Symes R, Whitaker HJ, Ahmad S, Arnold D, Banerjee S, Evans CM, Gore R, Hart J, Heaney K, Kon OM, Melhuish A, Ortale Zogaib M, Pelosi E, Rahman NM, Woltmann G, McKeever T, Zambon M, Watson CH, Lim WS, Lopez Bernal J; HARISS network collaborators. Vaccine effectiveness of a bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pre-F vaccine against RSV-associated hospital admission among adults aged 75-79 years in England: a multicentre, test-negative, case-control study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025 Oct 27:S1473-3099(25)00546-8.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00546-8
Editorial comment: This multicenter, test-negative case–control study used data from England’s national hospital-based acute respiratory infection sentinel surveillance system (HARISS), including 14 hospitals. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against RSV-associated hospitalization was 82.3% (95% CI 70.6–90.0), increasing to 86.7% (75.4–93.6) among patients with severe disease requiring oxygen. VE was 88.6% (75.6–95.6) for admissions due to lower respiratory tract infection (including pneumonia), 77.4% (42.4–92.8) for exacerbations of chronic lung disease, and 78.8% (47.8–93.0) for exacerbations of chronic heart disease, lung disease, and/or frailty. Among immunosuppressed individuals, VE remained substantial at 72.8% (39.5–89.3). Overall, the findings demonstrate strong protection against RSV-related hospitalization, including in high-risk and immunocompromised populations.
Anywaine Z, Serwanga J, Ggayi AM, Abaasa AM, Wright D, Gombe B, Ejou P, Namata T, Kigozi A, Tukamwesiga N, Basajja V, Ankunda V, Mulondo DJ, Nambaziira F, Kakande A, Kakeeto W, Nabaggala P, Jenkin D, Lawrie A, Folegatti P, Tran N, Hansen C, Elliott AM, Hill AVS, Warimwe GM, Kaleebu P. Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine against Rift Valley fever among healthy adults in Uganda: a single-centre, single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, phase 1 trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 11:S1473-3099(25)00565-1.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00565-1
Editorial comment: This single-centre, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 dose-escalation trial was conducted in Masaka, Uganda, among 30 healthy adults (median age 25 years). Participants were RVF-seronegative and had not previously received adenovirus-vectored vaccines. The ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine was safe and well tolerated, with mostly mild to moderate, self-limiting adverse events. The highest dose (5.0 × 10¹0) induced the strongest immune responses, with sustained antibody responses at day 28 (100%) and day 84 (90%). Antibody responses were preceded by early anti-Gn/Gc IgG and interferon-γ T-cell responses. Overall, a single dose demonstrated a favorable safety profile and robust humoral and cellular immunogenicity, supporting further evaluation in larger and more diverse populations in RVF-endemic areas.
Wagner L, Obersriebnig M, Hochreiter R, Kadlecek V, Larcher-Senn J, Hegele L, Maguire JD, Murphy T, Derhaschnig U, Bézay N, Jaramillo JC, Eder-Lingelbach S, Messier M. Immunogenicity and safety of an 18-month booster dose of the VLA15 Lyme borreliosis vaccine candidate after primary immunisation in children, adolescents, and adults in the USA: a randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 7:S1473-3099(25)00541-9.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00541-9
Editorial comment: This ongoing, randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial is being conducted at 14 sites in Lyme borreliosis–endemic regions of the United States. A total of 625 participants received the primary vaccination series, and 449 received a month 18 booster.
One month after the booster, geometric mean titres (GMTs) in both VLA15 schedules exceeded levels observed after the primary series, with particularly strong responses across serotypes. Antibody responses were higher in paediatric cohorts than in adults, consistent with earlier findings.
The month 18 booster demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile comparable to the primary doses. Overall, VLA15 elicited robust anamnestic immune responses, supporting its potential use to enhance anti-OspA antibody levels before tick season in children, adolescents, and adults.
Sahin U, Schmidt M, Derhovanessian E, Cortini A, Vogler I, Omokoko T, Godehardt E, Attig S, Newrzela S, Grützner J, Bidmon N, Bolte S, Brachtendorf S, Stuhlmann T, Langer D, Brüne D, Blake J, Feldner A, Lindman H, Schneeweiss A, Eichbaum M, Türeci Ö. Individualized mRNA vaccines evoke durable T cell immunity in adjuvant TNBC. Nature. 2026 Feb 18.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-10004-2
Editorial comment: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) carries a high risk of early metastatic relapses. In this study, investigators evaluated a personalized neoantigen mRNA vaccine in 14 patients with TNBC after surgery and standard neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Eleven patients remained relapse-free for up to six years following vaccination, while three experienced recurrence. The vaccine induced durable, functional neoantigen-specific T-cell responses, supporting the feasibility of individualized RNA vaccines in TNBC and offering insights into potential immune escape mechanisms to inform future strategies.
Boyce MR, Sell TK. Support for vaccine-related priorities included in the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment and impacts on trust in vaccine safety: a national survey of parents in the United States. Vaccine. 2026 Feb 11;76:128336.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128336
Editorial comment: This online survey (n = 1,042) assessed public support for enhanced safety policies—specifically longitudinal and targeted safety testing—for both new and existing childhood vaccines, and their potential impact on trust. Approximately two-thirds of respondents supported additional longitudinal and targeted testing for new (67% and 63%) and existing vaccines (68% and 61%). More than half reported that their trust in vaccine safety would increase if existing vaccines underwent further longitudinal (57%) or targeted (56%) testing. Additionally, 42% indicated increased trust following the recent dismissal of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Overall, the findings suggest substantial public support for expanded safety monitoring and a potential link between enhanced testing policies and increased vaccine confidence.
Bailey AL, Stapleton JT. Time for a New Yellow Fever Vaccine. J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 9:jiag152.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiag152
Editorial comment: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of currently available egg-based yellow fever vaccines, highlighting their proven efficacy and long-standing role in global disease control while also discussing their inherent limitations, including production constraints, rare adverse events, and dependence on embryonated eggs. The authors effectively contextualize these strengths and weaknesses and underscore the need for next-generation vaccine platforms—such as cell-culture, recombinant, or nucleic acid–based technologies—to improve scalability, safety, and global preparedness for future yellow fever threats.
Stuart R, Theopold N, Miall N, Kobayashi E, Vernam S, Taskin T, Dull PM. The role of HPV single-dose vaccination in expanding access in GAVI-supported countries during a period of supply constraints. Vaccine. 2026 Mar 7;75:128187.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.128187
Editorial comment: This study estimated the target population for HPV vaccination in Gavi-supported countries using UNICEF shipment data (2023–2024), national dosing schedules, and adjustments for vaccine wastage. The shift to a single-dose schedule in 2023–2024 could have prevented up to 370,000 additional future cervical cancer cases if all doses had been fully utilized, and approximately 297,000 based on actual uptake. Overall, the findings highlight the substantial impact of the single-dose HPV strategy in accelerating cervical cancer prevention, particularly in low- and middle-income countries facing vaccine supply constraints.
Zhang P, Yang X, Chen B. Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccine in Wuhan, China During the 2024–2025 Season: A Test-Negative Case–Control Study. Vaccines. 2026; 14(3):243.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14030243
Editorial comment: A test-negative case–control study was conducted among patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) attending outpatient and emergency departments at 41 healthcare institutions in Wuhan, China. The analysis included 23,302 RT-PCR–confirmed influenza cases and 99,424 test-negative controls.
The overall adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 35% (95% CI: 30–40%). VE was higher among adults aged 19–59 years (63%; 95% CI: 50–73%) and 60–69 years (60.7%; 95% CI: 46–72%), while lower protection was observed in children aged 0.5–5 years (25%; 95% CI: 17–33%) and 6–18 years (25%; 95% CI: 14–36%).
Overall, influenza vaccination provided measurable protection during the 2024–2025 season in Wuhan, with greater effectiveness among individuals vaccinated during the current season or in consecutive seasons.
Mendes D, Kang M, Law A. What Form of RSV Protection Do Women Prefer: Maternal Vaccination or Infant Immunisation? A Cross-Sectional Survey in Europe. Vaccines. 2026; 14(3):238.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14030238
Editorial comment: This study assessed women’s awareness of RSV, intentions regarding RSV immunization, and factors influencing vaccination decisions in Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. A cross-sectional survey conducted between November and December 2024 included 740 women. Among women who were pregnant or trying to conceive, 68% were likely to initiate a discussion about RSV immunization with a healthcare provider, while 21% were unlikely to do so. If recommended by a healthcare provider, 76% reported they would likely accept RSV vaccination. Overall, 52% preferred maternal vaccination over infant immunization, and among those open to RSV immunization with a clear preference, 68% favored maternal vaccination. Overall, the findings indicate high acceptance of RSV immunization among European women, with a clear preference for maternal vaccination over infant immunization.
