Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can feel like a constant struggle – a life that may be disrupted by debilitating flare-ups and fear of hospitalization. 

Impacting more than 14 million adults, COPD is a progressive disease that damages the lungs and airways making it difficult to breathe. And sadly, it’s a leading cause of death in the U.S.

Here’s the frustrating truth: even with daily maintenance inhalers, nearly half of patients still have dangerous symptom flare-ups, also known as exacerbations. These flare-ups aren’t just inconvenient, they can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups, and a high risk of hospital admission. Just one flare-up increases the likelihood of recurrent flare-ups and related hospital admissions. Why are these flare-ups so persistent?

Evolving science has shown a critical piece of the puzzle: eosinophilic inflammation. This type of inflammation (swelling) in the lungs can be a driver of COPD symptoms, especially for those who experience frequent flare-ups.

What to know: Including a blood eosinophil test in routine screenings, combined with a doctor’s evaluation and diagnostic tools, can help identify if eosinophilic inflammation is making COPD worse. By understanding an underlying cause of flare-ups, a doctor can develop a targeted treatment plan to manage COPD and potentially reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Alexis Smith, DO, Pulmonary Disease will discuss the challenges facing those living with COPD to help manage COPD and try to break the cycle of flare-ups.

Interview courtesy: GSK

#COPD #chronicobstructivepulmonarydisease #AlexSmith #GSK

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Low vaccination rates among adults puts them at risk for preventable diseases like shingles, a painful rash that develops on one side of the body.[i] Did you know that approximately one in three people in the US will develop shingles in their lifetime?[ii] As a person ages, the immune system is impacted in such a way that the body is less capable of preventing the virus from re-activating and causing shingles.[iii] Anyone 50 years or older – even if you’re a healthy, active person – is considered at-risk for shingles.

Interior designer and gymnastics judge Kathlyn, 54, thought she had an outbreak of adult acne or a spider bite, but soon realized something was wrong when the bumps spread across half her face causing her eye to swell shut. Much to her surprise, Kathlyn’s doctor immediately diagnosed her with shingles, leaving her in pain and unable to spend time with her family. As someone who did not have shingles on her radar, Kathlyn works to educate others and urges them to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about shingles vaccination to help protect against the disease.

Kathlyn and Dr. Len Friedland, Vice President and Director, Scientific Affairs and Public Health, Vaccines, at GSK, will be available to discuss the topic of getting up-to-date on adult vaccinations and details about shingles.
courtesy GSK

#shingles #disease #vaccination #pandemic #national #adult #influenza #immunization #summit #naiis #control #kathlyn #len #friedland #judge #gymnastics #designer #protect #acne #gsk

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https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/

October is Liver Awareness Month and a great time to talk about hepatitis A vaccination with your doctor or pharmacist. Since 2017, substantial increases in hepatitis A have occurred, with nearly 40,000 cases reported. While people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and men who have sex with men are most often at risk, nearly one third of people with hepatitis A have no identified risk factor.
Hepatitis A patient Stan was 66 years old and in the best shape of his life, having just completed a half-marathon, when he contracted hepatitis A and his life was changed. He believes he contracted the virus through food at a restaurant. His symptoms began as mild and sporadic and felt like the flu, but as his symptoms of nausea continued he was rushed to the ER and told that his liver was failing. Stan underwent a liver transplant and fortunately is doing well today, but regrets not knowing that vaccination for hepatitis A is available.
85% adults in the US have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis A; creating opportunities for infection, as it can be transmitted person-to-person or through contaminated food or drink.
Foodborne outbreaks of the virus can occur when someone eats fresh and frozen food products that are contaminated with Hepatitis A. It can be transmitted where food is prepared and served by food handlers who may be infected with the virus.
Stories from real people affected by hepatitis A remind us why everyone, not just high-risk groups or travelers, should discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider.
On Thursday, September 30th , Stan and Dr. Leah Smith, Pharmacist and Vaccine Educator at GSK discuss the virus, vaccination and share a personal perspective on the impact of the illness.
Interview is courtesy: GSK

#hepatitis #transmission #liver #hospital #sick #awareness #leah #smith #stan #vaccine #pharmacist #gsk #virus #illness #impact #drugs #homelessness #symptoms #nausea #cdc

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Para-athlete and GSK spokesperson Jamie Schanbaum understands struggle.
She knows what it’s like to train for the Paralympic Games and channel her pain into perserverance—winning a gold medal at the U.S. Paralympic cycling games. Years before her games, Jamie went through another battle— fighting for her life after contracting meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis.

