Safety of HPV vaccines in males
New analysis shows HPV vaccines are safe for males, with similar side effects to females. The study evaluated reports of adverse events from the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System between 2006 and 2018.
Vaccination
Articles tagged with Vaccination
Seven different 'disease forms' identified in mild COVID-19
Researchers have identified seven distinct groups of symptoms in mild COVID-19, including flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and loss of smell and taste. These findings suggest that the disease leaves behind significant changes in the immune system, even after recovery, and could inform the development of more effective vaccines.
Innovative strategies sustain children's preventative care during pandemic
Despite COVID-19, Nemours Children's Health System increased patient immunizations by 4.6% through a hybrid approach combining in-person and telemedicine, with over 36,000 primary care telemedicine visits and nearly 10,000 'tele-well' visits.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Experts outline key challenges for assessing clinical efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines
Researchers stress the need for standardised methods to assess COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, highlighting challenges in determining severe disease protection and the importance of long-term follow-up. Controlled human infection studies may offer rapid assessment but predictability for older adults remains unclear.
Nonvaccinator clusters and measles outbreaks
Local spatial clustering of non-vaccinated individuals can lead to large measles outbreaks even at high overall vaccination coverage. The study highlights the importance of fine-scale vaccination data for effective targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020
COVID-19 vaccines: McGill researchers track the global race
McGill University professors have created an online COVID-19 vaccine tracker providing real-time updates on vaccine progress and characteristics. The tracker helps manage expectations about vaccine availability and promotes transparency in the regulatory process.
Ontario should vaccinate newborns for hepatitis B, study suggests
A study suggests that Ontario's current vaccination strategy for hepatitis B is inadequate, as many children are infected before receiving the vaccine. The authors recommend that all women be screened for HBV during pregnancy and that newborns receive the vaccine at birth.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 26, 2020
COVID-19 containment shaped by strength, duration of natural, vaccine-induced immunity
The study found that natural immunity is only weakly protective against reinfection, leading to larger outbreaks. Vaccines capable of eliciting strong immune responses can substantially reduce future caseloads.
How does the immune system develop in the first days of life?
Researchers found that newborns' immune systems activate soon after birth and increase key factors of innate immunity, including the complement system. This development is critical for protecting against pathogens in infancy, where infections are prevalent.
COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine
Industry, government, and academic researchers propose general clinical endpoints to facilitate evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine candidates. These endpoints include asymptomatic infection as a study endpoint.
'Foreign disinformation' social media campaigns linked to falling vaccination rates
An international time trends analysis reveals that foreign disinformation social media campaigns are strongly associated with a decline in global vaccination rates. The study found a cumulative drop of 12 percentage points across the decade, with a 15% increase in negative tweets about vaccination.
Coronavirus vaccines stir doubts among many people worldwide, new study shows
A global survey of 13,400 people in 19 countries found that 72% would likely take the vaccine, while 14% refused and 14% hesitated. Vaccine confidence was higher in countries with higher trust in government.
SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 20, 2020
US adults' likelihood of accepting COVID-19 vaccination
A survey study of US adults found that vaccine-related attributes and political characteristics are associated with self-reported preferences for choosing a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine. The results may inform public health campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy when a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.
Mandatory vaccinations required in only half of all countries
A global study led by McGill University found that 54% of UN-recognized countries have national mandatory vaccination policies, with varying penalties for non-compliance. Educational and financial penalties are the most common, ranging from small fines to jail time in some cases.
ACP and Annals of Internal Medicine hold virtual COVID-19 vaccine forum
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Annals of Internal Medicine hosted a virtual forum on October 16, assembling leading health experts to discuss timely information related to COVID-19 vaccines. Panelists offered current evidence-based insights into vaccine science, approval processes, and clinical recommendations.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Preliminary results find vaccine candidate based on inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus is safe and induces an immune response in healthy volunteers
A Phase 1/2 randomised controlled trial found the vaccine candidate BBIBP-CorV is safe and induces an immune response in healthy volunteers. The study detected antibody responses in all recipients by day 42 after vaccination, and was well-tolerated with no severe adverse reactions reported.
