Latest news with #immunizations
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Huge Study Reveals 2 Vaccines That Appear to Reduce Dementia Risk
Some immunizations may be quietly protecting us from cognitive decline. How the medicine might do that is a mystery scientists are desperate to solve. A new study on two vaccines for older adults gives us a crucial clue. The retrospective cohort study included more than 130,000 people in the US. It reveals that the shingles vaccine (called Shingrix) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (Arexyv) are associated with a reduced risk of dementia compared to the annual flu vaccine. Related: Both Shingrix and Arexyv are recommended for older adults, and they contain the AS01 adjuvant, which helps stimulate the immune system after vaccination. The flu vaccine does not. Because the link to dementia was noticed soon after receiving the jab, it's unlikely that the vaccines' protection from direct viral exposure is behind the dementia link. Instead, the findings from the University of Oxford suggest "that the AS01 adjuvant itself plays a direct role in lowering dementia risk." Within 18 months of receiving just the Shingrix vaccine, participants showed an 18 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to those who received only the flu vaccine. Meanwhile, those who received the RSV vaccine showed a 29 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to the flu vaccine. Participants who received both the Shingrix and the Arexyv vaccine showed a 37 percent reduction in risk. This combined effect was not statistically greater than one vaccine on its own. In other words, protection from two viruses didn't significantly increase the protection against dementia. The findings suggest that some vaccines "protect against dementia through mechanisms unrelated to (or at least in addition to) the prevention of their [target virus]", write the study authors, led by psychiatrist Maxime Taquet from the University of Oxford. If that's true, then certain vaccines may protect against dementia by triggering important pathways in the immune system. The conclusions align with an emerging hypothesis: that dementia is not actually a brain disease but a disorder of the immune system within the brain. Perhaps vaccines can help get that system up and running again, even if a threatening virus never comes along. In recent years, studies have shown that exposure to several common viruses, like those behind cold sores, shingles, mono, pneumonia, and COVID-19, can lead to a higher risk of cognitive decline down the road. Moreover, vaccines seem to reduce that risk by a significant amount. But why that is has remained a mystery. In 2024, for instance, a study from the United Kingdom found that Shingrix delayed dementia onset by 17 percent compared to older, less effective shingles vaccines. At the time, this was interpreted as indicating that the more effective a shingles vaccine is at reducing viral exposure, the more the brain is protected against cognitive decline. This older version of the shingles vaccine (called Zostavax), however, doesn't include the AS01 immune-booster, and that may have influenced the results. In the US, it is generally recommended that adults over the age 50 receive two doses of the shingles vaccine to protect themselves against the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chicken pox, and it can lie latent in the brain for years before re-emerging in adults. It is also recommended that adults over age 75 receive the RSV vaccine. Both of these vaccines can protect from dangerous infections, but it seems that may not be all they do. "It is likely that both the AS01 shingles and RSV vaccines provide some protection against dementia," conclude Taquet and his colleagues. "The mechanisms underpinning this protection remain to be determined." Vaccines have saved a staggering 154 million lives around the world in the last half century from deadly viruses. If we're lucky, that's just the tip of the iceberg. The study was published in npj Vaccines. Related News One Dietary Supplement Shown to Reduce Aggression by Up to 28% Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men? Here's The Science. Virus Traces Discovered in The Brain Lining of People With Schizophrenia Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- New York Times
What Do You Want to Know About Vaccines?
Are you confused about changing vaccine recommendations in the United States, or worried about whether you'll be able to get vaccines in the future? Are you concerned that insurance plans may stop covering some shots? Do you have questions about the benefits and risks of certain immunizations, or why vaccines like those that protect against hepatitis B or measles are given at specific times? The Times wants to hear from you. Reporters will review your submissions and use them to inform the stories we write. We may also contact you to hear more about your perspective. But we will never use your name or other information without first asking permission. What Do You Want to Know About Vaccines?
