Influenza

Universal Vaccine Platform for Pandemic-Prone Viruses Announced

Donald Hackett — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:13:02 +0000

Reviewer:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) today announced the development of the next-generation, universal vaccine platform, Generation Gold Standard.

This innovation uses a beta-propiolactone (BPL)-inactivated, whole-virus platform.

Announced on May 1, 2025, the U.S. government says this initiative represents a decisive shift toward transparency, effectiveness, and comprehensive preparedness, funding the NIH’s in-house development of universal influenza and coronavirus vaccines, including candidates BPL-1357 and BPL-24910.

These vaccines aim to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of pandemic-prone viruses, including H5N1 avian influenza and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV.

“Our commitment is clear: every innovation in vaccine development must be grounded in gold standard science and transparency, and subjected to the highest standards of safety and efficacy testing,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Generation Gold Standard, developed exclusively by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:

Recalibrates America’s pandemic preparedness. Unlike traditional vaccines that target specific strains, BPL-inactivated whole-virus vaccines preserve the virus’s structural integrity while eliminating infectivity.

This approach induces robust B and T cell immune responses and offers long-lasting protection across diverse viral families. Moreover, the intranasal formulation of BPL-1357 is currently in Phase Ib and II/III trials and is designed to block virus transmission—an innovation absent from current flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Embodies efficient, transparent, and government-led research. The BPL platform is fully government-owned and NIH-developed. This approach ensures radical transparency, public accountability, and freedom from commercial conflicts of interest.

Marks the future of vaccine development. In addition to influenza and coronavirus, the BPL platform is adaptable for future use against respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza.

It also offers the unprecedented capability to protect against avian influenza without inducing antigenic drift, a major step forward in proactive pandemic prevention.

“Generation Gold Standard is a paradigm shift,” added NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. “It extends vaccine protection beyond strain-specific limits and prepares for flu viral threats – not just today’s, but tomorrow’s as well – using traditional vaccine technology brought into the 21st century.”

Clinical trials for universal influenza vaccines are scheduled to begin in 2026, with FDA approval targeted for 2029. The intranasal BPL-1357 flu vaccine, currently in advanced trials, is also on track for FDA review by 2029.

Sub Title:

Generation Gold Standard uses a beta-propiolactone inactivated, whole-virus platform

Reference:

HHS, NIH Launch Next-Generation Universal Vaccine Platform for Pandemic-Prone Viruses

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Building Better Flu Shots Based on Antibody Responses and Genetics

Donald Hackett — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:06:18 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

A vaccine that combines antigens from different flu strains could trigger a more protective immune response than a traditional influenza vaccine, wrote the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH).

Published on January 14, 2025, the NIH says findings from a recent study indicate a new method could enhance the effectiveness of annual flu shots.

The NIH explained seasonal flu shots contain hemagglutinin (HA) molecules from various viral strains. But even when the strains in the vaccine exactly match those in circulation, the vaccines have limited efficacy.

This is because most vaccinated people produce antibodies against only one of the vaccine strains.

This "subtype bias" has two plausible explanations.

One is that prior exposure to a particular flu strain primes the immune system to respond to that strain later. Another is that variation in people's genes for key immune system components affects the vaccine response.

A research team led by Dr. Mark Davis at Stanford University School of Medicine examined the relative contributions of these mechanisms to flu vaccine responses. They aimed to use this information to develop a vaccine, limiting the biased response.

Their results, partly funded by NIH, appeared in Science on December 20, 2024.

The Editor's Summary says, 'Mallajosyula et al. gathered data from monozygotic twins and vaccinated newborns and found that biased antibody responses toward particular influenza strains found within a vaccine were more strongly linked to genetics.'

'In mouse models and a human organoid system, delivering antigens from four distinct influenza strains in a format in which they were coupled together through a scaffold increased the production of antibodies toward each strain.'

'Broader responses were correlated with increased diversity of helper T cells that support B cells in making antibodies.'

This conclusion suggests 'that coupling of heterologous antigens improves antibody responses across influenza strains by broadening T cell help... using this approach substantially improved the antibody response to avian influenza.'

