History of Vaccines
@historyvaccines.bsky.social
A project by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, documenting the history and science of vaccination from before Jenner and after mRNA.
https://bsky.app/profile/epiren.bsky.social <- Editor
@HistoryVaccines <- Elsewhere
https://bsky.app/profile/epiren.bsky.social <- Editor
@HistoryVaccines <- Elsewhere
South Africa has begun clinical trials for Africa’s first locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine, aiming to boost regional self-sufficiency as cholera outbreaks and vaccine shortages challenge the continent. apanews.net/south-africa...
South Africa begins trials for continent’s first cholera vaccine
South African pharmaceutical company receives regulatory approval to begin clinical trials for continent’s first fully locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine.
apanews.net
November 13, 2025 at 1:52 PM
South Africa has begun clinical trials for Africa’s first locally manufactured oral cholera vaccine, aiming to boost regional self-sufficiency as cholera outbreaks and vaccine shortages challenge the continent. apanews.net/south-africa...
A recent study found that flu vaccine effectiveness depends on both the type of vaccine and the recipient’s age, with high-dose vaccines working best for older adults and cell-based options outperforming standard flu shots in younger adults. Source: news.aai.org/2025/11/12/s...
Study Reveals that Flu Vaccine Performance Varies by Age - AAI News
New research comparing four different flu vaccines found that the ability protect against infection varied greatly depending on the vaccine type and age.
news.aai.org
November 12, 2025 at 10:06 PM
A recent study found that flu vaccine effectiveness depends on both the type of vaccine and the recipient’s age, with high-dose vaccines working best for older adults and cell-based options outperforming standard flu shots in younger adults. Source: news.aai.org/2025/11/12/s...
Over 200 years ago, Jenner’s Hut became the world’s first vaccine clinic, shaping the fight against smallpox. Today, this historic landmark in England faces disrepair, reminding us of the roots of modern medicine. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025...
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Over 200 years ago, Jenner’s Hut became the world’s first vaccine clinic, shaping the fight against smallpox. Today, this historic landmark in England faces disrepair, reminding us of the roots of modern medicine. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025...
Whooping cough cases in Texas have hit an 11-year high, with over 3,500 cases reported this year—ten times last year's total. Most cases are in children. Experts link the surge to declining vaccination rates.
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/11/t...
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/11/t...
Whooping cough cases in Texas reach an 11-year high
The state has recorded more than 3,500 cases of whooping cough so far this year, 10 times the number in 2023.
www.texastribune.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Whooping cough cases in Texas have hit an 11-year high, with over 3,500 cases reported this year—ten times last year's total. Most cases are in children. Experts link the surge to declining vaccination rates.
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/11/t...
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/11/t...
Diphtheria is making a comeback in Europe, driven by missed diagnoses—especially of skin infections—and declining adult booster coverage, even as childhood vaccination rates remain strong. Doctors are urged to stay vigilant. Source: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Missed Diagnoses Fuel Diphtheria’s Return in Europe
Health authorities urge clinicians to check vaccination status and watch for chronic or worsening wounds, especially in travellers or vulnerable patients.
www.medscape.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Diphtheria is making a comeback in Europe, driven by missed diagnoses—especially of skin infections—and declining adult booster coverage, even as childhood vaccination rates remain strong. Doctors are urged to stay vigilant. Source: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Canada has lost its measles-free status after over 5,000 cases this year, mostly in under-vaccinated communities. The U.S. could be next if outbreaks continue. MMR vaccination rates remain critical for protection. Source: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Canada loses measles elimination status, with US on track to follow
The country hasn't been able to curb an outbreak of more than 5,000 cases over the last year, while US cases are at a 33-year high.
www.bbc.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Canada has lost its measles-free status after over 5,000 cases this year, mostly in under-vaccinated communities. The U.S. could be next if outbreaks continue. MMR vaccination rates remain critical for protection. Source: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Earning and keeping “measles-free” status means stopping continuous measles transmission for a year, requiring high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and quick outbreak responses. North America now faces its greatest challenge to this status.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
How Regions Earn and Keep Their "Measles-Free" Status
Earning and keeping “measles-free” status means stopping continuous measles transmission for a year, requiring high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and quick outbreak responses.
historyofvaccines.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Earning and keeping “measles-free” status means stopping continuous measles transmission for a year, requiring high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and quick outbreak responses. North America now faces its greatest challenge to this status.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/how-reg...
The creation and use of fake vaccine cards and exemptions date back nearly 200 years, adapting from handwritten notes to digital fraud. This history reflects ongoing tension between individual rights and public health protections.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
The Long History of Fake Vaccine Cards and Exemptions
Exploring the nearly two-century history of fake vaccine cards and exemptions, from Victorian England to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting evolving fraud methods, resistance, and the tension between individual liberty and public health.
historyofvaccines.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:37 PM
The creation and use of fake vaccine cards and exemptions date back nearly 200 years, adapting from handwritten notes to digital fraud. This history reflects ongoing tension between individual rights and public health protections.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/long-hi...
