Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that extending the HPV vaccination age to include women and men up to 45 would produce small, but significant health benefits. The study used a health economic model to evaluate the added effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of such an extension.
A study found that almost 60% of eligible young travelers were not vaccinated due to clinician decision or guardian refusal, despite recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for greater awareness of MMR vaccination benefits for international travelers.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine that uses a virus-based platform to rewrite the body's natural response to peanut allergens, causing a non-allergic immune response. The vaccine has shown signs of success in mouse models and preliminary in vitro studies, paving the way for human trials.
A new field study in Nepal shows the typhoid vaccine is safe, immunogenic and effective against the disease, with results showing 7 cases out of 20,000 children vaccinated. The study's findings are significant, especially with the recent spread of drug-resistant typhoid, which threatens child health in affected regions.
Researchers developed a novel vaccine that protects against bovine tuberculosis (TB) without interfering with the tuberculin skin test. The new vaccine allows for simultaneous protection and accurate diagnosis of TB in cattle.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and Zhengzhou University have developed a personalised vaccine system that can delay the onset of pancreatic cancer. The system was tested in mice, where it doubled their survival time compared to those without the vaccine.
Researchers found that a plant-based compound called halofuginone improves the immune response to a potential dengue vaccine in mice, producing twice as many antibodies and binding more strongly. The compound mimics amino acid starvation, activating a pathway that results in better antibodies.
Researchers integrated human and animal treatment to eliminate roundworm infections and rabies in Tanzanian villages. The study found no difference in participation rates between combined and stand-alone events.
A phase I/II study of the Swedish vaccine candidate ETVAX found it to be safe and broadly immunogenic, inducing impressive immune responses in young children and infants. The vaccine showed high response rates among children aged 2-5 years and infants, with some even showing enhanced immune responses when given with an adjuvant.
A recent study by Drexel University researchers found that anti-vaccine messages on Instagram, which feature narratives, experience higher engagement than pro-vaccine posts. The team suggests that pro-vaccine posts could garner greater engagement if they provide information and evidence through a more narrative structure.
Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough were associated with introduction of legislation changing vaccine exemption laws in states. The study found a correlation between health improvements and increased legislative activity related to vaccine policies.
Researchers used fluorescent gel to test vaccine effectiveness in wild vampire bats, showing a 2.6-fold increase in population-level immunity compared to conventional non-spreadable vaccines. The study suggests a strategic switch from poisoning to vaccination could lead to a dramatic reduction in rabies across Latin America.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that mild Zika virus infection in fetuses can lead to abnormal brain development and impaired immunity in young animals. The research provides new insights into the potential outcomes of Zika virus infection and could point to new prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study finds that a vaccine against pneumococcal bacteria reduces the likelihood of severe pneumonia in children by 35%. The research also highlights the importance of vaccinating children to protect the whole community and reduce the spread of pneumococcus. By evaluating the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines in Asia, the stu...
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is effective in preventing the development of cervical cancer in mice with precancerous lesions. MPA also decreased existing precancerous lesions, offering a non-invasive approach to combat cervical cancer.
Scientists developed an investigational vaccine that protected cynomolgus macaques against Ebola, Sudan, Marburg, and Lassa viruses, all causing severe disease and death. The quadrivalent VesiculoVax vaccine showed promising results in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a new guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk adults between 50 and 75 years old. The guidance suggests that physicians select the most suitable screening test for each patient based on factors such as benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency, and p...
A team of University of Otago researchers is part of a major new vaccine research project to combat invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis, a major killer of African children. The Vacc-iNTS project aims to develop an effective vaccine with a five-year budget of NZ$11.8 million.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that the measles virus depletes antibody repertoires, erasing immune memory to most previously encountered pathogens. This supports the immune amnesia hypothesis, suggesting that the vaccine's extended protective effects stem from preventing measles infection.
University of Exeter researchers have identified a gene in Clostridioides difficile responsible for binding to the gut, offering a promising new approach to developing a vaccine. Mice vaccinated with this protein generated specific antibodies and were less susceptible to C. diff infection.
