Gaythorpe KAM, Li X, Shankar M, Hartner AM, Gibney Z, Abbas K, Abeysuriya R, Alam C, Auzenbergs M, Azman AS, Barasa E, Costello A, Ferrari MJ, Fraser K, Fu H, Haile L, Kakaï RG, Karachaliou-Prasinou A, Lee EC, Katama EN, Kim JH, Jit M, Liu Y, Malinga J, Moore S, Nayagam S, Nedjati-Gilani G, Okell LC, Onifade AA, Papadopoulos T, Penny MA, Perkins TA, Pitzer VE, Portnoy A, Procter SR, Saraswati CM, Scott N, Seaman C, Shattock AJ, Sim SY, Tran Q, Vynnycky E, Winter AK, Hinsley W, Ferguson NM, Trotter CL. Quantifying relative health impact across Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s portfolio in 117 countries at the subregional level: a modelling study. Lancet. 2026 May 16;407(10542):1941-1952.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00555-6
Editorial comment: This large modeling analysis from the Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium highlights the enormous public health value of vaccination across 117 low- and middle-income countries. Among 14 Gavi-supported vaccines, HPV and measles vaccines demonstrated the greatest impact in terms of deaths averted per 1,000 vaccinations. The study emphasizes the growing importance of robust comparative metrics as countries face increasing budgetary constraints and difficult immunization-prioritization decisions. These findings reinforce that investment in vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective and life-saving public health interventions globally, while also supporting more evidence-based allocation of limited immunization resources.
Morton C, Ouyang D, Schwartz D et al. Partisan differences in childhood measles vaccination and general refusals: a retrospective cohort study of electronic health records in the United States, 1988–2024.The Lancet Regional Health – Americas. 2026; 60: 101495.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2026.101495
Editorial comment: This nationwide U.S. study highlights the growing political polarization surrounding childhood vaccination, particularly measles vaccination. Over the past two decades—and especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic—Republican parents were increasingly more likely than Democratic parents to refuse childhood vaccines, delay MMR vaccination, and have lower on-time measles vaccine coverage for their children. The polarization was even greater in states allowing non-medical vaccine exemptions. These findings are particularly concerning in the context of recent measles outbreaks in the United States, where declining vaccine confidence and refusal among some Republican communities may contribute to the resurgence of a disease once considered eliminated. The study underscores how political identity is increasingly influencing public health decisions, representing a major challenge for measles prevention and vaccine confidence efforts in the U.S.
Lenglart L, Levy C, Cahn-Sellem F, Zouari M, Frederic H, Béchet S, Boulhol M, Kramer R, Rybak A, Ouldali N, Cohen R. Impact of nirsevimab implementation on the mid-term burden of bronchiolitis in the outpatient setting: results from the prospective OURSYN study. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2026 May 18:piag035.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpids/piag035
Editorial comment: This large prospective French study provides important real-world evidence supporting the benefits of nirsevimab implementation against RSV in infants. Beyond reducing RSV-related bronchiolitis cases, the study suggests meaningful improvements in mid-term outcomes, including shorter daycare absences, reduced persistent symptoms, better quality of life, and lower parental work absenteeism. These findings reinforce the growing public health value of RSV prevention strategies in early infancy and highlight how monoclonal antibody immunization may reduce not only healthcare burden, but also the broader social and economic impact of RSV disease on families.
Turcinovic J, Fenton KA, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Deer DJ, Geisbert JB, O’Toole R, Abelson D, Dobias NS, Prasad AN, Woolsey C, Connor JH, Albariño CG, Geisbert TW, Cross RW. Recombinant Bombali ebolavirus in cynomolgus macaques as a survival model of Ebola virus disease. Nat Commun. 2026 Jun 2.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-73405-5
Editorial comment: This study provides the first experimental evidence that the recently discovered Bombali ebolavirus (BOMV), identified in bats across several African countries, can infect non-human primates and produce clinical features consistent with Ebola virus disease. However, unlike more pathogenic ebolaviruses such as Ebola, Sudan, or Bundibugyo viruses, all infected macaques survived and developed strong immune responses, suggesting that BOMV may cause a substantially milder disease phenotype. These findings are reassuring from a public health perspective but underscore the importance of continued surveillance of emerging ebolaviruses, as well as ongoing research to better understand their zoonotic and pandemic potential.
