Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A new system using electronic health records significantly improves primary care physicians' performance and the health of patients with chronic conditions. The program boosts preventive care in vaccinations and cancer and osteoporosis screenings, increasing rates by up to 10 percentage points.
A study published in The Lancet found that deworming treatment during pregnancy does not affect infant immune responses to vaccines or infectious disease incidence. The authors suggest that the value of this intervention should be re-examined, and policy recommendations be reviewed.
The Cervical Cancer-Free America program aims to raise awareness and increase screenings for cervical cancer, targeting disadvantaged communities. With the support of a $150,000 grant, Indiana will implement initiatives to reduce HPV infection rates and increase vaccination rates, ultimately aiming to eliminate cervical cancer.
A new study suggests preterm infants are at risk of invasive pneumococcal disease despite receiving the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Early effective immunization is crucial, as they have lower levels of maternally derived antibody than full-term infants.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium chelonae, a common environmental bacterium, can decrease the effectiveness of the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. The study suggests that immune cells exposed to this bacterium may dampen vaccine efficacy. This discovery could lead to new, more effective vaccines against tuberculosis.
Experts recommend stocking up on cholera vaccines to rapidly deploy to high-risk areas, complementing treatment efforts in Haiti. A ready supply could limit the impact of an outbreak and promote humanitarian benefits.
A group of experts recommends creating an emergency stockpile of cholera vaccines to rapidly deploy in high-risk areas, stabilizing countries and preventing outbreaks. The US would face low costs, while the benefits could be enormous, particularly in refugee camps.
A new dendritic cell vaccine has been developed at Dartmouth Health, which uses the patient's own tumor cells to stimulate an anti-tumor response. The study found that over 60% of patients who received the vaccine developed immune responses against their tumors, with a significant survival rate five years after treatment.
Researchers developed a new approach to vaccination for rotavirus, inducing an immune response in mice and protecting them from infection. The heat-stable vaccine is low-cost and can be delivered as nasal drops or spray, addressing challenges in developing countries.
A University of Michigan study found that contact patterns among different age groups can explain the observed shifts in whooping cough prevalence and incidence. The research suggests that blanket booster-vaccination programs for adults may not be an efficient strategy for controlling the disease.
Researchers have developed a faster-growing E. coli strain suitable for mass production of high-quality DNA for vaccines and gene therapy. The modified strain retains useful traits while growing as quickly as other industrial strains.
Researchers at NIST have developed a suite of standard reference materials for measuring organic acids in dietary supplements formulated with Vaccinium berries. These materials can help prevent economic adulteration by identifying the type and amount of berry used in products.
Despite strong evidence of its effectiveness, only one-third of eligible young women complete the recommended three-dose regimen for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Persistent infection with certain HPV types may lead to cervical cancer.
A study of adolescents found that less than 2% met annual preventive care visit recommendations, highlighting the need for better access to care. Meanwhile, a survey of family physicians revealed that many refer patients elsewhere for vaccines due to inadequate payment and lack of participation in federally-funded programs.
A University of Minnesota researcher found that public support for the HPV vaccine decreases when linked to controversy in the media. In contrast, support for other vaccines remains stable, suggesting a need for responsible reporting on health policies.
A recent study suggests that the monkeypox virus can cause significant lung damage by decreasing production of proteins involved in maintaining lung tissue structure and lubrication. This finding may lead to new approaches for treating conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
USDA scientists have developed vaccines to protect farm-raised catfish against key diseases, including Streptococcus iniae and S. agalactiae. The modified live vaccine has been shown to create a lifelong immunity in fish, with previous research breakthroughs benefiting the catfish industry.
Researchers found that parasites can adjust their survival strategy in response to the host's immune system, leading to faster growth rates and increased reproduction. This insight may help inform the design of future vaccines against parasitic diseases such as elephantiasis and river blindness.
The H1N1 pandemic showed the need for faster vaccine production and clear communication to address risks to vulnerable populations. The delay in vaccine manufacturing and unclear messages hindered efforts, resulting in significant years of life lost among younger age groups.
Scientists are assessing the impact of new vaccines on respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases in African children. The study aims to investigate how effective these vaccines are in areas with high morbidity rates and diverse strains of bacteria.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have created an experimental vaccine that stimulates more than 10 times as many antibodies against beta-amyloid as similar DNA vaccines. The new approach shows promise in generating enough antibodies to be useful clinically in treating patients.
