#Flu Shots

[follow-up-news]

Even though a record number of kids died from the flu last year, the percentage of children getting flu shots continues to plummet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday that as of Nov. 30, just over a third of U.S. kids — 37% — had gotten flu shots, down from 43% at the same time last year. The downward trend worries pediatricians who are starting to see an uptick in flu cases. “I always have a little bit of dread when flu season is around the corner,” said Dr. Kristina Bryant, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at Norton Children’s in Louisville, Kentucky, “because children experience illness and suffering during flu season, and much of that can be prevented through vaccination.” Just over half of kids, 55%, got the flu shot during the 2023-24 season, the lowest rate in 12 years, said Alicia Budd, head of the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team. “Flu coverage had been slowly increasing” before Covid hit, Budd said. “Flu vaccination levels have not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.” This year’s flu shot covers the two main strains of the virus circulating so far, H1N1 and H3N2.

[jwood718]

Louisiana forbids public health workers from promoting COVID, flu and mpox shots

Rosemary Westwood at WWNO for NPR reports.

Just highlighting here.

A group of high-level managers at the Louisiana Department of Health walked into a Nov. 14 meeting in Baton Rouge expecting to talk about outreach and community events.

Instead, they were told by an assistant secretary in the department and another official that department leadership had a new policy: Advertising or otherwise promoting the COVID, influenza or mpox vaccines, an established practice there — and at most other public health entities in the U.S. — must stop.

This will not be a written policy, and there are apparently no official minutes of the meeting.

"I mean, do they want to dismantle public health?" one employee at the health department said.

"We're really talking about deaths," said another. "Even a reduction in flu and COVID vaccines can lead to increased deaths."

In a statement, the Louisiana Department of Health told NPR it has been "reevaluating both the state's public health priorities as well as our messaging around vaccine promotion, especially for COVID-19 and influenza."

The statement described the move as a shift "away from one-size-fits-all paternalistic guidance" to a stance in which "immunization for any vaccine, along with practices like mask wearing and social distancing, are an individual's personal choice."

The state's new Governor, and the two top people at the head of the state's health agency, all promote mis- and disinformation concerning vaccine efficacy, including the discredited autism story.

...the Louisiana Department of Health told NPR it has been "reevaluating both the state's public health priorities as well as our messaging around vaccine promotion...[and] falsely claimed "the flu vaccine does not prevent one from getting the influenza virus."

The policy rises to the level of "absurdity," said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "It's gotten to the point of parody, where a public health agency doesn't promote the public's health."

"It's a dangerous, dangerous thing," Offit said. "It's the most vulnerable among us who suffer this, and it will be our children who suffer this. And my question will be, will they be held accountable?"

"You cannot ask people, 'Hey, we have flu shots. Would you like one?'" at a community event, according to the staff member with knowledge of the meeting. "But if they come up to us, knowing we are the health department and say, 'Hey, we hear y'all might have flu shots,' we can say, 'Yes, would you like one?'"

The medical directors were told that because the health department is a government agency, staff are not allowed to "coerce people" by promoting vaccinations, especially for COVID, flu and mpox. "They have definitely made it clear that we are not supposed to be pushing vaccines at all," the staff member added.

Full story with audio.

[somerandomg33k]

I got my covid and flu shots. Man the local voter initiatives are something. Israel killed another Hamas leader. But sure, they want to negotiate. How to end poverty. No serious. All this and more on Social Justice Alchemy. Come and join us and ask questions.

[newmusick]

dating sucks when your a shitty person! just saying try being less superficial .. getting too know others (that's hot)

predictors all point to a tower moment ....

he is styling.....haaayyy..............Gilly is correct

btw dating sucks as a concept.

[lotuspharmacy]

As flu season approaches, it’s more important than ever to ensure you and your family are protected. One of the most convenient ways to safeguard your health is by visiting a retail pharmacy in Menifee, California that offers on-site vaccines. With on-site vaccination services, you can quickly receive your flu shot without needing to schedule an appointment, making it easier to prioritize your well-being.

