Vaccine News

Vaccine news brought to you by Precision Vaccinations.

Feb 13, 2025 • 10:48 am CST
US CDC 2025

According to disappointing news released today, the world must wait for an approved vaccine that prevents invasive E. coli disease (IED).

Sanofi announced today that a scheduled review of the E.mbrace phase 3 clinical study conducted by an independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) determined that Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson's vaccine candidate for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli was not sufficiently effective at preventing IED compared to placebo.

As a result of the IDMC's determination, the E.mbrace study is being discontinued.

The study, initiated in June 2021, enrolled older adults with a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the past two years. It was conducted at over 250 sites across five continents. Janssen Research & Development, LLC, is the trial sponsor and responsible party and will continue appropriate safety follow-up for the currently enrolled participants.

Jean-François Toussaint, Sanofi's Global Head of Research and Development Vaccines, commented in a press release on February 13, 2025, "E. coli sepsis is a devastating disease, and no preventative measures are available to date."

In October 2023, Sanofi agreed with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Janssen), a Johnson & Johnson company, to develop and commercialize the vaccine candidate. As a result of the discontinuation, Sanofi has recorded an impairment charge before tax of $250 million in the Q4 2024 results.

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections, many of which are caused by uropathogenic E. coli. Still, less common pathogens, such as Enterococcus faecalis and other enterococci, can cause infections by infecting an abnormal or catheterized urinary tract.

UTIs are more common in females because their urethras are shorter, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Moreover, younger people also suffer from UTIs.

As of 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. 

However, international travelers seeking access to a non-FDA-approved UTI vaccine (Uromune™, MV140) outside of the USA can submit an appointment request using this Vax-Before-Travel link.

Feb 13, 2025 • 5:00 am CST
Ruvidar versus acyclovir on HSV-1

Despite decades of clinical research, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) remains among the most prevalent infectious pathogens, impacting millions annually. While herpes vaccine candidates continue to progress in clinical trials, none have been approved.

However, an innovative HSV therapy may soon become available.

Theralase® Technologies Inc. announced today that the previous University of Manitoba research has been validated, proving that Ruvidar® is safe and effective in the inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 (HSV-1), in an animal model.

In the latest Theralase® research, announced on February 10, 2025, Balb/C mice were infected with the human HSV-1 virus. On day 6 post-infection, 20 uL of a 1% Ruvidar® solution was applied topically over the area of well-developed lesions once daily for four days.

Four days of Ruvidar treatment resulted in complete healing of the HSV-1 cutaneous lesions.

In a press release, the Company stated that these 'results support the safety and efficacy of topically applied non-light activated Ruvidar® against cutaneous HSV-1 lesions in a mouse model.'

Kevin Coombs, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba (retired), stated, "I am delighted that Theralase® researchers were able to successfully translate my team's cellular inactivation of HSV into a safe and effective therapy in an animal model."

"Their research may prove to be instrumental in developing a clinical program that will have real-world impacts on the lives of billions of people infected with this prolific disease."

Effective U.S. FDA-approved anti-herpetic drugs available in 2025 include acyclovir and later-generation derivatives (penciclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, and ganciclovir), which inhibit viral DNA synthesis. 

Independent research by the University of Manitoba verifies that Ruvidar is more effective than acyclovir in inactivating HSV after infection.

According to the Company's press release, Ruvidar inhibited HSV-1 replication at significantly lower concentrations.

The effects of Ruvidar versus acyclovir on HSV-1 yields when added 24 hours post-infection (hpi). Vero cells were infected with HSV-1 at a Multiplicity of infection ~ 1.5, incubated for 24 hours, and then treated at 24 hpi with indicated drug concentrations for an additional 44 hours.

Virus yields were then determined, and reductions in virus yields were compared to non-treated controls.

Roger DuMoulin-White, B.Sc., P.Eng, Pro.Dir., President and Chief Executive Officer, Theralase, stated, "Based on the success of Theralase®'s latest research, Theralase® plans to develop a vaccine and therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of HSV, with clinical development to commence thereafter."

