throughout the world, disrupt the holiday season? (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
The World Health Organization on Tuesday classified the Covid-19 variant JN.1 as a variant of interest. Largely, the rapid global increase in its prevalence prompted this announcement. But the WHO also noted that the overall risk of this variant is low. Those statements may seem contradictory. So, what do we know about JN.1 and how concerned should we be?
First described in August and initially detected in the United States in September, JN.1 is a descendant of the variant BA.2.86. This variant, in turn, is part of the Omicron lineage. Compared to BA.2.86, JN.1 has a single mutation in the spike protein. It contains a few other mutations in non-spike components of the virus.
Although the significance of the spike protein change has not been thoroughly evaluated, JN.1 seems to exhibit a growth advantage. Just look at the numbers. JN.1 accounted for less than 0.1% of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in the U.S. at the end of October, according to the CDC. Today, that number is around 20%. Globally, the prevalence of JN.1 was estimated to be under 5% in early November. Now, the global prevalence of JN.1 is estimated to be over 25%. These increases most likely indicate that this newest variant is more transmissible than its predecessors.
Despite the emergence of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants over the past several years, Covid-19 symptoms have varied little since the beginning of the pandemic. However, we dont know much about the specific disease severity of JN.1. One preliminary study showed no increased risk of hospitalization in older people infected with JN.1 when compared to other variants, according to the WHO. Another study showed a slightly lower risk of hospitalization in people infected with BA.2.86. More studies need to be done, But at this point, there is no evidence that JN.1 causes more severe disease.
Short answer? Yes. Several preliminary studies have shown that JN.1 may exhibit increased immune evasion properties. In other words, it can partially escape neutralization by our antibodies. Most likely, this increased immune evasion contributes to its apparent increased transmissibility. But the vaccines still work. Indeed, Moderna released data demonstrating that its latest Covid-19 vaccine, which was designed to target the XBB.1.5 variant, also neutralized BA.2.86. Presumably, this vaccine also will provide some protection against JN.1.
Currently, Covid-19 numbers in the U.S. remain low. For the week ending December 9, there were 723 deaths attributed to Covid-19. During the same week in 2022, there were 3,035 deaths. Hospitalizations are down, too. But Covid-19 has not gone away. Vaccines, against not just Covid-19 but also influenza and RSV, remain our best forms of protection against these respiratory diseases. And in this busy holiday season, its wise to consider other precautions, too. If your holiday plans include visiting friends or relatives who might be at increased risk of severe disease, such as the elderly or immunocompromised people, masking and physical distancing provide added layers of protection. The current risk of JN.1 may be low, but its certainly not zero.
A Professor of Biology at Davidson College, David Wessner teaches courses about introductory biology, microbiology, and HIV/AIDS. His research interests include viral pathogenesis. He recently co-authored Microbiology, a textbook for undergraduate biology majors, and The Cartoon Guide to Biology. He also co-curated Re/Presenting HIV/AIDS, an exhibition that featured artistic works related to HIV. Prior to joining the faculty at Davidson, David conducted research at the Navy Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Harvard University and his B.A. in Biology from Franklin and Marshall College.
Javier Rivers of Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin answers questions at a community health and wellness resource fair where 140 vaccines were administered. Doctors urge people to get vaccinated for the holiday and winter season. (Photo by Terrance Sims provided by INPOWER)
With the season for family gatherings and celebrations fast approaching, doctors advise people to get vaccinated to stay safe and healthy over the holidays and throughout the winter season.
Although the national COVID-19 public health emergency ended in May, experts warn that the virus is all but over.
Its easy to think COVIDs not around or ignore it, said Ajay Sethi, professor of Population Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or DHS, the number of COVID-related hospitalizations has increased to over 400 hospitalizations this month. This is in comparison to the states all-time low of the pandemic, which occurred in July of this year with fewer than 60 people hospitalized.
Sethi emphasized the importance of everyone, especially immunocompromised people, such as the elderly and disabled, getting vaccinated this winter season, or respiratory virus season, as he calls it.
Since people will be spending more time indoors, often with others, illnesses like COVID are much more likely to spread.
Vaccinations protect against life-threatening illnesses and even death, said Dr. Heather Paradis, Milwaukee Health Department medical director. And (they) help against the spreading of the virus too, she said.
Despite this, just 10.8% of Milwaukee County residents have received at least one dose of vaccines, which is slightly lower than the rate of vaccinations for the rest of the state, according to DHS.