Jamie was a college sophomore when, in 24 hours, she went from feeling completely healthy to feeling like she had the flu, to being rushed to the emergency room where she found out she had contracted meningitis. Jamie spent seven months in the hospital, ultimately losing both of her legs below the knees, and all of her fingers due to the disease. Although uncommon, meningitis can be a serious illness that can cause life-threatening complications, or even death.[i] Jamie’s athletic fortitude was born out of her fight against meningitis.
Jamie is sharing her story as an advocate for GSK’s public health campaign, “Ask2Bsure” to educate and empower parents of teens and young adults ages 16-23 to start the conversation with their child’s doctor and “Ask2Bsure” they have received vaccination for meningitis B. There are two different types of vaccinations that can help protect against the 5 vaccine-preventable groups of meningitis, and while many colleges require meningitis ACWY vaccination, meningitis B vaccination has only been available since 2014, and most colleges still do not require it.[ii],[iii]

ASK2BSURE.COM

DID YOU KNOW?
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a meningitis B vaccination series for teens and young adults ages 16-23 years (preferred age 16-18 years) on the basis of shared clinical decision making- to help protect against meningitis B.[iv] • Meningitis is an uncommon, but serious illness that can cause life-threatening complications, or even death.1 Early symptoms of meningitis may be similar to those of the flu, but can progress quickly and can be fatal.[v],[vi] • Up to 1 in 5 meningitis survivors suffer long-term consequences, such as brain damage, amputations, hearing loss and nervous system problems.[vii] Among those who contract meningitis, 1 in 10 will die, despite treatment, sometimes in as little as 24 hours.2
• Teens and young adults are at an increased risk for contracting meningitis because it can spread through certain common behaviors such as living in close quarters like college dorms, kissing, and sharing drinks or utensils.1
• From 2011 through March 2019, meningitis B caused all US college meningococcal outbreaks, which involved 13 campuses, 50 cases, and 2 deaths among an at-risk population of approximately 253,000 students.[viii] Although vaccination may not protect all recipients, it is the best way to help prevent meningitis B according to CDC.[ix]

She’ll be join by Dr. Iriny Mary Salib, Pharm D (doctorate in Pharmacy), medical science liaison at GSK.
Interview courtesy: GSK

#para-athlete #cyclist #battle #health #jamie #schanbaum #gave #mission #education #meningitis #vaccination #para #athlete #paralympic #disease #ask2bsure #iriny #mary #salib #gsk

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cdc.gov/hepatitis/

WORLD HEPATITS DAY IS COMING UP ON JULY 28TH AND HERE WITH INFORMATION TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR HEALTH DURING THIS OUTBREAK, ARE DR. LEAH SMITH, PHARMACIST AND VACCINE EDUCATOR AT G-S-K, AND PATIENT ANGELA.

BIO
Leah Smith, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
Pharmacist & Vaccine Educator, Vaccines
Dr. Leah Smith has been with GSK since August 2019, serving in the Medical Affairs division of GSK Vaccines. Leah earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University in 2005 and subsequently completed a post-graduate pharmacy residency at Grady Health System in Atlanta, Georgia. Post-residency, Leah continued her career as a clinical pharmacist in both inpatient and ambulatory care settings, transitioned to managed care at Humana, working as a clinical pharmacist and quality consultant for 8 years, and subsequently served as a pharmacy residency accreditor with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. She strives to use her years of experience in patient care as a foundation in her current role, as she engages with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders regarding the value of vaccinations.

