Category: Flu Vaccine

FOLLOWED, BUT DID NOT RELEASE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. ALSO NEW AT SIX. KENTUCKYS HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE REPORTING THE FIRST DEATHS AMONG CHILDREN THIS WINTER FROM COVID AND FLU. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REPORTS ONE CHILD DIED FROM COVID AND THE OTHER FROM INFLUENZA. NEITHER CHILD HAD BEEN IMMUNIZED AGAINST THE THE VIRUSES WHICH CAUSED THEIR DEATHS, BUT NO OTHER DETAILS HAVE BEEN RELEASED. THE CDC RECOMMENDS

Health officials: 2 Kentucky children reported dead from flu and COVID-19

Updated: 6:20 PM EST Jan 11, 2024

Kentucky state health officials announced that two children have died from respiratory viruses.Officials said that one child died from COVID-19 and the other from the flu. They did not say where in the state the children were from.Neither of the children were immunized against the viruses, according to Kentucky health officials."Influenza and COVID-19 are serious illnesses that unfortunately can be deadly for some people, including young children," said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, in a news release. "It is important for people who have not been vaccinated to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines this season, along with other recommended immunizations, to protect themselves."Officials say that respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, have been elevated above baseline levels for five consecutive weeks. You can see the latest data here.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone six months or older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines, along with children younger than five or anyone with high-risk complications.To find a COVID-19 or flu vaccine near you, click here.

Kentucky state health officials announced that two children have died from respiratory viruses.

Officials said that one child died from COVID-19 and the other from the flu. They did not say where in the state the children were from.

Neither of the children were immunized against the viruses, according to Kentucky health officials.

"Influenza and COVID-19 are serious illnesses that unfortunately can be deadly for some people, including young children," said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, in a news release. "It is important for people who have not been vaccinated to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines this season, along with other recommended immunizations, to protect themselves."

Officials say that respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, have been elevated above baseline levels for five consecutive weeks. You can see the latest data here.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone six months or older get the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines, along with children younger than five or anyone with high-risk complications.

To find a COVID-19 or flu vaccine near you, click here.

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2 Kentucky children reported dead from flu and COVID-19 - WLKY Louisville

In the heart of Flu Season, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority wish to remind residents that it is never a bad time to schedule a trip to the doctors office for the Flu vaccine.

While most flu symptoms are rather tame, and most people recover within seven to ten days, there are still cases where the flu can cause extreme discomfort in those whose bodies are not properly equipped to handle the virus. Symptoms typically appear around one to four days after exposure, and can be as simple as a fever, cough, and some mild muscle pain. Other symptoms include headache, chills, fatigue, sore throat, and a loss of appetite. The most severe symptoms include diarrhea and nausea.

Dr. Claudia Kraft, the Territorial Medical Director, shared her knowledge of the flu to help inform northerners of the risks of the influenza virus, as well as the ways that the vaccine can protect those who are more vulnerable.

We know that there are lots of different ideas about the flu vaccine, and sometimes people think that if they had the flu then they neednt get another vaccine, and we also know that demand changes depending on what the flu activity is in a given community, so we wanted to have the chance to share some views about it.

Dr. Kraft explained that across North America, the annual flu season typically starts around November and December, and usually wraps up around April, though those times can vary from year to year depending on different factors. While the cold weather of the North has no direct influence on the spread of the flu, it does end up driving people into their homes more often, which, combined with dry air, can help the flu to spread among families.

Really, why we see cold weather and influenza seasons together is just about the fact that it drives us all inside and close together, and viruses like influenza that are very easy to pass to people really like it when were all indoors and not having our outdoor time, so if you do have a cough, youre much more likely to pass it along. Cold weather also coincides with our school season as well, so theres lots of reasons we notice the pattern of cold weather and flu, but its not really that the cold itself changes the way our bodies react in any way.

This years flu season has been fairly active, according to Dr. Kraft. She states that there have been lots of positive flu tests this season, dating back to before the holiday break in December. She added that this year is reporting around double the amount of positive flu cases as compared to last year. This has caused more people to visit their local doctors and health clinics, as well as more people being sent to the hospital with more severe cases.

