Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A new study finds that the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK is more transmissible than existing variants, leading to predictions of large COVID-19 resurgences if left uncontrolled. The analysis suggests a higher reproduction number and increased disease severity for the variant.
Swollen lymph nodes after COVID-19 vaccination can be managed with proper documentation and follow-up care. Imaging centers should document vaccination information to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
A $3.5 million study led by uOttawa and Bruyère Research Institute aims to understand how various immunity factors react to COVID-19 and vaccines in long-term care residents. The team will analyze blood samples from over 3,500 residents and 2,500 workers across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Researchers suggest three ways to improve COVID-19 vaccine distribution, prioritizing global health impact and addressing health disparities. By focusing on both direct and indirect health effects, countries can assist each other in vaccine production, distribution, and consumption.
A survey of 18,000 women in 16 countries found that 69% would receive a COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and vaccinate their children. Vaccine acceptance varied by country, with lower rates in the US and Russia.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new vaccination strategy to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In tests in mice, the vaccine administered directly to the bladder effectively cleared bacteria. The study suggests that reprogramming the body's immune response could be key to fighting off UTIs.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have discovered how antibodies recognize and block the Zika virus. The study found that antibodies produced in response to Zika virus are effective against other flaviviruses like dengue type 1, but less effective against West Nile and other types of dengue.
Researchers propose using human rights principles to allocate COVID-19 vaccines, considering social vulnerability alongside medical risk. An intersectional approach would prioritize those with overlapping vulnerabilities, such as age and economic status.
A large-scale peer-reviewed study by the Clalit Research Institute found that the Pfizer vaccine reduces the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 by 94% and severe disease by 92% in fully vaccinated individuals. The study also showed substantial vaccine effectiveness even before completing two doses.
Expanding vaccine capacity can accelerate completion of widespread immunization and generate substantial global benefits. Investing in additional capacity could save hundreds of dollars per course, dwarfing current prices of $6 to $40.
As of mid-January, over 60% of long-term care facility residents and staff received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose through the CDC's public-private partnership with CVS, Walgreens, and Managed Health Care Associates. The study highlights a significant increase in vaccination rates among vulnerable populations.
A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface suggests that reducing individual activity through social distancing is far superior in controlling the dissemination of Sars-CoV-2. The research found that limiting personal mobility through travel restrictions and similar tactics is effective only in the first phases...
Researchers identified 23 cases of axillary adenopathy after COVID-19 vaccination, with 13% being symptomatic. The study highlights the importance of considering vaccination date and laterality in assessing imaging-detected axillary adenopathy.
Radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an approach to manage swollen lymph nodes on mammograms in women who have recently received COVID-19 vaccinations. The approach aims to reduce delays in vaccinations and breast cancer diagnoses while reassuring patients that the swelling is a normal response to vaccination.
A new study found adults with Down syndrome are roughly three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. The study's results have implications for preventive and clinical management of COVID-19 patients with Down syndrome, highlighting the need to prioritize individuals with this genetic condition for vaccination.
A new study predicts that robust vaccination programmes and strict physical distancing rules can contain virus resurgence without stay-at-home restrictions, applicable to cities worldwide. Cities with low populations and effective vaccination may fully interrupt transmission without distancing.
A new report highlights disparities in vaccine clinical trials, showing that certain racial/ethnic groups and older people are not adequately represented. The study emphasizes the need for increased diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable representation of all populations, particularly those disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Researchers examined U.S.-based vaccine clinical trials from 2011 to 2020, finding they were underrepresented by racial/ethnic minorities, females, and older adults. The study aimed to address these disparities and improve vaccine inclusion.
The article reviews immunogenicity profiles of prominent SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in non-human primates and humans. Notably, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been authorized for use by the FDA following successful human clinical trials.
The European Union is funding a new vaccine research network, VACCELERATE, to coordinate clinical trials and promote knowledge exchange among 26 partner institutions. The network aims to build long-term herd immunity in Europe by testing vaccine efficacy and safety against SARS-CoV-2.
