Category: Vaccine

The number of kids whose caregivers are opting them out of routine childhood vaccines has reached an all-time high, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of children unprotected against preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough.

The report did not dive into the reasons for the increase, but experts said the findings clearly reflect Americans' growing unease about medicine in general.

"There is a rising distrust in the health care system," said Dr. Amna Husain, a pediatrician in private practice in North Carolina, as well as a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Vaccine exemptions "have unfortunately trended upward with it."

The CDC report found that 3% of children entering kindergarten during the 2022-2023 school year were granted a vaccine exemption from their state. This is the highest exemption rate ever reported in the U.S.

Forty states saw rises in exemptions. In 10 states Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin the exemption rate soared over 5%.

"This is quite a jump," said Ranee Seither, a CDC epidemiologist and author of the new report. Just three years ago, Seither said, only two states had an exemption rate of more than 5%.

Idaho was a standout in the new report. More than 12% of children entering kindergarten in that state had a vaccine exemption in 2022.

The trend appears to coincide with doubts about Covid vaccines.

"So many people were reluctant to get that new vaccine," said Dr. Mysheika Roberts, health commissioner for Columbus Public Health. She feared that it would "have a trickle-down effect and impact vaccination coverage for our children."

The report also found that vaccination rates among young kids have remained stagnant following a pandemic-related dip in coverage.

As of the 2022-2023 school year, vaccination coverage among kindergartners remained at 93%. Before the pandemic, the rate had consistently hovered around 95%.

Generally, populations need 95% immunity to protect against viral outbreaks.

"The fact that we haven't been able to recover is concerning," said Shannon Stokley, deputy director for science implementation in CDC's Immunization Services Division. "It means there are children who may be unprotected from very serious diseases."

While states differ in their vaccination requirements for attending public and most private schools, they generally include vaccines to protect against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), poliovirus and chickenpox.

Some states require medical evidence that a child cannot receive a vaccine. In others, parents cite religious or other personal concerns about vaccines.

"It's very easy to get an exemption in the state of Ohio," Roberts said. "Very easy."

It was Roberts who dealt with a measles outbreak in central Ohio this time last year. The first cases were associated with a person who had traveled overseas to an area with an ongoing measles outbreak.

But the virus quickly spread among children left unprotected. Kids who had not been vaccinated against measles, Roberts said, were infected just by being in the same doctor's office as kids sickened with measles.

Overall, 85 people became ill, all under the age of 16. No deaths were reported, but 36 of those patients had to be hospitalized, mostly for dehydration from intense diarrhea. All of this occurred during a time when hospitals were already dealing with surges in Covid, RSV and flu.

"We really have to have our guard up," said Dr. Julie Morita, executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former head of the Chicago Department of Public Health. "We've forgotten how bad these diseases actually are."

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Erika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and "TODAY."

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CDC reports the highest childhood vaccine exemption rate ever - NBC News

Most people develop only mild symptoms akin to having a cold from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). But the virus can be deadly for certain people, especially those who are older and at high risk.

RSV is so common that you have undoubtedly been sick with (it) before, the American Lung Association explains on its website. You might not even know you had it, because without a lab test to confirm diagnosis, it is typically lumped together with other respiratory infections that can cause cold-like symptoms. It is possible to get RSV multiple times, even in the same year, because you do not develop immunity to it.

The trouble is, RSV has the potential to make you really sick. Indeed, an estimated 60,000-120,000 adults are hospitalized with RSV each year, and 6,000-10,000 die of complications from getting it. Those at highest risk fall into three groups: people with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma; those with weakened immune systems; and older adults, especially those aged 65 and up.

Earlier this year, two vaccines received federal approval for ages 60 and up for the prevention of RSV. San Miguel County now carries one of them, Abrysvo, which had an efficacy rate of nearly 89% against Lower Respiratory Tract Disease, according to data submitted by its manufacturer, Pfizer, to the FDA. (Both vaccines have efficacy rates of over 80%.)

Its well worth considering receiving this vaccine, particularly for those 60 years of age and older, Grace Franklin, the countys public health director, said. The vaccine is covered by Medicare Part D for ages 65 and up, for those with Medicare Advantage Plans with Part D, and for Medicaid recipients. It is also covered for ages 60 and up for those whose insurance approves it (check with your carrier about coverage, and ask about in-network pharmacies).

The vaccine at SMPH comes with a caveat: you will have to pay $300 out-of-pocket to receive it. Although we do have a handful of insurers were in network with, including Anthem and Rocky Mountain," Franklin said, we havent seen any insurer reimburse a clinic for the cost of the vaccine, and we cant get that wrong.

Franklin recommends those with Medicare Part D check with local pharmacies in Montrose and Durango.

