Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A review of expert opinions reveals mixed results for the EU's COVID-19 response, with successes including coordinated vaccine procurement but shortcomings including inconsistent national responses. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened local surveillance systems and improved EU leadership to prevent similar crises.
A new approach has identified T cells in Covid-19 patients, revealing their appearance, number, and activity level against SARS-CoV-2. The study distinguishes between active and dormant T cells, enabling a better understanding of the immune response to the virus.
Experts recommend universities take five steps to minimize COVID-19 risks: on-site vaccinations, delayed re-openings, improved ventilation, effective contact tracing and mask mandates. These measures aim to protect students and staff from the Delta variant and prevent outbreaks.
The early US COVID-19 vaccination campaign prevented nearly 140,000 deaths and 3 million cases of COVID-19. The average state saw a reduction of five fewer deaths from COVID-19 per 10,000 adult residents.
Researchers investigated short-term COVID-19 vaccine reactions in pregnant and lactating individuals compared to those planning pregnancy. The study found that vaccinated pregnant and lactating women experienced fewer severe adverse events than unvaccinated women.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that NFL and NCAA games held with limited in-person attendance did not cause an increase in COVID-19 cases. The study suggests that measures such as strict mask use and open air helped prevent the spread of COVID-19 during these events.
A Princeton University and McGill University study found that vaccine nationalism can increase COVID-19 cases and facilitate the emergence of novel variants. Increased vaccine-sharing resulted in reduced case numbers in low-access regions, highlighting the importance of equitable global distribution.
A study found that mRNA vaccine recipients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced more severe symptoms after vaccination. The study suggests vaccine type may influence symptom severity in individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection.
A CDC mask guidance update in May 2021 ignored realities that left vulnerable communities exposed to increased transmission of COVID-19. The guidance relied on the honor system to ensure unvaccinated individuals wore masks, but experts say this approach was flawed due to lack of verification methods.
A new research strategy enhances COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by providing 'border protection' immunity in the nose, mouth and blood. The approach involves suppressing an enzyme that breaks down both pathogens and immune cells, resulting in a robust antibody response and improved protection against infections.
Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine response in cancer patients and healthy controls. The study found that the vaccine's antispike IgG antibody response wanes over time in patients on active anticancer treatment.
This observational study evaluates the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk of lactating women who received mRNA vaccines. The findings suggest a correlation between serum antibody levels and breast milk antibody concentrations.
A South Australian-developed SARS-CoV-19 vaccine has shown promising results in early animal testing, confirming its safety and effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 lung infection. The vaccine, named COVAX-19, incorporates an adjuvant derived from a plant sugar called inulin.
Researchers investigated myocarditis cases in adolescents after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and found a significant association. The study used comprehensive cardiac imaging and reviewed the results, highlighting the potential risk of myocarditis in this population.
SK bioscience's GBP510 vaccine candidate has shown promising safety and immunogenic response in Phase I/II clinical trials. IVI will partner with SK on global Phase III trials to accelerate development and WHO approval of the vaccine.
A study found that vaccination alone cannot stop the pandemic in some scenarios, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are necessary to complement vaccination. The model predicts that the pandemic will end between January 20, 2022, and October 19, 2024, assuming immunity persists for 180 days to 365 days.
Researchers found that a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, especially in those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, dramatically increased virus variant neutralising antibody responses. This additional boost increases potential protection against existing and future variants of concern.
The study suggests that COVID-19 eradication is technically possible due to the availability of safe vaccines, lifelong immunity, and effective government management. However, securing high vaccine coverage and responding quickly to variants are major challenges.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that crowding in prisons significantly increases the risk of COVID-19 infections among inmates. The study suggests that policy changes are necessary to protect this vulnerable population and notes that even a small increase in crowding can pose a significant threat.
Researchers evaluated antibody levels after Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in previously infected and uninfected individuals, finding a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 spike immunoglobin G antibodies. The study suggests the vaccine effectively boosts immunity in those who have already been infected.
A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...