Experts discuss the ethics of criminalizing false vaccine information. Melinda Mills argues that deliberate intent to spread malicious disinformation should be considered criminal due to preventable deaths. Jonas Sivelä believes this approach may not address underlying issues like vaccine hesitancy and lack of trust in institutions.
A new study suggests that vaccinating all babies on the day of birth with BCG could reduce neonatal infections and death in areas with high infectious disease rates. The results also increase the possibility that the vaccine might be used to protect children and adults against COVID-19 and other new infectious diseases.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel that slowly releases mRNA nanoparticles, activating T cells and stimulating antibody production in mice with melanoma. The treatment causes tumors to shrink and prevents metastasis, demonstrating great potential for long-lasting cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers found that people preferred drive-through clinics due to perceived safety, convenience, and reduced contagion. The study suggests drive-through clinics could rapidly vaccinate large numbers of people, transforming the COVID-19 pandemic's trajectory.
A survey of 20 European countries found that only 4 prioritize COVID vaccinations for individuals with severe mental disorders. The authors call for coordinated action to protect these vulnerable patients. Many countries do not mention mental health in their vaccination priority guidance, leaving patients at risk.
The US and UK's large vaccine stockpiles are morally reprehensible, argue experts, as poor countries face years of vaccine scarcity. Rich nations should prioritize global access to COVID-19 vaccines to respect human rights and reduce the pandemic's spread.
A new study found COVID-19 infection rates among pregnant women to be 70% higher than in similar-aged adults in Washington state. Pregnant patients from communities of color experienced a twofold to fourfold higher prevalence of infections compared to the general population.
A Zika virus candidate, Ad26.ZIKV.001, showed promising safety and immunogenicity in a phase I clinical trial. The vaccine induced persistent neutralizing antibody responses and was found to be safe with mild to moderate reactogenicity. Researchers recommend further development of the vaccine should the need reemerge.
The American College of Cardiology recommends prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease over those with well-managed conditions. The policy statement considers exposure risks, clinical risks, and disparities among racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomic levels.
To ensure an effective global immunization strategy against COVID-19, vaccines must be produced at scale, priced affordably, and allocated globally. The authors assess the potential contribution of leading vaccines using a traffic light system, highlighting production challenges and the need for equitable distribution. Governments and ...
The rise of several significant SARS-CoV-2 variants has sparked concerns about vaccine efficacy and prompted calls for a global approach to combatting the virus. Experts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases emphasize the need for robust surveillance, tracking, and vaccine deployment worldwide.
A recent study published in Eurosurveillance found that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine triggers a strong immune response in people who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also observed similar responses across multi-ethnic groups, suggesting that vaccination priority for those previously infected may not be n...
Research from Michigan State University identifies four distinct waves of the 1918 flu virus, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reveals that a spike in cases may occur late 2021 or early 2022 due to remaining susceptible individuals and lack of vaccination.
Former UK health secretary Jeremy Hunt blames delayed NHS workforce expansion for the country's inadequate pandemic response. He advocates for urgent reform of workforce planning and calls for government publication of staff requirements each year.
Researchers have demonstrated a new treatment called KEDRAB to be safe and effective for use in children with rabies, marking the first pediatric trial of any human rabies immunoglobulin currently available in the US. The study found no deaths or serious adverse events among participants, and most side effects were mild.
Researchers are exploring biomaterials-based nanoparticles to strengthen vaccines against viruses. Emerging bioengineering technologies can create antiviral surfaces that disinfect themselves, reducing the spread of diseases.
New Yorkers' acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine has significantly increased under the Biden Administration, with 64% reporting they would take it in January, up from 55% in September. Disparities persist across racial and ethnic groups, but the largest increase was seen among Black respondents. The survey also found that employed indiv...
Researchers David Rode and Paul Fischbeck argue that decision sciences can play a crucial role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of collecting accurate data on population infection rates to inform decision-making and policy development.
A commentary by Johns Hopkins experts highlights the need for standardized data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions and strategies. They propose creating a consensus task force to define metrics and refine them over time, enabling public health leaders and healthcare organizations to identify effective solutions.
