Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology has developed consensus recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The guidelines address concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety, as well as considerations for immunosuppressed patients.
Frontline healthcare workers may face temporary redeployment if they refuse COVID-19 vaccination, according to ethicists. A mild form of mandatory vaccination policy is justified to protect patients and colleagues.
A new Northwestern Medicine study of placentas from vaccinated patients found no evidence of injury, supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The study adds to growing evidence that vaccination can protect fetuses without increasing harm.
A 2011 CIA-led vaccination campaign in Pakistan led to a significant decline in vaccination rates due to distrust and misinformation. The campaign's misleading tactics created doubt about the integrity of health workers and vaccines, resulting in lower vaccination rates among girls, particularly in districts with high levels of elector...
A new Strep A human challenge model has been successfully developed, paving the way to test vaccines against the common deadly bacteria that causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin sores. The model, which deliberately infected healthy adult volunteers with the bacteria in a controlled environment, was found to be safe and effective.
People with dementia have twice the risk for developing COVID-19, with high hospitalization rates and mortality. Alzheimer Europe urges governments to prioritize these groups in vaccination campaigns to prevent further harm.
The study found a significant association between the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine and decreased risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in hospital employees. Hospital employees who received the vaccine had lower rates of infection compared to those who did not receive the vaccine.
A study suggests that vaccinating older age groups first can significantly reduce disease transmission, mortality, and long-term health impacts. The research found that prioritizing the elderly and medically vulnerable ahead of younger people yields the greatest impact in minimizing loss of life.
Healthcare workers who received the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine had lower incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study found a significant association between vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine and reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers.
A new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that vaccinating half the US population by summer can prevent 5.8 million cases and $7.8 billion in societal costs. Increasing vaccination coverage to 70% can save even more lives and reduce medical costs.
A study published in JAMA found that two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provide some protection for people with solid organ transplants, but not enough to dispense with masks and physical distancing. Immunocompromised patients should continue to practice strict COVID-19 safety measures after vaccination.
A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in employees, with a 79% risk reduction compared to unvaccinated peers.
A new report by the University of Birmingham reveals that only 41.4% of respondents in a UK-wide survey expressed interest in participating in COVID-19 vaccine trials. The study found that male graduates, those aged 40-49 and 50-59, and individuals with no health issues were more likely to be interested, while Black Asian Minority Ethn...
Two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provide more than 95% protection against COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, severe illness, and death, including among the elderly. The analysis also reveals a decline in COVID-19 cases following Israel's national vaccination programme.
A new study found that many lupus patients with Medicaid were unvaccinated and required more acute care for vaccine-preventable illnesses. Black patients had a higher risk of needing such care compared to white patients.
A large study found a slightly increased rate of vein blood clots, including cerebral venous thrombosis, after the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine. However, researchers stress that the risk is considered low and the benefits of vaccination still outweigh the risks for most age groups.
A new digital health solution aims to promote COVID-19 vaccination among patients with compromised health conditions like multiple sclerosis. Motivational Interviewing Conversational Agent MintBot will address vaccine hesitancy and facilitate immediate action.
Researchers found a slightly increased rate of rare blood clots, including cerebral blood clots and venous blood clots, following AstraZeneca vaccination. The absolute risk remains low, but the vaccine has been removed from Danish and Norwegian vaccination programmes due to concerns.
A new case report details the treatment of a patient with VITT (vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia) using bivalirudin, an alternative to heparin. Early outcomes suggest that this approach may be safe and effective in treating these rare but serious clot reactions.
A study found that users of conservative and social media were more likely to believe in COVID-19 conspiracies, with a significant increase in belief from March to July 2020. Mainstream news consumption was associated with decreased conspiracy beliefs.
The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) releases a report calling for enhanced European exchange and coordination to tackle science disinformation. Key strategies include inoculation, debunking, fact-checking, and media literacy, as well as innovations in science communication.
