Is it still important for my kids to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
YES! For kids all the way down to 6 months, it’s never too late to give your child the gift of protection against an infectious disease that has killed more than 1,400 children in the U.S. and hospitalized many more. New real world data show that the COVID-19 vaccine protects against infection and *dramatically* lowers Read more…
Do I *really* need a COVID-19 booster? Does it matter?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The boosters are an essential part of the COVID-19 vaccine series. They are not optional or extra. When the COVID-19 vaccine trails began, the main goal was to make a safe, effective vaccine that could be tested as fast as possible. The two doses in the primary series (for Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, AstraZeneca, Read more…
Busting Flu Shot Myths!
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There are tons of myths and misconceptions out there about the flu shot. Time to break some of them down and set the record straight! Myth: The flu vaccine causes the flu. Fact: Nope! There are multiple formulations of the influenza vaccine, both injectable and a nasal spray. Flu shots contain inactivated virus or small Read more…
Am I supposed to get the updated COVID-19 booster?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you’re in the United States, chances are, yes! As long as it’s been two months since your last shot, you’re due for the updated booster now. Yes, even if you already had a booster at some point. Yes, even if you already had two (or more) boosters. Yes, even if you are not Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Is 2 months the minimum or guideline for getting the updated booster after my last dose?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the U.S., people 12 + years old can get the updated bivalent booster 2 months after they received the last dose in the primary series or a dose of the original booster. People who were recently infected may decide to wait a little longer to maximize the benefit of getting boosted. TL;DR: If Read more…
How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
YES! For kids all the way down to 6 months, it’s never too late to give your child the gift of protection against an infectious disease that has killed more than 1,400 children in the U.S. and hospitalized many more. New real world data show that the COVID-19 vaccine protects against infection and *dramatically* lowers Read more…
Do I *really* need a COVID-19 booster? Does it matter?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. The boosters are an essential part of the COVID-19 vaccine series. They are not optional or extra. When the COVID-19 vaccine trails began, the main goal was to make a safe, effective vaccine that could be tested as fast as possible. The two doses in the primary series (for Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, AstraZeneca, Read more…
Busting Flu Shot Myths!
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There are tons of myths and misconceptions out there about the flu shot. Time to break some of them down and set the record straight! Myth: The flu vaccine causes the flu. Fact: Nope! There are multiple formulations of the influenza vaccine, both injectable and a nasal spray. Flu shots contain inactivated virus or small Read more…
Am I supposed to get the updated COVID-19 booster?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you’re in the United States, chances are, yes! As long as it’s been two months since your last shot, you’re due for the updated booster now. Yes, even if you already had a booster at some point. Yes, even if you already had two (or more) boosters. Yes, even if you are not Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Is 2 months the minimum or guideline for getting the updated booster after my last dose?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the U.S., people 12 + years old can get the updated bivalent booster 2 months after they received the last dose in the primary series or a dose of the original booster. People who were recently infected may decide to wait a little longer to maximize the benefit of getting boosted. TL;DR: If Read more…
How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
A: Yes. The boosters are an essential part of the COVID-19 vaccine series. They are not optional or extra. When the COVID-19 vaccine trails began, the main goal was to make a safe, effective vaccine that could be tested as fast as possible. The two doses in the primary series (for Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, AstraZeneca, Read more…
Busting Flu Shot Myths!