People really should consider getting this, Franklin said. It will make a huge difference when it comes to the number of people who become severely sick from RSV. The data is really promising. The uptake has been really interesting, she added of the number of people who have paid for the vaccine.

For some people, the cost is worth it, she said. Others have laughed in our faces at the cost, and rightfully so. So far, weve given out three vaccines.

By contrast, the new, updated COVID vaccine has had a really good uptake, Franklin said. After a clunky start due to national shipping delays, among other reasons, weve now been in full swing for the last one-and-a-half months, dispensing jabs.

Weve been busy every single week, Franklin added. In October alone, we gave out over 1,000 vaccines. Just one nurse is doing it, and her hands arent tired yet.

Unlike the RSV vaccines, both COVID and influenza shots from the public health department are available at no charge to recipients.

Nothings free to us, Franklin clarified, but at least through 2023, anyone is welcome to come at no cost for a COVID vaccine. The same for the flu.

Both vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent illness, even if youre young and healthy. The time is now to drop by for a shot, Franklin added, before respiratory viruses of all stripes ramp up during the winter (which is what experts are watching for, and are concerned about).

We have lots of vaccines available to help protect you, and your community, Franklin said.

The San Miguel County Public Health Department is offering RSV vaccines by appointment. The county has two COVID-and-flu drop-in vaccine clinics in Telluride coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 2-4 p.m., and on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Theres a clinic at Lone Cone Library in Norwood on Monday, Nov. 13, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Read more here:

Vaccine clinics are coming up in Telluride and Norwood - The Daily Planet

Lets be real: The thought of having a sore arm, fatigue, or just feeling lousy all over can make many of us put off scheduling a vaccine.

While it is true that vaccines may be associated with certain side effects (as with any medical intervention), its important to emphasize that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and most side effects are mild and go away in a day or two.

But why do some people get hit harder than others by the aftereffects of a jab? And are there ways to minimize side effect symptoms of getting a vaccine without impacting the efficacy?

Heres what you need to know about vaccine side effects and expert tips in reducing their impact while keeping all the protective benefits.

Vaccine side effects are any observable changes or reactions that occur after receiving a vaccine. These effects can range from mild, such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever, to less common but potentially serious reactions.

Most people dont have serious side effects from vaccines, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The specific type and frequency of side effects can vary depending on the type of vaccine, the individual's age, and their overall health. In general, most side effects are mild and temporary, lasting only a few days.

The most common side effects of vaccines include:

Fainting is less common but can happen after any medical procedure, including vaccinations.

Vaccines work by helping the body learn how to fight against a disease without the dangers of full-blown infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A vaccine contains weakened or inactive parts of the disease-causing organism (called an antigen), or a blueprint for producing the antigen that prompts the immune system to respond.

The good news: Most common side effects are a sign that the body is starting to build immunity against a disease.

There are different reasons for reactions to vaccines, says Eugene Shapiro, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Yale Medicine. For example, local reactions like pain and swelling at the site of the injection, which is caused by inflammation from injection itself, may occur just as you would get pain and swelling from a bruise or a penetrating injury such as a piece of glass or a nail, he says.

Sometimes the local reaction is a response to the adjuvant in the formulation, Dr. Shapiro says.

Adjuvants are chemicals added to vaccines that stimulate the immune system to have a stronger immune response, he explains.

Because most vaccines developed today include small parts of germs, such as their proteins, rather than the entire virus or bacteria, an adjuvant is necessary to help the body produce a strong enough immune response, according to theCDC. These have been safely used in vaccines for more than 70 years.

Not only can adjuvanted vaccines cause more local reactions, they are also associated with more symptoms affecting the whole body, like fever, chills, and body aches.

Typically, the non-local side effects are the result of cytokines that increase in response to exposure to the content of the vaccine, explains Shapiro.

Cytokines are chemical signals produced by the bodys own immune cells that result in symptoms like fatigue, fever, and generalized muscle aches, he says. There is considerable variation between people in how they may respond to a vaccine and even to second or third doses of the same vaccine, says Shapiro.

In a study published inSeptember 2020 in the journal Immunity, women reported more adverse side effects compared to men after receiving one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The flu shot also causes a higher antibody response, more adverse reactions, and greater efficacy in females compared to males, according to a study published in NPJ Vaccines. Although it isnt completely clear why, researchers believe its related to hormonal and genetic differences between the sexes.

Data also suggests that older people report fewer side effects compared to younger people.

To put it simply, no, says Shapiro. You may have a good response to a vaccine even if you dont have side effects. If you do have generalized side effects, it suggests that you are responding, although it does not necessarily mean that your response is better or more long-lasting than that of someone with few side effects, he says.

If you have a history of having strong reactions and uncomfortable side effects with vaccines, you may want to space out your vaccines rather than getting two or more at once, says Sten Vermund, MD, PhD, a professor of public health, infectious disease epidemiologist, and pediatrician at Yale Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.