A new paradigm for usability aims to address accessibility issues worldwide, with a focus on marginalized groups. The approach emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and its potential to drive improvements in various fields.
A study by Imperial College London found that prior COVID-19 infection significantly enhances protection against the Kent and South Africa variants after a single dose of mRNA vaccine. In contrast, those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection may not receive sufficient immune response, highlighting the importance of second doses.
Experts warn that cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) blood clots are rare but serious events associated with COVID-19 infections, not vaccines. Immediate screening and non-heparin anticoagulants can help diagnose and treat the condition. Most patients can recover fully with proper treatment.
A high rate of vaccination is vital to reducing COVID-19 cases and controlling the pandemic, according to new research from the Mayo Clinic. If Minnesota had achieved a 75% vaccination rate by early April, case numbers and hospitalizations would plummet by July.
A recent study from the University of Virginia Health System found that more than a quarter of American infants in 2018 had not received all recommended childhood vaccines. Disparities were observed among African-American infants, low-income families, and those with lower education levels. The researchers warn that these gaps can lead ...
A quality improvement study evaluated the length, readability, and complexity of COVID-19 vaccine phase III randomized clinical trial informed consent documents. The study found that these documents were often lengthy and complex, posing a barrier to participant understanding.
A Cornell-led research survey found that many Americans believe the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines provide weak protection against COVID-19 after a second dose. The study highlights the need for improved guidance on continued public health precautions, such as wearing masks, to combat vaccine attrition and prolong pandemic recovery.
The study found that 25.4% of vaccinated people experienced systemic side effects, with headache being the most common, while local side effects were reported by 66.2%.
The article discusses the critical role of Texas Biomed in the development of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine through preclinical testing. Scientists tested two mRNA vaccine candidates in rhesus macaques, showing high effectiveness in protecting against SARS-CoV-2, and highlighting the importance of rapid therapy and vaccine development.
The study estimates that only about 24% of young adults aged 18 to 21 in the United States have been fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). The low vaccination rate is a cause for concern given the significant health risks associated with HPV infection, including cervical cancer and other types of cancer.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 vaccination data and found no significant association between mRNA vaccines and facial paralysis. The study suggests that compared to other viral vaccines, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not display a signal of facial paralysis.
A small study from Mayo Clinic researchers raises concerns that some transplant patients may have a limited immune response after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The study found that infected vaccinated solid organ transplant recipients had a 10 times higher infection rate compared to the general population.
A simulation modeling study estimates the benefits of identifying silent COVID-19 infections among children as a proxy for their vaccination. The study suggests that vaccination can significantly reduce future infection rates in this population.
Researchers are enrolling 500 participants, 400 with primary/secondary immune system disorders and 100 without, to study COVID-19 vaccine responses. The study aims to characterize features and adequacy of immune responses and provide valuable information about benefits and potential risks in individuals with immune deficiencies.
Recent polls of people aged 14 to 24 reveal most young people are taking COVID-19 seriously and motivated by a desire to protect others. They prioritize following public health guidance when near close contacts or in 'pod' situations.
A study from Rockefeller University suggests that breakthrough COVID cases may be driven by rapid evolution of the virus. Ongoing testing of immunized individuals is crucial to mitigate future outbreaks.
A $17 billion investment in NIH-funded research on vaccine technologies provided a foundation for the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. The study highlights the critical role of government-funded research in ensuring vaccine readiness.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 may provide protection against the latest variant strains and even the common cold. The vaccine-induced T cell response was found to be effective in recognizing the spike proteins of both SARS-CoV-2 and three common cold coronaviruses.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new biomanufacturing platform that can increase protein-based vaccine yields by five-fold and reduce production costs to $1 per dose. The technology utilizes enriched cell-free extracts with cellular membranes, significantly broadening access to potentially lifesaving medicines.
The study found that the vaccine is highly effective across all age ranges, with 92% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic disease in individuals 70 years and older. Vaccine effectiveness varied among subpopulations, with slightly lower rates in multi-morbid populations and immunosuppressed individuals.
