Vaccine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Real-time in-season monitoring of adult influenza vaccination coverage rates in Germany: results from a repeated cross-sectional online survey.
Bietz A, Sandow P, Hartmann C … +5 more , Steffan L, Katzenberger B, Damm O, Dietzsch M, Hagemann C
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42247747 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Proof of concept to provide early estimates of influenza vaccination coverage rates (VCR) for adults in Germany during the 2024/25 season, explore variation across recommended risk groups, and identify reasons...
OBJECTIVE: Proof of concept to provide early estimates of influenza vaccination coverage rates (VCR) for adults in Germany during the 2024/25 season, explore variation across recommended risk groups, and identify reasons for/against vaccination. METHODS: A web-based, repeated cross-sectional survey (Vakzimeter FLU) was conducted in five waves between October-2024 and February-2025 in Germany. Disproportionate sampling ensured adequate representation of adults aged ≥60 years; general population estimates were obtained after calibrated weighting to align the sample with national demographics. Respondents reported past and current influenza vaccination status, intention to get vaccinated, socio-demographics, chronic conditions, occupational and household risk factors, and reasons for/against getting vaccinated against influenza. RESULTS: Among 5001 respondents (18-59 years, n = 1505; ≥60 years, n = 3496), VCR during survey wave 5 (February-2025) was 26% for adults aged 18-59 years overall, 32% for at-risk adults aged 18-59 years, and 51% for adults aged ≥60 years. Weighted estimate VCR of general population was 36%. All values were below the WHO target of 75% for risk groups. Although each survey wave included a separate set of participants, vaccination status patterns may hint towards older adults being more likely to follow through with intended vaccination, while younger adults may be more likely not to. Key reasons against vaccination included low perceived risk, belief that influenza is not severe, and concerns over vaccine effectiveness/safety. In the 18-59 age group, 46% indicated no vaccination in the current season and had not received an influenza vaccination for ≥5 consecutive seasons, reflecting persistent hesitancy. CONCLUSION: This real-time monitoring approach provided timely, population-representative influenza VCR estimates during the influenza season, enabling in-season gap identification. Findings confirm persistent shortfalls in VCRs, particularly among younger adults, and reinforce the need for tailored, trust-building strategies to both convert stated intent into actual vaccination and boost initial willingness, especially in at-risk groups.
Advances in research and application of therapeutic antibody strategies for porcine rotavirus prevention and control.
Zheng S, Wang L, Xia X … +8 more , Xin Z, Zhang J, Tian Y, Xing C, Wang Z, Yu X, Pan Y, Wen K
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42247746 · Publisher ↗
Rotavirus (RV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral gastroenteritis in young children and various neonatal animals worldwide, posing significant challenges to both public health and livestock production. Porcine r...
Rotavirus (RV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral gastroenteritis in young children and various neonatal animals worldwide, posing significant challenges to both public health and livestock production. Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) induces acute enteric infection in neonatal piglets, resulting in severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, and is frequently associated with co-infections that disrupt gastrointestinal function and cause huge economic losses. At present, no specific antiviral therapy is available for PoRV infection, and vaccination remains the most cost-effective and widely used control measure, with piglets relying on maternally derived antibodies (MADs) for early protection. However, the complex and rapidly evolving PoRV genotypes confer limited cross-protection, and antigenic drift of circulating strains often leads to mismatch between vaccine strains and field isolates, preventing piglets from acquiring sufficient and effective maternal immunity. Therapeutic antibodies, characterized by rapid virus neutralization, target specificity, and immediate protective effects, represent a promising supplement to maternal antibodies, particularly for early intervention and blocking viral transmission. Given that oral administration mirrors the natural acquisition route of maternal antibodies and enables direct action at the intestinal mucosa, optimizing antibody engineering and targeted delivery systems is crucial for achieving effective mucosal neutralization. This review summarizes the major limitations of current PoRV immunoprophylaxis, proposes therapeutic antibody supplementation strategies, and highlights advances in antibody engineering, in vitro reconstruction, and oral delivery platforms. These insights provide a theoretical foundation and technical roadmap for overcoming PoRV immunization bottlenecks and strengthening the prevention and control of diarrheal diseases in the swine industry.
Multiple monovalent COVID-19 PHH-1V vaccine adaptations elicit homologous and cross-neutralizing antibody responses in mice.
Moros A, Deulofeu M, Ribó M … +9 more , Bosch-Rué È, Puigvert E, Madrenas L, López A, Granés A, Barreiro A, Cantariño N, Prenafeta A, Ferrer L
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42242009 · Publisher ↗
As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, rapidly adaptable COVID-19 vaccines remain essential. We evaluated monovalent, variant-adapted PHH-1V-based vaccine constructs in BALB/c mice after two-dose primary vaccination and as h...
