Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that HPV vaccination programs substantially reduced HPV infections by 83% among girls aged 13-19 and 66% among women aged 20-24. Precancerous cervical lesions also decreased by 51% among teens and 31% among women in their early twenties.
A new online game called Bad News has been shown to increase 'psychological resistance' to fake news by exposing players to disinformation tactics. The game reduces perceived reliability of fake news headlines and tweets by up to 24%, with the greatest effect on those most susceptible to fake news.
The study found that measles-vaccinated children had significantly higher scores on cognitive tests and attended better schools than their unvaccinated peers. Long-term health benefits of measles vaccination were also observed in terms of improved growth parameters, such as height and weight.
A team of scientists at Duke University Medical Center has discovered a previously unidentified route for antibodies to be transferred from the mother to the fetus, which could lead to safer and more effective vaccines. This finding provides a potential way to control when and how certain antibodies are shared.
The topline Phase 3 results of ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab) show efficacy and safety in treating aHUS. The therapy has shown promise in reducing inflammation and blood clotting, with the potential to treat patients with progressive organ damage.
Three young scientists, Murad Mamedov, et al., receive $150,000 for their novel methods in understanding the human immune system. The Michelson Prizes recognize groundbreaking research using genomics, AI, and machine learning to transform human health.
A unique adjuvant has been identified that can prevent vaccine-enhanced respiratory disease in RSV. The study found that combining this adjuvant with RSV vaccination primes the body for protective immune responses and prevents inflammatory RSV disease after infection.
A large Kaiser Permanente study found that fully vaccinated children were still at risk of developing pertussis due to waning vaccine effectiveness over time. The study suggests that under-vaccination is only one factor contributing to recent outbreaks, and that a better vaccine that lasts longer between doses is needed.
A Kaiser Permanente-led study found that routine varicella vaccine significantly lowers the likelihood of painful shingles disease in children. The study, which looked at over 6.3 million children, showed that vaccinated kids had a 78% lower risk of contracting HZ compared to unvaccinated children.
Recent falls in vaccination rates and uptake of other preventative programs, such as bowel and breast cancer screenings, indicate a fragmentation of public health arrangements. Visible public health leadership is needed to address these weaknesses and prevent further deterioration.
A class of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) plays an unexpected role in the early defense against tuberculosis. ILCs may provide a new approach to developing treatments and vaccines against TB.
Experts argue that compulsory vaccination can increase uptake, but others recommend improving services and infrastructure instead. The UK's measles vaccination rate is currently below the required 95% for herd immunity.
A study models the demand, benefit, and cost of implementing a 20-year strategy for radiotherapy to treat cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries. The research estimates that 9.4 million women will require radiotherapy, generating $151.5 billion in economic benefits.
Researchers identified a common gene signature in almost all global Strep A strains through genomic sequencing of thousands of genomes from over 20 countries. This finding has the potential to aid in the development of an effective global vaccine, which could combat the bacterial pathogen responsible for millions of deaths annually.
A new study from Rockefeller University reveals that the gut is organized into compartments with different immune system functions in each segment. This discovery has potential to improve drugs for gastrointestinal disorders and inform the development of oral vaccines.
The partnership aims to increase HPV vaccine uptake, which causes over 33,000 cancers annually. UVA will launch a multipronged campaign to educate healthcare workers and the public on the importance of HPV vaccination.
Computational modeling reveals that vaccination success increases with access to local information about disease prevalence, rather than relying solely on global data. This suggests a need for strategic dissemination of detailed incidence data to inform individual vaccination decisions.
New research from Brigham Young University finds that exposing people to the pain and suffering caused by vaccine-preventable diseases can increase support for vaccinations. Nearly 70% of students who interviewed someone with a vaccine-preventable disease moved from hesitant to pro-vaccine attitudes.
Researchers developed a statistical method to predict disease reemergence, particularly for preventable childhood infections like measles and pertussis. The model analyzes subtle changes in reported cases to identify early warning signals for emerging diseases.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Johns Hopkins University have identified 25 US counties at high risk for measles outbreaks. The analysis considered international travel and vaccination rates, predicting over 1,000 cases in the US this year.
Researchers used a model of measles transmission to predict the impact of vaccination campaigns in Pakistan. Conducting vaccination campaigns between May and October reduced estimated infections by 400,000 compared to January campaigns.