If the side effects of last years flu or COVID-19 vaccine hit you hard, you could reasonably expect it to do the same this year, says Dr. Vermund. So that's where the doctor and the patient or the nurse and the patient can work out an arrangement to do what's most comfortable and successful for each individual, he says.

If you receive multiple vaccines at the same time, any side effects you might have could occur at the same time, says Ana Weil, MD, MPH, a researcher and infectious disease specialist with UW Medicine in Seattle. It doesn't mean that those side effects are worse from an individual vaccine, but if they happened at the same time, you can imagine that that might cause more symptoms, she says.

Two shots, two arms? That all depends on your preference, says Vermund. Some people find it less painful to do one in each arm, but others are reluctant to have a sore left arm and a sore right arm at the same time, he says.

Its generally not recommended to take pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen before vaccination to try to prevent side effects from vaccines, per theCDC. If you are concerned about the vaccine triggering a headache or other types of pain, talk with your doctor before getting your shot.

An ice pack is a tried and true measure to reduce local inflammation. That is a way of reducing the inflammation and pressure in the arm, and often adequate to relieve discomfort, says Vermund.

For more generalized symptoms, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and aspirin can be used as directed by your provider, he says. Some people report feeling overall fatigue after the COVID vaccine. In that case get some rest and typically youll feel better by the next day, says Vermund.

Although there isnt any conclusive evidence that exercise helps relieve side effects, it doesnt make them any worse either. But if you feel like getting some physical activity post-jab, it can boost the immunity response generated by the vaccine without a corresponding increase in side effects, according to a study published inMay 2022 in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare often only 1 or 2 people out of one million vaccine doses will be affected, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over the body, and dizziness and weakness. If you experience this type of reaction after a vaccine, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

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Minimizing Vaccine Side Effects: Expert Tips for Reducing Symptoms and Maximizing Benefits - Everyday Health

In a PBS NewsHour interview, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly denied previously saying that no vaccine is safe and effective. But Kennedy said exactly that on the Lex Fridman podcast in July.

Kennedy, who is a former Democrat, also repeated a favorite but incorrect talking point that vaccines are the only medical product that is allowed to get a license without engaging in safety tests. As weve writtenbefore, when detailing many of the misleading or false claims Kennedy has made about vaccines while on the campaign trail, all vaccines undergo safety testing prior to authorization or approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Kennedys false statements about his past comments on vaccines occurred about two-thirds of the way into aninterviewwith PBS NewsHour co-anchorAmna Nawaz, when he objected to her description of him being part of the anti-vaccine movement and having controversial views on vaccines.

Nawaz, Nov. 7: Let me ask you, if I may, let me ask you about a specific concern your family has expressed in the past, which is your controversial views on vaccines and being part of the anti-vaccine movement.

(Crosstalk)

Kennedy: Well, what are my views on vaccines?

Nawaz: Well, you have said previously that no vaccine is safe or effective, which is

(Crosstalk)

Kennedy: I have never said that.

Nawaz: You did say that in a podcast interview in July.

Kennedy: No, I never said that.

Nawaz: You did say that. There are quotes, and that recording is there.

Kennedy: You are wrong. And youre making something up.

Kennedy proceeded to deny saying no vaccine is safe and effective when he avoided answering Nawazs question of whether he believes in the statement.

Nawaz: So you do not believe the statement that no vaccine is safe and effective?

Kennedy: I never said that.

Nawaz: According to these reports and the recordings, you have, in a podcast interview in July.

(Crosstalk)

Kennedy: Thats the problem. If you are reading reports about me in the mainstream media, including this network, theyre almost all inaccurate.

Kennedy ended the exchange by asking for Nawaz to show him a statement, not evidence of a statement.

Kennedy, in fact, made the claim in a July episodeof the Lex Fridman podcast.

Fridman, July 6:Youve talked about that the media slanders you by calling you an anti-vaxxer, and youve said that youre not anti-vaccine, youre pro-safe vaccine. Difficult question: Can you name any vaccines that you think are good?

Kennedy:I think some of the live virus vaccines are probably averting more problems than theyre causing. Theres no vaccine that is, you know, safe and effective.

At the time, Fridman pushed Kennedy on the issue, noting that those were big words and asked about the polio vaccine. Kennedy then misleadingly suggested that the polio vaccines given to his generation caused cancer despite no evidence that this is true.

Kennedy:The polio vaccine contained a virus called simian virus 40, SV40. Its one of the most carcinogenic materials that is known to man. In fact, its used now by scientists around the world to induce tumors in rats and guinea pigs in labs. But it was in that vaccine 98 million people who got that vaccine, and my generation got it, and now youve had this explosion of soft tissue cancers in our generation that killed many, many, many, many more people than polio ever did.

