Wise J. Child mortality: millions of preventable deaths as aid cuts thwart progress, UN warns. BMJ. 2026 Mar 19;392:s540.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s540
Editorial comment: Millions of children around the world are still dying from preventable causes, and progress on tackling this is being harmed by global aid cuts, United Nations (UN) leaders have warned. A major UN report, Levels and Trends in Child Mortality, estimated that 4.9 million children globally died before their 5th birthday in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns. Most of these deaths could have been prevented with proven, low cost interventions and better access to healthcare, the report stated. Globally, deaths among children under 5 have fallen by more than half since 2000. The report noted, however, that the reduction in child mortality had slowed by more than 60% since 2015.
Levy C, Bizot E, Milcent K, Birgy A, Béchet S, Varon E, Cohen R. Epidemiology and characteristics of bacterial meningitis of children with cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cochlear implant. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2026 Mar 9:piag015.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpids/piag015
Editorial comment: Among children older than 3 months with bacterial meningitis in France, the authors specifically analyzed cases associated with known cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage—defined as meningeal breach and/or cochlear implant–related meningitis—within a nationwide prospective cohort conducted in France between 2001 and 2024, encompassing 227 pediatric wards and 168 microbiology laboratories. Of 5,879 cases of bacterial meningitis, 251 (4.3%) were associated with documented CSF leakage. In this subgroup, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen (78.9%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae (10%), predominantly non-typeable strains. Only two cases of Neisseria meningitidis were identified, both occurring in children with cochlear implants.
Song Y, Li R, Guo H. Senescent Cancer cell-derived vaccines: Current Progress, immunological challenges, and translational perspectives. Vaccine. 2026 Mar 7;79:128430.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128430
Editorial comment: To review advances in therapeutic cancer vaccines focusing on senescent cancer cells (SCCs) as a novel whole-cell vaccine platform with potential for personalized therapy and population health impact. Narrative review of English-language studies (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus; through January 2026) on cancer vaccines, cellular senescence, and SCC immunology, emphasizing translational and public health relevance. SCCs demonstrate enhanced immunogenicity, including sustained antigen presentation, activation of innate immune pathways, and SASP-mediated modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical data show induction of antigen-specific T-cell responses and potential to overcome immune evasion. Evidence remains largely preclinical or early phase. SCC-based vaccines are a promising but still experimental strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
Katumba H, Migisha R, Komakech A, Wenani D, Kobusingye JO, Mfitundinda E, Zalwango JF, Kaliisa R, Park I, Atim D, Muruta AN, Kwesiga B, Bulage L, Lukabwe I, Ario AR. Delayed patient isolation and associated factors during the mpox outbreak in Uganda, July-December 2024. Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar;164:108346.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108346
Editorial comment: Among 832 mpox patients, 91% had delayed time to isolation (TTI); 57% were male, 86% were ≥18 years, 83% had not sought care prior to isolation, and 89% reported self-medication. Delayed TTI was independently associated with age ≥18 years (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6–4.2) and self-medication (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.7–17.1). Qualitative interviews (n=9) linked delays to limited diagnostic capacity and economic barriers, whereas shorter TTIs (n=6) were attributed to prior awareness from social media and response teams. Delayed TTI was common and driven by adult age, self-medication, diagnostic gaps, and economic constraints, as well a no access to vaccination.
Troccoli CS, Nascimento PS, Villar LM, Miguel JC, Hofer CB, Potsch DV. Long-term persistence of Seroprotection following a modified hepatitis B vaccine schedule in people living with HIV. Vaccine. 2026 Mar 18;79:128483.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128483
Editorial comment: In this interventional study, people living with HIV (PLHIV) who previously received a modified HBV vaccination schedule (four 40-µg doses) were reassessed after a median of 14.5 years. Anti-HBs titers were measured pre- and 1–6 months post–40 µg booster. Among 75 participants, 81.3% maintained seroprotective anti-HBs levels, including 59% strong responders (≥100 mIU/mL). Despite waning titers, 96% achieved seroprotection after boosting, indicating robust immunological memory. Higher initial anti-HBs levels independently predicted long-term protection and booster response. The modified schedule provides durable seroprotection and sustained immune memory in PLHIV more than a decade after vaccination.
