Articles tagged with Immunization
The US healthcare system struggles to vaccinate adolescents, despite three new vaccines available to prevent five serious diseases. The authors identify unique issues, including consent, financing, and surveillance, that require national attention to improve adolescent immunization.
Key findings include significant variability in coverage gaps across countries, with poorest quintiles facing substantial gaps, and only a few countries showing declines greater than 2% per year. The authors emphasize the need for accelerated progress to achieve coverage levels needed for MDG4 and MDG5.
A study found that nearly 1 in 50 US children missed MMR immunization after media coverage of the alleged autism link. Pediatricians' recommendations were a key factor in determining vaccination rates.
Researchers found that over half of vaccination-related videos on YouTube portray childhood, HPV, flu vaccinations negatively or ambiguously. A staggering 45% of these videos contradict the Canadian Immunization Guide.
HIV-infected children in Central Africa show low levels of antibodies to vaccines after childhood immunization. Researchers suggest adapted vaccine schedules may be needed for HIV-exposed infants.
A new research study from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation demonstrates that immunization could blunt or prevent Alzheimer's disease by targeting the build-up of protein plaques. The vaccinated mice showed a significant reduction in plaque accumulation and improved cognitive performance compared to control mice.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has endorsed the 2007-08 adult immunization schedule, which recommends vaccination for varicella and zoster in adults. The CDC's adult immunization schedule aims to reduce vaccine-preventable deaths, with approximately 50,000 Americans dying each year from such diseases.
A national survey found gaps in vaccine financing for underinsured children, leading to concerns about access to life-saving vaccinations like pneumococcal conjugate and meningococcal conjugate vaccines. The study highlights the need for improved funding and distribution of new pediatric vaccines at the state level.
A new study from Bangladesh found that routine Hib vaccination prevented over one-third of life-threatening pneumonia cases and approximately 90% of Hib meningitis cases. The vaccine has been shown to be a feasible and highly effective way of preventing death related to Hib pneumonia and meningitis in Asian children.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released a new blueprint to prevent tens of thousands of deaths and illnesses caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. The blueprint aims to improve vaccination rates among adults and adolescents, with a focus on increasing access to vaccines for underserved populations.
Researchers at the University of Mainz have developed a novel approach to create antitumor vaccines by attaching tumor-associated glycopeptide antigens to a carrier protein via an immunocompatible thioether linkage. This method shows promise for inducing an immune response against cancer cells without irritating the immune system.
Researchers at USU have developed a new HIV vaccine that induces broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies, capable of neutralizing all 48 tested strains. The study provides encouraging results for vaccine development, showing the feasibility of eliciting cross-reactive antibodies against multiple viral strains.
A recent study suggests that President Abraham Lincoln was suffering from a life-threatening form of smallpox when he delivered his Gettysburg Address. Researchers compared clinical features of Lincoln's illness to those of smallpox and found a close match, suggesting he had contracted variola major, the more severe form of the disease.
Dr. Russell is recognized for his contributions to understanding the protein antigens on Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium associated with dental caries. His work has led to the development of immunological interventions targeting this adhesin and improved mucosal immune response strategies.
A global survey of healthcare professionals found that they rank childhood immunization and cancer treatment for smokers lowest, while prioritizing spending on younger populations. The study highlights the disconnect between professional priorities and actual spending patterns in most countries.
A comprehensive immunization strategy has reduced global measles mortality by 60% over the past six years, saving nearly 7.5 million lives. The strategy's four components have been instrumental in achieving this goal, particularly in high-burden countries.
A study published in Science suggests that the standard trivalent vaccine is not effective in poor sanitation and high population density states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where polio persists. Using a monovalent vaccine may boost efficacy and help eradicate the virus.
A Canadian study found that flu vaccines are associated with a small but increased risk of hospitalization for Guillain-Barré syndrome, a potentially debilitating neurological disorder. The absolute risk is very low, and the disorder affects about one in 100,000 individuals per year.
A study analyzing Saskatchewan's pertussis incidence between 1995-2005 found lower rates among children with whole-cell pertussis or a combination of whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines. The findings contradict recent reports, suggesting reconsidering the optimal immunization strategy against pertussis.
