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A look at what’s driving vaccine hesitancy in this critical moment for several respiratory viruses—plus, new developments in CRISPR that could enable more efficient medical treatment delivery in living humans. (464 words, 2 minutes, 19 seconds) |
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Vaccine hesitancy weakens our health defenses |
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Though protection is available for COVID-19, the flu, and—as of this year— respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), polling shows vaccine hesitancy is an obstacle to better health.
The (dismal) numbers: Only 40% of U.S. adults plan to get an updated COVID vaccine, 52% plan to get flu shots, and 40% in the vulnerable 60+ group plan on getting RSV vaccines, says a survey commissioned by the National Foundation on Infectious Disease.
Why don’t they want to get the flu shot? According to the survey, 32% are concerned about potential side effects, while 27% don’t think vaccines work very well and worry about getting sick from the shot.
What about an updated COVID vaccine? 28% don’t think vaccines work very well, and 13% don’t think COVID-19 is a serious illness.
And RSV? 33% have concerns about side effects, while 27% haven’t been advised to get it.
Across all vaccines, lack of trust ranks high—cited by 31% as a reason for not getting the flu shot, 34% for not getting an updated COVID shot, and 28% for not getting the RSV vaccine.
One way to build trust: Communication by trusted messengers—from healthcare providers to community and faith-based leaders. These voices have been shown to help build vaccine confidence.
Why it matters: Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical invention. COVID-19 is the #4 cause of death in the United States, flu and RSV are dangerous for older adults, and RSV is the main cause of hospitalization in infants.
The bottom line: Have your family vaccinated! Ask your doctor, or find locations here.
Read more in Bio.News. |
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New development promises more accurate CRISPR |
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A new enzyme with a smaller molecule than Cas9 holds promise for enabling greater use of the CRISPR gene editing technique in living people.
Why it matters: CRISPR promises a medical revolution, with uses including treating genetic disorders causing up to 50% of childhood deaths and fighting cancer. In agriculture, CRISPR can improve plant yield, climate resilience, animal feed, and more.
How does Cas9 work? RNA guides a Cas9 molecule to the location on a DNA strand containing a gene that needs editing, and the Cas9 cuts the gene. These molecules can be delivered by injecting a harmless adeno-associated virus.
There’s also Cas12f, from acidibacillus sulfuroxidans bacteria. One of the most compact Cas enzymes, it enables more efficient delivery in a living person and is capable of more types of gene editing, studies find. But AsCas12f has shown limited effects on human cells.
But now: Researchers report altering the amino acids, on which all life is based, in AsCas12f to make it more effective. Animal tests show its potential for use in humans.
What’s next: Computational modeling could be used to improve the AsCas12f enzyme further and develop it for medical treatments, researchers say. |
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