Cold and flu season brings millions of Americans into pharmacies and doctor's offices every year to get their flu vaccine; in more recent years, the flu shot has also been accompanied by a COVID shotfor many people. When getting these dual shots, some people opt to get one in each arm, while others choose to get them both in the same arm. It turns out which one we choose when getting vaccines can affect just how effective the immunizations are.
Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University decided to explore the question of arm choice early on in the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 1,000 OHSU employees were a part of the study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, when COVID vaccines first became available; one random group received both doses in one arm, which the other received one dose in each arm.
Both groups had similar antibody responses in the first two weeks, but in weeks three and four, the ones who had "contralateral" shots in different arms had a "substantially increase[d] antibody magnitude and breadth." The immune response increased progressively over time up to four times more than the other group. What's more, when the Omicron variant of COVID emerged in late 2021 a year after the second vaccine was given, the contralateral group's immune systems had an even stronger response than it did with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.
Related: Certain Vaccines Associated With Lower Alzheimer's Risk, Study Finds
The scientists weren't able to give an exact explanation for the phenomenon, though they believe it's possible that injecting a vaccine in each arm creates separate immune responses in the corresponding lymph nodes on either side.
"It turned out to be one of the more significant things weve found, and its probably not limited to just COVID vaccines. We may be seeing an important immunologic function," study co-authorMarcel Curlin toldNew Atlas. "By switching arms, you basically have [immune] memory formation in two locations instead of one."
More research needs to be done to determine if the same immune response can be seen with other multidose vaccinations, so the scientists aren't recommending changing how you get vaccines just yet. As always, consult your physician first if you have any questions.
Last year marked the first time that the medical community had access to vaccines to combat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
These vaccines were specifically targeted for two groups at higher risk for severe complications: the elderly and pregnant people.
Additionally, a monoclonal antibody treatment became available to protect young children from the virus.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that some of these vaccine recipients received the wrong vaccine for their particular group.
The number of errors is small. At least 128 pregnant people were given a version of a vaccine approved for adults 60 and up, and about 25 children under 2 years old were administered a vaccine only approved for adults.
Most of these administration error reports described no adverse event, the CDC statement reads. When an adverse event was concurrently reported to VAERS, most reports were classified as nonserious. A majority of the children affected were under 8 months old, and those incidents and those of the pregnant people who received the wrong vaccine were in outpatient settings or pharmacies.
Last fall, the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices authorized monoclonal antibody treatment to protect infants against RSV.
Nirsevimab known by the brand-name Beyforus is a monoclonal antibody treatment made by Sanofi and AstraZeneca for babies and children up to 2 years old.
RSV vaccines like Pfizer Abrysvo or GSK Arexvy are not approved for infants or young children. Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine recommended for pregnant people, but Arexvy is not approved for use during pregnancy; both are approved for adults over the age of 60.
Dr. Daniel Ganjian, FAAP, a pediatrician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Healthline that errors administering new vaccines can occur, given the scale of distribution. New vaccines and treatments can sometimes lead to confusion, especially in busy healthcare settings, Ganjian said. The RSV vaccine for adults and the monoclonal antibody treatment for children have similar names, which can contribute to mix-ups.
The most important thing is to stay calm, Ganjian says.
Its important to remember that no serious adverse events have been reported from this specific error, Ganjian said. However, any unusual symptoms after vaccination should be reported to your doctor. These can include fever, redness or swelling at the injection site, or allergic reactions like hives or difficulty breathing.
The CDC statement recommended that healthcare providers report any errors to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a passive surveillance system for vaccine safety maintained by the CDC and the FDA. VAERS reports dont always have information that is complete, accurate, or verifiable, and they are updated frequently.
While VAERS is not designed to determine fault, it helps public health officials identify and address potential issues with vaccines, Ganjian said.
Dr. Patricia Faraz, board-certified OB/GYN at The Womens Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, told Healthline that stricter protocols must be adopted by healthcare officials in handling new vaccines like this.
There needs to be a system in place where the order and vaccine are verified by two staff members in the office, Faraz said. Medications for OB patients should not be stored in the same refrigerator as non-OB patients to reduce errors as staff members may not be familiar with these new vaccines and they are named similarly.
Faraz said she does recommend the vaccine during pregnancy to create antibodies that will be passed to an infant since newborns and infants are so vulnerable to RSV.
The reason to give RSV vaccines to pregnant women is so that the antibodies produced after receiving the vaccine cross the placenta and offer protection to the newborn and infancy period (6 months), Faraz said. I do recommend RSV vaccine to pregnant women between 32-36 weeks pregnancy in hopes of reducing disease in newborns and infants. Up to 80,000 infants can be infected with RSV yearly requiring hospitalization. 100-300 children will die each year from RSV.
