Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
The first-ever enterovirus 71 vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in protecting young children against the potentially deadly hand, foot, and mouth disease. The vaccine demonstrated 90% protection against clinical EV71-associated HFMD and 80.4% against EV71-associated disease for at least 12 months.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a vaccine that protects against necrotic enteritis, a severe poultry disease caused by Clostridium perfringens. The vaccine targets the bacterium's NetB toxin, allowing for effective prevention and control of the devastating disease.
A new oral vaccine against ETEC has been developed and shown to be safe and highly immunogenic in a phase I study, inducing immune responses in all volunteers. The vaccine is designed to protect travelers and children living in areas endemic for ETEC.
A new 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has been found to be as safe as the previously used 7-valent PCV7, according to a Kaiser Permanente study. The vaccine protects against a broader range of pneumococcal types and provides protection against serious infections such as meningitis.
A new Kaiser Permanente study published in Pediatrics found that whole-cell pertussis vaccines were more effective at protecting against pertussis than acellular pertussis vaccines during a large recent outbreak in California. The study examined 138 individuals with confirmed pertussis and found that teenagers vaccinated with four dose...
A University of Michigan-led study challenges prevailing theories on whooping cough's resurgence by showing vaccines offer long-lived protection and reduced transmission. The study highlights the success of Thailand's childhood immunization program in reducing pertussis cases, especially among infants.
A new global surveillance tool detects and monitors public concerns about vaccines, allowing for swift responses to prevent low vaccine uptake and disease outbreaks. The tool analyzes reports from 144 countries, identifying key themes and prioritizing action to promote immunisation.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed an anti-cocaine vaccine that prevents the drug from reaching the brain and producing a high. The vaccine works by generating antibodies against cocaine, rendering it ineffective, and has shown promising results in non-human primates.
A new engineered protein from a reaper spider's venom may offer a promising candidate for therapeutic serums or vaccination against other venoms. The protein provides effective protection against the effects of pure spider venom in animal models.
Researchers identified genetic differences in 27 genes responsible for antigen interactions, inflammation, and gene pathways involved between high and low responders. The study provides insights into developing alternative vaccines for individuals who do not respond effectively to the standard rubella vaccine.
A recent study found that immune responses to HPV-16 and HPV-18 infection were noninferior in girls receiving two doses of the HPV vaccine compared to those receiving three doses. The study suggests a possible reduced-dose schedule for HPV vaccination, which could improve vaccine uptake rates and reduce costs.
A new vaccine candidate for post-operative staph infections failed to demonstrate efficacy in reducing serious infections and was associated with increased mortality among patients who developed the infection. The study found no significant difference in efficacy between the vaccine and placebo groups, and reported a higher rate of mul...
Researchers found no association between vaccine exposure and autism in a study of over 300 children with ASD and 750 without, contradicting long-standing parental concerns about vaccine safety.
A new study by Michigan State University found that about four percent of HIV-positive individuals also have hepatitis, highlighting the need for stronger protections against co-infection. The study reveals that behaviors putting people at risk of HIV also increase their risk of getting hepatitis B or C.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a safe and simple Chagas disease vaccine candidate, TcVac3, which shows over 90 percent protection against chronic infection in mice. The potential vaccine could be approved in as few as five years for use in canines, who are reservoir hosts of the disease.
The Third Global Forum on TB Vaccines brings together researchers and stakeholders to review progress and discuss strategies to advance the field. New research suggests that novel vaccines for adolescents and adults could significantly reduce TB cases and deaths in high-burden countries by 2050.
A Loyola University Chicago study found that disabling a specific calcium channel called TRPM2 could reduce painful inflammation in gout. The researchers also discovered that liposomes with a positive or negative electric charge can stimulate the immune system to attack pathogens.
African experts argue that immunization systems are failing due to issues with vaccine supply, financing, and sustainability. The authors call for strengthened programs to address regional and country-specific problems and develop precise strategies to overcome challenges.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that over 2 in 5 parents are hesitant to vaccinate their teenage daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) due to potential side effects. The vaccine is recommended for teens to prevent cervical cancer and genital cancers, with the majority of experts agreeing on its necessity.