This announcement was based on an animal model study, indicating the product is not commercially available.

Feb 12, 2025 • 4:20 pm CST
by Kjrstie P.

While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued measles outbreak advisories for 59 counties, it may soon issue one for western Texas, which has reported 25 measles cases in 2025.

On February 11, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that the ongoing measles outbreak in Gaines County has exceeded previous records.

The local health department, South Plains Public Health District (SPPHD), has confirmed 24 measles cases with symptom onset within the last two weeks. Nine of the patients have been hospitalized.

All of the cases are unvaccinated and residents of Gaines County.

DSHS wrote, 'Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities.

DSHS is working with SPPHD and Lubbock Public Health to investigate this measles outbreak.

Additionally, in early February, Lynn County, which is located south of Lubbock and east of South Plains, confirmed one measles case.

Previously, Harris County, located in eastern Texas, reported two measles cases in 2025.

There is no suspected link between the west Texas outbreak and the Harris County cases.

Elsewhere in the U.S., Alaska, Georgia, New York City, and Rhode Island have reported measles cases in 2025.

In 2024, the CDC reported 284 measles cases in 32 jurisdictions.

DSHS and the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that children receive one dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years of age. Each dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if they are infected.

Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they contract the measles virus.

Measles vaccines will generally be offered at community pharmacies in 2025.

Feb 12, 2025 • 12:55 pm CST
US CDC 2025

Since the clade II mpox outbreak began about three years ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Travel Health Advisories based on the type of virus. 

Historically, clade I have been associated with a higher percentage of people with mpox developing severe illness or dying, compared to clade II.

On February 10, 2025, the CDC reissued a Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions advisory regarding the clade I mpox outbreaks in eight Central and Eastern African countries.

The CDC wrote, 'There is an ongoing person-to-person transmission of mpox in Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.'

In the United States, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported the third clade 1b case in the past four months. This mpox patient recently traveled to Eastern Africa.

During these mpox outbreaks, person-to-person transmission has occurred through various means, including sexual contact, day-to-day household contact, and within the healthcare setting. Transmission has also occurred from contact with certain live or dead wild animals.

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus. Symptoms often include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, although fever is not always present. 

The CDC says If you are sick and could have mpox, follow isolation and infection control measures at home and during travel. 

Mpox vaccination is recommended by the CDC for certain people visiting at-risk areas.

In the U.S. and many countries, mpox vaccines (JYNNEOS®, MVA-BN®) are commercially available in 2025.

Feb 12, 2025 • 9:44 am CST
by Alisa Dyson

Throughout the Region of the Americas, the Federative Republic of Brazi has been the unfortunate leader in the multi-year Dengue fever outbreak.

In Brazil, the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo reported the most Dengue cases in 2024, about 2.1 million

To reduce the number of pediatric Dengue cases in 2025, the Municipal Health Department of the capital advised parents and guardians on February 7, 2025, to take children aged 10 to 14 for Dengue vaccination, which occurs at Basic Health Units (UBSs).

UBSs also actively searched the territories in 2024 and 2025 to ensure that Dengue immunization reached this population. The government has estimated 600,000 children in Sao Paulo, and 259,000 first doses (38%) and 134,000 second doses (20%) have been administered to date.

As of February 12, 2025, Takeda's QDENGA® two-dose vaccine is available in Brazil and the Americas but not in the United States.

Feb 11, 2025 • 12:03 pm CST
Public Health France 2025

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations, reaching about 100 million guests annually. Its overseas department, La Réunion, welcomes about 500,000 vacationers to its beautiful mountains and beaches.

However, due to the increase in the number of Chikungunya virus cases and its continued infections, and on the proposal of the Director General of the ARS Gérard COTELLON, Patrice LATRON, France's Prefect of La Réunion, has triggered level 3 of the ORSEC "arboviruses" system, which corresponds to a low-intensity epidemic.