Zainal HM, Guimarães RS, Al Owesie A, Ribeiro LS, Roman-Pimentel A, Sharma T, de Godoy VN, Mendes RB. Impact of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti on dengue incidence in endemic regions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2026 May 29:trag063.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/trag063
Editorial comment: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the release of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes is a highly effective strategy for dengue control. Across more than 8 million individuals in dengue-endemic regions, Wolbachia deployments were associated with an estimated 85% reduction in dengue incidence, with the greatest impact observed in areas achieving full population coverage. These findings position Wolbachia as one of the most promising complementary interventions to traditional vector-control measures and highlight its potential to substantially reduce the growing global burden of dengue, particularly in highly endemic settings.
O’Leary ST, Danchin M. Childhood Vaccine Hesitancy. N Engl J Med. 2026 Jun 4;394(21):2134-2145.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp2516616
Editorial comment: This review emphasizes that vaccine hesitancy is often driven not by opposition to vaccination, but by parental concerns about vaccine safety and a desire to protect their children. The authors highlight the critical role of healthcare professionals as the most trusted source of vaccine information and demonstrate that clear, confident vaccine recommendations are strongly associated with higher vaccine uptake. Empathetic, patient-centered communication strategies—including motivational interviewing—can effectively address concerns, counter misinformation, and build trust, reinforcing the importance of strong clinician–parent relationships in maintaining and improving childhood immunization coverage.
Priante E, Baraldi E. Protecting infants from RSV: cost-effectiveness of nirsevimab in a real-world study from Chile. Lancet Reg Health Am. 2026 May 25;59:101506.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2026.101506
Editorial comment: This editorial highlights the transformative impact of new RSV prevention strategies, including maternal vaccination and long-acting monoclonal antibodies such as nirsevimab. Real-world data from Chile demonstrate substantial reductions in RSV-related disease burden and healthcare costs, reinforcing findings from clinical trials. However, achieving the full public health potential of these interventions will require equitable global access, continued surveillance, monitoring for breakthrough infections and resistance, and further evaluation of their long-term effects on respiratory outcomes such as recurrent wheezing and asthma. Together, these advances represent a historic opportunity to dramatically reduce RSV-related infant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Dvorkin J, Pico M, Guiñazú G, Crespi MS, Lee S, Merlino R, Palau J, Samaruga C, Esposto S, Pichinenda M, Regalado A, Torre V, Fenelli GS, Ossorio MF, Sbruzzi A, Souto SM, Ferrero F, Losada JV, Graziano A, Ojeda MN, Lugo S, Geli G, Schpilberg M, Eymann A, Busaniche J, Caballero MT. Residual burden of severe RSV disease in infants during the first season of maternal RSVpreF immunization in Argentina: A hospital-based, multicentre, retrospective cohort study. Vaccine. 2026 May 29;87:128773.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128773
Editorial comment: This real-world study from Argentina demonstrates that maternal RSV vaccination has substantially reduced the burden of infant RSV hospitalizations, with more than 90% of hospitalized infants born to unvaccinated mothers. However, a significant residual burden of severe disease remains, particularly among infants born before the vaccination campaign and high-risk preterm infants. These findings highlight both the success and limitations of maternal immunization alone and support the need for complementary strategies, such as long-acting monoclonal antibodies, to achieve broader and more equitable protection against RSV in early infancy.
Härmä V, Palsola M, Kuusipalo A, Lindh E, Melin M, Nohynek H. Lessons from the 2024 avian influenza vaccination campaign in Finland: a qualitative inquiry. Vaccine. 2026 May 21;86:128736.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128736
Editorial comment: This study highlights a critical challenge for future pandemic preparedness: vaccine availability alone does not guarantee vaccine uptake. Despite being the first country to offer pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccination to high-risk occupational groups, Finland achieved low coverage among fur and poultry workers. The main barriers included logistical challenges, low perceived personal risk, and distrust of public health authorities. These findings underscore the importance of integrating behavioral science, community engagement, and effective risk communication into future avian influenza vaccination strategies to ensure that those at highest risk are adequately protected.
Sinha D, Coquant G, Yuan X, Paul S, Longet S. Postpandemic adjuvants to tailor vaccine-induced immunity. Trends Immunol. 2026 May;47(5):423-435.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2026.01.001
Editorial comment: This review highlights the pivotal role of next-generation adjuvants in addressing some of vaccinology’s most important unmet needs, including durable immunity, broad variant protection, and strong mucosal immune responses. Emerging adjuvants targeting specific immune pathways have shown promise in enhancing humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity across different age groups, including children and older adults. As the world enters the post-pandemic era, these innovative adjuvant technologies may become key components of future vaccine platforms, improving protection against both existing and emerging infectious threats.
