Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
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.
A review of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports confirms cases of anaphylactic reactions after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine administration. The study highlights the importance of monitoring vaccine recipients for potential allergic reactions.
A new study suggests that prioritizing older adults for COVID-19 vaccination can save the most lives, with an estimated reduction of 23% in mortality rates over three months. The research also highlights the importance of a fast vaccine rollout and other public health measures to control the spread of the virus.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people are more likely to follow Covid-19 restrictions based on their close circle's behavior rather than their own principles. The researchers discovered that the best predictor of compliance was how much one's close friends and family were following the rules.
A new Commentary in Preventive Medicine suggests financial incentives could promote high levels of COVID-19 vaccine adherence, crucial for achieving herd immunity. Strong evidence from controlled trials supports the efficacy of incentivizing vaccine adherence, including a 7-fold increase in adherence with modest financial incentives.
A new model simulates the spread of COVID-19 in a small town, finding that prioritizing vaccination of high-risk individuals has limited impact. Social distancing and mask-wearing remain crucial to fighting the pandemic.
A recent redesign of a dog vaccination campaign in Blantyre city, Malawi, reduced the cost and time associated with rabies prevention by leveraging real-time data collection. The campaign vaccinated over 70% of local dogs using a combination of fixed locations and door-to-door vaccinations.
A recent study found that mortality rates decreased among critically ill COVID-19 patients over time. In contrast, experts from NIAID emphasized the importance of using data to encourage vaccine uptake. Meanwhile, a hospital essay describes a Ransomware attack during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare profess...
The NIH highlights seven COVID-19 vaccines with promising data on safety and efficacy, while acknowledging remaining unknowns. The commentary emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to strongly encourage vaccination, particularly as rare side effects may emerge in large populations.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a novel method to rapidly synthesize safe vaccines using protein-based immunization. The approach demonstrated strong immune response in mice against tuberculosis and has potential applications for respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a tool to help prioritize vaccine distribution among people who share similar risks due to their jobs. The algorithm considers both age and socioeconomic status to identify those at greater risk of severe COVID-19 complications.
A new poll finds that 45% of adults aged 65-80 and 42% of all adults aged 50-80 lack online medical accounts, which could hinder COVID-19 vaccine scheduling. Patient portals can help bridge this gap, especially for those with lower incomes, education levels, or who require assistance setting up accounts.
Scientific scepticism may be reinforced in the UK due to the rapid approval of COVID vaccines, warns Professor John Ashton. The former director of public health highlights the potential breakdown of trust between the government and the public over vaccination objections.
A new study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective in individuals with depression, stress, loneliness, or poor health behaviors. Engaging in exercise and getting a good night's sleep before vaccination can help boost the immune response.
A study found nearly half of summer camps didn't have official policies requiring campers be vaccinated, with only 39% mandating staffers vaccinations. Camps allow unvaccinated children with nonmedical exemptions to attend programs.
Researchers predict SARS-CoV-2 will become a mild childhood disease, with older individuals providing immune protection against severe illness. The model suggests that widespread vaccination may not be necessary if primary infections are mild in children, but should continue if they become severe.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine suggests that lactating women discuss the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination with their healthcare provider. The ABM statement is based on biological plausibility and expert opinion, considering there are no clinical data on vaccine safety in nursing mothers.
Researchers at Umeå University have made a significant discovery about the diarrhea virus, revealing its ability to survive acidic stomach environments and infect intestines. This understanding could lead to the development of new vaccines, potentially given in edible form, and has implications for tackling diseases like COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of vaccines using advanced technologies like reverse vaccinology and synthetic biology. These innovations could help address other pressing health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and cancer.
A new study suggests that shortening the COVID-19 infectious period by half a day could avert up to 1.4 million cases and over 99,000 hospitalizations, saving $209.5 billion in direct medical costs. Expanding treatment to 75% of infected individuals could avert 29.7 million cases and save $856 billion.
Researchers developed an mRNA vaccine that restored tolerance to self-proteins in mice with autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model for multiple sclerosis. The vaccine suppressed immune responses and promoted regulatory T cells to control the disease.