Nguyen BL, Isoda N, Hew YL, Huynh LT, Le KT, Shimazu Y, Kobayashi D, Nguyen DH, Nguyen TD, Chu D-H, et al. Efficacy and Limitations of an Improved Vaccine Derived from an Updated Vaccine Strain Against H5 HighPathogenicity Avian Influenza. Vaccines. 2026; 14(4):291.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14040291
Editorial comment: A candidate H5N1 avian influenza vaccine (rgPR8/VN23) was developed from a Vietnam strain and evaluated in poultry. Vaccination induced strong immunity, providing early and near-complete protection in juvenile chickens, with reduced viral shedding. In laying hens, protection was incomplete with a single dose but improved with higher dosing.The vaccine is highly effective in young chickens, though optimized strategies are needed for laying hens.
Sinha D, Coquant G, Yuan X, Paul S, Longet S. Postpandemic adjuvants to tailor vaccine-induced immunity. Trends Immunol. 2026 Mar 19:S1471-4906(26)00001-3.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2026.01.001
Editorial comment: Adjuvants are essential for enhancing the magnitude, breadth, functionality, and durability of vaccine-induced immunity. However, achieving long-term protection, variant cross-reactivity, and robust mucosal responses remains challenging. This review examines emerging adjuvants that target specific immune pathways, highlighting preclinical and clinical evidence supporting improved humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity. It also discusses age-tailored strategies for children and older adults. Overall, the authors emphasize next-generation adjuvants with the potential to address key unmet public health needs in the post-pandemic era.
Abdel-Qadir H, Bhatt HA, Swayze S, Paterson M, Ko DT, Juurlink DN, Kwong JC. Association between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden death in apparently healthy younger individuals: A population-based case-control study. PLoS Med. 2026 Mar 19;23(3):e1004924.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004924
Editorial comment: This population-based case-control study used linked administrative data from Ontario, Canada (April 1, 2021), excluding individuals >50 years or with major comorbidities. Recent COVID-19 vaccination (within 6 weeks) was associated with a lower risk of death (aOR 0.63; 95% CI 0.55–0.72), consistent across sensitivity analyses, including individuals <40 years, in-hospital deaths, and after excluding opioid-related deaths. Self-controlled case series analyses showed no increased risk of sudden death following first, second, or third vaccine doses. These findings do not support an increased risk of sudden cardiac death after COVID-19 vaccination in young, healthy adults.
Thuluva S, Matur RV, Gunneri S, Ningaiah S, Yerroju V, Mogulla RR, Dhar C, Thammireddy K, Paliwal P, Kawade A, Nanjappa P, Pramod J, Narang M, Chakravarthy BS, Virupakashappa PM. Immunogenicity and safety of biological E’s 14-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PNEUBEVAX 14®) administered in a 2p + 1 schedule to healthy infants: a multicenter, randomized, active controlled, single-blind, phase III trial. Lancet Reg Health Southeast Asia. 2026 Mar 3;46:100746.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2026.100746
Editorial comment: Among 380 (95%) completers, both vaccines achieved high sero-response rates across shared serotypes, with comparable post-primary and post-booster responses. BE-PCV14 additionally elicited strong responses to serotypes 22F and 33F, as well as cross-protective 6A. Safety profiles were similar between groups, with mostly mild to moderate adverse events and no vaccine-related serious adverse events.BE-PCV14 was highly immunogenic, well tolerated, and comparable to PCV13, while expanding serotype coverage, supporting its use in routine infant immunization programs.
Cortes-Azuero O, O’Driscoll M, Ribeiro Dos Santos G, de Jesus R, de Lima STS, Scarponi D, Mukandavire C, Deol A, Kraemer MUG, de Souza WM, Salje H. The epidemiology of chikungunya virus in Brazil and the potential impact of vaccines: a mathematical modelling study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 27:S1473-3099(25)00605-X. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00605-X. Erratum in: Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 13:S1473-3099(26)00083-6.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00083-6 PMID: 41319657.
Editorial comment: This study estimated the burden of chikungunya (CHIKV) in Brazil (2014–2024) using a Bayesian model integrating serological data and reported cases and deaths. An estimated 18.3% of the population had been infected, with highest risk in the northeast and southeast, while only 1.13% of infections were detected by surveillance. Symptomatic disease increased with age and was more frequent in females. Modeling suggests that vaccinating 40% of individuals ≥12 years (≈73 million doses) could prevent up to 1.6 million cases and 198 deaths over five years.
GBD 2023 Lower Respiratory Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators. Global burden of lower respiratory infections and aetiologies, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 15:S1473-3099(25)00689-9.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00689-9
Erratum. Correction to Lancet Infect Dis 2026; 26: 343–61. April 1, 2026
Editorial comment: In 2023, lower respiratory infections (LRIs) caused 2.5 million deaths and 98.7 million DALYs globally, with the greatest burden in children <5 years and adults ≥70 years. While under-5 mortality declined by 33% since 2010, progress in older adults has been minimal. Sub-Saharan Africa remains furthest from global mortality targets. Streptococcus pneumoniae remained the leading cause of LRI deaths (25%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Newly modeled pathogens, including non-tuberculous mycobacteria and Aspergillus spp., contributed substantially, together accounting for ~22% of LRI mortality.