So if you say to me, The polio vaccine, was it effective against polio? Im going to say, Yes. And if you say to me, Did it kill more people did it caused more death than averted? I would say, I dont know, because we dont have the data on that.

As weveexplainedbefore, a portion but not all of the approximately 100 million Americans vaccinated between 1955 and 1963 for polio received vaccines that were contaminated with SV40. But the virus, which causes cancer in rodents, has not been shown to cause cancer in humans. And there isnt evidence that people who were vaccinated developed cancer at a higher rate than those who were not.

In the course of denying his past statements in the PBS NewsHour interview, Kennedy also repeated a go-to line about vaccine safety testing.

Im happy to say that my views are that vaccines should be tested, like all other medications are tested. They should have placebo-controlled trials prior to licensure, he said. Its the only medical product, the only medical product or medical device that is allowed to get a license without engaging in safety tests.

This is incorrect or misleading on several fronts, as weve explainedbefore. All vaccinesundergo safety testingprior to authorization or approval. But just as with drugs the safety tests do not have to be placebo-controlled trials that use water or saline as a placebo.

There are valid scientific and ethical reasons not to use placebos, such as when debuting a newer version of an existing vaccine. Moreover, numerous vaccines most notably theCOVID-19 shots were in fact tested in placebo-controlled trials.

After authorization or approval, vaccine safety continues to be monitored, as no medical product is 100% safe, and even very large trials may not be able to detect rare side effects. This ensures the benefits of a vaccine outweigh the risks.

Editors note: SciChecks articles providing accurate health information and correcting health misinformation are made possible by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The foundation has no control over FactCheck.orgs editorial decisions, and the views expressed in our articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the foundation.

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RFK Jr. Incorrectly Denies Past Remarks on Vaccine Safety and ... - FactCheck.org

In a breakthrough study featured in the BMJ, a general medical journal that publishes open-access titles, the live zoster (shingles) vaccine takes centre stage in the quest for sustained wellness. Revealing its peak effectiveness in the initial year post-vaccination, this research unravels a compelling narrative of enduring protection against shingles and its complications, even after a decade, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

Insights for Healthy Living: When does the live zoster vaccine offer its prime defence? Discover the vaccine's peak efficacy within the first year, aligning with your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. How does the vaccine's effectiveness evolve over the years? Uncover the vaccine's journey, from a 67% shield against herpes zoster infection to a resilient 15% protection after ten years.

Can the live zoster vaccine be your long-term ally? Delve into the study's revelations, showcasing the vaccine's lasting protection against complications like post-herpetic neuralgia and hospitalisation for herpes zoster.

Navigating Wellness: Highlight: Embark on a wellness expedition with insights from the Kaiser Permanente study, involving 1.5 million adults aged 50, providing a roadmap for sustained health.

Timeline of Effectiveness: Initial-year efficacy: A robust 67% defence against herpes zoster infection. Ongoing journey: Witness the vaccine's resilience, from a 50% stronghold in the second year to a commendable 27% in the eighth year.

Guardianship Against Complications: For post-herpetic neuralgia, the vaccine maintains a reassuring 41% efficacy after a decade. Journeying from 5-8 years post-vaccination, hospitalisation for herpes zoster still sees a commendable 53% efficacy.

(With inputs from IANS)

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Shingles vaccine may provide protection after 10 years: Study | Lifestyle Health | English Manorama - Onmanorama

The Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy a partnership led by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance launches a report following its mid-term evaluation in 2022

Following devastating outbreaks in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2016 that saw exportation of cases to China, the EYE Strategy a global coalition of over 50 partners in 40 countries was launched to accelerate efforts to prevent outbreaks, protect at-risk populations, and save lives across the continent.

The global strategy addresses several challenges including yellow fevers changing epidemiology; the worldwide resurgence of the primary vector responsible for urban yellow fever outbreaks (aedes aegypti mosquito), and the increasing risk of international spread.

An independent mid-term evaluation of the EYE Strategy (covering 2017 to 2021), was undertaken by the Euro Health Group with guidance from WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi evaluation offices as an opportunity to take stock of the Strategys progress to date and to determine how best to move closer to protecting almost 1 billion people in Africa and in the Americas from yellow fever by 2026.

Since 2017, according to EYE Strategy data, 226 million more people in Africa have been protected from yellow fever via a single-dose vaccine that provides lifelong protection. Under the previous yellow fever initiative, 108 million people were protected in an 8-year period. The EYE Strategys global coalition has contributed to the acceleration of vaccination during this period.

The EYE Strategy has worked closely with Member States and communities through integrated programmes to rapidly respond to outbreaks of yellow fever. This has been done through enhancing vaccine coverage, surveillance, and diagnostics to curb the deadly impact of this disease in Africa and the Americas, says Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHOs Health Emergencies Programme. We have seen a resurgence of outbreaks of this disease in previously immunized areas, with risk in urban centres, which tells us the threat is far from over. Evidence shows that we are on the path to eliminating yellow fever epidemics, but our work is not yet done.