"Overcoming subtype bias this way can lead to a much more effective influenza vaccine, extending even to strains responsible for bird flu," Dr. Davis stated.

A meta-analysis of flu vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies from 2017 through 2022, published in the journal Vaccines on February 28, 2024, showed that the real-world effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination averaged 41.4%. The flu shot VE varied substantially by virus type and age group.

In August 2024, the U.S. CDC updated its 'Past Seasons' VE Estimates' chart.

As of January 2025, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists can offer patients up to nine influenza vaccines for the 2024-2025 flu season.

Sub Title:

Antigens from multiple influenza subtypes can broaden antibody and T cell responses

References:

Coupling antigens from multiple subtypes of influenza can broaden antibody and T cell responses

Building a better flu vaccine - NIH

US CDC - Adjusted vaccine effectiveness estimates for influenza seasons from 2004-2024

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by Steve Buissinne

Texas' Updated Respiratory Disease Dashboard Offers Real-Time Vaccination Insights

Donald Hackett — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:41:34 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today announced that it has updated its Interactive Respiratory Disease Dashboard to include updated hospitalization reporting and more visual features.

DSHS's dashboard, launched in January 2024, also includes information on emergency department visits, fatalities from influenza, and other respiratory viruses and is accessible through the Texas Health Data website.

Texans and healthcare professionals can use the information to gain real-time, actionable insights, which is essential at this time of year. Last week, Texas influenza-like illness activity increased to 'moderate,' with some neighboring states, including Louisiana, reporting 'high' levels.

In addition to the dashboard, DSHS publishes a weekly Texas Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report with laboratory results, outpatient influenza-like illness surveillance, regional and county-level data, and more.

"These great tools help us show you what is happening regarding respiratory illnesses in your community with data and easy-to-follow visuals," said DSHS Chief State Epidemiologist Varun Shetty, MD, MBA, MS, in a media release on December 9, 2024.

"Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to stay safe this season."

The respiratory virus season traditionally runs from October to May, and DSHS recommends that Texans get immunized to protect themselves and their families from severe illness, hospitalization, and even death.

From an availability perspective, over 92 million flu shots have been distributed in the U.S., targeting the 2024-2025 flu season. These vaccines are generally available at health clinics and community pharmacies throughout Texas.

"With this new DSHS information, pharmacists on main-street can easily communicate the latest respiratory trends to their patients,' said Jeanne Waggener, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin and an Honorary Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy.

"These last weeks of December are the peak time for viruses to spread, especially with family and work celebrations bringing people together. It's essential everyone speaks with their pharmacist about medications and vaccine options," added Waggener.

Additionally, the U.S. CDC encourages international travelers to speak with a travel vaccine expert about vaccination options at least one month before traveling abroad for the winter holidays.

Sub Title:

Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard

References:

Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard

Texas Health officials update features and content on respiratory illness dashboard

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Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard 2024

It's the Best Week to Protect Yourself from the Flu

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:06:42 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

As the flu season picks up, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) will be observed December 2-6, 2024, a reminder for most everyone that there’s still time to get a flu shot this season.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a national awareness week highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination for yourself and others.

A recent study concluded that the risk of secondary influenza infection among unvaccinated household members is approximately 15% to 20% after a person infected with the influenza virus introduces it into households.

The CDC says vaccination is essential for people at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including pregnant women and young children.

Millions of children get sick with the flu yearly, and thousands are hospitalized.

During the 2023-24 flu season, 206 children died from influenza.

Since flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk from any influenza virus. A flu vaccine is the only vaccine that protects against flu and has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

This season, access to flu shots is as close as a community pharmacy, with over 92 million vaccines already distributed this year.

Together, we can use NIVW as a nationwide call to get more people vaccinated against the flu, the more people are protected from the flu, wrote the CDC.

Sub Title:

Over 200 pediatric influenza related fatalities last season

Reference:

CDC - National Influenza Vaccination Week

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US CDC December 2, 2024

Flu Shots Help Stop Spreading Influenza at Home

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 22:17:51 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

With Thanksgiving gatherings planned for late this week, a new study suggests that everyone should get their annual flu shots.