Song S, Hitchings MDT, Yang Y, Longini IM Jr; N3C consortium. Improving Assessment of Vaccine Effectiveness by Coupling Test-negative Design Studies with Survival Models. Epidemiology. 2026 Jul 1;37(4):417-426.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/EDE.0000000000001972
Editorial comment: This methodological study challenges the traditional view of the test-negative design (TND), one of the most widely used approaches for evaluating vaccine effectiveness. The authors demonstrate that TND can be analyzed as a cohort study and introduce a novel statistical model that better accounts for recurrent infections and changing vaccination status over time. Applied to real-world COVID-19 data, the approach provided more robust estimates of vaccine effectiveness against both primary infection and reinfection. These findings may improve the accuracy of future vaccine effectiveness studies and strengthen the evidence used to guide immunization policies.
Bähner F, Faust SN, Davies LRL, Blokhina O, Brandon DM, Smith WB, Chatterjee VKK, Hassanin H, Babu TM, Zuiani A, Steinhauser S, Poran A, Brittain C, Mucker E, Hooper JW, van der Most RG, Alonso PL, Türeci Ö, Mensa FJ, Şahin U. Safety and immunogenicity of mRNA-based mpox vaccine candidate BNT166a: an open-label, dose-escalation, first-in-human trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Jun 3:S1473-3099(26)00177-5.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00177-5
Editorial comment: This first-in-human phase 1 study demonstrates that the quadrivalent mRNA mpox vaccine candidate BNT166a has a favorable safety profile and induces strong antibody responses against multiple monkeypox virus antigens. The vaccine generated durable binding antibodies for at least 12 months and elicited neutralizing activity against both mpox and vaccinia viruses, supporting broad orthopoxvirus protection. Although neutralizing antibody levels declined over time, the overall immunogenicity and safety results support further clinical development and highlight the growing potential of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 for addressing emerging infectious disease threats such as mpox.
Zane GK, Dimitrov D, Levin CE, Khosropour CM, Duerr A. Evaluating the potential health and economic impacts of chlamydia vaccination strategies in the United States: a mathematical modeling and cost-effectiveness simulation study. The Lancet Regional Health – Americas. 2026;60: 101502 Published Online xxx.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2026.101502
Editorial comment: This modeling study suggests that a future chlamydia vaccine could have a major public health impact in the United States, substantially reducing infections, complications, and healthcare costs. Under realistic assumptions, vaccination could reduce chlamydia incidence by up to 52% by 2075, with sex-neutral vaccination providing the greatest benefit. Importantly, all vaccination strategies were projected to be cost-saving, highlighting the considerable potential of chlamydia vaccines as a transformative tool for the prevention of one of the world’s most common sexually transmitted infections.
Minhaj FS, Mandra A, Nguete BU, Likafi T, Kokola G, Tran S, Kennedy JL, Monroe B, Hughes CM, Joseph T, Person MK, Townsend MB, Satheshkumar PS, Kabamba J, Reynolds MG, Rao AK, Kasongo D, Yu PA, Yu Y, Shongo Lushima R, Kaba D, Petersen B, McCollum AM. Safety of MVA-BN vaccine in health-care personnel in DR Congo: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Jun;26(6):561-570.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00779-0
Editorial comment: This large prospective study from the Democratic Republic of the Congo provides important real-world evidence supporting the safety of the MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) mpox vaccine in an African population at increased risk of exposure. Both liquid and lyophilized formulations demonstrated favorable safety profiles, with no vaccine-related serious adverse events identified during two years of follow-up. These findings strengthen confidence in the use of MVA-BN as a key tool for controlling current and future mpox outbreaks, particularly in endemic African settings where the disease burden remains highest.
Hossain MJ, Secka F, Sanyang LC, Taiwo R, Okoh EC, Olubiyi OA, Drammeh M, Richard EU, Balami AD, Drammeh M, Jallow SJ, Sonko B, Ezedimbu-Michael P, Obiaduo J, Secka O, Kaim J, Sjöstrand B, Lissmats A, Carlin N, D’Alessandro U, Svennerholm AM, Wierzba TF. Efficacy of ETVAX, a vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-positive diarrhoea in Gambian children: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Jun;26(6):627-637.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00774-1
Editorial comment: This phase 2b trial in Gambian children demonstrated that the oral ETEC vaccine candidate ETVAX is safe and immunogenic, inducing strong antibody responses against key ETEC antigens. Although the primary efficacy endpoint was not met, secondary analyses showed meaningful protection against moderate-to-severe ETEC diarrhea, particularly when vaccination was initiated before 9 months of age. Given the substantial global burden of ETEC-associated childhood diarrhea and mortality, these encouraging findings support continued clinical development of ETVAX and advancement to phase 3 evaluation.