As of February 11, 2025, and since August 23, 2024, ARS Reunion has confirmed 783 indigenous cases, including 671 since the start of 2025.

The municipalities of Étang-Salé and Le Tampon still have the highest number of Chikungunya cases. 

'As soon as a case of Chikungunya is reported, the ARS intervenes in the affected area, without waiting for confirmation of the case by the medical biology laboratory, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.'

The last major Chikungunya outbreak in La Réunion was from 2005 to 2006.

The ongoing outbreak in La Réunion is caused by Ae. albopictus, the primary vector, due to the adaptation of the ECSA CHIKV genotype.

While the U.S. CDC has yet to highlight La Reunion's Chikungunya outbreak as a travel risk, it says international travelers should arrange an appointment with a travel vaccine specialist at least four to six weeks before departing for France. An appointment with a travel expert provides an opportunity to assess which vaccines are appropriate for your trip abroad in 2025.

When departing for France or La Reunion from the United States, Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® chikungunya vaccine is commercially offered by various travel clinics and pharmacies. And in 2025, this innovative vaccine can be found throughout Europe.

 

Feb 11, 2025 • 3:42 am CST
US CDC 2025

The U.S. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently published a draft agenda for its meeting scheduled for February 26-28, 2025.

This ACIP meeting will be hosted at the CDC in Atlanta, GA, is open to the public, and will be broadcast digitally on YouTube.

On Wednesday, February 26, Dr. Keipp Talbot (ACIP Chair) will welcome the new ACIP members and lead discussions on Meningococcal, Chikungunya, Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) disease, and related vaccines.

The ACIP will vote on specific recommendations, which are then sent to the CDC"s Director for consideration and/or approval.

As of January 24, 2025, Susan Monarez, PhD, became the Acting CDC Director, First Assistant to the Director, and Principal Deputy Director.

On Thursday, the 27th, the committee will continue discussing RSV vaccines and then review Human Papillomavirus, Mpox, Pneumococcal, and Lyme diseases.

Then, on Friday, the 28th, COVID-19 and Cytomegalovirus vaccines will be discussed.

The CDC has already scheduled additional ACIP meetings for June 25-26 and October 22-23, 2025.

The ACIP includes up to 19 voting members responsible for making recommendations. The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selects these members. ACIP voting members are independent medical and public health experts who do not work for the CDC.

These ACIP meetings are essential as the CDC sets the U.S. adult and childhood immunization schedules based on recommendations from ACIP.

Feb 10, 2025 • 12:53 pm CST
by Andrew Ramit

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recent update, the gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the Royal Caribbean International ship Radiance of the Seas affected 7.4% of its passengers.

Additionally, the crew who reported being ill during the voyage was 8 of 910 (0.9%).

As of February 10, 2025, the writes that it's not clear what caused the outbreak, but said symptoms of infected passengers included vomiting and diarrhea.

The Voyage (20136) was between February 1, 2025, and February 8, 2025.

Per CDC protocol, the Vessel Sanitation Program remotely monitored the onboard situation, including reviewing the ship's outbreak response and sanitation procedures.

This new incident is the 8th in 2025.

The CDC confirmed that 2024 was the worst year for gastrointestinal illness outbreaks (18) on cruise ships in over a decade. Norovirus was the most common cause.

'Norovirus is often a cause of GI illness outbreaks on cruise ships, but we don't always know the cause of the outbreak when we begin an investigation.' writes the CDC.

The CDC says there are no U.S. FDA-approved norovirus vaccines available in 2025.

Feb 10, 2025 • 9:35 am CST
Google Maps Feb. 2025

The Republic of Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) recently confirmed one imported case of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis in a five-month-old Indonesian who arrived in Singapore for medical treatment at the National University Hospital upon arrival.

According to the MOH's press release on February 7, 2025, the infant is immunocompromised and was previously vaccinated with one dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV) and one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).

Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis is a rare adverse event that occurs when an individual develops paralytic polio after receiving OPV. The risk is higher for immunocompromised persons, for whom IPV is recommended instead of OPV.