On the Strategys historic immunization milestone Dr Kate OBrien, Director of WHOs Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals states, "The evaluation evidence shows that through collaboration and co-ordinated action, the EYE Strategy has yielded significant results. Yellow fever vaccination campaigns have protected 226 million people in Africa since it was launched in 2017, and most high-risk countries have introduced the yellow fever vaccine into their routine immunization schedules. This has helped to prevent major disease outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the numbers of unvaccinated children remain high, and we must continue to work successfully in partnership to ensure those gaps are filled quickly through improvements to essential immunization programmes and vaccination campaigns when needed.

The evaluation report shows that despite the significant achievements of the Strategy, there are challenges. Key gaps include low prioritization of yellow fever due to competing public health priorities in countries, and the need for increased engagement by governments to implement prevention and control measures, which can include targeted catch-up vaccination campaigns to fill immunization gaps. There also needs to be a continued focus on outbreak preparedness, readiness, and response.

In July 2023, WHO and UNICEF published updated data for 2022 on the number of children who have missed out on critical vaccinations as part of their countrys routine immunization schedules, says Dr Ephrem Lemango, Associate Director and Chief of Immunization at UNICEF. Although we are making good progress after the disruption of the pandemic, there is still work to be done to ensure that governments continue to prioritize yellow fever. It is possible to eliminate these epidemics in our lifetime.

With climate change and the rise in environmental issues, such as deforestation, yellow fever continues to threaten the health and livelihoods of vulnerable populations, especially in densely populated cities. These factors pose the greatest threat of catastrophic outbreaks and international exportation of the disease, risking multi-country epidemics and putting global health security at risk.

The recent rise in outbreaks and the risks they entail are why the introduction of the yellow fever vaccine into routine immunization programmes is so important. saidDr Kelechi Ohiri, Managing Director of Policy, Programme Design & Delivery Support at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We will continue to work with countries and partners supporting routine introductions, filling immunization gaps, and improving readiness for outbreak response so that we achieve our common goals.

Yellow fever is endemic in multiple countries in both Africa and the Americas. A deep dive into best practices and lessons learned in Brazil and Ghana are also included in the report (links in country names). Both countries have a history of yellow fever outbreaks and have implemented preventive mass vaccination campaigns.

The EYE partners are committed to intensifying efforts across both continents to support nations implementing the Strategy and to ensure a world free from yellow fever epidemics by 2026.

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WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance pass the mid-point of ... - World Health Organization

Those who need the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine the most can't get it, and that worries some Maryland pediatricians.When the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine to protect infants from RSV, doctors celebrated. The long-acting monoclonal antibody targets the most significant cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants worldwide.Who should get vaccinated? The CDC recommends new preventive RSV shot for this age group.The impacted strain lasts longer, is a bit stronger and is affecting a wider range of age groups. In randomized controlled trials, the antibody was shown to prevent RSV hospitalizations by 70%.Natasha Smith took her daughters to the doctor to get flu shots. She's also interested in getting them vaccinated for RSV after she became worried when her 18-month-old came down with a cold and was really congested."My older daughter had it and I know it can be really harmful. I just wanted to make sure she did not have that and she didn't," Smith said. "She was actually in the hospital for a week when she had RSV."LifeBridge Health pediatrician Dr. Scott Krugman told 11 News he's worried about the combination of a lack of RSV vaccines and the increasing cases of illness."Right now, all of our hospitals are filling up with sick children who are wheezing, even young infants and lots of toddlers, as well, are being affected," Krugman said.Vaccination efficacy: This is why people who qualify should get the RSV vaccine.Krugman said hospitals are boarding patients who are waiting for beds."We're now getting patients transferred from the D.C. area back to Baltimore to make room for them. It's going to be very tight for the next months for kids who need hospitalization," Krugman said.So, what's preventing the vaccine from being given to children?"There's been some supply issues with the version that's 100 mg, which is what the larger infant or toddler would get. We can't get that at all. There's supply issues, there's payment issues, distribution issues, and it's really kind of sad because we had this problem last year where we ran out of beds, and we're probably going to have that again," Krugman said.Krugman said for parents whose children are wheezing and can't breathe to take them to the hospital.Important to note: Here's what you need to know to protect your family.Filmstrip below: Videos explaining RSV

Those who need the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine the most can't get it, and that worries some Maryland pediatricians.

When the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine to protect infants from RSV, doctors celebrated. The long-acting monoclonal antibody targets the most significant cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants worldwide.

The impacted strain lasts longer, is a bit stronger and is affecting a wider range of age groups. In randomized controlled trials, the antibody was shown to prevent RSV hospitalizations by 70%.