A University of Arizona Health Sciences study is testing COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness among college students and frontline workers. Researchers will investigate vaccine efficacy in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, occupation, and health status.
A large-scale analysis found a disproportionately higher COVID-19 death risk in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that vaccine prioritization strategies across Europe should consider the relative risk of COVID-19 mortality in this population.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to staggering income losses and food insecurity across nine countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The research found that households reported financial losses, reduced meals, and closed schools may lead to delayed development and health consequences for children.
A survey of over 1,900 adults in France found that nearly 30% would outright reject any COVID-19 vaccine. Willingness to receive the vaccine depended on its effectiveness and country of origin. Communicating collective benefits of herd immunity reduced hesitancy about vaccination.
Researchers have developed three nonhuman primate species as potential models of SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection, which can be used to test vaccines and therapies. The studies found that cynomolgus macaques, rhesus macaques, and African green monkeys developed disease similar to mild acute respiratory disease in humans.
Researchers analyzed 851,199 listings from 30 dark web marketplaces, identifying 788 COVID-19 related products. The study highlights the importance of monitoring DWMs due to vaccine shortages and potential health risks.
Researchers have created an experimental vaccine that has shown promise in blunting the deadly effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil. In early tests, the vaccine demonstrated significant reduction in fatal respiratory effects, offering hope for a new treatment approach to combat the opioid crisis.
A new Ontario study found that dialysis patients are almost 4 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to uninfected counterparts. The researchers recommend prioritizing these patients for vaccination and implementing infection control measures, including paid sick leave and regular testing.
Researchers analyzed 851,199 listings from 30 dark web marketplaces between Jan 2020 and Nov 2020 to identify COVID-19 related products. DarkBay/DBay emerged as a prominent platform offering COVID-19 specific listings.
Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 mutates by deleting small bits of its sequence, evading neutralizing antibodies. This pattern repeats itself in emerging variants like B.1.1.7, highlighting the need for multiple approaches to combat the virus.
The AAVCOVID vaccine program has received a $2.1 million grant to support phase I clinical trials overseas, with single-dose vaccines that can be stored at room temperature for up to one month. This stability could enable distribution in regions with limited infrastructure.
The BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine retains its immune protection against the B.1.1.7 viral variant, suggesting it can prevent 'escape' from vaccine-mediated protection. The study's findings support the use of mRNA-based vaccine technology for adapting to new virus strains.
The essay argues that politicization of biomedical science in the US led to a surge in cases and deaths, despite evidence-based safety measures. Dr. Hotez calls for a national response task force to combat anti-science activities and protect public health.
A new study estimates that vaccination against 10 major pathogens will have prevented 69 million deaths in low-income and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2030. Vaccination programs are expected to reduce mortality from these diseases by 72% for those born in 2019, with the greatest impact on children under five.
A new modelling study estimates that without vaccination, mortality in children under five would be 45% higher in low-income and middle-income countries. Vaccination has prevented 69 million deaths between 2000-2030.
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina hosts an international virtual panel discussion on COVID-19 vaccination challenges. Experts will address issues like equitable global allocation and vaccine effectiveness. The event aims to promote scientific dialogue among the international community.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should be offered COVID-19 vaccines based on ethical principles, considering individual autonomy and risk of severe illness. Although no adverse effects have been observed in vaccinated participants, those at high risk of severe COVID-19 should prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and others.
A study found that over half of Ebola survivors experienced a rapid increase in antibody levels around 200 days after recovery, followed by decline, indicating potential long-term virus persistence.
The American College of Physicians and Annals of Internal Medicine hosted a third virtual COVID-19 vaccine forum, discussing the allocation and distribution of available vaccines. Researchers also published an observational study finding that early therapeutic anticoagulation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 did not affect surv...
Researchers warn that emerging strains threaten vaccine effectiveness, urging continued vaccination efforts and proper public health policies. Stronger action now is necessary to stop the evolution and spread of more virulent virus strains.
Research suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can dampen the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This could have implications for COVID-19 treatment and vaccination strategies. The findings also highlight the need for further evaluation of NSAID use during natural infections and vaccinations.