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

The post OUTBREAKS OF HEPATITIS A ARE BEING SEEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY appeared first on Good News!.

“Wonderama Live from Times Square – Reopen NYC”

WONDERAMA to celebrate the reopening of New York City – Taping its New Season LIVE from the Heart of New York City’s Times Square 

(The Safe Family Destination for Entertainment, Fun and More)

Supports The Times Square Alliance tourism and re-opening efforts. 

New York, NY – 22 July 2021 – Wonderama, a New York television tradition and legacy program entertaining and engaging kids and families through original content and branded entertainment for over 40 years, proudly announces that it will be taping their entire upcoming season from Duffy Square in New York’s famed Times Square this month, in support of The Times Square Alliance and the New York Department of Health and Hospitals reopen NYC efforts.

Wonderama offers an authentic multicultural platform for families and features National Daytime EMMY nominated host David Osmond and co-hosts Coco and Breezy Dotson.  Our established, award winning and Educational / Information (E/I) approved on-air talent will show that Times Square & New York City are open for business for partnerships, and that families should make it their next entertainment destination.

Something WONDERful is happening in New York and Wonderama is proud to be a part of it.  In partnership with the Times Square Alliance, The New York City Mayors office, The New York Department of Health and Hospitals and the New York Vaccine Command Center the television tape event will take place July 26-29 and will be packed with musical acts, dance performances, special guests, games, education and more.

The New York Department of Health and Hospitals will have a Vaccine Command Center onsite to answer questions and provide facts, empowering families to make an informed decision on the vaccine.

“Wonderama Live from Times Square – Reopen NYC”: will be a celebration of all that is New York City and Times Square airing on Wonderama’s nationally syndicated network and will show all the amazing things happening at Times Square and NYC; and each episode will show Times Square as “the” Family Destination in New York City.  The Reopen NYC original episodes will be broadcast on our 128 U.S. Broadcast Television affiliates reaching 90 million homes.  And will start airing nationally the week of September 6, 2021, to its audience of 8 to 14 year olds across the United States.

 “Times Square is the crossroads of the world and it’s time to show everyone that New York is open for business.  Wonderama talent, staff and crew fully support the great work of the Times Square Alliance and its tireless efforts in making Times Square the place to be in NYC.” stated Chuck Armstrong, CEO of Wonderama Entertainment.

“Times Square is and always has been a dynamic place to film and we are thrilled to welcome the Wonderama crew to tape and broadcast from the heart of New York City to show the world that Times Square and New York City is back,” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance.   For more information about Times Square Alliance please visit TSQ.org

To learn more about the vaccine visit About DOH – NYC Health

• For information on how to visit the Vaccine Command Center on site visit the Vaccine Command Center – Coronavirus (nyc.gov).
• To find a convenient location to get your vaccine visit NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder.
• Watch the Wonderama Sizzle Reel here:  The Show – Wonderama (wonderamatv.com)

About Wonderama: Wonderama is a legacy media brand, with a 40+ year history in entertaining kids. Today, it has been reimagined and relaunched to critical acclaim. Designed to entertain, educate and engage kids and families across multiple platforms through our original content, Wonderama blends musical performances, science experiments, cooking demos, games, and much more in every episode. Our creative and interactive approach makes learning truly resonate with kids. Wonderama is certified by Stanford University and Metropolitan College of New York as Educational and Informational Programming. Wonderama has quickly expanded its platform to help serve the educational needs of elementary and middle school kids. With over 100 half hours of television and close to 500 individual video segments. Wonderama TV is syndicated across the US in over 100 markets, and distributed internationally. It is also available on Amazon Prime FVOD service, Tubi TV, and through our own YouTube Channel. Wonderama – Never Lose Your Sense of Wonder (wonderamatv.com)

About Times Square Alliance: The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square – cultivating the creativity, energy and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. Founded in 1992, the Alliance keeps the neighborhood clean and safe, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements and produces major annual events with partners including New Year’s Eve, Solstice in Times Square and Taste of Times Square. As the custodians of Times Square, the Alliance works every day to improve the quality of life for the neighborhood residents and businesses while driving economic growth in New York City. www.TSq.org

Laura Giarratano | G Major Communications | 646-258-3653

Errol Rappaport
Good Will Ambassador
Operation Warrior Shield
operationwarriorshield.com

Vietnam Veteran, Medic United States Air Force
errolink@gmail.com – 310-780-1170

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The post “Wonderama Live from Times Square – Reopen NYC” appeared first on Good News!.

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

The post WORLD HEPATITIS DAY IS COMING UP ON JULY 28TH AND HERE WITH INFORMATION TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR HEALTH DURING THIS OUTBREAK appeared first on Good News!.

