Category: Flu Vaccine

Wouldnt it be nice to not have to get a flu shot every single year?

Researchers at Duke University and Harvard University have spent the past seven years working to develop a universal flu vaccine that would only need to be administered every few years.

They say it could potentially provide unprecedented protection against the virus.

What weve done is just simply ask the question: Is it possible to make an antibody that would bind to all sorts of flus, not just the flu of the season, Garnett Kelsoe, an immunology professor at Duke University School of Medicine, told WRAL-TV in North Carolina.

In December, the team of researchers published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences about discovering a group of antibodies in humans and some animals that target all types of influenza. They gave mice the antibodies before injecting them with the flu.

You can give the mice hugely lethal doses of influenza virus, and the mice survive, Kelsoe said. In fact, they dont really get sick at all.

Researchers have a ways to go before a universal flu vaccine could be ready for the general publics use. Over the next two years, theyll begin testing their findings on primates. If that proves successful, human trials could be next.

Kelsoe said hes encouraged by the idea that a universal shot could take out the guesswork of predicting which flu strain will be the dominant one in any given year. He also hopes a single shot to protect against all flu strains could combat vaccine hesitancy.

If a shot is really good and it lasts for multiple years, you have great faith that its terrific, he said. If you have to get a shot every year and its only about 50% effective, that reduces peoples faith. One of the goals of the universal vaccine is to regain peoples faith and the efficacy of vaccines.

Only about 40% of Americans have received their flu shot this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last year, 31 million Americans were sick with the flu while 21,000 died, the CDC estimates.

In the meantime, Kelsoe urges people to get their annual flu shots a sentiment the CDC shared just yesterday when it issued its annual list of vaccination recommendations for 2024.

Even the vaccines that are not 100% effective reduce sickness and significantly reduce death, Kelsoe said. Theyre very, very valuable.

Continued here:

A Long-Lasting Flu Vaccine? Researchers Working on Shot You Need Every Few Years - The Messenger

January 12, 2024 |

Photo 2024 Flu Vaccine Courtesy health.mil

Carbon County Public Health says flu cases are on the rise in Wyoming.

During the January 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Carbon County Public Health Nurse Manager Amanda Brown said the Christmas holiday caused an expected drop in the number of people visiting her office. Despite seeing fewer patients, Brown said testing for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, has been increasing.

Brown said Carbon County Public Health is continuing to monitor flu and COVID activity in the countys clinics and hospitals. The nurse manager said flu cases are rising across the state. Brown said the flu has contributed to the deaths of 11 Wyoming residents over the past two months.

Brown said this time last year, there were more flu related deaths.

Commission Chairwoman Sue Jones asked Brown if the current round of vaccines provides protection against the most recent strain of the flu virus. Brown said it does. However, the nurse manager said it is impossible to know how many Carbon County residents have received the newest vaccinations. Brown said she is working on a way to find out the number of vaccinated residents.

Brown said the only way Carbon County Public Health knows if a person is vaccinated is when they are admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Brown encouraged everyone to get vaccinated against the flu. Responding to a question from Commissioner John Johnson, Brown said vaccinations can be administered on weekdays or any time a nurse is available.

Brown said anyone suffering from the flu should stay home and avoid contact with vulnerable individuals. For more information about available vaccines or to schedule a vaccination, contact Carbon County Public Health at 328-2607.

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Carbon County Public Health Nurse Says Flu Cases Are On The Rise - Bigfoot 99 Radio

By Deidre McPhillips, CNN

(CNN) The United States started the new year awash in respiratory illness, with high levels of flu, Covid-19 and RSV across most of the country. The latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that some measures of flu activity dipped in early January, but the single week of decrease is not a trend and experts warn that more increases are likely to come.

Its actually pretty common that we see a little bit of a dip around the holidays, but we typically see an increase after that because people will delay seeking care, and lots of people get exposed to different things through holiday travel, said Janet Hamilton, executive director of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. I think we should definitely expect a lot more respiratory virus activity.

Respiratory virus activity was high or very high in all but 15 states during the week ending January 6, according to the CDC.

In the latest update this week, and consistently through the season, the agencys Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics has suggested that this respiratory disease season will probably result in a similar number of hospitalizations as last season. And while current hospital capacity is considered stable overall, the CDC says that hospitals in some parts of the country have reported strains on their resources due, in part, to increases in respiratory illness.

Theres still a substantial amount of respiratory virus season to go. These viruses, to one degree or another, will be with us through the end of this month and well into February, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University.