May M. Mosquito-borne viruses, vaccine-borne hope. Nat Med. 2026 Mar 9.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41591-026-00014-6
Editorial comment: This article provides a thoughtful and timely review of the current and emerging vaccine landscape addressing the growing global burden of mosquito-borne diseases. It summarizes progress in vaccine development for major arboviruses and highlights the scientific, epidemiological, and implementation challenges that accompany their expanding geographic spread. By outlining both existing candidates and next-generation platforms, the review offers valuable insight into future strategies needed to prevent and control these increasingly important vector-borne infections worldwide.
Helble M, Nannei C, Friede M, Nicholson MW. Pathways to economically viable and sustainable vaccine manufacturing in LMICs. Vaccine. 2026 Feb 14:128273.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128273
Editorial comment: This review examines efforts by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to expand regional vaccine manufacturing as part of pandemic preparedness and health security. Establishing sustainable manufacturing is complex due to high capital costs, strong global competition, and uncertainty in capturing market share. The authors highlight that strong government commitment, investment, and supportive policy environments are essential for new manufacturers to succeed. Over time, governments should focus on strengthening local scientific ecosystems, which can lower production costs through innovation, address workforce skill gaps, and enable the development of vaccines targeting regional health needs. Regional collaboration is also critical for economic viability. Sustained investment in research and development can generate new vaccine pipelines, support prevention of endemic diseases, and create stable demand that helps maintain manufacturing capacity and pandemic preparedness.
Tagarro A, Gastesi I, Hotterbeekx A, Aguilera-Alonso D, Konnova A, Gupta A, Salso S, Berkell M, Plata MDC, Domínguez-Rodríguez S, Ballesteros Á, Manzanares Á, Oltra M, Villanueva S, Pinto C, Guillén R, Giaquinto C, Moraleda C, Kumar-Singh S. Short- and Long-term Humoral Response of Immunosuppressed Children to SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 Vaccine. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2026 Mar 1;45(3):258-263.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000005042
Editorial comment: This prospective cohort study evaluated immune responses in 35 children aged 5–11 years (20 healthy and 15 immunosuppressed) after complete BNT162b2 vaccination—two doses for healthy children and three for immunosuppressed participants. No significant differences were observed between groups in anti-Spike IgG, anti–RBD IgG, or neutralizing antibody levels at 1 and 6 months post-vaccination. Humoral responses declined significantly by 6 months in healthy children but remained stable in immunosuppressed participants. Cellular immunity at 6 months strongly correlated with humoral responses (R ≥ 0.74).
Overall, vaccination produced protective immune responses for up to six months in both groups, with only one breakthrough infection reported in a healthy child.
Athan E, Greenberg RN, Baker DA, Shah R, Dubhashi S, Badat A, Thurlow C, Schlessinger J, Wronski A, Zakrzewski M, Turner D, Bindi I, Basile V, Galletti B, Spensieri F, Brazzoli M, Zigon G, Cilio GL, Ranzato G, Lattanzi M, Pellegrini M; Staph aureus 208833 study group. Safety, Efficacy, and Immunogenicity of a Multivalent Adjuvanted S. aureus Vaccine in Adults with Recent Skin And Soft Tissue Infections: An Observer-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Multinational Phase 1/2 Trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 9:ciag162.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciag162
Editorial comment: This randomized two-part study evaluated a five-antigen Staphylococcus aureus vaccine (SA5Ag). Phase 1 assessed safety and dose escalation in 32 healthy adults aged 18–50 years, testing half or full antigen doses with or without the AS01E adjuvant. Following a favorable safety profile, a phase 2 proof-of-principle trial enrolled 194 adults aged 18–64 years with recent S. aureus skin and soft-tissue infections (SA-SSTIs). Participants received two doses of adjuvanted SA5Ag or placebo two months apart and were followed for 12 months. Although the vaccine induced strong functional immune responses to three antigens (CP5, CP8, and Hla), it showed no efficacy in preventing recurrent SA-SSTIs (vaccine efficacy −38.1%). Local adverse events were more frequent in the vaccine group but were mostly mild or moderate, and rates of medically attended and serious adverse events were similar between groups.