McLachlan I, Robertson C, Morrison K, et al. Effectiveness of the maternal RSVpreF vaccine against severe disease in infants in Scotland, UK: a national, population-based case–control study and cohort analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025;26:362–373.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00624-3
Editorial comment: Among 27,565 live births, 50.2% of pregnant women received RSVpreF vaccination, with most vaccinated >14 days before delivery. A total of 354 infants ≤90 days were hospitalized with RSV-related LRTI. Vaccination was less common among cases (12.1%) than controls (43.2%). Maternal vaccination reduced RSV-related LRTI hospitalizations by 82.2% (95% CI 75.1–87.3), preventing an estimated 219 admissions. Effectiveness remained high in both preterm (89.9%) and term infants (81.5%) and was consistent in sensitivity analyses.
Buerger V, Pfeiffer A, Schoengrundner P et al. Safety and immunogenicity of a live-attenuated chikungunya virus vaccine in adolescents: final results from a 12-month, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial in endemic areas of Brazil. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025; 26, 417-428.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00631-0
Editorial comment: In this trial (2022–2024), 754 adolescents were randomized to VLA1553 or placebo. In seronegative participants, VLA1553 induced seroprotective antibody responses in 98.8% at 28 days and 98.3% at 12 months.
The vaccine was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild-to-moderate adverse events (e.g., headache, injection-site pain, myalgia, fever). Serious adverse events were rare and limited.VLA1553 demonstrated strong, durable immunogenicity and a favorable safety profile, supporting its use for chikungunya prevention in adolescents, particularly in endemic settings.
Carboni F, Bechi N, Proietti D, Balocchi C, Casini D, Brogioni B, Luzzi E, Tontini M, Cartocci E, Brunelli B, Reyter S, Margarit I, Romano MR, Adamo R. Immune responses to glycoconjugate vaccines rely on a balance between polysaccharide length and glycosylation density. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2026:125250.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125250
Editorial comment: Glycoconjugate vaccine immunogenicity depends on glycan density and conjugation strategy. The authors evaluated whether polysaccharide length can compensate for low glycan density in site-selective conjugates using meningococcal (A, C) and pneumococcal (8, 14) polysaccharides with fHbp as carrier. Oligosaccharides >15–20 repeating units induced strong anti-glycan responses—even with single-site conjugation—except for meningococcal A, which required longer chains. Increasing glycan density via random conjugation did not improve polysaccharide immunogenicity and reduced protein responses. These findings highlight the need to balance glycan length and density in glycoconjugate vaccine design.
De Bock M, Marbaix S, Goovaerts H, Debiève F, Proesmans M, Raes M. Health and Economic Impact of Seasonal Maternal Vaccination With Bivalent Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Vaccine in Belgium. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2026 Apr 7.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000005226
Editorial comment: RSV is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory infections in infants, placing a major burden on hospitals; maternal vaccination may mitigate this impact. A static cost-effectiveness model (public payer perspective) evaluated maternal RSVpreF vaccination versus no immunization in newborns, using Belgian real-world and clinical data. Maternal vaccination is cost-saving and dominant—preventing 1 death and 2,242 hospitalizations in 46,542 infants, saving €8.57M, with net savings and +80 QALYs. Maternal RSVpreF vaccination is a cost-saving, high-impact strategy for reducing RSV burden in infants.
Hernán MA, Álvaro-Meca A, Calvo-Alcántara MJ, Navarro Gómez ML, Ramos JT, Estévez JC, Basanta M, Ruiz S, Matáix ÁL, Cosano L, Silva AP, Salas P, Arribas JR, Molero JM, Berenguer J. Effectiveness and Safety of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Children 6-17 Years Old: A Population-based Study in Madrid. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2026 Apr 1;45(4):e121-e124.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000005109
Editorial comment: The benefit–risk of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in children remains uncertain. Population-based matched study (Madrid) comparing vaccinated vs. unvaccinated children (6–17 years), assessing 240-day risks.
Minimal impact—no significant reduction in hospitalization or MIS-C; no myocarditis cases. Moderate reduction in hospitalization (~45% effectiveness); small, non-significant MIS-C reduction. Myocarditis/pericarditis: No increased risk detected. Overall benefits and risks were small, with modest benefit mainly in adolescents.