Researchers identify predictable changes in global measles dynamics, enabling tailored vaccination and public health programs. Countries along the 'canonical path' experience declining disease incidence with increasing yearly variability, guiding informed control efforts.
Researchers at UNC will receive up to $10.7 million to develop a chlamydia vaccine, which could help women who suffer from infertility and chronic pelvic pain due to the infection. The project aims to identify specific T-cell and antibody responses that limit infection and inform antigens and adjuvants for vaccine development.
A new analysis predicts top 25 US counties at risk for measles outbreaks in 2019, considering non-medical exemptions, international air travel, and population data. The study identifies regions with low vaccination rates and high passenger inflow from affected countries as areas of high risk.
A new vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing African Swine Fever in wild boar, with 92% protection rate. The vaccine can also pass on immunity via contact with infected animals, offering a potential solution to the spread of this deadly disease.
Researchers have developed an orally administered hepatitis B vaccine that is both effective and safe. The new vaccine uses a technique called 3D imaging to understand how the vaccine behaves in the body, leading to improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A study by Kellogg Eye Center reveals that herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) cases tripled in 12 years, mostly affecting older adults. Shingles vaccination provides strong protection from HZO complications, but its use is not widespread.
A new study suggests that vaccination could reduce the impact of white-nose syndrome in bats by providing immunity against the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Bats immunized against Pd were less likely to develop WNS or die from the disease in two initial scientific trials.
Despite the availability of a safe and effective HPV vaccine since 2006, coverage rates remain suboptimal. Pediatricians and nurse practitioners reported using various strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates, but still face challenges such as parent refusal and lack of training. The study suggests that more work is needed to overco...
A new study reveals that HPV vaccine coverage is far behind other infant vaccines, with only 13 and three US states reaching above 60% coverage by 2016. The study tracked over 7.5 million children from 2003 to 2016 and found increased uptake among girls and boys, but still fell short of the Healthy People 2020 goal of 80%.
Despite available safety and effectiveness, HPV vaccine coverage rates remain suboptimal. Pediatricians and nurse practitioners report using various strategies, including prompts, communication tools, and performance feedback, to improve HPV vaccination rates.
A national survey of pediatricians and family physicians reveals substantial progress in recommending HPV vaccination to adolescents over the past five years. However, significant areas for improvement exist, including physician communication style and practice-based delivery methods.
A recent commentary warns of a preventable global resurgence of measles due to declining vaccination rates. Measles is an extremely contagious illness that can cause severe complications and death in vulnerable populations. Without renewed focus on measles vaccination efforts, the disease may rebound in full force.
A new study found that a maternal vaccine can effectively protect against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in mouse offspring, transferring infection-fighting antibodies to their nervous system. The vaccine has shown promise in preclinical animal models and phase 1 human trials, offering new hope for preventing neonatal herpes infections.
Measles and diphtheria have re-emerged in Venezuela with a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, with over 7,500 measles cases reported and 100 deaths attributed to the disease. Diphtheria cases also surged, with 96% of reported cases originating from Venezuela, exposing 3 million vulnerable children to the disease.
A study highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical advice if symptoms of rabies are suspected, as delays can be fatal. Experts stress that preventive treatments are highly effective when given promptly after exposure, and encourage individuals to seek treatment immediately after a bite or scratch from an animal.
Researchers found diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination levels in Nigeria, DRC, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Cambodia below the 80% threshold. Targeted campaigns can improve immunization service delivery, especially in areas with poor routine immunization coverage.
InDevR to showcase VaxArray technology at the BIO International Convention, leveraging NIH SBIR/STTR funding. The company has a proven track record of translating scientific ideas into commercial products.
Researchers at the NIH have made progress toward developing an EBV vaccine by identifying key antibodies that block infection. The new vaccine candidates elicited potent anti-EBV antibody responses in animals, offering potential protection against EBV-associated cancers and infectious mononucleosis.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an innovative approach to cancer immunotherapy by injecting immune stimulants directly into a tumor. This 'in situ vaccination' teaches the immune system to destroy not only the primary tumor but also other tumor cells throughout the body, effectively turning the tumor into a vaccine factory.