When discussing ways to help prevent the spread of influenza, Dr. Kraft stated that many of the methods are now well known, as they have been practiced frequently since the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay home when you are sick, as well as rigorous and thorough hand washing, and general health practices. However, the best defence for the individual and their household is the vaccine.

The vaccine protects against two different strains of influenza, Influenza A, which is the one were seeing lots of right now, as well as Influenza B. so theres protection against both of the major sub-types of Influenza that are likely to hit us this season. Weve seen lots of Influenza A, and we havent seen a lot of Influenza B across the country, but we should certainly expect that we might, or we could in the weeks or months ahead.

Kraft reminds residents that even if they have had the flu in the past, or have even experienced it earlier this season, it is not too late to be protected against Influenza B, should it begin to show up in the coming days. She notes that vaccination or past experience with Influenza A will not protect an individual from a different sub-type of the virus.

The Doctor also made sure to add an important note to her message, being that vaccines are not a perfect failsafe, and contraction is still possible. While she and the rest of the NTHSSA are confident that this years flu vaccine will be effective, she states that some people will still catch the flu, and that the severity will vary from person to person. This can be because some people have compromised immune systems from other factors, and in the case of children, their immune systems may simply not have matured enough to fight back against the flu. Dr. Kraft reassures that even if an individual does contract the flu after getting their vaccination, the shot can still help keep the intensity of their symptoms down.

For those in Yellokwnife who wish to book an appointment for the vaccine, they can call Yellowknife Public Health at 867-767-9120. Dr. Kraft assures that there is plenty of availability for people to book appointments.

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NWT Doctor Reminds Residents It's Never Too Late to Take Flu Vaccine - My True North Now

LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) Believe it or not, the flu thrives when people refuse to get vaccinated. The latest data shows this direct correlation and Louisiana still leads the nation in hospitalizations.

It's a trend that only gets better if we get the shot. But why get the shot?

I've been tracking the latest influenza data and I found an interesting trend when it comes to the vaccine.

First, a quick review on this year's vaccine. It contains four strains and 75% of what we are seeing is this strain - H1N1. Patients with H1N1 tend to have higher hospitalization. The vaccine is especially recommended for elderly and chronically ill patients, as well as the caregivers and their contacts.

Some states have better vaccination rates than others. First, the national average for vaccination is about 47%. Not surprisingly, the states with the lowest vaccination rates have the highest rates of influenza.

Now, for those who are curious, Louisiana is No. 41 at 41% and Mississippi No. 45 at 39%.

Now, let's review the most common discussions I have with patients regarding the flu vaccine.

"I took the shot and it gave me the flu."

It does not contain an intact influenza virus. It cannot give you the flu. Finally, there are hundreds of other flu-like viruses floating around and it could easily be one of those.

"But I took the vaccine and I still tested positive for influenza."

The vaccine contains the four most common predicted strains for the year. It could be another strain. Also, we measure effectiveness by the prevention of serious illness like hospitalization not prevention of the flu altogether.

And a final thought. If you haven't yet had all four strains that are currently in the flu vaccine, it's not too late to get vaccinated.

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Covering Your Health: Flu Rates/Vaccination Rates | Local | kadn.com - KADN

The Importance of Flu Vaccination

As the winter season unfolds, health organizations worldwide are echoing one critical message: there is still time to get your flu vaccine. This simple preventive measure remains one of the most effective strategies for containing the spread and severity of influenza, a disease that can cause severe illness and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu leads to millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year. However, these alarming figures can be significantly reduced with the widespread adoption of the flu vaccine.

The economic burden of influenza is immense. In 2015, the US alone bore an estimated cost of approximately 11.2 billion dollars due to influenza illnesses. The 2019-2020 influenza season saw an estimated 39-56 million influenza illnesses, 410,000-740,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000-62,000 deaths. The CDC proposes the flu vaccine as the most efficient way to prevent risks associated with influenza-related diseases. However, despite the increased vaccination rates from 48.4% to 52.1% in the 2020-2021 influenza season, it still fell short of the optimal rate of 70% established by Healthy People 2030.

