Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

CDC Reports US Influenza Activity, New Vaccine StrainsCDC Reports US Influenza Activity, New Vaccine Strains
Influenza A (H3N2), influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, and influenza B viruses cocirculated during the 2012 to 2013 US influenza season; agency announces 2013-2014 vaccine composition. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - June 17, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases News Source Type: news

Prevailing effectiveness of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine during the 2010/11 season in Sweden.
Abstract Sixty per cent of the Swedish population received the monovalent AS03-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine in the autumn of 2009. We assessed the age-specific effectiveness of this pandemic vaccine against hospitalisation with laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 during the season 2010/11, in the age group from six months to 64 years in Sweden. The screening method was applied to available surveillance data. Our results suggest a prevailing effectiveness of 72% (95% confidence interval (CI): 63–80%) with the highest effectiveness among children, six months to nine years-old (92%, 95%CI: 80–97%)...
Source: Euro Surveill - June 17, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Widgren K, Magnusson M, Hagstam P, Widerström M, Örtqvist Å, Einemo IM, Follin P, Lindblom A, Mäkitalo S, Wik O, Österlund A, Grünewald M, Uhnoo I, Linde A Tags: Euro Surveill Source Type: research

Influenza activity - United States, 2012-13 season and composition of the 2013-14 influenza vaccine.
This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States during the 2012-13 influenza season (September 30, 2012-May 18, 2013) as of June 7, 2013, and reports the recommendations for the components of the 2013-14 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PMID: 23760189 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)
Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... - June 14, 2013 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tags: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep Source Type: research

Infection with influenza A viruses causes changes in promoter DNA methylation of inflammatory genes
ConclusionThus, the study could demonstrate that changes in promoter methylation in certain specific cytokine genes actually have a possible role in their expression changes during influenza A virus infection. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)
Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses - June 11, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sanjay Mukherjee, Veena C. Vipat, Alok K. Chakrabarti Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Deliberate reduction of HA and NA for live vaccine [Microbiology]
A long-held dogma posits that strong presentation to the immune system of the dominant influenza virus glycoprotein antigens neuraminidase (NA) and hemagglutinin (HA) is paramount for inducing protective immunity against influenza virus infection. We have deliberately violated this dogma by constructing a recombinant influenza virus strain of A/PR8/34 (H1N1) in... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - June 4, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Yang, C., Skiena, S., Futcher, B., Mueller, S., Wimmer, E. Tags: Biological Sciences Source Type: research

Risk of Narcolepsy in Children and Young People Receiving AS03 Adjuvanted Pandemic A/H1N1 2009 Influenza Vaccine: Retrospective Analysis: Miller E, Andrews N, Stellitano L, et al. BMJ 2013;346:f794.
The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of narcolepsy among children and adolescents in England associated with receiving the ASO3 adjuvanted pandemic A/H1N1 2009 vaccine (Pandemrix; GlaxoSmithKline, Middlesex, UK). (Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine - June 1, 2013 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Lauren M. Abbate Tags: Abstracts Source Type: research

Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: risk of infection in primary healthcare workers.
Conclusion A total of 22% of primary care healthcare workers were seropositive. Younger participants, those who recalled having influenza, and those who had been vaccinated against seasonal influenza were more likely to be seropositive. Working in a dedicated influenza centre was not associated with an increased risk of seropositivity. PMID: 23735413 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)
Source: The British Journal of General Practice - June 1, 2013 Category: Primary Care Authors: Hudson B, Toop L, Mangin D, Brunton C, Jennings L, Fletcher L Tags: Br J Gen Pract Source Type: research

System factors to explain H1N1 state vaccination rates for adults in US emergency response to pandemic.
CONCLUSION: Long lead-times may be a function of system structure or of efficiency and may suggest monitoring or redesign of distribution processes. Sending vaccine to sites with broad access could be useful when covering a general population. Existing infrastructure may be reflected in the maximum number of ship-to locations, so strengthening routine influenza vaccination programs may help during emergency vaccinations also. Future research could continue to inform program decisions. PMID: 23727421 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)
Source: Vaccine - May 30, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Davila-Payan C, Swann J, Wortley PM Tags: Vaccine Source Type: research

