As cold and flu season hits this year amid growing debate over the necessity of vaccinations, University of Toronto researchers have uncovered widespread misinformation in related videos on YouTube.

Even before they enter the classroom this year, students in Virginia will be a step ahead of poor health and disease. Thanks to the vaccinations required for entry into Virginia schools, students are protected against diseases like pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria, among other serious diseases.

The integration of an immune-enhancing protein into two new smallpox vaccine candidates elicited superior immune responses, efficacy and safety in mice say researchers from the U.S. They report their findings in the August 2007 issue of the Journal of Virology.

A national survey of state immunization program managers reveals gaps in coverage for the current vaccine financing system, suggesting that many underinsured children may not receive recommended vaccinations, such as for pneumonia and meningitis, according to a report in the August 8 issue of JAMA.

Joining forces with the Afghan Government, two United Nations agencies are conducting their final round of house calls to vaccinate newborns and their mothers against tetanus in the capital, Kabul.

Some U.S. state lawmakers are fighting a mandate requiring certain vaccinations for children, saying it encourages undesirable behavior. Getting vaccinated has become a more complicated process since the 18th century, when English scientist Edward Jenner first discovered a vaccine for smallpox.