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Lower HPV vaccination coverage among girls with mental health conditions

A new Swedish registry study found that girls with mental illness or neurodevelopmental conditions have lower HPV vaccination coverage compared to their peers. The study involved over 115,000 girls and found significant differences in vaccination rates among those with psychiatric diagnoses or receiving psychotropic medications.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Smallpox vaccination in childhood could offer protection against monkeypox clade II viruses, study finds

A European study found that prior smallpox vaccination in childhood could offer protection against infections caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade II in men. The estimated degree of protection varied among countries, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Small molecules induce trained immunity, opening a new approach to fighting disease

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that small molecules can induce trained immunity in innate immune cells, which can fight off seasonal infections and diseases without vaccines. The team found that certain steroids, known to suppress inflammation, can also stimulate a strong immune response.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2024

Study backs RSV vaccine safety during pregnancy

A study published in JAMA Network Open found no association between RSV vaccination during late pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth or poor outcomes. The research provides real-world evidence supporting the safety of Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine, offering reassurance to patients and clinicians.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 8, 2024

More hospitals than ever require staff to get flu shots

A new study reveals that 96% of VA hospitals and 74% of non-federal hospitals mandate influenza vaccination or waivers for staff. This surge is largely attributed to the 2020 Veterans Health Administration directive. The increased mandates aim to reduce flu transmission among patients, as health systems strive to improve patient safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Bird flu: diverse range of vaccines platforms “crucial” for enhancing human pandemic preparedness

A new review emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing avian influenza spread among humans. The study suggests that a diverse range of vaccine platforms, including inactivated and live attenuated vaccines, as well as emerging alternatives like mRNA vaccines, will be crucial for enhancing pandemic preparedness.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 29, 2024

Continuing study: Tel Aviv University researchers identify the pathogen causing sea urchin mass mortalities in the Red Sea; The epidemic has spread to the Indian Ocean possess an eminent threat to coral reefs

A deadly epidemic discovered last year in the Red Sea has spread to the Indian Ocean, annihilating most sea urchin populations and threatening coral reef stability. The researchers identified a scuticociliate parasite as the cause of the mass mortality.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2024

Not sure about vaccines? How public health messaging is framed makes a difference, new research reveals

Researchers found that people with a fixed mindset respond better to loss-based messaging framing when discussing vaccination, highlighting the importance of tailored communication strategies. The study generalized its findings to various contagious viruses and has implications for public health messaging.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateMay 20, 2024

An adjuvant made in yeast could lower vaccine cost and boost availability

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have successfully produced the QS-21 adjuvant in yeast, which is currently extracted from tree bark. The production process is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for lowering vaccine costs and increasing availability.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

A significant portion of the world’s population continues to trust vaccines, says survey in 23 countries

A survey across 23 countries found that the global population's overall trust in vaccination did not diminish despite COVID-19 pandemic challenges. More than 60% of participants reported increased willingness to get vaccinated for diseases other than COVID-19, suggesting a general openness to vaccination. The study emphasizes the impor...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

Annual vaccination campaign with second dose protects high-risk groups from SARS-CoV-2 and may save health care costs

A study found that an annual vaccination campaign with a second dose for children under 2 years old and individuals aged 50 and over can significantly reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare spending. The optimal timing for the second vaccination is delivering it 5 months after initial vaccination.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2024

Text nudges can increase uptake of COVID-19 boosters– if they play up a sense of ownership of the vaccine

Researchers found that adding a note to play up psychological sense of ownership was more effective at convincing people to get the booster. This approach outperformed lab findings and expert insights, highlighting the importance of reproducibility in behavioral science.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 18, 2024

Trust in doctors, not public officials, boosts COVID-19 vaccination

A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that Americans who trusted their own doctors were more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In contrast, trust in public officials had no significant impact on vaccination behavior. The researchers conclude that engaging the medical profession in communicating vaccine benefi...

SourceNew York University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2024

New vaccine design uses immunity against influenza to offer faster protection against emerging pathogens

A new vaccine design has been developed by a UC Riverside-led research team, which uses preexisting immunity to the influenza virus to help kickstart the production of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine aims to speed up the immune response and provide better protection for people who still lack immunity to the coronavirus.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Nasal spray with antibodies could prevent COVID-19

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a nasal spray with IgA antibodies that can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The treatment significantly diminished virus load in infected mice and showed stronger binding to the spike protein compared to original IgG antibodies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Unveiling recurrent foot-and-mouth disease in the Middle East

A comprehensive study reveals repeated incursions of Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus in Israel and neighboring areas, emphasizing the importance of improved surveillance, vaccination efforts, and cross-border cooperation. The research underscores the necessity for unified strategies to effectively combat FMD and reduce its economic and ag...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalVirology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain

Mayo Clinic researchers used genetic sequencing to study the measles virus's spread in a human brain. The study found that the virus acquired distinct mutations that drove its spread from the frontal cortex outward. This knowledge may help develop effective antiviral drugs to combat SSPE, a rare and lethal brain disease caused by measles.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 21, 2023