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
There are tons of myths and misconceptions out there about the flu shot. Time to break some of them down and set the record straight! Myth: The flu vaccine causes the flu. Fact: Nope! There are multiple formulations of the influenza vaccine, both injectable and a nasal spray. Flu shots contain inactivated virus or small Read more…
Am I supposed to get the updated COVID-19 booster?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you’re in the United States, chances are, yes! As long as it’s been two months since your last shot, you’re due for the updated booster now. Yes, even if you already had a booster at some point. Yes, even if you already had two (or more) boosters. Yes, even if you are not Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Is 2 months the minimum or guideline for getting the updated booster after my last dose?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the U.S., people 12 + years old can get the updated bivalent booster 2 months after they received the last dose in the primary series or a dose of the original booster. People who were recently infected may decide to wait a little longer to maximize the benefit of getting boosted. TL;DR: If Read more…
How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
There are tons of myths and misconceptions out there about the flu shot. Time to break some of them down and set the record straight! Myth: The flu vaccine causes the flu. Fact: Nope! There are multiple formulations of the influenza vaccine, both injectable and a nasal spray. Flu shots contain inactivated virus or small Read more…
Am I supposed to get the updated COVID-19 booster?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you’re in the United States, chances are, yes! As long as it’s been two months since your last shot, you’re due for the updated booster now. Yes, even if you already had a booster at some point. Yes, even if you already had two (or more) boosters. Yes, even if you are not Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Is 2 months the minimum or guideline for getting the updated booster after my last dose?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the U.S., people 12 + years old can get the updated bivalent booster 2 months after they received the last dose in the primary series or a dose of the original booster. People who were recently infected may decide to wait a little longer to maximize the benefit of getting boosted. TL;DR: If Read more…
How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
A: If you’re in the United States, chances are, yes! As long as it’s been two months since your last shot, you’re due for the updated booster now. Yes, even if you already had a booster at some point. Yes, even if you already had two (or more) boosters. Yes, even if you are not Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMegan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Is 2 months the minimum or guideline for getting the updated booster after my last dose?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the U.S., people 12 + years old can get the updated bivalent booster 2 months after they received the last dose in the primary series or a dose of the original booster. People who were recently infected may decide to wait a little longer to maximize the benefit of getting boosted. TL;DR: If Read more…
How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Is 2 months the minimum or guideline for getting the updated booster after my last dose?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the U.S., people 12 + years old can get the updated bivalent booster 2 months after they received the last dose in the primary series or a dose of the original booster. People who were recently infected may decide to wait a little longer to maximize the benefit of getting boosted. TL;DR: If Read more…
How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
A: In the U.S., people 12 + years old can get the updated bivalent booster 2 months after they received the last dose in the primary series or a dose of the original booster. People who were recently infected may decide to wait a little longer to maximize the benefit of getting boosted. TL;DR: If Read more…
How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
Q: How often should we be getting a vaccine against whooping cough? – Courtney from TX Short answer: adults need a Tdap shot every 10 years & in the 3rd trimester of *each* pregnancy. Who needs a whooping cough vaccine Whooping cough is another name for pertussis. The vaccine for adults and older kids is Read more…
Should I get my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. Some may choose to separate the doses. Whatever you choose, get both! Almost everyone is due for a vaccine this fall. Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people 6 months of age and older. People over age 11 who have not had a COVID-19 Read more…
Omicron-updated booster shots are now available in the US!
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
The new, improved, omicron-specific vaccine formula is now on shelves across the US! So if you’ve been holding out, here’s your moment. The booster is recommended for *everyone* aged 12 and up, at least 2 months from their last dose. Yes, everyone. No if’s or then’s. Everyone over age 11. Two months from your last Read more…
Are COVID booster shots safe for kids?
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
A: Yes! The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose is recommended for children aged 5-11 years old. A recent study showed that this booster dose is safe for children in this age group. There were no reports of myocarditis or deaths after the 3rd dose. In May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Read more…
When are Omicron-specific boosters coming?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
Both Pfizer and Moderna have asked FDA to authorize “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, and they could be available to people 12 and up as early as the first week of September. Bivalent means that the vaccine is designed to protect against two strains of the virus. In this case, the two strains are the Read more…
How do the monkeypox vaccines work?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a live, attenuated FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox. This means that the vaccine contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus, a virus very similar to monkeypox and smallpox. This weakened virus cannot make copies of itself or spread. The body recognizes the virus and makes antibodies Read more…
If I got the smallpox vaccine as a kid, am I protected against monkeypox?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
Short answer: Probably to some degree, but just how much is up in the air. Because the virus that causes monkeypox is similar to the smallpox virus, smallpox vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting monkeypox. Prior studies using the Dryvax vaccine (the first-generation smallpox vaccine that was used during smallpox eradication), showed that Read more…