#hepatitis #health #hepatitis-a #virus #attacks #liver #hospitalized #need #cdc #leah #smith #pharmacist #vaccine #educator #gsk #angela #medical #affairs #howard #grady

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HEAR HOW ONE COLLEGE STUDENT’S LIFE CHANGED FOREVER AFTER NEARLY DYING FROM A VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE

Dr. Len Friedland, practicing physician, vaccine researcher and Vice President and Director, Scientific Affairs and Public Health, Vaccines, GSK

Jamie Schanbaum, meningitis survivor, US Para-athlete and GSK spokesperson

BACKGROUND
It’s that time of the school year where teens and young adults are counting down the days to the holidays and a much-needed break from classes. In 2008, Jamie was a college freshman getting ready to complete her first semester and head home for the holidays when her life changed forever. In just 24 hours, she went from being a healthy college student to fighting for her life after contracting meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis. Jamie spent seven months in the hospital, ultimately losing both of her legs below the knees, and all of her fingers due to the disease. While many colleges require MenACWY vaccination, MenB vaccination has only been available since 2014, and most colleges still do not require it. She is sharing her story to ensure that parents are aware there are 2 different types of vaccines to help prevent meningitis – one for MenACWY, and one for MenB, , to help other families avoid her experience. During the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for parents to educate themselves and utilize the vaccines available to help protect their kids against vaccine-preventable diseases they may be at risk for, like meningitis.

DID YOU KNOW?
• Meningitis is an uncommon, but serious illness that can cause life-threatening complications, or even death. Early symptoms of meningitis may be similar to those of the flu, but can progress quickly and can be fatal, sometimes within 24 hours. ,
• Up to 1 in 5 meningitis survivors suffer long-term consequences, such as brain damage, amputations, hearing loss and nervous system problems. Among those who contract meningitis, 1 in 10 will die, despite treatment, sometimes in as little as 24 hours.7
• Teens and young adults are at an increased risk for contracting meningitis because it can spread through certain common behaviors such as living in close quarters like college dorms, kissing, and sharing drinks, utensils, or smoking devices.4,
• From 2011 through March 2019, meningitis B (MenB) caused all US college meningococcal outbreaks, which involved 13 campuses, 50 cases, and 2 deaths among an at-risk population of approximately 253,000 students.

VACCINATION IS STILL IMPORTANT
• Even if your college-aged children are not attending in-person classes due to COVID-19 precautions, they may still be at risk for diseases like MenB.4
• Your teen or young adult may have received MenACWY vaccination when they were younger, but most have not yet received MenB vaccination, which only became available in 2014. Recent CDC data show that still, only about 1 in 5 17-year-olds in the US received at least one dose of MenB vaccination in 2019.12
• Winter break is a good time to schedule a wellness visit and talk to your child’s doctor about the two different types of vaccines to help prevent meningococcal disease – one for MenACWY and one for MenB.2,3

Interview opportunities are courtesy of GSK

Visit www.meningitisB.com for more information and resources to bring to your child’s next wellness visit.

#jamie #schanbaum #meningitis #survivor #para #athlete #gsk #spokesperson #len #friedland #physician #vaccine #researcher #scientific #affairs #public #health #holidays #college #students #life #change #disease #meningococcal #body #legs #knees #fingers #risk #prevent #flu

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CURRENT OUTBREAK:
UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK FOR HEPATITIS A
AN INFECTIOUS LIVER DISEASE

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PREVENTABLE DISEASE – FROM SYMPTOMS TO RISK FACTORS – AND THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION

Dr. Len Friedland, practicing physician, vaccine researcher and Vice President and Director, Scientific Affairs and Public Health, Vaccines, GSK

BACKGROUND:
October is National Liver Awareness Month, an important time to learn about vaccine-preventable forms of viral hepatitis, including Hepatitis A, a highly-infectious virus that affects the liver and can lead to sickness, hospitalization and even death, in some cases.[i] The US is currently experiencing a nationwide Hepatitis A outbreak, yet awareness and vaccination among adults remains shockingly low (~15%).[ii] After a consistent 20-year downward trend in cases, in 2017, Hepatitis A cases spiked nationwide, with 27 states experiencing active outbreaks in 2020. During this time, there have been more than 34,000 reported cases, with over 61% of infected people hospitalized, and 333 deaths, making it the largest person-to-person Hepatitis A virus outbreak in the postvaccine era.[iii]^,[iv]

DID YOU KNOW?