A recent study concluded that the risk of secondary influenza among unvaccinated household contacts is approximately 15% to 20% after a person infected with the influenza virus introduces it into households.

This prospective case-ascertained household transmission study was conducted at two sites during three consecutive influenza seasons with daily data collection and respiratory specimens following the introduction of infections in the households; researchers observed a substantial risk of subsequent influenza virus infection among household contacts.

According to this JAMA Network Original Investigation, published on November 21, 2024, the secondary infection risk of influenza infection among household contacts was 18.8% (95% confidence interval, 15.9% to 22.0%).

And the estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of flu shots for preventing secondary infections among household contacts was 21% (95% CI, 1.4% to 36.7%).

The estimates of VE against any influenza virus infection in the present study were lower than those generated from surveillance of medically attended illness.

The U.S. CDC influenza VE network estimated that vaccines' overall effectiveness in preventing medically attended influenza was 38%, 29%, and 39% in 2017 to 2018, 2018 to 2019, and 2019 to 2020 flu seasons, respectively.

This study's observations of relatively modest VE against infection could suggest that vaccines confer different degrees of protection against infection than more severe outcomes or that VE is lower in close contact environments like households.

Vaccines can confer higher protection against severe outcomes like hospitalization than against outpatient visits. They may confer better protection against severe outcomes during years of close antigenic match between the circulating virus and the vaccine strain.

As of late November 2024, various flu shots have been approved for this year's flu season.

From an availability perspective, the CDC reported over 92 million flu shots had been distributed in the U.S., targeting the 2024-2025 flu season. These vaccines are generally available at health clinics and pharmacies throughout the U.S.

Sub Title:

Influenza vaccination prevents secondary infections

Reference:

Estimated Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines in Preventing Secondary Infections in Households

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$34 Million Funds Sixth Avian Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Award

Donald Hackett — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:21:36 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

As the United States continues reporting avian influenza cases in animals and people, the U.S. government is making another investment in pandemic prevention vaccines.

The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and their transmission to animals and humans poses a significant global public health threat.

CSL Seqirus recently announced it had been selected by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to fill and finish additional pre-pandemic vaccine doses as part of the National Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Stockpile (NPIVS).

The NPIVS utilizes the HHS Influenza Risk Assessment Tool to identify and evaluate potential pandemic influenza virus threats.

Under the terms of the $34 million award, CSL Seqirus will deliver approximately three million finished doses of MF59®-adjuvanted H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccine and manufacture an additional lot of H5N8 antigen.

Recent evidence produced by the U.S. CDC indicates both the H5N1 strain and the H5N8 strain are similar to A(H5N1) strains circulating among U.S. dairy cattle. It suggests that both strains could induce protection in vaccinated people.

Avian influenza viruses do not usually infect humans; however, humans have been infected with them in rare cases.

The U.S. latest acquisition of a pre-pandemic vaccine will further supplement BARDA's stockpile of vaccines to support the U.S. government's pre-pandemic response to avian influenza.

"Although the risk to Americans from influenza A(H5) virus infection remains low, we're leaning forward with our preparedness efforts," said BARDA Director and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Gary Disbrow, Ph.D, in a press release.

CSL Seqirus' manufacturing facility utilizes a highly scalable production method. It is positioned to deliver 150 million influenza vaccine doses within six months of a pandemic declaration to support an influenza pandemic response.

"As a global leader in pandemic preparedness, this new award from BARDA emphasizes the value of collaboration in tackling global health threats as they emerge," said Marc Lacey, CSL Seqirus, Global Executive Director for Pandemic, in a press release on October 4, 2024.

"We're proud to be a pandemic partner to over thirty governments globally and to do our part to help safeguard and protect public health."

According to a Brief Communication published in July 2024 by Nature Medicine, the stockpiled US-licensed adjuvanted H5N1 vaccines generate cross-neutralizing antibodies against circulating HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in humans and may be helpful as bridging vaccines until updated H5N1 vaccines become available.

As of October 6, 2024, U.S. FDA-approved avian influenza vaccines, such as Audenz™, are not commercially available. Furthermore, the FDA says annual flu shots are unlikely to protect people during avian influenza (bird flu) pandemics.