But Faraz added that with the Arexvy brand vaccine, it is unclear if there are potential issues for pregnant people because it was not approved for that group.
Unfortunately, these vaccines are brand new, and adverse events in pregnant women are not known with Arexvy, Faraz said. Over time adverse events may be reported and then we will have a better idea regarding potential side effects or efficacy rates of the Arexvy which is indicated for individuals over 60.
The best thing people seeking the vaccines can do, Ganjian said, is to make sure they are informed by professionals: ask questions if you dont understand something.
Remember, its always best to get information from reliable sources, like the CDC or your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information about RSV vaccines and treatments, Ganjian said. Another good strategy is when you go in to get your vaccine, ask for the exact name of what you want.
The CDC is reporting that errors in administering new RSV vaccines have been documented in pregnant people and children under 2.
The number of errors relative to the number of vaccines administered is small, and few adverse effects have been reported.
If youre planning to get an RSV vaccine, make sure you know exactly what you need. Familiarize yourself with the different vaccines and ask your doctor if youre unsure.
Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care has agreed to refund almost $15,000 and pay $25,000 in penalties after more than 700 patients were wrongly charged for COVID-19 vaccines, New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced Monday.
In a statement, James said that due to administrative errors 731 patients at Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care centers were charged approximately $28 per vaccine dose. And 451 patients or their guarantors made out-of-pocket payments for charges they should not have billed for, the attorney general's office said.
The attorney general's office said unpaid accounts associated with 72 vaccine doses were also wrongfully sent to collections in violation of the law.
Under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Provider Agreement regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution, in effect until Sept. 12, 2023, the attorney generals office said providers such as Northwell Health-GoHealth, which operates 57 urgent care clinics in New York, were required to administer COVID-19 vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient.
Under the agreement, Northwell Health-GoHealthwill refund $14,996.05 to patients and guarantors who were improperly charged for administered vaccine doses. James said all consumers impacted will be notified of the refund or of the wrongful charge.
As part of the agreement, the attorney generals office said the clinics have agreed to tighten billing practices to ensure that future COVID-19 vaccine appointments atthe clinics do not result in improper charges to patients.
During the pandemic state of emergency, COVID-19 vaccines were free to all who wanted them, James said in a statement Monday, adding: Clinics should be careful in ensuring that New Yorkers were not improperly charged fees for these vaccines and should take steps to refund any payments wrongfully charges and received.
In a statement, Vivek Taparia, regional president of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, said the organization is proud of the patient care we provided during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the vaccination clinics we opened at several of our urgent care locations. While we provided COVID vaccinations without any out-of-pocket charges to patients, a small number of these early vaccine recipients inadvertently received statements or made payments. Northwell-GoHealth refunded all affected patient accounts and has cooperated with the New York State Attorney General throughout this matter. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused our patients.
Anyone who believes they were improperly charged for being administered a COVID-19 vaccine is being asked to submit a claim to the office of the attorney general's Health Care Bureau or call 800-428-9071 to submit a complaint.
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of Swee'pea, a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film Big Shot.
(Precision Vaccinations News)
As the global cholera epidemic enters another year, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues classifyingcholera's resurgenceas a grade 3 emergency, its highest internal level for emergencies.
And access to protective vaccines is decreasing.
On February 12, 2024, the WHO published its 11thmulti-country cholera outbreak External Situation Report, which confirmed the global cholera response continues to be affected by a critical shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV).
From January 2023 to January 2024, urgent requests for OCV surged, with 76 million OCV doses requested by 14 countries, while only 38 million doses were available during that period.
The global stockpile of cholera vaccines is awaiting replenishment, and all production up to March 8, 2024, will be allocated to approved requests.
The U.S. CDCrecommends vaccination for people traveling to or living in areas of active cholera transmission.However, cholera vaccinations are not 100% effective.
Vaxchora, a single-dose, oral vaccine, is U.S. FDA-approvedfor use in people aged 264.
The WHO has approved three other OCVs.
With measles on the rise worldwide and multiple states in the U.S. reporting cases, a real-life illustration of the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations is unfolding.
And its why Connecticut is in better position than most states to avoid an outbreak, according to a UConn Health and Connecticut Childrens pediatric infectious diseases expert.
One of the worlds most contagious diseases, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000.
Measles was not eradicated, but under very good control in many regions in the world due to the success of various vaccination campaigns, says Dr. Melissa Held, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the UConn School of Medicine. We are hearing about it again because of various factors, including suboptimal vaccine coverage, vaccine hesitancy, international travel, and importation of the virus.