COVID strains are still circulating and mutating, Paradis said. But most vaccines, even if they arent the newest ones on the market, can help protect against the most recent strains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has reported, however, that getting the most updated vaccines will work the best against current strains of the virus.
People opting to get the vaccinations can now choose between getting the mRNA vaccine and the Novavax vaccine, which are similar to vaccines that were introduced early on in the pandemic.
Both vaccines work about the same and last an equal amount of time, Sethi said. (Learn more about the differences here.)
Doctors recommend people get vaccinated or boosted every six months. Sethi said people can wait from two to six months after a COVID infection to get boosted.
Paradis encourages people to get boosted when theyre COVID free and feeling well enough to do so. Its also safe to get flu shots and COVID vaccines at the same time, she said. And many clinics offer both.
For those holding off on getting the COVID vaccine because of the fear of potential side effects, Sethi has the following message:
The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the disease itself.
Monday: 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday: 1 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 3 to 6 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Check out Healthy MKEs updated map and list here. This site will also let you know about upcoming vaccination events where rides can be provided.
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The World Health Organization urges countries in South-East Asia Region to strengthen surveillance and for people to take protective measures in view of the increasing numbers of cases of respiratory diseases, including due to COVID-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, and influenza.
The COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, change, and circulate in all countries globally. While current evidence suggests the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is low, we must continue to track the evolution of these viruses to tailor our response. For this, countries must strengthen surveillance and sequencing, and ensure sharing of data, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia.
WHO has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest following its rapid global spread. In recent weeks, JN.1 was reported in multiple countries, and its prevalence has been rapidly increasing globally. Considering the available, yet limited evidence, the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low at the global level. It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in COVID-19 cases amid surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season.
As people travel and gather for festivities during the holiday season, spending a lot of time together indoors where poor ventilation facilitates transmission of viruses that cause respiratory diseases, they must take protective measures and seek timely clinical care when unwell, said Dr Khetrapal Singh.
The Regional Director also emphasized on the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza, especially for people at high risk. All WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from all variants including JN.1, she said.
In May this year, following sustained decline in the trajectory of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, and high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV2, WHO declared COVID-19 no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern.
While considerable progress has been made in establishing and strengthening a global system to detect and rapidly assess risks posed by SARS-CoV-2, testing and reporting of COVID-19 cases has decreased.
By Tanya Terry, with featured photo of Dr. Chijioke Bennett provided by SVP Healthcare
This month,CDC projected that the variant JN.1 comprises an estimated 1529% of in the United States as of December 8, 2023.It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States.
Novavax continues to monitor the changing nature of the virus and is conducting ongoing testing of our vaccine as new mutations and variants evolve, said Chijioke Bennett, MD, MPH, MBA, senior director, Clinical Development at Novavax.
Bennett added: The JN.1 is closely related to a strain we have seen before (BA.2.86). It has evolved to have better transmissibility or somehow better escape immunity; however, thankfully it doesnt seem to be causing severe disease. These attributes of the JN.1 variant necessitate the need for updated vaccinations, especially now.
According to Bennett, preclinical data in animals has shown that when given Novavaxs updated XBB.1.5 vaccine (which is what we have available presently in the U.S.) following completion of the earlier primary series with a prototype/BA.5 vaccine, Novavaxs updated protein-based COVID-19 vaccine induces broadly neutralizing responses against strains not contained in the vaccine including BA.2.86.
I encourage people to recognize the importance of making a plan to help protect their loved ones this season and to have conversations with their healthcare provider about available vaccine options. Bennett said.
On Thursday, December 14, theCDC issued a health advisorywarning that low vaccination rates for COVID coupled with ongoing increases in respiratory disease activity (COVID, flu and RSV)could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks.
It is very concerning. COVID-19-related hospitalizations have continued to rise in the U.S., according to the CDC. Experts have reiterated that, despite COVID-19 fatigue, our best line of defense to protect communities is to get vaccinated with the latest vaccines.Without vaccination, COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates may continue to rise, posing significant risks for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and people with preexisting conditions that put them at risk.
There has been a rise in COVID related hospitalizations as of early December within the U.S. as a whole, as well as in Genesee County as of early December
The latest data from the CDC shows that as of Dec. 9,18.2% of American adultshave received an updated COVID-19 vaccine. In Michigan, theadult vaccination rate hovers at 18%. Additionally, according to the latest CDC estimates, only 13.9% ofnon-Hispanic Black adultshave received an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Bennett stressed the best line of defense is to get vaccinated with the latest vaccines.
