Top in ID: New Paxlovid data; updates to flu, MMR, pneumococcal vaccinations

A recent study showed that Paxlovid was associated with a 46% reduction in severe COVID-19 or death among high-risk patients. It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

Another top story was about updated guidance from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which voted to make updates to recommendations for influenza, MMR and pneumococcal vaccines.

Read the top stories in infectious disease below:

Study finds Paxlovid reduces risk for severe COVID-19, death by 46%

Paxlovid lowered the risk for severe COVID-19 or death by 46% in a study of patients in Israel and was especially effective among older or immunosuppressed patients, or patients with underlying neurological or cardiovascular diseases. Read more.

ACIP recommends enhanced flu vaccines for older Americans, adds MMR vaccine

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously on Wednesday to recommend enhanced influenza vaccines for older Americans, introduce a second MMR vaccine, and OK a 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine for children. Read more.

Environmental hygiene program halved nosocomial C. difficile infections

An environmental hygiene program meant to improve cleaning thoroughness led to a sustained 50% decrease in health care-onset Clostridioides difficile infection in eight hospitals, a study found. Read more.

Wastewater surveillance detects 'likely' spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus in London

Wastewater surveillance has detected “several” closely related vaccine-derived polioviruses in London sewage, suggesting there has been some person-to-person spread, health officials said. Read more.

Study reveals risk factors for Ebola persistence in semen

Older age and lower illness severity are associated with a higher risk for persistent Ebola virus in semen, according to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Read more.