This Week in Virology TWiV 1313: Maybe they're all dementia vaccines
Apr 12, 2026
They discuss a study linking standard and high‑dose influenza shots to lower Alzheimer’s dementia risk. They explain how deltaviruses can hitch a ride inside larger viral particles to spread. The conversation touches on measles genome sequencing, public health trust, and recent lab and microscopy evidence revealing viral packaging mechanisms.
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Remembering Dennis O'Callaghan's Mentorship
- Dennis O'Callaghan, an influential virologist, recently passed and was remembered for mentoring and funding researchers.
- Vincent recalled O'Callaghan personally recruited him and called him 'Rachiolio', highlighting their rapport.
Diagnosis Coding Strongly Affects Study Results
- Alzheimer's case definitions matter: using ICD codes versus medication claims or unspecified dementia changes case counts and statistical significance.
- Restricting to explicit AD ICD codes shrinks samples and can remove statistical significance despite similar point estimates.
Women Show Stronger Dementia Reduction After Vaccination
- Vaccine-associated dementia risk reduction is stronger in women than men, both for zoster and influenza vaccines.
- The sex difference appears in magnitude and duration of protection, though both sexes still benefit.