Nellore A, Bajema K, Belden K, Blumberg D, York E, Falck-Ytter Y, Baden LR. IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the use of vaccines for the prevention of seasonal COVID-19 infections in immunocompromised patients. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 25:ciag115.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciag115 Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41739597.
Editorial comment: Using the GRADE framework, the panel reviewed seven effectiveness and four safety studies of COVID-19 vaccination in immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination reduced hospitalization (33–56%), critical illness, mortality, and healthcare visits, while serious adverse events were rare. With moderate certainty of benefit and low certainty of harm, the panel strongly recommends the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine for all immunocompromised persons ≥6 months of age, with timing adjusted to immunosuppressive therapy and clinical context. Vaccination of household contacts and early antiviral access remain important, while further research should clarify durability, correlates of protection, optimal timing, and real-world effectiveness and safety.
Tan CS, Anjan S, Ariza-Heredia EJ, Magana F, Minniear TD, Kaur D, Falck-Ytter Y, Baden L. IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the use of vaccines for the prevention of seasonal RSV infections in immunocompromised patients. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 2:ciag117.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciag117
Editorial comment: Using the GRADE framework, evidence from two test-negative case-control studies showed that RSV vaccination reduced RSV-associated hospitalization by about 70% in immunocompromised adults, with indirect evidence suggesting strong protection against critical illness. Safety data from randomized trials showed similar rates of serious adverse events between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, with Guillain-Barré syndrome remaining rare. Based on substantial protection and low risk of harm, the panel strongly recommends age-appropriate RSV vaccination for immunocompromised adults and adolescents, with individualized timing according to treatment or transplant status. Shared decision-making is advised for patients <18 years, while vaccination of household contacts and coadministration with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged. Further research should address durability, correlates of protection, safety in specific immunosuppressed groups, and booster needs.
Goepfert P, Katz MJ, Kaul D, Sharma T, Kaur D, Falck-Ytter Y, Baden L. IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the use of vaccines for the prevention of seasonal Influenza infections in immunocompromised patients. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 28:ciag116.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciag116
Editorial comment: A systematic review (2023–2025) using the GRADE framework found that influenza vaccination reduced influenza-associated hospitalization by 32% in immunocompromised individuals, with indirect evidence showing additional reductions in ICU admission and mortality. No increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome or serious adverse events was observed. Based on moderate certainty of benefit and low risk of harm, IDSA strongly recommends the 2025–2026 age-appropriate influenza vaccine for all immunocompromised persons ≥6 months, with timing tailored to immunosuppressive therapy and clinical context. Vaccination of household contacts is also encouraged, while further research should clarify correlates of protection, optimal timing, and effectiveness in patients with impaired immune responses.
Aregay A, Friese J, Porrez S, Leroux-Roels I, Meineke R, Osterhaus ADME, Wichgers Schreur PJ, Rimmelzwaan GF, Prajeeth CK. Induction of a Th1-Type Polyfunctional T Cell Response by the four-segmented Rift Valley Fever candidate vaccine in humans. J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 9:jiag138.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiag138
Editorial comment: The live-attenuated four-segmented Rift Valley fever vaccine candidate (hRVFV-4s) demonstrated strong safety and tolerability in a first-in-human trial, inducing both neutralizing antibodies and robust cell-mediated immunity. Vaccination generated early, polyfunctional CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ effector memory T-cell responses—primarily targeting the N protein and, to a lesser extent, Gn and Gc glycoproteins—with a clear Th1-type cytokine profile detectable within two weeks after a single dose.