Higher hypothetical disease risk linked with greater willingness to vaccinate
A US survey found that increased local case counts of a hypothetical disease led to higher vaccination rates. Older, wealthier participants and those with conservative views were more likely to get vaccinated. The study highlights the complex relationship between perceived risk and vaccine propensity.
Will SARS-CoV-2 become endemic?
If SARS-CoV-2 becomes endemic, its pattern of transmission will depend on factors like vaccine availability and social factors. Greater monitoring of interactions with other respiratory viruses is needed to mitigate potential outbreaks.
Is it lawful, ethical to prioritize racial minorities for COVID-19 vaccines?
The article explores the debate on prioritizing racial minorities for COVID-19 vaccines, highlighting conflicts between public health recommendations and laws discouraging explicit consideration of race in policy decisions. The authors argue that strategic distribution can be done ethically and legally.
Popularity of COVID-19 conspiracies and links to vaccine 'hesitancy' revealed by international study
A new international study has identified how much traction some prominent COVID-19 conspiracy theories have within populations in the UK, US, Ireland, Mexico, and Spain. The research found that a small increase in perceived reliability of conspiracies equates to a larger drop in intention to get vaccinated.
USask VIDO-InterVac expands international role to test antiviral compounds against COVID-19
VIDO-InterVac has been awarded a grant to determine the effectiveness of several antiviral compounds against COVID-19 using a hamster model. The project aims to develop a safe solution to end the pandemic as quickly as possible.
Study: There's work to be done before people feel ready for COVID-19 vaccine
A new study indicates that public messaging is crucial before COVID-19 vaccines are released in the US. The research shows that 68% of respondents support vaccination but concerns remain about side effects and vaccine effectiveness. Addressing these concerns is critical to increasing vaccine uptake, according to senior author Brian Poole.
UCLA to lead statewide coalition to address COVID-19's impact on communities at risk
A statewide coalition, led by UCLA, aims to reduce COVID-19 knowledge disparities and increase vaccine uptake among underrepresented populations in California. The initiative combines community-engaged research with local partnerships to build trust and address concerns.
Vaccine opposition online uniting around 'civil liberties' argument
Researchers found a growing trend of anti-vaccination discourse on Facebook coalescing around the 'civil liberties' argument, which could impact vaccine-related legislation. The study examined over 250,000 posts on 204 Facebook pages and identified three distinct events that contributed to this shift in online discourse.
Influence of bots on spreading vaccine information not as big as you think
A University of Sydney-led study found that human-operated Twitter accounts dominate vaccine-related discussions, with most users unlikely to see or engage with bot-generated content. The researchers suggest that resources could be better spent on education interventions and media literacy training.
Expert opinion: COVID-19 vaccine rollout unlikely before fall 2021
A survey of 28 experts in vaccinology predicts that a publicly available COVID-19 vaccine may not be available before the fall of 2021. The majority of experts believe that the best-case scenario is a vaccine becoming available next summer, with some predicting it may take until 2022.
HPV vaccine effective against cervical cancer
A large study by Karolinska Institutet found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Women vaccinated at a young age show a 88% reduced risk, while those vaccinated between ages 17 and 30 experience a halved risk.
Investigational COVID-19 vaccine well-tolerated, generates immune response in older adults
A Phase 1 trial of an investigational mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has shown that the vaccine is well-tolerated and generates a strong immune response in older adults, with comparable efficacy to younger age groups. The study enrolled 40 healthy volunteers aged 56-71 years, who received two doses of the vaccine.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2020
A lay person's guide to COVID-19
A 10-week virtual series provides insight into COVID-19 topics for the general public, including vaccine development, mask effectiveness and outbreak tracking. The symposium aims to address community impact and provide solutions.
Preferences for public allocation of vaccine for COVID-19
A survey study explores public preferences for COVID-19 vaccine allocation. The results show that most people prioritize vaccine distribution to high-risk groups, including seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions. This preference is expected to influence healthcare policy decisions.
Ultrapotent antibody mix blocks COVID-19 virus attachment
A cocktail of powerful antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients locks down the infection machinery, preventing the virus from entering cells. The antibodies protect hamsters from infection when exposed to the coronavirus, also setting off the infection-fighting actions of other immune cells.