Modelling during an emergency: the 2009 h1n1 influenza pandemic
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)
Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection - May 29, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Bruce Y. Lee, Leila A. Haidari, Michelle S. Lee Tags: Invited Review Source Type: research

The autoimmune basis of narcolepsy.
Abstract Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagonic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and disturbed nocturnal sleep patterns. Narcolepsy is caused by the loss of hypocretin (orexin)-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Evidence, such as a strong association with HLA DQB1*06:02, strongly suggests an autoimmune basis targeting hypocretin neurons. Genome-wide association studies have strengthened the association between narcolepsy and immune system gene polymorphisms, including the identification of polymorphisms in the T cell receptor alpha locu...
Source: Current Opinion in Neurobiology - May 29, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Mahlios J, De la Herrán-Arita AK, Mignot E Tags: Curr Opin Neurobiol Source Type: research

Swine Flu, Bird Flu And Pandemic Vaccination
As the world prepares for what may be the next pandemic strain of influenza virus, in the H7N9 bird flu, a new UC Irvine study reveals that the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic was deadliest for people under the age of 65, while those 65 and over had greater immunity due to previous exposure to similar viruses. Deaths from flu pandemics tend to skew younger than those from seasonal flu because of "antigenic recycling," or the fact that some parts of flu viruses have already made the rounds... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - May 25, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Swine Flu Source Type: news

Research could lead to 'universal' flu vaccine
Conclusion This is promising research that takes us a step closer to developing a universal flu vaccine. Despite headlines suggesting otherwise, no universal jab has yet been developed. The researchers say that this new particle is capable of enhancing the body’s immune response compared with the currently used flu vaccine, and that the new complex offers protection against a wider variety of flu strains. It is important to remember that this research is still in its early stages. This technology development may well lead to the generation of a new type of vaccine. However, significant research is still required to move ...
Source: NHS News Feed - May 23, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Medication Heart/lungs Source Type: news

Self-assembling influenza nanoparticle vaccines elicit broadly neutralizing H1N1 antibodies
Nature advance online publication 22 May 2013. doi:10.1038/nature12202 Authors: Masaru Kanekiyo, Chih-Jen Wei, Hadi M. Yassine, Patrick M. McTamney, Jeffrey C. Boyington, James R. R. Whittle, Srinivas S. Rao, Wing-Pui Kong, Lingshu Wang & Gary J. Nabel Influenza viruses pose a significant threat to the public and are a burden on global health systems. Each year, influenza vaccines must be rapidly produced to match circulating viruses, a process constrained by dated technology and vulnerable to unexpected strains emerging from humans and animal reservoirs. Here we use knowledge of protein structure to design self-assem...
Source: Nature AOP - May 22, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Masaru KanekiyoChih-Jen WeiHadi M. YassinePatrick M. McTamneyJeffrey C. BoyingtonJames R. R. WhittleSrinivas S. RaoWing-Pui KongLingshu WangGary J. Nabel Tags: Letter Source Type: research

Singapore's First Home-Grown Influenza Vaccine In Phase 1 Clinical Trial
The vaccine based on Cytos' Virus-Like Particle technology may open the door to accelerated production of influenza vaccines in Singapore Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Switzerland's Cytos Biotechnology AG today announced that the first healthy volunteer has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial with their H1N1 influenza vaccine candidate based on Cytos' proprietary bacteriophage Qbeta virus-like particle (VLP) technology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - May 21, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Flu / Cold / SARS Source Type: news

Impact of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in a pandemic similar to the 2009 H1N1 in the United States
Conclusions: In a flu pandemic similar to the 2009--2010 H1N1, protection against the 6 additional serotypes in PCV13 would likely be effective in preventing pandemic-related PD cases, mortality, and associated costs. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - May 21, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Lisa McGarryKristen GilmoreJaime RubinKeith KlugmanDavid StruttonMilton Weinstein Source Type: research

