Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that sequential vaccinations given in the same arm generated a stronger immune response than those administered in different arms. This is particularly true for cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A community-based health program implemented in Madagascar increased vaccination rates in the country's most remote villages. The study found that households with a Catholic or Protestant affiliation were more reluctant to vaccinate their children, highlighting the need to address these barriers in future programs.
A new study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that people are more likely to recommend an RSV vaccine if they understand the rigorous process of the FDA's vaccine approval process. The study showed that 57% of those exposed to a flowchart were very or somewhat likely to recommend the vaccine, compared to 40% in a control group.
QUT researchers have created a booster vaccine using implant technology to protect wild koalas from Chlamydia disease. The new device allows for in-the-field vaccination without recapturing the animals, reducing human interference and increasing vaccination efficiency.
A study found COVID-19 vaccination coverage was high among healthcare workers and older adults, but low among non-priority recipients. The main reason for wanting to be vaccinated was to prevent self-infection and protect family members.
Researchers created a flexible and potent 'on-demand' whole tumor cell vaccine (TCV) that responds to near-infrared laser irradiation, boosting the immune response and effectively suppressing tumor growth. The TCV was tested in various murine xenograft models and showed promising therapeutic efficacy.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research have identified a protein responsible for lethal liver disease in mice infected with Rift Valley fever virus. Removing this protein, Lrp1, from the liver prevented viral replication and extended mouse lifespan.
A survey of over 20,000 respondents in Japan found that 23% of male and 13% of female respondents were willing to receive the smallpox vaccine for Mpox prevention. Higher vaccination rates were observed among homosexual men compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
A study suggests that bare minimum reimbursement rates could be a barrier to HPV vaccination, with non-pediatric specialties receiving lower rates. Family medicine doctors were found to be most sensitive to changes in reimbursement, which may contribute to geographic disparities in vaccination rates.
A study found that family medicine physicians have the lowest net returns per dose for HPV vaccines, while pediatricians received higher reimbursement amounts. The researchers also observed a positive association between reimbursement and increased HPV vaccine doses administered, particularly among family physicians.
Two vaccines to protect against RSV are now available for those over age 60, providing high levels of protections against the virus. The vaccines were developed by Glaxo SmithKline and Pfizer and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
A new combination treatment of GVAX vaccine, nivolumab, and urelemab has shown to increase the amount of cancer-killing immune cells in tumors and appear effective when given two weeks prior to surgery. The study found a median disease-free survival of 33.51 months and a median overall survival of 35.5 months.
A UCLA-led team is tracking mpox outbreaks across the US with a new surveillance project called CRASHED. The research aims to identify cases beyond high-risk groups and determine if mpox remains rare or resurges more broadly.
A University of Queensland developed vaccine will protect farmed saltwater crocodiles from West Nile virus (WNV), providing economic benefits worth $10million per year. The vaccine is the first of its kind to achieve proven safety and efficacy in crocodiles, with a robust immune response induced after two doses.
CHOP researchers have developed stable, universal MHC-I molecules that can be produced rapidly at scale, allowing for the development of effective and universal immunotherapies. These engineered MHC-I molecules promote peptide exchange across multiple HLA allotypes, covering various forms.
A phase 3 trial found that the VLA1553 vaccine candidate produced an immune response in 99% of participants, inducing protection against disease. The study also showed that the vaccine was generally safe and well-tolerated across all age groups, with most adverse events being mild or moderate.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating melanoma by adding an mRNA vaccine tailored to individual tumour genetics to common immunotherapy, significantly improving survival and disease recurrence rates. After two years, cancer-free survival increased to 78.6%, and the risk of death or cancer returning was reduced by 44%.
A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.
Researchers analyzed hospitalization and fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in England between May 2020 and March 2022. The study found that the mass vaccination campaign significantly reduced severe effects of the virus, with notable improvements after the emergence of Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants.
A new vaccine against meningococcal disease has shown safety and efficacy in a phase 3 trial, generating higher immune responses than existing vaccines across five strains. The vaccine, NmCV-5, also induces a strong response to the emerging meningococcal X strain, providing potential protection against epidemics.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report that individuals vaccinated against smallpox decades ago retain cross-reactive immunity to mpox. The study found that previous smallpox vaccination provides about 80% protection against mpox.
Research reveals that age-dependent changes in germinal centres lead to reduced vaccine response in older people. The study demonstrates that reversing these changes can be achieved through interventions.
Dengue infection prevalence in US territories highlights need for improved control measures. Novel vector control methods and vaccine development hold promise for combating the disease.
Trials of Pfizer's maternal RSV vaccine suggest a possible increase in preterm births, prompting experts to call for further analysis and post-approval monitoring. The vaccine aims to protect infants from severe RSV illness, but its safety concerns have raised eyebrows.
The MUSC Hollings community health van has increased access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in South Carolina's underserved communities. The vaccine is linked to six different kinds of cancer, including cervical, throat, anal, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has started clinical development of DuoChol, a new oral cholera vaccine in capsule form. This innovation offers improved thermostability, reducing storage challenges, while making vaccines more accessible to those who need them most.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases the risk of Bell palsy, whereas vaccination poses a lower risk. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine did not differ significantly from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in terms of BP incidence.
The NIH is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine's safety and immune response in adolescents aged 12-17. The trial, launched at George Washington University, aims to determine if the vaccine can protect teens from this painful and sometimes deadly disease.
Researchers developed bottlebrush-like nanoparticles that deliver immunostimulatory drugs to tumors, provoking an immune response and slowing tumor growth. The approach avoids systemic inflammation, making it a potential solution for boosting immune system responses in cancer patients.
Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
A modelling study in Denmark found that universal varicella vaccination significantly reduces chickenpox-related cases and deaths in both children and adults. The study also showed cost-effectiveness of the vaccine, informing policymakers about routine immunization.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new technology called PULSED that can deliver time-released drugs and vaccines for extended periods. The technology uses high-resolution 3D printing and soft lithography to produce microcylinders made of biodegradable polymers, which can be loaded with drugs and release them over time.
An international project aims to discover modifiable cellular and molecular pathways of the developing infant immune system to improve infant vaccine responsiveness and prevent respiratory disease. By analyzing infants' immune systems from birth to five years old, researchers hope to identify biomarkers that predict vaccine responsiven...
Scientists have developed a new vaccine delivery method using powdered vaccines and a system driven by compressed gas, called MOF-Jet. The device can deliver therapeutics against cancer and other diseases in a relatively painless way, eliminating the need for needles and potentially reducing pain.
Researchers have created two novel adjuvants that significantly enhance the immune response to vaccines. The new adjuvants target toll-like receptors and are designed to be tailored for every individual vaccine, potentially reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness.
A global maternal Strep B vaccination program could avert over 200,000 cases and more than 31,000 deaths, as well as reduce disability in children. The study found that a one-dose vaccine program could cost $1.7 billion globally, while saving $385 million in healthcare costs.
A meta-analysis of seven studies found that sleeping less than six hours per night reduces the immune response to vaccination. The deficit was equivalent to two months of antibody waning. This suggests that getting good sleep may also extend the duration of protection provided by vaccines.
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
A global study aims to better understand the burden of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among girls and women in low- and lower middle-income countries. The study will inform effective strategies to prevent infection and introduce HPV vaccine into national programs, protecting the health of girls and women and reducing rates of cervical cancer.
A recent study found that anxiety about contracting COVID-19 is a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy. However, proactive coping, a trait involving future planning, also plays a surprising role in vaccine hesitation, amplifying it at both ends of the spectrum.
A new study explores the complexity of parents' decision-making processes regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for their children. The research highlights the importance of individualized discussions with healthcare providers to help interpret evidence and provide tailored recommendations.
A recent study monitored the Italian province of Pescara for 18 months and found no increased risk of serious diseases among vaccinated individuals. The study revealed that vaccinated persons were more protected against COVID-19 and had lower rates of deaths and disease occurrences compared to non-vaccinated individuals.
The study found that CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines remained effective against severe SARS-CoV-2 Omicron outcomes, but older individuals' protection waned after six months. A booster dose is recommended for older patients to restore immunity.
A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.
A study found that stock photography sites have limited representation of diverse populations, particularly people with darker skin tones and lower socioeconomic status. This limitation makes it challenging for organizations to develop effective communication tools to reach these groups.
A cohort study of over 600 persons with non-MRI-conditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that these devices continue to appropriately treat detected tachyarrhythmias after MRI scans. The findings suggest that patients with non-MRI-conditional ICDs can safely undergo MRI exams without compromising device function.
An experimental vaccine against Marburg virus demonstrated a good safety profile and induced strong, long-lasting immunity in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccine candidate, cAd3-Marburg, induced an immune response in 95% of participants and maintained that response for over 48 weeks.
Researchers developed a vaccine platform that uses nanoscopic particles to deliver antigens, which can stimulate immune responses. The platform showed promise in early trials with mice, with improved survival rates against influenza and HIV.
Researchers used simulations to study the movements of influenza virus proteins, finding that they can clump together and form large aggregates. This discovery could lead to improved vaccines and antiviral treatments by targeting these vulnerable states.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals with strong attitudes towards science tend to be overconfident about their level of understanding. This suggests that addressing the discrepancy between what people know and believe they know may be a more effective strategy for improving scientific literacy.
A new study suggests TB vaccination could be overall cost-effective in 73 of 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with potential economic benefits of US $474 billion by 2050. The modeling study, published in PLOS Medicine, found that vaccination could save billions of dollars annually.
Researchers found that patients used various therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms, including mind-body medicine, nutritional supplements, exercise, and olfactory training. Many patients need more understanding, recognition, and specific post-COVID health care services, as well as empathy from their doctors.
Researchers found women's immune responses to herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine are stronger, while those with prior exposure have different type I IFN signatures. This interaction may affect vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers found that high levels of mucosal IgA antibodies in the airways protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least eight months, with a 90% lower risk of re-infection. Participants with prior infections generated stronger mucosal immune responses to Omicron breakthrough infections.
A new study reveals that long-lived germinal centers, which can last for six months, are maintained by a dynamic balance between founder B cells and newly introduced naive B cells. The research provides insights into the workings of these microscopic training grounds and could inform future vaccine design.
There were significant increases in HPV vaccine administration among commercially insured adults aged 27 to 45 following the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' recommendation change in 2019. This trend is attributed to shared decision-making between patients and clinicians.
The Ebola vaccine trials found all three regimens safe in both age groups, with antibody responses detectable for one year. The study enrolled over 3,100 volunteers in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
A large-scale randomized clinical trial confirms the safety of three Ebola vaccine regimens, inducing an immune response that persists for up to 12 months. The study suggests that vaccines can be a crucial tool in fighting the spread of the disease in sub-Saharan African countries.
A survey study found adolescents who received routine childhood vaccines were more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose. This may indicate that addressing hesitancy about routine vaccinations can reduce concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.