INTEGRA Biosciences Supports HilleVax’s Norovirus Vaccine Development
INTEGRA Biosciences has awarded 50 EVOLVE manual pipettes, GRIPTIPS® pipette tips, and lab accessories to HilleVax to support its norovirus vaccine development. The prize will accelerate the vaccine candidate to licensure, aligning with INTEGRA’s commitment to advancing healthcare and laboratory technology.
Measles Cases on the Rise in the United States Despite Widespread Vaccine Availability
Measles cases are on the rise in the United States, reflecting a decline in vaccine confidence, despite the availability of a life-saving vaccine. Recent reports confirm multiple cases of measles among children in Broward County, Florida, with concerns raised over the state’s Surgeon General’s statements potentially undermining the use of vaccines. The CDC has issued an alert to clinicians urging vigilance, as most cases were identified in unvaccinated children and adolescents. Experts emphasize the need for high vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks of preventable diseases.
World TB Day 2024: ‘Yes! We can end TB!’
World TB Day 2024 focuses on the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ and highlights the need for high-level leadership, increased investments, and faster adoption of new recommendations from the WHO. The organization will release an investment case to aid countries in scaling up the roll-out of TB preventive treatment. The South-East Asia Region, home to a quarter of the world’s population, carries over 45% of the annual TB burden, leading to a high-level ministerial meeting and the ‘Gandhinagar Declaration’ to reinvigorate political commitment towards ending TB.
Department of Health Issues Warning About Likelihood of New Measles Cases in Northern Ireland
Department of Health warns of potential measles outbreak in Northern Ireland and stresses the importance of MMR vaccine. With low vaccine uptake, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and launching a catch-up campaign for individuals up to 25 years old.
Understanding the Risk of Reinfection with JN.1 Variant
With the emergence of the JN.1 variant, understanding the risk of reinfection for those previously infected or vaccinated is crucial. Factors such as vaccination history, underlying medical conditions, and age can all influence an individual’s level of protection. Stay informed about the latest guidance and recommendations from health authorities as the pandemic continues to evolve.
Covid-19 pandemic reverses two decades of progress in fight against tuberculosis
The Covid-19 pandemic has reversed two decades of progress in the fight against tuberculosis, with global deaths from TB increasing for the first time in almost a decade. The pandemic-induced lockdowns, disruptions in healthcare, and the redirection of resources have hampered active case finding, diagnosis, and treatment, leading to a reversal of gains made in recent years. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains staggeringly widespread, with almost one-quarter of the world’s population infected with the TB bacteria.
Global Vaccine Safety Study Identifies Links Between Covid-19 Vaccines and Neurological, Blood, and Heart-Related Conditions
More than 13.5 billion doses of Covid vaccines have been administered globally, with a recent study linking certain vaccines to an increase in neurological, blood, and heart-related conditions. Despite the immense success of Covid vaccination efforts, a small proportion of vaccinated individuals experienced adverse effects, sparking discussions about the overall benefits and potential risks of the vaccines. The study, conducted by the Global Vaccine Data Network, focused on 13 medical conditions considered as ‘adverse events of special interest’ among 99 million vaccinated individuals in eight countries, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring of potential adverse effects as the global vaccination campaign continues.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Takes Proactive Measures Against Measles
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is proactively combating the rise of measles cases by inviting thousands of school children, aged 6-11 years, to receive vaccinations against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). Recent efforts have been made to encourage children who have missed their vaccinations to catch up, with reminders being sent to families throughout February and March. NHS leaders in Cheshire and Merseyside are urging parents and guardians of children aged 6-11 years to schedule any missed MMR vaccinations at their GP practices to ensure comprehensive protection against the disease.
Maternal COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy protects infants for six months
Study shows that receiving an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination or booster during pregnancy can provide infants with strong protection against symptomatic COVID-19 infection for at least six months after birth. Maternal vaccination and boosting during pregnancy significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in infants during their first six months of life.
Improving Vaccine Coverage in the United States
The Inflation Reduction Act has helped close gaps in insurance coverage for vaccines, including newly approved ones. With the introduction of mRNA vaccines, vaccine technology has made significant strides. Different federal policies dictate coverage across different markets and populations, creating a fragmented insurance and policy landscape. The Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have played key roles in ensuring coverage without cost-sharing for many vaccines in various markets. ACIP recommendations are a major driver of provider behavior and payer coverage. The FDA approved six vaccines in 2023, including the first two vaccines to prevent respiratory syncytial virus for older adults and infants. GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s Abrysvo were both approved for RSV prevention in 2023.