The US has revised its childhood vaccine schedule, now recommending fewer vaccines for flu, hepatitis A and B, and RSV, aligning with peer countries, and bypassing the usual approval process, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s initiatives.
The CDC reports that flu activity in the U.S. has reached its highest level on record, with a significant rise in hospitalizations and cases, especially among children and young adults, driven by a new H3N2 subclade K strain. Despite the severity, vaccination rates remain low, and health officials warn that the peak of the flu season has not yet been reached, with ongoing circulation of COVID-19 and RSV.
Colorado is experiencing a severe flu season with rising hospitalizations, especially among children, partly due to a less effective vaccine match and a new aggressive strain. Despite some underreporting, data shows a significant increase in flu activity, and the flu currently poses a greater risk than COVID, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
Flu hospitalizations in Colorado have surged to the highest level in over 20 years, driven by a new variant called subclade K and lower vaccination rates, with cases expected to rise further in the coming weeks.
Flu cases in North Carolina are surging earlier and more sharply this season, driven by the efficient spread of the subclade K variant, leading to increased hospitalizations and emphasizing the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
Flu cases are surging in Minnesota, with nearly 2,000 cases reported in December and more expected during the holidays, prompting health officials to recommend vaccination, masks, and avoiding social gatherings if symptomatic, especially for vulnerable populations like children and seniors.
A new 'super flu' strain, not covered by this year's flu vaccine, is spreading across the US, especially in New York, Louisiana, and Colorado, leading to increased hospitalizations. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, with some cases resulting in severe complications like pneumonia. Experts recommend getting the flu shot despite its limited coverage, as it can help reduce symptoms.
The article discusses how reduced global influenza sample sharing, partly due to the US withdrawal from WHO, is impairing flu virus tracking and vaccine development, potentially leading to less effective flu shots and decreased pandemic preparedness.
Recent studies suggest that getting certain vaccines, including the flu, RSV, shingles, and Tdap, may lower the risk of developing dementia by reducing systemic inflammation and protecting brain health, especially in older adults.
As flu season begins, updated flu vaccines are available and recommended for everyone 6 months and older, especially vulnerable groups. The vaccine, which is formulated annually to match circulating strains, remains the best protection against severe illness, and vaccination, combined with good hygiene practices, can help reduce the spread and impact of the flu.
The CDC has approved the 2025 fall vaccines for RSV, flu, and COVID-19, with updated recommendations including individual decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines. The flu vaccine shows promising effectiveness, and COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended annually for everyone over 6 months old, with multiple options available. The guide provides detailed information on vaccine timing, eligibility, and resources, emphasizing that the best vaccine is the one you get.
Getting the flu shot in October is recommended to protect against the flu season that lasts until May, especially for vulnerable groups, as it reduces the risk of illness and complications. The vaccine should be taken annually due to virus mutations, and it takes about two weeks to build immunity after vaccination.
NYC health officials recommend everyone 6 months and older get the updated COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines, emphasizing their safety, the importance of vaccination for high-risk groups, and the availability of free vaccines regardless of insurance or immigration status, despite confusing federal messaging.
Two recent randomized controlled trials in Spain and Denmark comparing high-dose and standard-dose flu vaccines in older adults show conflicting results: one suggests high-dose offers 44% better protection against flu hospitalization, while the other finds no significant difference, highlighting ongoing uncertainty about vaccine efficacy in this population.
Four Western states (California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii) issued their own vaccine guidelines, recommending COVID-19, flu, and R.S.V. vaccines for broad populations, in opposition to federal efforts led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The guidelines align with major medical organizations and emphasize vaccination for vulnerable groups.