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

What are mRNA vaccines, and how do they work?
By Marilyn Perkins published
mRNA vaccines train the immune system in a similar way to traditional vaccines, but they use a different strategy to get there.

When will the US measles outbreak end?
By Emily Cooke published
A public health official in Texas recently warned that the state's ongoing measles outbreak could last a year. Why are cases expected to keep rising?

HIV-funding cuts could lead to nearly 3 million extra deaths by 2030, study suggests
By Nicoletta Lanese, Emily Cooke published
A modeling study looked at how anticipated cuts to international HIV funding would affect the rate of new cases and HIV-related deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

What are cancer vaccines?
By Marilyn Perkins published
Cancer vaccines harness the power of the immune system to stop tumors in their tracks. They work a little differently than regular vaccines intended to prevent infectious diseases, like measles or the flu.

Who should get the new RSV vaccines? Here's everything you need to know
By Nicoletta Lanese last updated
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?

CDC issues new guidelines for RSV vaccines, citing side-effect concerns
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The CDC has clarified and narrowed its recommendations for which older adults should get an RSV vaccine.

How worried should we be about PFAS, the 'forever chemicals'?
By Miriam Bergeret published
Recent studies suggest PFAS can pass through human skin and through the placenta. What does that mean for our health?

New RSV shots tied to rare nervous system disorder — should you worry?
By Stephanie Pappas published
There's been some reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome in older adults who got the vaccines. But health officials still recommend that this population get the shots, in consultation with their doctors.
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