A survey of Spanish mothers found that they are more concerned about vaccinating their children due to the HPV vaccine incident. In contrast, mothers in Switzerland and Norway expressed less concern about vaccine safety. The study also showed that healthcare professionals are the most trustworthy source of information on vaccines.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded contracts to develop three biodefense vaccines to protect against dengue, anthrax, and other emerging infectious diseases. The vaccines aim to improve vaccine delivery and immune response for large-scale protection.
A four-year study funded by the AHRQ investigates Total Health, a unique benefits program offering preventive care, reduced copayments for chronic conditions, and health promotion programs to manage chronic diseases. The study aims to improve employee wellness and productivity while controlling healthcare costs.
A multicenter study in Canada found that shingles affects not only physical health but also mental well-being, including sleep quality and enjoyment of life. After the acute phase, 24% of participants developed postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent pain condition.
Researchers discuss factors contributing to cancer disparities, including language barriers and lack of health literacy. Successful strategies include tailoring messages to specific audiences and promoting evidence-based programs like Body and Soul.
A Phase 3 clinical trial conducted by GlaxoSmithKline and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that a genital herpes vaccine was ineffective in preventing the disease in women. The study, which involved 8,323 women aged 18-30 years, showed that the vaccine had an estimated 20% effectiveness rate.
A recent study found that less than half of essential workers are willing and able to report to work during a serious pandemic. Motivation to work is tied to workplace safety measures, trust in employers, and past experience. Employers can increase worker willingness by providing resources and support for personal obligations.
A recent clinical study has shown that patient-specific vaccines can sometimes induce durable complete regression of progressing soft-tissue melanoma metastases. The vaccine was found to be effective in one particular patient who remained in complete remission for over two years, more than four years after her initial diagnosis.
A new TB vaccine candidate called AERAS-422 is undergoing clinical trials to evaluate its safety and immunogenicity. The vaccine aims to interrupt TB at all stages of infection, including initial infection, latency, and reactivation.
Researchers have successfully tested a potential vaccine against Ichthyophthirius, a parasitic disease causing significant losses in commercial fish farming and home aquarium hobbyists. The study showed that vaccination with live Ich theronts stimulated production of protective antibodies in channel catfish.
A new monoclonal antibody, RAB-1, has shown promising results in a Phase 1 study, achieving protective antibody levels comparable to the current standard of treatment. The therapy could potentially save tens of thousands of lives annually by addressing supply problems and side-effect issues associated with human rabies immune globulin.
Researchers developed a mathematical framework to optimize vaccine stockpile levels, balancing objectives such as minimizing shortages, maintaining coverage, and reducing costs. The model demonstrates that one-size-fits-all approach may not work, and optimal stockpiles depend on disease importance and initial conditions.
Research suggests that the current six-month rotating vaccine stockpile policy may not be optimal for achieving herd immunity. A new stochastic model proposes flexible policies to minimize vaccine shortage risks while maintaining coverage rates. The study's findings highlight the need for differentiated stockpile levels based on diseas...
A study found that infants receiving pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV-7) at 2, 4, and 11 months had a higher likelihood of acquiring pneumococcal serotype 19A, a multiresistant strain. The study's findings suggest that PCV-7 may facilitate the acquisition of this strain.
Researchers at UCLA report a 20-fold increase in human monkeypox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo since smallpox vaccinations ended in 1980. The virus has become more common due to lack of health infrastructure and no surveillance, posing a risk for wider spread into animal populations.
Researchers have made progress on a vaccine for Ich, a parasitic disease that causes significant losses in commercial fish farms and home aquarium hobbyists. The study found that vaccination with live Ich theronts and trophonts stimulated production of protective antibodies in channel catfish.
Although immunity to mumps is high in the US, maintaining and improving vaccine coverage is crucial to prevent future outbreaks. The study found that only about 90% of the population has sufficient antibodies, which may not be enough to stop transmission.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a vaccine to stop cancer-causing viruses that invade host cells, initiate cancer, and then disappear. The vaccine has been shown to protect against subsequent cancer development in mouse models, holding promise for preventing human cancers.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a special set of sugars that helps certain pathogens evade the body's natural defenses and vaccines. The finding may lead to new research for developing vaccines or cures for diseases like tuberculosis.
