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Variation in HPV vaccination effectiveness by age at vaccination

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 21, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic decreased child routine vaccination coverage and increased vaccine delays in India.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked decrease in routine childhood immunization rates in India, with significant implications for the country's immunization program and COVID-19 recovery policies. The study highlights the urgent need for catch-up vaccination campaigns and investments in health systems.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia·DateOct 21, 2022

Study suggests support across Europe for COVID-19 vaccine equity

A survey of six European countries found strong public support for transferring COVID-19 vaccines to poorer nations and prioritizing those with the greatest need. Europeans consistently prioritized individuals most vulnerable, employed individuals, or those who lost income during the pandemic over unemployed individuals.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 18, 2022

Researchers explore gene interactions in influenza to help improve accuracy of flu vaccines

Researchers found that reduced NA activity enables HA mutations to become more neutral, and that this process is crucial for predicting future flu strains. The study aims to improve flu vaccine accuracy by understanding the interactions between HA and NA genes.

Cancer patients treated with immunotherapy can safely receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, according to JNCCN study

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.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 17, 2022

How does social behavior lead to clusters of vaccine hesitancy?

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2022

Independent Task Force on COVID-19 and other Pandemics: origins, prevention, and response

The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.

SourceEcoHealth Alliance·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 10, 2022

Acquired immunity against random food allergens may protect some lucky people against COVID-19

A recent study finds that exposure to proteins in common foods, vaccines, bacteria, and viruses can prime the immune system to attack SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that individuals with a history of exposure to these agents may be less susceptible to severe illness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

HPV vaccinations before, during pandemic

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 19, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination rates at NYC schools varied significantly by race/ethnicity and borough

A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates in NYC schools differed significantly by race and ethnicity, with majority Asian students having the highest rate at 66.2%. Vaccination rates also varied by borough, with Manhattan having the highest rate and Staten Island the lowest. The study suggests that understanding these diffe...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2022

Efficacy, cash and more will increase booster shot acceptance

The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 29, 2022

New research shows no link between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and higher risk of preterm birth or stillbirth

A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2022

Cell size regulates molecular separation

Research reveals that smaller artificial cells lead to greater separation of molecules, allowing for a new approach to manipulate material properties. This discovery has potential applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

Steepest annual rise in advanced cervical cancer in US among White women

Advanced cervical cancer rates have been rising in the US, with a significant increase among White women and higher prevalence among Black women, particularly those in their mid-to-late 50s. The study found that obesity and older age at first birth may contribute to the rise in this type of cervical cancer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

New MIT research forecasts effect of two-dose vaccine allocation strategies on cumulative number of infections and death in US

A new MIT model simulates vaccine allocation strategies to predict the effect on cumulative deaths and infections in the US. The research finds that allocating more than 50% of available doses to non-vaccinated individuals can significantly increase lives saved and reduce infections.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Multiple shots of the BCG vaccine protect type 1 diabetics from COVID-19

A double-blind study found that 12.5% of placebo-treated individuals and 1% of BCG-treated individuals met criteria for confirmed COVID-19, indicating a 92% vaccine effectiveness. The BCG-vaccinated group also displayed protective effects against other infectious diseases, including fewer symptoms and reduced disease events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2022

BU study: BCG vaccine prevents tuberculosis in young children, but not adults

A recent study suggests that the BCG vaccine is effective in preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children under 5 years old. However, adolescents and adults may require additional protection to maintain immunity beyond childhood. The researchers emphasize the need for booster vaccinations and new TB vaccines to supplement the BCG vaccine.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 9, 2022

Study shows that higher levels of memory B cells are associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection

A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine found that higher levels of memory B cells are associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection. Memory B cells selectively act against specific targets, providing long-lasting immunity and potentially protecting against diverse variants of the virus.

Poxvirus proteins enable early strike on immune defences

A new study identifies pox virus proteins that directly interfere with the body's innate immune system, allowing it to evade the host's defense mechanisms. The research team has discovered five 'redox' proteins that interact with Reactive Oxygen Species, which play a key role in destroying pathogens identified by the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Age may rival politics in COVID-19 vaccine debate

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that age and risk perception have a significant impact on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, surpassing political ideology. Older adults (50+) are more likely to consider themselves at risk for severe illness and are universally vaccinated, particularly above 75 years old.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Strategic Communication·DateJul 5, 2022

THE LANCET DIABETES & ENDO.: COVID-19 vaccine protects people of all body weights from hospitalization and death, study of 9 million adults in England suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced severe disease cases across all BMI groups. Vaccine effectiveness was slightly lower in underweight individuals, but substantial reductions in risk were observed for those with healthy weights and higher BMIs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2022

Immune molecules from a llama could provide protection against a vast array of SARS-like viruses including COVID-19, researchers say

Researchers have discovered llama-derived immune particles that provide strong protection against a vast array of SARS-like viruses, including COVID-19. These 'super-immunity' molecules, known as nanobodies, could be used to develop a fast-acting, inhalable antiviral treatment or spray.

Interrupting the treatment of vulnerable people on immune-suppressing medicines, doubles their antibody response to COVID-19 booster vaccination

A clinical trial found that interrupting treatment with methotrexate, a common immune-suppressing drug, doubles the antibody response to COVID-19 booster vaccinations in vulnerable individuals. This improvement is maintained over a 3-month period and has no adverse impact on quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

New study finds COVID-19 booster increases antibodies by more than 85% in nursing home residents and their caregivers

A new study found that COVID-19 booster shots significantly increase neutralizing antibodies in nursing home residents and their caregivers, offering improved protection against Omicron variants. This research highlights the importance of booster vaccinations for vulnerable populations, including those living at home.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJun 22, 2022

Rethinking the rabies vaccine

Scientists have discovered a new, high-resolution view of the rabies virus glycoprotein, which could lead to more effective vaccines. The study's findings suggest that a better-shaped vaccine could provide lifelong protection against the deadly disease.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022