Immunogenicity of pandemic influenza A H1N1/2009 adjuvanted vaccine in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients
Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenicity of a vaccine against this virus in a prospective cohort of transplanted pediatric patients without previous influenza infection who received one dose of MF59®‐adjuvanted pandemic H1N1/2009 vaccine. Seventeen patients who were being regularly followed up at the Outpatient Clinic of the Children's Transplant Unit (liver and kidney transplantation) in Hospital Universitari Vall d′Hebron (Barcelona) were included. Seroconversion was demonstrated in 15 of 17 (88.2%) vaccinated children. There were no rejection episodes or major adverse events. The MF59®‐adj...
Source: Pediatric Transplantation - May 20, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: J. Gavaldà, E. Cabral, P. Perez‐Romero, O. Len, T. Aydillo, M. Campins, J. Quintero, M. Peghin, J. Nieto, R. Charco, A. Pahissa, E. Cordero, Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

A*STAR and Cytos bring Singapore's first influenza vaccine to clinical testing
(Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore) Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research and Switzerland's Cytos Biotechnology AG today announced that the first healthy volunteer has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial with their H1N1 influenza vaccine candidate based on Cytos' proprietary bacteriophage Qbeta virus-like particle technology. In this first Phase 1 clinical trial, the safety and immunogenicity of this novel vaccine candidate and its potential to protect against H1N1 influenza infection will be evaluated. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - May 16, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Conserved epitopes dominate cross‐CD8+ T‐cell responses against influenza A H1N1 virus among Asian populations
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved (Source: European Journal of Immunology)
Source: European Journal of Immunology - May 16, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Jun Liu, Bin Wu, Shihong Zhang, Shuguang Tan, Yeping Sun, Zhujun Chen, Yuanfang Qin, Mingwei Sun, Guoli Shi, Ying Wu, Meiyi Sun, Na Liu, Kaida Ning, Ying Ma, Bin Gao, Jinghua Yan, Fengcai Zhu, Hua Wang, George F. Gao Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research

Does vaccine dose predict response to the monovalent pandemic H1N1 influenza a vaccine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia? A single‐centre study
ConclusionsThese data suggest that the immunogenicity of the pH1N1 vaccine among children with ALL is improved by repeated and adult doses of the vaccine. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;9999:XX–XX. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)
Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - May 16, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: T. Ronan Leahy, Owen P. Smith, Christopher L. Bacon, Lorna Storey, Paul Lynam, Patrick J. Gavin, Karina M. Butler, Aengus S. O'Marcaigh Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Update on Guillain‐Barré syndrome
This article highlights some of the interesting and thought‐provoking developments of the last 3 years, and is based a plenary lecture given at the 2012 PNS meeting. (Source: Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System)
Source: Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System - May 15, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Simon Rinaldi Tags: Review Source Type: research

Swine flu pandemic cost State €70 million
Report calls for “proportionate” response to future crises as many vaccines left unused (Source: The Irish Times - Health)
Source: The Irish Times - Health - May 13, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

New coronavirus 'likely' to spread person to person
‘WHO warns that a deadly novel coronavirus could be passed from person to person’, The Independent reports. The news – featured in much of the media – is based on the latest ‘state of play’ advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the novel coronavirus (nCV). nCV, which is genetically similar to the SARS virus, was first reported in the autumn of 2012 and appears to have originated in the Middle East. Initial symptoms of nCV are similar to a severe case of the flu and include: fever cough shortness of breath breathing difficulties Unlike flu, nCV is thought to have a high risk of causi...
Source: NHS News Feed - May 13, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Heart/lungs QA articles Source Type: news

Bipolar disease risk four times higher with prenatal flu exposure
Could prevention of maternal flu reduce the risk of bipolar disease?Related items from OnMedicaMeasles immunity fades sooner in babies of vaccinated mothersPregnant women urged to have swine flu jabStress in pregnancy may raise asthma riskSSRIs raise risk of rare neonatal hypertensionPregnancy raises risk of critical illness with swine flu (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Source: OnMedica Latest News - May 10, 2013 Category: UK Health Source Type: news

