Travel Clinics: Essential Info for Vaccinations Before Your Trip
Travel clinics offer various vaccinations for trips, with health insurance usually covering flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, but other vaccines may incur additional costs.
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Flu Shots
All articles tagged with #flu shots
Vaccine Advisory Panel to Review Controversial Ingredients and Policies
The vaccine advisory panel, recently restructured by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will discuss the use of MMRV vaccines and thimerosal-containing flu shots in its upcoming meeting, amid controversy over vaccine safety and panel membership changes.
RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel to Debate Mercury in Flu Shots and Childhood Vaccines
A government advisory panel, appointed by RFK Jr., will vote on the use of thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in some flu vaccines, amid controversy and recent changes in committee membership.
"Assessing the Effectiveness of Flu Vaccines in the US: New Data and Insights"
Early estimates indicate that flu shots in the US are around 40% effective in preventing adults from severe flu illness, with children being roughly 60% less likely to require treatment. Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and about half of eligible kids and adults received flu shots in the last several months. The effectiveness of the shots is influenced by the match against circulating flu strains, and some concerns have been raised about potential diminishing returns for annual influenza immunization.
Respiratory Illnesses Surge in North Carolina, Raising Concerns
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported eight more flu-related deaths last week, bringing the season total to 22, with at least 10 of those deaths occurring in people aged 65 and older. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that flu vaccine uptake is at its lowest in the past five years. Demand for flu and COVID-19 vaccines has slightly decreased, while demand for RSV and pneumonia vaccines remains steady. The number of people testing positive for the flu in state hospitals has increased by 52% compared to the previous week, and COVID-19 particles detected in wastewater have risen by 40%. The percentage of people visiting emergency rooms with respiratory illnesses is the highest it has been in over a year. It is important to note that symptoms alone cannot differentiate between flu and COVID-19, and specific testing is required for a diagnosis.
"Link Found Between Combined COVID and Flu Shots and Increased Stroke Risk in Older Adults"
A new study from the FDA suggests that getting a high-dose flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time may slightly increase the risk of stroke for people aged 85 and older. However, experts emphasize that the benefits of vaccination still outweigh the risks, and the study has not yet been peer-reviewed. The FDA maintains that the vaccines are safe and effective, and the observed risk may be driven by the flu shot alone. While the data should be considered, it is important to contextualize the potential risk and continue to prioritize vaccination. Staggering the vaccines may be an option to minimize side effects, but if getting both vaccines at the same time is the only opportunity, it is still recommended. It is crucial to be aware of stroke symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if necessary. Further studies will be needed to determine the significance of the observed risk.
Flu Season Intensifies Across Multiple States, CDC Reports
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an increase in influenza activity in several U.S. states, with six jurisdictions showing moderate or high flu activity. Alaska has the highest flu activity, followed by Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. While most states still have low or minimal flu activity, experts predict that flu levels will worsen in the coming months. The CDC's map is based on people reporting flu symptoms to healthcare facilities and may not capture all flu activity. Flu shots are already available and can be received alongside COVID-19 boosters.
"Flu Shots: A Potential Defense Against Alzheimer's and Dementia"
Recent research suggests that regular vaccinations, including flu shots, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Studies have found that people receiving vaccinations for flu and other infectious diseases appear less likely to develop dementia, although the exact mechanism is still unclear. Vaccines may prevent or reduce the likelihood of getting infections that play a role in the development of Alzheimer's, or they may curb the immune system's reaction to amyloid plaque, a protein associated with Alzheimer's. Multiple studies have shown a statistically significant difference in the incidence of Alzheimer's between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of vaccines on brain health. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccinations for overall health and healthy aging.
"Stay Healthy This Winter: Simple Tips to Avoid Colds and Flu"
To avoid colds and flu this winter, it is important to follow a few simple strategies. These include washing hands frequently, avoiding touching the face, getting flu shots, cleaning common surfaces regularly, getting enough sleep and exercise, eating well-balanced meals, staying hydrated, and finding activities that help relax and reduce stress.
"Revamping Flu Vaccines: FDA Experts Push for Changes Post-COVID"
Vaccine advisors for the FDA have unanimously voted to remove a component from annual flu shots that targets a strain of the virus that appears to have gone extinct due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strain in question is the influenza type B Yamagata lineage, and there have been no confirmed detections worldwide since March 2020. Experts are confident in saying it presents a low risk of infection, and keeping it in vaccines may pose a risk of reintroducing the virus if mishaps occur during production. However, the removal process is complicated as most vaccines in high-income countries are quadrivalent and dropping the B/Yamagata strain would require reformulating them into trivalent vaccines.
"Stay Protected: Fall Vaccines Update Including COVID Boosters"
As colder temperatures approach, Iowans are preparing for the fall respiratory viral season by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). COVID-19 booster shots are recommended for virtually all Americans, with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines targeting the omicron subvariant. RSV vaccines have been approved for adults aged 60 and older, pregnant women, and infants. Flu shots are also recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Individuals can receive their COVID and influenza vaccines together, but separate appointments may be needed for the RSV vaccine.
"Get the Latest Covid Booster and Stay Protected in the New Covid Era"
Major pharmacy chains in the US have started rolling out appointments for the updated Covid-19 vaccine, which is effective against the dominant strain in the country. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, with specific recommendations for different age groups and immunocompromised individuals. Flu shots and RSV vaccines are also available, with the CDC urging people to get vaccinated against all three respiratory viruses. Timing for the Covid-19 booster shot depends on when the last vaccine was received, and it is safe to get the flu shot and Covid-19 shot on the same day. Most people with health insurance can get the updated Covid-19 shot at no cost, and uninsured or underinsured individuals can access it for free through government programs.
"FDA Approves New COVID Booster Shots Amid Rising Cases and Hospitalizations"
Updated COVID-19 vaccines, targeting the omicron descendant XBB.1.5, are expected to be approved within days and will be available to most Americans, even if they have never been vaccinated. Health officials are optimistic that the updated shots will offer crossover protection against the evolving coronavirus variants. In addition to COVID-19 shots, the CDC recommends getting a yearly flu shot, especially for high-risk groups. A new vaccine for RSV, a virus that can be deadly for children and the elderly, is also rolling out, and there is a lab-made antibody injection available to protect babies from RSV. Getting booster shots and maintaining vaccination against COVID-19, flu, and RSV is crucial to avoid overwhelming hospitals during the upcoming respiratory season.
"New Trio of Vaccines: Updated COVID Shots for Flu, RSV, and More"
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be approved soon, alongside flu shots, to help prevent a potential "tripledemic" of flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and COVID-19. The new COVID-19 shots target the omicron descendant XBB.1.5 and are expected to offer crossover protection against other coronavirus variants. The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older, with three specific shots recommended for seniors. RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant women are also rolling out, and a new injection of lab-made antibodies is available to protect babies from RSV.
"Fall Vaccines: Protecting Against COVID, Flu, and RSV"
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be approved within days, just in time for the flu season. These updated shots target the omicron descendant XBB.1.5 and are expected to offer crossover protection against other coronavirus variants. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also rolling out for older adults and pregnant women. Health officials are optimistic about the effectiveness of the updated shots, but emphasize the importance of booster shots and yearly flu vaccinations. RSV, a common cause of pneumonia in seniors and a serious illness for young children, is also being addressed with vaccines and lab-made antibodies.