The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) is mourning the passing of its dear friend and generous supporter Carl P. Vanderspek. Having achieved tremendous success in business, he sought out champions and causes whose success would have great impact and his support of the BC-CfE was central to this philosophy. Many years ago, Carl […]
The BC-CfE mourns Carl P. Vanderspek Read More »
A new study recommends giving elderly people their second dose on schedule. As B.C. prepares to relax visitation restrictions at long-term care facilities on April 1, new research shows that a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine produces a much weaker antibody response in long-term care residents than it does in younger, healthy adults. That
Long-term care residents show weaker immune response to first dose of vaccine Read More »
The findings raise questions about the optimal timing of the second dose of the vaccine for older adults. “Results from this study in long-term care facilities in Vancouver reveal that individuals of advanced age, following the first dose of a two-dose vaccination regimen, are less able to generate as strong an antibody response, both in
Weak antibody response to first vaccine dose may leave older adults vulnerable Read More »
The BC-CfE continues to lead the way in COVID-19 research, with the latest published research on the topic coming from the Centre’s Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics Group.
The paper, which features contributions from almost all members of the group, focuses on evolutionary patterns among coronaviruses that have jumped from animal hosts into humans and is titled “Variable routes to genomic and host adaptation among coronaviruses“.
FHS professors Mark Brockman and Zabrina Brumme are co-leading a study with Dr. Marc Romney, the Medical Lead for Microbiology and Virology at Providence Health Care, to examine the strength and durability of immune responses in residents and staff of long-term care facilities following COVID-19 vaccination. Their study partners include UBC and the BC Centre
BC-CfE researchers are working alongside colleagues from the University of British Columbia, Providence Health Care, and Simon Fraser University to investigate how elderly peoples’ immune systems respond to COVID-19 vaccines. The researchers will also assess the viral, immunological and social factors that have contributed to COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities in order to better understand why and how the disease has been fatal to so many residents.
A virologist said it may be months before restrictions for visitors are lifted, and freedoms and procedures at seniors’ homes may never return to pre-COVID times. Residents of seven B.C. seniors’ homes, including one with one of the deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks, have been or soon will be fully vaccinated, but a virologist studying how well
We’re in an ‘escalating arms race’ with the virus. Our fighting chance requires vigilance – and patience. Since vaccines began rolling out late last year, many British Columbians have wondered whether the shot would be their pass to hug an elderly loved one, shed their mask or plan postponed weddings. Not so fast, says provincial
Why the Vaccine’s Success Rests with Us Read More »
When Jenny Bailey learned she was next in line to get the COVID-19 vaccine, she could hardly contain herself. “I was so excited when I found out we were getting it. I was just stopping myself from doing cartwheels,” she says with a laugh. “I was thrilled.” As a member of a priority population, Bailey,
Researchers studying immune response to COVID-19 vaccine Read More »
Variants are spreading but we don’t know how much BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS research scientist in evolutionary genetics Jeffery Joy speaks with Stephen Quinn about the different covid variants and what it means for public health heading towards the spring.
The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn | Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Joy Read More »