A synthetic DNA vaccine for MERS-CoV induced robust antibody neutralizing antibodies and cellular immune responses, protecting against MERS-CoV in NHP models. The low-dose regimen with intradermal delivery was more impactful in controlling disease than the higher dose delivered intramuscularly.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests delaying the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines for 9-15 weeks after the first dose can avoid more hospitalizations, infections, and deaths. The researchers found that prioritizing widespread inoculation with available first doses is critical to mitigating adverse outcomes.
A new study published in Frontiers in Immunology suggests that the gut's immune response to COVID-19 infection may not provide long-lasting systemic immunity from the virus. The researchers found relatively few immune cells with a specific marker in the blood of patients with COVID-19, indicating limited protection for other organs.
Researchers identified serum amyloid A (SAA) as a potential biomarker for COVID-19 risk, with higher levels associated with increased inflammation, clot abnormalities, and organ damage. This biomarker could help facilitate early identification of patients requiring aggressive management and monitoring.
Research finds mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may have reduced efficacy in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Patients with CLL who are treatment-naive or in remission tend to respond better to the vaccine.
A recent study published in Social Influence found that when people are explicitly told they are free to accept or reject propagandistic claims, their likelihood of choosing a moderate view increases. This approach, based on self-determination theory and psychological reactance theory, aims to disrupt the radicalization process among v...
A majority of 2,400 participants in a Penn State study supported requiring students and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The survey found that Democrats were consistently more supportive of vaccine mandates than moderates or Republicans.
A new vaccine for leishmaniasis has demonstrated safety and induced immune responses in patients with the disease. The vaccine, called ChAd63-KH, is being tested to determine its potential as a therapy for different forms of leishmaniasis.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may only need one vaccine dose to produce a sufficient antibody response. In contrast, those who have not had COVID-19 require two doses to achieve strong levels of immunity.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that child vaccination rates declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with measles vaccination coverage remaining substantially reduced in many age groups. The decline was more severe and persistent in older children, highlighting concerns about vaccine-preventable diseases.
A new study found that individuals with negative attitudes towards vaccines and conspiracy suspicions are more likely to be hesitant about getting vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The research suggests that communication strategies must account for the polarising nature of conspiracy theories to increase vaccine compliance.
Scientists have developed a method to create crystalline exoskeletons around delicate liposomes and lipid nanoparticles, stabilizing them at room temperature for up to two months. This breakthrough could help address the need for COVID-19 vaccines to be kept at below-freezing temperatures during transport and storage.
A recent survey of youth aged 14-24 found that most are willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with 75% unconditionally willing or already vaccinated. Black young people were more likely to express concerns about vaccine safety.
Experts argue that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics should not be held this summer due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. They point out that vaccine roll-out has been inequitable, reducing access in many low-income countries, and that Japan's lack of control over community transmission poses a significant risk.
Researchers from NIH propose a new method to estimate vaccine efficacy by following original placebo recipients after vaccination, allowing assessment of durability and potential delayed harm. This approach enables timely access to the vaccine for placebo recipients while maintaining unbiased estimates.
Author Michael Dahlstrom's paper examines how narratives or storytelling can help counter misinformation on vaccines by providing context and connection between facts. This approach recognizes the disproportionate influence of narratives on attitudes and behaviors, and highlights their potential as a tool for public health education.
A surveillance project found high COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among physicians and advance practice providers, but lower rates among nurses and nonclinical healthcare workers. The authors suggest educating these groups about the vaccine's safety profile to enhance vaccination rates.
A survey study examines US adults' beliefs on who should be prioritized for access to COVID-19 vaccines. The study found that some groups, including young children and individuals with underlying health conditions, are more likely to be prioritized over others.
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a disruption in the brain's normal mechanisms for controlling the body and can be triggered by physical or emotional events, including vaccinations. Individuals with FND may experience symptoms such as limb weakness, gait problems, jerky movements, tremor and facial spasms.