Matthew Hobbs, University of Canterbury; Alex Kazemi, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Lukas Marek, University of Canterbury
The last time New Zealanders even had a flu season was in 2019. The flu, along with COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, is expected to hit hard this winter.
Smallpox vaccines are effective against monkeypox.
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Humans have cultivated their own virus (vaccinia) that can be used in many vaccines. But there may be a price to pay.
The Washington National Cathedral hosted a public vaccination event in March 2021 to help demonstrate trust by faith leaders of all denominations in the COVID-19 vaccines.
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Are you due your third or fourth dose? What about your parents? What about your kids? It can be hard to keep track, so here’s the current advice.
Although the COVID-19 vaccines have saved millions of lives, they have been insufficient at preventing breakthrough infections.
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Research suggests that too-frequent immunizations may lead to a phenomenon called “immune exhaustion.”
Viewing immunity as a carpet that we weave together evokes labour and artistry, and suggests we have a role in crafting something rather than simply being acted upon by a virus.
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The metaphor of a collective “carpet of immunity” invites us to imagine immunity as a collaborative project, spreading out to protect those for whom the end of mandates means increased vulnerability.
Children are not little adults – they need time to process what is going to happen.
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The latest addition to the omicron lineage has been making waves in Europe. Whether it will do the same in the U.S. depends on rates of vaccination and prior infection.
Pregnant people are at significantly greater risk from COVID-19 than from the vaccine.
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A robust body of research finds that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy is safe and effective – and the best way to protect both mother and child from the risks of COVID-19.
A ground crew member directs the loading of a shipment of Cuba’s homegrown COVID-19 vaccines donated to Syria, on the tarmac of the Jose Marti International Airport, in Havana, on Jan. 7, 2022.
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Cuba is acting on the scientific fact that humanity will be safest when all who can be vaccinated are vaccinated. It is following the science and earning its trusted reputation.
Many celebrities have expressed concerns about bodily autonomy while refusing COVID-19 vaccination.
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South Africa is in a new phase of the COVID pandemic. But vaccination remains crucial.
Xenotransplantation is the transplanting of cells, tissues or organs from animals to humans. Pre-clinical trials of organ transplant from pigs have addressed some of the technical barriers.
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New developments in organ transplants from animals show promise. However, there has been no public engagement about a potential risk. It may streamline a pathway to humans for new zoonotic diseases.
Whether about a comet hitting the Earth or a virus infecting the world, fear-based messages often do not succeed at changing people’s behaviors.
Normalizing the use of masks by vulnerable people during flu season could save many lives, even after the threat of COVID-19 has receded.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
After two years of COVID-19, it’s understandable that many people are weary of infection prevention measures. But simply being tired of the pandemic is no reason to let our guard down.
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand