Latest news with #PeterHotez
23-05-2025
- Health
What we know about the safety, efficacy of mRNA vaccines amid recent scrutiny
Over the last several days, the safety and efficacy of messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccines have come under intense scrutiny. On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced plans to limit access to future COVID-19 shots -- two of which are mRNA vaccines -- to those aged 65 and older or with high-risk conditions. The agency will require further scientific trials to greenlight the shots for younger age groups. The agency also sent letters to both Moderna and Pfizer last month telling them to expand the warning labels on their mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to broaden the people who may be impacted by the risk of heart inflammation as a possible side effect. Infectious disease experts told ABC News that mRNA and mRNA vaccines have been studied for decades, the vaccines are safe and effective, and that the shots were instrumental in saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Here's the bottom line: mRNA vaccines for COVID, according to estimates from Yale School of Public Health, saved 3.2 million lives,' Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, told ABC News. 'So instead of 1.2 million Americans who lost their life because of COVID, it would have been a 4.4 million,' he added. 'So, I think it's unfortunate that anti-vaccine activists target mRNA vaccines like they do, but it is a good technology.' What is mRNA? mRNA was discovered independently by two teams in 1961 including French and American molecular biologists. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, said breakthroughs in developing mRNA vaccines began in the early 2000s, eventually leading to the development of COVID-19 vaccines in 2020. While most vaccines use a weakened or inactivated virus to stimulate an immune response, mRNA vaccines teach the body how to make proteins that can trigger an immune response and fight off an infection. 'The way that it works is that it doesn't even go into the nucleus [of the cell]. It enters the outside of the cytoplasm, or the watery substance outside of the nucleus, and basically instructs the cell to make proteins,' Chin-Hong told ABC News. 'But most importantly, it self-destructs in matter, at the most days, and it dies.' He continued, 'So mRNA goes away, but the products which are the most important thing -- the proteins and antibodies -- remain, and that's why we get protection.' Chin-Hong also addressed another piece of misinformation that has circulated, implying that mRNA vaccines could alter DNA in the nucleus. 'Ou cells can't convert mRNA to DNA because the mRNA doesn't enter the DNA, which is in the nucleus,' he added. How do we know it's safe? Chin-Hong said that during the large-scale clinical trials for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, in 2020 more than 70,000 people were involved in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna trials combined. Additionally, 37,000 people were involved in Moderna's clinical trials for its RSV vaccine, Chin-Hong said. Researchers found that side effects -- including fever, arm pain and swelling at the injection site -- for the COVID-19 mRNA were like those of traditional, non-RNA vaccines and they had short-term efficacy rates of more than 90%. Additional studies have found that booster safety was consistent with safety reported for primary vaccination. 'There are all these databases that are used to follow reports of people, not only in this country, they experience using vaccines, but also in other countries, many other countries as well,' Chin-Hing said. 'There have been multiple studies since 2020 showing there's no impact in fertility, stroke, all the things that people have worried about.' Hotez said no vaccine technology is perfect, including mRNA technology, but it has its advantages such as being able to be designed more quickly traditional vaccines, allowing them to be deployed quicker. He disagrees with the FDA decision to limit future COVID-19 vaccine shots because COVID has long-term consequences such as long COVID and delayed cardiovascular disease. 'I think there are many younger adults, or those under the age of 65, who are concerned enough about long COVID or downstream heart disease to want to have to be able to get the mRNA vaccine,' he said. What about myocarditis? Questions have swirled around how myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, occurs after COVID-19 vaccination. Myocarditis can cause arrhythmias, which are rapid or abnormal heartbeats. It can also cause the heart muscle to weaken, resulting in cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis -- inflammation of the sac that contains the heart -- have been observed rarely after COVID vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When they have rarely occurred, it has been among young adult males, typically between ages 18 and 29, within seven days after receiving the second dose of an mRNA COVID vaccine, the agency says. The FDA, in asking the vaccine companies to expand their warning labels, cited 'new safety information' -- data from one of the agency's safety surveillance systems and a study published in October that followed people who developed myocarditis linked to COVID vaccines. Chin-Hong said the risk of myocarditis is much higher after COVID-19 compared to after vaccination, and that contracting COVID itself is higher. 'The risk of COVID is much higher in general. If you look at it, 22 to 31 cases per million [among] 18 to 29 years old as an example,' he said. 'At the time when these vaccines are used very often in that group is 1,500 per million. So, you're talking about 22 to 31 per million versus 1.500 per million.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What we know about the safety, efficacy of mRNA vaccines amid recent scrutiny