Held says an increase in measles usually occurs because of an increase in the number of travelers who get measles abroad and bring it into the U.S. and/or spread within the U.S. in communities where there are pockets of unvaccinated people. But the recent cases in our country are concerning given more widespread outbreaks globally.
Another reason for concern is the decline in the rate of young children completing their recommended vaccination schedules since the pandemic, which Held says has led to communities falling short of the herd immunity target vaccination level of 95%.
High vaccine coverage in populations is essential for achieving herd immunity, which protects individuals who cannot be vaccinated because of medical or health reasons or because of young age, Held says. Vaccinations not only protect your child or yourself from these diseases, but they also protect those around you who are not yet old enough to receive the vaccines (infants) or those with impaired immunity.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine delivers immunity from measles at a rate of nearly 93% after one dose (usually around age 12 to 15 months) and 97% after a booster usually taken between ages 4 and 6.
Vaccines are probably the most significant modern medical miracle of our time. — Dr. Melissa Held
The World Health Organization says because of its high transmissibility, measles can serve as an early warning system by exposing immunity gaps in a population.
The latest available data on vaccination rates in Connecticut show ours among the leading states, with more than 97% of kindergarteners having received the required MMR vaccines in the 2022-23 school year.
Connecticut tends to do much better than the rest of the country, not just with the MMR vaccine but with all other vaccines as well, Held says. Unfortunately, the national average of coverage is lower than the ideal 95% threshold, so there are many states with increased risk of outbreaks.
See the CDCs current recommendations on child and adolescent immunizations.
Held, who is UConns senior associate dean of medical student education and also sees hospitalized patients at Connecticut Childrens, recommends parents who are hesitant to follow the recommended vaccination schedule for their children share their concerns with their pediatrician and try to tune out the noise.
Look to reputable source of information like CDC, World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics; the internet is full of misinformation and random opinions that are not scientifically sound, Held says. Vaccines are probably the most significant modern medical miracle of our time. The reason we do not worry about our children and family members becoming sick or dying from these diseases is because we have such effective vaccines.
The FDA has granted Priority Review to an application to extend the indication of the adjuvanted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (Arexvy; GlaxoSmithKline) to include adults aged 50 to 59 who are at an increased risk of virus onset. Although the vaccine is currently indicated for adults aged 60 and older with lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), this updated approval would make this vaccine the first available to this patient population.1
Image credit: MargJohnsonVA | stock.adobe.com
Adults can be at a higher risk of contracting RSV due to comorbidities, immune compromised status, or age. In addition, RSV can aggravate prior conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and chronic heart failure, which can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, or death in some cases.
The adjuvanted vaccine consists of recombinant glycoprotein F stabilized in the prefusion conformation (RSVPreF3) and is combined with a proprietary AS01E adjuvant. In addition to being approved in the US, the vaccine is also approved for the prevention of RSV-LRTD in individuals 60 years and older in Europe, Japan, UK, Canada, and other countries.1
The application follows results from a placebo-controlled, observer-blind, multi-country, randomized phase 3 trial (NCT05590403) that evaluated the immune response and safety of this RSV vaccine in adults aged 50 to 59 and included those who were at an increased risk of RSV-LRTD due to underlying medical conditions. The trial enrolled a total of 570 patients aged 50 to 59 who had pre-defined stable chronic diseases that could result in an increased risk of RSV. In addition, the immune responses in a broader group of individuals (n = 570) of the same age without pre-defined conditions were also evaluated. The vaccine group consisted of both healthy adults and adults at an increased risk of RSV, who all received a dose of the RSV vaccine intramuscularly at day 1. Similarly, the placebo group also had both healthy adults and those who were a higher risk of contracting RSV.
Primary end points of the study include group geometric mean titer ratio and seroresponse rate in both groups. Secondary end points include safety and tolerability profiles (eg, adverse events, potential immune mediated diseases) at the studys end (12 months) as well as the frequency of RSVPreF3-specific CD8+ T cells that are assessed at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after the administration of intervention.
In addition, a priority review voucher to reduce the FDA review period of a supplemental Biologics License Application by 4 months was also submitted. According to the study authors, the results of the trial will be presented at upcoming conferences. The results were also submitted for peer-reviewed publications.1
References
1. GlaxoSmithKline. GSKs RSV vaccine, Arexvy, accepted under Priority Review in US for the prevention of RSV disease in adults aged 50-59 at increased risk. News release. February 6, 2024. Accessed February 12, 2024. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/arexvy-accepted-under-priority-review-in-us-for-the-prevention-of-rsv-disease-in-adults-aged-50-59-at-increased-risk/
2. A Study on the Immune Response and Safety of a Vaccine Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Given to Adults 50-59 Years of Age, Including Adults at Increased Risk of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Lower Respiratory Tract Disease, Compared to Older Adults 60 Years of Age and Above. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05590403. Updated July 28, 2023. Accessed February 12, 2024. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05590403
Lawmakers debated border security and COVID vaccines today under the Gold Dome.