Many countries have progressively switched to offering IPV, and Singapore stopped using OPV in 2021.

Singapore, an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia, has not reported any locally acquired polio cases since 1978.

Singapore has maintained its polio-free status by providing high polio vaccination coverage, maintaining high environmental hygiene and sanitation standards, and establishing a surveillance system to detect possible poliomyelitis cases.

The MOH says vaccination is the most effective protection against poliomyelitis. Children receive five vaccine doses under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.

As of February 10, 2025, the MOH says there is a low risk of community transmission.

A recent Eurosurveillance analysis stated, 'Until global eradication is achieved and as long as poliovirus is circulating anywhere, importations into Europe are inevitable.'

In January 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reissued a Global Polio Alert—Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions Travel Health Notice, identifying polio outbreaks and virus detections in 39 countries.

The CDC has recommended routine and travel vaccinations such as yellow fever and measles before visiting Singapore in 2025.

Feb 9, 2025 • 1:08 pm CST
US CDC January 2025

Cuba's Oropouche fever outbreak set new records in 2024 and started in 2025, heading to new highs.

On January 30, 2025, the PAHO reported Dr. José Raúl de Armas, head of the Department of Communicable Diseases at MINSAP, provided an update on the epidemiological situation in the country, which has reached 100% of Cuba's provinces.

To date, there have been 23,639 suspected cases and 626 confirmed cases. Among the latter were 76 patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, 25 with encephalitis, and 15 with meningoencephalitis.

Florida, Cuba's western neighbor, confirmed 103 travel-associated Oropouche fever cases in 2024.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Oropouche virus is spread primarily through the bites of infected small flies and mosquitoes. Symptoms typically start 3–10 days after being bitten and last 3–6 days. Most people recover without long-term effects. There is no specific treatment for Oropouche.

To alert international travelers of this health risk, the CDC issued Travel Health Advisories for various countries in the Region of the Americas. Furthermore, the CDC confirmed there are no Oropouche vaccines available in 2025.

Feb 9, 2025 • 9:02 am CST
Walgreens Flu Index Map Feb. 1, 2025

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently stated that 'seasonal influenza activity remains elevated and continues to increase across the country.'

As of February 7, 2025, the CDC disclosed an unfortunate trend; ten additional influenza-associated pediatric fatalities were reported last week, bringing this year's total to 57.

During the last flu season, the CDC reported 207 children died from influenza infections.

From a geographic perspective, the Walgreens Flu Index has identified its leading markets for influenza-related activity. As of February 1, 2025, the leading Designated Market Areas with flu activity were:

  1. Oklahoma City, Okla.
  2. Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.
  3. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
  4. Waco-Temple-Bryan, Texas
  5. Jackson, Miss.
  6. Knoxville, Tenn.
  7. Tulsa, Okla.
  8. Memphis, Tenn.
  9. Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.
  10. Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas

The CDC continues to encourage most people to get their annual flu shot at health clinics and pharmacies. The CDC stated that over 92 million flu shots had been distributed in the U.S., targeting the 2024-2025 flu season.

Note: The Walgreens Flu Index provides state—and market-specific information regarding flu activity. It is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The Flu Index is not intended to illustrate levels or severity of flu activity but rather to illustrate which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of flu.

Feb 8, 2025 • 3:21 pm CST
from Pixabay

Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSE) recently detected one imported case of clade I mpox. 

As of February 5, 2025, the individual was receiving specialist care in a hospital in Dublin.

The Irish resident had returned to Ireland following travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where both clades of mpox are circulating in the community.

HSE stated in a media release that 'the (clade I mpox) risk to the Irish public remains low.

Additionally, cases of clade IIb mpox in Ireland remain low, with 8 cases reported in 2025. There were 25 cases confirmed in 2024, 13 cases in 2023, and 227 cases in 2022.

To Irelands' east, the UK Health Security Agency recently confirmed England's 9th clade I case in various cities.

