Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
UW-Madison researchers have created a safer way to deliver mRNA-based therapy for cancer, liver disorders, and vaccination. Tiny mineral particles (MCMs) with pores on their surface can carry molecules like proteins or messenger RNA, mimicking ancient discoveries in archaeology.
A new study published in Neurology found no difference in developmental and behavioral outcomes for children who had febrile seizures after vaccination, compared to those with febrile seizures not associated with vaccination or never having a seizure. This reassuring news supports the safety of vaccines.
A new study found that T cells targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus can help fight COVID-19, even in severe cases. The research also reveals similar responses to the virus among Dutch and American patients.
A new study estimates Covid-19 herd immunity level can be reduced to 43% by incorporating age and social activity into a mathematical model, potentially informing pandemic policy decisions
A phase I/II clinical trial suggests that vaccines prepared from a patient's own tumor cells may prevent mantle cell lymphoma from returning after treatment. The vaccines are a safe and effective way to induce the immune system to attack any tumor cells that could cause disease relapse.
A recent survey from CUNY SPH found that New Yorkers who understand how vaccines work are more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine. The study also revealed significant disparities in vaccine acceptance rates among different age groups, educational levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Researchers at UConn's CEVR have made a breakthrough in vaccine development for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common and difficult-to-treat pneumonia-causing pathogen. By identifying the cause of vaccine-enhanced disease (VED), they were able to develop a new vaccine formulation that eliminates safety concerns.
A multilevel intervention program improved HPV vaccination series initiation and completion rates among adolescent patients. The program educated pediatric and family medicine providers about the importance of HPV vaccines, along with healthcare system changes that started the HPV vaccine series before age 11.
Researchers discovered that vaccinated participants were less generous to non-vaccinated individuals than to other vaccinated peers, especially among those who viewed vaccination as a moral duty. This suggests that vaccination is perceived as a societal obligation, transcending social group affiliations.
A study by universities of Bonn and Nijmegen found that BCG vaccination enhances immune response to multiple infections, including TB and Covid-19. The vaccine's effect is attributed to trained immunity, which allows innate immune cells to become more efficient independently of reinfection.
Researchers developed a COVID-19 mouse model that replicates the illness in people, allowing for accelerated testing of experimental treatments and vaccines. The model can also study risk factors for severe illness, such as obesity and advanced age.
The EPIC atlas provides a comprehensive immune cell database to study the mechanisms of immunity and develop more effective treatments. It enables researchers to stratify and analyze data sets using artificial intelligence, accelerating vaccine development and identifying new therapeutic targets.
Early human challenge trials of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may be the correct test of ethics, meeting equitable distribution principles. An international governance system is proposed to oversee access to Covid-19 vaccines and treatments.
A study from Bar-Ilan University has identified immunodominant epitopes from the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, capable of generating both antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses. The seven identified epitopes are present in over 87% of the worldwide virus-affected population and represent potentially effective vaccine candidates.
Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research identified a unique subset of human cells involved in the immune response against hepatitis B. The discovery could lead to new treatments and improved vaccines for HBV infection.
Researchers have identified four SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antigens that neutralized up to 98% of the virus after two vaccinations, with the RBD antigen showing the most promise for high-affinity antibody production
Scientists have developed a technique to encase protein molecules in a silica shell, preserving vaccine effectiveness even at high temperatures. This technology, known as ensilication, has been proven effective in real-world trials, demonstrating its potential to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases in low-income countries.
A Washington State University study found that words matter in vaccination messages, with normative and injunctive messages increasing interest and vaccine intention. Negatively worded messages can decrease interest, highlighting the importance of using effective promotional messaging to improve vaccine uptake.
New articles in the Hastings Center report explore the ethics of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, with a focus on social justice and historical disadvantage. The articles discuss the allocation of scarce resources, safety concerns for healthcare workers, and the impact on marginalized communities.
A new web resource has been created to provide scientists with easy access to the latest SARS-CoV-2 protein structures, ensuring the highest accuracy possible for treatments and vaccines. The tool, developed by an international team of experts, also includes assessments of model quality and enhanced versions when available.