First, senators discussed a Republican-penned resolution allowing Gov. Brian Kemp to allocate resources to help the state of Texas secure the border.
The Senate majority leader blamed the issue on inaction by the federal government, specifically, on President Biden.
Democrats proposed an amendment that placed blame for the issues at the border on Republican policy.
But an emergency on the Senate floor cut the debate short: Sen. Gail Davenport, suffering from an unknown medical issue, was transported to a nearby hospital.
When the session resumed, so did the Democrats criticism of the Republican argument linking illegal immigration to the flood of fentanyl being smuggled into the country.
While the Democratic amendment failed to pass, the resolution did, 31 to 15.
Meanwhile, in the House, members approved a bill that supporters say would help prevent vaccine discrimination in organ recipients. It would bar doctors from denying someone an organ donation based solely on COVID-19 vaccination status.
House Bill 576 received heavy debate. Opponents said it undermines trust in vaccines, and pointed out that doctors often decide who receives an organ based on the best chance of success.
It passed 98 to 71.
The House unanimously passed House Bill 1033, which would increase the penalties for attacking a utilities worker. The minimum prison time would increase to three years.
Another bill cleared the House that would require audits for top of ballot races in Georgia, plus another state race chosen by leaders.
That bill passed 164 to 3.
Lawmakers will reach the halfway point of the session tomorrow, on Day 20.
Kemp is also expected to make an announcement related to border security Tuesday.
Join host Donna Lowry and capitol reporter Sarah Kallis at 7 p.m. on GPB-TV for the 54th season ofGPB'sLawmakers.
PHNOM PENH (Xinhua): Cambodia logged one more case of mpox, also known as monkeypox, bringing the total number of infections in the kingdom to 10 since last December, the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Laboratory results from the National Institute of Public Health showed on Monday that another man was positive for mpox, so the total confirmed cases of the disease in Cambodia have increased to 10," the ministry said.
The patient, who lives in Phnom Penh's Dangkao district, has been undergoing proper treatment at a hospital.
The ministry said the trend of mpox transmission in the South-East Asian country is on the rise, renewing calls for people to be extra vigilant.
It said mpox virus is transmitted from person to person through all forms of sexual contact with a person with mpox and through direct contact with wounds, body fluids, saliva, and equipment contaminated with the virus.
It added that mpox can be passed from mother to child through an umbilical cord during or after birth if a pregnant woman has the disease. - Xinhua
Mpox, formerly known as monkey pox. (Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) announced on Tuesday, Feb. 6 that a Milwaukee resident recently tested positive for mpox. It is the first identified case of mpox in Milwaukee since June 2023.
Health officials say the Milwaukee resident tested positive on Friday, Feb. 2. MHD officials are in contact with the individual, who is isolating and following all recommended guidance and has notified all close contacts.
A news release says from July 2022 through now, there have been 40 positive cases of mpox in the City of Milwaukee. Prior to July 2022, Milwaukee did not see any mpox cases for many years.
Officials say mpox can be contracted through close personal contact with symptomatic individuals. Anyone can spread mpox, regardless of sexual orientation, though current tracking suggests that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases. Those at risk include (but are not limited to) men who have sex with men, who have more than one sexual partner, and those who have sex with them, regardless of gender.
Characterized by a painful rash or sores resembling pimples or blisters, accompanied by flu-like symptoms, mpox manifests within three weeks of exposure. The contagious period extends from symptom onset until the rash completely heals, scabs fall off, and new skin forms. Recovery typically occurs within two to four weeks.
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To curb the spread of mpox, individuals at risk are advised to:
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PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has recorded another confirmed case of mpox, also known as monkeypox, bringing the total number of infections in the kingdom to six since last December, the Ministry of Health said in a statement late on Thursday (Feb 8).
"Laboratory results from the National Institute of Public Health showed on Thursday that another man was diagnosed with mpox, so the total confirmed cases of the disease in Cambodia have risen to six," the ministry said.
"The latest patient has been undergoing proper treatment at a hospital."
The ministry renewed calls on people to be cautious, saying that mpox virus can be transmitted from person to person through all forms of sexual contact with a person with mpox and through direct contact with wounds, body fluids, saliva, and equipment contaminated with the virus.
It added that mpox can be passed from mother to child through an umbilical cord during or after birth if a pregnant woman has the disease.
"Individuals with symptoms such as rash with blisters on the face, palms, feet, body, eyes, mouth or genitals, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, low back pain, and fatigue should visit a health center or hospital for a consultation or test for mpox," the ministry said. - Xinhua
