Articles tagged with Vaccine Research
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may be essential for kidney transplant patients in Japan to prevent severe disease and infection. Researchers found that only a third of patients developed sufficient antibodies after two doses, highlighting the need for additional protection.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.
A team of researchers has found a way to block the replication of one strain of the influenza virus in human cells by inhibiting a specific protein modification process called SUMOylation. This breakthrough could lead to highly effective treatments for the flu and other respiratory viruses.
A new study published in Cell compares the four types of COVID-19 vaccines and reveals that most people retain some immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The researchers found that immune memory may not prevent infection but helps fight severe disease.
Researchers found conversion messages to be more effective than one-sided messages in convincing vaccine-hesitant individuals to get vaccinated. The study showed that messages sharing a personal story of someone changing their mind about vaccines increased pro-vaccine attitudes and behavioral intentions among high hesitancy participants.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that three doses of the same vaccine or a combination of different vaccines work equally well in preventing COVID-19 infections. The research suggests that the number of vaccine doses is key to improving immunity, rather than the combination of vaccine types.
The UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advises that COVID vaccines should be offered to 5–11-year-old children, but deem immunization as non-essential. Dr Hamid Merchant explains why current vaccines are not suitable for children due to efficacy and safety concerns.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital studied mRNA vaccine safety in pregnant women, finding no Spike protein expression in placentas. The study provides further evidence of mRNA vaccine safety, supporting expanded vaccination efforts for vulnerable populations.
A population-scale study found COVID-19 vaccination is effective in most cancer patients but offers lower protection and wanes quickly. Vaccine effectiveness was lower (65.5%) in cancer patients compared to the general population (69.8%), with higher hospitalization and death risks despite vaccination.
The research found that people expressing minor reservations about vaccination can limit the influence of vaccine sceptics and promote trust among neutrals. Countries with weak chains of influence between positive and neutral positions toward vaccination performed worse in terms of vaccine coverage.
A new study analyzing 8 cohorts of COVID-19 patients found that antibody responses in previously infected individuals were relatively stable, providing protection from reinfection unless the new infection was the Omicron variant. Vaccination also boosted protection, with rapid immune responses observed even after a single vaccine dose.
A new study by Gladstone Institutes and UC San Francisco found that infection with the Omicron variant provides weak immune response in unvaccinated individuals, failing to confer broad protection against other variants. In contrast, vaccinated individuals show stronger immunity against multiple COVID-19 strains.
Researchers evaluated various vaccination, testing, and surveillance measures to control Omicron variant spread on a university campus. The study found that routine surveillance and vaccination efforts were effective in reducing case numbers and hospitalizations.
A study involving hypothetical COVID-19 vaccines found that effectiveness and risk of side effects significantly influence people's vaccine preferences. The attributes of actual vaccines may not be as crucial for those already open to vaccinations.
A study by Politecnico di Milano and Indiana University found a statistically significant association between online misinformation and vaccination hesitancy in the US. In states with high misinformation, lower vaccination coverage was observed.
State bans on affirmative action policies are associated with lower enrollment of underrepresented minority students in public medical schools. The study found a 5.5 percentage point decrease in enrollment of underrepresented students relative to control schools.
A large US study found that counties with high vaccination coverage had a more than 80% reduction in death rates from COVID-19 compared to largely unvaccinated counties. The study, based on data from over 30 million cases and 400,000 deaths, suggests that increasing vaccination coverage can reduce COVID-19 related mortality and cases.
Researchers identified key chemical marks that speed up and slow down gene expression in mRNA, opening new possibilities for genetic therapies. The discovery could lead to targeted protein production with minimal risk, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines.
A new study examines factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake in the autism community, revealing that early skepticism waned over time. The majority of caregivers eventually received the vaccine following FDA approval. Firmly held vaccine-hesitant beliefs influenced a minority of autism spectrum disorder caregivers.
Researchers found a 1000-fold increase in skin microbiota and larger lesions after smallpox vaccination, but all groups had equal protection from re-infection. The study suggests that manipulating commensal skin microbiota might enhance the efficacy of intradermal vaccines.
A new study by CUNY SPH researchers found that nearly 40% of NYC parents are hesitant to vaccinate their young children against COVID-19, with many citing safety concerns. The study suggests that mandates may be key in increasing vaccine coverage among children.
A recent study found that older adults who received a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine experienced short-term adverse events. The study assessed over 60,000 participants aged 60 or older in Israel and reported various side effects including fatigue, headache, and muscle pain.
A study of 1001 parents found that financial incentives and penalties were the most influential factors in their decisions. Parents preferred schemes offering direct financial rewards, compensation schemes, and mandated vaccinations for children over two years old.
Researchers found that vaccination greatly reduces the infectious viral load caused by COVID-19 variants Delta and Omicron. However, boosted individuals showed a significant reduction in viral load compared to unvaccinated people. The study highlights the importance of updated knowledge for combating new variants.
A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads extensively in households, with approximately 50% of household members infected from the first-infected individual. Children were less likely to spread the virus but equally likely to become infected as adults, highlighting their potential role in transmission.
Indiana University is developing a groundbreaking combination oral rotavirus-norovirus vaccine for infants, aiming to protect against severe vomiting and diarrhea. The vaccine, based on the existing rotavirus vaccine, uses norovirus proteins to trigger an immune response.
A systematic review of 35 observational studies found that current immunisation coverage target of 95% may only be the minimum requirement for elimination. The analysis estimated average MCV2 vaccine effectiveness was 96.4%, indicating that a vaccination level of 95% should be considered a minimum requirement, not a goal.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.
Scientists have discovered a shapeshifting volcano virus with remarkable properties that let it alter its shape. This finding could lead to new ways to deliver drugs and vaccines, with implications for understanding how viruses evolved and potentially creating new technologies.