In light of the importance of increasing vaccination rates, educational interventions have been implemented. A quality improvement project aimed to increase patients willingness to receive the influenza vaccine in the Emergency Department. The project targeted low acuity patients and successfully increased vaccination willingness from 29% to an impressive 70% rate. This approach highlights the potent influence of education in promoting health behaviors and could serve as a model for similar interventions.

Securing your protection against the flu has never been easier. Flu vaccines are widely available at primary care locations and health clinics. Some local health departments may even offer low- or no-cost flu vaccines, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, can protect themselves against this potentially serious illness. In addition to getting vaccinated, it is also essential to adopt everyday preventive actions such as frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distancing, and wearing masks in high-risk settings.

In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of flu vaccination becomes even more critical. With a simultaneous surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, getting vaccinated against both diseases is a crucial step in preventing severe illness. Moreover, the availability of at-home testing for COVID-19 and clear guidelines for isolation and next steps after a positive test result enables individuals to manage their health more effectively, thus reducing the risk of disease transmission.

By getting the flu vaccine and adopting preventive measures, we can protect not just ourselves, but also our community. Lets work together to create a healthier, safer world for all.

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The Importance of Flu Vaccination: A Critical Preventive Measure - Medriva

January 03, 2024

2 min read

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Maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy was associated with reduced chances of influenza-associated ED visits or hospitalizations in infants aged younger than 6 months, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Infants younger than 6 months are at high risk of influenza-associated complications but are not eligible for vaccination given the absence of licensed influenza vaccines for this age group, Leila C. Sahni, PhD, MD, of the department of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Childrens Hospital, and colleagues wrote.

Maternal influenza vaccination is safe, immunogenic, and can prevent laboratory-confirmed influenza and its complications in both mothers and infants, they wrote. Maternal immune responses to influenza vaccine during pregnancy are comparable to those of nonpregnant adults, and the transfer of influenza antibodies, either naturally acquired or vaccine induced, from mother to fetus is highly efficient.

The researchers studied a cohort of 3,764 infants aged younger than 6 months who were seen in the ED or hospitalized for an acute respiratory illness within the New Vaccine Surveillance Network from the 2016-2017 through 2019-2020 influenza seasons. They also accessed immunization systems and medical records, and asked parents to self-report on maternal vaccination status.

Among 3,541 infants in a control group and 223 with influenza, 53% were born to mothers who were vaccinated during pregnancy. Among the infants, maternal vaccination was 34% (95% CI, 12%-50%) effective overall, 39% (95% CI, 12%-58%) effective against influenza-associated hospitalizations and 19% (95% CI, 24% to 48%) effective against ED visits.

The authors also noted that among infants aged younger than 3 months, effectiveness was 53% (95% CI, 30%-68%). Effectiveness was 52% (95% CI, 30%-68%) among infants with mothers who were vaccinated during their third trimester, and 17% (95% CI, 15% to 40%) among those with mothers who were vaccinated during the first or second trimesters.

Despite the well-documented benefits of maternal influenza vaccination for both mothers and infants, influenza vaccine uptake during pregnancy remains suboptimal, the authors wrote. While continued efforts are needed to determine optimal timing, clinicians should continue to offer influenza vaccination at any time during pregnancy to protect both the pregnant person and infant.

A related editorial authored by Matthew J. Zuber, MD, of Wake Forest School of Medicine, and colleagues noted a huge opportunity to improve vaccine coverage and health outcomes for all pregnant persons and newborns since only half of pregnant people are receiving the vaccine.

To optimize health of the pregnancy dyad, it is essential that vaccine registries expand from children to persons of all ages and thereby eliminate record scatter, they wrote. A second opportunity is that all clinicians seeing pregnant persons for a pregnancy visit, prenatal visit or a visit of a child strongly recommend influenza vaccination during pregnancy. A third opportunity is that obstetric and pediatric clinicians collaborate to share effective approaches in their communities to enhance access, confidence and coverage of vaccines and preventive care. Our patients need us to advocate for universal vaccine registries and roll up our sleeves and work collaboratively to optimize maternal and infant health for all.

Sahni LC, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2023;doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5639.

Zuber MJ, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2023;doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5630.