Its critical that we educate communities about the different vaccine options available so that they can make the choice thats best for themselves and their loved ones.
Without vaccination, these rates may continue to rise, posing significant risks for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and obesity that put them at higher risk of severe disease.
Without vaccination, these rates may continue to rise, posing significant risks for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and obesity that put them at higher risk of severe disease.
With cold weather and more time spent indoors in close proximity to others, the risk of respiratory virus infection increases. Bennett said this is also true of both flu and COVID-19.
The holiday season upon us and more time spent indoors in close proximity to others, the risk of respiratory virus infection increases. However, vaccination rates for COVID-19 during the 2023 immunization seasons have been lower than expected.
The most important thing is to include vaccination in your plan before family gatherings, and to monitor yourself if you are experiencing any COVID-19 or flu symptoms. This immunization season, people have options for vaccination, including a non-mRNA protein-based vaccine. Developed by Novavax, using a well-established technology also used to develop other common vaccines, Novavaxs updated COVID vaccine provides an important option, allowing Americans to decide how best to protect themselves and their families, in consultation with their healthcare provider.
Bennett pointed out that for those who are unvaccinated, elderly or immunocompromised, virtual gatherings are always a good option.
Families and friends need to make the choice thats best for them, in consultation with a healthcare provider
Non-clinical data previously showed that Novavaxs updated COVID-19 vaccine induced functional immune responses for XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3 variants, indicating a broad response that could potentially be applicable for forward-drift variants.
On October 3, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted to include the 2023-2024 formula.
The updated protein-based monovalent formulation includes the XBB.1.5 sublineage of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant technology enhances and prolong immune responses.
In the U.S., the Novavax vaccine is the only non-mRNA protein-based updated COVID-19 vaccine available, developed in line with guidance issued by the FDA.
In Flint, the updated Novavax COVID vaccine is available at Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies. Appointments are not needed.
A new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is rising to prominence in the U.S. as winter illness season approaches its peak: JN.1, yet another descendent of Omicron.
JN.1 was first detected in the U.S. in September but spread slowly at first. In recent weeks, however, it has accounted for a growing percentage of test samples sequenced by labs affiliated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpassing 20% during the two-week period ending Dec. 9. By some projections, it will be responsible for at least half of new infections in the U.S. before December ends.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Dec. 19 declared JN.1 a variant of interest due to its "rapidly increasing spread." But the agency has not labeled JN.1 a variant of concernthat is, a new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with potential for increased severity; decreased vaccine effectiveness; or substantial impacts on health care delivery.
Heres what to know about JN.1.
JN.1 is closely related to BA.2.86, a fellow Omicron descendent that first popped up in the U.S. this past summer. The two variants are nearly identical, according to the CDC, except for a single difference in their spike proteins, the part of the virus that allows it to invade human cells.
The fact that JN.1 is responsible for a growing portion of infections suggests it is either more contagious or better at getting past our bodies immune defenses than previous iterations of the virus, the CDC says. But right now there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease than other viral strains, even though it may cause a bump in transmission, the CDC says. Primary symptoms are likely to be the same as those from previous variants: a sore or scratchy throat, fatigue, headache, congestion, coughing, and fever.
So far, the signs are positive. COVID-19 tests and treatments are expected to be effective against JN.1, the CDC says. And even though the latest COVID-19 booster shot was designed to target the XBB.1.5 variant, preliminary research suggests it also generates antibodies that work against JN.1, albeit fewer of them. (As ever, vaccines will not totally block JN.1 infections, but should reduce the likelihood of death and severe disease.)
In a Dec. 13 statement, WHOs expert COVID-19 vaccine advisory group recommended sticking with the current XBB.1.5 vaccines, since they seem to provide at least some cross protection.
The CDC no longer logs every single COVID-19 diagnosis in the U.S., but other indicators of disease are up. Wastewater surveillance data suggest theres a lot of COVID-19 going around, particularly in the Northeast. Hospitalizations are also on the rise, although far fewer people are being admitted than at this time last year. Death rates are currently stable, though they tend to lag slightly behind hospitalizations.
Its too soon to say whether JN.1 will cause a significant spike in cases, although its ascendance during the busy holiday travel and gathering season could fuel increased transmission. Right now, we do not know to what extent JN.1 may be contributing to these increases or possible increases through the rest of December like those seen in previous years, the CDC wrote in a Dec. 8 update on the variant.