Over the last several days, the safety and efficacy of messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccines have come under intense scrutiny. On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced plans to limit access to future COVID-19 shots -- two of which are mRNA vaccines -- to those aged 65 and older or with high-risk conditions. The agency will require further scientific trials to greenlight the shots for younger age groups. The agency also sent letters to both Moderna and Pfizer last month telling them to expand the warning labels on their mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to broaden the people who may be impacted by the risk of heart inflammation as a possible side effect. MORE: FDA plans to limit COVID shots to those over 65 or with high-risk conditions Infectious disease experts told ABC News that mRNA and mRNA vaccines have been studied for decades, the vaccines are safe and effective, and that the shots were instrumental in saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Here's the bottom line: mRNA vaccines for COVID, according to estimates from Yale School of Public Health, saved 3.2 million lives,' Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, told ABC News. 'So instead of 1.2 million Americans who lost their life because of COVID, it would have been a 4.4 million,' he added. 'So, I think it's unfortunate that anti-vaccine activists target mRNA vaccines like they do, but it is a good technology.' What is mRNA? mRNA was discovered independently by two teams in 1961 including French and American molecular biologists. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, said breakthroughs in developing mRNA vaccines began in the early 2000s, eventually leading to the development of COVID-19 vaccines in 2020. While most vaccines use a weakened or inactivated virus to stimulate an immune response, mRNA vaccines teach the body how to make proteins that can trigger an immune response and fight off an infection. 'The way that it works is that it doesn't even go into the nucleus [of the cell]. It enters the outside of the cytoplasm, or the watery substance outside of the nucleus, and basically instructs the cell to make proteins,' Chin-Hong told ABC News. 'But most importantly, it self-destructs in matter, at the most days, and it dies.' He continued, 'So mRNA goes away, but the products which are the most important thing -- the proteins and antibodies -- remain, and that's why we get protection.' Chin-Hong also addressed another piece of misinformation that has circulated, implying that mRNA vaccines could alter DNA in the nucleus. 'Ou cells can't convert mRNA to DNA because the mRNA doesn't enter the DNA, which is in the nucleus,' he added. How do we know it's safe? Chin-Hong said that during the large-scale clinical trials for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, in 2020 more than 70,000 people were involved in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna trials combined. Additionally, 37,000 people were involved in Moderna's clinical trials for its RSV vaccine, Chin-Hong said. MORE: What to know about the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines Researchers found that side effects -- including fever, arm pain and swelling at the injection site -- for the COVID-19 mRNA were like those of traditional, non-RNA vaccines and they had short-term efficacy rates of more than 90%. Additional studies have found that booster safety was consistent with safety reported for primary vaccination. 'There are all these databases that are used to follow reports of people, not only in this country, they experience using vaccines, but also in other countries, many other countries as well,' Chin-Hing said. 'There have been multiple studies since 2020 showing there's no impact in fertility, stroke, all the things that people have worried about.' Hotez said no vaccine technology is perfect, including mRNA technology, but it has its advantages such as being able to be designed more quickly traditional vaccines, allowing them to be deployed quicker. He disagrees with the FDA decision to limit future COVID-19 vaccine shots because COVID has long-term consequences such as long COVID and delayed cardiovascular disease. 'I think there are many younger adults, or those under the age of 65, who are concerned enough about long COVID or downstream heart disease to want to have to be able to get the mRNA vaccine,' he said. What about myocarditis? Questions have swirled around how myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, occurs after COVID-19 vaccination. Myocarditis can cause arrhythmias, which are rapid or abnormal heartbeats. It can also cause the heart muscle to weaken, resulting in cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis -- inflammation of the sac that contains the heart -- have been observed rarely after COVID vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MORE: Why Americans may be at risk of heart problems as COVID, flu spread: Expert When they have rarely occurred, it has been among young adult males, typically between ages 18 and 29, within seven days after receiving the second dose of an mRNA COVID vaccine, the agency says. The FDA, in asking the vaccine companies to expand their warning labels, cited 'new safety information' -- data from one of the agency's safety surveillance systems and a study published in October that followed people who developed myocarditis linked to COVID vaccines. Chin-Hong said the risk of myocarditis is much higher after COVID-19 compared to after vaccination, and that contracting COVID itself is higher. 'The risk of COVID is much higher in general. If you look at it, 22 to 31 cases per million [among] 18 to 29 years old as an example,' he said. 'At the time when these vaccines are used very often in that group is 1,500 per million. So, you're talking about 22 to 31 per million versus 1.500 per million.' ABC News' Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report. What we know about the safety, efficacy of mRNA vaccines amid recent scrutiny originally appeared on