States with personal belief exemptions and easily accessible immunization exemptions experience higher rates of whooping cough, according to a study published in JAMA. The study found that states granting personal belief exemptions had higher exemption rates, leading to increased incidence of pertussis.
A study found that GAVI funding significantly increased childhood vaccine coverage in countries with less than 65% initial coverage, raising it to around 65%. However, countries with higher initial coverage showed no improvement. The estimated cost per child immunized was under $14, close to GAVI's original estimates.
A 2004 China polio outbreak caused by vaccine-derived virus was identified and controlled after a province-wide immunization campaign. The outbreak occurred in an area with lower vaccination rates, highlighting the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus emergence in pockets of low coverage.
The international community is urged to prioritize funding for Gaza's humanitarian situation despite the Israel-Hizbollah conflict, which threatens to exacerbate malnutrition and mental health issues. The Lancet notes that a recent agreement to resume funding has not yet alleviated the crisis.
Routine childhood pneumococcal vaccination has the potential to save millions of lives, particularly children under five years old. The seven-valent vaccine is already licensed and in use in over 60 countries, and formulations with additional serotypes are being developed to target strains commonly causing death and disability.
Despite growing evidence, many European countries only vaccinate high-risk groups against infant pneumococcal disease (IPD), while the US adopted universal vaccination in 2000. Universal vaccination of infants and young children reduces risk and provides indirect herd protection for unvaccinated community members.
The study found that combination vaccine groups had significantly higher coverage rates for various vaccines, including DTaP, polio, and hepatitis B. Additionally, children in the combination cohort received their vaccinations on time more frequently than those in the component cohort.
A study found that only 11% of eligible foreign-born women in Miami received postpartum vaccinations, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts to prevent congenital rubella syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination for all women of childbearing age without evidence of rubella immunity.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation grant enables the Mailman School of Public Health's Northern Manhattan Start Right Coalition to scale up its community-based childhood immunization program. The program has seen a significant improvement in immunization rates, with an 80.5% current rate for children aged 19-35 months, exceeding...
A nationwide study of vaccinating school children against influenza could reduce community transmission and improve vaccine production. The authors suggest a collaboration between academia, government, and industry to conduct such a study.
Researchers have developed a new approach that boosts the production of TAP, an immune system component, to make smaller vaccine doses more effective, reducing side effects and increasing immunization capacity. This technique has the potential to far-reaching benefits in the field of vaccines.
Rates of severe infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae have dramatically fallen among children and adults over 65, thanks to pneumococcal vaccination of infants. The vaccine has shown spillover effects, reducing invasive infections among older adults.
Research using real-time surveillance data found that preschoolers lead influenza epidemics, spreading the disease to vulnerable groups. The study suggests shifting immunization focus from high-risk individuals to those who are transmitting the disease.
A study found that routine immunisation of infants with the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine significantly reduced meningitis incidence rates in The Gambia. The researchers hope their findings will encourage other developing countries to adopt Hib vaccination programmes, helping achieve the United Nations' goal of decreasing...
A study found that children of disabled parents are 65% less likely to receive recommended immunizations by age two. Support services for parents with disabilities can improve the entire family's health outcomes. The study aims to raise awareness and stimulate change in healthcare access.
Research found that stress before vaccination led to better immune responses and greater protection nine months later. Stress may prime the immune system for oncoming trauma, enhancing its long-term memory for antigens.
A combination vaccine for pneumococcus and meningococcal conjugate showed reduced group C meningococcal immunogenicity compared to separate vaccines. The study, conducted from 2000-2002, found the combination vaccine was safe but not suitable as a replacement for individual vaccines.
Extensive scientific evidence confirms no link between vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Immunization remains crucial for protecting children from serious infectious diseases, says the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Vaccination of healthy children in the US and Canada shows limited efficacy in reducing disease spread, hospitalizations, and complications. The study's findings suggest that immunization of very young children does not support a reduction in mortality and community transmission.
The AAAS has selected five science reporters from Africa to receive fellowships and training at the 2005 Annual Meeting. The program aims to encourage outstanding young science journalists and support their coverage of science and health topics in developing countries.
