Vaccines最新文献

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Background: The epidemiology of influenza was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, influenza viruses have re-emerged and caused epidemics with shifts in age distribution and seasonality. This study aimed to characterise the post-pandemic epidemiology of influenza infections among children in Xi'an, China.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of laboratory-confirmed paediatric influenza cases spanning three periods [pre-pandemic (1 January 2010-22 January 2020), intra-pandemic (23 January 2020-8 January 2023), and post-pandemic (9 January 2023-31 August 2025)] was conducted. Age-specific incidences were determined by subtypes (lineage) and compared across periods. Seasonal parameters were estimated using a generalised linear model with harmonic terms. Associations between influenza infection and risk of co-detection with other respiratory pathogens were assessed using logistic regression models.

Results: Influenza peak activity in the post-pandemic period was 10-fold higher than in the intra-pandemic period. The mean age of infected children increased by 1.4 years (95% CI: 1.2-1.7), shifting towards school-aged children (6-17 years). The seasonal pattern re-established with an earlier peak (13.9 weeks earlier than the pre-pandemic period, 95% CI: 10.4-15.2) and increased amplitude (10-fold and 4-fold higher than the intra- and pre-pandemic periods, respectively). It was observed that A(H1N1)pdm09 positivity was elevated in preschool and school-aged children, whereas B/Victoria infections showed renewed susceptibility among infants [0-5 months vs. 6-35 months vs. 3-5 years vs. 6-17 years: 11.0% (95% CI: 5.1-19.8) vs. 2.8% (1.9-4.0) vs. 4.0% (3.2-5.0) vs. 5.2% (4.5-6.0); p = 0.00014]. Influenza infection was associated with higher risk of bacterial co-detection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.22-1.91) and Haemophilus influenzae (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.19-1.80), but lower risk of co-detection with SARS-CoV-2 (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27-0.99), RSV (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.79), and parainfluenza viruses (aOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04-0.65).

Conclusions: The post-pandemic landscape of paediatric influenza in Xi'an has undergone substantial reconfiguration, characterised by intensified activity, altered seasonality, and a marked shift in age distribution. The increased bacterial co-detection points out the potential for more severe respiratory co-infections. These findings highlight the importance of optimising vaccination timing and prompting school-aged-children-targeted immunisation programmes in the post-pandemic era.

Background/Objectives: Given the overlapping seasonality of influenza (Flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in human populations, Flu-RSV combination vaccines are urgently needed. However, development of combo-vaccines is often faced with intra-vaccine interference which could compromise vaccination outcomes. Here we present an approach to overcoming this problem using a microneedle array patch (MAP)-based combo-vaccine with minimum intra-vaccine interference. Methods: Vaccine-laden dissolving MAPs were fabricated using a two-step micro-molding process with polyvinyl alcohol as major excipient. A partition-loading strategy was adopted to ensure spatially segregated distribution of a split-virus Flu vaccine and recombinant prefusion protein of RSV in separate MAP sectors. Serum samples from BALB/c mice post-vaccination were assessed for titers of binding and neutralizing antibodies against the viruses. Live virus challenge studies were carried out to assess the protection efficacy of the MAP-based vaccines. Results: Although i.m. administered standalone Flu and RSV vaccines were able to induce strong IgG responses in BALB/c mice, bidirectional intra-vaccine interference was observed when the two vaccines were co-administered in premixed form. However, when the two vaccines were loaded onto nonoverlapping sectors of D-MAPs for intradermal vaccination, the intra-vaccine interference effect was effectively overcome. The partition-loaded MAP-Flu/RSV combo-vaccine elicited antigen-specific IgG with robust virus-neutralizing activity and was strongly efficacious against either virus in challenge studies. Conclusions: Our data provide proof-of-concept evidence for the potential usefulness of partition-loaded MAPs in overcoming a critical barrier in vaccinology and offer a promising platform for future clinical translation.

