The COVID-19 vaccine campaign will last for months, if not longer — it took over a hundred years for vaccination to wipe out smallpox. By examining how smallpox vaccination succeeded and failed, we can learn what may happen with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and how to address potential pitfalls.
Vaccine
Vaccine Season in Full Swing
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchWith cold and flu season fast approaching, the push to vaccinate communities against influenza is greater than ever. Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccine trials are working furiously to release a winning candidate by the end of the year.
The Dengue Vaccine Controversy Explained
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchDengue, a virus endemic to Latin America and Southeast Asia, infects about 400 million people and causes about 25,000 deaths each year by dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). To date there is no cure for dengue, and its toll hits hardest in areas with poorly developed medical systems. Due to the deadly consequences of this virus, […]
An Evolving Situation: Measles and the 21st Century Vaccination Crisis
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchOn the Johns Hopkins “Measles: What You Should Know” page, the last Q&A states: Q: What should I do to protect myself and my family? A: Get vaccinated. It seems like such a simple solution to a global problem. Yet so many children, about 7% in the United States, remain unvaccinated well into elementary school. […]
Vaccination Woes: HPV Vaccination Rates Remain Low
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchI was first offered the HPV vaccine during my college years. Although I had been counseled about the importance of the vaccine at that time, the steep price for the three-vaccine series kept me from getting it. With each injection costing $190, it was simply something I could not afford. By the time I started […]
Johns Hopkins Physician Finds Efficacy in Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchI was not surprised to learn that Baltimore ranks higher than the national average in cervical cancer incidence. In my few years of residency, I have seen many young women diagnosed with this disease and lose their fight. Much has been done to prevent this horrible disease. With the combination of a new preventive vaccine […]