A recent study by the European Association of Urology has shown promising results for a combined vaccine and steroid drug therapy in treating chemotherapy-naive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The therapy, which involves multi-peptide vaccination therapy with low-dose dexamethasone, has been shown to significantly improve ...
New research from the University of Texas Medical Branch reveals staggering low HPV vaccine uptake rates among females and males across various age groups and socio-economic spectrums. The studies suggest inadequate knowledge, lack of physician recommendation, and negative beliefs about vaccines as major hindrances.
Researchers from Cardiff University and La Jolla Institute have identified a previously unknown cellular mechanism that could prove critical in creating a CMV vaccine. This discovery sheds light on the virus's stealthy nature and its ability to evade immune detection.
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that T cells gather together and share information, helping to mount a coordinated response to invading pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind vaccine effectiveness, which relies on T-cell aggregation to form long-term memory.
A team of researchers from La Jolla Institute and Cardiff University has identified a novel cellular mechanism that could aid in creating a CMV vaccine. The study found that a specific CMV protein blocks the ability of immune pathways to kill infected cells, providing an important piece of the CMV puzzle.
A Swedish national registry study found that HPV vaccination before age 14 significantly reduced the incidence of genital warts in girls. The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in vaccination rates, with higher educated parents more likely to vaccinate their daughters.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a potential new target for meningitis B vaccination, offering hope for universal protection. The discovery focuses on the Adhesin Complex Protein (ACP), which stimulates the production of antibodies that kill bacteria, providing protection against multiple MenB strains.
A new study reveals that the bladder is unable to mount an effective immune response to bacteria, leading to recurrent infections. The researchers found that mast cells produce interleukin-10, which drives localized immune tolerance in chronic bladder infection.
The Vanderbilt-led research found that human metapneumovirus is the second leading cause of severe bronchiolitis in young children, affecting more children over age 1 than RSV. The study provides a clearer picture of how this virus impacts children and highlights the need for vaccines to prevent it.
Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered a new way to treat Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections in children. By boosting the accumulation of T cells and selectively attracting regulatory T cells, they aim to reduce inflammation and fight infection.
A two-step personalized immunotherapy treatment using dendritic cell vaccine and adoptive T cell therapy has triggered anti-tumor immune responses in patients with late-stage ovarian cancer. Four of six patients treated responded to the therapy, showing promising early results.
A BUSM study found that low-income and minority parents/guardians are inclined to accept HPV vaccination for boys with the aim of protecting them from cancer and other diseases. However, racial/ethnic differences emerged in attitudes regarding school-entry mandates.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that nearly half of children under 2 years old did not receive all recommended vaccinations. Children who missed scheduled vaccines were more likely to be admitted to hospitals and have fewer doctor visits than those vaccinated on time.
A mass poultry vaccination programme has been credited with a significant decline in Salmonella cases, from 1.6 cases per 1,000 person years in 1993-96 to 0.2 cases per 1,000 person years in 2008-09. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases dropped from over 18,000 in 1993 to just 459 in 2010.
Researchers at Université Laval have identified a molecule that stimulates the activity of the brain's immune cells, which could lead to a treatment and vaccine for Alzheimer's disease. Weekly injections of MPL eliminated up to 80% of senile plaques in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms, improving cognitive function.
Researchers Seung Mun You and Hyejin Moon are using aluminum and nanopore technology to update an ancient evaporative process, known as zeer cooling, to cool vaccines and medicine without electricity. Their goal is to preserve vaccines and medicines in remote areas with limited access to electricity.
A recent study found that many teenagers who received a complete hepatitis B vaccine series as infants can still contract the virus, especially if they have high-risk mothers or weak immune systems. Researchers suggest that a booster shot at age 15 may be necessary to prevent reinfection.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HPV-associated cancer incidence rates have increased, highlighting the need for increased HPV vaccination coverage. Nationally, 32% of females aged 13-17 years had received three doses of the HPV vaccine in 2010.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that timely reminders from state or local health departments are more effective at increasing immunization rates among preschool children than those from primary care practices. The study suggests that partnerships between public health departments and primary care provid...
