Comparison of Predictive Factors of Flu Vaccine Uptake Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Using the NIS-Teen Survey.

Background: Seasonal influenza vaccination rates are very low among teenagers.

Objectives: We used publicly available data from the NIS-Teen annual national immunization survey to explore factors that influence the likelihood of a teen receiving their seasonal flu shot.

Methods: Traditional stepwise multivariable regression was used in tandem with machine learning to determine the predictive factors in teen vaccine uptake.

Effects of religion, politics and distance to providers on HPV vaccine attitudes and intentions of parents in rural Utah.

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes an estimated 300,000 high grade cervical dysplasias and 36,000 preventable cancers each year in the United States alone. Despite having a safe, effective and long lasting vaccine since 2006, the rate of uptake has been suboptimal, particularly in rural areas. In 2020, Utah ranked near last in teenage HPV vaccination rates with rural areas trailing urban areas by about 18 percent.

A summary of the main themes and findings presented at the ASM Intermountain Branch meeting (2024).

The annual meeting for the Intermountain Branch was held in April 2024 on the campus of Brigham Young University. There were 127 branch members from Utah, Idaho, and Nevada who attended the meeting and were composed of undergraduate students, graduate or medical students, and faculty. This report highlights the diversity of, and the emerging trends in, the research conducted by American Society for Microbiology members in the Intermountain Branch.

Preclinical Validation of a Novel Device Designed to Reduce Biofilms on Percutaneous Osseointegrated Abutments.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of a prototype cleaning device in removing biofilm from skin-penetrating abutments.

Background: Adverse skin reactions around percutaneous osseointegrated implants have been linked to poor hygiene and infection. A cleaning device made from open-cell polyfoam has been developed to facilitate manual cleaning of abutments by the patient.