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Disclosures: Sahni reports receiving grants from the CDC during the conduct of the study and participating in the Overcoming COVID-19 network outside the submitted work. Please see the study for all other authors relevant financial disclosures. Zuber reports receiving grants from Wake Forest School of Medicine and personal fees from DynaMed outside the submitted work. Please see the editorial for all other authors relevant financial disclosures.

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Maternal flu vaccination during pregnancy reduces illness in infants - Healio

Nova Scotia

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Posted: January 05, 2024

A growing number of health-care workers in Nova Scotia are not getting their annual flu shots,according to figures released by their employer, Nova Scotia Health.

In response to a request by CBC News, authority spokesperson Jennifer Lewandowski wrote: "As of December 14, 2023, 7,231 (22.5%) employees have had the flu vaccine during the 2023-24 flu season."

That's the lowest flu vaccination rate in at least a decade, according to statistics posted on the Nova Scotia Department of Health's webpage. Vaccination rates range from 45.1 per cent during the 2015-16 flu season to 29.8 per cent last year.

Although Nova Scotia Health tracks employee vaccination rates, Lewandowskisaid some health-care workers may have gotten their shots on their own, at pharmacies and clinics, without informing their employer. There's no obligation to report.

Despite that, the drop in the vaccination rate worriesNova Scotia's Chief Medical Officer of HealthDr. Robert Strang.

"We're nowhere near where we really need to be in vaccine uptake," Strangsaid Thursday.

"Nova Scotia is not alone in terms of what I would call [the]underuse of influenza vaccine by health-care workers. It's an issue across the country and beyond.

"But I personally[am]still mystified that health-care workers, many of whom are well educated on influenza and see the impacts of influenza, still decline to get the protection from the vaccine."

Janet Hazelton, the president of the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union, called the decline disappointingbut understandable.

"I think it's very important for health-care workers, for everyone, to get the flu shot, but especially for health-care workers because they're around vulnerable people," said Hazelton.

"But I also understand that health-care workers are just fatigued. They've been through a rough couple of years."

Robert Huish, an associate professor of international development studies at Dalhousie University, was also surprised by this year's 22.5 per cent vaccination rate.

"For only one in five health workers, that's a new low," said Huish, who is writing two books on COVID 19 and the response by governments to the pandemic, including the use of vaccines.

"Physicians are usually at the highest rate of those who go for flu shots or vaccines, whereas nurses [are]lower. And then health aides and even paramedics are the least likely to participate in that."

In 2019, Strang suggested mandatory vaccinations might be neededin response to a 41 per cent flu vaccination rate for health-care workers classified as acute-care staff.

Given the province's experience with the COVID-19 vaccination program, and the ongoing controversy over vaccines,the province's top public health official is no longer convinced that's the answer.

"That mandatory policy was very justified in an acute pandemic," said Strang. "It's harder to justify those mandatory approaches in a non-pandemic time.But we certainly need to look at all ways that we could use to get more health-care workers and the general population vaccinated."

Both Hazeltonand Huishthink the same way.

"I think in order to make something mandatory there has to be a health crisis likeCOVID, and even that met with a fair bit of resistance," said Hazelton. "I don't think the flu shot is something that we should mandate."

Huish said "there's a bit of saltiness still in the air for some health workers after the COVID-19 pandemic, where their employers said you must be vaccinated or you can pack your bags and leave."

"And a lot of nurses," he said, "a lot of paramedics [and]other people who work in the health system as well, chose to say no."

All three agree that educating people and making the vaccine readily available will convince more health workers to get their flu shots.

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Jean Laroche has been a CBC reporter since 1987. He's been covering Nova Scotia politics since 1995 and has been at Province House longer than any sitting member.

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Fewer than one-quarter of N.S. health-care workers reported getting flu shots this year - CBC.ca

Understanding the Decline in Flu Vaccination

Consumer demand for the flu shot has seen a worrying decline in 2024, with only 155 million influenza vaccines distributed during the 2023-2024 season. This is a significant drop from the 173.37 million in the previous season and the 194 million in the 2021-2022 season. This decline in demand raises serious concerns about the potential impact on public health and emphasizes the urgent need for awareness campaigns to encourage vaccination.