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Manitoba becomes ground zero in Canada's measles crisis; Symptoms and treatment
IANS Diplomatic delegation, including four Canadians, seeks cover as Israeli troops fire warning shots during a tour in Jenin, West Bank A highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, thought to be nearly eliminated from Canada, has returned with alarming speed. Manitoba is under threat as it faces a surge in measles cases, marking the province's most substantial outbreak in decades. Health officials have confirmed 60 cases as of now, with four additional probable cases under investigation. The outbreak, which began with the first reported case in February, has seen a rapid escalation, with 42 new cases identified in May alone. Also Read: Measles outbreak in AlbertaExperts warn that the actual number of infections may be higher due to delays between infection and laboratory Cynthia Carr emphasized the contagious nature of measles, stating, 'This virus is very good at spreading. As a reminder, it can stay in the air two hours after the person infected with measles has been in the room and left.' Manitoba has expanded eligibility for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in response to the escalating situation. Infants aged six months to under 12 months residing in the Southern Health-Santé Sud and Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority regions, or those who travel regularly to and have close contact with residents of these areas, are eligible for an additional dose of the MMR vaccine. Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and molecular virology professor at Baylor College of Medicine, highlighted the importance of vaccination in curbing the outbreak. 'The only way to stop the flow is to bolster herd immunity and get 90-95 per cent vaccination rates. The only way you're going to slow this down is by a catch-up measles vaccination campaign,' he said. Also Read: US records over 800 confirmed cases of measles in 2025 According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there have been 1,069 measles cases reported nationwide in 2025, with 885 cases linked to a multijurisdictional outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and has since spread to Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to ensure their MMR vaccinations are up to date, as it remains the most effective tool in preventing the spread of is not just highly transmissible but also potentially severe. The complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and in severe cases, encephalitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage or even vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing infection. If exposed, monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, and white spots in the mouth, and contact a healthcare provider immediately—especially if you're unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Early medical care can reduce complications.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Manitoba becomes ground zero in Canada's measles crisis; Symptoms and treatment
A highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, thought to be nearly eliminated from Canada, has returned with alarming speed. Manitoba is under threat as it faces a surge in measles cases, marking the province's most substantial outbreak in decades. Health officials have confirmed 60 cases as of now, with four additional probable cases under investigation. The outbreak, which began with the first reported case in February, has seen a rapid escalation, with 42 new cases identified in May alone. Also Read: Measles outbreak in Alberta Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Experts warn that the actual number of infections may be higher due to delays between infection and laboratory confirmation. Epidemiologist Cynthia Carr emphasized the contagious nature of measles, stating, 'This virus is very good at spreading. As a reminder, it can stay in the air two hours after the person infected with measles has been in the room and left.' Live Events Response from the authorities Manitoba has expanded eligibility for the measles, mumps, and rubella ( MMR ) vaccine in response to the escalating situation. Infants aged six months to under 12 months residing in the Southern Health-Santé Sud and Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority regions, or those who travel regularly to and have close contact with residents of these areas, are eligible for an additional dose of the MMR vaccine . Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and molecular virology professor at Baylor College of Medicine, highlighted the importance of vaccination in curbing the outbreak. 'The only way to stop the flow is to bolster herd immunity and get 90-95 per cent vaccination rates. The only way you're going to slow this down is by a catch-up measles vaccination campaign,' he said. Also Read: US records over 800 confirmed cases of measles in 2025 Rise in measles cases across Canada According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there have been 1,069 measles cases reported nationwide in 2025, with 885 cases linked to a multijurisdictional outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and has since spread to Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to ensure their MMR vaccinations are up to date, as it remains the most effective tool in preventing the spread of measles. What is Measles? Measles is not just highly transmissible but also potentially severe. The complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and in severe cases, encephalitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. How to Stay Safe and What to Do if You're Exposed Get vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing infection. If exposed, monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, and white spots in the mouth, and contact a healthcare provider immediately—especially if you're unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Early medical care can reduce complications.