CBC
11-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Health-care providers urge vigilance as more measles cases confirmed in Pictou County
Heath experts encourage awareness when making summer plans as four cases of measles are under investigation in Pictou County. Dr. Cristin Muecke, the regional medical officer of health for the northern zone, said there are three lab confirmed cases and one probable case in the area. "This is still a localized situation," said Muecke. "None of the cases we've seen have been a surprise. They're all connected to each other." Muecke said health authorities have been working to identify potential contacts. Public Health is asking anyone at the following exposure sites to monitor for symptoms and get in contact if symptoms start: Aberdeen Hospital emergency department in New Glasgow on July 5 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. St. Martha's Regional Hospital emergency department in Antigonish on July 5 between 10:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Muecke said people should make sure they are up to date on immunizations before any trips or gatherings this summer. "Measles is one of the most contagious infections, so we see a high proportion of people getting infected if they are unprotected," said Muecke. At first, measles can present like a common cold. People can be contagious with the disease before telltale symptoms start. These symptoms include fever, a red blotchy rash, and small white spots that may show up inside the mouth and throat. The disease is particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems, young children and pregnant people. Measles can cause serious health issues and in the case of pregnancy, the disease can be transmitted to the fetus. It can be deadly in severe cases. Measles is a low risk to the general public because most people are protected by vaccination or have immunity due to a previous infection, according to Nova Scotia Public Health. There have been five cases of measles in Nova Scotia this year, according to figures released this week. Muecke said there has been a high uptake of vaccinations in the Pictou County region with measles vaccination clinics in New Glasgow getting a lot of visits.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health district offers required immunizations at Staunton and Waynesboro Back-to-School events
The Central Shenandoah Health District is offering school required immunizations for rising seventh and 12th graders at Back-to-School events at Staunton City Schools and Waynesboro Public Schools, according to a press release from the health district. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are Human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY and Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap). The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians. 1-6 p.m. July 20 at Embrace Community Center, 932 Fir St., Waynesboro 1-6 p.m. July 21 at Staunton High School, 1301 N. Coalter St., Staunton 'These summertime vaccine events are one of the most convenient ways for children and parents to prepare for the next school year,' said Dr. Allison Baroco, CSHD acting health director. 'Taking advantage of this opportunity now will prevent the last-minute rush as the first day of school approaches. It is important for children to be vaccinated so they may be less likely to get sick and miss school. Ultimately, this will enable them to devote more time to their academic performance and social development.' These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance, the release said. Those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children Program will not be billed. If a student has insurance, they must provide their insurance information for insurance to be billed. Only students enrolled in Staunton City Schools and Waynesboro Public Schools and their corresponding events may participate in these immunization opportunities. CSHD said it does not have any vaccination events planned at Augusta County Public Schools at this time. School required immunizations are also available at your local health department by appointment. To view or print out a copy of when a child is due for their next vaccine, visit the Virginia vaccination schedule. More: Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Police Department disbanded More: Waynesboro bookkeeper, 72, accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from business This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Health district offers required immunizations at Staunton and Waynesboro Back-to-School events
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Local health center urges parents to book school physicals early
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Wahiawā Health, a federally qualified health center, is urging parents and guardians to book school physicals for their keiki in advance. With the 2024-2025 school year finishing up, the 2025-2026 school year may seem like a ways away, but experts are saying booking appointments in advance is the best idea. Scrapped to saved: Burnt playground to be replaced in Wahiawa Wahiawā Health offers school and sports physicals, as well as immunizations and tuberculosis clearance for keiki entering preschool, beginning a new year in the K-12 system and those entering college. Immunizations are required for all students entering childcare or preschool, kindergarten, seventh grade and post-secondary school, as well as for students who are beginning school in the islands for the first time. Booking appointments ahead of time is ideal, given that appointment slots tend to fill up closer to the beginning of the school a full list of school health requirements, visit the state Department of Health website. To schedule an appointment at Wahiawā Health, call them at (808) 622-1618 and download the necessary medical forms at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