Its worth noting that the demand for COVID vaccines has also fallen sharply since 2021 when the shots first became available. Moderna reported preliminary 2023 sales of 6.7 billion for its COVID vaccine, surpassing the lower end of its full year forecast. The company is set to report late-stage data from its next generation COVID shot and a combination flu COVID shot in 2024. Furthermore, Moderna plans to seek regulatory approvals in 2024 for its seasonal flu shot, which generated a stronger immune response against all four A and B strains of the virus compared to traditional flu shots in a late-stage trial.

The declining demand for flu shots, coupled with a decrease in COVID-19 vaccination, is leading to concerns about a potential tripledemic of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Vaccine uptake for RSV and flu is lagging, with only about 10% of nursing home residents receiving the RSV vaccine by mid-December. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospital admissions have been rising, and flu activity is currently elevated and increasing in most parts of the country. This has led the CDC to issue a health alert to encourage vaccination and testing for these respiratory viruses. Health officials are particularly concerned about a potential surge in cases following holiday travel and are emphasizing the importance of vaccinations among healthcare workers to maintain capacity in hospitals.

The Weekly Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Dashboard provides preliminary weekly flu vaccination data, including coverage estimates, using data sources like surveys, healthcare claims, and electronic medical records. It underscores the importance of flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, especially those at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. It also states that it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time.

A recent study suggests that a high-dose flu vaccine may be more effective for adults aged 50 to 64 years compared to standard-dose vaccines. The study evaluated a recombinant vaccine with more influenza hemagglutinin protein and found that flu cases were about 15% lower in the 50 to 64 age group. This could provide a substantial public health benefit, especially during severe influenza seasons.

In conclusion, the declining demand for flu shots and other vaccines poses a significant threat to public health. Its crucial to boost public awareness about the importance of vaccinations and to develop strategies to increase vaccine uptake. The health of our communities depends on it.

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Understanding the Decline in Flu Vaccination - Impact of COVID-19, 'Tripledemic' Threat, Importance of Flu Vaccination - Medriva

(Precision Vaccinations News)

According to a Medical News BriefbyEmilyHarris with The JAMA Network,observationaldatafrom more than 1.6 million people in the United Statessuggests that a high-dose vaccine may also be more effective than standard-dose vaccines for certain adults.

Reported in theNew England Journal of Medicine in December 2023, the Original Articleevaluated a recombinant vaccine that contains more than triple the amount of influenza hemagglutinin protein compared with standard-dose vaccines.

Flu cases were about 15% lower for people aged 50 to 64 who received the recombinant vaccine.

Because standard-dose vaccines only prevent up to 40% to 60% of influenza cases, decreasing the number of cases by an additional 15% would still provide a substantial public health benefit, especially during more severe influenza seasons, the researchers wrote.

As of December 31, 2023, the U.S. CDC reported that over155million egg, cell, and nasal-based influenza vaccines, which are generally available at local pharmacies, had been distributed this flu season.

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High-Dose Flu Shot Effective for Baby-Boomers - Precision Vaccinations

Georgia Department of Public Health advises getting vaccines to combat widespread flu activity

by OWEN HESTER | WGXA News

WGXA News | Photo: Georgia Department of Public Health{br}

ATLANTA, Ga. (WGXA) -- The Georgia Department of Public Health is advising those who haven't gotten their flu shots yet to not wait any longer, as widespread flu activity picks up across the state.

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.

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, and can vary from person to person.

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," said Toomey.

Other recommended methods of preventing the flu include:

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Georgia Department of Public Health advises getting vaccines to combat widespread flu activity - wgxa.tv

If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, public health officials urge dont wait any longer. Flu activity is widespread throughout Georgia, and the states current flu report lists flu activity at its 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 Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey.

Toomey says even if the vaccine doesnt completely prevent illness from the flu, it can help reduce the severity and risk of serious complications and keep people out of the hospital.

The flu vaccine is widely available in public health departments, doctors offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics, and pharmacies.

To find a location near you, visit http://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

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 and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and pregnant women. Also, children younger than 5 years old, but especially those younger than 2, are more susceptible to flu complications.

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, visit the Department of Public Health website. You can also monitor the states flu activity through weekly influenza reports posted on the DPH website. Reports are updated each Friday.

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Widespread flu activity in Georgia - Now Habersham