As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, rapidly adaptable COVID-19 vaccines remain essential. We evaluated monovalent, variant-adapted PHH-1V-based vaccine constructs in BALB/c mice after two-dose primary vaccination and as heterologous boosters in mRNA-primed animals. Adaptations comprised Omicron XBB.1.16, JN.1, XEC, and LP.8.1 receptor-binding domain (RBD) homodimers (2 μg/dose) in squalene-based adjuvant. Immunogenicity on day 14 post-vaccination was assessed by pseudovirus-based neutralization and RBD-specific IgG assays; tolerability was monitored throughout. All adapted boosters significantly elicited variant-matched neutralizing and binding responses relative to baseline. In pairwise comparisons, all adapted boosters except LP.8.1 tended to outperform the preceding construct in homologous neutralization (p < 0.0001, XBB.1.16-adapted; non-significant for others), while binding IgG remained comparable. In primary vaccination, updated constructs increased matched-variant neutralization versus predecessors; binding IgG was similar overall. Vaccination was well tolerated, limited to transient, mild injection-site inflammation. These data support PHH-1V original vaccine as an updatable platform, ensuring broad, campaign-ready SARS-CoV-2 variant coverage.
2024/25 end-of-season KP.2 vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalization in older adults: a test-negative study in Quebec, Canada.
Carazo S, Skowronski DM, Sauvageau C … +3 more , Talbot D, Racine E, Brousseau N
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42241837 · Publisher ↗
We evaluated 2024/25 KP.2 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19 hospitalization among adults ≥60 years old eligible for publicly-funded vaccination during fall and/or spring campaigns in the province of Quebec, Can...
We evaluated 2024/25 KP.2 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19 hospitalization among adults ≥60 years old eligible for publicly-funded vaccination during fall and/or spring campaigns in the province of Quebec, Canada. We included Quebec residents tested for COVID-19-compatible symptoms in an acute-care hospital between October 13, 2024 (epi-week 2024-42) and August 23, 2025 (2025-34), linking vaccine, hospital, chronic diseases and laboratory administrative records to assess VE through test-negative design. We compared the odds of being COVID-19 test-positive versus test-negative among vaccinated versus non-vaccinated participants, adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, place of residence, and epidemiological week. Overall, 49,949 (43%) participants were vaccinated. Over an analysis period spanning up to ten months, including median time since vaccination of 16 weeks (interquartile range 9-24 weeks), VE was 34% overall, declining from 43% <8 weeks to negligible by the 32nd week post-vaccination. Findings confirm meaningful but short-lived COVID-19 vaccine protection against hospitalization in older adults.
Young adults at risk of emerging serotype 4 invasive pneumococcal disease vs. other serotypes in Andalusia (Spain), 2022 to 2024: optimising conjugated vaccines strategies.
Marín-Caba E, Lorusso N, Sempere J … +2 more , Jiménez-Moleón JJ, Rivera-Izquierdo M
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42241836 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In Spain in 2023, most reported cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) were caused by serotypes 8, 3, 22F, and 4. Almost 70.0% of serotype 4 cases were notified in Andalusia (southern Spain). Our aim wa...
BACKGROUND: In Spain in 2023, most reported cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) were caused by serotypes 8, 3, 22F, and 4. Almost 70.0% of serotype 4 cases were notified in Andalusia (southern Spain). Our aim was to characterize socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with serotype 4 versus other serotypes, and to describe theoretical coverage of currently approved vaccines. METHODS: We conducted an observational longitudinal study including individuals with confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) reported to the Andalusian Epidemiological Surveillance System from 2022, to 2024. Cases with unavailable pneumococcal serotype data were excluded. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the characteristics of IPD cases according to serotype (serotype 4 vs. other serotypes), using R software. RESULTS: A total of 1359 IPD patients were analysed. The 3 most frequent serotypes reported were 8 (20.1%), 3 (17.1%), 4 (10.6%). Factors associated with increased odds of serotype 4 were male sex (OR = 2.36, 95%CI: 1.54-3.71); age groups of 45-64 years (OR = 3.58, 95%CI: 2.22-5.97) and 15-44 years (OR = 3.34, 95%CI: 1.92-5.91) compared to age group ≥65 years old; no previous pneumococcal vaccination (OR = 3.77, 95%CI: 2.15-7.07) and pneumonia (OR = 3.08, 95%CI: 2.03-4.80). History of psychoactive drug use (OR = 2.50, 95%CI: 1.04-5.77) was associated with serotype 4. CONCLUSIONS: Social and demographic factors such as younger age, male sex, location, no previous pneumococcal vaccination, toxic habits and pneumonia as clinical form, were associated with emerging serotype 4 IPD. Public health strategies should adapt and reinforce local vaccination programs to prevent and reduce IPD.