Natasha Smith took her daughters to the doctor to get flu shots. She's also interested in getting them vaccinated for RSV after she became worried when her 18-month-old came down with a cold and was really congested.

"My older daughter had it and I know it can be really harmful. I just wanted to make sure she did not have that and she didn't," Smith said. "She was actually in the hospital for a week when she had RSV."

LifeBridge Health pediatrician Dr. Scott Krugman told 11 News he's worried about the combination of a lack of RSV vaccines and the increasing cases of illness.

"Right now, all of our hospitals are filling up with sick children who are wheezing, even young infants and lots of toddlers, as well, are being affected," Krugman said.

Krugman said hospitals are boarding patients who are waiting for beds.

"We're now getting patients transferred from the D.C. area back to Baltimore to make room for them. It's going to be very tight for the next months for kids who need hospitalization," Krugman said.

So, what's preventing the vaccine from being given to children?

"There's been some supply issues with the version that's 100 mg, which is what the larger infant or toddler would get. We can't get that at all. There's supply issues, there's payment issues, distribution issues, and it's really kind of sad because we had this problem last year where we ran out of beds, and we're probably going to have that again," Krugman said.

Krugman said for parents whose children are wheezing and can't breathe to take them to the hospital.

Loading...

Filmstrip below: Videos explaining RSV

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Those who need RSV vaccine most can't get it. Here's why some doctors are concerned - WBAL TV Baltimore

with getting the flu vaccine all his life in a campaign with Sanofi and Fluzone Getty Images for IEBA

Ice-T has been getting the flu vaccine for many, many years. Why? His reason is simple: I just dont want to get sick. In a recent interview, the star of the long-running Law & Order: SVU talked to me about his early military career, mens health, Black individuals mistrust of doctors and the government, and his partnership with Sanofi including its vaccine, Fluzone. The Season, a suspenseful film to which Ice-T provides the voiceover, aims to educate older adults, particularly those with chronic illnesses, about the harms of influenza.

Ive been taking the flu vaccine for, like, 25 years, so yeah, I wanted to get involved, says the Grammy-winner. I want to promote what Im already doing because I hate getting sick. In the army, he received multiple vaccines. When youre in the infantry going to someplace like Panama, out in the field, the last thing you want to get is sick. So we took everything we could to stay healthy.

Ice-T also proudly points out that in his 24-year tenure on Law & Order, he had never taken a sick day. In fact, he reveals that his boss, Dick Wolf, gave him the greatest compliment: Youre the least pain in my ass! The former reality star also doesnt want his wife or 7-year-old child to get sick. The whole family receives all necessary vaccines.

The global hip-hop star discussed Fluzone, a high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine, and its indication for people 65 years of age and older. Fluzone provides active immunization for prevention of the flu caused by subtypes A and B of the influenza virus. This flu campaign held personal significance for Ice-T: he turned 65 earlier this year and is aware that hes now at higher risk of flu-related complications.

While the flu can be as mild as the common cold, it can also cause severe illness and death. Symptoms can come on suddenly. Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches and fatigue are the most common symptoms. Most people recover in a few days, possibly up to two weeks. Others, however, may develop life-threatening complications. Ear and sinus infections are typically on the moderate side. Pneumonia, myocarditis (heart inflammation), rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle injury), encephalitis (brain inflammation) and multi-organ failure are examples of severe complications that can lead to death. The flu can also worsen existing chronic health problems such as asthma and heart disease.

The good news is that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting the flu and its complications including death. This is why Ice-T gets vaccinated. The bad news, however, is that flu vaccination rates in the United States arent that great. During the 2021-22 season, the CDC reported that the overall vaccination rate against the flu was 51%. Thankfully, the most vulnerable grouppeople over 65had a higher vaccination rate (74%). But only 49% of adults ages 18-64 received the flu vaccinedata that concerns public health experts.

Vaccines have become a victim of their own success, commiserates Paul A. Offit, MD, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Pre-vaccine, measles killed 2.6 million people each year. We dont see measles anymore because of vaccines, explains Dr. Offit. Until now. Vaccine-preventable illnesses are making a resurgence including polio, pertussis (whooping cough) and measlesrespiratory infections that can cause severe health problems including paralysis, convulsions and death.

People dont realize the dangerous game we play when we let immunization rates drop, cautions the pediatrician and public health advocate.

An internationally recognized expert in virology and immunology, Dr. Offit advises people with respiratory-type symptoms to get tested for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. If youre sick, then stay home. But if you have to leave the house, then wear a mask. All of these viruses are bad, warns Dr. Offit.

