Post Archive by Month

Minor differences in neurologic symptoms seen between prevaccination infection and breakthrough infection

A vaccine that combines antigens from different flu strains could trigger a more protective immune response than a traditional influenza vaccine, wrote the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH).
Published on January 14, 2025, the NIH says findings from a recent study indicate a new method could enhance the effectiveness of annual flu shots.
The NIH explained seasonal flu shots contain hemagglutinin (HA) molecules from various viral strains. But even when the strains in the vaccine exactly match those in circulation, the vaccines have limited efficacy.

The 2024 Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) announced today that it administered more than 65 million vaccine doses in 34 Latin America and the Caribbean countries.
Since PAHO initiated VWA in 2002, the initiative has reached over 1.2 billion people, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of immunization efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The 22nd annual VWA was conducted in late April 2024, underscoring the Region's commitment to combatting vaccine-preventable diseases. Key Achievements of VWA 2024 include, but are not limited to, the following:

In the past decade, approximately 115 countries have reported Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks, with many experiencing record numbers in 2024.
For instance, between 2013 and 2023, the Region of the Americas recorded 3.7 million cases of CHIKV.
In 2024, the Pan American Health Organization set a new high by reporting over 425,134 CHIKV cases and 236 related fatalities.
Throughout Europe, Chikungunya cases have traditionally been related to international travelers visiting endemic countries.

In the past decade, approximately 115 countries have reported Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks, with many experiencing record numbers in 2024.
For instance, between 2013 and 2023, the Region of the Americas recorded 3.7 million cases of CHIKV.
In 2024, the Pan American Health Organization set a new high by reporting over 425,134 CHIKV cases and 236 related fatalities.
Throughout Europe, Chikungunya cases have traditionally been related to international travelers visiting endemic countries.

As two approved malaria vaccines ramp up production to meet demand in 2025, an innovative booster vaccine candidate has been found to enhance immunity and reduce the number of cases and related fatalities.
According to the results of a phase 2b clinical trial, the RH5.1/Matrix-MTM malaria vaccine was 55% effective in preventing clinical malaria over six months.

Highest number of symptoms reported by health care workers with Wild-type variant

Following a measurable increase last year, 2025 looks set to be a promising year for international travel. About 1.4 billion passengers were expected to fly abroad in 2024.
Today, the trade association for UK travel agents, ABTA, published its Destinations to Watch 2025 report. This report empowers international travelers with ideas and inspiration to explore lesser-known places or discover new perspectives on familiar places.
ABTA's data, published on January 8, 2025, shows that 68% of people intend to take an overseas holiday in 2025.