Corrigendum to "Drivers of decision-making for future adult vaccines: a best-worst scaling among community members and health care workers in Zambia" [Vaccine 70 (2026) 128003].
Le Tourneau N, Sharma A, Pry JM … +8 more , Haambokoma M, Shamoya B, Sikombe K, Simbeza SS, Zulu N, Geng EH, Eshun-Wilson I, Kerkhoff AD
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42235303 · Publisher ↗
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Vitamin A and body weight status do not impact humoral immunity against measles, mumps or rubella in individuals 4 to 18 years old: a cross-sectional cohort study in India.
Ratishvili T, Teodoro LI, Quach HQ … +7 more , Ovsyannikova IG, Jones SP, Joseph I, Pillai MR, Poland GA, Jacob J, Kennedy RB
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42229095 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Ongoing measles outbreaks globally have renewed interest in the role of vitamin A in measles infection. Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for measles disease management, but its impact on the immune re...
BACKGROUND: Ongoing measles outbreaks globally have renewed interest in the role of vitamin A in measles infection. Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for measles disease management, but its impact on the immune response to measles virus (MV) infection or vaccination is unclear. We evaluated the relationships between nutrition, vitamin A status and humoral immune responses to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in vaccinated children. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements, serum vitamin A levels and immune response outcomes were assessed in a convenience cohort of 684 Indian children aged 4-18 years who had previously received ≥2 MV-containing vaccine doses. Nutrition status categories were defined by BMI-for-age z-scores per the World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) standards. Serum vitamin A (retinol) levels were quantified by HPLC; ELISA was used to evaluate MV (n = 684), mumps (MuV) (n = 466), and rubella (RV) (n = 508) IgG antibody (Ab) titers; and a PRMN assay was used to assess MV neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers (n = 681). Associations between nutrition and vitamin A status with MV-, MuV- and RV-specific humoral immune responses were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 684 children, 3.2% were underweight, 14% overweight, 10.5% obese, and 72.2% normal weight. Vitamin A deficiency was relatively rare (3.4%), and vitamin A levels were differentially distributed by BMI z-scores (p < 0.0001). MV IgG Ab and MV nAb titers did not differ by BMI-for-age category (MV IgG Ab: p = 0.77; MV nAb: p = 0.585) or vitamin A deficiency vs sufficiency (MV IgG Ab: p = 0.98; MV nAb: p = 0.25) status. MuV IgG and RV IgG Ab titers were also not affected by BMI categories (MuV: p = 0.215; RV: p = 0.36) or vitamin A status (MuV: p = 0.14; RV: p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: Among vaccinated children 4-18 years sampled from a convenience cohort in southern India, body weight and vitamin A status were not associated with humoral immunity to MV, MuV, or RV, suggesting vitamin A does not play a major role in regulating protective immunity to these three viruses.
Changing socio-demographic determinants of seasonal influenza acceptance in England during the pandemic and a framework for predicting future acceptance.
de Figueiredo A, Paterson P, Lin L … +1 more , Mounier-Jack S
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42224834 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To assess seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance in England from 2020 to 2022 and examine evolving socio-demographic determinants of flu vaccine uptake and intent. A secondary objective was to evaluate the pot...
OBJECTIVES: To assess seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance in England from 2020 to 2022 and examine evolving socio-demographic determinants of flu vaccine uptake and intent. A secondary objective was to evaluate the potential of predictive modelling for future uptake estimation at national and sub-national levels. METHODS: Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted between September 2020 and July 2022, including 28,748 English adults aged ≥18. Responses were analysed using Bayesian time-series multilevel regression with poststratification to English census data. Key outcomes were: (1) NHS offer of seasonal influenza vaccination in the past 12 months; (2) acceptance of the offer; and (3) intention to vaccinate in the following 12 months. RESULTS: By the 2021-22 flu season, 56.3% of adults reported being offered the vaccine - an increase of 10.7 percentage points from 2019 to 20. Acceptance rose notably, particularly among those aged ≥50. However, intention to vaccinate declined slightly between the 2020 and 2022 surveys. Vaccine behaviours varied by age, gender, education, ethnicity, and religion. Disparities were especially pronounced between Black/Black British and White respondents, and waning intent was observed among Asian/Asian British groups, Hindus, and Punjabi speakers. Regional differences were evident, with uptake lowest in inner London. Model-based predictions aligned closely with actual uptake reported in the 2022-23 flu season. DISCUSSION: Expanded eligibility contributed to increased uptake, particularly among older adults. Persistent demographic and regional disparities highlight the need for more tailored public health strategies. The slight decline in future vaccination intent is concerning and suggests a need for renewed engagement. CONCLUSION: While vaccine uptake improved in 2021-22, inequities remain across demographic and regional groups. Predictive modelling shows promise for guiding future vaccination efforts. Addressing intent-to-vaccinate and regional gaps will be critical to sustaining high influenza coverage in England.