The post SENSITIVE TIMING: Webinar about COVID-19 Vaccine in developing Countries, Thursday May 6 5PM appeared first on Good News!.

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

The post HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: WHAT PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW appeared first on Good News!.

From one of our colleagues :

I’m being asked what I think about an mRNA vaccine. It’s a brilliant strategy and the data appear to show efficacy and safety. I used to work for a pharmaceutical company and present data for FDA approval of drugs. I am familiar with the rooms full of paperwork and the multiple studies that go into approval.
What’s great is that this vaccine doesn’t rely on a killed virus or a part of a virus. It relies on mRNA. What is mRNA? It is just a transient, short-lived copy of a gene.  Consider that your body has this blueprint in its genes (in its DNA). The DNA tells the cells what proteins to make. But DNA is stuck in the cell nucleus and can’t go anywhere. So the cells make a copy of the gene, called “messenger RNA” or mRNA. (It’s just slightly different from the DNA so that the cells can tell the difference). This strand of mRNA gets sent the part of the cell where the protein will be made and the cell makes the proper protein based on this code. The mRNA, having served its purpose, gets destroyed in minutes or hours. The protein is also eventually destroyed.
Scientists have gotten a lot better over the years at figuring out this code and working with the mRNA. They isolated the mRNA for one particular protein on the COVID-causing virus, mostly commonly the “spike” protein that is important in infection. The vaccine contains mRNA that enters cells, gets made into the protein, the protein goes to the outside of cells, the immune system recognizes it as “foreign” and starts an immune response against it. The Spike protein doesn’t seem to cause damage. After all, it’s all by itself, lacking all of the other components of the virus that caused it to infect cells.
Once the body has started its immune response, it keeps some immune cells in reserve that recognize this Spike protein. Then, if the virus enters the body, its Spike protein gets recognized, the proper immune cells get made, and the body destroys the ability of the virus to cause infection.
This mRNA vaccine technology is relatively new but has been studied for a decade.  What is so promising is that there is no virus present, so there is no infection and since there is only one thing for the immune system to react against, it greatly reduces the chances of a hyper-immune reaction. Sometimes when the immune system is doing its thing, there are effects like aching from the increased blood flow, etc. but these symptoms can be signs that the process is working. These side effects are reported to be rare, short in duration and mild. But most importantly, the vaccines have shown extremely high efficacy in preventing infection.
I see absolutely no reason to not accept this vaccine. It has been shown to be highly effective and safe. For all you “You never know” types, safety concerns show up in trials. Many trials have been done.  I am not an insider, but CEOs and people on the front lines all say that the only “rush” has been in that they have made this vaccine a priority, the FDA has made it a  priority, and the companies have skipped over all the wrangling with management about the financial risk. I believe the reports that say that the science has not been rushed in the sense of skipping steps. The same FDA standards have been used as apply to all vaccines. Also, multiple companies using this approach have had very similar results. I plan to get the vaccine as soon as I can.
If you are someone who has concerns about vaccines, I would tell you that from a simple position of risk assessment, this COVID-causing virus has FAR FAR greater risk. It is one bad virus, has taken many of my friends and loved ones and has caused a planet-load of heartache and inconvenience. It has been relentless at using the body’s enzymes to make copies of itself and infect others. It contains a “proof-reading” enzyme that keeps its genes from mutating very much. Many viruses fade out because they accumulate so many mutations that gradually reduce the virus’ infective capabilities. Not this one. If you are fearful of a vaccine, my advice would be to weigh the risks. There are some unknowns, such as how long it will protect, but I don’t see these as obstacles. I am not qualified to give medical advice, but as a scientist, I am confident that the strategy is sound, the FDA has a robust procedure and that opposing the vaccine based on fear or ideology could harm yourself and others.

The post mRNA Covid Vaccine is it safe, how does it work? Note: Consult your physician, Good News is not an authority appeared first on Good News!.

