Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A collaborative team from UTMB and NIH develop an inhalable vaccine that protects primates against Ebola. The aerosol delivery method has shown promising results, with a single vaccination providing protection against the severe disease and death caused by lethal Ebola infection.
A survey of 1,500 French general physicians found that while many are confident in vaccine benefits, concerns over adjuvants and controversy surrounding certain vaccines hinder recommendations. Trust in authorities is high, but training and resources are needed to address patient hesitancy.
A new investigational vaccine designed to protect against West Nile Virus infection is being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccine was developed with a novel, hydrogen peroxide-based process that renders the virus inactive while maintaining key immune-system triggering surface structures.
Recent changes to EU regulations have led to an increase in imported pets from Eastern Europe, where rabies is endemic, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current checks. The study found that many stray and rescue dogs had low antibody levels against rabies, suggesting potential risks for these animals.
A new study suggests that vaccinated people who are infectious but symptom-free may be transmitting whooping cough multiple times throughout their lives, exacerbating the outbreak. The research highlights the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for children, as the primary source of protection against severe disease and death.
Professor Shashi Murthy is developing a novel microfluidic system to automate the process of creating dendritic cells, essential for effective vaccines. The new instrument aims to reduce the manual process from 16 steps to a fully-automated system, potentially cutting timeframes to six days.
The institutions have selected two new research projects to receive funding through the Connecting through Research Partnerships Program. These projects aim to develop a supply chain model for biofuels and test a nasal delivery formulation of an encapsulated vaccine to prevent chlamydia.
A new analysis found a decline in high-grade cervical lesions among U.S. women aged 18-20 after HPV vaccination became available. However, this trend may be influenced by changes in cancer screening recommendations.
A team of researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has developed a candidate vaccine against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and demonstrated its efficacy in a mouse model. The vaccine, named MVA-MERS-S, uses a modified virus to induce protective immunity against the coronavirus.
A new study by University of Michigan graduate research fellow Micaela Martinez-Bakker reveals that silent transmission of poliovirus could continue for more than three years with no reported cases. To ensure eradication, aggressive surveillance programs and vaccination campaigns must continue in endemic countries.
A new study using disease-transmission models shows that silent transmission of poliovirus could continue for more than three years with no reported cases. To ensure eradication, aggressive surveillance and vaccination campaigns must continue in endemic countries after the last reported case.
Alternative drug-delivery systems are being explored to overcome syringe injection drawbacks, including ointments, dissolvable tablets and micro-needle skin patches. Several promising results have been shown in animal testing, but widespread adoption will require changing the mindset of pharmaceutical companies and regulators.
Researchers found that regulatory T cells suppress killer T cells through a protein on their surface, enabling the immune system to remember past pathogens. This discovery could lead to faster-acting vaccines and improved immunity to diseases like cancer.
A new method has identified children with rheumatic disease who are eligible for a life-saving vaccine. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective even in patients taking immunosuppression treatment.
A study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are less protected by the hepatitis B vaccine, highlighting increased risk of infection despite vaccination. The vaccine's efficacy was lower in RA patients compared to those without the condition.
A study published in JAMA found that rotavirus vaccination led to a 31-55% decline in all-cause acute gastroenteritis hospitalizations and a 70-94% decline in rotavirus-coded hospitalizations among US children under 5 years old. The greatest reductions were observed among younger age groups.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that a single dose of the HPV vaccine Cervarix can provide similar protection to three doses, offering hope for improving vaccination rates. This finding is particularly relevant for states like Kentucky with low completion rates.
Researchers at Griffith University have created a groundbreaking combination vaccine that combines the protein SpyCEP with J8-DT to combat Streptococcus A infections. The vaccine shows promise in preventing deadly complications of the infection, including rheumatic heart disease.
A randomized trial tested an intervention to improve hesitancy about early childhood vaccines, but found it had minimal effect on mothers and doctors. The intervention, called Ask, Acknowledge, and Advise, aimed to encourage respectful dialogue with parents while recommending vaccination.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Steve Bellan and including Associate Professor Manoj Gambhir from Monash University, have identified the most effective human trial design for testing Ebola vaccines in Sierra Leone. The study suggests that a modified randomized control trial is the best approach to detect an effective and safe vaccine.