• Anyone who isn’t vaccinated can be at risk for Hepatitis A as it can be spread person-to-person or through contaminated food or drink.¹
• People with Hepatitis A may not know that they are infected and can transmit the disease to others.¹
• Most people in the US have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis A; creating opportunities for infection and spread. Additionally, more than half of older adults have never heard of or are unfamiliar with a vaccine for Hepatitis A (56%).[v]
• Hepatitis A vaccination isn’t only for higher risk groups or people traveling to certain parts of the world. The general public can come into contact with the virus when traveling even within the US and through contaminated food. For example, where food is prepared and served by food handlers infected with the Hepatitis A virus.¹
• The CDC advises that anyone who wishes to be protected against Hepatitis A speak to their doctor or pharmacist about vaccination. Most commercial plans are required to cover vaccines recommended by the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Raising awareness about Hepatitis A and vaccination is more important than ever.

• Immunization rates for most vaccines across all age groups have dropped significantly during COVID-19 and adult vaccination rates have dropped by over 80 percent since the peak of the pandemic.[vi] Everyone, not just those at high risk, can talk to their doctor or pharmacist about all vaccine-preventable forms of viral hepatitis and other CDC-recommended vaccines that may be needed during their next well visit. It is important to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines to prevent unnecessary sickness and hospitalization, especially during the pandemic.[vii]
• For more information, visit CDC.gov/hepatitis/hav.

Good News Planet Hepatitis Q&A

1. If someone has fatty liver, is it even more important to get the vaccination for hepatitis A and hepatitis B?

When living with fatty liver disease, it’s important to prevent any additional sources of potential liver damage. The US Centers for Disease Control and prevention recommends hepatitis A and B vaccination for people living with chronic liver diseases, including fatty liver disease and hepatitis C.¹

1. What is the difference between Hepatitis A and B and how do you recognize it? Is there a different treatment?

Hepatitis A and B are both viruses that affect the liver, and can cause serious illness or even death, but are transmitted in different ways and can cause a different course of illness.¹ Hepatitis A is highly infectious, and is transmitted through person-to-person contact or contaminated food/drink, and usually causes a short-term illness.¹ Hepatitis B is transmitted from mother to child during birth, blood, or through sexual contact, and can cause short or long-term illness, depending on the age of someone when they contract it.[viii] In the current outbreak, Hepatitis A has been associated with a high rate of hospitalization (nationally 60% of cases), with treatment mainly administered to combat unpleasant symptoms.^1,4 Short-term treatment of hepatitis B may be similar, but long-term hepatitis B infections may require ongoing antiviral treatment to manage the virus and prevent liver damage.[ix]

1. Can you get both [Hep A and B] vaccinations the same day and who gives this vaccination?

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations can be administered by a physician or pharmacist and can be given at the same time. The hepatitis A vaccine is a 2-dose vaccine series, for children 1 year of age and older, and adults, that can be completed in 6 months.[x] The hepatitis B vaccine is available in a 2-dose series for adults 18 years of age and older, which can be completed in 1 month, or a 3-dose series for all ages, which can be completed in 6 months.[xi] There is also a hepatitis A and B combination vaccine series available for adults 18 years of age and older, to provide protection against both viruses. While routine infant vaccination has been recommended for hepatitis A since 2006, and hepatitis B since 1991, most adults in the US are not protected against these viruses.[xii]^,[xiii] Nationally, only about 20% of adults 18 years of age and older have received even 1 dose of the hepatitis A vaccine and only about 25% of adults 19 years of age and older have completed the hepatitis B vaccine series.[xiv]^,[xv]

2  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among adults

with chronic liver disease. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5805590/pdf/nihms934589.pdf.

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A Outbreaks in the United States. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/hepatitisaoutbreaks.htm.

4  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Widespread person-to-person outbreaks of hepatitis A across the United States. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2017March-HepatitisA.htm.

5 GSK Survey by The Harris Poll. US Awareness Poll-Adults 50-79 years of age and PCPs 18 years. July-August 2020.

6 Medscape. Vaccine Rates for All Ages Drop Dramatically During COVID-19. Available at https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/931913.