Respiratory infections are a leading cause of sickness and death in Australia. In Australia, there is a funded immunisation program for both adults and children aimed at preventing and controlling vaccine-preventable respiratory infections (VPRI), such as pneumococcal disease (PD), influenza A/B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and COVID-19. This narrative review outlines the current Australian adult and paediatric immunisation guidance for VPRIs. It also examines the literature that supports the current risk group recommendations, including the clinical and economic burden of VPRIs, vaccination effectiveness, and coverage. Gaps in current risk group definitions, as well as additional risk groups that could be included in vaccine recommendations, are also discussed. Further research is needed to determine the optimum age for vaccination in adults which may enable alignment of age recommendations across different VPRIs. Individuals with multiple risk factors, commonly referred to as risk stacking, are at a greater risk of developing severe disease for VPRIs. This emphasises the importance of vaccinating these individuals. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines in older adults and to create more effective vaccines for high-risk paediatric groups, such as those with compromised immunity or for children who have undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed both the fragility and importance of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). In this context, seasonal influenza vaccination is more than a routine intervention, it is a measurable indicator of system readiness.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the validated 2022 WHO-UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF) on Immunization for all 194 Member States, extracting (i) policy inclusion of older adults and LTCF residents/staff and (ii) availability of numeric coverage data. Findings were interpreted alongside evidence on vaccine effectiveness and delivery in LTCFs as proxies for operational preparedness.

Results: Of 194 countries, 128 (66%) reported a national influenza-vaccination policy. Among these, 109 (56%) recommended vaccination for older adults, while only 84 (43%) explicitly included LTCF residents (few countries explicitly named staff). Numeric coverage for older adults was reported by 54 countries (median 55%, range 0-103%), with 13 meeting the WHO ≥75% target. No country reported specific coverage for LTCF residents or staff. Evidence from trials and observational studies shows that vaccination reduces hospitalisation and mortality among residents and that higher staff uptake is associated with fewer resident infections and improved continuity of operations. Facilities achieving high joint coverage appear to reflect stronger governance, supply chains, data systems, and infection-prevention capacity, the same elements required for pandemic response.

Conclusion: Influenza vaccination in LTCFs functions as both a barometer and a mechanism of preparedness. Three practical levers should be recognised as core readiness functions: explicit inclusion of LTCF residents and staff in national policy; routine, public reporting of resident and staff coverage; and timely, resourced on-site delivery before seasonal peaks. Embedding these features would better protect those at highest risk and strengthen overall health-system resilience.

Background: Serological screening for HBV is standard in hemodialysis, and vaccination is recommended for non-immune patients.

Objective: To determine the cause of positive HBsAg detected shortly after vaccination.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary hemodialysis unit. Patients with HBsAg reactivity after receiving the adjuvanted HBV vaccine (Fendrix^®) were followed with serial serology until HBsAg clearance.

Results: Forty-four patients were monitored; seven (15.9%) tested HBsAg-positive 1-7 days post-vaccination, with no evidence of acute hepatitis, prior HBV infection, transplantation, or chronic immunosuppression. Six cleared HBsAg on repeat testing; one remained positive until day 19, with HBsAg as the only marker.

Conclusions: Vaccine-related transient HBsAg antigenemia can occur shortly after immunization. Recognizing this phenomenon and timing routine serology appropriately can prevent misinterpretation and unnecessary workups in CKD patients.

High-grade gliomas (HGGs) and diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) in pediatric patients carry a poor prognosis, necessitating the rapid development of novel therapies. Peptide vaccines represent a safe, repeatable, and rational immunotherapeutic modality aimed at inducing potent, tumor-specific T-cell responses. In this review, we define the scope of current progress by arguing that immunogenicity in children with HGG/DMG hinges on three factors: appropriate antigen class (neoantigen vs. TAA), the use of potent immunoadjuvants, and successful navigation of immune suppression. To address the gap between biological promise and clinical reality, we analyze clinical trials targeting shared tumor-associated antigens (e.g., CMV pp65, Survivin) and specific shared neoantigens (H3.3K27M). Crucially, we highlight pivotal data from the PNOC007 trial, where the magnitude of H3.3K27M-specific T-cell expansion correlated directly with significantly longer overall survival (OS), establishing a causal link between pharmacodynamics and clinical benefit. However, the unique challenges of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and the detrimental effect of necessary corticosteroids remain paramount barriers. Future success relies on multi-modal combination strategies, the development of next-generation personalized neoantigen vaccines, and the application of advanced neuroimaging to accurately assess treatment response.