A new study reports breakthrough bleeding and other period symptoms in non-menstruating individuals after COVID-19 vaccination, highlighting the need to include gender-diverse people in vaccine research. The study found that one-third of respondents reported breakthrough bleeding, with some experiencing significant mental health impacts.
A national study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that COVID vaccination reduced hospitalizations with Omicron and Delta viruses in children aged 12-18. Vaccination also prevented severe illness in this age group, as well as critical illness in younger children.
Researchers at Temple University found that individuals with prior COVID-19 infection experienced rapid antibody production after the first vaccine dose, but showed little increase after the second dose. This contrasts with those without a history of infection, who exhibited massive responses after the second dose.
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
A new study by University of Southampton researchers found that a third COVID-19 vaccination improves immune responses in blood cancer patients. The study showed that 92% of patients without recent anti-CD20 treatment had improved antibody responses after the third dose.
Researchers analyzed over 4 million Twitter posts to find that fact-related users were negatively associated with vaccination rates, while fake-news users showed no significant impact. Exclusive fact-based users were more likely to be verified accounts with higher online influence.
A recent study published in Vaccine found that nearly 90% of healthcare workers accepted COVID-19 vaccines, particularly those serving immigrant communities. The researchers highlight the importance of education and interpersonal communication in influencing vaccine decisions.
A new model suggests that antibodies select antigens based on their surface characteristics, similar to a child playing on stepping stones. The researchers used DNA origami to simulate the behavior of antibodies and found that they tend to favor closer antigen distances.
Researchers synthesized 46 reports on mass vaccination clinics to offer guidance on planning, logistics, and human resources. Key findings highlight the importance of strong recommendations from healthcare providers in improving vaccine uptake and confidence.
A large-scale registry study found no association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, growth retardation, or neonatal care. Vaccination was associated with a slightly lower risk of neonatal care and provided protection against COVID-19 for the newborn.
Researchers found that people who had COVID-19 and then got vaccinated generated an immune response more specific to fighting viral infections, producing a broader antibody response. This hybrid immunity also produced a cellular immune response called Th1 response, which is antiviral.
A Mayo Clinic study of 106,349 primary care patients found that hospitalization rates for breakthrough COVID-19 were extremely low, even among those previously infected or vaccinated. The study supports previous findings that vaccination is the best way to prevent severe COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.
A booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine significantly increases antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, reversing a drop in immunity after two doses. In subjects given CoronaVac or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, the booster raised immunity by a factor of 25 and 7, respectively.
Research in the Journal of Hepatology suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to cause liver injury, but liver transplant patients may experience delayed care due to the pandemic. The study found that vaccinated patients with liver disease had a lower antibody response compared to healthy patients.
A new study published in Frontiers in Oncology has shown that mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines are well-tolerated by high-risk patients with impaired immunity. The trial enrolled 566 patients and found no evidence of increased adverse events or interference with treatment, reassuring vaccine-hesitant immunocompromised individuals.
A study found that double vaccinated individuals generate a potent and broad neutralizing antibody response after a delta breakthrough infection. This response provides protection against current variants of concern, including omicron.
HPV vaccine approval led to increased screening and vaccination rates, resulting in a decrease in HPV-associated cancer cases. The study found significant declines in cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers during this period.
A recent survey of over 3,200 NHS healthcare workers found that most preferred education and support as a solution to boost vaccination uptake. The study suggests that mandatory vaccinations may actually worsen trust and lead to thousands of staff leaving the profession.
Researchers at West Virginia University are using machine learning and geographic information systems to identify areas with low COVID-vaccine uptake. They aim to pinpoint counties with increased risk of outbreaks, predict where testing is most crucial, and develop targeted interventions to increase testing rates. By acknowledging comm...
Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can have multiple variants in one person, with some hiding in specific cells like kidneys or spleens. This can make complete virus clearance more difficult, as the body struggles to defend against dominant strains.
Researchers found that some painkillers and fever medications may help fight infection, while others can weaken the immune system. The review highlights the need for more studies on the impact of these medicines on infectious diseases.
Researchers found that two-dose mRNA vaccines against the original and early variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus offer little to no protection against the omicron variant. A third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster shot, however, enhances immune response and provides comparable protection to the delta variant.
A Brazilian study of 2,777 patients hospitalized between January 5 and September 12, 2021 found that vaccination was the sole predictor of mortality in those over 60 with kidney failure. Vaccination also reduced hospitalization risk among non-vaccinated patients with comorbidities.
A University of Ottawa group is conducting research to equip healthcare professionals with resources to aid patients in French-speaking minority settings make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccines. The project aims to address language barriers and combat patient disinformation.
An analysis of pre-Omicron data found that COVID-19 vaccines retain nearly all their ability to prevent severe disease up to six months after full vaccination. Protection against severe COVID-19 dropped by an average of 10 percentage points over the same interval.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...
A University of Minnesota-led study found that COVID-19 boosters significantly reduce infections and hospitalizations. The research showed that booster doses are particularly effective in reducing hospitalizations among the elderly and those with comorbidities.
A new study by University of Houston sociologist Kathryn Freeman Anderson reveals significant disparities in the initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout in five urban Texas counties. The research found that Black and Latino neighborhoods were less likely to receive vaccines due to existing healthcare resource shortages.
A global study highlights inadequate information from healthcare professionals and lack of sensitivity leading to child vaccine hesitancy. Expectant parents are seeking alternative sources due to concerns about adverse reactions and long-term side effects, with some fearing measles as a minor childhood illness.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.
A recent study published in Cell found that T cell responses are still robust against the Omicron variant in most individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, offering protection against severe disease. Booster vaccines can enhance T cell responses, substantially increasing immunity against severe COVID-19.