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Mpox (monkeypox) vaccine triggers equally strong immune response in smaller than usual doses and in people with or without HIV

A new study found that a smaller dose of the mpox vaccine, administered in two doses spread out over weeks to months, produced a detectable immune response similar to the full FDA-approved dose. This was true for people with or without HIV, and those previously vaccinated against smallpox also had a stronger immune response.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

A patch of protection against Zika virus

A new vaccine patch has delivered an effective immune response to Zika virus in mice, providing rapid protection against the disease. The patch, which uses a high-density microarray platform, targets a specific protein crucial to the virus's survival and evokes T-cell responses up to 270% higher than traditional vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateNov 30, 2023

Fractional COVID-19 booster vaccines produce similar immune response as full-doses

A new study found that a half-dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine elicited a non-inferior immune response to a full dose in Mongolian adults, with fewer side effects. The study suggests that fractional dosing may improve booster acceptability and reduce costs.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 23, 2023

Fourth dose of COVID vaccine boosts protection in patients with rheumatic disease

A new study suggests that a fourth dose of the mRNA vaccine significantly reduces risk of infection and severe COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The study found a 41% reduction in risk for infection and 65% reduction for admission/death compared to those who did not receive a fourth dose.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2023

Virologic rebound observed in 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir

A study found that 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritavir (N-R) experienced virologic rebound, a phenomenon where viral load increases after initial decline. In contrast, only 1 untreated patient was affected. The researchers suggest considering the risks and benefits of N-R treatment in patients at low risk for severe disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 13, 2023

Gender-neutral HPV vaccination best at preventing cervical cancer

A study published in Cell Host and Microbe found that gender-neutral HPV vaccination is effective in preventing cervical cancer by inducing a stronger herd immunity. The vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of all HPV-related cervical cancers, and also provides cross-protection against low-risk types.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023

COVID vaccination in female, male partners does not increase risk of miscarriage

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that COVID-19 vaccination in female and male partners does not increase the risk of miscarriage. In fact, vaccinated individuals had a slightly lower risk of miscarriage compared to unvaccinated individuals. The study analyzed survey data from over 1,800 female participants...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeSurvey·DateOct 30, 2023

Penn Medicine research sheds new light on immune response during SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections

Researchers identified enhanced B-cell and T-cell responses in fully vaccinated individuals who became infected with SARS-CoV-2, generating immunological memory to prevent severe infection. Vaccine-primed memory T cells play a critical role in preventing severe COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

UMass Amherst research finds adult vaccination rates increase when out-of-pocket costs decrease

A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that adult vaccination rates increase when out-of-pocket costs decrease. The study analyzed data from the shingles vaccine and found a significant increase in vaccination rates after the Affordable Care Act required private insurers to cover vaccinations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

B cell response after influenza vaccine in young and older adults

Researchers found a quantitative difference in B cell response following vaccination between young and older adults, with younger adults mounting a stronger clonal response and older adults having more activated B cells. This study provides insights into the age-related differences in B cell vaccine response and may lead to the develop...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

Pharmacists can improve access to life-saving vaccines

Researchers found that using electronic prompts during appointment scheduling for seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines can identify willing participants for HPV and shingles vaccines. Only 30% of those booking for these vaccines were already vaccinated against HPV, presenting a significant opportunity for targeted campaigns.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada·DateOct 2, 2023

Reassessing COVID-19 precautions in 2023

The article discusses the need to reassess COVID-19 precautions in 2023, particularly for patients with hematologic malignancies. The researchers highlight the increased risk of poor response to vaccination and worse outcomes from COVID-19 infection among these patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2023

Researchers at UMass Amherst show how a small strand of RNA is key to fighting cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a small strand of microRNA called let-7 as crucial in governing the formation of cellular memories that enable T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. This discovery offers new insights into how vaccines work and could lead to improved cancer therapies by boosting cellular memory.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2023

Training the gut’s immune system to combat detrimental effects of emulsifiers in processed food

Researchers found that training the gut's immune system to target flagellin, a protein enabling bacterial motility, protects against emulsifier-induced chronic intestinal inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. This study suggests a potential new approach for preventing inflammatory conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2023

Difficult decisions led to unequal vaccination rates

A new study by Uppsala University researchers reveals a significant difference in vaccination rates among people with varying cognitive abilities. Among those with the highest cognitive ability, 80% were vaccinated within 50 days, while it took 180 days for those with the lowest cognitive ability to reach the same rate.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateSep 7, 2023

MU researcher finds similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between Canadian provinces and American states before vaccines were available

A study by University of Missouri researchers found similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between certain US states and Canadian provinces, highlighting the importance of localized public health strategies. The findings suggest that factors such as population density, age, and socioeconomic conditions may have contributed to these s...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCanadian Studies in Population·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

Vaccine hesitancy persists among parents

A new review of published research finds that vaccine hesitancy among parents is a persistent issue, with concerns about childhood vaccines persisting over time. The study highlights significant disparities in vaccination rates across states and demographic groups, including lower rates among Black and Hispanic children.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPediatric Clinics of North America·DateMay 23, 2023

National study recommends starting SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination three months after bone marrow transplant

A large, prospective study led by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center recommends that cancer patients receive SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination three to four months after bone marrow transplant. The study found that early vaccination can provide crucial protection against severe COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2023

Gut bacteria could be behind weaker immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine

A study published in Communications Biology suggests that gut bacteria's digestion of fucose sugar may be behind weaker immune responses to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Individuals with lower T-cell responses had higher expression of genes FOS and ATF3, which are part of a larger group controlling T-cell survival and activity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023