A measles outbreak investigation in Utah faces hurdles as a likely case refuses to cooperate, highlighting challenges for public health amid rising vaccine hesitancy and low immunization rates. The US is on the brink of losing measles elimination status. arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
Measles outbreak investigation in Utah blocked by patient who refuses to talk
The person refused to even tell health officials their address.
arstechnica.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:06 PM
A measles outbreak investigation in Utah faces hurdles as a likely case refuses to cooperate, highlighting challenges for public health amid rising vaccine hesitancy and low immunization rates. The US is on the brink of losing measles elimination status. arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
A company is selling vaccine exemption notes for hundreds of dollars, leaving many parents with costly, confusing paperwork and legal uncertainty. Some exemptions work, but officials warn the approach may not hold up.
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
Inside the marketplace for vaccine medical exemptions
Frontline Health Advocates provides medical exemption notes—for a fee. What exactly are they selling?
arstechnica.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:33 PM
A company is selling vaccine exemption notes for hundreds of dollars, leaving many parents with costly, confusing paperwork and legal uncertainty. Some exemptions work, but officials warn the approach may not hold up.
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
arstechnica.com/health/2025/...
New research shows that two doses of the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) work well—even for those who previously received the live vaccine. Both healthy and immunocompromised older adults benefit.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/varicella/da...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/varicella/da...
Data: Two doses of recombinant shingles vaccine effective, even in those who received live vaccine
MargJohnsonVA / iStock
www.cidrap.umn.edu
November 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM
New research shows that two doses of the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) work well—even for those who previously received the live vaccine. Both healthy and immunocompromised older adults benefit.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/varicella/da...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/varicella/da...
A new oral vaccine showed strong protection against paratyphoid fever in a recent human challenge study, reducing infection risk by 73%. This marks progress towards controlling enteric fevers globally.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Vaccine protects people from paratyphoid fever in a ‘human challenge’ study
Volunteers who swallowed disease-causing bacteria were less likely to get sick after an oral vaccine
www.science.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:52 PM
A new oral vaccine showed strong protection against paratyphoid fever in a recent human challenge study, reducing infection risk by 73%. This marks progress towards controlling enteric fevers globally.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Experts at the UW Fearless Science Forum stress that vaccines only save lives when people actually get vaccinated.
‘Vaccines don’t save lives. Vaccinations do’: Experts talk vaccine safety, misinformation
University of Wisconsin’s Morgridge Institute for Research, hosted a Fearless Science Forum event Oct. 27. The panelists included professor of Pathobiological Sciences Dr. Jorge Osorio, professors of…
badgerherald.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Experts at the UW Fearless Science Forum stress that vaccines only save lives when people actually get vaccinated.
Vaccine misinformation is reaching unprecedented levels, threatening the progress we've made in global health. Dr. Seth Berkley highlights the urgent need for better education, access, and global cooperation.
www.livescience.com/health/medic...
www.livescience.com/health/medic...
'This is a completely different level of anti-vaccine engagement than we've ever seen before,' says epidemiologist Dr. Seth Berkley
Epidemiologist Dr. Seth Berkley spoke to Live Science about the importance of vaccine equity and the obstacles undermining it, as well as the political challenges to vaccines being raised in the U.S.
www.livescience.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Vaccine misinformation is reaching unprecedented levels, threatening the progress we've made in global health. Dr. Seth Berkley highlights the urgent need for better education, access, and global cooperation.
www.livescience.com/health/medic...
www.livescience.com/health/medic...
Why do some people need high-dose influenza vaccine? Glad you asked…
historyofvaccines.org/blog/why-som...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/why-som...
Why Some People Need a Stronger Flu Shot
Older adults, especially those 65 and older, have weaker immune systems and face much higher risks from the flu. Standard flu shots may not offer enough protection for them.
historyofvaccines.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Why do some people need high-dose influenza vaccine? Glad you asked…
historyofvaccines.org/blog/why-som...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/why-som...
Reposted by History of Vaccines
The Infectious Diseases Society of America now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for adults and children with weakened immune systems, noting it reduces risk of hospitalization and severe illness. Guidance was based on recent evidence.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/ids...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/ids...
IDSA releases COVID vaccine guidance for people with weakened immune systems
Evgeniy Shkolenko / iStock
www.cidrap.umn.edu
October 22, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The Infectious Diseases Society of America now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for adults and children with weakened immune systems, noting it reduces risk of hospitalization and severe illness. Guidance was based on recent evidence.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/ids...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/ids...
Reposted by History of Vaccines
A new review finds that the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is highly effective at preventing typhoid fever in countries where the disease is common, supporting its broader use in national immunization programs.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/typhoid/typh...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/typhoid/typh...
Typhoid conjugate vaccine highly effective in endemic settings, study finds
A review and meta-analysis of studies in Pakistan, India, and Zimbabwe finds vaccine effectiveness was 87% in preventing culture-confirmed typhoid in children.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
October 22, 2025 at 4:19 PM
A new review finds that the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is highly effective at preventing typhoid fever in countries where the disease is common, supporting its broader use in national immunization programs.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/typhoid/typh...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/typhoid/typh...