[masonrxpharmacy]

As the colder months approach, it's time to prioritize the health and well-being of your family by understanding the importance of flu vaccines. Flu shots are a crucial line of defence against the influenza virus, which can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. At Mason Pharmacy, we emphasize the significance of protecting your family from flu and provide comprehensive flu season health tips to ensure a safer and healthier winter season.

Understanding the Influenza Vaccine

The influenza vaccine, commonly known as the flu shot, is a safe and effective way to prevent the flu. It works by exposing your immune system to inactivated or weakened strains of the influenza virus, allowing your body to build antibodies and fight off the infection if exposed. The flu vaccine is updated annually to target the most prevalent strains circulating each season, making it essential to get vaccinated every year.

[bewell-pharmacy]

When flu season arrives, everyone is looking for ways to stay healthy and avoid getting sick. Fortunately, there are several natural methods to boost your immune system and beat the flu. For those in our community, our pharmacy in Stockton, California, offers a variety of supplements and health products to support your immune health naturally.

[bfpharmacy]

A visit to B& F Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy in Richmond, Texas, ensures access to various immunizations to safeguard your health. Immunizations play a critical role in maintaining public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Here’s an overview of the types of immunizations we provide and their benefits.

[langfordpharmacy]

While searching diligently for a local trusted pharmacy in Canadian cities you will always land on the site https://www.langfordpharmacy.com/. you can avail of several services here.

[chubbychiquita]

when the doctor called my name and i got up out of the chair in the crowded waiting room, my ass & hips were so stuck between the arm rests that the chair came up with me 😭😳

[crushedsweets]

You’d think a girl like Nina would be used to murders done with bare hands

[purplepints]

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!?!

Go get your Covid AND Flu shots ASAP!! We got both of ours in early October and were in & out in less than 20min.

***because we scheduled appointments ahead of time online, in the middle of the day, checked in with the app when we arrived, there was no one ahead of us so we were immediately sat behind the screen and got our shots right away then waited the 15 minutes and obviously if I exaggerated previously that was Very Irresponsible Of Me because someone could think that either waiting longer is unacceptable and storm out or choose to leave before it is safe to do so disclaimer, YMMV but obviously I'd hope you would stay for both the shot and the waiting period after if that wasn't abundantly clear from my very in-depth previous 2 sentence post encouraging people to get vaccinated because clearly me saying 15 minutes could be the deal breaker on somebody who would've got it if it took 15 minutes but would bounce at 18 minutes or who sees 18 people ahead of them in line and assume they'll get processed faster than American Cheese Slices to still get out in a speedy fashion so please don't take me literally literally about the whole time thing because that is whew a big concern BUT please take me literally about GETTING FUCKING VACCINATED EVEN IF IT TAKES MORE THAN 15 MINUTES OF YOUR DAY JESUS FUCKING CHRIST ON A GODDAMN CRACKER

Also it'd be really great if you masked up again if you've stopped!

NEW YORK (AP) — A month after federal officials recommended new versions of COVID-19 vaccines, 7% of U.S. adults and 2% of children have gotten a shot.

One expert called the rates “abysmal.”

The numbers, presented Thursday at a meeting held by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, come from a national survey of thousands of Americans, conducted two weeks ago.

The data also indicated that nearly 40% of adults said they probably or definitely will not get the shot. A similar percentage of parents said they did not plan to vaccinate their children.

[morganbritton132]

Eddie posts a Tiktok of him zooming in on Ozzy as he says in a sing-song voice, “Guess who isn’t happy that they have to get a shot.”

He pans the camera up suddenly and pushes in on Steve’s face. Eddie’s voice is all smiles when he says, “It’s Steve.”

[dosesofcommonsense]

[intimidating-fettuccine]

[EJ in flu season]

EJ: The only shots shots shots shots shots I endorse are vaccines!