Põder A, Ong-Lim A, Rivera Medina D et al. Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of a cell culture-derived quadrivalent influenza vaccine compared with a non-influenza vaccine in infants and children across five influenza seasons: a phase 3, multinational, observer-blind, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2026 May; 10: 352-363.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(26)00009-X
Editorial comment: This was a phase 3 randomized, observer-blind trial in 75 sites across 15 countries, comparing cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc) vs MenC in children aged 6–47 months, with ~180-day follow-up. Among 5723 participants, QIVc reduced RT-PCR–confirmed influenza (3.6% vs 6.1%; efficacy 41.3%) and culture-confirmed influenza (1.5% vs 2.9%; efficacy 46.9%). No vaccine-related serious adverse events were identified; most reactions were mild. QIVc demonstrated moderate efficacy and a favorable safety profile, supporting its use in young children.
Van Riet E, Corleis B, Giersing BK, Hatherill M, Burhan E, Jassat W, White RG, Lewinsohn D, Cobelens F. Accelerating research and development of new vaccines against tuberculosis: 5-year progress on the global roadmap. Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 18:S1473-3099(26)00019-8.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00019-8
Editorial comment: In 2021, a global roadmap outlined key actions to accelerate tuberculosis vaccine development. Since then, the pipeline has diversified, with several candidates in phase 3 trials and increased regulatory preparedness in LMICs. However, the number of candidates remains limited, development challenges persist, and investment is still risky due to uncertain demand and weak procurement commitments. Greater funding diversification, stakeholder coordination, and planning for cost-effective implementation—while addressing hesitancy and stigma—are essential to ensure successful uptake of future TB vaccines.
Kitano T, Yoshida S. Nine-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Related Cancers in Males. JAMA Oncol. 2026 Apr 9:e260496.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2026.0496
Editorial comment: This large multicenter retrospective cohort study (2016–2024) evaluated HPV-related cancer incidence in males aged 9–26 years receiving the 9-valent HPV vaccine versus unvaccinated controls. After propensity score matching (510,260 per group), vaccination was associated with a significantly lower risk of HPV-related cancers (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.37–0.81), consistent across age groups. These findings support the effectiveness of the 9-valent HPV vaccine in reducing HPV-related cancers and reinforce the value of sex-neutral vaccination strategies.
Vaughan AM, Park C, Ngo VP, Contreras ZA, Lee JJ, Danza P, Haddix M, Moir O, Green N, Brown M, Burleson T, Marutani A, Nicholas A, Hallum T, Vetrone S, Ortiz L, Fernandez G, El-Tobgy E, Escobar J, Gandela TN, Mondy C, King J, Dean B, Rubin E, Valadez P, Fogleman S, Terashita D, Balter S, Halai UA. Investigation of and Response to Autochthonous Dengue, Los Angeles County, California, USA, August-November 2024. Emerg Infect Dis. 2026 Apr 6;32(5).
doi: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3205.251812
Editorial comment: Between August–November 2024, 14 locally acquired dengue cases were identified in Los Angeles County, indicating short transmission chains after traveler importations, with one cluster lasting up to 7 weeks. Patients had a median age of 54 years, and 43% required hospitalization. Delays in care and diagnosis were common. These findings highlight the growing risk of dengue transmission in nonendemic areas and the need for rapid public health and vector control responses.
Lesenfants M, Suffredini E, Mancini P et al. Public health responses following identification of poliovirus in wastewater. Lancet Public Health. 2026; April 10
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(26)00051-4
Editorial comment: Poliovirus remains a global threat, with both wild and vaccine-derived strains detected—even in polio-free countries. A review of 26 events across 21 countries shows that wastewater detection consistently triggered public health responses—often before paralytic cases—including enhanced surveillance and targeted vaccination. These findings reinforce environmental surveillance as a critical early warning tool for polio and beyond.
Crotty S. Immunological memory to vaccines. Immunity. 2026; 59: 813-832.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2026.02.019
Editorial comment: Vaccines save lives through immune memory. This review highlights the integrated roles of B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and antibodies—across circulating, tissue-resident, and hybrid immunity—drawing on human data. Understanding the function and durability of these layers, while addressing key misconceptions, is essential to guide next-generation vaccines and immune-based interventions. A video lecture accompanies this review (https://youtu.be/8DeZJ6V7nuI).
Esteban I, Patino CM, Ferreira JC. Utilizing surrogate endpoints in clinical research: a strategic approach to overcome practical challenges. J Bras Pneumol. 2026 Mar 20;51(6):e20250476.
doi: https://doi.org/10.36416/1806-3756/e20250476
Editorial comment: A fine review of the need for correlates and surrogates of protection in vaccine clinical trials.