Last month, flu surpassed Covid-19 to become the leading respiratory virus driving emergency room visits. The CDC estimates that flu has caused at least 14 million illnesses, 150,000 hospitalizations and 9,400 deaths this season.

Covid-19 hospitalizations have also been on the rise for weeks, more than doubling since the beginning of November. There were nearly 36,000 new Covid-19 hospitalizations during the week ending January 6, CDC data shows.

Covid-19 infections are less likely to cause severe disease now than they were earlier in the pandemic, thanks to greater immune protection in the population from vaccination and prior infection. But wastewater surveillance suggests that viral activity is very high in the US, and experts caution that its not a time to get complacent.

We might be tired of it being respiratory virus season in the winter, but it shouldnt surprise us. Just because youve experienced flu or Covid or RSV and been fine before doesnt mean thats whats going to happen the next time, Hamilton said. Were dealing with things that we feel more familiar and comfortable with, but being ready for yourself and your family is the most important thing that you can do.

There are still benefits to getting a flu shot this season if you havent already, the CDC says. Its recommended as long as viruses are spreading, and theres evidence that this years shot is particularly helpful.

Early data from Canada found the flu vaccine to offer strong protection this season, supporting earlier evidence from South America. Overall, the vaccine has been more than 60% effective against the prominent influenza A strain circulating in the US, and its been even more effective at protecting children under 10. Last season, overall effectiveness was less than 50%.

Still, less than half of the US population has gotten the flu shot this season, according to the CDC. Only about 1 in 5 adults and fewer than 1 in 10 children have gotten the latest Covid-19 vaccine.

If you havent been vaccinated, yes, its very late, but its not too late. Dont linger get the vaccines this afternoon, Schaffner said.

Get that mask out of your bureau drawer and put it on when you go to a basketball game or religious services, when you go to the supermarket and things such as that. Exert a bit of caution, because these are very contagious viruses.

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Flu activity ticked down last week, but respiratory virus season is far from over in the US - KRDO

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Tina Q. Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, and Rodney Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM.

Experts discuss strategies for effectively communicating the importance of COVID-19 vaccination, highlighting the challenges healthcare professionals face in getting individuals to understand and act on recommendations. The speakers emphasize the prevalence of misinformation and the need for accurate science communication. One of the speakers shares his approach to engaging the public through storytelling and translational communication, rather than bombarding them with research data.

The conversation touches on the significance of vaccinations for various diseases, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), emphasizing the abundance of scientific data supporting their efficacy. The speakers stress the importance of positive and direct communication, sharing personal experiences of vaccination within family and community. The goal is to encourage conversations and address concerns, recognizing that people may have questions influenced by information on social media.

The discussion also delves into the practice of administering multiple vaccines simultaneously, with a focus on the safety of co-administering COVID-19 vaccines with live attenuated vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or varicella. The speakers mention a study highlighting adults' preference for single vaccines at a time, contrasting with the common practice in pediatrics. They reassure the public about the safety of combining vaccines and encourage consulting healthcare practitioners for personalized advice.

The conversation concludes with a brief mention of the COVID-19 vaccine's limitations in individuals under 12 years old, attributing this to the lack of extensive studies in younger children. The speakers emphasize the ongoing commitment to research and safety considerations, addressing potential concerns about vaccine adjuvants and encouraging public understanding through continued communication and dialogue with healthcare professionals.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by PatientCare editorial staff.

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Approaching Patient Education About COVID-19 Vaccination - Patient Care Online

Published January 10, 2024

With influenza peaking during December, January, and February, its not surprising that runny noses, sore throats and persistent coughs are common right now.

But with COVID-19 and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also circulating in the community, this winter has proven an especially active one for respiratory illnesses.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the amount of respiratory illness requiring people to seek healthcare is elevated or increasing across much of the country.

In North Carolina in the last week of December 2023, acute respiratory illness symptoms accounted for 22.4% of all emergency room visits, up from 14.8% for the same week in December 2022. And North Carolina is one of eight states with the highest level of influenza activity according to the CDC.

We spoke with Duke Employee Occupational Health & Wellness (EOHW) Executive Director Dr. Carol Epling to learn about the current threats posed by influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, and what we can do to keep ourselves, and those around us healthy this winter.

The winter months, especially the weeks following the holidays, have traditionally seen rises in cases of respiratory illness. Epling said that this year is no different, though with the combination of influenza, COVID and RSV, which can be dangerous for infants and older adults, the threat deserves our attention.