Researchers discovered four new strains of human adenovirus in Singapore, with two strains linked to severe respiratory diseases. The study highlights an increase in adenovirus types 4 and 7 among pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for antiviral therapies and vaccine development.
A school-based HPV vaccination program in British Columbia has significantly reduced cervical pre-cancer rates among women, with a 57% reduction found in those vaccinated as Grade 6 girls compared to unvaccinated women. Regular cervical screening is crucial in preventing cervical cancer from developing.
Conflict events repeatedly reversed a declining phase of the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to researchers. Vaccination effectiveness was severely impacted by preceding unrest and subsequent conflict events, dropping from 52% to 4.8%.
A new study found that a highly diluted version of the Ebola vaccine remains fully protective against disease in monkeys. The findings suggest that the vaccine could be made more available by reducing its dosage, potentially easing production burdens.
A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo highlights the importance of mathematical modelling in tackling disease outbreaks. The study concludes that combining data from multiple medical and public health sources can provide more informative insights for public health planners, enabling effective intervention strategies.
A new study has found that nearly 70% of children with an immune deficiency had two or more bouts of invasive pneumococcal disease. The research suggests that a weakened immune system increases the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
A new study suggests that rotavirus infection may trigger the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers found a significant decrease in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Australian children under four years old after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination.
A study by ZSL and Imperial College London found that badgers covered 61% more land each month after a population was culled. Surviving badgers visited 45% more fields and increased the odds of visiting neighboring territories, potentially increasing TB transmission risk to both cattle and other badgers.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a common source of tumor mutations that could lead to the development of universal cancer vaccines. They found that errors in RNA transcription and splicing in tumors can produce unique protein fragments, or peptides, that can be recognized by the immune system.
Researchers analyzed data from seven Latin American countries to show that a 10% increase in dog vaccinations decreases human deaths by 12.4%. Additionally, increased vaccination rates lead to reduced healthcare demand in response to rabies elimination campaigns.
A new type of vaccine that can be stored at warmer temperatures has been developed for Chikungunya, a disease that causes crippling headache and joint pain. The vaccine candidate has shown exceptionally promising results in animal studies, setting the stage for a future vaccine to combat the disease.
A recent study by Nicolas Cermakian and Nathalie Labrecque found that the biological clock influences immune response efficacy in CD8 T cells. The study discovered that the strength of the immune response varied according to the time of day, with mice showing a stronger response to vaccination at certain times.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a vaccine that protects against genital herpes, with almost all animal subjects exposed to the virus showing sterilizing immunity. The vaccine stimulates three types of antibodies to block the virus from entering cells and ensure innate immune system protective functions are not turned off.
Research in mice revealed that vaccination led to increased antigen-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation when administered mid-day. The circadian clock influences this response by controlling the cells' transcriptional program and modulating their responsiveness.
A recent study found that over 70% of US adults are unaware that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes anal, penile, and oral cancers. The study, led by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, also showed low HPV vaccination rates among eligible individuals.
The 2019 Lasker Awards recognize Max D. Cooper and Jacques Miller for their discovery of the function of B and T cells in the adaptive immune system. The awards also honor H. Michael Shepard, Dennis J. Slamon, and Axel Ullrich for their development of Herceptin, a monoclonal antibody therapy that targets HER2-positive breast cancer.
The study found a decline in vaccine-type oral HPV infections among unvaccinated men, suggesting herd protection. However, the prevalence of oral HPV infections remained unchanged in unvaccinated women, possibly due to low statistical power.
Researchers are developing a vaccine to counteract opioid addiction, with the goal of helping people stop the addiction and regain control of their lives. The vaccine, consisting of one shot and two boosters, aims to develop antibodies against opioids, alleviating symptoms and potentially saving lives during overdose.
A new vaccine candidate has been developed to treat and prevent toxic shock caused by invasive streptococcal disease. The 'J8' vaccine candidate has shown a 1000-1,000,000 fold reduction of bacterial burden in treated mice.
