https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/vaccines/ News on vaccines including HPV vaccine, shingles vaccine, bird flu vaccines and more. Read the latest research on vaccination risks and complications. en-us Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:22:00 EDT Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:22:00 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/vaccines/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313055130.htm A severe case of COVID-19 or influenza could increase the risk of lung cancer later on, according to new research. Scientists discovered that serious viral infections can alter immune cells in the lungs, leaving behind chronic inflammation that may help tumors develop months or years later. The increased risk was seen mainly after severe infections that required hospitalization. Vaccination, however, appears to prevent the dangerous lung changes. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:56:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313055130.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260225081153.htm A shingles shot might do more than prevent a painful rash — it could actually help slow down the aging process. In a large national study of more than 3,800 Americans age 70 and older, those who received the shingles vaccine showed slower biological aging compared to those who didn’t. Researchers found lower levels of chronic inflammation and slower changes in gene activity linked to aging, suggesting the vaccine may calm the body’s “inflammaging” — the low-grade inflammation tied to heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:47:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260225081153.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm Scientists at Stanford Medicine have unveiled a bold new kind of “universal” vaccine that could one day protect against everything from COVID-19 and the flu to bacterial pneumonia and even common allergens. Instead of targeting a specific virus or bacterium, the nasal spray vaccine supercharges the lungs’ own immune defenses, keeping them on high alert for months. In mice, it slashed viral levels, prevented severe illness, and even blocked allergic reactions. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:45:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005759.htm A major new study has spotlighted three familiar medicines that could take on an unexpected new role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease — with a shingles vaccine emerging as the front-runner. After reviewing 80 existing drugs, an international panel of experts identified Zostavax, Viagra (sildenafil), and riluzole as the most promising candidates for repurposing. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:02:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005759.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216044006.htm Northwestern researchers have shown that when it comes to cancer vaccines, arrangement can be just as important as ingredients. By repositioning a small fragment of an HPV protein on a DNA-based nanovaccine, the team dramatically strengthened the immune system’s attack on HPV-driven tumors. One specific design slowed tumor growth, extended survival in animal models, and unleashed far more cancer-killing T cells than other versions made with the exact same components. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260216044006.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215085001.htm Researchers tracked more than 400 toddlers to see whether mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during or just before pregnancy was linked to autism or developmental delays. After detailed assessments of speech, motor skills, behavior, and social development, they found no meaningful differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Experts say the results provide strong reassurance about vaccine safety in pregnancy. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:51:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215085001.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm As bird flu continues to circulate in animals and spill over into humans, researchers are racing to stop it before it adapts to spread widely between people. A new nasal spray vaccine showed strong protection against H5N1 in animal tests, outperforming traditional flu shots. Because it targets the nose and lungs, it may prevent infection at the earliest stage. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:43:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260110211204.htm In a striking real-world experiment, flu patients spent days indoors with healthy volunteers, but the virus never spread. Researchers found that limited coughing and well-mixed indoor air kept virus levels low, even with close contact. Age may have helped too, since middle-aged adults are less likely to catch the flu than younger people. The results highlight ventilation, air movement, and masks as key defenses against infection. Sun, 11 Jan 2026 02:45:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260110211204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165818.htm A long-running debate over Tamiflu’s safety in children may finally be settled. Researchers found that influenza, not the antiviral medication, was linked to serious neuropsychiatric events like seizures and hallucinations. Even more striking, kids treated with Tamiflu had about half the risk of these events compared to untreated children with the flu. The results suggest the drug may be protective rather than harmful. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:48:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082716.htm Stanford scientists have uncovered how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can very rarely trigger heart inflammation in young men — and how that risk might be reduced. They found that the vaccines can spark a two-step immune reaction that floods the body with inflammatory signals, drawing aggressive immune cells into the heart and causing temporary injury. Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:52:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227082716.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251215084155.htm Researchers discovered a hidden molecular “switch” that herpes viruses rely on to invade cells. By combining AI, simulations, and lab experiments, they identified and altered a single amino acid that shut down viral entry. What once might have taken years was achieved far faster using computational tools. The findings open new possibilities for designing future antiviral treatments. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:45:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251215084155.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251212204834.htm Researchers used AI to pinpoint a little-known monkeypox protein that provokes strong protective antibodies. When the team tested this protein as a vaccine ingredient in mice, it produced a potent immune response. The discovery could lead to simpler, more effective mpox vaccines and therapies. It may also help guide future efforts against smallpox. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:09:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251212204834.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004721.htm A unique vaccine rollout in Wales gave researchers an accidental natural experiment that revealed a striking reduction in dementia among seniors who received the shingles vaccine. The protective effect held steady across multiple analyses and was even stronger in women. Evidence also suggests benefits for people who already have dementia, hinting at a therapeutic effect. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:22:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004721.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm Researchers discovered why bird flu can survive temperatures that stop human flu in its tracks. A key gene, PB1, gives avian viruses the ability to replicate even at fever-level heat. Mice experiments confirmed that fever cripples human-origin flu but not avian strains, especially those with avian-like PB1. These findings highlight how gene swapping could fuel future pandemics. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:37:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108012853.htm New research suggests the COVID-19 vaccine could help children with eczema stay healthier overall. Vaccinated kids had lower rates of infections and allergies, including asthma and rhinitis, compared with unvaccinated peers. Experts believe the vaccine may help prevent allergic conditions from worsening, showing its value beyond protection from COVID-19. Sat, 08 Nov 2025 04:23:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108012853.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027224837.htm Researchers found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines significantly increased survival in lung and skin cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. The vaccine appears to prime the immune system in a powerful, nonspecific way, enhancing cancer treatment outcomes. If confirmed, the discovery could lead to a universal cancer vaccine and transform oncology care. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:47:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027224837.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm Researchers discovered that avian influenza (H5N1) can survive in raw milk cheese made from contaminated milk, even after the 60-day aging process required by the FDA. However, highly acidic cheeses like feta showed no signs of the virus, suggesting acidity plays a crucial protective role. Animal tests revealed that while ferrets could be infected by drinking contaminated raw milk, eating raw milk cheese didn’t cause infection, possibly due to lower viral contact. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:31:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040337.htm Scientists at Mass General Brigham have created HPV-DeepSeek, a blood test that can detect HPV-linked head and neck cancers nearly a decade before diagnosis. By finding viral DNA in the bloodstream, the test achieved 99% sensitivity and specificity. This breakthrough could lead to earlier, less invasive treatments and significantly improve survival. A large NIH trial is underway to confirm the results. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:55:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040337.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm UMass Amherst researchers have developed a groundbreaking nanoparticle-based cancer vaccine that prevented melanoma, pancreatic, and triple-negative breast cancers in mice—with up to 88% remaining tumor-free. The vaccine triggers a multi-pathway immune response, producing powerful T-cell activation and long-term immune memory that stops both tumor growth and metastasis. By combining cancer-specific antigens with a lipid nanoparticle “super adjuvant,” it overcomes key challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:03:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074011.htm Flu detection could soon be as simple as chewing gum. Scientists have created a molecular sensor that releases a thyme-like flavor when it encounters influenza, offering a low-tech, taste-based alternative to nasal swabs. Unlike current tests that are slow, costly, or miss early infections, this method could catch the flu before symptoms appear. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:40:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074011.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250917221001.htm Why do some people stay protected after vaccination while others quickly lose immunity? Researchers in Japan tracked over 2,500 people for 18 months and found four distinct immune response patterns. The so-called “rapid-decliners” looked strong at first but lost antibodies quickly, leaving them more vulnerable to infection. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250917221001.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104640.htm A single RSV vaccine dose is proving to be a powerful shield for older adults, significantly reducing hospitalizations and severe illness over two consecutive RSV seasons. While protection is strongest in the first year and declines somewhat in the second, the findings highlight both the immediate benefits and the importance of ongoing monitoring. With RSV causing tens of thousands of hospitalizations every year in the U.S., this research underscores the potential of vaccination to save lives and guide future booster strategies. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:55:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104640.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250827010734.htm Researchers propose that the U.S. could safely drop adult tetanus and diphtheria boosters, saving $1 billion annually, since childhood vaccinations provide decades of protection. Evidence from the U.K. shows that skipping boosters has not led to higher disease rates. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:16:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250827010734.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826005217.htm A nationwide study found that recent colds caused by rhinoviruses can give short-term protection against COVID-19. Children benefit most, as their immune systems react strongly with antiviral defenses, helping explain their lower rates of severe illness. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:54:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826005217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102957.htm A rare immune disorder has inspired a potential universal antiviral therapy. By mimicking the mutation s unique inflammation signature, researchers developed an mRNA-based treatment that stopped influenza and COVID-19 in animal trials. Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:29:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102957.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104235.htm Scientists have found protein fragments from the COVID-19 virus hidden inside tiny cellular packages in the blood of long COVID patients, offering the first potential measurable biomarker for the condition. The discovery suggests the virus may persist in body tissues long after infection, possibly explaining ongoing symptoms. While promising, the signals were subtle and inconsistent, leaving unanswered questions about whether these fragments come from lingering viral reservoirs or active replication. Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:30:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104235.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233104.htm New research led by Mass General Brigham reveals that people facing social challenges—like food insecurity, financial strain, and limited healthcare access—are two to three times more likely to develop long COVID. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:33:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm Scientists have discovered that flossing between your teeth could one day help vaccinate you. By targeting a uniquely permeable gum tissue called the junctional epithelium, this new method stimulates immunity right where many infections enter: the mouth, nose, and lungs. Using dental floss on mice to apply a flu vaccine triggered a robust immune response—better than existing oral approaches and comparable to nasal vaccines, but without the risks. It even worked with mRNA and protein-based vaccines. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:57:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234429.htm Between 2020 and 2024, COVID-19 vaccines saved 2.5 million lives globally, preventing one death for every 5,400 doses. A groundbreaking worldwide study led by researchers from Università Cattolica and Stanford University reveals that most lives were saved before individuals were exposed to the virus, particularly during the Omicron period and among those aged 60+. The researchers also calculated 14.8 million years of life saved, with the elderly gaining the majority of these benefits. Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:17:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234429.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm A new UK study shows that vaccinating pregnant women against RSV has led to a staggering 72% drop in hospitalizations of newborns with severe lung infections. By passing virus-fighting antibodies to their babies, vaccinated mothers are helping shield infants during their most vulnerable early months. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:38:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250630073443.htm Scientists have discovered a stealthy mechanism that cytomegalovirus (CMV)—the leading infectious cause of birth defects in the U.S.—uses to infiltrate blood vessel cells while evading immune detection. The virus forms a hidden protein complex that acts like a molecular “backdoor,” allowing it to bypass the immune system’s defenses. This newly identified pathway may explain why vaccine efforts have failed for decades and opens the door to targeted therapies that could finally prevent CMV-linked birth defects in newborns and protect vulnerable patients. Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:40:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250630073443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250619090853.htm Researchers from MIT and Scripps have unveiled a promising new HIV vaccine approach that generates a powerful immune response with just one dose. By combining two immune-boosting adjuvants alum and SMNP the vaccine lingers in lymph nodes for nearly a month, encouraging the body to produce a vast array of antibodies. This one-shot strategy could revolutionize how we fight not just HIV, but many infectious diseases. It mimics the natural infection process and opens the door to broadly neutralizing antibody responses, a holy grail in vaccine design. And best of all, it's built on components already known to medicine. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:08:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250619090853.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250616040218.htm Powerful llama-derived antibodies could be the key to stopping not just current SARS viruses, but future ones too. Scientists have discovered a unique class of nanobodies that clamp the coronavirus spike protein shut at a highly conserved region, rendering it unable to infect cells. Unlike existing therapies that target mutating regions, this approach strikes at the virus s core machinery, giving it little room to evolve. Even when pushed to mutate, the virus faltered, making this a high-potential strategy for broad, lasting protection. Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:02:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250616040218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114825.htm A new "trans-amplifying" mRNA vaccine delivers powerful immunity using 40 times less material and could protect against many virus strains at once. Scientists say it may pave the way for faster, cheaper, and more universal vaccines. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:48:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114825.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114634.htm A new study shows how person-to-person variation in antibody immunity plays a key role in shaping which influenza (flu) strains dominate in a population. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:46:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114634.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131827.htm A team identified herpes virus saimiri, which infects the T cells of squirrel monkeys, as a source of proteins that activate pathways in T cells that are needed to promote T cell survival. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:18:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131827.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124123.htm In the long battle to create an effective HIV vaccine, scientists have made a major leap forward. A new study shows that a series of vaccines can coax the immune system to produce powerful antibodies capable of blocking a wide range of HIV strains -- including those that are typically the hardest to stop. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:41:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124123.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124626.htm New research demonstrates how specially engineered bacteria taken orally can operate as a delivery system for vaccines and antiviral therapies. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:46:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121154.htm Head and neck cancer researchers are reporting the development and testing of HPV-DeepSeek, a novel liquid biopsy assay. In their new study, HPV-DeepSeek achieved 99% sensitivty and specifity for diagnosing HPV-associated head and neck cancers, outperforming standard of care methods. HPV causes about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S., which are increasing in incidence faster than other head and neck cancers. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:11:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515145628.htm A decades-long scientific challenge in HIV vaccine development has been finding a way to train the immune system to produce antibodies that can target many variants of the virus. Traditional approaches haven't worked -- largely because HIV mutates rapidly and hides key parts of itself from the immune system. Now, a new study combining data from two separate phase 1 clinical trials shows that a targeted vaccine strategy can successfully activate early immune responses relevant to HIV, and, in one trial, further advance them -- a key step toward a long-sought goal in vaccine development. Thu, 15 May 2025 14:56:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515145628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515141843.htm MIT scientists have designed self-boosting vaccines that release doses over time from a single injection. This breakthrough could make multi-shot vaccines one-and-done, protecting children in even the most remote corners of the world. Thu, 15 May 2025 14:18:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515141843.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514181250.htm Most vaccines -- and boosters -- are injected directly into muscle tissue, usually in the upper arm, to kickstart the body's immune system in the fight against disease. But for respiratory diseases like COVID-19, it can be important to have protection right where the virus enters: the respiratory tract. In a new study, researchers found that nasal vaccine boosters can trigger strong immune defenses in the respiratory tract, even without the help of immune-boosting ingredients known as adjuvants. The findings, researchers suggest, may offer critical insights into developing safer, more effective nasal vaccines in the future. Wed, 14 May 2025 18:12:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514181250.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180910.htm Researchers show how specific immune cells are activated by the vaccine -- an important starting point for the development of new vaccines. Wed, 14 May 2025 18:09:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180910.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122258.htm A research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing broadly protective, live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV). These innovative LAIV platforms offer potential to develop universal influenza vaccines that induce a more robust immune response against various virus subtypes, including both human and avian strains. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:22:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112429.htm Scientists have engineered a monoclonal antibody that can protect mice from a lethal dose of influenza A, a new study shows. The new molecule combines the specificity of a mature flu fighter with the broad binding capacity of a more general immune system defender. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112429.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112314.htm Researchers have developed EVE-Vax, an AI tool that forecasts viral mutations and designs test proteins to guide next-generation vaccines. The breakthrough could allow scientists to build vaccines that stay ahead of fast-changing threats like COVID-19 and influenza. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:23:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112314.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507170530.htm Scientists have uncovered a promising new way to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines by tapping into the potential of a specific type of immune cell, opening the door to long-lasting vaccines for viruses and enhanced cancer therapies. The study used a novel approach combined with cutting-edge mRNA vaccine technology to increase the formation of a type of T cell which has remarkable self-renewing capacity and can remember threats for years and even decades. Wed, 07 May 2025 17:05:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507170530.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505204912.htm People who are given a vaccine for shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease, according to a recent study of more than a million people. The protective effect of the vaccine lasts for up to eight years and is particularly pronounced for men, people under the age of 60 and those with unhealthy lifestyles. Mon, 05 May 2025 20:49:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505204912.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221209.htm Where you get your vaccine booster matters more than you think. Scientists in Sydney found that same-arm shots prime immune cells to respond faster, producing stronger antibodies against viruses like COVID-19 in the first week. This early edge could be crucial during outbreaks, giving people protection when it matters most. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:12:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221209.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164243.htm Researchers have uncovered a critical, previously underappreciated role for B cells in vaccine protection. Best known for producing antibodies, B cells also guide other immune cells, specifically CD8 T cells, teaching them how to mount lasting defenses after vaccination. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:42:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164243.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112821.htm A team led by researchers say public ignorance and apathy towards bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI) could pose a serious obstacle to containing the virus and preventing a larger-scale public health crisis. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:28:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112821.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm A vaccine under development has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of the virus that causes bird flu. The work focuses on the H5N1 variant known as 2.3.4.4b, which has caused widespread outbreaks in wild birds and poultry and other mammals. The vaccine is step toward more potent, versatile and easy-to-produce vaccines that public health officials believe will be needed to counteract evolving bird flu strains that grow resistant to existing vaccines. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:50:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm Scientists have pioneered an influenza virus vector-based nasal spray vaccine platform and developed a nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, this platform enabled the rapid development of a nasal spray vaccine in collaboration with mainland China's Wantai BioPharm. After completing Phase 1-3 clinical trials, it was approved in 2022 as the world's first nasal spray COVID-19 vaccine. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:21:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121657.htm Researchers have shown that differences in the entire rotavirus genome -- not just its two surface proteins -- affect how well vaccines work, helping to explain why some strains are more likely to infect vaccinated individuals. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:16:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121657.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201413.htm New research could aid in improving whooping cough vaccines to once again push this disease toward eradication by targeting two key weaknesses in the infection. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:14:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201413.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm Low vaccination rates for influenza viruses and the lack of an HSV vaccine underscore the need for a new approach to reduce viral transmission. Researchers have now used a clinical-grade antiviral chewing gum to substantially reduce viral loads of two herpes simplex viruses and two influenza A strains in experimental models. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:14:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403143837.htm In the fight against bacterial pathogens, researchers are combining vaccination with targeted colonization of the intestine by harmless microorganisms. This approach could potentially mark a turning point in the antibiotics crisis. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:38:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403143837.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122149.htm A unique vaccination rollout in Wales offered researchers a natural experiment: some older adults qualified for the shingles vaccine, while others just missed the cutoff. The results were striking — those who got the shot had a 20% lower risk of developing dementia within seven years. This breakthrough hints that viruses lurking in the nervous system may contribute to dementia and that prevention could be simpler than anyone imagined. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:21:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123320.htm Researchers have discovered that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have a persistent effect on the innate immune system. These mechanisms may help the human body to better protect itself against potential future infections. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:33:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123320.htm