Tramuto F, Randazzo G, Santino A, Sferlazza G, Previti A, Graziano G, Costantino C, Mazzucco W, Amodio E, Vitale F, Maida CM. Indirect effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal colonization: persistence and dynamics of vaccine serotypes in Sicily (Italy) eleven years post-introduction, 2009 to 2020. J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 7:jiag150.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiag150
Editorial comment: This study assessed pneumococcal carriage and serotype dynamics from 2009–2020 following the introduction of PCV13. Overall carriage was 27.1%, highest in children aged 2–4 years (51.6%) and about 10% in adults. Vaccination led to a marked decline in PCV serotypes initially, followed by the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes and later partial re-emergence of some vaccine serotypes, including invasive strains. Serotype distribution varied by age, and viral co-infections—particularly with RSV—were associated with increased colonization. Despite high pediatric vaccination coverage, pneumococcal carriage remained substantial across all age groups. Viral coinfection, particularly with hRSV, appeared to facilitate colonization.
Tan YY, Ho RWL, Lim JT, Chiew CJ, Lim SK, Lye DCB, Tan KB, Wee LE. Real-world effectiveness of sequential pneumococcal vaccination in older adults: a cohort study. J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 6:jiag147.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiag147
Editorial comment: In this population-based retrospective cohort study of 656,337 Singaporeans aged 65–89 years (2020–2024), sequential vaccination with PCV13 followed by PPSV23 was associated with significant reductions in pneumococcal-related disease, pneumonia hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. PCV13 alone also conferred protection, though with smaller effects. These findings support the effectiveness of sequential pneumococcal vaccination strategies in older adults.
Tamrakar D, Shahi SB, Jung E, Naga S, Shrestha B, Roka PB, Pokharel RS, Chapagain RH, Tamrakhar A, Mahato M, Madhup SK, Shrestha R, Doyle K, Bogoch II, Luby SP, Garrett DO, Cheirakul W, Andrews JR. Effectiveness of the TYPHIBEV® (Vi-CRM197 conjugate) Vaccine Introduction in Nepal: A Test-Negative, Case-Control Study. J Infect. 2026 Mar 8:106719.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106719
Editorial comment: In a test-negative case–control study (Oct 2022–Dec 2024) in Nepal including 40 typhoid cases and 113 controls, receipt of the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) was significantly higher among controls (84%) than cases (51%). Vaccine effectiveness was estimated at 89% (95% CI: 65–97%) over 30 months after national introduction, with higher protection in children aged 5–15 years than in those <5 years. These findings indicate that TYPHIBEV® provides strong real-world protection against typhoid fever, with effectiveness comparable to Typbar-TCV®.
Basu M. Using mosquitoes to vaccinate bats could curb the spread of deadly diseases. Nature. 2026 Mar 11.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00795-3
Editorial comment: Mosquitoes engineered to carry vaccines in their saliva have been explored as a novel strategy to immunize bats against viruses such as rabies and Nipah. Researchers are investigating whether this approach could help prevent these pathogens from spilling over from bats to humans. However, some scientists remain sceptical about whether such a strategy could be effectively implemented in natural settings. Bats harbor a wide range of zoonotic viruses, often without becoming ill, serving as long-term reservoirs. Vaccinating bat populations could reduce the risk of these viruses infecting other animals, including humans. Yet delivering vaccines to bats presents major logistical challenges, as many species roost in caves, form large colonies, and travel long distances.
Machalek D, Rees H, Chikandiwa A, Munthali R, Travill D, Mbulawa Z, Petoumenos K, Delany-Moretlwe S, Kaldor J; HOPE Study team. Impact of one and two human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses on community-level HPV prevalence in South African adolescent girls: study protocol and rationale for a pragmatic before-after design. BMJ Open. 2022 Feb 10;12(2):e059968.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059968
Editorial comment: The Human Papillomavirus One- and Two-Dose Population Effectiveness Study is a hybrid impact evaluation of South Africa’s national HPV vaccination program. Since 2014, the program has targeted grade 4 girls aged ≥9 years in public schools with a two-dose vaccination schedule, while a single-dose catch-up campaign was implemented in one district in 2019. A baseline survey conducted in 2019 measured HPV prevalence among girls who were ineligible for vaccination, either because they were older than the target age or beyond the eligible grade under both the national program and the single-dose campaign in the selected district. Follow-up HPV prevalence surveys were conducted in 2021 in the selected district and in 2023 across four provinces. Researchers will estimate prevalence ratios for HPV types 16 and 18, comparing vaccinated cohorts—those receiving a single dose (2021) and two doses (2023)—with the vaccine-ineligible baseline cohort (2019). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences, technical reports, and community engagement forums.