Safety, immunogenicity, and dose ranging of a bivalent respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus glycoprotein F-molecular clamp vaccine candidate in older adults: 1-month interim analysis of an ongoing randomised, observer-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, phase 1 trial.
Della Cioppa G, Sahai N, Dodeur V … +11 more , Dutton JL, Moller C, O'Donnell JS, Young A, Gillard M, Harrison M, Wolf R, Kulenovic S, Chappell KJ, Magdalena J, Hanon E
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42224773 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are important causes of acute respiratory tract disease in older adults. Multipathogen vaccines in ready-to-use liquid formulations are neede...
BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are important causes of acute respiratory tract disease in older adults. Multipathogen vaccines in ready-to-use liquid formulations are needed. VXB-241 is a recombinant RSV-hMPV unadjuvanted fully liquid vaccine candidate. METHODS: This ongoing first-in-human randomised, placebo- and RSV vaccine active-controlled, observer-blind, dose-ranging trial is being conducted in older adults aged 60-83 years preceded by a few sentinel younger adults aged 18-40 years. On day 1, older adults were randomised to receive one of six intramuscular treatments: VXB-241 at 60 μg (30 μg RSV preF +30 μg hMPV preF), 120 μg (60 + 60), 240 μg (120 + 120), or 480 μg (240 + 240), the licensed AS01-adjuvanted RSV vaccine (Arexvy™/RSVPreF3, GSK), or placebo. We report 1-month interim safety and immunogenicity results. RESULTS: A total of 270 older adults were screened; 128 were randomised and completed the month-1 visit. Solicited adverse events occurred in 23.8% of placebo, 76.2% of RSVPreF3, and 35.0%-59.1% of VXB-241 recipients, with no dose-response effect among VXB-241 recipients, except at the highest dose level. Most reactions were mild and transient. Most unsolicited adverse events were unrelated to treatment. No safety signal was detected. At month 1, RSV-A, RSV-B, hMPV-A and hMPV-B neutralising antibody titres were higher than placebo in all active treatment arms. At the 240 μg VXB-241 dose level, geometric mean fold increases were 15.06 for RSV-A and 8.07 for RSV-B versus 10.81 for RSV-A and 4.91 for RSV-B after RSVPreF3 injection, and 7.50 for hMPV-A and 6.56 for hMPV-B, with negligible increases after RSVPreF3 injection. CONCLUSIONS: VXB-241 showed a clinically acceptable safety and reactogenicity profile and elicited strong neutralising immune responses against RSV and hMPV in older adults. Neutralising immune responses against RSV-A and RSV-B by VXB-241 were at least as good as those obtained with the licensed adjuvanted RSVPreF3 active control.
XcpQ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A potential vaccine candidate with immunogenic properties in zebrafish.
Nouhi A, Abolmaali S, Darvish Alipour Astaneh S
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42224772 · Publisher ↗
XCP is one of two major subtypes of the type II secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. XcpQ, the outer-membrane component of Xcp, facilitates protein secretion. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of...
XCP is one of two major subtypes of the type II secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. XcpQ, the outer-membrane component of Xcp, facilitates protein secretion. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of XcpQ as a vaccine antigen against P. aeruginosa. Bioinformatics and immunoinformatics analyses identified XcpQ as a promising vaccine candidate based on antigenicity and epitope prediction. The XcpQ gene was cloned into the pET28a vector using BamHI and SacI, and the construct was induced in E. coli BL21(DE3) with IPTG to a final concentration of 1 mM. The Xcp-AN (heterologous protein) was purified using a Ni-NTA column. The function of the Xcp-AN was investigated with respect to biofilm formation, adherence to the A549 human alveolar epithelial cell line (A549), and cytotoxicity was assessed via the MTT assay. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) served as the in vivo infection model. Exposure of P. aeruginosa to 6.5 μg/ml of Xcp-AN led to a 46.41% increase in biofilm biomass. At a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100:1 (bacteria to A549 cells), no detectable bacterial adherence was observed, suggesting that Xcp-AN does not significantly mediate epithelial cell attachment. Over 99% of A549 cells retained viability following treatment with varying concentrations of Xcp-AN in the MTT assay. Immunization with Xcp-AN resulted in a 63% reduction in gill bacteria in zebrafish compared to the control group. Overall, these results suggest that the Xcp-AN domain is a promising candidate for vaccine development against P. aeruginosa. However, additional research is necessary to verify its efficacy as a vaccine candidate.