Researchers propose a novel approach to battling Lyme disease by vaccinating mice, which can reduce the number of infected ticks that transmit the disease. The study shows an overall 16% reduction in nymphal infection prevalence after immunizing mice, highlighting the potential of this method to combat Lyme disease.
Researchers found that injecting antibodies directly into the brain of mice slowed down plaque growth by up to two months without adverse side effects. This modified passive immunization method may offer a safer treatment option for Alzheimer's, providing a window for other treatments to prevent new plaque formation.
A US policy shift to inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) reduced vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) cases, with no reported cases after 2000. The elimination of VAPP marks an important public health accomplishment, but ongoing high vaccination coverage and surveillance remain crucial.
The temporary suspension of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth due to mercury concerns led to a significant decrease in first-day vaccination coverage. The study found that 11% of children born during the suspension were not vaccinated on their first day, resulting in an excess of 182,000 undervaccinated children by 19 months.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center team increased immunization rates in a specialty outpatient clinic from 41% to above 90%, exceeding national averages. The project used business-world strategies, including reminders and tracking systems, to address barriers and foster innovation.
Researchers develop two SARS vaccine candidates that effectively protect mice from infection, utilizing different technologies to stimulate the immune system. The vaccines target the S protein, a key component of the coronavirus responsible for initiating infection.
The use of rubella vaccine has increased globally, with 124 countries using it in their immunization programs by 2002. Surveillance for congenital rubella syndrome remains a concern, with incomplete reporting and estimated cases being only 0.1% of true total.
A new study suggests that increasing funding for immunizations by just $1 per month could lead to improved practices in children's clinics. However, the cost of implementing recommended upgrades, such as auditing and feedback systems, may be prohibitively expensive for some clinics.
A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that children in Medicaid managed care receive significantly lower rates for clinical quality indicators, including childhood immunizations and well-child visits. High-performing plans with both commercial and Medicaid enrollees were able to achieve high HEDIS performance measures.
The revised standards recommend systems to remind physicians and patients of immunization due dates, regular monitoring of immunization rates, and financial aid for those who cannot afford vaccination costs. These strategies aim to improve childhood and adult immunization coverage.
The study found that vaccinated elderly patients were 48% less likely to die during the 1998-99 season and 50% less likely to die during the 1999-2000 season. Additionally, vaccinated patients were less likely to develop pneumonia, cardiac disease, and stroke, confirming previous VA research on flu shots' life-saving benefits.
Researchers found that immunization can stimulate the immune system to combat prion disease, which affects humans and animals. The study suggests that vaccination could be an effective therapy for prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a sepsis vaccine that provides outstanding protection by reducing inflammatory chemicals by nearly 95%. The vaccine targets endotoxins, which trigger the immune system's response to infection.
Researchers found that immunizing 50-75% of Americans aged 1-30 could save hundreds of lives compared to ring vaccination alone. The study suggests mass vaccination campaigns targeting young people may be cost-effective in preventing deaths from a potential smallpox attack.
Only 60.5% of US adults are fully protected against diphtheria and 72.3% against tetanus, with disparities among age groups and ethnicities. Reorganizing physician practices to prioritize preventive services can increase immunization rates.
In southern Africa, measles elimination strategies reduced reported clinical cases from 60,000 to 117 cases between 1996 and 2000. With overall vaccination coverage of 91%, continued national commitment is crucial for implementation and maintenance of proven strategies.
A new analysis tool developed by a University of Illinois researcher can help manufacturers determine the optimal price for combination vaccines. The tool considers various factors such as vaccine costs, individual and societal benefits, and consumer willingness to pay. By balancing these concerns, it aims to prevent overpayment by gov...
A study found that a new immunization regimen requiring up to four injections at one visit does not decrease vaccination rates despite increasing the risk of adverse reactions. The authors credit parental acceptance and safer vaccine versions for the sustained coverage levels.
According to the report, refugee children are at risk of contracting and dying from measles due to disrupted public health infrastructure and childhood malnutrition. The researchers recommend that all refugee children under 5 years old should receive a measles shot immediately upon entering a camp.
A study found that inactivated flu vaccine (TIV) was associated with lower health care visits and hospitalizations for pneumonia and influenza compared to the intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) among US military personnel. TIV may be more effective than LAIV in preventing morbidity in highly immunized adult populations.