As of February 8, 2025, mpox vaccines are approved by various countries and are commercially available in the United States.

Feb 8, 2025 • 2:08 pm CST
Pixabay 2025

Following the record-setting 2024, Caribbean countries and territories have again confirmed Dengue cases. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in rainy conditions and is found in the Caribbean, transmits the dengue virus from person to person, causing outbreaks.

For example, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Health announced on February 5, 2025, that 15 Dengue cases have been reported in the Territory, all on the island of St. Croix.

As of October 2024, the number of Dengue cases in the USVI had surged, with 150 reported across the Territory last year.

Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist for the VI Department of Health, urges residents to take precautions to prevent further dengue transmission as the number of cases rises in St. Croix.

Dr. Ellis added that the numbers on St. Croix underestimate the actual dengue burden.

"I encourage residents to get tested for dengue if they have symptoms," she said.

Infants, pregnant women, and those with previous dengue infections are at higher risk for severe dengue. Some may develop severe dengue, which typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after the fever subsides and includes symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme fatigue. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if these symptoms arise, says the U.S. CDC.

While the CDC's latest Dengue Travel Health Advisory lists 12 countries in the Region of the Americas, it does not identify the USVI as an at-risk area.

As of February 8, 2025, the second-generation Dengue vaccine is not offered in the United States or Territories. 

Feb 7, 2025 • 1:54 pm CST
Maps Feb. 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently confirmed the yellow fever (YF) virus has become endemic in tropical areas of the Region of the Americas, such as the Republic of Colombia.

While yellow fever is a vaccine-preventable disease, with ample supplies available in Colombia, significant outbreaks have been reported over the past 13 months.

The WHO reported on February 4, 2025, that between the start of 2024 and EW 4 of 2025, a total of 31 confirmed cases of YF have been reported, including 15 fatal cases.

Recent YF outbreaks have been detected in the department of Tolima in the municipalities of Cunday, Prado, and Purificación.

With over 6 million tourists visiting Colombia last year, most landing at the El Dorado International Airport, the WHO and U.S. CDC have offered updated vaccine recommendations.

Travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes certain airport transits or layovers in any of these countries, must be vaccinated.

YF vaccination is generally not recommended for travel limited to Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, or Medellín cities, areas in Colombia above 7,550 ft. in elevation (where infected mosquitoes are not found), the archipelago departments of San Andrés and Providencia, or the city of Bogotá.

When departing from the United States in 2025, the  YF-VAX® vaccine is commercially offered at travel clinics and pharmacies.

From a safety perspective, the U.S. Department of State issued a high-level travel advisory for Colombia in January 2025, stating that visitors should exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and that some areas are at increased risk.

Feb 7, 2025 • 9:40 am CST
Google Maps Feb. 7, 2025

During the summer of 2024, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued several epidemiological alerts about Oropouche cases, including deaths, in the Region of the Americas. This unfortunate trend has continued into 2025.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama recently published a Health Alert for U.S. Citizens living in or visiting the Republic of Panama.

As of February 7, 2025, the U.S. CDC has issued two Travel Health Notices (THN) regarding outbreaks of the Oropouche virus in Panama. Additionally, the CDC has raised the THN level for Panama's Darien province to Level 2.

Previous research estimates that up to 5 million people in the Americas are at risk of exposure to the virus.

Oropouche is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus, which is spread primarily through the bites of infected midges and mosquitoes. While the virus has been found in semen, it is unconfirmed whether It can be spread through sex.

Symptoms of Oropouche include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Severe cases may result in neuroinvasive diseases such as meningitis.

From a prevention perspective, the CDC says travelers to Panama should take steps to prevent bug bites. They should also prevent bug bites for three weeks after travel to avoid possibly spreading the virus to others if they are in areas where mosquitoes and biting midges are active.

Currently, there are no U.S. FDA-approved vaccines for Oropouche disease.

However, this area of Central America has been reporting chikungunya cases, and there is an approved vaccine commercially offered at travel clinics and pharmacies in 2025.