April 14th, 2012
Podcast 151: Most people above age 10 have at least some cross-reactive antibodies to variant influenza
Influenza A (H3N2)v — a novel flu virus that emerged last summer and shows signs of being able to transmit itself from person to person — is our topic this week. The virus carries genes from swine and avian flu viruses, and the few cases found in the U.S. all made complete recovery. We talk with CDC […]
October 28th, 2011
Podcast 135: HPV vaccine effective against anal intraepithelial neoplasia in MSM. Now, how to get it to young men before they’re sexually active?
The quadrivalent HPV vaccine was effective at preventing anal intraepithelial neoplasias in men who have sex with men, it was reported last week. The larger question is how to get it to young men before they become sexually active. We interview Dr. Joel Palefsky of UCSF, the first author on a paper in the New England Journal […]
September 23rd, 2011
Podcast 131: Measuring the effect of the rotavirus vaccine program on kids in the U.S.
Vaccines work, and here’s more evidence. The quadrivalent rotavirus vaccine introduced in 2006 has dramatically lowered hospitalizations for rotavirus-related diarrhea among children under age 5, among other benefits. Its presence has produced a kind of herd immunity whereby even the unvaccinated are reaping benefits. It bears remembering, though, that vaccinees have about a 90% lower […]