Vaccines

This week, review of ACIP’s latest decisions, analysis links food insecurity with higher long COVID risk, and advocacy for immune-informed antibiotic development with updated susceptibility testing.

Georges C.Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association, details practical implications for clinical teams.

Merck’s single-dose, weight-independent antibody provides about five months of protection; EC decision pending, and it is already FDA approved in the United States.

Infectious disease pediatrician Sharon Nachman, MD, offers insights on what is already being done in clinical practice with regards to vaccines, the CDC committee's votes on the MMRV and hepatitis b vaccines, and understanding how they will affect these immunizations going forward.

ACIP keeps broad access to COVID-19 vaccines, requests stronger informed-consent materials, and does not require prescriptions.

The non-vote leaves the current immunization recommendation in place, but led to further debate amongst the CDC's ACIP panelists on the hepatitis B vaccine as well as questioning the current process of the delivery of data and whether they would be utilizing working groups and grading studies.

The committee voted to change the MMRV vaccine recommendation, left panelists uncertain around a second MMRV immunization vote, and delayed the hepatitis B vaccine vote until Friday.

Today’s MMWR recommends twice-yearly subcutaneous lenacapavir for people ≥35 kg, citing PURPOSE-1/2 efficacy, a favorable safety profile with mostly mild to moderate injection-site reactions, and potential adherence benefits.

Catherine M. Stein, Evelyn Griffin, Hilary Blackburn, Kirk Milhoan, and Raymond Pollak join ACIP as the panel prepares to vote on MMRV, hepatitis B, and COVID-19 recommendations following the June reconstitution.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health updated the public on the specific local case and reminds everyone of the importance of vaccination to protect the community.

Merck reported the results for its phase 3 trial for its vaccine, Capvaxive, which was found to be noninferior to the pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for each of the 12 serotypes shared between the vaccines.

Corner Therapeutics says its "hyperactivator" adjuvant technology can offer protection against all virus strains.

CDC survey found increased vaccination coverage among adolescents in 2024, with the exception of HPV, as childhood vaccinations decline.

Results from a Danish trial of more than 330,000 adults 65 years or older found high- and standard-dose influenza vaccines had similar effectiveness against influenza or pneumonia-related hospitalizations.

Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE authorized for older adults and high-risk individuals; experts emphasize protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes.

New authorization limits shots to adults ≥65 and individuals with underlying health conditions, with ACIP set to review guidance and insurance coverage implications.

From chikungunya setbacks to COVID-19 booster guidance and childhood vaccine safety initiatives, here are the top regulatory and research developments this summer.

The American College of Cardiology is providing recommendations on the influenza, COVID-19, RSV vaccinations and others.

Regulators cite four new serious adverse event reports, halting US distribution while global access efforts continue.

New data show consistent late-summer and winter surges, reinforcing the need for seasonal vaccine timing and focused protection for high-risk groups.

The renewed federal panel aims to improve vaccine oversight and restore public trust amid declining immunization rates and ongoing concerns about vaccine ingredients.

After a three-month review, the FDA and EMA have cleared continued use of IXCHIQ in adults 60+, adding new safety warnings for elderly individuals with chronic conditions.

Low vaccine uptake, immunity gaps, and new antiviral data raise alarms ahead of a potential late-summer surge.

Study reveals notable sex-based disparities in liver complication risk among adults with cirrhosis, particularly in nonviral cases.

In a continuing trend from the last several years, a record number of families are opting out of vaccines.