Recent surveys indicate a fluctuating willingness to be vaccinated, with 60% willing and 51% unwilling; experts propose 12 strategies, including analogy and explanation, to boost vaccine uptake and achieve 100% follow-through.
Researchers at Swansea University have received £230,000 to develop a smart vaccine device that delivers the COVID-19 vaccine and measures its efficacy through monitoring biomarkers in the skin. The device uses microneedles for minimally invasive delivery and offers a personalized vaccination approach.
A recent study found that nearly 40% of Facebook posts about the HPV vaccine amplified perceived health risks, leading to a false perception of the vaccine's safety. Monique Luisi, an expert in health communication, believes this phenomenon can inform the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and distribution.
Researchers suggest that single-dose vaccines may offer greater population benefit due to the speed-versus-efficacy tradeoff. Alternative dose allocation strategies also improve benefits by vaccinating more people sooner while maintaining scheduling for second doses.
Experts discuss microbial-based solutions to combat COVID-19, including vaccine candidates and production platforms. The webinar explores learnings from vaccine development, innovative approaches to address systemic inflammation.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated a 94.1 percent efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections and severe illness, according to the results of the ongoing phase 3 clinical trial. The study enrolled over 30,000 participants and found that cases of severe COVID-19 occurred only in those who received the placebo.
The mRNA-1273 vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in preventing severe COVID-19, with no safety concerns or evidence of enhanced respiratory disease. The trial enrolled over 30,000 participants and showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among those who received the vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a genetic engineering method to prevent Toxoplasma gondii parasite production, which causes toxoplasmosis. The new technique uses CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing scissors to switch off essential genes responsible for oocyst formation without leaving unwanted traces.
Researchers found that people infected with COVID-19 retain immunity for at least 8 months through virus-specific memory B cells. This discovery alleviates concerns about vaccine efficacy and provides real hope for long-term protection against the virus.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) hosted a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Forum II to address barriers to optimal vaccine uptake. Panelists emphasized the need for comprehensive public health communications campaigns to refute misinformation and build trust among disproportionately affected minority communities.
A recent study found that combining mandatory mask-wearing policies with extensive social distancing can prevent most COVID-19 cases on college campuses, with routine testing also showing high effectiveness. However, the cost of testing may be a barrier for some colleges and universities.
A recent national study found that factors such as perceived importance of others, confidence to wear a face covering, and personal importance of use positively associated with intention to wear a face covering. The study suggests that messaging strategies targeting individual intentions and social norms may be more effective than focu...
A recent study assessed the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the US public, revealing mixed attitudes towards mandates. The study found that while some individuals strongly supported vaccine mandates, others were more hesitant or opposed.
The Advanced Photon Source (APS) has been instrumental in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, allowing for rapid progress through genetic mutations that increase effectiveness. Scientists used APS ultrabright X-ray beams to illuminate virus structures and design vaccine techniques, drugs, and treatments.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found a 10% drop in MMR vaccine uptake among children aged 16 months. The study highlights the need for preventive care visits during the pandemic, despite safety concerns.
Researchers achieved rapid development of effective vaccines against COVID-19, highlighting the collaboration between scientists and governments. However, this unprecedented speed revealed alarming fissures between science and policy makers.
A national vaccine strategy is crucial to defeating COVID-19, according to Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The school recommends setting realistic expectations on vaccine effectiveness and promoting universal health coverage for vulnerable populations.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a vaccine that can deactivate the effects of synthetic cannabinoids in rodents, sequestering drug molecules before they interact with the central nervous system. The approach worked in models simulating smoking and vaping, a common method of use for these drugs.
Scientists successfully produced C-nucleosides, the basic building blocks of RNA, using an enzyme called YeiN, offering a more efficient and eco-friendly alternative to chemical synthesis. This breakthrough has implications for the production of RNA-based therapeutic products, such as vaccines.
Research highlights individual-level barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with severe mental illness, including stigma and lack of access to healthcare. The study identifies system-level solutions, such as improving mental health services and increasing vaccine accessibility, to address these gaps.