The best defenses against JN.1and other variants of SARS-CoV-2remain getting vaccinated, masking in crowded indoor areas, and limiting exposure to people who may have been infected.
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Posted: December 20, 2023 Last Updated: December 20, 2023
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Canadians raced to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first years of the pandemic, but data suggests there's far less of a rush to get the latest shots available this fall.
Federal figures show only 15 per cent of the population aged five and up had received an updated vaccine by Dec. 3.And while older age groups had higher uptake rates, more than half of higher-risk older adults still hadn't gotten a dose by early December, either.
The shots, tailored to the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant, are meant to shore up protection against the SARS-CoV-2 descendants currently circulating.
Medical experts say seniors and other higher-risk individuals could leave themselves more vulnerable to serious illness if they skip these updated shots. Less than a third of Canadians in their 60s have had the newest vaccine, along with roughly 44 per cent of people in their 70s, and 48 per cent of those aged 80 and older.
Pandemic fatigue, muddled messagingand complex vaccination timelines might be dissuading Canadians from getting another round of vaccines, experts note.
"Why that gap exists is both an interesting and difficult question," said Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious diseases specialist with Sinai Health in Toronto. "I think it's because people just aren't getting the message about how much of a risk COVID is."
Data shows SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating at high levels across much of Canada, sending hundreds of people into hospital with COVID every week. Weekly rates of hospitalizations and intensive care admissions remain highest among the oldest age groups.
The immune systems of various higher-risk groups including seniors, pregnant womenand people with other serious health issues can be weaker than those of most healthy adults, increasing their risk of serious illness of any kind.
At the same time, a growing body of evidence suggests that immunity against this ever-evolving virus fades over time, leaving people susceptible to repeat infections.
Just this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced yet another variant of interestknown as JN.1, an Omicron offshoot that's rapidly spreading around the world. (WHO officials said the latest batch of vaccines are expected to maintain protection against serious illness and death from this variant as well.)
That's why updated shots can make a difference, according to Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam.
Tam told CBC News there's "room for improvement" when it comes to vaccine uptake among older Canadians. "That's the group, of course, that has the highest risk of severe outcomes," she added.
Close to a third of the country's older population doesn't appear to have been infected with this virus yet either, Tam noted.
"They've been protecting themselves. They've been getting vaccinated," she added. "But the vaccine base protection can wane over time even protection against severe outcomes wanes over time."
That message doesn't seem to be reaching the public, warnedMcMasterUniversity immunologist and researcher Dawn Bowdish.
Many Canadians think there's a "magic number" of vaccinedoses that will protect them long-term from COVID, but that's incorrect, Bowdish said.
While the overall risks of SARS-CoV-2 infections may be lower now than during the early days of the pandemic, fresh shots are necessary while this virus is still "rapidly adapting."
COVID shots don't act like many of our childhood vaccines, she explained, since this type of virus operates in a specific way: Much like older coronaviruses known for causing the common cold, SARS-CoV-2 has a "remarkable capacity to cause repeat infections" by evolving to better dodge the frontline defences of the human immune system.
That means vulnerable individuals should treat the latest COVID vaccines like annual flu shots not boosters to ensure their immune system is primed to tackle new variants and avoid serious illness and lingering, life-altering health impacts, she said.
"We know that having COVID increases risks of heart attacks and other complications, especially in older adults," Bowdish added.
"And importantly, if an older adult is hospitalized, it is very rare for them to leave the hospital and have the same level of function as they did before they went in."
WATCH | What seniors need to know about this year's fall vaccines:
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While the vaccine guidance for higher-risk groups is fairly straightforward, McGeer, in Toronto, said younger adults in their 20s and 30s may have more to consider as they weigh the risks and benefits.
The mRNA-based vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been linked to higher reactogenicity referring to expected post-vaccination reactions caused by someone's immune response, such as a fever or a sore arm which can discourage some people from getting another shot, McGeer said.
Novavax's protein-based, non-mRNA vaccine is now approved as well, and doses have been delivered to the Public Health Agency of Canada for distribution to the provinces, but McGeer said it likely won't be as widely available, making it harder to access for many Canadians who want a more traditional option.
People are also trying to navigate complex vaccination advice on how to time their next shots, she added. Guidance suggests waiting six months or so after your last vaccination or infection before getting another dose, which can complicate efforts to roll out seasonal immunization campaigns, since Canadians are operating on various schedules based on when they were last exposed to the virus.
