigated the incidence of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) after post-vaccination. The researchers found that the rate of this rare adverse effect is significantly higher than pre-pandemic rates, prompting consideration of vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 stay higher in people who were infected by the virus and then received protection from mRNA vaccine compared to those who only got vaccinated. A longer interval between virus exposure and first vaccine dose may enhance antibody response.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that prioritizing prompt procurement, distribution, and vaccination pace can maximize public health benefits and economic efficiency. Meeting vaccination targets of 67% or 80% of the population can significantly reduce infections and deaths while minimizing healthcare costs.
A massive Israeli study found that a third COVID-19 vaccine dose reduces hospitalization and severe disease risks by up to 93% compared to two doses. The research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of booster shots in real-world settings.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found a link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and myocarditis in adolescent males. Cardiac MRI was used to assess suspected myocarditis post-vaccination, with late gadolinium enhancement persisting in two patients undergoing repeat MRI.
Researchers at University of Queensland successfully protected mice from COVID-19 using a US-developed vaccine candidate delivered via a pocket-sized, pain-free applicator. The vaccine produced strong immune responses and neutralized multiple variants, including UK and South Africa variants.
A chatbot tested with 338 individuals showed a 37% increase in positive views of vaccination and a 20% decrease in vaccine refusal after just a few minutes of interaction. The study suggests that the chatbot could be an effective tool to reduce vaccine hesitancy.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection with the delta variant, but vaccinated people can still spread the virus in household settings. Vaccination remains effective at preventing severe disease and deaths from COVID-19.
A 51-country survey reveals that people who feel invincible to COVID-19 are less likely to get vaccinated and believe in the importance of individual actions. The study suggests that messaging emphasizing collective action is crucial in individualistic cultures.
A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that the Sputnik-V COVID vaccine elicits both robust antibody and T-cell responses. The research suggests that long-term immunity is possible, supporting the effectiveness of the vaccine against local virus variants.
A breakthrough oral vaccine candidate has been developed to prevent hookworm infection, which affects half a billion people worldwide. The vaccine triggers a strong immune response and reduces worm numbers by up to 94% in mice trials.
Researchers found nearly all employees with a history of severe allergic reactions could become fully vaccinated, despite higher reported symptoms. The study suggests COVID-19 vaccines are safe for individuals with high-risk allergy histories.
The study found that the $25 Summer Card Pilot program successfully encouraged more adults to get a COVID-19 vaccine by halving the drop in vaccination rates. The program's design provided guaranteed financial incentives, which were particularly effective among low-income and minority groups.
A pilot program in North Carolina found that offering incentive cash cards to adults who receive or drive someone to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases vaccination rates. The study suggests that guaranteed financial incentives can be an effective strategy to promote COVID-19 vaccination.
A study published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication analyzed Instagram posts from 20 celebrity influencers about COVID-19 between March and May 2020. The researchers found that celebrities initially modeled guidance from health experts, normalizing suggested behaviors such as staying home and practicing hand hygiene.
Two studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces both COVID-19 hospitalization rates and severe illnesses among adolescents aged 12-18. A CDC-supported study found two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be 93% effective in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations.
A study found that over half of double-vaccinated blood cancer patients have poor immune responses to COVID-19. Despite being vaccinated, these patients remain vulnerable to severe infection and are urged to continue wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Research from University of Pennsylvania team shows that vaccine mandates have positive effects on vaccination intentions, particularly for those who oppose forced behavior. Mandates strengthen vaccination intentions, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and for individuals with a disposition towards psychological reactance.
A survey of 299 adults and three experiments with over 1,324 participants found that 86% would get vaccinated if required for work, travel, or school. Vaccination requirements strengthened intentions to vaccinate, even among those who tend to react negatively to regulations.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found no correlation between COVID-19 vaccinations and risk of first-trimester miscarriages. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and provides protection to the newborn infant against COVID-19 infection.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that two vaccine doses increase antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19, while a second dose after recovery also boosts levels. The results highlight the importance of completing vaccination with a second dose to achieve optimal immune responses and reduce transmission.
The study shows that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is substantial in adolescents, with a 93% decrease in symptomatic cases and a 90% decrease in documented infections after the second dose. Vaccine effectiveness was lower but still significant before the second dose.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a vaccine that offers cross-protection against SARS coronaviruses by targeting the conserved core region of the spike protein receptor-binding domain. This approach has the potential to protect against future outbreaks, including those caused by novel viruses.