T cell memory to evolutionarily conserved and shared hemagglutinin epitopes of H1N1 viruses: a pilot scale study
Conclusions: The current study provides a compelling evidence of HA epitope specific CD4+ T cellular memory towards A (H1N1)pdm09 strain. These well-characterized epitopes could recruit alternative immunological pathways to overcome the challenge of annual seasonal flu vaccine escape. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - May 4, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Venkata DuvvuriBhargavi DuvvuriVeronica JamnikJonathan GubbayJianhong WuGillian Wu Source Type: research

Rapid research response to the 2009 A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza pandemic (Revised)
The objective of the study was to collect samples from patients with suspected or confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 infections that could be made available to the scientific community. Respiratory secretions, sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected sequentially (when possible) from patients presenting with suspected or previously confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 infections. Clinical manifestations and illness outcomes were assessed. Respiratory secretions were tested for the presence of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus by means of isolation in tissue culture and real time RT-PCR. Sera were tested for the presence and level of HAI ...
Source: BMC Research Notes - May 3, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Wendy KeitelPedro PiedraRobert AtmarGail DemmlerHana El SahlyJill BarrettRebecca HalpinRosanna LagosSusan Fisher-HochFlor Munoz Source Type: research

Scientists concerned at H7N9 bird flu outbreak that has killed 24 people
• Virus killing a fifth of those infected in China• World Health Organisation considers it a serious threatScientists are seriously concerned about a new bird flu virus that is causing severe disease in China, killing a fifth of all those it infects.So far, the virus, known as H7N9, is being transmitted only to humans from chickens, but there are worries that it could mutate into a form that could be passed from one person to another. Five mutations are known to be necessary for that to happen – H7N9 already has two of them. If that occurred, it could spread worldwide with lethal effect.According to the World Health ...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - May 1, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Sarah Boseley Tags: Bird flu Asia Pacific World news Infectious diseases Health guardian.co.uk Medical research Microbiology China Editorial Science Source Type: news

Improved high-throughput virus neutralisation assay for antibody estimation against pandemic and seasonal influenza strains from 2009 to 2011.
In conclusion, the AFRNT is rapid, highly sensitive, and fully automatable; therefore, this test is perfectly suitable for the high-throughput detection of influenza-neutralising antibodies. PMID: 23518398 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Virological Methods)
Source: Journal of Virological Methods - May 1, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Terletskaia-Ladwig E, Meier S, Enders M Tags: J Virol Methods Source Type: research

Impact of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus on Circulation Dynamics of Seasonal Influenza Strains in Kenya.
We describe virus variations from patients with influenza-like illness before and after the appearance of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Kenya during January 2008-July 2011. A total of 11,592 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from consenting patients. Seasonal influenza B, A/H1N1, A/H3N2, A/H5N1, and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Of patients enrolled, 2073 (17.9%) had influenza. A total of 1,524 (73.4%) of 2,073 samples were positive for influenza A virus and 549 (26.6%) were positive for influenza B virus. Influenza B virus predominated in 2008 and ...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - May 1, 2013 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Majanja J, Njoroge RN, Achilla R, Wurapa EK, Wadegu M, Mukunzi S, Mwangi J, Njiri J, Gachara G, Bulimo W Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research

Prolonged pruritic rash following influenza A (H1N1) vaccination.
We report a case of prolonged illness after H1N1 vaccination. PMID: 23640453 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Singapore Medical Journal)
Source: Singapore Medical Journal - April 30, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Qin Y, Thomas CK Tags: Singapore Med J Source Type: research