Corrigendum to "Intention to receive new vaccines post-COVID-19 pandemic among adults and health workers in Lusaka, Zambia" ["Vaccine 50 (2025) 126846].
Sharma A, Kerkhoff AD, Haambokoma M … +8 more , Shamoya B, Sikombe K, Simbeza SS, Zulu N, Geng EH, Eshun-Wilsonova I, Le Tourneau N, Pry JM
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42219862 · Publisher ↗
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BECC-adjuvanted hemagglutinin influenza vaccine promotes enhanced immunogenicity and protective efficacy.
Das S, Tenaglia BM, Riley D … +12 more , Speed S, Baracco L, Gardner FM, Varisco DJ, Yang H, Nijhuis H, Kerstetter L, Krammer F, Sun W, Coughlan L, Frieman MB, Ernst RK
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42218860 · Publisher ↗
Seasonal influenza viruses continue to pose a significant threat, causing substantial morbidity and mortality in the US and worldwide despite the availability of vaccines and antivirals. These challenges may be addressed...
Seasonal influenza viruses continue to pose a significant threat, causing substantial morbidity and mortality in the US and worldwide despite the availability of vaccines and antivirals. These challenges may be addressed by improving vaccine immunogenicity through the inclusion of adjuvants that enhance immune responses against key antigens, including influenza hemagglutinin (HA). BECC (Bacterial Enzymatic Combinatorial Chemistry) adjuvants are novel Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) ligands created by modifying enzymes from lipid A synthesis pathways in Gram-negative bacteria. This study specifically evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of biologically derived and fully synthetic Bacterial Enzymatic Combinatorial Chemistry (BECC) lipid A-based adjuvants in combination with recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) antigens in a murine model of influenza virus infection. Immunization with BECC-adjuvanted rHA elicited strong activation of both humoral and cellular immune responses. Notably, BECC formulations induced robust HA-specific antibody responses, with a marked increase in the Th1-associated IgG2a subclass as compared to the benchmark adjuvants monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and PHAD. Among the BECC candidates, the synthetic compound BECC470s demonstrated superior efficacy, with rapid viral clearance observed by seven days post-challenge. Additionally, BECC-adjuvanted vaccination enhanced immune recognition of linear B- and T-cell epitopes and sustained durable immune memory responses for up to eighteen months following immunization. Collectively, these findings highlight BECC470s as a promising next-generation synthetic adjuvant with substantial potential for improving the breadth and durability of immune protection afforded by recombinant influenza vaccines.
Quantifying the benefits of improved operations for polio outbreak response: A model-based analysis.
Sun Y, Keskinocak P, Kovacs SD … +1 more , Steimle LN
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42217520 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Novel type 2-containing oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV2) was introduced in 2021, and over two billion doses have since been used globally for outbreak response. Despite its reduced risk of virus reversion, stop...
BACKGROUND: Novel type 2-containing oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV2) was introduced in 2021, and over two billion doses have since been used globally for outbreak response. Despite its reduced risk of virus reversion, stopping circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks remains challenging in some countries, highlighting the need to improve outbreak response operations. This study adapted and extended a poliovirus transmission model to evaluate two operational changes in outbreak response: prioritizing under-vaccinated individuals to receive novel OPV2 (nOPV2) and increasing the number of vaccination rounds. METHODS: We simulated cVDPV2 transmission in Nigeria from 2024 to 2028 under multiple outbreak response scenarios. These scenarios varied by vaccine allocation strategy: (1) baseline allocation where all target individual had equal chance of receiving nOPV2; (2) priority allocation where under-vaccinated individuals were prioritized based on their vaccination histories of OPV2 doses received through outbreak response or of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) doses received through routine immunization; (3) idealized allocation where individuals with the lowest immunity were prioritized. Scenarios also varied in the number of vaccination rounds (3 to 5 rounds per outbreak response). Outcome measures included outbreak size (cumulative cVDPV2 paralytic case counts), time to transmission interruption, and total nOPV2 doses used. RESULTS: Transmission interruption was only achieved under the idealized allocation with five vaccination rounds per response. In all other scenarios, cVDPV2 transmission continued through the end of 2028. Compared with baseline allocation, priority allocation based on OPV2 vaccination history resulted in smaller outbreak sizes with fewer nOPV2 doses for the same number of vaccination rounds, whereas priority allocation based on IPV vaccination history led to larger outbreak sizes and higher nOPV2 use. CONCLUSIONS: Both prioritizing under-vaccinated individuals based on OPV2 vaccination history and increasing the number of vaccination rounds reduce cVDPV2 transmission. However, reactive outbreak response alone may be insufficient to stop cVDPV2 outbreaks in high-risk settings such as Nigeria, as the required operational improvements may exceed programmatic capacity. Future work should evaluate the role of expanded nOPV2 use in other vaccination programs, such as routine immunization, to support cVDPV2 elimination.