Its been a very busy period with COVID case counts, but overall the numbers arent as high as last year, Epling said. This will be our fourth flu season when weve also had circulating COVID and weve seen a rise in cases around this time in each of those years. Its because people are getting together more frequently for celebrations and eating together and fewer people are wearing masks. Were giving ourselves a lot more opportunities to be exposed to one another and transmit these respiratory viruses,

Epling also said the JN.1 variant of COVID-19, which is the one responsible for most current cases, is especially transmissible.

We know that COVID is here to stay, so its just added to the usual wintertime virus season, Epling said.

Epling pointed out that vaccinations are the best way to prevent a case of influenza or COVID-19 from becoming severe. And with both COVID and flu vaccines beginning to provide protection roughly two weeks after receiving them, getting them now can still keep you safe during much of the busy season for flu and COVID activity.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine, which became available in September, provides effective protection from omicron-related strains of the virus, and is effective against the current JN.1 variant.

The benefits of the vaccine to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID are holding up, Epling said.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available through your health care provider including by appointment at all Duke Primary Care locations and Clinic 1J in Duke South Clinics or through pharmacies. The vaccinations are fully covered on all of Dukes employee medical plans.

Flu vaccines are also available at most primary care clinics and pharmacies. Walk-in influenza vaccinations are available at no-cost for Duke faculty and staff at all three EOHW clinics, including the EOHW location in the Duke South Clinic Orange Zone, Sub-Basement Level, between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekdays, except on Wednesday from noon-2 p.m.

If you havent gotten a flu vaccine yet, I encourage you to do it, Epling said. The flu is very active right now.

According to CDC estimates, there have already been 6,500 flu deaths in the U.S. this season.

If youre experiencing common respiratory illness symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion or fatigue, or you if youve been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, test yourself for COVID-19 with a commonly available at-home rapid antigen test kit or self-schedule a testing appointment online.

Staff and faculty can also find guidance and set up a testing appointment by calling the Duke Employee Exposure Hotline at 919-385-0429, option 1. The hotline is available from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m.-noon on weekends.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home tests as of November 20, 2023. If you did not order four tests earlier in the fall, you can place two orders for a total of 8 tests.

If you test positive for COVID-19, Epling recommends isolating from others for at least five days. In addition to the mandatory five-day isolation period, you must have improving symptoms with absence of fever, diarrhea or vomiting for at least 24 hours prior to return to the workplace.You must also wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after symptom onset to minimize risk to others.

Contacting EOHW after a positive test will also help connect you with helpful information about next steps and potential treatment options.

If an at-home test is negative, but youre experiencing flu-like or persistent respiratory illness symptoms, Epling recommends staying home and making an appointment for further testing.

If your at-home test is negative, you still may have COVID, Epling said. The molecular tests collectedat the employee swabbing clinic at Duke Medicine Pavilion and at primary care or urgent care clinics can give a more accurate test result for COVID. And at the same time, you may get tested for influenza and RSV. If you have risk factors for serious illness these tests will help you know if there are preventative actions or medications available which could help treat you.

The CDC provides additional information on understanding the differences between flu and COVID-19.

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Q&A: How to Stay Healthy as COVID and Flu Cases Rise | Duke Today - Duke Today

Two Salt Lake County children, and three adults over 50 have died from influenza during the current flu season.

The Salt Lake County Health Department announced Tuesday that the two children both died in the last 30 days. None of the five individuals have records showing they received the flu vaccine this season.

Dr. Angela Dunn, executive director of the county's health department, said these five deaths are a reminder that influenza is serious. She said everyone older than 6 months should get a flu shot to prevent serious illness and to avoid getting others sick.

"This year's seasonal flu vaccine is well-matched to the virus strains we're seeing in circulation," said Dr. Dunn. "Vaccination is the best defense against being hospitalized or dying from the flu."

Ryan Chatelain, an epidemiologist with the Salt Lake County Health Department, said this flu season is unique because there are three actively circulating strains when usually one strain is responsible for most of the cases during the peak of the flu season.

Each of those three strains is included in the flu vaccine. The flu season is unpredictable in length and severity, but usually peaks in January or February.

Salt Lake County reported that 353 people have been hospitalized with the flu since Oct. 1. There have been 706 hospitalizations due to the flu throughout Utah this season.

The latest update of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services respiratory disease statistics showed the daily average for emergency department visits for influenza at the start of the month was at 206. That is twice the daily average visits for COVID-19, which was at 100. The average daily emergency visits for RSV was at 47 on Jan. 1.

Between Christmas and New Year's Day, influenza accounted for about 7% of emergency room visits across the state, according to the state health department.

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Salt Lake County reports 5 deaths from the flu this season, including 2 children - Deseret News

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65+, of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and children younger than fiveyears old, but especially those younger than twoyears old.