A Texas A&M team is developing a microfluidic device called PRESCIENT to rapidly identify antibodies that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection. The device has been successfully tested with the hepatitis virus and can conduct hundreds of tests per second.
A recent study found that delayed vaccinations and increased contact among young children, likely through 'measles parties', fueled the 2019 measles outbreak in NYC. Vaccination campaigns averted a huge spike in cases, but experts warn of potential future outbreaks as vaccination rates plummet.
Researchers have created a high-performance cancer vaccine utilizing self-healing polylactic acid microcapsules, which efficiently activate the immune system and inhibit tumor growth. The vaccine achieves effective T cell response, potent tumor inhibition, and anti-metastatic effects in various tumor models.
New studies in macaques demonstrate protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 after initial infection or vaccination, with vaccinated animals exhibiting similar immune responses to humans. The findings offer promising results for the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and treatments.
Researchers developed a framework using an epidemiological model of COVID-19 to calculate the optimal statistical threshold for approving a drug during a pandemic. This allows regulators to make a trade-off between false positives and false negatives, prioritizing the need for more timely approvals during outbreaks.
Researchers at Flinders University and US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease have developed a highly protective Ebola vaccine that appears to be effective against lethal infections in mice. The vaccine, combined with an Advax™ adjuvant, shows promise for preventing future Ebola outbreaks in Africa.
GlycoNet has secured a three-year investment of $16.3 million through the Canadian Glycomics Network to accelerate carbohydrate-based healthcare treatments, vaccines, and technologies. The network aims to improve the quality of life of Canadians by delivering solutions to important health issues.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified an earlier indicator of vaccine efficacy: specific white blood cells in the blood. The study shows that these cells can predict the quality of the immune response induced by vaccination, allowing for more rapid assessment of vaccine effectiveness.
A study reviewing 315 articles on Washington Post coverage of autism found a shift from a focus on 'cause and cure' towards acceptance and accommodation, reflecting changing public attitudes and the autistic rights movement.
Researchers found that communities doubting establishment health guidance are more effective than government agencies at engaging undecided individuals on Facebook. Anti-vaccination communities offer diverse narratives that can appeal to a broader audience, while pro-vaccination communities focus on established public health benefits.
Using convalescent plasma from recovered patients can provide instant, short-term fortification against COVID-19. This approach has shown effectiveness in previous pandemics and outbreaks of viral infections such as Ebola and SARS-CoV.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are developing coronavirus vaccines using their years of experience in tropical diseases. They highlight experimental evidence showing the challenges and critical points for vaccine development, including the need for a robust antibody response and balanced cellular immunity.
The authors propose a strategic approach to research and development that would generate essential data for multiple vaccine candidates in parallel. They emphasize the need for unprecedented cooperation from governments, academic institutions, industry, and philanthropic partners to develop COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers are utilizing HPC to understand the virus at a molecular level, identify potential treatments, and accelerate vaccine development. Epidemiologists are also using supercomputers to model disease spread and predict hotspots, guiding policy makers' decisions in containing the pandemic.
A diverse range of vaccine approaches is needed to address the global need for COVID-19 protection, with harmonized oversight bodies, shared criteria, and data sharing crucial for success. The ACTIV public-private partnership aims to scale up vaccine manufacturing capacity and distribution chains.
A Korean research team developed a new vaccine platform using RNA-based adjuvants for the MERS coronavirus. The platform was successfully tested on nonhuman primates with 100% protective efficacy. The researchers expect the platform to be applicable to COVID-19 vaccine development, which is urgently needed globally.
The development of an effective COVID-19 vaccine is critical to preventing repeated epidemics due to the human population's naivety to the virus. A judicious approach involves evaluating candidate vaccines in healthy adults while also using animal models, with parallel process development for efficient production scale-up.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the universities of Jyväskylä and Tampere have produced a vaccine that protects against all six known strains of Coxsackie B virus, which may play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes. The vaccine was tested in animal models and showed promise, with plans to conduct human clinical trials.
A five-year study has identified the mechanism behind the BCG vaccine's unexpected protection against diseases other than TB in newborns. The researchers found that BCG triggers a rapid increase in neutrophils, white blood cells that fight invading pathogens.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that protects against the Coxsackie B virus, which may play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes. The vaccine was shown to be highly immunogenic and protective in animal models and non-human primates.