Oral immunization with virus-like particles elicits Ebola virus-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice.
Lasala F, Luczkowiak J, Labiod N … +11 more , Rivas G, Arce O, Alonso M, Kremer L, Casasnovas JM, Olal C, Heung M, Escudero-Pérez B, García-Bernalt Diego J, Muñoz-Fontela C, Delgado R
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42217450 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Ebola virus (EBOV) poses a significant public health threat due to its high case fatality rates and proved human-to-human transmission. While licensed vaccines exist for EBOV, their intramuscular administrati...
BACKGROUND: Ebola virus (EBOV) poses a significant public health threat due to its high case fatality rates and proved human-to-human transmission. While licensed vaccines exist for EBOV, their intramuscular administration presents some logistical challenges in outbreak settings. Oral vaccines offer advantages in accessibility, compliance, and scalability but have not been explored for EBOV. METHODS: We developed an orally-administered EBOV vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs) incorporating the EBOV glycoprotein (GP), nucleoprotein (NP), and viral protein 40 (VP40). VLPs were produced via transfection of HEK-293T cells, concentrated through ultracentrifugation, and characterized by electron microscopy. Female C57BL/6 mice (n = 14) were immunized intramuscularly (30 μg/dose, n = 4) or orally (300 μg/dose, n = 8) with three doses at two-week intervals. Control mice (n = 2) received no immunization. Immune responses were evaluated by ELISA for anti-EBOV- GP, and anti-EBOV-NP antibodies, neutralization assays using recombinant vesicular stomatitis pseudovirus (rVSV-pseudotyped with EBOV-GP), and flow cytometry for the characterization of EBOV-NP-specific CD8 T cells. RESULTS: Oral immunization with EBOV FPLs induced antigen-specific IgG responses against EBOV-GP and EBOV-NP. Neutralization assays confirmed the presence of serum antibodies capable of inhibiting EBOV-GP pseudotyped virus infection, while flow cytometry analysis revealed development of EBOV-NP-specific CD8 T cells in vaccinated mice. Notably, immune responses in orally vaccinated animals were slightly improved compared to those elicited by intramuscular administration. CONCLUSION: This study provides a proof-of-concept that an oral VLP-based EBOV vaccine candidate can induce antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. However, additional studies are required to determine protective efficacy, durability of immunity, safety, optimal dosing regimens, and translatability across relevant animal models before clinical development can be considered.
Understanding HPV vaccine preferences among sexual minority men living with HIV in Abuja, Nigeria using a discrete choice experiment.
Volpi CR, Chama J, Adebiyi R … +14 more , Aigoro JA, Bawa YJ, Kolawole KE, Ononaku U, Ayuba N, Shutt A, Aka A, Goldstone SE, Dakum P, Palefsky JM, Adebajo S, Tobin KE, Gonzalez JM, Nowak RG
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42217449 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Sexual minority men (SMM) in Nigeria face a disproportionate burden of HPV-related diseases, yet HPV vaccination uptake remains limited due to structural, financial, and sociocultural barriers. Understanding...
BACKGROUND: Sexual minority men (SMM) in Nigeria face a disproportionate burden of HPV-related diseases, yet HPV vaccination uptake remains limited due to structural, financial, and sociocultural barriers. Understanding SMM's preferences for vaccination delivery is critical to designing accessible, affirming, and equitable prevention strategies. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted with 250 SMM receiving HIV-related care at an affirming clinic in Abuja, Nigeria. Seven attributes were identified through literature review and stakeholder engagement. Participants completed 12 choice tasks comparing hypothetical HPV vaccination scenarios. Hierarchical Bayes estimation was used to derive individual-level utilities and attribute importance scores. RESULTS: Participants strongly preferred receiving HPV-related services in SMM-affirming settings and at no cost. Setting type (19.4%) and cost (19.2%) were the most influential attributes, followed by wart prevention (11.4%) and information availability (7.8%). Services described as protecting others from HPV-related outcomes, prevent warts, and require moderate travel (60 min) were moderately preferred. Higher levels of vaccine protection and information availability were less influential in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Preferences among SMM in Nigeria emphasize the need for free, affirming, and inclusive HPV vaccination services. Addressing structural barriers, especially stigma and cost, will be essential to increasing vaccine uptake. Findings support targeted, community-informed strategies to reduce HPV disparities and promote health equity.
Development and efficacy evaluation of an inactivated Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine in cats.