Then there's the simple fact that so many people are tired of getting shot after shot, four years into the COVID pandemic.
"I think everyone has a little bit of COVID fatigue, including our policymakers," said Bowdish. "And so we haven't been as aggressive."
The medical experts who spoke to CBC News also didn't paint a clear picture of what the future could hold for COVID vaccination efforts.
Tam said the door is still open for another spring vaccination push, though she noted uptake last spring was also relatively low. Bowdish, the immunologist, agreed twice-annual vaccines may be appropriate given how quickly this virus is evolving.
McGeer, however, said over the long term, as more people gain repeat exposure to this virus earlier and earlier in life, the need for COVID vaccines could start to shift. A twice-annual vaccine seems unlikely, "and I'm not sure that we're even settling into an annual vaccine," she said.
But the world won't know for years, perhaps even decades, how this virus will evolve, what seasonal patterns it could settle into, and how those factors might change the risks of acute illness or lasting health impacts.
"How long that trajectory is going to take, and where it's going to stop, [is an] open question," McGeer said.
Lauren Pelley Senior Health & Medical Reporter
Lauren Pelley covers health and medical science for CBC News, including the global spread of infectious diseases, Canadian health policy, pandemic preparedness, and the crucial intersection between human health and climate change. Two-time RNAO Media Award winner for in-depth health reporting in 2020 and 2022. Contact her at: lauren.pelley@cbc.ca
In January 2024, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) will shift its COVID-19 vaccine program and specifically focus on providing COVID-19 vaccinations for youth aged 11 and under at their clinics.
Weve been proud to work with pharmacists and local healthcare providers this fall to ensure residents of Huron-Perth had access to COVID-19 vaccinations, says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth. While pharmacists and participating healthcare providers will continue to provide COVID-19 XBB vaccinations in the community, HPPH will focus on ensuring access to youth aged 11 and under.
Children are a priority population that may also require a series of vaccine doses to be protected, notes a spokesperson from HPPH, In addition, access to pediatric vaccination may be more limited (e.g., less access through pharmacies because they may not vaccinate children under age 5). Thus, the health unit needs to maintain this service throughout the respiratory season to ensure that children are able to access and complete their vaccine series.
The response to COVID-19 has begun to be incorporated into regular public health work, including the discontinuation of one-time COVID funding from the provincial government. Because of this, the health unit says they will not have the capacity to continue to offer as many COVID-19 vaccine clinics in 2024 as years past.
This fall in Ontario, 75 percent of COVID-19 vaccine administration has happened through pharmacies, said an HPPH spokesperson, Vaccines will continue to be available through participating pharmacies and primary care providers. Improving access is one effective strategy to increase vaccine uptake; where there are barriers, vaccination rates may be lower.
HPPH is urging community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, and according to the HPPH Respiratory Activity 2023-2024 dashboard, there were 51 cases of COVID-19 reported and four cases of influenza reported in the last week of November. In addition, there were 12 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and one hospitalization due to flu. Sadly, since the start of the respiratory season, seven residents of Huron and Perth have died due to COVID-19.
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The holiday season has begun, says Dr. Klassen. Please protect yourselves and your loved ones by getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, if eligible. Note that at this time in Ontario, only residents of long-term care homes and some retirement homes are eligible for RSV vaccine. Its not too late to get your vaccines to protect your families and communities and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Residents can reduce their risk and their loved ones risk by staying up to date on vaccines and using other means of protection:
1. Wearing a tight-fitted, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings for anyone at the highest risk of severe infection and when in healthcare settings/places with mask policies.
2. Staying home when you are sick and wearing a mask until day ten from symptom onset
3. Washing hands often
4. Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
5. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces
6. Optimizing indoor air quality
7. If you are at high risk, speak with your healthcare provider about antiviral treatment options.
Amanda Modaragamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Stratford Times
Jakarta / Tue, December 26, 2023 / 07:48 am
Vials containing the Inavac vaccine for COVID-19 are seen on Dec. 19, 2023, at the Jakarta Health Agency office during a vaccination campaign held to administer a fifth precautionary vaccine dose amid concerns that COVID-19 cases could spike during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.(AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As you're making your lists and checking them twice, you may want to add "get a flu shot."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, cases of the flu are on the rise across the nation and as of Thursday, Fresno County Public Health reported four flu-related deaths with a fifth pending.
The health department and CVS are encouraging everyone over the age of six months to get vaccinated.