Researchers propose five behavioral strategies and a national entity to promote COVID-19 vaccination, including making vaccines free and accessible, leveraging public endorsements, and transforming individual decisions into public acts. The proposed entity should bring together scientists from multiple disciplines to depoliticize pande...
For global success, vaccines must prevent all three: infection, disease progression, and transmission. The authors emphasize prioritizing vulnerable populations and healthcare workers before the wider population.
A survey of 788 US adults found that concerns about side effects were a significant barrier to getting the vaccine. Disparities in willingness to get vaccinated also existed among demographic groups, with younger and white respondents more likely to be willing than older and Black respondents.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition. The study found no significant association between the two conditions, contradicting previous small case series. The researchers conclude that COVID-19 vaccination is unlikely to cause GBS.
The Oxford Covid-19 vaccine has shown a 70.4% overall efficacy rate in phase 3 human trials, with the standard dose regimen showing 62.1% efficacy and the low dose regimen demonstrating 90.0% efficacy. No hospitalizations or severe disease were observed in vaccinated groups.
The pharmaceutical industry made significant strides in 2020, developing tests, therapeutics, and vaccines to combat COVID-19. Companies like Eli Lilly and Regeneron led the way in making antibody therapies, while Moderna used messenger RNA to develop a potential vaccine with promising early trial data.
The FAPESP COVID-19 Research Webinars will address manufacturing and distribution logistics of the COVID-19 vaccine portfolio. The event features expert speakers from leading institutions, including Tiago Rocca, Margareth Dalcolmo, and Prashant Yadav.
A special report by The BMJ reveals that the UK government has kept its advisors' financial conflicts of interest unpublished, leading to calls for greater transparency. SAGE members have been accused of being unbalanced in their scientific proficiency and favoring certain types of expertise.
A new iGIST method detects pertussis toxin levels, reducing animal testing. The method is more effective and enables detection of lower toxin levels than current methods.
Vaccination uptake in children and adolescents decreased in Colorado following the COVID-19 outbreak. The study used data from the Colorado Immunization Information System to analyze vaccination trends before and after the outbreak.
A nursing researcher reflects on her experience participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, discussing the importance of informing patients about possible side effects. The article emphasizes the need for clinicians to prepare their patients for vaccination, ensuring informed consent and minimizing adverse reactions.
The use of immunity passports is a topic of debate, as science is unsure about the duration of immunity and potential risks of reinfection. Experts argue that immunity passports could limit fundamental rights, such as freedom of movement, but also propose respecting the right to move freely for those who cannot spread COVID-19.
Researchers at BIDMC identified the role of antibodies and T cells in protecting against COVID-19, finding that low antibody levels can still provide protection when combined with a strong T cell response. The study's findings have important implications for vaccine development and public health strategies.
Researchers propose guidelines to continue placebo-controlled trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates even after an effective vaccine is found. This approach aims to address the global pandemic while ensuring valuable data collection from low-risk participants.
A study by St. Petersburg University found that vaccination against tuberculosis with the BCG vaccine can slow down the spread of COVID-19 and reduce its course. The analysis showed a correlation between BCG vaccination and lower mortality rates in countries where national immunization programs are well-established.
Researchers at Brown University are tracking COVID-19 vaccine adverse events among nursing home residents due to the group's high risk of severe illness. The study uses electronic medical records and aims to identify potential side effects, which may be critical for protecting this vulnerable population.
A study of 173 countries found that increased testing intensity reduced COVID-19 transmission by 9%. Testing had the greatest influence among interventions, with a tenfold increase in tests to new cases reported reducing transmission. This explains why some countries, like China and Australia, achieved near elimination of COVID-19.
The 4CMenB vaccine has shown 79% effectiveness in preventing meningococcus group B disease among children and young adults. In a real-world study, nearly all vaccinated cases survived, while unvaccinated cases experienced severe outcomes, including death and long-term injuries.
The study highlights the importance of mucosal immune responses in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in asymptomatic cases. Researchers recommend further research on SIgA antibody responses and developing a nasal vaccine that could be easier to administer and store.