Researchers found two new TLR7 gene variants in young, healthy men with severe Covid-19, highlighting the importance of genetic screenings for early intervention. These variants were associated with impaired immune response and increased risk of serious illness, emphasizing the need for preventive vaccination strategies.
A new model incorporates human behavior and fears to predict multiple waves of COVID-19 infections. The 'Triple Contagion' model shows how fear can drive disease resurgence, as people may abandon protective measures prematurely or avoid vaccines due to misinformation.
A new model developed by NYU Tandon School of Engineering researchers provides a data-centric approach to reopening towns and can serve as a blueprint for areas with low vaccine rates. The model shows that increasing access to social gatherings and public transportation at a certain rate supports a safe, rapid reopening.
A new Polish study examines why people refuse vaccination, finding that generalized negative attitudes towards vaccines and confirmation bias play a significant role. Vaccine deniers often attribute negative symptoms to vaccines despite missing evidence of correlation.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that wearing masks and maintaining physical distance significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The study showed that both disposable paper medical masks and two-layer cloth masks were effective in blocking aerosol particles, with increased distance reducing particle counts to near baseline levels.
A survey of US and NYC parents found that only 49% planned to vaccinate their youngest child, with vaccine hesitancy linked to education level and income. The study highlights the need for targeted information campaigns to improve vaccination uptake among young children.
Göttingen researchers have developed mini-antibodies that efficiently block the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants. The nanobodies bind and neutralize the virus with extreme stability, making them promising agents to treat COVID-19.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that combining different COVID-19 vaccines boosts the immune response by up to ten times. The research team discovered that a combination of AstraZeneca and BioNTech vaccines or double doses of BioNTech vaccination yields better results than a double dose of AstraZeneca vaccine.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia warn that relaxing Covid-19 restrictions prematurely could pave the way for new vaccine-resistant virus mutations. The 'arms race' between humans and the virus continues, with rising cases providing opportunities for it to evolve into more transmissible variants.
Researchers evaluated the safety of a second Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose in patients who experienced an allergic reaction to the first dose. The study found no significant increase in adverse events, suggesting the vaccines are safe for those with prior allergic reactions.
A multi-hospital analysis of patients who experienced allergic reactions to their first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose found that all patients who received a second dose tolerated it without complications. The study suggests it's safe for most individuals to receive a second dose, despite initial concerns.
Researchers developed a mechanical theory to determine the critical force required for needle insertion in soft materials like skin, discovering that tissue toughness and needle radius play crucial roles. The model provides quantitative predictions and may impact future technology like self-administered disposable pads with microneedles.
The AZ HEROES study, led by the University of Arizona Health Sciences, has received a $15 million award from the CDC to continue its research on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. The study will expand to include children aged 4 months to 17 years and focus on underserved populations.
A study investigated longitudinal serological and vaccination responses to SARS-COV-2 in dental professionals. The results showed that natural infection with SARS-COV-2 leads to persistent, neutralizing and protective serological responses in over 70% of participants.
Researchers found that older people have lower antibody responses against COVID-19 variants, making them more susceptible to infection. Vaccination still appears effective in preventing severe illness, but promoting vaccinations is crucial to protect the community.
The study found that two-dose mRNA vaccines provided 88% protection against the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, 86% against the Alpha variant, and 77% against the Beta variant. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection also conferred similar protection to mRNA vaccination.
A computerized decision model found that mRNA vaccines (e.g., Pfizer) provide a net gain of 7.4 days in quality-adjusted life expectancy compared to not vaccinating at all, while adenovirus vector vaccines (e.g., J¼hnson ⚠ Johnson) yield virtually equivalent results.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccines are more than 95% effective in preventing confirmed infection. The study also revealed significant disparities among different age groups and comorbidities, with higher risks observed among older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, a separate cohort study showed tha...
A new study reveals the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine induces powerful immune system responses, including broad antiviral protection and enhanced innate immunity. The research strongly supports skipping the second dose, as it stimulates a manifold increase in antibody levels and a terrific T-cell response.
Researchers developed a θ-SIR model to simulate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 strains and vaccines on COVID-19 propagation. The model estimates that insufficient vaccination rates can lead to new waves, even with effective reproduction numbers below 1.