Something old, something new combine for effective vaccine against parasitic skin disease
A new CRISPR vaccine has been successfully tested in animal studies, providing protection against the parasitic skin disease leishmaniasis. The vaccine uses a modified version of the parasite that causes the disease, which induces immunity without causing clinical disease.
COVID-19: Berlin scientists lay basis for a passive vaccination
Researchers at DZNE identified effective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which could trigger undesired side effects when binding to various organs. These neutralizing antibodies can prevent the virus from entering cells and reproducing, helping immune cells eliminate the pathogen.
New study: Face-covering use up, more people are taking COVID-19 threats seriously
A recent survey found that more people are wearing masks in public places, while vaccine uncertainty is also increasing. The study suggests that addressing efficacy concerns through messaging may be key to reaching those not wearing masks. Respondents perceived a higher risk of getting seriously ill and dying from COVID-19 than is likely.
COVID-19 mortality rates higher among men than women
A new review article reveals that COVID-19 mortality rates are significantly higher among men than women, with sex-based physiological differences potentially contributing to the increased risk. The study highlights the importance of considering sex as a key variable in research related to immunity and infectious disease.
Belief in conspiracy theories is a barrier to controlling spread of COVID-19
A new study reveals that believing in COVID-19 conspiracy theories predicts increased resistance to vaccination and preventive behaviors, including mask-wearing. The researchers found a widening gap between those who strongly believed in conspiracies and those who did not, with believers being less likely to wear masks and get vaccinated.
SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 21, 2020
Long-term COVID-19 containment will be shaped by strength, duration of immunity
A study by Princeton researchers projects that a vaccine capable of eliciting strong immune responses can substantially reduce future COVID-19 cases. The study found that the nature of immune responses affects clinical outcomes and the burden of severe cases, with stronger immunity reducing future burdens.
Modeling future COVID-19 cases under a variety of immune responses, and with or without vaccines
A team of researchers adapted standard epidemiological models to explore how COVID-19 pandemic trajectories might unfold in the next five years. Their work emphasizes the importance of understanding adaptive immune responses and vaccine efficacy in determining future case severity and duration.
Vaccination insights
Researchers investigating BCG vaccination's potential COVID-19 protection find no correlation between infancy vaccination and reduced pandemic cases. Instead, they suggest other factors like public health agency strength or risk aversion may play a role.
CSU secures $3.1 million from NIH to advance SolaVAX coronavirus vaccine research
Colorado State University has received a $3.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue developing the SolaVAX coronavirus vaccine candidate. The funding will support pre-clinical research and human clinical trials to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine.
Researcher vaccinating integrated circuits interconnected with attack-immune architecture
Researchers develop a novel approach to detect and defend against hardware Trojans by adapting human immune system principles. The proposed mechanism uses an irregular network topology and machine learning-based anomaly detection to identify malicious attacks.
Do-it-yourself COVID-19 vaccines fraught with public health problems
A University of Illinois expert warns that DIY COVID-19 vaccines can be dangerous and undermine public trust in vaccines. The development of homemade medical interventions lacks the rigorous testing and safety protocols required by law, posing significant risks to public health.
SHEA endorses requiring recommended vaccinations for healthcare personnel, educators and students
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases for healthcare personnel, educators, and students. Medical contraindications are the only exception to receiving recommended immunizations.
SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 17, 2020
Should we mandate a COVID-19 vaccine for children?
The article examines the evidence for vaccinating children against COVID-19, highlighting both benefits and drawbacks. Experts consider factors such as vaccine efficacy, side effects, and long-term health implications in making their case for or against mandates.
The Lancet: Largest global vaccine confidence survey reveals hesitancy hotspots
Public confidence in vaccines varies widely between countries, with signs of improvement in parts of Europe but growing scepticism in others. The study found that six countries experienced substantial increases in people strongly disagreeing vaccines are safe, mirroring trends in political instability and religious extremism.
Antibody responses in COVID-19 patients could guide vaccine design
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 patients' antibody responses to guide vaccine development, finding that neutralizing activity typically drops within one month post-hospital discharge and severe cases have non-neutralizing antibodies contributing to reinfection risk.