A simulation study to compare three self‐controlled case series approaches: correction for violation of assumption and evaluation of bias
ConclusionsViolation of the event‐independent exposure assumption leads to an overestimation of relative incidence which could be corrected by alternative SCCS approaches. In multiple exposure situations, the pseudo‐likelihood approach is optimal; the post‐exposure cases only approach is limited in handling a second exposure and may introduce additional bias, thus should be used with caution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety)
Source: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety - April 29, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Wei Hua, Guoying Sun, Caitlin N. Dodd, Silvana A. Romio, Heather J. Whitaker, Hector S. Izurieta, Steven Black, Miriam C. J. M. Sturkenboom, Robert L. Davis, Genevieve Deceuninck, N. J. Andrews Tags: Original Report Source Type: research

[Newsdesk] Implications of narcolepsy link with swine-influenza vaccine
Initial links between Pandemrix and narcolepsy seemed limited to Nordic countries, Kelly Morris takes a look at growing evidence for a further reaching effect. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)
Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases - April 27, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Kelly Morris Tags: Newsdesk Source Type: research

[Comment] Influenza vaccine and Guillain-Barré syndrome: making informed decisions
Fears about development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after influenza vaccination have hampered individual and population-level vaccine coverage rates. Uncertainties began with the 1976 H1N1 swine influenza vaccine programme, which saw an estimated relative risk of GBS of 7–8 after vaccination, although the attributable risk was probably lower. Regardless, the Institute of Medicine stated in 2004 that evidence favours a causal relation between the 1976 H1N1 influenza vaccine and GBS but in 2011 concluded the evidence was inadequate for seasonal vaccines. (Source: LANCET)
Source: LANCET - April 27, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Gregory A Poland, Caroline M Poland, Charles L Howe Tags: Comment Source Type: research

[Articles] Association between Guillain-Barré syndrome and influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent inactivated vaccines in the USA: a meta-analysis
The modest risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome attributed to vaccination is consistent with previous estimates of the disorder after seasonal influenza vaccination. A risk of this small magnitude would be difficult to capture during routine seasonal influenza vaccine programmes, which have extensive, but comparatively less, safety monitoring. In view of the morbidity and mortality caused by 2009 H1N1 influenza and the effectiveness of the vaccine, clinicians, policy makers, and those eligible for vaccination should be assured that the benefits of inactivated pandemic vaccines greatly outweigh the risks. (Source: LANCET)
Source: LANCET - April 27, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Daniel A Salmon, Michael Proschan, Richard Forshee, Paul Gargiullo, William Bleser, Dale R Burwen, Francesca Cunningham, Patrick Garman, Sharon K Greene, Grace M Lee, Claudia Vellozzi, W Katherine Yih, Bruce Gellin, Nicole Lurie, the H1N1 GBS Meta-Analysi Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Exploring Communication, Trust in Government, and Vaccination Intention Later in the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic: Results of a National Survey
Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)
Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science - April 25, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Tags: article Source Type: research

Double dose vs. standard dose influenza vaccination in patients with heart failure: a pilot study
Conclusions Higher influenza vaccine doses may elicit increased antibody-mediated responses in patients with heart failure; further studies should assess whether clinical outcomes are improved with this strategy. (Source: European Journal of Heart Failure)
Source: European Journal of Heart Failure - April 22, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Van Ermen, A., Hermanson, M. P., Moran, J. M., Sweitzer, N. K., Johnson, M. R., Vardeny, O. Tags: PHARMACOLOGY Source Type: research

Effects of age on H1N1-specific serum IgG1 and IgG3 levels evaluated during the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine season
Conclusions: In the 2011-2012 season, the pandemic (p)2009 H1N1 strain was present in the vaccine forthe third consecutive year and therefore each individual was seroprotected at t0. The peak ofthe response was at t7, suggesting a memory response characterized by a robust induction ofIgG3, which was associated with TNF-alpha and IL-6 production. Both IgG1 and IgG3 responseswere decreased by age. AID was confirmed to be a predictive biomarker of optimal vaccineresponses. (Source: Immunity and Aging)
Source: Immunity and Aging - April 22, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Daniela FrascaAlain DiazMaria RomeroNicholas MendezAna Marie LandinBonnie Blomberg Source Type: research

