Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that lncRNA MVIH is overexpressed in cervical cancer tumors and associated with younger age, lymph node metastasis, tumor invasion depth, and squamous cell type. This suggests its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for cervical cancer.
The study analyzed 23,000 symptomatic individuals in King County, Washington, from June 2020 to July 2022. It found shifts in reported symptoms between SARS-CoV-2 variants and persistent racial and sociodemographic disparities in rhinovirus infection.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered three novel STAT1 variants that cause Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) in response to the BCG vaccine. The variants result in loss of function of the STAT1 protein, preventing an appropriate immune response.
Researchers found that a vaccine against the toxin produced by E. coli protects infant mice from intestinal damage, suggesting it could boost global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. Vaccinating kids against E. coli diarrhea may prevent long-term effects like stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.
A new study from Ohio State University found that individuals with greater certainty in their views on vaccines are more likely to become vaccine advocates. This discovery could aid in identifying target audiences for interventions aimed at increasing pro-vaccine certainty.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that the circadian body clock influences immune responses to vaccines. The research discovered that the shape of mitochondria in dendritic cells changes throughout the day, impacting their ability to break down vaccines.
A Queen Mary University of London study found that only 75% of children receive the first MMR vaccine on time, with poorest neighborhoods most affected. The researchers call for increased investment in vaccination services to ensure all London children are protected from measles.
A global Phase 2/3 clinical trial found that vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members. The study showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among vaccinated household contacts and indicated that vaccines can play an important role in controlling future outbreaks.
A modelling study allocates vaccines to cities with higher epidemic potential and more initial cases. This maximizes the impact of a limited supply. The study emphasizes global vaccine equity and a population-level perspective in responding to outbreaks.
A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.
Researchers found that shingles increases the long-term risk of stroke and heart attacks by up to 30% in individuals aged 50 and older. The study followed over 200,000 participants for up to 16 years and suggests that vaccination may help reduce this risk.
A team of scientists at Boston Children's Hospital created a new tool to analyze vaccine responses, enabling better understanding of immune system reactions. The Immune Signatures Data Resource contains data from 53 studies covering 24 different vaccines.
Research found babies born naturally have higher antibody levels after vaccination compared to those born via C-section. Breastfeeding also boosts antibody levels, with formula-fed children having 3.5 times lower levels.
Researchers mapped out variations in vaccine distribution policies among 29 countries, highlighting differing priorities such as age, comorbidities, and occupation. The study suggests that vaccination schedules differ from resource allocation strategies in healthcare, reflecting diverse moral judgments underlying each approach.
A pre-pandemic conspiratorial mindset was associated with hesitance to accept COVID-19 vaccines, a new study suggests. Individuals who held conspiracy theories prior to the pandemic were more likely to believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and report hesitancy to be vaccinated.
A study published in Science Immunology clarifies the function of tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm cells) in protecting against infection and cancer. Researchers found that CD103+ Trm cells play a less critical role, while CD103- cells are more effective in attacking bacteria upon reinfection.
A meta-analysis of 820 healthy young adults reveals specific biomarkers and inflammatory signatures that predict antibody responses to vaccines. The study's findings could lead to the development of tailored vaccines for improved protection.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona found that senescent cells stimulate the immune system to attack tumors more effectively than dead cells. Vaccinating healthy mice with senescent cells reduced tumor growth and improved immune response in animal models of melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
A UK study found substantial monkeypox transmission before symptoms appear, with 53% of cases occurring pre-symptomatically. The study's findings have important implications for infection control globally and may affect isolation and contact tracing policies.
The Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge Monitor assesses public knowledge on climate, maternal health, vaccination, and more. The quarterly survey reports aim to highlight strengths and weaknesses in public knowledge and inform public health strategies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a specific type of T cell that produces cytokines necessary for acquiring immunity against fungal pathogens. This finding could lead to the development of effective fungal vaccines.
A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination effectiveness differs significantly depending on the age at which it is administered. The researchers analyzed self-reported data from female participants and discovered that HPV vaccination is most effective when administered earlier in life.
A survey among European gay-dating app users found a 82% crude vaccination acceptance rate. Willingness to vaccinate increased with factors like perceived severity of monkeypox, transmission risk, and existing health links. Higher acceptance rates were seen in northern and western Europe compared to southern and eastern regions.
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is partnering with the Chinatown Service Center to address disparities in cervical cancer screening and treatment. The partnership aims to optimize access, shorten diagnosis-to-treatment timeframes, and enhance quality of care for Chinese and Latina women in Los Angeles.
Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.
A 14% decrease in live births was observed in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns. The decline may be linked to lockdowns rather than COVID-19 infection, with countries experiencing longer lockdowns having lower birth rates.
Researchers created theoretical models to explain geographical clustering of vaccine hesitancy, attributing it to both social selection and social influence. The models found that these two processes independently generate clusters of high hesitancy, with social selection playing a key role when societies trust propaganda.
Researchers found that the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, a condition that causes stillbirth and neonatal death. The vaccine not only protects pregnant women but may also be lifesaving for their unborn children.
Poliovirus researchers at Umeå University have gained a new understanding of how the virus behaves in infected cells, revealing key protein roles and cellular processes involved. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments and vaccines targeting the autophagy system.
The study found that imbalances in the host immune system facilitate persistent or severe forms of COVID-19. Low levels of dendritic cells, which report information about invaders to T cells, were associated with long-term infection and disease severity.
Researchers attribute low vaccination rates in children to misconceptions about vaccine safety and Covid-19 vaccines. Misinformation about vaccine safety predicts reluctance to vaccinate both adults and children.