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine first?
A new model prioritizes countries based on premature deaths caused by COVID-19, focusing on mitigating three types of harms: death and permanent organ damage, indirect health consequences, and economic destruction. The Fair Priority Model aims to reduce premature deaths and other irreversible health consequences from COVID-19.
Global health experts propose ethical framework for vaccine allocation
A new Fair Priority Model proposes mitigating three types of COVID-19 harms: death, organ damage, healthcare strain, and economic destruction. The model aims to benefit people and limit harm while prioritizing the disadvantaged and giving equal moral concern to all individuals.
Vaccine researchers testing human hookworm vaccines in Brazil
Scientists have developed a controlled human hookworm infection model to accelerate vaccine development, with the goal of preventing infections that affect 576-740 million people worldwide. The study will evaluate two lead vaccine antigens and assess their efficacy in a phase II trial.
Experimental vaccine that boosts antigen production shows promise against COVID-19
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a novel vaccine technique that induces antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by boosting antigen production. In animal studies, the treatment successfully produced antibodies against the virus within a month.
Elderly people protected against respiratory infections by BCG vaccine
The BCG vaccine has been shown to protect elderly people against various respiratory infections, including those of viral origin. This protective effect was observed in a double-blind randomized clinical study, which found that BCG-vaccinated participants had 75% fewer respiratory infections than placebo recipients.
American Animal Hospital Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners release new Feline Vaccination Guidelines
The new guidelines update recommendations for feline vaccinations, encouraging veterinarians to consider individualized risk factors and lifestyle-based vaccine calculators. The guidelines aim to improve feline wellbeing by providing tailored vaccination protocols and educating pet owners about the importance of vaccination.
Improving FDA's COVID-19 vaccine authorization and approval process
The FDA's emergency use authorization process for COVID-19 vaccines was criticized for its speed and lack of rigor. The researchers propose four reforms to enhance accountability and transparency in drug authorizations and approvals, including improved risk assessment and post-marketing surveillance.
Vaccine narrows racial disparities in pneumococcal disease
The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13 has significantly reduced socioeconomic disparities and Black-white-based racial disparities for invasive pneumococcal disease. The study found a large decrease in the overall incidence of pneumococcal disease and markedly reduced race-based disparities.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 31, 2020
Mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 model provides new tool for COVID-19 discoveries
A new mouse model developed at UNC-Chapel Hill has captured many features of human COVID-19 disease, advancing the development of vaccines and therapeutics. The model has shown promise in protecting mice from infection with various treatments, including mRNA-1273 vaccine candidate.
Zika infection enhances Dengue disease risk
A recent study found that prior Zika virus infection can enhance the risk of severe dengue disease. The research used a cohort from Nicaragua to confirm previous reports on cross-reactive antibodies between Zika and dengue viruses. The findings have important implications for developing effective vaccines against both diseases.
Cambridge-developed SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine receives £1.9 million for clinical trial
The Cambridge-developed DNA vaccine candidate, DIOS-CoVax2, targets key regions of the virus to produce beneficial anti-viral responses. The vaccine aims to protect against SARS-CoV-2 and other related coronaviruses, with a potential for widespread use and low-cost manufacturing.
Vaccine developed for human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B)
A new vaccine candidate has been developed for HHV-6B, a virus that causes exanthem subitum in infants. The vaccine targets the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 complex and induces strong immunity against the virus. Animal experiments have shown that the vaccine prevents HHV-6B infection and activates dendritic cells to induce innate immunity.
How misinformed vaccine beliefs affect policy views
A study found that belief in negative vaccination misperceptions has a strong impact on policy views, with 20% of Americans holding negative views about vaccination. Strong support for mandatory childhood vaccinations was observed, but opposition to religious and personal belief exemptions remained significant.
SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 20, 2020
CUNY med school, TechnoVax report COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough
Researchers have developed a promising COVID-19 vaccine candidate using virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the native SARS-CoV-2 virus. The VLP platform has shown success in stimulating immune responses against other viruses like HPV and HepB.