A study in The Netherlands found that vaccinating girls against HPV also protects men from some cancers. The authors suggest that authorities prioritize vaccinating as many girls as possible, but consider including boys in preadolescent vaccination programs once costs and benefits align.
The 9-Valent human papillomavirus vaccine has the potential to protect against 80% of cervical cancers and approximately 19,000 other HPV-related cancers in the US. Researchers found that 70% of oropharyngeal cancer patient DNA samples harbored HPV, likely due to changes in sexual behaviors.
A new study reveals that measles vaccination prevents not only measles but also other infectious diseases by damaging the immune system's memory. This finding explains why mass measles vaccinations have driven down mortality rates from other diseases in high-income countries.
Researchers at UTMB have successfully tested a vaccine for Chagas disease, which can provide long-lasting immunity in animal models. The vaccine was found to significantly reduce parasite levels and prevent chronic symptoms, making it a promising tool for control of this infection.
A candidate vaccine has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Mice vaccinated with a combination of two parasite proteins showed reduced parasite numbers and improved immune response compared to uninfected mice.
Researchers at Queen's University found a significant reduction in cervical dysplasia and genital warts among eligible girls who received the HPV vaccine. The study of over 260,000 girls showed that one case of cervical dysplasia was prevented for every 175 eligible girls vaccinated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics celebrates seven significant research achievements that have led to prevention and treatment strategies for diseases such as rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, SIDS, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. These advancements have saved millions of lives and improved child health worldwide.
Scaling up existing interventions, including infant vaccination and treatment programmes, could prevent 90% of new chronic HBV infections and 65% mortality levels by 2030. Global expansion is necessary to achieve hepatitis B elimination, avoiding 20 million deaths by 2030.
A small artificially composed virus fragment, sAB+, has been found to be sufficient for inducing a partially protective immune response against the Chikungunya virus. This discovery presents a promising approach for developing a Chikungunya vaccine.
A recent study found that a drop in vaccine protection is a likely explanation for the surge in pertussis disease cases in the US. The 'acellular' vaccine is found to have lower protection levels compared to the previously-used 'whole-cell' vaccine.
Researchers have successfully completed the first step in developing an insulin vaccine to prevent type 1 diabetes. The Pre-POINT study showed a positive immune response in children at high risk for the disease, with no adverse reactions observed.
A large study of over 95,000 US children found no association between the MMR vaccine and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), even among those with older siblings already at higher genetic risk for ASD. The study suggests that parents' concerns about the vaccine's link to ASD may be unfounded.
Researchers used TACC's Lonestar4 supercomputer to simulate and analyze data for various vaccine trial designs. They found that a phased-rollout randomized controlled trial would provide better information about the effectiveness of an Ebola vaccine.
A new study suggests that vaccinating 12-year-old boys against HPV can save $8 million to $28 million over their lifetimes due to reduced incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. The study's findings have significant implications for public health policy in countries where HPV vaccination is not currently funded.
Researchers at UTMB have developed an Ebola vaccine that is both safe and effective with a single dose, providing protection against the deadly virus. The new vaccine employs a 'Trojan horse' approach, using a weakened form of the virus to trigger an immune response.
A phase 1 clinical trial found the VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine to be safe and elicit a robust immune response, with 93% of volunteers developing anti-Ebola antibodies within two weeks. The vaccine's higher dose showed a stronger antibody response.
A UCLA professor of planetary astronomy confirms that the timing of human births and hospital admissions is not influenced by the lunar cycle. The study highlights the persistence of flawed beliefs despite evidence, attributed to confirmation bias, and societal costs including measles outbreaks.
Two experimental Ebola vaccines have proven safe in a phase 2 clinical trial involving over 600 participants in Liberia. The trial may now advance to Phase 3 testing if the results are confirmed, with the ultimate goal of determining whether these vaccines can protect against Ebola virus disease.
A new study reveals a cytomegalovirus-based vaccine provides protection against Ebola virus for over 14 months after a single dose, offering hope for preventing ebolavirus infection in African apes and reducing future human outbreaks. The innovative approach could help stabilize endangered ape populations and protect humans from the de...
A multivalent vaccine candidate induced broad antibody responses in trial participants, including to non-vaccine strains, suggesting a possible solution to evading immunity. The study provides evidence that VLP-based vaccines may overcome antigenic drift, but further development and clinical trials are needed for a vaccine suitable for...