Sub Title:

CSL Seqirus Audenz vaccine protect people from disease caused by the influenza A virus H5N1

References:

$34 million investment is the sixth avian influenza pandemic preparedness award made to CSL Seqirus by BARDA

Licensed H5N1 vaccines generate cross-neutralizing antibodies against highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus

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Vaccinated Children Can Die From Influenza

Karen McClorey Hackett — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:53:08 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases recently reported two additional flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths for the 2023-2024 season to 199.

As of September 18, 2024, this number equals the previous high reported during the 2019-2020 flu season. It's a profoundly tragic reminder that influenza can cause severe illness, even after a child has been vaccinated.

Before the recent pandemic, the record low for pediatric deaths in the U.S. was 37 during the 2011-2012 flu season.

The CDC's data also revealed that of the 158 children eligible for a flu shot, 131 (83%) were not fully vaccinated for whom vaccination status was known. Among these deaths, 126 were between 5 and 17 years of age and eligible for an annual flu shot.

CDC estimates show that flu vaccination last season reduced flu-related hospitalization by about 50% for vaccinated children.

Of the 189 pediatric deaths that were among children with known information on medical conditions, 49% had at least one pre-existing medical condition.

Unfortunately, influenza vaccine uptake among children lags compared to previous seasons.

Specifically, vaccinations for the 2023-2024 season (53.9%) for all children were about 2.2% lower than last flu season and 8.5% lower than in May 2020.

Adults are also getting fewer flu shots. The CDC reported that on May 25, 2024, about 48% of U.S. adults received a flu shot.

Regarding the vaccine choice, availability, and timing:

Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists can offer patients up to nine influenza vaccines this flu season.
And as of August 2024, about 158 million flu vaccines had been distributed during the 2023-2024 season. These vaccines are generally offered at health clinics and pharmacies beginning in August each year.
Over the past thirty-six flu seasons, peak influenza activity occurred around January and February. This indicates that some children may need a second vaccination to ensure continued protection later in the flu season.

Regarding vaccine effectiveness (VE), a meta-analysis of studies conducted from 2017 through 2022 and published in the journal Vaccines in February 2024 showed real-world seasonal flu shots VE averaged 41.4%.

However, flu shot VE varied substantially due to factors such as virus type, age, health status, access to hospitals, and vaccination timing.

Both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend annual flu shots for all children without medical contraindications starting at six months of age.

Moreover, your healthcare provider can share local influenza season insights that can reduce vaccination concerns and future flu-related fatalities.

Sub Title:

Pediatric influenza deaths influenced by vaccination timing, medical condition, hospital access

References:

Flu Deaths in Children Last Season Reach 199

US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 36

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US CDC pediatric mortality surveillance information Sept 2024

Digital Platform Helps Simplify Access to U.S. Healthcare and Vaccinations

Donald Hackett — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:25:18 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

A recent American Academy of Physician Associates poll found that 65% of Americans say coordinating and managing healthcare is overwhelming and time-consuming, and 73% feel that the healthcare system fails to meet their needs.

Further, most patients want more digital options for managing their care.

To address these concerns, Pfizer Inc. today introduced PfizerForAll, a digital platform designed to make access to healthcare and managing health and wellness more seamless for people across the U.S.

Announced on August 27, 2024, the new, end-to-end user experience will support the millions of Americans affected annually by common illnesses like migraine or flu.

PfizerForAll supports those seeking to protect themselves with adult vaccinations.

Pfizer is working within the existing U.S. healthcare system and partnering with a growing network of healthcare organizations to launch and develop PfizerForAll.

The Company says by bringing together critical resources and services into a single destination, PfizerForAll helps individuals and their families cut down on time and steps needed to take essential health actions like getting care, filling prescriptions, and finding potential savings on Pfizer medicines.

Patients will be able to use existing insurance and pharmacy programs and will also benefit from new direct services from partners, including UpScriptHealth, Alto Pharmacy, and Instacart.