Background/Objectives: New vaccines designed to combat infections such as Group B Streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus will soon be accessible in Africa. While outbreak response vaccines are given to pregnant women, safety data for maternal vaccines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited. This study explored Ugandan pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and engagement in adverse event reporting and vaccine decision-making. Methods: This nested qualitative study was part of a national gap analysis of pharmacovigilance systems for maternal vaccines. Five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), each involving eight participants, were held with pregnant and or breastfeeding women at four healthcare facilities and one research center. The data collected from these discussions were analyzed thematically using a manifest content analysis, conducted in Atlas.ti software version 9 for qualitative data analysis. Results: Women valued maternal vaccines, particularly tetanus, but reported confusion about schedules and hesitancy when informed of potential side effects. Many adverse events were normalized, therefore not reported, and most participants were unaware of national reporting mechanisms beyond informing healthcare providers. Barriers included inadequate information, dismissive or rushed provider interactions and reliance on family, peers, and informal care networks to manage side effects. Women expressed a strong desire to be informed and actively involved in decisions about pregnancy vaccines, including the introduction of new vaccines. Conclusions: Strengthening maternal vaccine safety monitoring requires clearer, balanced communication; simplified and well-publicized reporting tools; supportive provider-patient interactions; and integration of community and informal networks. Pregnant women should be engaged as active partners in pharmacovigilance and maternal vaccine introduction to build trust, improve adverse event reporting, and support vaccine uptake.

Background/objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can naturally infect a broad spectrum of animal species, with cats, minks, and ferrets being highly susceptible. There is a potential risk that infected animals could transmit viruses to humans. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve via mutation and genetic recombination, resulting in the continuous emergence of new variants that have triggered a wave of reinfection. Therefore, safe and effective corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines for animals are still being sought.

Methods: We generated three recombinant Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVAs) expressing the prefusion-stabilized S proteins, S6P, DS6P, and BA2S6P, targeting the full-length S protein genes of the ancestral, Delta, and Omicron BA.2 strains of SARS-CoV-2. Subsequently, the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of these MVA-based oral COVID-19 vaccine candidates were assessed in mice, minks, and cats.

Results: These recombinant MVAs are safe in mice, minks, and cats. Oral or intramuscular vaccination with rMVA-S6P induced a robust SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody (NA) response and conferred complete protection against the SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. Meanwhile, oral or intramuscular administration of these recombinant MVAs in combination induced a potent and durable NA response against homotypic SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in mice, minks, and cats, respectively.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the MVA-vectored vaccines are promising oral COVID-19 vaccine candidates for animals, and that the combined vaccination approach is an effective administration strategy for such vaccines.

Background/Objective: While no human monkeypox (MPXV) infections have been reported in Palestine, the rapid global increase in cases, including in neighboring countries, necessitates proactive public health preparedness. This study aimed to assess Palestinians' willingness to receive MPXV vaccination and to identify associated predictors in the context of a potential outbreak. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in September 2024. The questionnaire gathered data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, risk perceptions, Vaccine Trust Indicator (VTI) scores, vaccination history, and willingness to receive an MPXV vaccine. Bivariate analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, and a multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify the determinants of MPXV vaccination willingness. Results: The overall willingness to receive MPXV vaccination was low (28.8%). Key findings included significant public misconceptions and concerns: 33% of respondents believed that natural immunity from infection was sufficient, while 43% expressed concerns about potential adverse effects, similar to those associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Furthermore, nearly 60% of participants stated they would decline a free MPXV vaccine. Multivariate analysis revealed that prior COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 3.07, p < 0.05), a moderate VTI score (aOR = 6.65, p < 0.05), and prior influenza vaccination (aOR = 4.00, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of MPXV vaccination willingness. Willingness to pay for the vaccine also positively influenced vaccination intent. One of the common misconceptions found was the belief that having received a smallpox vaccination prior reduces the need for an MPXV vaccination. Conclusions: The willingness to receive an MPXV vaccine in Palestine is suboptimal. Prior vaccination behaviors and general trust in vaccines are key determinants of acceptance. These findings underscore the critical need for public health strategies focused on strengthening trust in vaccine efficacy and safety, along with targeted health education to enhance community preparedness for a potential MPXV outbreak.