A study by Emory Vaccine Center and CDC found immunity against mumps virus insufficient in a fraction of college-aged people who received MMR as children. The results highlight the need for better understanding of immune response to mumps and vaccines.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals' vaccination attitudes are shaped by their proximity to a disease outbreak, particularly for those who distrust government medical experts. On the other hand, people with high levels of trust in government experts are not affected by disease proximity.
Researchers developed a DNA vaccine for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV) that completely protects against lethal infection in ferrets. The vaccine induces both neutralizing antibody response and multifunctional T cell immunity.
A vaccine that protects against a worrisome superbug has been successfully tested in mice, providing hope for a solution to the growing global health threat of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The vaccine, developed using genetically modified E. coli, proved highly effective in preventing severe disease and death.
Scientists at MLU have developed a new method for vaccinating plants against viruses, enabling rapid identification and production of precisely tailored substances. The new method follows the modular principle, allowing for flexible combat against new pests and improving the efficiency of siRNA molecules.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified the molecular properties of antibodies that neutralize Lassa virus. By understanding these properties, they can create a map for rational vaccine design, aiming to develop effective treatments or vaccines against this deadly disease.
Researchers have achieved a major breakthrough in developing a thermally stable TB vaccine using a technique called ensilication, which protects vaccine components from heat damage. This innovation has the potential to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of vaccines globally, particularly in remote areas.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital are developing an opioid vaccine to protect people with opioid use disorder against accidental fentanyl overdoses. The two-year project aims to enroll patients and test responses to candidate vaccines, with the goal of eventually testing the vaccine in humans.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that prior infection with either Zika virus or dengue virus has no apparent effect on the clinical course of subsequent infection with the other virus. This is a significant finding for the development of vaccines against both viruses.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a promising combination immune therapy to dramatically reduce the recurrence of genital herpes. The prime-and-pull strategy involves a vaccine and medicated cream that work together to block the virus from spreading.
A study of 21 macaque monkeys found that primary and secondary infections with Zika virus did not amplify symptoms, contradicting previous tissue culture and mouse findings. The study suggests that combining a Zika vaccine with a dengue vaccine may be necessary to prevent enhancement of either virus.
A new approach from Harvard researchers uses a biomaterial scaffold and childhood vaccines to attract and activate T cells that promote revascularization of ischemic tissues. The technique increases the concentration of T cells at the ischemic site and stimulates angiogenesis, blood flow, and muscle fiber regeneration.
Scientists have created a microneedle patch based on snake fangs that can deliver therapeutic liquids and vaccines through the skin of rodents in under 15 seconds. The device uses capillary action to bypass pumping systems, making it an attractive alternative for simple and pain-free drug delivery.
Research finds that general fear orientation, trust in government, and perceived exposure likelihood significantly influence vaccination willingness. The study's findings suggest that social factors play a crucial role in shaping public health responses to infectious diseases.
Researchers found that stress on immune cells and altered metabolism lead to different outcomes in individuals infected with the same virus, with potential targets for new treatments identified. Preventing conditions causing increased stress may also prevent disease from viral infections.
Researchers at MIT developed a vaccine that dramatically enhances antitumor T cell population and allows cells to invade solid tumors. The booster vaccination increased the success rate of CAR-T cell therapy from 10% to 60% in mice, eliminating tumors in 60% of animals.
A new nonlive shingles vaccine reduced shingles episodes by 75% among patients who underwent stem cell transplantation compared to placebo. Long-term protection was not assessed due to study limitations.
A group of leading public health scientists calls for improved search engine and social media monitoring, as well as government support for mandatory immunization programs. They also advocate for correct dissemination of reliable vaccine information through various channels.
A statewide initiative in California resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of kindergartners entering school without up-to-date vaccinations. The study found that the rate decreased from 9.84% to 4.87% between 2013 and 2017, likely due to changes in vaccination policies.
Researchers developed a new vaccine, NOMV-FHbp, which induced higher levels of protective antibodies than licensed vaccines against five of six bacterial strains. The vaccine has the potential to extend coverage to infants and toddlers, who are at high risk of developing meningococcal disease.
A new study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identifies viruses as the main causes of severe childhood pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) accounted for nearly a third of all cases, with other top causes including rhinovirus and S. pneumoniae bacteria.