The International Journal of Infectious Diseases publishes a special issue to mark World TB Day, highlighting recent successes and future challenges in eliminating TB. The issue presents new vaccine candidates, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for drug-resistant strains.
Researchers calculate vaccine coverage among exposed populations in California, Arizona, and Illinois as far below 96-99% necessary for herd immunity. The virus's effective reproduction rate is estimated between 3.2-5.8, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to control outbreaks.
A recent measles outbreak in California was likely caused by substandard vaccination compliance, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. The study estimates that vaccination rates among exposed populations may be as low as 50 percent, highlighting the need for herd immunity.
A study predicts a rise in measles cases by 100,000 across West Africa due to Ebola-related health system disruptions, resulting in an additional 5,000 measles deaths. The research highlights the need for aggressive regional vaccination programs to counteract the steep downturn in immunization rates.
A Duke University study suggests that public health programs should allocate funds to encourage more boys to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), which could ultimately protect more people. The study found that boosting HPV vaccination coverage in girls may become increasingly expensive as the pool of willing parents shrinks.
Researchers have identified tiny differences in the outer shell proteins of different hepatitis C viruses that make them resistant to antibodies. The study found that these protein variations are not located where antibodies attach, requiring multiple antibodies to be stimulated for an effective vaccine. Future research will focus on i...
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the appropriate use criteria for diagnostic cardiac catheterization may not be reliable for guiding clinical decisions. The researchers evaluated a cohort of 48,336 patients without a history of coronary artery disease and found that obstructive CAD is more likely to be diagno...
A recent study examines reasons people refuse vaccines and highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing measles outbreaks. The study found that vaccine refusal can lead to unnecessary risk to children, with cases reporting complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
A team of scientists discovered that HuR protein is critical for controlling metabolism in B cells, which produce antibodies essential for fighting infections. Removing HuR prevents proper growth and function of B cells, highlighting the importance of this protein in immunity.
A physician who received an experimental Ebola vaccine after a needle stick injury developed mild symptoms but strong Ebola-specific immune responses. The study found the patient's clinical syndrome and laboratory evidence consistent with vaccination response, with no evidence of Ebola virus infection detected.
Scientists have discovered a new way to manipulate how cells function, improving the efficiency of DNA vaccines and gene therapy. The new method boosts protein production by up to 20 times, potentially leading to stronger immune responses and reduced side effects.
A study by WSU researcher Graham Dixon found that emotional messages can backfire among individuals with anti-vaccine views. The approach highlights the consequences of non-vaccination using emotional pictures may not be as effective as previously thought.
A study found that almost all pediatricians encounter requests to spread out vaccines, with increasing numbers agreeing to do so despite risks. Most physicians feel tension between building trust and prioritizing child safety.
A randomized trial using Colorado Immunization Information System found that children in the centralized notification system received at least one contact, with documentation rates of 26.9% compared to 21.7% in the practice-based group. The study concludes that a collaborative centralized approach can increase immunization rates and is...
Research at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients whose physicians recommended flu vaccination were more likely to receive it, with higher rates among white and Asian patients. The study suggests that improving communication between doctors and patients about the benefits of flu vaccination is crucial.
The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancers caused by nine high-risk HPV types. If populations are vaccinated, approximately 90% of all cervical cancers worldwide can be prevented. The vaccine was found to be safe with no significant health concerns.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Animal & Plant Health Agency highlight the importance of specificity in new diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) vaccination. For vaccination to be economically viable, the number of false positives must be below 15 out of every 10,000 cattle tested.
To make bovine TB vaccination viable, researchers recommend diagnostic tests must achieve high specificity to avoid increasing restrictions and financial burden. Achieving a specificity of greater than 99.85% is necessary to see benefits of vaccination.
A new HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, has been developed to protect against nine types of the virus, significantly improving protection against cervical cancer compared to the current vaccine. The new vaccine offers up to 97% effectiveness in preventing high-grade cervical and vaginal disease caused by high-risk HPV types.
A study by Ohio State University found that both liberals and conservatives exhibit biases against scientific facts that contradict their political beliefs. Liberals showed lower trust in science related to fracking and nuclear power, while conservatives reacted more strongly to climate change and evolution.