A clinical trial shows promise of an immune-based therapy, which completely eliminated both the lesion and underlying HPV infection in a third of women enrolled. The shot triggers an immune system response to attack high-risk HPV types causing cervical cancer precursors.
Researchers suggest an oral dog vaccine hidden in food could vaccinate millions of stray dogs daily, reducing the risk of rabies transmission to humans. The combined injectable and oral vaccination approach is estimated to be more efficient and potentially cheaper.
A preclinical study has shown that a cancer preventive vaccine may be effective in preventing cancers associated with Lynch syndrome. The vaccine was found to reduce intestinal tumor burden and improve survival in mice with the genetic mutation, suggesting potential as a treatment option.
A new experimental glioblastoma vaccine developed by Jefferson and Imvax has shown promising results in a phase Ib clinical trial. The treatment was found to slow tumor recurrence and prolong patient survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme.
The CARD System, an evidence-based approach, reduces vaccine-associated pain, fear, and fainting in school-based clinics. Implementing this system in Ontario schools improved student symptoms and increased use of the tools.
Researchers have discovered a highly focused antibody response in dengue infection that neutralizes the virus and persists for months. The study provides new insights into the complex immune response to dengue and could lead to advanced vaccine formulations.
A survey of nearly 1,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that low public trust during the 2018 Ebola outbreak led to lower vaccination rates and increased refusal to seek care. Higher trust was linked to greater willingness to accept vaccination and seek medical attention.
Pediatric health researchers offer new insights for RSV vaccine development, highlighting the importance of type 1 interferons in infants' immune response. The study suggests strategies to enhance type 1 interferon responses and improve existing vaccines, offering hope for prevention of severe RSV disease in infants.
A study found that anti-vaccination arguments center on four distinct themes: trust, alternatives, safety, and conspiracy. Researchers developed a framework to help clinicians open conversations with vaccine-hesitant parents and resist online misinformation.
Scientists have discovered two Zika mutations that help the virus replicate in mosquito hosts but hinder its ability to replicate in mammals. This breakthrough technique allows researchers to fast-track vaccine development, potentially leading to effective treatments for birth defects caused by the virus.
A recent study using a cholera vaccine cluster trial found that conventional fecal microbiological cultures identified only 66% of patients with cholera, suggesting widespread underestimation of global cases. The study supported the sensitivity of these culture methods, but no evidence of protection was found.
A global team of scientists has mapped a newborn's life development in unprecedented detail, revealing thousands of changes over the first week. This breakthrough study could transform our understanding of health and disease in babies, and inform the development of optimized protective measures, including vaccines.
Researchers have pioneered a technique to analyze tiny amounts of newborn blood, providing the most detailed accounting to date. The study establishes a common developmental pathway for the first week of a newborn's life, offering insights into newborn health and the impact of vaccines.
An international research team developed a new technique to analyze vast amounts of data from tiny amounts of newborn blood, revealing molecular changes in the first week of life. The study provides a common developmental pathway for this period, enabling further understanding of newborn health and vaccine impact.
Researchers have developed a metric called IMM-AGE to accurately understand an individual's immune status, providing increased information for accurate prediction and management of risks. This new capability has major implications for drug development, including the design of future vaccine trials and re-evaluating past vaccine trials.
Research reveals that vaccines may be less effective at higher pathogen doses and when individuals have similar susceptibility, such as younger or malnourished populations. Mathematical modeling simulations validated these findings with real-world data from nearly 6,000 articles.
A mass measles vaccination campaign in India saved an estimated 41,000 to 56,000 children's lives between 2010 and 2013, according to a study published in eLife. The campaigns significantly reduced child mortality rates in the affected districts, with mortality rates falling by 27% compared to non-campaign states.
A nationwide cohort study of Danish children found no link between MMR vaccination and autism. The study included 657,461 children and analyzed their risk for autism after vaccination. No increased risk was observed in susceptible subgroups or during specified time periods.
A simple age-based recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination at 50 may improve immunization rates and mitigate racial disparities, with potential cost-effectiveness improvements as vaccination rates increase
Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy for tuberculosis that protects against the disease by delivering a vaccine directly into the lungs through a spray. The new formulation shows promise in mice studies, with significantly reduced lung inflammation and tissue damage compared to current vaccines.