“People often experience information overload and encounter roadblocks when making decisions for themselves or their family in our complex and often overwhelming U.S. healthcare system. This can be extremely time-consuming and lead to indecision or inaction – and as a result, poor health outcomes,” said Aamir Malik, Executive Vice President and chief U.S. Commercial Officer at Pfizer. in a press release.

“We are pleased to offer PfizerForAll to help relieve this burden on people, especially as we enter the fall season in the U.S., and streamline the path for those seeking better health.”

PfizerForAll is responding to an acute need in the U.S. healthcare landscape.

Pfizer also confirmed it will continue to expand and develop PfizerForAll to improve the healthcare experience for people in the U.S., potentially addressing a broader range of needs and conditions. Visitors to PfizerForAll.com can register to receive regular updates on new features, partners, and services.

Sub Title:

PfizerForAll connects people with healthcare professionals and schedule vaccine appointment

Reference:

Pfizer Aug. 27, 2024

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Pfizer PfizerForAll website August 2024

194 Pediatric Influenza Fatalities Surpass Previous Flu Seasons

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:10:11 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

As the United States enters another flu season, looking back at previous data highlights why vaccinations are essential to protecting children.

In the FluView Key Updates for Week 33, ending August 17, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that 194 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were confirmed during the 2023-2024 flu season.

This data exceeds the National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance (NCHS) data reported for the previous three flu seasons: 186, 49, and 1.

These flu-related pediatric deaths generally peak around week #52, the Christmas holiday season, when schools are closed and families gather.

From a city perspective, the Walgreens Flu Index publishes market-specific information regarding last season's flu activity.

As of Walgreen's last report (04/27/2024), the three leading cities reporting populations experiencing the highest incidence of flu activity were located in Texas:

El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas

At the state level, the Texas Department of State Helath Services reported good news for the 2023-2024 Influenza Season. No pediatric (under 17 years of age) deaths were related to influenza.

Unfortunately, about 18% of young people in Texas received a flu shot last season.

While the 2024-2025 flu shots have changed their composition, access to them has not.

“Vaccination is the number one way to protect against respiratory illnesses. We know immunizations can often fall off the to-do list. Still, it’s important for everyone to take the time to get all recommended vaccines this fall..... schedule an appointment today," commented Samantha Picking, Walgreens Director of Immunizations, on August 22, 2024.

Walgreens stated that pharmacies are the cornerstone and front door to healthcare for many Americans and continue to serve as the most convenient, trusted, and accessible place for people to get the prevention, testing, and treatment they need throughout respiratory illness season.

Physician offices and pharmacies have already received shipments, and many offer digital vaccination appointment scheduling. During this flu season, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists can provide patients with up to nine trivalent influenza vaccines.

As of August 2024, the CDC says most flu shots will be thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced vaccine (91%), and about 21% will be egg-free.

Last season, over 37 million doses were administered in retail pharmacies, and physicians' medical offices administered an estimated 25 million flu shots.

In 2024, the CDC's Vaccines For Children program funded most pediatric vaccinations for children aged six months to 17 years.

Sub Title:

Nine trivalent influenza vaccines are offered in the United States

References:

US CDC 2023-24 Influenza Season Week 33 ending Aug 17, 2024

Walgreens Flu Index 2024

TDSHS Influenza death Data 2024

US CDC Vaccine Administration 2023-2024 Texas

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US CDC Influenza Index August 17, 2024

Maximizing Children Health Starts with Vaccinations

Karen McClorey Hackett — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 17:37:43 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Whether diseases start at home or school, parents can take action today to protect their children against viruses such as influenza and measles.

In the United States, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has effectively removed a significant barrier to protecting children from diseases by eliminating financial costs for eligible children.

According to the U.S. CDC's Vital Signs MMWR dated August 13, 2024, approximately 52.2% of U.S. children were eligible for the VFC program. The remaining children may be eligible for various vaccine discount programs from non-profits and pharmaceutical companies.

Since 1994, the VFC program has been crucial in increasing and maintaining high levels of childhood vaccination coverage for 30 years. However, in late 2024, there are still gaps in vaccination coverage.