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School will provide relief agencies and governments with technical assistance on using oral cholera vaccine. The DOVE program aims to detect outbreaks in remote areas and contain the disease, improving global efforts to combat cholera.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a vaccine against human leishmaniasis that shows promising results, offering new hope for the fight against this devastating disease. The vaccine combines DNA and protein-based approaches, using insect larvae to produce the proteins at low cost.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which Ebola virus alters and evades the immune response of its infected host. The secreted protein can selectively drive induction of antibody responses to itself while competing for antibodies to the viral surface protein, enabling repeated or sustained infection.
A four-year field study shows BCG vaccination reduces TB infection risk in unvaccinated badger cubs in vaccinated groups and social groups. Vaccination can indirectly protect cubs before they emerge from their setts.
Consumers believe that life-saving products like vaccines and cancer medications are priced based on need rather than profit. This perception can lead to an increased perceived health risk when prices are low, even if the product is still necessary.
Researchers will study how maternal parasite infections affect fetal immune systems to identify effective interventions promoting healthy growth in children. The goal is to understand the causes of stunted growth and develop affordable solutions.
Researchers found that different strains of Borrelia burgdorferi respond differently to the immune system of white-footed mice, leading to variations in bacterial growth and prevalence. This knowledge can help scientists develop a vaccine by targeting specific proteins common to all strains.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that Tdap vaccination is as safe as Td vaccination for adults 65 and older, with no increased risk of injection site reactions. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the use of Tdap in reducing pertussis infections among older adults.
A new study found that the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is safe for seniors, with minor injection site reactions being the most common adverse event. The study's findings support the recommendation that older adults receive the vaccine to protect themselves and others from pertussis.
A study in California found that children with pertussis had lower odds of having received all 5 doses of the DTaP vaccine series. The risk increased as the time since last vaccination lengthened, indicating a progressive decrease in estimated vaccine effectiveness each year after the final dose.
A new pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to prevent 93% of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in healthy infants who received at least one dose. The vaccine's effectiveness against IPD was confirmed by the Finnish Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine Trial, which tracked over 46,000 children under 19 months.
A new equine vaccine, Equivac HeV, has been developed to prevent clinical disease caused by Hendra virus in horses. The vaccine, derived from the original work of Christopher C. Broder and Katharine Bossart, is now available for use in Australia.
A new focus section discusses a new, improved shingles vaccine and alternative therapies to control symptoms. Experts emphasize the need for continued attention from public health, physicians, and researchers to address this debilitating condition.
Lifting age restrictions on rotavirus vaccination in low- and middle-income countries could prevent up to 203,000 rotavirus deaths while potentially causing 547 intussusception deaths. The World Health Organization supports removing age restrictions where benefits outweigh risks.
Experts from the US FDA argue that few global initiatives focus on strengthening medical product regulatory systems in low-and middle-income countries. Strengthening these systems is crucial to assure product efficacy, safety, and quality, particularly as globalization increases access to medicines and vaccines.
Researchers aim to improve protection against pneumonia with a higher dose of pneumococcal vaccine in older adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will compare two dosages of a pneumococcal vaccine approved for children and adults.
Research suggests that pulmonary vaccine delivery can induce a local immune response more effectively than traditional injections, potentially combating pathogens that cause pulmonary diseases. The unique physiology of the respiratory tract makes it an attractive alternative to injections.
A Kaiser Permanente study found no association between HPV vaccination and increased pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, or contraceptive counseling among girls. The study included 1,398 girls ages 11-18 who received at least one dose of the vaccine, with only 8% diagnosed with an STI or having a positive pregnancy test.
A recent study published in Vaccine found that HPV vaccination has no influence on sexual behavior among adolescent girls. The research, conducted in the UK, showed no difference in sexual activity between girls who received the vaccine and those who did not.
William Foege, a renowned epidemiologist and physician, received the Dean's Medal from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for his pioneering work in eradicating smallpox and controlling river blindness. The award recognizes Foege's tireless efforts to save millions of lives worldwide.
Army surgeons have presented two studies highlighting the potential of a cancer vaccine in improving survival rates. The first study showed that breast cancer survivors who received a HER2 peptide vaccine had a higher likelihood of surviving disease-free compared to those without the treatment. In contrast, patients with Crohn's Diseas...
A large study found that the quadrivalent HPV vaccine was associated with fainting and skin infections in the days following vaccination. The study of over 189,000 females suggests that these side effects are relatively common but not serious, supporting the safety of routine vaccination.