Vaccine News

In Denmark, vaccination has nearly eliminated infections caused by high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 among women who were vaccinated as adolescents.

The prevalence of HPV16/18 types was low and stayed stable over time, at 1% 95% CI: 0.8–1.2) in the first samples, 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4–0.9) in the second, and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3–1.0) in the third samples. 

Before vaccination, the prevalence of HPV16/18 was between 15% and 17%.

A study published in Eurosurveillance in July 2025 highlights this finding as significant, given that these HPV types are responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases.

These researchers wrote, 'To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on HPV status in consecutive rounds of cervical cell sampling in a cohort of young women offered 4-valent HPV vaccination as girls.'

In 2008, Denmark started to offer free vaccination against HPV with the 4-valent vaccine to teenage girls.

As of August 13, 2025, HPV vaccinations are offered to most adolescents, boys, and girls in the United States.

Valneva SE announced today that it continues co-developing VLA15, a Phase 3 vaccine candidate, the only Lyme disease program in late-stage clinical development.

VLA15 is a multivalent recombinant protein vaccine that targets six serotypes of Borrelia, representing the most common serotypes found in the United States and Europe.

On August 12, 2025, Valneva confirmed its development partner, Pfizer Inc., is currently executing the randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 field efficacy study. The participants will be monitored for the occurrence of Lyme disease cases until the end of the 2025 Lyme disease season in the U.S. (end of October), with topline data expected as soon as all Lyme disease cases are confirmed.

In a press release, Valneva wrote that Pfizer aims to submit a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency in 2026, subject to positive Phase 3 data.

Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in the United States and Europe.

Lyme disease remains an expanding health risk in the U.S. It is a bacterial illness transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. These ticks become infected by feeding on animals that carry the bacteria in their blood.

Over 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the U.S. CDC by state health departments and the District of Columbia in 2023. Recent estimates using other methods suggest that approximately 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year in the U.S.

The incidence of Lyme disease in Europe is highest in the Scandinavian and Baltic states in northern Europe and Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovenia in central Europe.

The NYC Health Department confirmed today it is investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem, New York City, New York. 

As of August 11, there are 90 confirmed cases, three related fatalities, and 17 people are currently hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in NYC.

The Health Department says the risk to most people in these ZIP codes (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039) is low. 

This community outbreak is not related to a building's hot or cold water supply. Residents in these ZIP codes can continue to drink water, bathe, shower, cook, and use their air conditioner.

The Health Department has sampled and tested water from cooling towers in the investigation zone. Any cooling towers with initial positive results for Legionella bacteria have completed the treatment required by the Health Department. We are continuing to monitor and let buildings know if additional treatment is needed.

A building plumbing system is separate from a cooling tower system.

If you live or work in the area and have flu-like symptoms, see a health care provider right away or visit NYC Health + Hospitals or call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692).

Legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person. You cannot get Legionnaires' disease from someone who is sick. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Infected people usually develop symptoms 2 to 10 days after exposure, though it can be as long as two weeks.

As of August 12, 2025, there are no vaccines available to prevent this disease.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health recently confirmed a total of five Chikungunya Fever (CF) cases have been recorded in Hong Kong in 2025, all of which were travel-related.

Additionally, as of August 10, 2025, one probable (local) case of this disease has been identified.

The CHP says that given the occurrence of multiple imported cases in Hong Kong, there is a risk of secondary local transmission via mosquitoes.

The CHP issued a letter reminding doctors to arrange testing for patients presenting symptoms consistent with CF, regardless of their travel history. Testing should also be considered for patients showing any symptoms of CF who have a travel history to affected areas, based on clinical judgment. The CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch is providing free testing to ensure rapid diagnosis.

According to the U.S. CDC's Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions, Travel Health Advisory issued on August 1, 2025, there is a substantial Chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong Province, China.

Most local and travel cases have been reported in Foshan City, which is located north of Hong Kong.

The CDC writes, 'You can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors.'

Additionally, vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in the United States and are available at travel vaccine retailers.

At present, there is no locally registered Chikungunya vaccine available in Hong Kong. 

The producer of the Yellow Fever vaccine, Sanofi, recently advised the United Kingdom's National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) that the yellow fever vaccine Stamaril® (17D-YFV, 17D-213) is expected to be available for ordering in the UK by August 15, 2025.

Since August 1, 2025, the UK has had limited access to Stamaril.

The NaTHNaC says this YF vaccine's availability is subject to change, and this should be taken into account when advising the traveller. Where a provider is unable to provide the YF vaccine during this vaccine shortage, the provider is expected to proactively research alternative supplies in their locality and direct international travellers accordingly.

If attempts to source the YF vaccine are unsuccessful, health professionals can contact the NaTHNaC advice line to discuss with an advisor.

Regardless of vaccine access in the UK, various countries, such as Brazil and Colombia, require proof of YF vaccination upon arrival in 2025.

As of August 10, 2025, the travel vaccination centers in the United States have access to the YF-VAX vaccine, which Sanofi also produces.

While the European CDC says Chikungunya is not endemic in mainland EU/EEA, outbreaks have been reported in 2025.

According to the latest ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report, as of August 6, 2025, France and Italy have reported locally acquired cases of chikungunya virus disease:

France's health authorities have identified 63 locally acquired cases of Chikungunya across 16 different local administrative units.

Currently, there are eleven active clusters. Notably, cases were reported for the first time in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, with three instances in one cluster. Additionally, three cases representing a new cluster were reported in Gard.

In the active clusters located in the departments of Corse-du-Sud, Isère, Hérault, and Bouches-du-Rhône, two new cases have been reported in each cluster.

The most significant clusters are in southern France, specifically in Salon-de-Provence, Grans, and Lambesc in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, as well as Grosseto-Prugna in the Corse-du-Sud department, with each cluster consisting of 13 cases.

In Italy, two clusters remain active.

For the current risk assessment of chikungunya virus disease in mainland EU/EEA, please visit the ECDC's dedicated chikungunya webpage.

Fortunately, chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in Europe and the United States. 

The U.S. CDC advises international travelers to speak with a travel vaccine expert regarding immunization options. Chikungunya vaccines are commercailly offered at select retailers.

While local cases of malaria are rarely reported in the United States, there were 10 cases across four states in 2023.

According to a news release, Washington State may soon be added to this list of affected areas.

On August 6, 2025, a press release announced that a resident of East Pierce County, who had not traveled recently, was diagnosed with malaria in early August. Dr. James Miller, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Officer, stated, "The risk of contracting malaria in Pierce County remains very low."

"Malaria is generally rare in the U.S., and the vast majority of cases occur after exposure to countries where malaria transmission is ongoing."

In the U.S., approximately 2,000 to 2,500 cases of malaria are reported each year, primarily linked to travel. In 2025, states like Florida have reported numerous travel-related cases (28), related principally to travelers from Cuba.

Previously, Florida reported local cases on both coasts.

It is important to note that malaria does not spread directly from person to person.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. The incubation period—the time from infection to the onset of symptoms—ranges from 7 to 30 days.

Malaria can be treated and cured with prescription antimalarial medications; however, if not diagnosed and treated quickly, it can become life-threatening.

In Africa, two approved vaccines that help prevent malaria are currently in use. However, as of August 7, 2025, these vaccines are not available in the U.S.