Researchers quantified COVID-19 vaccine uptake disparities by race and ethnicity within US states, revealing substantial coverage gaps among older adults. The study's findings underscore the need for targeted vaccination strategies to address these disparities.
Researchers found that vaccinating more people with a single dose can be beneficial when the vaccine waning rate is low, slowing the spread of the virus. The 'prime first' strategy prioritizes speed over double doses under supply constraints, offering an alternative to traditional vaccination protocols.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that male placentas have increased immune activation and receive fewer anti-COVID antibodies from their mothers. This may help protect male fetuses but pose risks to the fetus and child.
A market segmentation approach can improve vaccination campaigns by tailoring the message to specific groups. The study found that those who don't trust the government are more likely to avoid vaccines, and a non-traditional messaging strategy may be more effective.
Researchers at West Virginia University discovered a significant relationship between Christian nationalism and vaccine hesitancy, citing a national sample of 2,000 U.S. adults. They found that individuals embracing this ideology are less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and express skepticism towards science.
A new study found that pregnant and lactating women need to adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection. Key antibody functions are delayed in these groups following the initial dose, but the second dose induces robust antibody responses similar to those in nonpregnant women.
A new study analyzed 4,000 COVID-related hospitalizations and found that patients with private insurance could face $3,800 bills, while those with Medicare Advantage plans might owe $1,500. The lack of waivers for hospitalization costs could lead to increased financial burden on patients.
A study of 5,000 simulated undergraduates found that weekly surveillance testing was associated with a substantial reduction in infections. Even at low vaccine effectiveness rates, quarantine protocols were effective in reducing infections by up to 93.6%.
A recent study published in Tourism Management explores travelers' attitudes toward pre-travel vaccination requirements. The researchers found that willingness to vaccinate and beliefs that others should vaccinate are key predictors of support for vaccine mandates. Travelers who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled m...
Researchers compared immune responses elicited by three COVID-19 vaccines over an eight-month follow-up period. The mRNA vaccines showed high peak antibody responses that declined sharply, while the single-shot Ad26 vaccine induced lower initial antibody responses but stable levels over time.
A new study found that brief exposure to an infographic about the scientific process can strengthen people's trust in science and reduce beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation. The study, led by Indiana University, involved 1,017 adults and showed a small increase in trust after just 60 seconds of infographic exposure.
Researchers found that Delta and Delta Plus infect lung cells with higher efficiency than the original virus, evading antibodies induced by infection and vaccination. The new variants were also resistant to some therapeutic antibodies, leading to reduced inhibition.
A study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates increased in states with cash drawing announcements compared to those without. The analysis suggests a positive association between these announcements and vaccine uptake, providing insight into innovative strategies for improving public health.
A team of researchers developed a new nanomechanical technique to fast-track the detection of COVID-19 variants. The method provides real-time insights into infection immunity and enables direct classification of variant-binding properties.
A study finds that community-informed insights can inform health care strategies to maximize vaccine acceptance in communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Vaccination rates were found to be lower among Black and Latinx populations compared to other demographics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
LSU Health has been awarded funding to support community health workers in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, enabling them to serve as liaisons between healthcare services and under-resourced communities. The grants will promote health equity and provide essential public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines generate long-term populations of T cells that can recognize multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, individuals with a prior COVID-19 infection showed improved T cell responses in the respiratory tract, suggesting better protection against breakthrough infections.
A nationwide study found that increasing family members with immunity from previous infection or full vaccination reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization in non-immune individuals. Vaccination is crucial not only for individual protection but also for reducing transmission within high-risk environments like families.
Researchers found that as more family members gained immunity, the risk of COVID-19 declined. This study used national registry data from Sweden to analyze the association between individual immunity and COVID-19 risk among nonimmune individuals.
A new study found a significant increase in adverse outcomes for COVID-19 positive pregnant women, including gestational diabetes, low white blood cell counts, and heavier bleeding during delivery. Respiratory complications were also witnessed in their babies, highlighting the importance of vaccinating all pregnant women against COVID-19.
A Texas A&M study found that over half of American adults resumed risky social and travel activities before vaccines were widely available. The survey also revealed that younger individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and fiscally conservative respondents were more likely to engage in such behaviors.
A Michigan-based study found a dramatic drop in vaccinations across the lifespan during the early pandemic, but a recent rebound has been noted. The researchers emphasize the importance of continued vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases like measles.
An international study by Lund University found that offering a small reward of $24 increased COVID-19 vaccination rates among Swedes by 4 percentage points. The vaccination rate rose to 76 percent in the group offered payment, compared to 72 percent in those not receiving incentives.