"What the vaccines do-they protect against the virus," CVS Health district leader, Bobby Dhaliwal said. "It's going to help your body make an immunity against the virus."
CVS offers Covid-19, flu, RSV and many other vaccinations at their locations-some even free of charge.
"It's really important, especially with the holidays coming, the new year coming, you protect yourself, your loved ones. Think about it right-you're going to have gatherings with grandparents and grandkids. There's a lot of chance of transmission so we want to make sure you stay protected."
CVS patient, Larry Gardener, got his Covid vaccine Friday morning and told action news he and his wife try to stay on top of their vaccinations, especially ahead of holiday travel.
"I think it's a healthy, safe thing to do," Gardener said.
"For the flu, the variant changes every year so there's going to be a new vaccine every year so it's going to help," Dhaliwal said. "It takes anywhere from seven to fourteen days to build that immunity so you want to get it as soon as possible, especially going into the holidays and the New Year."
Even though Christmas is before that seven to fourteen day window, health officials say it is still important to get your flu shot ahead of the new year.
"The key thing to know about the flu is-it's going to go on," Dhaliwal explained. "Flu season is peaking now. It'll peak December to February and sometimes can go as far as May."
On top of getting a flu shot, it's important to wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing and use hand sanitizer.
The infants of mothers vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy had a 39% lower risk of flu-related hospitalization than those born to unvaccinated mothers, estimates a study published today in JAMA Pediatrics.
For the test-negative case-control study, the New Vaccine Surveillance Network Collaborators examined the association between maternal flu vaccination and severe disease among 3,764 infants younger than 6 months at seven pediatric care centers in seven states during the 2016-17 through 2019-20 flu seasons.
The researchers noted that flu during pregnancy is tied to severe maternal disease and may be linked to poor birth outcomes such as preterm birth, fetuses small for their gestational age, and miscarriage. Infants aren't eligible for flu vaccination until they are 6 months old.
"Maternal immune responses to influenza vaccine during pregnancy are comparable to those of nonpregnant adults, and the transfer of influenza antibodies, either naturally acquired or vaccine induced, from mother to fetus is highly efficient," they wrote.
Among the 3,764 infants, 53% were born to mothers who received the flu vaccine during pregnancy, including 42% of 223 flu-positive infants and 54% of 3,541 flu-negative controls.
Overall, vaccine effectiveness (VE) of maternal vaccination against flu-related ED visits or hospitalizations in infants was 34%. Maternal flu vaccination was 19% effective against infant ED visits, 39% against infant hospitalization, 25% against influenza A, and 47% against influenza B in infants. By subtype, VE was 39% and 16% against the H1N1 and H3N2 strains, respectively.
VE was 53% among infants younger than 3 months, 52% among those whose mothers were vaccinated in the third trimester, and 17% in those whose mothers were vaccinated in the first or second trimester.
Among 223 infants with flu, 28% had retractions (pulling in between the ribs), and 10% had wheezing in the first 24 hours of life. More than half (56%) of flu-positive infants were hospitalized, 5% required intensive care unit admission, 14% required supplemental oxygen, and 1% required intubation.
"The findings in this study indicate that maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy provided important protection for the infant in the first few months of life before infants are eligible for vaccination," the study authors wrote.
The World Health Organization and numerous other agencies and associations recommend that pregnant women receive the inactivated flu vaccine.
While continued efforts are needed to determine optimal timing, clinicians should continue to offer influenza vaccination at any time during pregnancy to protect both the pregnant person and infant.
"Despite this recommendation, global maternal influenza vaccine uptake remains suboptimal," the investigators wrote. "In the US, vaccination coverage in pregnant persons during the 2022 to 2023 influenza season was less than 50% and was approximately 5% to 15% lower than in influenza seasons prior to the COVID-19 pandemic."
"While continued efforts are needed to determine optimal timing, clinicians should continue to offer influenza vaccination at any time during pregnancy to protect both the pregnant person and infant," they added.
In a related commentary, Matthew Zuber, MD; April Miller, MD, MPH; and Katherine Poehling, MD, MPH, all of the Wake Forest School of Medicine, said that vaccine registries must expand from children to people of all ages to eliminate gaps in record-keeping and that obstetric and pediatric clinicians need to share effective approaches in their communities to enhance access, confidence, and coverage of vaccines and preventive care.
"Our patients need us to advocate for universal vaccine registries and roll up our sleeves and work collaboratively to optimize maternal and infant health for all," they wrote