De Coster I, AbdelGhany M, Sarakinou E, Fineschi C, Marchetti E, La Gaetana R, Nigro S, Carducci M, Massai L, Conti V, Rossi O, Luna Cilio G, Serry-Bangura A, Tessitore P, Van Damme P, Withanage K, Micoli F, Berlanda Scorza F, Rondini S, Nakakana UN, Kumar Arora A. Safety and immunogenicity of a conjugate vaccine candidate against Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A in healthy adults in Europe: a phase 1 randomised controlled trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Jun;26(6):638-650. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00730-3. Epub 2026 Jan 23. Erratum in: Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Apr;26(4):e214.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00066-6
Editorial comment: This phase 1 trial provides encouraging early evidence for a novel bivalent conjugate vaccine targeting both Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A, addressing a major unmet need in enteric fever prevention. The vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile and induced strong immune responses against both pathogens after a single dose, with no significant safety concerns identified. Given the absence of licensed vaccines against S. Paratyphi A, these findings represent an important step toward broader protection against enteric fever and support further evaluation of this candidate in endemic populations, particularly children.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases. How are vaccine recommendations made? Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 May;26(5):439.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00189-1
Editorial comment: This commentary highlights how meningococcal outbreaks can expose gaps in vaccine policy. Although effective MenB vaccines have been available for years, their use in adolescents remains limited in many countries due largely to cost-effectiveness considerations rather than concerns about safety or efficacy. The authors argue that vaccine recommendations should consider not only economic models but also the severe consequences of meningitis, health equity, public confidence in vaccination, and the broader societal benefits of disease prevention. The recent UK outbreak serves as a reminder that vaccine policy decisions can have profound public health implications.
Sparling AC, Florsheim EB, Sullivan ZA. Scaling immunity: sickness as a host defense strategy. Trends Immunol. 2026 Apr 30:S1471-4906(26)00076-1.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2026.03.015
Editorial comment: This thought-provoking review proposes that “sickness behavior”—including fever, fatigue, anorexia, and social withdrawal—should be viewed as a form of organismal immunity, representing an adaptive host-defense strategy coordinated through interactions between the immune system and the brain. The authors suggest that these responses can enhance pathogen resistance, promote tolerance to infection, and even reduce transmission, while also being tailored to specific pathogens. Importantly, dysregulation of these protective mechanisms may contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions, depression, Long COVID, and chronic fatigue syndromes. This emerging framework broadens our understanding of host defense beyond traditional immune responses and highlights the critical role of the brain–immune axis in health and disease.
Ortiz, J.R., Kurup, D., Kaufman, A.C. et al. Adjuvanted inactivated rabies virus-vectored Lassa virus vaccine in healthy adults: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med, 2026 June:
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-026-04429-z
Editorial comment: This phase 1 trial provides encouraging early evidence for LASSARAB, a novel rabies virus-vectored vaccine against Lassa fever, a major but often neglected cause of hemorrhagic fever in West Africa. The vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile and induced robust immune responses, with 100% of recipients developing antibodies against Lassa virus after two doses. Notably, the platform also generated protective immunity against rabies, highlighting its potential as a dual-purpose vaccine. These promising results support further clinical development and represent an important step toward addressing a longstanding unmet need in global health.
Edwards KM, Rathore MH. Resurgence of Tetanus-Reasons Why the Vaccine Remains Instrumental. JAMA. 2026 Jun 8.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2026.9347
Editorial Comment: The resurgence of tetanus cases in North America serves as a reminder that vaccine-preventable diseases can quickly re-emerge when immunization coverage declines. This concerning trend appears to be driven largely by inadequate vaccination and booster uptake, compounded by growing vaccine hesitancy and a loss of public confidence in vaccines. Strengthening public awareness, restoring trust in immunization programs, and ensuring timely administration of tetanus-containing vaccines are essential to prevent the return of a disease that is entirely preventable yet potentially fatal.
Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Rodríguez-Sabogal IA, Porras-Pedroza BE, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Grisales-Nieto D, Escarrá F, Quispe-Torrez PP, Membrillo FJ, Orduna T, Lloveras S, Chaves TSS, Cabada MM, Perret C, Echavarría R, Ribeiro AF, Tanabe M, Bazzino F, Ramirez M, Diaz B, Morejón KML, Daly K, Rosas R, Lopez MB, Miranda C, Fernandez ML, Özsürekçi Y, Matsee W, Carrero Y, Biscayart C, Cimerman S, Avila-Aguero ML, Debbag R, Brea J, Risquez A, Acosta-España JD, Ulloa-Gutierrez R, Espinal C, Torres-Martinez CN, González-Sanz M, Abbara A, Weatherhead J, Masana M. The 2026 FIFA World Cup: Communicable disease risks and advice for visitors to Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2026 May 28:102995.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2026.102995
Editorial comment: This mini-review highlights the infectious disease risks associated with travel to Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with particular emphasis on vaccine-preventable diseases. Special attention is given to infections currently causing outbreaks in the region, including measles and pertussis, underscoring the importance of ensuring travelers are adequately vaccinated before departure and remain up to date with recommended immunizations.
Tscherne A, Halwe NJ, Krammer F. Vaccines and therapeutics for Andes hantavirus. Npj Viruses. 2026 Jun 9;4(1):29.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44298-026-00200-w
Editorial comment: This review highlights the significant progress in the development of vaccines against Andes hantavirus (ANDV), for which no licensed human vaccine currently exists. While older inactivated hantavirus vaccines used in Asia have shown limited and short-lived protection, several next-generation ANDV vaccine candidates—including viral-vectored, DNA, mRNA, and nanoparticle-based platforms—have demonstrated promising immunogenicity and protection in preclinical models. Notably, a DNA vaccine encoding the ANDV glycoprotein has successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial, showing a favorable safety profile and inducing neutralizing antibodies in healthy volunteers. These advances bring the field closer to an effective vaccine against a highly lethal emerging pathogen and may also provide cross-protection against other hantaviruses.
Pley C, Jeffries D, Kanteh E et al. Yellow fever vaccination in healthy Gambian children of different ages to establish safety and immunogenicity of a booster dose: a open-label, non-randomised, single-site, phase 3 vaccine trial. The Lancet Infectious Diseases., 2026 Jun; 0.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00193-3
Editorial comment: This study provides important evidence that immunity following primary yellow fever vaccination in infancy may wane over time in children living in endemic regions. In Gambian children previously vaccinated at 9–12 months of age, a booster dose was safe and induced strong neutralizing antibody responses, with nearly all children achieving seroprotection. The greatest immune boosting was observed among children aged 4–9 years, suggesting that booster vaccination during childhood could help maintain long-term protection. These findings may have important implications for yellow fever vaccination policies in endemic countries, where optimizing the timing of booster doses could strengthen population immunity and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Koopmans M, Brechot C, Bruzzone R, Hotez P, et al. Andes Virus on a Cruise Ship, what it Tells us About the Global Pandemic Preparedness Agenda. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. 2026 Jun, 101755.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101755
Editorial comment: The recent Andes virus outbreak linked to a cruise ship serves as a powerful reminder that emerging zoonotic diseases can rapidly transcend geographic boundaries in an increasingly interconnected world. While Andes hantavirus remains a relatively rare pathogen, its documented person-to-person transmission and ability to spread through international travel highlight vulnerabilities in global surveillance, outbreak detection, and response systems. This event underscores the importance of strengthening pandemic preparedness through enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostics, international collaboration, and investment in vaccines and therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases before they become larger public health threats.
Tejada CE, Aizenberg M, Cucunubá Z, Rodríguez WC, Bazán JD, Terrón FAG, Gutiérrez G, Cuentas AL, Casapia Morales M, Núñez JGM, Rico-Restrepo M, et al. Bridging the Gaps in Dengue Control in Latin America: Multisectoral Strategies from an Expert Panel. Vaccines. 2026; 14(6):488.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14060488
Editorial comment: Dengue continues to pose a major public health challenge across Latin America, driven by increasing transmission, insecticide resistance, underreporting, fragmented surveillance systems, and persistent socioeconomic and environmental factors. Experts from the Latin America Dengue Task Force highlighted the urgent need for a more integrated regional strategy that combines enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostics, effective vaccination programs, innovative vector control approaches, and stronger political commitment. Their recommendations underscore that sustainable dengue control will require coordinated action across sectors and countries, embracing a comprehensive One Health approach to reduce the growing burden of disease in the region.
