Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to lower routine childhood vaccination rates and a proportion of children up-to-date with vaccinations below pre-pandemic levels. In a surveillance study across six US states, vaccination rates remained lower as of September 2020.
The study found that early vaccination rollout for veterans was efficient and had high estimated vaccine effectiveness. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines showed high coverage and effectiveness in this diverse U.S. population.
A recent study found that fully vaccinated individuals with substance use disorders have a significantly higher risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection compared to the general population. The study, published in World Psychiatry, revealed that patients with cocaine and cannabis use disorder had the highest risks.
A recent study found that HPV vaccine hesitancy has either stabilized or increased in some ethnic and age groups, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns to encourage hesitant families. The study also identified several reasons why parents hesitate to vaccinate their children with the HPV vaccine.
A US study of 580,000 vaccinated individuals found that those with substance use disorders were more likely to contract COVID-19. The risk was largely attributed to co-occurring health conditions and socioeconomic factors rather than the disorder itself.
A new study suggests that a plant-based diet can improve vaccine efficacy and reduce COVID-related health issues. Studies have shown that healthcare workers with lower waist circumferences had better immune responses to the Pfizer vaccine.
A large Ontario study confirms SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern like Delta increase the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Vaccination blunts severity, reducing risk in partially and fully vaccinated individuals by about 80-90%.
A new study published in The Lancet confirms that two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are 90% effective against COVID-19 hospitalizations for all variants, including delta. Effectiveness against infection declined over time but remained high against hospitalizations.
A population-based study of 2.4 million people found rare cases of acute myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in young men. The study suggests that the signal of increased myocarditis warrants further investigation into the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac complications.
A study suggests that immunity from natural infection is short-lived and can wane over time, increasing the risk of reinfection. This could lead to a shift in the disease's progression from pandemic to endemic, making vaccination crucial for those who have been naturally infected.
Researchers found that cancer patients on chemotherapy had a lower immune response to the first two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. However, a third dose significantly boosted their immune response, reaching levels similar to those of healthy adults after two doses.
A qualitative study of 70 participants from LA County reveals complex factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine decision-making, including misinformation and politicization. The study highlights the need for community engagement and trusted messengers to address access barriers related to social disadvantage.
A survey study examined whether effective communication strategies can reduce COVID-19 vaccine-specific hesitancy among adult Canadians. The researchers found that certain communication approaches may be more effective than others in mitigating vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the importance of targeted communication efforts.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new treatment that pairs essential proteins with lysophosphatidylserine to build immune tolerance and prevent antibody development, potentially treating autoimmune disorders and allergies.
A recent study by Shilpa Madan found that the salience of choice fuels independence and makes individuals more self-interested. This can lead to a range of positive consequences, including increased tolerance for harassment and discrimination, but also negative consequences for collective action.
A survey study found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy decreased between late 2020 and early 2021. Nearly one-third of initially hesitant participants were vaccinated at follow-up, while over one-third transitioned to being vaccine-willing.
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in encouraging COVID-19 vaccination by understanding individuals' thoughts and feelings about vaccination. The study highlights the importance of social experiences and direct behavior change opportunities for effective vaccination promotion.
Researchers discovered a nanomaterial that boosts antibody production while minimizing inflammation, opening up new possibilities for vaccine development. The 'micelle' scaffolds can be used to generate laboratory-scale quantities of therapeutic antibodies against real-world pathogens.
GlycoNet will deliver reliable vaccine information to Canadians through interactive digital campaigns and K-12 classroom tools, supporting science literacy skills. The grant aims to promote evidence-based decision-making on vaccines across the country.
A new study proposes prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination for essential workers, the unemployed, and those at high unemployment risk to facilitate return to work and reduce future job losses. The study found that lockdowns reduced excess mortality but also increased unemployment risk.
Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.
Researchers found that patients with MS receiving aCD20 treatment generated robust CD4 and CD8 T cell responses to the COVID-19 vaccination. The study measured both antibody and T cell responses in 20 patients with MS who were undergoing aCD20 treatment, compared to those in a group of healthy controls.
Some women report changes in their periods after COVID-19 vaccination, with over 30,000 reports made to the UK's MHRA surveillance scheme. While most changes are short-lived, research into this possible adverse reaction is critical for the success of the vaccination programme.
A new study has shown that a single dose of typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is safe and 84 percent effective in protecting against typhoid in Blantyre, Malawi. The findings are critical as typhoid is an increasing public health threat across sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers investigated antibody response to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in 117 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The study aimed to assess vaccine safety and immune response in this population. Key findings were not reported in the article.
A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology shows that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine generates durable T cell memory and antibodies, even in people over 70. The researchers found strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to the vaccine, comparable to those seen in recovered COVID-19 patients.
Researchers have identified the potential of 7HP349 as an oral medication to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for populations that struggle with immunosuppression. The study suggests adding 7HP349 to standard vaccination can improve vaccine efficacy without reformulating the vaccine.
A two-dose Ebola vaccine regimen has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and produce a strong immune response in people over 1 year old. The study also supports the use of this regimen for Ebola virus disease prevention in children and adults.
A recent study investigated a COVID-19 outbreak among fully vaccinated residents and healthcare professionals in a French nursing home. The study highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing severe illness but also underscores the limitations of current vaccines.
A new poll shows strong support among older Americans for requiring health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The survey found that 61% of people aged 50 to 80 believe the vaccine should definitely be required, while an additional 19% think it should probably be required.
A national study found COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing hospitalizations and emergency department visits caused by the Delta variant. The Moderna vaccine is significantly more effective than Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, with unvaccinated individuals being 5-7 times more likely to need emergency care or hospitalization.