Reposted by History of Vaccines
Florida plans to end childhood vaccine mandates, raising concerns about the possible return of diseases. Experts warn the change could impact not just children but entire communities.
abcnews.go.com/Health/desantis-moves-end-floridas-childhood-vaccination-mandates-doctors/story?id=126719452
abcnews.go.com/Health/desantis-moves-end-floridas-childhood-vaccination-mandates-doctors/story?id=126719452
DeSantis moves to end Florida's childhood vaccination mandates. Doctors brace for impact
Florida announced plans to end mandatory vaccination. Now scientists are assessing which of several diseases deadly to children are likely to make a resurgence and when.
abcnews.go.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Florida plans to end childhood vaccine mandates, raising concerns about the possible return of diseases. Experts warn the change could impact not just children but entire communities.
abcnews.go.com/Health/desantis-moves-end-floridas-childhood-vaccination-mandates-doctors/story?id=126719452
abcnews.go.com/Health/desantis-moves-end-floridas-childhood-vaccination-mandates-doctors/story?id=126719452
Oral rabies vaccination baits have helped control rabies in wild animals, using creative science to protect both wildlife and humans. Programs in Europe and North America show the impact of vaccinating with nature, not against it.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/feeding...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/feeding...
Feeding Vaccines to Wild Animals: The Story of Oral Rabies Vaccination
Oral rabies vaccination: a creative public health solution using vaccine-laden baits to protect wild animals and humans from a deadly disease.
historyofvaccines.org
October 19, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Oral rabies vaccination baits have helped control rabies in wild animals, using creative science to protect both wildlife and humans. Programs in Europe and North America show the impact of vaccinating with nature, not against it.
historyofvaccines.org/blog/feeding...
historyofvaccines.org/blog/feeding...
Flu season is underway, and a COVID uptick is likely as winter approaches. Experts say vaccination timing matters less than actually getting protected, especially before holiday season spikes. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com
October 19, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Flu season is underway, and a COVID uptick is likely as winter approaches. Experts say vaccination timing matters less than actually getting protected, especially before holiday season spikes. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Cali refuerza la vacunación gratuita contra el VPH dirigida a menores de 9 a 17 años, protegiendo contra diversos tipos de cáncer y promoviendo la equidad en salud infantil y adolescente. Más info: www.cali.gov.co/boletines/pu...
Cali refuerza la vacunación contra el VPH para prevenir el cáncer y promover la salud desde la infancia
www.cali.gov.co
October 19, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Cali refuerza la vacunación gratuita contra el VPH dirigida a menores de 9 a 17 años, protegiendo contra diversos tipos de cáncer y promoviendo la equidad en salud infantil y adolescente. Más info: www.cali.gov.co/boletines/pu...
Mississippi reports its first infant whooping cough death since 2012, with 115 cases recorded in 2025—more than double last year's total. Health officials link rising cases to falling adult vaccination rates. www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
Mississippi Baby Dies of Whooping Cough Amid Rising Cases
A baby in Mississippi has died of whooping cough for the first time since 2012. The baby was less than two months old—too young for vaccination.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 2, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Mississippi reports its first infant whooping cough death since 2012, with 115 cases recorded in 2025—more than double last year's total. Health officials link rising cases to falling adult vaccination rates. www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
Measles has surged in 2025, affecting people worldwide from remote villages to major cities. Preventable through vaccination, outbreaks highlight the risks when coverage drops. Global health requires vigilance to protect the most vulnerable. historyofvaccines.org/blog/return-...
The Return of Measles: A Global Health Crisis Unfolding in 2025
historyofvaccines.org
September 30, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Measles has surged in 2025, affecting people worldwide from remote villages to major cities. Preventable through vaccination, outbreaks highlight the risks when coverage drops. Global health requires vigilance to protect the most vulnerable. historyofvaccines.org/blog/return-...
Mongolia has reported 8 measles deaths in 2025, with 285 people hospitalized and 3 children critically ill. Measles remains highly contagious and severe for the unprotected.
english.news.cn/20250718/bed...
english.news.cn/20250718/bed...
Measles death toll climbs to 8 in Mongolia so far in 2025
Measles death toll climbs to 8 in Mongolia so far in 2025-
english.news.cn
September 30, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Mongolia has reported 8 measles deaths in 2025, with 285 people hospitalized and 3 children critically ill. Measles remains highly contagious and severe for the unprotected.
english.news.cn/20250718/bed...
english.news.cn/20250718/bed...
Afghanistan faces a surge in measles, with one child dying every day in 2025. MSF reports a rise in hospital cases and urges targeted vaccination efforts as low immunization coverage puts vulnerable children at greater risk. www.msf.org/msf-records-...
MSF records one child died from measles each day in 2025 Afghanistan | MSF
Our teams in Afghanistan are reporting an alarming surge of measles at three hospitals where we provide support, including almost three times as many deaths as were witnessed during the same period…
www.msf.org
September 30, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Afghanistan faces a surge in measles, with one child dying every day in 2025. MSF reports a rise in hospital cases and urges targeted vaccination efforts as low immunization coverage puts vulnerable children at greater risk. www.msf.org/msf-records-...