Here are some of the main points from the provided text about vaccines, notably in relation to COVID-19 and influenza:
whole Virus Vaccines: These vaccines use the entire virus, inactivated so it cannot replicate. They can offer broad, long-lasting protection, but may also cause stronger side effects and adverse reactions.
Concerns about Whole Virus Vaccines: experts express concern about the use of whole inactivated virus vaccines due to the potential for strong immune reactions and adverse events like Guillain-Barré syndrome (as seen with the 1976 swine flu vaccine) or immune enhancement (where the infection becomes more dangerous after vaccination).
shift Away from Whole Virus Vaccines: The US has largely moved away from whole inactivated virus flu vaccines in favor of subunit or split virus vaccines, which use only parts of the virus.
Universal Vaccine Progress: The US government is pursuing the development of universal vaccines, including a combination flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
Placebo-Controlled Trials: The HHS has stated that all new vaccines will undergo safety testing in placebo-controlled trials before licensure, which is a change from previous practices.
Potential Delays: Requiring placebo-controlled trials for updated COVID-19 vaccines could delay their availability, potentially putting vulnerable populations at risk.
Importance of Updated Vaccines: Experts emphasize the importance of updating vaccines annually to match circulating strains, providing better protection against mild to moderate disease, especially for frail individuals.
Novavax vaccine: The FDA has requested a “postmarketing commitment” for a clinical trial of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, raising questions about the approval process for updated versions of other vaccines.
* Continued Need for Vaccination: Despite COVID-19 becoming less deadly, it still poses a risk, especially to the elderly, and vaccination remains important.
Vaccine Landscape: Expert Insights on Flu, COVID-19, and the Future of Immunization
Time.news recently sat down with Dr.Eleanor Vance, a leading virologist and vaccine expert, to discuss the evolving world of vaccines, notably in relation to influenza and COVID-19. Dr. Vance shed light on recent developments, potential challenges, and practical implications for public health.
Time.news: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with whole virus vaccines. Can you explain what they are and why we’re seeing a shift away from them?
Dr.Eleanor Vance: Certainly. Whole virus vaccines, as the name suggests, use the entire virus, but it’s inactivated, meaning it can’t replicate or cause infection. They can possibly offer broad and long-lasting protection. Though, the downside is that they can sometimes trigger stronger immune reactions, leading to more critically important side effects. The US, for exmaple, has largely moved away from whole inactivated virus flu vaccines in favor of subunit or split virus vaccines, which use only parts of the virus.
Time.news: What are the specific concerns about using whole inactivated virus vaccines?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: There are past precedents. Such as, the 1976 swine flu vaccine was linked to cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. There’s also the theoretical risk of immune enhancement, where the infection could become more risky after vaccination.Though, it’s crucial to remember that vaccine development has come a long way as than.
Time.news: The US government is pursuing global vaccines. What does that mean, and what progress is being made?
Dr. eleanor Vance: A universal vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple strains of a virus or even multiple viruses at once. The goal is to create a single shot that protects against a wide range of influenza strains and even COVID-19. It’s an ambitious but incredibly valuable endeavor. Research is ongoing, and while we’re not quite there yet, there’s significant funding and effort dedicated to this area.[[1]], [[2]]
Time.news: There’s been a change in how new vaccines are being tested. Can you elaborate on placebo-controlled trials and the potential impact?
Dr. eleanor Vance: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stated that all new vaccines will undergo safety testing in placebo-controlled trials before licensure. This represents a shift from previous practices. While rigorous safety testing is crucial, requiring placebo-controlled trials for updated COVID-19 vaccines, for example, could potentially delay their availability. This delay could put vulnerable populations,such as the elderly or immunocompromised,at risk,especially considering how critically important updating vaccines annually to match circulating strains [[3]]
time.news: The FDA’s request for a postmarketing commitment for a clinical trial of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has raised some eyebrows. What exactly is a “postmarketing commitment,” and what does it signify?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: A postmarketing commitment essentially means that the FDA is requiring the company to conduct further clinical trials after the vaccine has already been approved and is being distributed. This is sometimes done to gather more data on long-term safety or effectiveness. It raises questions about the approval process for updated versions of other vaccines because it suggests a higher level of scrutiny.
Time.news: COVID-19 seems to be less deadly now. Is vaccination still important?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Absolutely. While COVID-19 might be less deadly than it was in the early days of the pandemic, it still poses a significant risk, especially to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others from severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. The development of COVID-19 vaccines was accelerated during the pandemic highlighting the importance of adapting to face pandemic threats.[[3]]
Time.news: What’s your advice to our readers regarding vaccines for the upcoming flu and COVID-19 seasons?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Stay informed! Consult with your doctor about the latest recommendations and ensure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations. Don’t underestimate the importance of these preventative measures, especially if you’re in a high-risk group. And remember, vaccination is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting the community.
Time.news: Dr. Vance, thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