Researchers from NAIST found that searches related to vaccine side effects positively correlated with vaccination rates in Japan. The 'vaccine concern index' captured searches of terms indicating vaccine hesitancy, revealing lower concerns among older people and female users.
A newly discovered sarbecovirus in Russian bats has the ability to use human ACE2 to enter cells and is resistant to antibodies from people vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. This finding highlights the potential risk of transmission between animals and humans.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a previously unknown barrier that separates the bloodstream from smelling cells in the upper airway of mice, which may hinder the effectiveness of vaccines. The BOB barrier also allows antibody-secreting plasma cells to produce neutralizing antibodies locally.
A new study from the University of Maryland cautions that delayed interventions make it harder to eliminate monkeypox. The research suggests that stronger and better-adapted variants may evolve if case numbers are low, making it challenging to control outbreaks.
This review examines the known neurologic complications of smallpox and monkeypox, including their complications from vaccination. The study highlights the importance of understanding these neurological effects to improve treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that HPV vaccination rates rose significantly during the pandemic, particularly among younger children and adolescents. The study suggests that the increased vaccination rates may be attributed to changes in healthcare access and scheduling.
A study from USC Dornsife reveals that moral values, including care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity, predict regional differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Counties with residents prioritizing purity were less likely to be vaccinated, while those emphasizing loyalty and fairness had higher vaccination rates.
A recent study found that the immune response to COVID-19 booster vaccination decreases over five months, with a slower decline in antibody levels after the third dose compared to the second. The neutralizing response to the Omicron variant was also found to be lower than other variants of concern.
A recent study analyzing COVID-19 vaccination rates in New York City schools reveals significant disparities based on race and ethnicity. The research also highlights geographical variations in vaccination rates across the city.
The Lancet Commission report highlights widespread, global failures in the COVID-19 response, resulting in millions of preventable deaths and reversed progress towards UN SDGs. The report calls for strengthened multilateral cooperation, improved technology, and international health financing to address future health threats.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that mucosal antibodies in the airways significantly reduce the risk of omicron infection. High levels of these antibodies more than halved the risk of becoming infected, while also being associated with lower viral replication.
Researchers at USC discovered that the COVID-19 virus uses a human enzyme to accelerate its mutations, allowing it to evade vaccines and spread quickly. By understanding this mechanism, scientists can predict new variants and develop more effective vaccines.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels remained high for at least 6 months after vaccination, providing long-term protection against subsequent infection. The study involved 2,100 West Virginia nursing home residents and staff who received COVID-19 vaccination.
A new study by the University of Georgia finds that current vaccine approaches are unlikely to eradicate measles, with a basic reproduction number of 18 for measles. The researchers propose novel approaches to improve vaccine coverage equity and reevaluate cessation criteria to prevent outbreaks.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered how Zika virus forces dendritic cells to churn out lipid molecules, allowing the virus to build copies of itself. This study provides a major step forward in developing antiviral therapies against multiple flavivirus infections.
Researchers found that vaccine companies, such as Moderna and Pfizer, experience significant price movements when one company performs well or poorly. Sinopharm is found to be the most affected by market volatility, while AstraZeneca has the greatest influence on Moderna's stock price.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that racial and ethnic minority populations in the US faced unique challenges while seeking COVID-19 information online, including misinformation, harassment, and hostility. Younger and healthier individuals were more resistant to vaccination due to lower perceived risk and benefit.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among unvaccinated adults were significantly higher than those with booster doses. The study suggests continued vaccination efforts for eligible persons to mitigate hospitalization rates.
A new study found that individuals with low confidence in the importance of vaccination are five times more likely to remain unvaccinated. Rural areas and those with lower socioeconomic status also had higher prevalence of non-vaccination across all regions.
A recent study of 17,000 participants found that COVID-19 boosters or third doses were generally well tolerated by pregnant and lactating women. The study suggests that these vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy and breastfeeding, addressing concerns about vaccine uptake among this demographic.
Researchers found that RK-33 inhibits the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to replicate in host cells, making it a potential broad-spectrum antiviral agent. The study showed that RK-33's antiviral capability remains consistent across four SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A recent study published in npj Vaccines found that receiving at least two doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dramatically reduces long-term symptoms. Eight of the ten most-commonly reported symptoms were reported between 50 and 80% less often among vaccinated individuals compared to those who received no doses.
A study found that neutralizing antibody levels against COVID-19 decline by at least 15% per month after a single booster shot, but can be restored with a second dose. Researchers tested serum from vaccinated adults and found a higher rate of decline in neutralizing antibodies against the BA.5 omicron variant.
A Rutgers study found that previous sexually transmitted infections and multiple sexual partners increase the risk of new HPV infections in men who have sex with men, other cisgender sexual minority men, and transgender women. The study also highlights the importance of HPV vaccination and regular screening to prevent anal cancer.
A survey study of a large professional society meeting during the Omicron surge found low COVID-19 positivity rates among both in-person and virtual attendees. The study suggests that cautious strategies to mitigate transmission were effective, with no greater risk associated with in-person attendance.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 lockdown strategies in Germany, Israel, and the US to determine optimal policy changes based on vaccine development timelines. Lockdowns were stricter before vaccine approval and continued to intensify after approval until vaccination reached a sufficient percentage.
Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is associated with improved birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality. The review also found that WIC participants are more likely to receive child preventative services, such as vaccines.
A study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that booster vaccinations significantly increase immune protection for individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and inflammatory bowel disease. Most patients experienced no significant side effects after receiving a third vaccination, and their antibodies effectively pro...