Vaccines

Vaccines help protect people from diseases. They contain "weakened" or "dead" germs, such as viruses or bacteria, which stimulate the body's immune system in a manner that can prevent us from getting sick with harmful pathogens. Here's the latest science news on vaccines.Vaccines
Latest about vaccines

New 'inverse vaccine' could wipe out autoimmune diseases, but more research is needed
By Emily Cooke published
An "inverse vaccine," which selectively suppresses the immune system, treated multiple sclerosis in mice. But how well could this new approach work in people?

Who should get the new COVID vaccines? What to know about the 2023-2024 shots
By Nicoletta Lanese published
New COVID vaccines have been approved to guard against coronavirus variants that are currently circulating.

When should you get a flu shot? What to know for the 2023-2024 flu season
By Nicoletta Lanese last updated
When should you get a flu shot, and which shot should people with egg allergies get? Here's CDC guidance for the 2023-2024 flu season.

RSV: Symptoms, treatments, antibodies and vaccines
By Rachael Rettner last updated
In healthy children and adults, RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can cause more serious disease in infants, young kids and older people.

Who should get the new RSV vaccines? Here's everything you need to know
By Nicoletta Lanese published
There are now RSV vaccines approved for older adults and for pregnant people, and antibody shots (not vaccines) available for babies. What's the difference?

FDA approves 1st RSV vaccine for use in pregnancy to stop infection in newborns
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The FDA just approved an RSV vaccine that can be given in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Coronavirus variants: Facts about omicron, delta and other SARS-CoV-2 mutants
By Nicoletta Lanese, Rachael Rettner last updated
Here's a look at the science behind SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the now-dominant omicron and its many defunct relatives.

Moderna says its RSV vaccine is 84% effective in older adults
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Moderna announced positive results from its late-stage RSV vaccine trial in older adults.
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