Li Y, Dong X, Yang A … +8 more , Yu X, Yu J, Zhang J, Jiang L, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhu H, Zhang X
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42217448 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a primary feline respiratory pathogen urgently requiring effective vaccines. This study characterizes a highly pathogenic Chinese isolate to establish a feline infection model and...
BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a primary feline respiratory pathogen urgently requiring effective vaccines. This study characterizes a highly pathogenic Chinese isolate to establish a feline infection model and systematically evaluate a novel inactivated vaccine. METHOD: Strain E20, selected from clinical isolates, is pathogenic to healthy cats (ID = 4.64 × 10 CFU), was formulated into an inactivated vaccine (BbIV-E20) using 0.2% formaldehyde and GEL 02 adjuvant. Ten-week-old kittens received two subcutaneous immunizations 14 days apart. At 21 days post-booster, felines were intranasally challenged with 4 × 10 CFU of strain E20. RESULTS: BbIV-E20 exhibited an excellent in vivo safety profile. Vaccinated felines achieved 100% seroconversion (IgG titers ≥1:128) by 14 days post-primary immunization. Post-challenge, BbIV-E20 conferred complete (100%) clinical protection. Compared to PBS controls-which developed severe macroscopic and microscopic respiratory lesions-immunized cats remained asymptomatic, displaying drastically reduced bacterial shedding and significantly minimized bacterial burdens across pulmonary, cardiac, hepatic, and peripheral blood tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Derived from a representative Asian isolate, BbIV-E20 is highly safe and provides robust protective immunity against feline B. bronchiseptica infection, establishing a solid foundation for the prevention and control of feline bacterial respiratory diseases.
Changes in attitudes and beliefs about childhood vaccination among parents in the United States: A repeat cross-sectional survey before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eiden AL, Zheng Y, Wang D … +1 more , Frew PM
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42217447 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Parental vaccine hesitancy and refusal worsened during the COVID-19 public health emergency, but little is known about parental attitudes toward vaccines in the post-emergency era. METHODS: Two internet-based...
BACKGROUND: Parental vaccine hesitancy and refusal worsened during the COVID-19 public health emergency, but little is known about parental attitudes toward vaccines in the post-emergency era. METHODS: Two internet-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted among parents of children aged <18 years in the United States (US) during the COVID-19 public health emergency (Survey 1; January-March 2022) and after the emergency ended (Survey 2; December 2023-March 2024). Participants were recruited from the National Health and Wellness Survey. Study participants completed a self-administered survey regarding access to vaccination services, the impact of COVID-19 on vaccination, beliefs about the value and safety of childhood vaccinations, vaccine information seeking, and vaccination practices. RESULTS: The sample size was 668 for Survey 1 and 676 for Survey 2; in both surveys, 57.2% of respondents were men. Survey 2 respondents were more concerned than Survey 1 respondents about serious vaccine side effects (mean 5-point scale, with 1 being very concerned and 5 being not at all concerned. Survey 2 vs 1: 2.55 vs 2.69; p = 0.0345) and childhood shots not being safe (Survey 2 vs 1: 2.62 vs 2.84; p = 0.0012). A higher proportion of Survey 2 than Survey 1 participants considered themselves to be "somewhat or very hesitant about childhood vaccines" (Survey 2 vs 1: 41.0% vs 33.8%; p = 0.0127). Compared with Survey 1 respondents, Survey 2 respondents were less supportive of vaccination requirements for school attendance (mean of 5-point scale, with 1 strongly disagreeing and 5 strongly agreeing. Survey 2 vs 1: 3.76 vs 3.93; p = 0.0082) and more supportive of vaccination exemptions for religious reasons (Survey 2 vs 1: 3.61 vs 3.43, p = 0.0115). Vaccine information seeking was significantly more common in Survey 2 than in Survey 1 for most information sources. CONCLUSIONS: Among US parents, hesitancy and refusal regarding childhood vaccination were more common in the post-COVID-19 emergency period than during COVID-19. Urgent action is needed to address growing parental distrust in routine childhood vaccinations.
Lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde is an independent determinant of hepatitis B vaccine response in hemodialysis patients.
Divani M, Katsanaki A, Poulianiti C … +6 more , Lykotsetas E, Balatsouka A, Makri P, Tziastoudi M, Stefanidis I, Eleftheriadis T
Vaccine · 2026 Jul · PMID 42217446 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) patients demonstrate impaired adaptive immune function, as evidenced by reduced vaccine responses. Chronic inflammation, aberrant lymphocyte activation, and increased oxidative stress have a...
BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) patients demonstrate impaired adaptive immune function, as evidenced by reduced vaccine responses. Chronic inflammation, aberrant lymphocyte activation, and increased oxidative stress have all been implicated. We investigated the associations of markers of chronic inflammation, lymphocyte activation, and oxidative stress and the levels of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs Ab) in vaccinated HD patients. METHODS: In 70 HD patients, anti-HBs Ab titers, oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), inflammatory markers CRP and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil, T-cell, and B-cell activation markers calprotectin, soluble CD25, and soluble CD23 were assessed, along with routine laboratory tests. Patients' demographic and clinical data were also recorded. RESULTS: Unexpectedly, only MDA was strongly correlated with anti-HBs Ab levels (Rho = 0.801, p < 0.001). In multivariable regression, MDA remained an independent predictor of anti-HBs Ab levels (B coefficient = 92.71; p < 0.001). Furthermore, MDA levels differed between patients with anti-HBs Ab levels below or above 10 IU/L (3.009 (1.631-4.101) vs. 4.174 (1.903-14.771) nmol/mL, p < 0.001) or 100 IU/L (3.183 (1.631-4.512) vs. 5.287 (2.859-14.771) nmol/mL, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression confirmed that MDA is an independent predictor of anti-HBs Ab levels exceeding 10 IU/L (odds ratio 2.464, p < 0.001) or 100 IU/L (odds ratio 7.767, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lipid peroxidation, as indicated by serum MDA, is independently associated with the response to hepatitis B vaccination in HD patients. Future studies should investigate whether preserved redox-dependent immune signaling may underlie effective vaccine responses in HD.
Prevalence and determinants of fully vaccinated status for COVID-19 among pregnant women in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan.
Mathur V, Schue JL, Fesshaye B … +13 more , Singh P, Miller ES, Badzi CD, Modey E, Temmerman M, Okwaro F, Souza RT, Costa ML, Jessani S, Asim M, Sauer MA, Karron RA, Limaye RJ
Vaccine · 2026 May · PMID 42215352 · Publisher ↗
Maternal immunization provides essential maternal and fetal protection for several infectious diseases. The variability in vaccination guidelines for pregnant women across countries and through the course of the COVID-19...
Maternal immunization provides essential maternal and fetal protection for several infectious diseases. The variability in vaccination guidelines for pregnant women across countries and through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the perception of both the general public and broader health care systems towards COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and moreover shaped the accessibility and decision-making trajectory of pregnant women to become fully vaccinated. As part of a larger multi-country, mixed-methods study, the purpose of this cross-sectional analysis is to assess what factors are associated with pregnant women being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan. In each country, participants were recruited from maternity hospitals and/or clinics which are representative of diverse socioeconomic and geographical strata. Data collection included cross-sectional surveys of 1,603 pregnant women and collected sociodemographic determinants of vaccine uptake along with personal COVID-19 vaccination decision-making experiences. This sub-analysis included 1,025 respondents who had ever received a COVID-19 vaccine. Adjusted regression models revealed that pregnant women who were able to choose their vaccine brand, were of older age, those with a partner, and those with a higher education level had higher odds of being fully vaccinated (defined as having the recommended dose number by country and brand). This analysis emphasizes the importance of countries providing clear, timely, and current immunization guidelines and resources for pregnant women, to ensure they are consistently educated and positively influenced to complete vaccination series for relevant infectious diseases to decrease related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
From COVAX deliveries to vaccination uptake in LMICs: a monthly panel analysis.
Qi X, Smolders C
Vaccine · 2026 Jun · PMID 42214872 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: COVAX was designed to expand COVID-19 vaccine access in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), but delivered doses did not automatically translate into vaccinations. This study examines whether recen...
BACKGROUND: COVAX was designed to expand COVID-19 vaccine access in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), but delivered doses did not automatically translate into vaccinations. This study examines whether recent COVAX deliveries were associated with monthly vaccination uptake in LMICs and whether this association varied according to countries' long-run reliance on COVAX. METHODS: We compiled a monthly panel dataset covering 66 LMICs from April 2021 to October 2022. The outcome was monthly COVID-19 vaccine doses administered per 100 population. The main explanatory variable was a two-month rolling measure of COVAX deliveries per 100 population. We estimated two-way fixed-effects models with country and month fixed effects, controlling for lagged COVID-19 mortality, policy stringency, and economic support. We also conducted robustness, timing, and heterogeneity analyses. RESULTS: Recent COVAX deliveries were positively associated with vaccination. This relationship remained visible under alternative timing specifications, while placebo‑lead tests did not show comparable patterns. However, the positive delivery-uptake association was weaker in countries with higher long-run reliance on COVAX. These findings suggest that larger recent COVAX deliveries were linked to greater uptake, but that the strength of this relationship varied across country contexts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing vaccine delivery from vaccine uptake when evaluating global vaccine initiatives. They also suggest that equitable supply mechanisms should be accompanied by stronger support for downstream implementation, delivery readiness, and country-level conditions that help convert delivered doses into vaccinations.
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