Ever since a 1998 report which suggest a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism, there have been a lot of speculations and controversies surrounding the benefits of vaccines in children.

A new study done in USA recently found that there is no evidence of any link between vaccines and autism, dispelling any doubt about this controversy. However, this recent study is not likely to convince those die-hards from changing their mind about the entire issue.

You can read more about it here.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) of USA recommends that people above 60 years of age be given the vaccine against shingles. It is estimated that the vaccine can reduce the risk of shingles in those above 60 by 50%.

Shingles present as vesicular rashes on the body, usually along the path of a nerve. It happens in those who had a history of chicken pox when the chicken pox virus, varicella zoster, does not get totally eliminated. Instead, the virus continues to survive in the nervous system. When the patient becomes depressed immunely, usually as a result of old age or certain diseases, it appears as shingles.

For more on this story, click here.

Babies and infants are now routinely given vaccines against meningitis. So far, 3 types of vaccines are available against childhood meningitis - H. influenza, pneumococcal and meningitis c. Vaccine for Meningitis B, which causes the most cases of meningitis, has so far not been available, until now.

A preliminary study on the use of a new vaccine against meningitis b has shown promising result. However, more studies need to be done for its true benefits to be realised.

For the full report, click here.