Scholars argue that well-done vaccine selfies can encourage others to get vaccinated and share personal stories about the effects of the vaccine. The practice can create a bandwagon effect, highlighting health, joy, and optimism and positively shaping public perception of COVID-19 vaccines.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and intensive care admissions due to the virus. The vaccines provide significant protections for older adults and minorities, who have been disproportionately affected by the virus.
Researchers will examine protective immunity in older adults and assess the duration of immunity against emerging strains of COVID-19. The study aims to inform booster vaccine recommendations for seniors.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals stark racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in COVID-19 vaccination rates across neighborhoods in the largest US cities. High-vaccination neighborhoods were predominantly white with fewer people of color, higher incomes, and lower poverty rates.
The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to have a positive impact on the mental health of US adults, with those receiving the first dose experiencing improvements. A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that the vaccine reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A novel gene-based COVID-19 vaccine leveraging an adeno-associated viral vector platform was highly effective in eliciting neutralizing antibody responses and cellular immunity from a single dose. The vaccine provided near-complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in nonhuman primates for at least 11 months.
The Delta variant's ability to evade neutralizing antibodies and its increased infectivity have contributed to its spread, making vaccination and infection control crucial in the post-vaccination era. The variant was found to be more efficient at replicating and spreading than other variants, giving it a selection advantage.
A recent study reveals significant inequities in COVID-19 vaccination rates among the nine largest US cities. The research found that racial and socioeconomic disparities contribute to these disparities.
Researchers found that prior exposure to common cold coronaviruses boosts the body's immune response to SARS-CoV-2, with cross-reactive T cells recognized by the immune system. The study's findings suggest a protective effect against severe disease and improved vaccine efficacy in younger individuals.
A study based on US blood donations found increasing seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time, with variations by age, race, and geographic region. Seroprevalence estimates the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies due to natural infection or vaccination.
A new study from the University of Virginia Health System found that Moderna's vaccine produced higher antibody levels than Pfizer's, especially in older subjects. The researchers caution that measuring antibody levels does not necessarily predict vaccine effectiveness.
A new analysis suggests that the pace of vaccination should directly dictate the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions to boost freedoms and minimize new waves of infection. The study's findings suggest that further severe waves can be avoided if restrictions are lifted no faster than the pace dictated by vaccination progress.
A study of highly vaccinated health workers found that COVID-19 vaccines lost effectiveness in protecting against symptomatic infection by July, with only 65% protection remaining. The emergence of the delta variant and lifting of masking mandates contributed to this decline in vaccine efficacy.
Researchers compared antibody responses in adults receiving Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The study found differences in antibody responses among young and older adults. Younger recipients showed higher antibody levels after vaccination.
A study found that people who feel their sense of autonomy is unmet by government incentives like vaccine passports are less likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The research highlights that public health incentives might affect people's vaccination decisions in unintended ways, potentially undermining herd immunity.
A large-scale UK study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing severe illness and hospitalisation. The study found that people who received one or two vaccine doses had lower odds of severe disease or hospitalisation than unvaccinated individuals, with a significant reduction in long COVID cases.
Two studies found that breathing humid and salt-enriched air reduced respiratory droplet generation by approximately 50% within 10 minutes. The study suggests this mechanism may contribute to the effectiveness of cotton face masks in reducing COVID-19 incidence and death.
A study found that exposure to SARS-CoV-2-positive household members increased the risk of COVID-19 infection among vaccinated healthcare workers. Household exposure was associated with a higher infectious dose and contagiousness compared to casual or work-related exposure.
A study assessing Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine safety in highly allergic individuals found a lower incidence of severe adverse reactions compared to previously reported rates. The results suggest the vaccine may be a viable option for these high-risk groups.
A study of over 1,000 patients in Philadelphia's emergency departments found that vaccine hesitancy is common among this population, driven by concerns about safety and research. The authors suggest that EDs can play a valuable role in addressing vaccine hesitancy through targeted education and outreach efforts.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination elicited a response in nearly nine out of ten people with weakened immune systems. However, the responses were only about one-third as strong as those mounted by healthy people. Despite this, the discovery is encouraging news for a population at hig...
A pan-Canadian randomized controlled trial is using digital communication to target common reasons for vaccine hesitancy, including age, language, and education level. Family physicians will receive tailored information to share with patients through email and text message, aiming to improve vaccine uptake.
Research from Drexel University's Autism Institute identifies higher odds of living in residential facilities, receiving outside caregiver services, and having high-risk health conditions among autistic adults, as well as those with intellectual disability and mental health diagnoses. These groups are more likely to contract COVID-19 a...
A survey of 11,000 health care workers found significant racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, with Black workers experiencing a nearly 5-fold increase compared to white workers.
A small study of 27 children aged 12-15 with neurological conditions found the Pfizer jab's side effects were mild to moderate and cleared up within a week. The vaccination was taken by parents who believed their children were at high risk of COVID-19 disease, highlighting its benefits in vulnerable groups.
A large-scale analysis of Israel's COVID-19 vaccination data found that the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162B2 vaccine is very safe, with only a few potential side effects. The study also revealed that coronavirus infection poses a much higher risk of serious adverse events compared to vaccination.
A US study published in Journal of Health Communication found that emphasizing individual health risks from COVID-19 leads to higher vaccine acceptance among participants. The researchers also discovered that loss framing was slightly more effective than positive gain framing, suggesting cultural and personal factors may play a role.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has initiated a Phase II/III clinical trial for the Bharat Biotech Chikungunya vaccine candidate BBV87, evaluating its safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults across five countries. The study aims to develop an affordable vaccine with the aim of achieving WHO prequalification.
A survey of mostly African American adults found that vaccine hesitancy was greatest among those aged 18-29, with COVID-related housing insecurity increasing the odds by sevenfold. Younger individuals and those experiencing housing insecurity were more likely to be resistant to vaccination.