According to the HHS Office of Minority Health, Black Americans are less likely to get the flu or pneumonia vaccines, particularly the most vulnerable demographics: Black individuals >65 and babies aged 19-35 months. Combined with the disproportionate burden of chronic diseases, far too many Black Americans are at high risk of flu-related complications, hospitalizations and premature death. So, I asked Ice-Tthe lyricist of Cop Killer, a song about police brutality against Black peoplewhat role race played, if at all, in his decision to promote the flu vaccine.

None, asserts the songwriter without hesitation. Black people have their feelings about vaccines. We have a history. Black people were used as guinea pigs, you know? I just speak for myself. Ive been taking the flu vaccine for years. I have no problem with it. Ice-T believes that the lack of trust by Black and brown communities for the medical establishment and the government is a major reason for low vaccination rates among my people. Scholars of racial injustice agree.

Health disparities are totally avoidable and only exist because of racism, explains Ayana Jordan, M.D., PhD, Barbara Wilson Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Its a system built on a social constructtotally made upbut has real negative consequences for those who are not a part of the preferential or ideal race." The Covid-19 pandemic unmasked longstanding racial injustice.

Dr. Jordan shares Ice-Ts belief that Black people, in particular, have mistrust of medical professionals because we've been treated so poorly and harmed by the U.S healthcare system. Solutions exist. If we invest in structures that promote better health such as clean water, green spaces, universal healthcare and universal basic income for the most minoritized groups or those most severely impacted by racism, then according to Dr. Jordan, we could begin to build an equitable health system where we all benefit.

In addition to promoting the flu vaccine, Ice-T had another incentive for joining this campaign: encouraging men to see a physician. The rapper jokes about men vs. women. My wife, Coco, talks to her gynecologist if she breaks a nail! Women are so in tune with their bodies. But men, we have to be on a slab before we go see a doctor. The award-winning musician is getting more health-conscious as hes getting older, reflecting with sadness and shock over his 40-year-old male friends dying. I'm like, come on, man, what's happening? At 65, I'm out here doing everything I was doing when I was 25.

Data supports Ice-Ts assertion. According to the CDC, women are 33% more likely than men to see a doctor, even excluding pregnancy-related visits. This statistic prompted the platinum-selling hip-hop artist to ask if this was why women outlive men.

Female life expectancy, indeed, exceeds that of males. Before 1950, excess mortality of baby boys was the largest contributor to the sex gap in lifespan. But more recently, higher mortality among men 60+ tipped the scales towards increased female life expectancy. I offered a different perspective: married men live longer than single mena fact that fascinated the husband of 21 years. In contrast, studies suggest that single women fare better when they live alone, possibly because women who dont live with a husband or children are liberated from traditional roles and expectations. All of these stats riveted the hip-hop star who just wanted to continue living a straight path.

Ice-T wears many hats: singer, songwriter, producer, actor, activist, husband and father. Given his demanding schedule, I asked him about his self-care routine.

I'm on a very low-stress diet. I eat all foods but in moderation, describes the New Jack City star. He also shares his diagnosis of high blood pressure early in his career: It was stress-related so I started to remove certain people from my life. He also doesnt raise his voice, and anybody who works for him needs to be mellow. Staying active is also keynot an easy task while working LONG hours on a hit television show. I do my little workouts night and day.

As an addiction medicine doctor, I was captivated by his substance-free lifestyle which he attributes to being an orphan. Ice-Ts mother died when he was 8; his father died five years later.

I never drank. I never smoked. I never got high. As an orphan, I didnt want to compromise my safety because when you get drunk or high, you're putting your hands in somebody elses. I never had anybody. Ice-T reiterates that these choices worked for him. Everybody's got to find out what works for them.

Ice-T also connects his mental wellness to lifes little indulgences. If I take away my tacos, I won't be happy up here! he says, pointing to his brain.

As a doctor and public health advocate dedicated to serving the underserved, addressing stress-related conditions and combatting misinformation (including anti-vaccine propaganda), I am extraordinarily grateful to Ice-T for using his massive global platform to share his story with vaccines, prevention and overall health. We need FAR more celebrities like Ice-T who follow science and use their influence to save lives.

To see the full interview, visit my YouTube channel.

I'm an internal medicine physician board certified in addiction medicine, speaker, writer, television medical commentator (MSNBC, NBC News, Newsy, etc.) and host of the YouTube show, "Health, Humor and Harmony." I also serve as Medical Director for MOCJ (NYC Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice) Transitional Housing Sites for Housing Works (previously oversaw COVID Isolation and Quarantine Sites) in New York City. In addition, I serve as clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health. Previously, I served as Chief of Addiction Medicine for NYC jails including Rikers Island, overseeing substance use treatment and recovery services at the nation's second-largest jail. Prior to moving to New York, I was a primary care doctor to Boston's homeless population among whom the leading cause of death was drug overdose. I was an attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and faculty at Harvard Medical School. Featured on CNN and The Tamron Hall Show, I am a sought-after, charismatic speaker and media personality who has been published in the Huffington Post, Psychology Today, STAT News and CNN.com, and featured in the Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Cooking Light, Top Doctor Magazine and Oprah.com. My mission is to educate and empower the public to make healthy decisions. My diverse public and global experiences with underserved populations, addiction, homeless health, incarceration, evacuation from Hurricane Katrina and medical relief to earthquake victims in Haiti have given me a unique perspective which I enthusiastically share with the public!