A proposed Canadian Immunization Services model could provide a coordinated approach to vaccination across the country, addressing fragmentation in data sharing, vaccine procurement, and supply chain management. The independent not-for-profit corporation would be funded by provinces, territories, and potentially the federal government.
A new study published in Nature Medicine reveals that willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine is higher in developing countries, with personal protection being the main reason for acceptance. Concern about side effects was the most common reason for vaccine hesitancy, but health workers were considered trusted sources of information.
A small UCSF study found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were not detected in human milk, providing early evidence of vaccine safety during breastfeeding. The study analyzed seven women and their children and found no trace of the vaccine in breast milk.
A recent study published in the Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness journal explores negative dominance of COVID-19 vaccine-related information online. The researchers found that compared to all other content, posts focused on adverse events pale in comparison to posts promoting positive messages about vaccines.
A Rutgers study found Black and Latinx people seek information on COVID-19 safety measures, such as mask-wearing and testing, due to pandemic experiences. However, they are skeptical about vaccines due to concerns over rapid development, side effects, and lack of transparent information.
A new protein-based vaccine candidate combined with a potent adjuvant has shown effective protection against SARS-CoV-2 in animal studies. The combination improved antibody and T cell responses, reducing viral load and inflammation.
A qualitative study found that fear, illness, and loss motivated information seeking and mitigation behaviors in Black and Latinx participants during the pandemic. Vaccine skepticism was high, with mistrust linked to racism and medical experimentation.
Research suggests that fungi in the healthy gut can have a beneficial effect on health, while invasive forms may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. Vaccines targeting specific proteins may help restore balance to the microbiome.
Primary care physicians provide the largest share of services for vaccinations and majority of clinical visits for vaccination, making them well-positioned to administer COVID-19 vaccines. They can also answer vaccine questions and provide clinical guidance on interpreting results from COVID-19 testing and immunity determinations.
A UCSF study found that 83% of respondents aged 18-25 had not been vaccinated, with concerns over side effects and safety leading to low vaccination rates. The researchers recommend addressing these concerns through public education campaigns to encourage young adult vaccination.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reports on the protection offered by Ebola vaccines. The research found that different vaccine platforms conferred varying levels of protection, with RBD-specific antibodies and Fc-mediated immune functions playing key roles.
A new study published in PAIN found that what parents say in the first minute after a vaccine is crucial in reducing children's distress. The researchers recommend keeping kids calm with physical strategies and delaying verbal coping statements until they're over initial distress.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 43% of US COVID-19 mortality variability is linked to county-level socioeconomic indicators and health vulnerabilities. Allocating vaccines to these areas could minimize severe outcomes, particularly deaths. The research suggests a correlation between he...
A single dose of the Sputnik V vaccine elicits significant antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2, with 94% of participants developing IgG antibodies within three weeks. Previously infected individuals show higher antibody levels after one dose compared to fully vaccinated volunteers.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found a spatial relationship between COVID-19 mortality and population-level health and socioeconomic indicators. The researchers identified 9 key indicators, including chronic kidney disease and nursing home prevalence, which had the largest individual effect on COVID-19 mortality rates.
Researchers found a nearly 35,000% increase in COVID-19 vaccine and infertility Google searches following a misinformation event. The study highlights the dangers of misinformation campaigns on public perception and decision-making, particularly among pregnant patients.
A new study found that fully vaccinated care home residents are still at risk of COVID-19, with the vaccine being less effective in older adults. The study showed that unvaccinated residents were three times more likely to develop the infection than those who had received two doses of the vaccine.
Researchers found that vaccination significantly increases neutralizing antibodies in saliva, reducing transmission risk. The study also shows the importance of receiving a second vaccine dose for maximum protection against evolving virus strains.
The Delta variant is less sensitive to neutralizing antibodies compared to the Alpha variant, with serum from convalescent patients showing reduced potency. Vaccinated individuals' sera effectively neutralize the Delta variant, although efficacy is slightly lower than against the Alpha variant.