Researchers are developing a new vaccine technology using MHC tetramers to accelerate bovine vaccine creation, promising faster and more accurate development of vaccines for East Coast fever and foot-and-mouth disease. The goal is to provide basic science insights needed for better disease control in developing countries.
A new tetravalent vaccine developed by NIAID is being tested in a Phase I human clinical trial to prevent dengue fever. The vaccine, which protects against all four dengue viruses, aims to provide efficient and cost-effective prevention against the mosquito-borne disease.
A South Korean study has shown that patients infected with hepatitis B are around twice as likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study found an increased risk of NHL and malignant immunoproliferation in HBV-positive individuals.
Researchers developed an alphavirus vector to overcome neutralizing antibodies and Tregs, inducing clinically relevant immune responses in patients with metastatic cancer. Repeated administration led to longer overall patient survival, making the approach a promising therapeutic option.
Most pediatricians and family physicians administer the HPV vaccine, but fewer strongly encourage it for preteens. The study found that many physicians are not using effective strategies to ensure patients complete the full vaccination series.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed an experimental vaccine that stimulates an immune response against tumor growth. In a Phase I/II study, the vaccine showed promising results in patients with advanced lung, colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers.
A Harvard University study found that small changes in perceived vaccine costs can lead to significant gaps in herd immunity, with social networks playing a crucial role in the spread of disease. The researchers discovered that increasing vaccination cost prompts more free-riding and leads to larger epidemics.
Scientists are using a vaccine to vaccinate bison against brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby livestock. Researchers found that bison infected with Brucella abortus exhibit similar symptoms to cattle, highlighting the need for targeted eradication programs.
Researchers found that HPV vaccines are not covered by patent claims granted in India, leaving room for production of biosimilars offering protection against the two most common HPV strains. This could improve access to the HPV vaccine in low-income countries.
The Phase I trial found low-dose, multi-dosing regimens of BCG vaccination safe in individuals with type 1 diabetes, with no severe reactions reported. A Phase II clinical trial is planned to investigate the safety and efficacy of BCG vaccination as a therapeutic agent for type 1 diabetes prevention or reversal.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing new medical technologies to combat the anthrax threat. Promising new treatments include a long-sought inhalable vaccine that can be self-administered without a needle, as well as new antibiotics and medicines that can block the effects of anthrax toxin.
Analyses of serological and social contact data reveal that childhood vaccination against pertussis has led to a shift in the disease's burden, with adolescents and adults becoming reservoirs for asymptomatic infection. The study suggests that life-long protection through a vaccine could potentially eliminate pertussis.
Experimental vaccines developed with these approaches produced strong immune responses in mice, potentially safer than the only available RVF vaccine. Researchers are hopeful that these new strategies may be advantageous to controlling RVF, providing a safer alternative to existing live virus vaccines.
Researchers found that high interleukin-10 levels in tumor cells are associated with worse prognosis after autologous melanoma cell vaccine treatment. High IL-10 levels can downregulate the immune response, decreasing the effectiveness of the vaccine.
According to a new report, only about one in three young women has received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. The vaccination rate is increasing, but there is still a significant disparity in HPV vaccination rates among different racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers discovered a new bacterial signaling molecule, cyclic-di-AMP, which stimulates a strong immune response in host cells. This molecule may be used to improve vaccines that use live or disabled bacteria, making them more effective against pathogens such as Listeria.
Researchers at Michigan State University are testing a new NicVAX vaccine to help people quit smoking and avoid relapses. The vaccine works by preventing nicotine from crossing the blood-brain barrier, blocking the addictive pleasure sensation experienced by smokers.
A newly developed experimental Ebola vaccine has shown protection in monkeys against a newer Ebola virus species identified in 2007. The vaccine induces a robust T-cell response that can cross-react with other Ebola virus species.
A new method uses isotopic analysis to distinguish olive oil from shark-derived squalene and squalane, a potential solution to stop commercial fraud and protect sharks. The technique could also promote the production of plant-based squalene, discouraging shark fishing.
Experts argue for shifting focus from biomedical mechanisms to socio-environmental aspects of neglected tropical diseases. Mass drug administration is recognized as a cost-effective approach for controlling these diseases, while integrating biomedical and social approaches through 'social offsets' may complement this strategy.