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Ice-T Always Gets The Flu Vaccine. Heres Why You Should, Too - Forbes

Nicki Minaj is opening up about those viral tweets about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Its been just over two years since the 40-year-old rapper shared that she wasnt going to the Met Gala that year because she wasnt getting vaccinated.

At the time, she said she hadnt done enough of her own research, but reminded people to mask up. She also claimed that a cousins friend become impotent after getting vaccinated, and My cousin in Trinidad became a viral moment online for quite some time.

Now, in a new interview, Nicki is looking back on what she said at the time. Keep reading to find out what she said While speaking to Vogue, she maintained her stance and doesnt have regrets.

Im one of those people who doesnt go with a crowd, she said. I like to make my own assessment of everything without help from everyone.

Every time I talk about politics, people get mad, Nicki added. Im sorry, but I am not going to be told who I should get on social media and campaign for. Theres a lot we dont know thats going on in the government, and I dont think it changes whether you lean to the left or right.

ICYMI: Check out what else Nicki Minaj shared in her Vogue interview

Following her tweets in 2021, Nicki called out the Philadelphia Health Department for sharing her tweets about the vaccine. She also responded to the White House reaching out to her to talk about the vaccine.

While Nicki wasnt the only celebrity to speak against the vaccine, there was another person to defend Nickis comments.

See the rest here:

Nicki Minaj Speaks to COVID-19 Vaccine Controversy, 2 Years After ... - Just Jared

Veterinarian Kwane Stewart gives a parvovirus vaccine injection to Pepper with the help of owner, Christina Crayton, in Skid Row. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Individuals who are skeptical of vaccines for themselves are also more likely to question the need or efficacy of getting shots for their four-legged companions, according to a recent study.

In the study, published in the medical journal Vaccine, researchers asked 2,200 Americans their thoughts on vaccines and whether they were dog owners. If they were, respondents were then asked whether they would vaccinate their dogs for rabies.

Approximately half of the pet owners surveyed expressed some degree of vaccine hesitancy with 53% saying they believed vaccines administered to dogs were unsafe, ineffective or unnecessary, the study found.

That group was 6% more likely to have dogs that were not vaccinated for rabies, and 27% more likely to oppose rabies vaccine mandates when compared with survey respondents who did not express vaccine hesitancy, according to predicted probabilities outlined in the study.

Read more:U.S. had 5 rabies deaths last year, highest total in a decade

Matt Motta, an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Public Health and one of the study's co-authors, said he was not surprised to see some respondents express reluctance regarding canine vaccines, but was intrigued by the raw data.

"I think we were pretty shocked at just how pervasive it is, and I think what I found even more shocking is how detrimental its health consequences might be," Motta said.

Rabies, though relatively rare, is almost always fatal in animals and humans alike, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, due to vaccines, it's also highly preventable: Only a few human cases are recorded each year in the United States.

"The rabies shot is the most important canine vaccination for protecting human health, and yet growing numbers of pet owners are skeptical of it," the authors of the study wrote for Harvard Public Health.

Read more:States reconsider religious exemptions for vaccinations in child care

Most infections in humans are caused by domestic dog bites.

California law requires all dogs over 4 months old to be vaccinated for rabies, and similar rules exist throughout most of the U.S.

Dr. Jeanne Noble, an emergency medicine doctor and COVID-19 response director for UC San Francisco, attributed the recent uptick in vaccine hesitancy in part to the mandates imposed during the pandemic.

"When public health officials used mandates to increase uptake of COVID vaccines, rather than sticking to broad education campaigns highlighting the tremendous benefits of the vaccine, while also acknowledging the small but measurable risks, we lost the trust of vaccine hesitant communities," she wrote in an email. "These are folks that previously were cautiously abiding by vaccination recommendations for their children, and their pets, but are now opting out."

To build back that trust, Noble suggested meeting people where they are and having honest and complete discussions answering their questions and concerns without minimizing their fears.

Read more:New COVID vaccines are here: Now's the time to get one, officials say

The authors of the canine vaccine hesitancy study agree, and recommended paying special attention to pet owners.

"Public health campaigns tackling vaccine hesitancy would do well to consider dog owners in their messaging, and consider drops in pet vaccination, especially for rabies, an important bellwether for gauging public trust in vaccines," they wrote in their Harvard Public Health post.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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No shots for Spot? Study finds owners' vaccine hesitancy can extend to pet dogs - AOL