7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Guidance During a Pandemic. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html.

8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for the Public. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm.

9 Mayo Clinic. Hepatitis B. Accessed at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366821.

10 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A VIS. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-a.html#:~:text=Children%20need%202%20doses%20of,months%20after%20the%20first%20dose.

11 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/rr/rr6701a1.htm.

12 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A Vaccination Coverage Among U.S. Children Aged 12–23 Months — Immunization Information System Sentinel Sites, 2006—2009. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5925a3.htm?s_cid=mm5925a3_w.

13 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule — United States, 1995. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00038256.htm

14 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Coverage Among Adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2016. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/adultvaxview/pubs-resources/NHIS-2016.html.

15 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Coverage among Adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2017. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/adultvaxview/pubs-resources/NHIS-2017.html.

#hepatitis #october #liver #awareness #len #friedland #physician #vaccine #researcher #president #director #scientific #affairs #public #health #vaccines #gsk #covid #covid19 #covid-19 #symptoms #risk #factors #disease #cdc #virus #vaccination #infected #hospital #sick #pandemic

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New survey shows older adults see value but lack awareness about specific CDC-recommended vaccines

Less than half of adults in the US receive most vaccines recommended for them, in part because awareness is low. Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures to slow the spread of the disease in the US, adult immunization rates have further declined. Ordering rates across adult vaccines among healthcare practices have dropped an average of 62 percent.

Most illnesses, hospitalizations, disability and deaths from vaccine-preventable illnesses occur among adults. An estimated average of 50,000 Americans die of vaccine-preventable diseases each year – with adults, and especially older adults, disproportionally impacted. Thousands more suffer serious health problems that could have been prevented with recommended immunizations.

Now, more than ever before, it is important to fully utilize the vaccines we do have to prevent the spread of disease. A national survey of 3,000 US adults ages 50-79 and 300 US primary care physicians, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of GSK, found:
• Most physicians say that getting recommended vaccines is one of the most important things older adults can do to stay healthy
• Most adults ages 50-79 say vaccines are important to maintain their health, but many have never heard of or are unfamiliar with specific vaccines recommended for their age group
• The COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness among adults about the importance of vaccination and made some more likely to get at least one of the recommended vaccines for adults
• Most adults in this age group say they need more information about vaccines

Adults ages 50 and older may need a number of vaccines, based on their age, underlying medical conditions, lifestyle, prior vaccinations, and other considerations. Recommended adult vaccines protect against diseases like flu, shingles, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis, pertussis and tetanus. The US spends about $26.5 billion annually treating four major vaccine-preventable diseases (influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, and pertussis) among US adults 50 years and older.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all CDC-recommended vaccines needed that you may have missed during recent stay-at-home orders. For more information, visit www.broughtbyvaccines.com.

Dr. Len Friedland, Vice President and Director, Scientific Affairs and Public Health, Vaccines, GSK to learn more about the survey results and resources where your audience can learn more about CDC recommended adult vaccines. He will be joined alternately by [CONFIRM FLU PATIENT] who lost [LOVED ONE] to flu and [CONFIRM SHINGLES PATIENT], who experienced shingles.

For more information go to www.broughtbyvaccines.com

MORE ABOUT DR. LEN FRIEDLAND:
Dr. Len Friedland is Vice President and Director, Scientific Affairs and Public Health, Vaccines, at GSK. He is also a licensed pediatrician in the state of Pennsylvania. Dr. Friedland has held many positions in clinical research and development with GSK since 2003, specializing in infectious disease vaccination. Prior to his work at GSK, Dr. Friedland was Division Chief, Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Friedland studied medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and conducted his residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and his fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, also in Philadelphia. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the past Alternate Industry Representative to the FDA Vaccines and Related Biologics Product Advisory Committee, the current Alternate Industry Representative to the FDA Allergenic Products Advisory Committee and the Industry Representative Member on the Department of Health and Human Services National Vaccine Advisory Committee. He has published over 50 peer reviewed articles as well as book chapters on healthcare and vaccination topics during his career.

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