If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer. Flu activity is widespread throughout Georgia, and the current flu report lists flu activity at the highest level.

It is not too late to get a flu shot. Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications, says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. Even if the vaccine doesnt completely prevent illness from flu, it can help reduce the severity and risk of serious complications and keep people out of the hospital.

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people aged 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women, and children younger than fiveyears old, but especially those younger than twoyears old.

Flu vaccine is widely available at public health departments, doctors offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics and pharmacies. To find a location near you, click on https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend the use of antiviral drugs that fight against the flu in your body. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines and are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.

There are other tried and true measures you can take to help prevent the spread of flu:

For more information about flu and how to prevent it, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/flu. You can monitor Georgia weekly influenza reports at https://dph.georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgia. The reports are updated each Friday.

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DPH announces widespread flu activity in Georgia - Grice Connect

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) At the peak of flu season, less expecting mothers are getting a flu shot before birth.

The Tennessee Department of Health reported in December that 48% of new mothers failed to get a flu shot.

"It's concerning that we're going to see more people with severe illness," said Dr. Thompson with Vanderbilt Medical Center. "Some women are admitted to the ICU, and unfortunately there have been cases of pregnant women who die from the flu, who were otherwise healthy."

While the flu has always posed a risk, Dr. Thompson cited CDC data showing a 5% to 15% decrease in expecting mothers getting a flu shot compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Dr. Thompson says the flu can mean serious symptoms for pregnant women and possible pre-term delivery for the child.

"It takes about 5 minutes and it does provide protection, not just to you but to your baby," said Veronica Fox, who is 21 weeks into her pregnancy and received a flu shot.

"There is probably some hesitation with everything that went on with COVID, [but] we've had the flu shot a lot longer, and I think it's been a standard recommendation for many years," she explained.

Hear more from her in the player above.

Dr. Thompson adds the flu vaccine is safe in pregnancy during any trimester, and it's especially recommended this time of year.

"Flu is on the rise, much higher than COVID or RSV," she said. "If you haven't gotten your flu shot, this is the perfect time to do it."

Vanderbilt Medical Center has the shot in clinic for patients, and it's offered at several drug stores.

The hospital adds babies cannot receive a flu shot until they are 6 months old. That's why the mother's flu shot could serve as protection for the child before and after they are born.

Dr. Thompson says if you're hesitant or have any questions, you can always talk to a professional.

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CDC: Despite recommendations, fewer expecting mothers are getting the flu shot - News Channel 5 Nashville

SALT LAKE CITY According to the Salt Lake County Health Department, two children under the age of 18 have died from the flu in the past month.

The deaths are the first confirmed deaths of minors related to the flu of the 2023-24 influenza season, according to a press release from the SLCo Health Department.

These deaths are a tragic reminder that influenza is a serious disease, said Dr. Angela Dunn, executive director of the health department, in the release.

According to the SLCoHD, three people over the age of 50 have also died from the flu this year. The health department said none of the deceased had received vaccination this season.

Per medical privacy laws, the health department said it will not be releasing additional details about the details.

Dunn said that everyone aged six months and older should get their annual flu vaccine. It can prevent serious illness and the spread of the flu.

Since Oct. 1, 353 people in Salt Lake County have been hospitalized due to the flu. Officials said that this season has been unusual, as multiple strains are active.

Ryan Chatelain, a SLCo epidemiologist, said that usually, there is only one strain responsible for the majority of influenza cases.

But this year, we have three strains actively circulating in the middle of the season, said Chatelain.

The health department said the current vaccine covers all of the actively circulating strains.

Vaccination is the best defense against being hospitalized or dying from the flu, said Dunn.

The health department said frequent hand washing can prevent the spread of the flu, as well as RSV and COVID-19.

Additionally, the department said to stay home if youre sick.

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Two SLCo children have died from the flu this season, health department says - KSL NewsRadio

FILE - A patient is given a flu vaccine Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, in Lynwood, Calif. Seasonal flu continues to pick up steam in the U.S. But among respiratory viruses, COVID-19 remains the main cause of hospitalizations and deaths, health officials said Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) Southeastern Virginia Health System is partnering with Temple of Peace Church to provide free COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for anyone at least 12-years-old.

The event takes place Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Temple of Peace Church, 3115 Wickham Avenue in Newport News.

Vaccines will be provided and rendered by Southeastern Virginia Health System.

Keep up to date with the latest news on WAVY.com.

Link:

Free COVID-19 vaccinations to be provided in Newport News - WAVY.com