Effects of age on H1N1-specific serum IgG1 and IgG3 levels evaluated during the 2011¿2012 influenza vaccine season
Conclusions: In the 2011–2012 season, the pandemic (p)2009 H1N1 strain was present in the vaccine for the third consecutive year and therefore each individual was seroprotected at t0. The peak of the response was at t7, suggesting a memory response characterized by a robust induction of IgG3, which was associated with TNF-α and IL-6 production. Both IgG1 and IgG3 responses were decreased by age. AID was confirmed to be a predictive biomarker of optimal vaccine responses. (Source: Immunity and Aging)
Source: Immunity and Aging - April 22, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Daniela FrascaAlain DiazMaria RomeroNicholas MendezAna Marie LandinBonnie Blomberg Source Type: research

Intranasal vaccination with H5, H7 and H9 hemagglutinins co-localized in a virus-like particle protects ferrets from multiple avian influenza viruses.
Abstract Avian influenza H5, H7 and H9 viruses top the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of subtypes with the greatest pandemic potential. Here we describe a recombinant virus-like particle (VLP) that co-localizes hemagglutinin (HA) proteins derived from H5N1, H7N2, and H9N2 viruses as an experimental vaccine against these viruses. A baculovirus vector was configured to co-express the H5, H7, and H9 genes from A/Viet Nam/1203/2004 (H5N1), A/New York/107/2003 (H7N2) and A/Hong Kong/33982/2009 (H9N2) viruses, respectively, as well as neuraminidase (NA) and matrix (M1) genes from A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) virus...
Source: Virology - April 22, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Tretyakova I, Pearce MB, Florese R, Tumpey TM, Pushko P Tags: Virology Source Type: research

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy after influenza vaccination
A 78-year-old man with hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease and history of allergy to cephalosporine, was admitted with chest pain and dyspnea, which appeared three days after administration of anti-influenza vaccine (Fluad® Novartis, a single dose of 0.50ml i.m.; containing an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus 15μg (HA), an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus 15μg (HA), a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus 15μg (HA)). (Source: International Journal of Cardiology)
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - April 22, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Francesco Santoro, Riccardo Ieva, Armando Ferraretti, Giuseppe Carpagnano, Ilaria Pappalardo, Luisa De Gennaro, Matteo Di Biase, Natale Daniele Brunetti Tags: Online letters to the editor Source Type: research

2012 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology Consensus on vaccination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
CONCLUSIONS: The following 12 recommendations were established: 1) Before starting disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, the vaccine card should be reviewed and updated; 2) Vaccines against seasonal influenza and against H1N1 are indicated annually for patients with RA; 3) The pneumococcal vaccine should be indicated for all patients with RA; 4) The vaccine against varicella should be indicated for patients with RA and a negative or dubious history for that disease; 5) The HPV vaccine should be considered for adolescent and young females with RA; 6) The meningococcal vaccine is indicated for patients with RA only in the ...
Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia - April 18, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Prevailing effectiveness of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine during the 2010/11 season in Sweden
(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)
Source: Eurosurveillance latest news - April 10, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research

Anti-Vaccination Sentiments Spread More Easily Than Pro-Vaccination Sentiments On Twitter
On Twitter, a popular microblogging and social-networking service, statements about vaccines may have unexpected effects -- positive messages may backfire, according to a team of Penn State University researchers led by Marcel SalathÃ©, an assistant professor of biology. The team tracked the pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine messages to which Twitter users were exposed and then observed how those users expressed their own sentiments about a new vaccine for combating influenza H1N1 - a virus strain responsible for swine flu... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 6, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Immune System / Vaccines Source Type: news