Winnipeg Free Press
21-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Demystifying science, for our own good
Opinion While we live in the most literate culture in history, science literacy continues to plummet in North America, especially among adults. We learn about science (sort of) in school, but whatever most people have learned is left behind at graduation The general public's lack of knowledge about science will have increasingly tragic consequences, however, if that trend is not reversed. A couple of weeks ago now, I went to a book event at the University of Manitoba for The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science, by Dr. Peter Hotez. Hotez is a vaccine scientist, biochemist and pediatrician from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He was in conversation with Dr. Jillian Horton, local author of We Are All Perfectly Fine: A Memoir of Love, Medicine and Healing. It was a fascinating hour on a timely topic, especially as we watch the number of measles cases increase, often in communities where parents have not immunized their children. Hotez discussed themes from his book, such as anti-vaccination activism, and the threats he (and his family) faced for his work on life-saving vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting that anti-vaxxers are only one dimension of a growing anti-science movement, he talked about the dangers this movement poses, especially in the United States, estimating that 200,000 more people died, unnecessarily, from COVID-19, because they refused available vaccinations. The anti-science movement is rooted in an increasing distrust of public institutions and the experts (like Hotez) associated with them. That distrust is reflected in various ways: Cries for 'medical freedom' are unabated by all those new (and unnecessary) cases of measles among unvaccinated people. Climate change denial persists, despite the accumulation of clear and alarming evidence that a heating planet will cause the death of millions of people, along with the sixth mass extinction of other species. This interesting event attracted fewer than 30 people, however — including the security staff — though it was held in a lecture theatre that seats 250. There was very little publicity at either UM campus; I only learned about it by accident, browsing a display in the university bookstore. Whether this lack of advertising was deliberate or not, the poor turnout speaks to how science has become a 'black-box problem' for the average citizen, and too contentious a subject (I fear) for our universities to debate in public spaces with free access and an open mic. A black-box problem is one where there are clear inputs, and definite outputs, but the process between them is hidden inside a black box. Some people claim to understand what goes on inside the box — we can call them 'experts.' Everyone else has to trust the experts' interpretation and accept whatever comes out of that black box as being true, correct, or whatever. If you don't understand what is in that black box, you have to trust the experts who do. So, on the one hand, we have scientists, who understand the processes involved and make the obvious connections between vaccination and not dying from a disease; or increasing CO2 levels, global warming and climate catastrophes. On the other hand, we have public figures (not scientists) telling people that these experts should not be trusted, that their version of what the black box tells us is wrong, and you should not believe what they say. Each side claims to know what is in the black box and what it means. So, we are forced to choose whom we trust, which people we should believe. We have apparently transformed issues of scientific information, knowledge and wisdom into issues of belief, expecting people to demonstrate faith rather than understanding in the choices they make. By doing this, we make a religion out of science, turning scientists into priests, and dividing the public between groups of believers and non-believers. Logic, method and evidence go out the window, and inflammatory rhetoric based upon opinion takes their places. For those wanting to manipulate public opinion to gain (or maintain) power or wealth, such general ignorance about science is (literally) a gold mine. What universities should be doing, for everyone in society (and not just for a few of their students), is opening that black box and revealing what is inside. But arts or business students learn nothing about science, while science students learn nothing from their humanities electives that helps them understand how science relates to society. We need programs in science, technology and society studies (or STS, found elsewhere but never in Manitoba) in which students and the general public can engage creatively with the crucial questions that will determine our collective future. We especially need universities to be institutions of learning for the general public, not just (for a short time) for those few who are fortunate enough to attend them. We need to open that black box of science and learn what we need to make important choices, based on evidence and for the right reasons, together. Our future literally depends on it. Peter Denton writes from his home in rural Manitoba.
