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01 / 05
Flu Jab: Single-Shot Vaccine Could Stop Future Pandemic

The Times | Vaccination

Flu Jab: Single-Shot Vaccine Could Stop Future Pandemic

“A single-shot vaccine against flu that would provide a lifetime of protection even against future mutations could be available in ‘five years or less’, scientists have said after making a breakthrough.

The researchers created a vaccine to target a 106-year-old strain of Spanish influenza that killed millions in 1918 and 1919 after the First World War.

They found that the vaccine was also effective against a strain of bird flu from the 21st century, providing protection despite the virus having undergone almost a century of evolution.”

From The Times.

Reuters | Vaccination

Vaccine Keeps Advanced Kidney Cancer from Recurring

“Patients with advanced kidney cancer who received an experimental vaccine after their tumors were removed were still cancer-free years later in a small early-stage trial, researchers reported in Nature.

These were patients ‘where you know the risk of the cancer coming back is very high,’ said Dr. Toni Choueiri of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who helped lead the study. ‘And after a median follow up of almost four years, none of the nine vaccinated patients has experienced a recurrence from their kidney cancer.’

Working with Merck, the researchers are now testing a similar kidney cancer vaccine in a randomized trial with 272 patients.”

From Reuters.

Gavi | Vaccination

Mali Rolls Out Cancer-Blocking Jab

“In a historic move, the government of Mali has introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation programme. During a ceremony held in Bamako earlier this month, and attended by numerous dignitaries and international partners, Gavi and the Ministry of Health and Social Development emphasised the importance of this initiative, terming it a significant step forward in preventing cervical cancer among Malian women.”

From Gavi.

World Health Organization | Vaccination

Cross-Border Polio Vaccination Reaches 6.5 Million Children

“Between October 3 and 6, 2024, more than 6.5 million children were vaccinated in a successful synchronized polio campaign between Kenya and Uganda. This cross-border achievement began with a coordinated launch in Bungoma District, Kenya, and Mbale District, Uganda. 

Both countries have set an exemplary standard in their recent synchronized polio vaccination campaign conducted this week, which focused on high-risk cross-border regions. By conducting these campaigns on the same dates, sharing real-time information, both countries ensured that children under five in these vulnerable areas were reached effectively, reducing the chance of cross-border virus transmission.”

From World Health Organization.