In 2023, VFC distributed over 74 million doses of pediatric vaccines to participating healthcare providers.

The CDC emphasized the need for enhanced efforts to ensure that parents and guardians of VFC-eligible children are informed, confident, and capable of obtaining all recommended vaccines on the current schedule.

During a related Vital Signs Telebriefing, Dr. Deborah Houry, CDC chief medical officer, commented, "Routine vaccination of children born during 1994 to 2023 will have prevented 508 million illnesses, saved over 1 million lives, and saved nearly 2.7 trillion in societal costs."

"This means that every dollar spent on childhood immunizations results in a savings of approximately $11."

"Vaccines have saved lives for over 100 years, but serious disease is still a major threat to those unvaccinated. Getting vaccinated on time is essential throughout childhood and with back-to-school around the corner."

"And this is where healthcare providers have such a key role, is ensuring that confidence and having conversations with parents, and this is where media also has an important role in increasing confidence in the science that we do and promoting the need for vaccines, particularly as all of our kiddos are going back to school."

Sub Title:

Children vaccination programs include no cost access

References:

Vital Signs: Trends and Disparities in Childhood Vaccination Coverage by Vaccines for Children Program Eligibility

Vital Sings Telebriefing Aug. 13, 2024

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Age Groups:

Pre School

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US CDC Vital Signs August 13, 2024

40% of Children Infected with Human Parvovirus B19

Karen McClorey Hackett — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:14:19 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today issued Health Alert Network Health Advisory (CDCHAN-00514) confirming increases in human parvovirus B19 activity in the United States and Europe.

Parvovirus B19 is a seasonal respiratory virus transmitted through respiratory droplets by people with symptomatic or asymptomatic infection.

In the first quarter of 2024, public health authorities in 14 European countries observed unusually high numbers of parvovirus B19 cases.

Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, and Slovakia) reported an increase in reactive test results for B19V in their donor populations during 2024 compared to 2023.

And in the United States, the CDC has received reports in the United States indicating increased parvovirus B19 activity.

The proportion of people in the U.S. with IgM antibodies, an indicator of recent infection, increased among all ages from <3% during 2022–2024 to 10% in June 2024.

The most significant increase was observed among children aged 5–9 years, from 15% during 2022–2024 to 40% in June 2024.

The prevalence of pooled samples with parvovirus B19 DNA >104 IU/mL among plasma donors increased from 1.5% in December 2023 to 19.9% in June 2024.

Unfortunately, as of August 13, 2024, Parvovirus B19 infection is not under systematic surveillance in the U.S. and most of Europe; therefore, a full assessment of the situation is impossible.

Furthermore, no preventive vaccines targeting Parvovirus B19 infection are available in Europe or the U.S.

The CDC recommends core prevention strategies to prevent respiratory illness, including practicing good hand hygiene and promoting cleaner air to reduce the spread of parvovirus B19 and other respiratory viruses.

Historically, people working in schools and close contact with children have had a high occupational risk of infection. Parvovirus B19 infection usually causes no symptoms or mild illness.

The CDC writes that about 50% of adults have detectable antibodies by age 20 and more than 70% by age 40. Antibodies from prior infection are thought to protect against reinfection.

Parvovirus B19 infection can lead to adverse health outcomes among people without pre-existing immunity who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chronic hemolytic disorders.

Most fetal parvovirus B19 infection cases during pregnancy resolve spontaneously without adverse outcomes. However, the risk of an adverse fetal outcome is about 5–10% and is highest when acute infection occurs between gestational weeks 9–20.

Treatment for acute infection in the pregnant individual is supportive, and management includes monitoring for and treating severe fetal anemia.

Furthermore, parvovirus B19 can cause chronic or transient aplastic anemia among people with severely immunocompromising conditions. Red blood cell transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulin are the mainstays of treatment for aplastic anemia.

The CDC's alert says, 'ensure that healthcare providers are aware of increasing parvovirus B19 activity and identify people at higher risk of severe parvovirus B19 outcomes.'

Sub Title:

B19V infections detected in 14 European countries and United States in 2024

References:

CDC - Human Parvovirus B19 Activity in the United States

ECDC assessment Parvovirus B19 infection

CDC - About Parvovirus B19

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89% of Consumers Continue Trusting Pharmacists Communications

Donald Hackett — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:33:44 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

As the Fall 2024 respiratory season approaches, recent studies reveal disparities in who consumers trust regarding medical information.

According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Pharmacy 16th Study released today, overall satisfaction with mail-order pharmacies is rising steadily this year.

Meanwhile, chain drug stores have seen their overall satisfaction scores slide far below the brick-and-mortar category average,

One highlight from this J.D. Power study announced on July 30, 2024, was that brick-and-mortar pharmacies excel in pharmacists’ communication with customers. About 89% of respondents indicated their pharmacist’s explanation was understood—a significant positive change from 2023.

However, just 18% of mail-order customers say their pharmacy offers a well-designed digital experience, indicating that they are losing ground on providing a digital experience that meets customers’ expectations.

Customers cite confusion about whether digital pharmacies would work with their current insurance, trustworthiness, and lack of use among friends and family as the most significant barriers to adoption.

"The critical link that may allow brick-and-mortar pharmacies to keep pace with the rise of mail order and digital pharmacies is the familiarity that customers have with their pharmacist,” said Christopher Lis, managing director of global healthcare intelligence at J.D. Power, in a press release.

According to this ranking from 13,505 pharmacy customers who filled prescriptions within the past 12 months and were fielded from September 2023 through May 2024, Good Neighbor Pharmacy ranked highest among brick-and-mortar chain drugstore pharmacies for an eighth consecutive year.

Health Mart ranked second, and Rite Aid Pharmacy ranked third.

Separately, an Orginal Investigation published by The JAMA Network on July 31, 2024, discussed that among more than half a million adult survey responses between April 2020 and January 2024, the trust in physicians and hospitals decreased from 71% to 40% throughout the recent pandemic.

A lower level of trust was associated with a decreased likelihood of vaccination across all sociodemographic groups.

These researchers stated that these associations were not explained by political affiliation nor fully accounted for by trust in science, suggesting some specificity for medicine per se.

While these studies indicate the rapid changes in how people view their healthcare provider in 2024, it's essential to reflect on how many lives have been saved over the decades by the appropriate use of vaccines.

Sub Title:

Retail pharmacists excel in communication with customers

References:

Chain Drug Stores Fall Behind, J.D. Power Finds

JAMA - Trust in Physicians and Hospitals During the Pandemic

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$5 Million Funds Flu Shots for Farm Workers

Karen McClorey Hackett — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 21:02:23 +0000

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Robert Carlson, MD

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that it would spend $5 million to purchase influenza vaccines for farm workers to address concerns about avian influenza in dairy cows and poultry.

The CDC says avian influenza, or "bird flu," is a contagious viral disease.

According to the AP, the U.S. government will promote the new quadrivalent and trivalent flu shots to 200,000 people working in this industry sector.

Last flu season, about 158 million flu vaccines were distributed in the U.S.

“We want to do everything we can to reduce the risk that the (highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5)) virus may change,” said the CDC’s Dr. Nirav Shah during a conference call on July 30, 2024.

However, Dr. Shah added that annual flu shots do not protect people against avian influenza viruses but reduce the spreading of seasonal influenza viruses and may reduce coinfections.

Additionally, U.S. officials have been discussing offering new H5N1 vaccines to farm workers, but no decision has been made. Based on available data, the DC’s current assessment is that the risk of H5N1 to the general public remains low.

The CDC recommends avoiding unprotected exposure to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, foxes, bears, seals, other domesticated birds, and dairy cows.

Before 2024, a Colorado poultry worker reported the only human case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. in April 2022.

Sub Title:

Seasonal influenza vaccines do not protect people from avian influenza viruses

References:

CDC Confirms Human Cases of H5 Bird Flu Among Colorado Poultry Workers

USDA - Avian Influenza

US HHS news July 2024

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Mortality Due to H5N1 Human Infections Could Decrease by Switching Receptor

Don Hackett — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:11:16 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The Lancet Infectious Disease recently published a Correspondence offering insights regarding the current influenza A(H5N1) outbreak in dairy cattle and poultry, raising concerns about increased risk for sustained human-to-human transmission.

On July 24, 2024, these researchers wrote that avian influenza viruses' increasing host range and ability to spread between mammals and humans raise concerns about a potential pandemic risk. This pandemic risk is a concern as mortality was 52% of the 876 influenza A(H5N1) cases reported in Europe since 2002.

Our experience from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was that admissions to intensive care were due to H1N1 pneumonia.

They argue that the high mortality might be due to an H5N1 virus pneumonia, and should the H5N1 switch to the upper airway receptor for human influenza (H1, H2, and H3), α2,6-sialic acid (SA α2,6), we hypothesize that the mortality would be lower because most infections would be restricted to the upper respiratory tract infections and only in rare cases pneumonia.

The influenza virus hemagglutinin protein binds to sialic acid receptors on the host cells, which can be either SA α2,3 or SA α2,6. SA α2,3 is found on specific human tissues, especially lung alveoli, and conjunctiva, while SA α2,6 is predominantly found in the upper respiratory tract of humans.

The avian influenza virus uses the SA α2,3 receptor, whereas the three human influenza viruses (H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2) use the SA α2,6 receptor.

These researchers say Avian influenza can occasionally cross the species barrier from animals to humans. This transmission likely requires exposure to a high number of avian influenza viruses for the virus to reach the SA α2,3 receptor in the alveoli, after which the infected person will develop diffuse, double-sided pneumonia.

Receptor distribution also explains why conjunctivitis has been reported in at least three of the five reported human H5N1 cases infected from cattle in the USA.

Therefore, we hypothesize that if the H5N1 virus switched receptor preference from SA α2,3 to the human upper respiratory receptor SA α2,6, the virus might cause a less severe upper respiratory infection, and the mortality rate would decrease because most cases would no longer be due to influenza virus pneumonia.

Even if mortality were lower due to receptor switching, widespread transmission could still lead to a substantial healthcare burden and morbidity and mortality due to potentially high numbers of concurrent cases.

These researchers were supported by a Danish National Research Foundation grant and declared no competing interests.

The complete, unedited article is posted at this link.

As of July 30, 2024, various governments have invested in producing avian influenza vaccines, which would become available during a bird flu or cow flu pandemic.

Sub Title:

Avian influenza mortality might be due to a H5N1 virus pneumonia

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Mortality of H5N1 human infections might be due to H5N1 virus pneumonia and could decrease by switching receptor

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$150 Million Accelerates Scientific Concepts Starting in Respiratory and Immunology Medicines and Vaccines

Donald Hackett — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:33:04 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

GSK plc and Flagship Pioneering today announced they have entered a collaboration to discover and develop a portfolio of future transformational medicines and vaccines, starting in respiratory and immunology.

This alliance combines GSK’s disease area expertise and development capability with Flagship’s ecosystem of bioplatform companies, including its novel modalities and technologies, to make significant advances in healthcare.

GSK and Flagship will initially fund up to $150 million upfront to support an exploration phase to identify the most promising concepts for further research and development with Flagship’s bioplatform companies.

From these explorations, the collaboration aims to identify a portfolio of up to 10 novel medicines and vaccines which will each be subject to an exclusive option by GSK for further clinical development.

Under the terms of the agreement, Flagship and its bioplatform companies will be eligible to receive up to $720 million in upfront, development and commercial milestones from GSK, as well as preclinical funding and tiered royalties, for each acquired program.

Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said: “Together with Flagship, we will use science and technology to deliver best-in-class innovation at pace. We look forward to partnering with the talented team at Flagship, and their ecosystem of bioplatform companies, to further accelerate our pipeline and discover practice-changing medicines and vaccines for patients.”

Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $75 billion in aggregate value. To date, Flagship has deployed over $3.8 billion in capital toward the founding and growth of its pioneering companies alongside more than $27 billion of follow-on investments from other institutions.

Sub Title:

Collaboration of GSK disease area expertise with Flagship 40 bioplatform companies

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GSK and Flagship Pioneering partner to discover novel medicines and vaccines

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