The AAVCOVID vaccine program uses adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to deliver genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike antigen, inducing an immune response. The vaccine is currently in preclinical development with plans for clinical testing later this year.
A McMaster University study found that half of online vaccination information on chiropractors' websites was removed after media coverage. The removal was associated with a large increase in Canadian media attention on anti-vaccination statements by some chiropractors.
Researchers mapped the glycan-processing states of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 glycans differ from typical host glycan processing, which may impact vaccine effectiveness.
Experts warn that immunity passports pose significant practical, equitable, and legal issues. Vaccination certificates, on the other hand, may be a crucial tool to incentivize vaccination and end the pandemic. The success of public health practices depends on public trust and addressing inequities.
The CUNY SPH Weekly COVID-19 Survey reveals New Yorkers are cautious about resuming normal activities due to the ongoing pandemic. Many believe a safe and effective vaccine is essential for restoring public confidence.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-powered tool to speed up the search for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. The model predicts which studies are most likely to be replicable, allowing researchers to prioritize resources on promising research.
A $10 million grant enables the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's clinical trial of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19 to expand to 10,000 healthcare workers across Australia and Europe. The BRACE trial aims to test whether the BCG vaccine can protect those exposed to SARS-CoV-2 from developing severe symptoms.
Researchers have developed a method of lymphocytic vaccination to counter autoimmune diseases, proving clinically effective in treating multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The technology involves creating an immunology cell bank to enhance immunological protection against infection.
The pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines significantly reduce acute respiratory infections and diarrhea among small children, resulting in fewer cases of antibiotic treatment. These vaccines have the potential to prevent millions of episodes of antibiotic-treated illness if universally adopted.
A recent study evaluated Medicaid benefits coverage and reimbursement amounts for recommended adult vaccines across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The findings suggest that state policies vary widely, with some states providing more comprehensive vaccination services than others.
This study reviews possible clinical strategies for defeating coronavirus, including the use of vaccines, broad-spectrum antivirals like remdesivir, and gene therapy. The authors propose these approaches as promising alternatives to develop effective treatments against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses.
The University of Saskatchewan's VIDO-InterVac has been awarded $23 million to fast-track COVID-19 vaccine development. The funding will support pre-clinical testing and two phases of clinical trials, with the goal of making a safe and effective vaccine available as early as next spring.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing a COVID-19 vaccine using a plant virus, which can be easily manufactured and distributed globally. The team plans to create slow-release microneedle patches that patients can self-administer, reducing barriers to vaccination in resource-poor areas.
A Cochrane Review confirms the effectiveness of MMR vaccines in preventing infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella. The review found that one dose of vaccine was 95% effective in preventing measles and 89% effective in preventing rubella, with no association between the vaccines and autism or other conditions.
A new study by URMC aims to investigate how the body's immune system responds to COVID-19, including re-infection risks and vaccine effectiveness. The research will follow 100 COVID-19 patients over 90 days, tracking antibody production and immune cell activation.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center report development of a potential universal vaccine for Ebola viruses. The new vaccine uses glycoproteins from two Ebola virus species and has shown promise in neutralizing all four pathogenic species, generating cross-reactive responses against multiple viruses.
New Yorkers face difficulties with schooling at home, particularly for parents with lower education levels; vaccination hopes are mixed, with 53% of respondents willing to get vaccinated. The most trusted source of information is Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to the CUNY SPH weekly COVID-19 survey.
Research finds people with vaccine skepticism tend to overestimate the likelihood of rare negative events, including mortality-related causes. This suggests a possible explanation for their concerns: cognitive or affective variables influencing vaccine skepticism.
Researchers develop vaccine candidate using RNA virus to produce S protein, triggering immune responses against coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2. The approach effectively blocks MERS virus infections in mice, suggesting potential for COVID-19 prevention.
A study conducted in northwestern São Paulo found that nearly a third of the population under 40 lacked immunity against measles, with only 1% over 50 showing similar results. Vaccination remains essential in preventing transmission and controlling outbreaks.