HIV Vaccine Fails Clinical Trial in South Africa
Story Highlights Another attempt to create an effective vaccine against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been stopped early because it was not found to prevent HIV infection. It is estimated that 1,000 people are newly infected every day in South Africa. HIV virus appears to evade and destroy cells of the immune system and […]
Moderna to Use New mRNA Technology to Develop Coronavirus Vaccine
Story Highlights In light of the coronavirus outbreak, three research teams have been awarded grants by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. In a public-private partnership with NIH, Moderna, Inc. is using an experimental mRNA technology to develop a vaccine. Johnson & Johnson and other drug companies […]
Cholera Vaccine Recommended by European Medicines Agency
The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the approval of the single-dose oral cholera vaccine Vaxchora, developed by multinational biopharmaceutical firm Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland. On Jan. 30, 2020, the CHMP adopted a “positive opinion” on the granting of a marketing authorization for the bacterial […]
Baby in Nepal Dies After Getting Six Vaccines
A six-week-old baby in Nepal died after receiving six vaccines. The child, Bunu Dewan, reportedly received the BCG, DPT, fIPV and PCV vaccines at a community health center in the town of Simaltar. Bunu’s condition is reported to have deteriorated following the vaccination and the child was subsequently taken to Neuro Hospital in Biratnagar.1 2 […]
Massachusetts Health Care Workers Refusing Free Flu Shots
Story Highlights Hundreds of health care workers in Massachusetts are declining the annual flu shot. Health care worker flu shot requirements vary from state to state. A recent study questions the scientific validity of mandating annual influenza vaccinations for hospital workers. Hundreds of health care workers in Massachusetts, including those in nursing homes and kidney […]
Only One Percent of Vaccine Reactions Reported to VAERS
Story Highlights The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was created by Congress in 1986 as part of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. Although health care providers are required by federal law to report specific vaccine reactions to VAERS, less than one percent of adverse events following vaccination are reported. Doctors, medical workers, adult patients […]