On Twitter, anti-vaccination sentiments spread more easily than pro-vaccination sentiments
(Penn State) On Twitter, a research team tracked the pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine messages about a new vaccine for combating a virus strain responsible for swine flu, and then observed how Twitter users expressed their own sentiments about the vaccine. The results may help health officials improve strategies for vaccination-awareness efforts. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - April 4, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Association between H1N1 vaccination and narcolepsy-cataplexy: Flu to sleep
After the beginning of the influenza A (H1N1 pdm09) pandemic in 2009, several monovalent pandemic H1N1 vaccines were licensed using fast track procedures, with limited safety data in children and adolescents.1 Nonadjuvant monovalent vaccines were used in the United States and Australia, and on a limited scale, in Europe (France, Spain) and other countries. Within the European Union (EU), 2 different vaccines with adjuvant were licensed, both containing a new generation of squalene-based adjuvant: Focetria (Novartis, Philadelphia, PA), with the MF59 adjuvant, and Pandemrix (GSK, Philadelphia, PA), containing AS03 (squalene ...
Source: Neurology - April 1, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Kothare, S. V., Wiznitzer, M. Tags: All Pediatric, Narcolepsy, Risk factors in epidemiology EDITORIALS Source Type: research

Increased childhood incidence of narcolepsy in western Sweden after H1N1 influenza vaccination
Conclusion: Pandemrix vaccination is a precipitating factor for narcolepsy, especially in combination with HLA-DQB1*0602. The incidence of narcolepsy was 25 times higher after the vaccination compared with the time period before. The children in the postvaccination group had a lower age at onset and a more sudden onset than that generally seen. (Source: Neurology)
Source: Neurology - April 1, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Szakacs, A., Darin, N., Hallbook, T. Tags: All Pediatric, Narcolepsy, Risk factors in epidemiology ARTICLE Source Type: research

US School Morbidity and Mortality, Mandatory Vaccination, Institution Closure, and Interventions Implemented During the 2009 Influenza A H1N1 Pandemic
Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science Mar 2013, Vol. 11, No. 1: 41-48. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)
Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science - March 28, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Tags: article Source Type: research

Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of influenza A H1N1 pandemic viruses in Cuba, May 2009 to August 2010
Summary: The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was detected in Cuba in May 2009. The introduction of a new virus with increased transmissibility into a population makes surveillance of the pandemic strain to the molecular level necessary. The aim of the present study was the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains that circulated in Cuba between May 2009 and August 2010. Seventy clinical samples were included in the study. Nucleotide sequences from the hemagglutinin HA1 region segment were obtained directly from clinical samples. Genetic distances were calculated using MEGA v.5.05. A phylo...
Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases - March 26, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Alexander Piñón Ramos, Belsy Acosta Herrera, Odalys Valdés Ramírez, Amely Arencibia García, Mayra Muné Jiménez, Clara Savón Valdés, Angel Goyenechea Fernández, Grehete González, Suset I. Oropesa Fernández, Guelsys González Báez, Bárbara Her Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Canadian national surveys on pandemic influenza preparations: pre-pandemic and peri-pandemic findings
Conclusions: Results suggest Canadians trust public health officials to make difficult decisions, providing emphasis is maintained on reciprocity and respect for individual rights. Canadians also support international obligations to help poorer countries and associated efforts to save lives outside the country, even if intra-national efforts are reduced. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)
Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles - March 25, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Paul RitvoDaniel PerezKumanan WilsonJennifer GibsonCrissa GugliettiShawn TracyCecile BensimonRoss Upshur Source Type: research

Reduced antibody formation after influenza vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder treated with rituximab
ConclusionThis study shows a severely hampered humoral immune response to H1N1 influenza vaccine in patients with NMOSD treated with rituximab, although the vaccination itself is safe in these patients. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)
Source: European Journal of Neurology - March 22, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: W. Kim, S.‐H. Kim, S.‐Y. Huh, S.‐Y. Kong, Y. J. Choi, H. J. Cheong, H. J. Kim Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Potency under pressure: the impact of hydrostatic pressure on antigenic properties of influenza virus hemagglutinin
ConclusionsOur results show that pressure‐induced loss of potency is strain dependent and suggests that pressure treatment may be useful for identifying vaccine formulations that improve HA stability. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)
Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses - March 17, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Schafer L. Eichelberger, Ishrat Sultana, Jin Gao, Melkamu Getie‐Kebtie, Michail Alterman, Maryna C. Eichelberger Tags: Original Article Source Type: research