I’m being asked what I think about an mRNA vaccine. It’s a brilliant strategy and the data appear to show efficacy and safety. I used to work for a pharmaceutical company and present data for FDA approval of drugs. I am familiar with the rooms full of paperwork and the multiple studies that go into approval.
What’s great is that this vaccine doesn’t rely on a killed virus or a part of a virus. It relies on mRNA. What is mRNA? It is just a transient, short-lived copy of a gene. Consider that your body has this blueprint in its genes (in its DNA). The DNA tells the cells what proteins to make. But DNA is stuck in the cell nucleus and can’t go anywhere. So the cells make a copy of the gene, called “messenger RNA” or mRNA. (It’s just slightly different from the DNA so that the cells can tell the difference). This strand of mRNA gets sent the part of the cell where the protein will be made and the cell makes the proper protein based on this code. The mRNA, having served its purpose, gets destroyed in minutes or hours. The protein is also eventually destroyed.
Scientists have gotten a lot better over the years at figuring out this code and working with the mRNA. They isolated the mRNA for one particular protein on the COVID-causing virus, mostly commonly the “spike” protein that is important in infection. The vaccine contains mRNA that enters cells, gets made into the protein, the protein goes to the outside of cells, the immune system recognizes it as “foreign” and starts an immune response against it. The Spike protein doesn’t seem to cause damage. After all, it’s all by itself, lacking all of the other components of the virus that caused it to infect cells.
Once the body has started its immune response, it keeps some immune cells in reserve that recognize this Spike protein. Then, if the virus enters the body, its Spike protein gets recognized, the proper immune cells gets made, and the body destroys the ability of the virus to cause infection.
This mRNA vaccine technology is relatively new but has been studied for a decade. What is so promising is that there is no virus present, so there is no infection and since there is only one thing for the immune system to react against, it greatly reduces the chances of a hyper-immune reaction. Sometimes when the immune system is doing its thing, there are effects like aching from the increased blood flow, etc. but these symptoms can be signs that the process is working. These side effects are reported to be rare, short in duration and mild. But most importantly, the vaccines have shown extremely high efficacy in preventing infection.
I see absolutely no reason to not accept this vaccine. It has been shown to be highly effective and safe. For all you “You never know” types, safety concerns show up in trials. Many trials have been done. I am not an insider, but CEOs and people on the front lines all say that the only “rush” has been in that they have made this vaccine a priority, the FDA has made it a priority, and the companies have skipped over all the wrangling with management about the financial risk. I believe the reports that say that the science has not been rushed in the sense of skipping steps. The same FDA standards have been used as apply to all vaccines. Also, multiple companies using this approach have had very similar results. I plan to get the vaccine as soon as I can.
If you are someone who has concerns about vaccines, I would tell you that from a simple position of risk assessment, this COVID-causing virus has FAR FAR greater risk. It is one bad virus, has taken many of my friends and loved ones and has caused a planet-load of heartache and inconvenience. It has been relentless at using the body’s enzymes to make copies of itself and infect others. It contains a “proof-reading” enzyme that keeps its genes from mutating very much. Many viruses fade out because they accumulate so many mutations that gradually reduce the virus’ infective capabilities. Not this one. If you are fearful of a vaccine, my advice would be to weigh the risks. There are some unknowns, such as how long it will protect, but I don’t see these as obstacles. I am not qualified to give medical advice, but as a scientist, I am confident that the strategy is sound, the FDA has a robust procedure and that opposing the vaccine based on fear or ideology could harm yourself and others.

The post Update on… appeared first on Good News!.

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

The post **October is National Liver Awareness Month** appeared first on Good News!.

As COVID-19 Cases Continue to Increase in Many US States, Doctors Are Looking to Prepare
Families for What They Can Better Control – The Seasonal Flu

PrepareforFlu.com

While the number of people infected by the flu each year fluctuates based on a variety of factors such as virus strains and characteristics of the person being vaccinated, the CDC findings suggest that about 8% of the United States population contracts symptomatic flu illness every year. However, this flu season will be different than those of the past, as this year the US is also navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many questions and anxieties remain surrounding the global pandemic, including when a vaccine will be available, whether a second wave is coming, or even when the first wave will end. Amid increased uncertainty, and as a result of the impacts of both the flu and COVID-19, doctors are actively preparing their communities to help stay protected and healthy.

This year, an important action that parents can take for their families is to talk to a healthcare provider about getting a flu vaccine. In fact, the CDC is encouraging flu vaccination for the upcoming season, now more than ever, to help reduce the burden on the healthcare system. While some people regularly get a flu vaccine, others do not. There are several vaccine options available, even for those who prefer a needle-free option. The CDC does not recommend one flu vaccine over another. It is important to speak to your healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is right for you and your loved ones.

Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, MD, Associate Division Head of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine will discuss how parents can prepare their families for this year’s flu season, while navigating alongside a global pandemic.

Interview courtesy: AstraZeneca

#dr #ravi #jhaveri astrazeneca #md #associate #division #head #pediatric #infectious #diseases #disease #ann #robert #lurie #children #hospital #chicago #northwestern #university #feinberg #school #medicine #families #family #flu #season #global #pandemic #covid #covid19 #codvid-19 #us #states #doctors #increase #control #fluctuates #vaccine #virus #cdc #impact #healthcare

The post EASING ANXIETIES ABOUT THE UPCOMING FLU SEASON WHILE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CONTINUES appeared first on Good News!.

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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