Category: Flu Vaccine

If you feel like everyone around you is getting sick at work or at home with the flu, you're not alone.

Experts say DFW is seeing the strongest flu season the area has faced in years.

Doctors say North Texas is currently in the middle of the peak of flu season as of the beginning of February. The season typically starts in October.

A map from the Walgreens Flu Index backs it up. DFW ranks number two in the nation for flu activity this week, with heightened flu activity happening in this part of the country.

Flu season every year is going to peak right around now. January to February is always going to be the worst, said Dr. Joseph Chang, Chief Medical Officer for Parkland Health in Dallas. It starts to get better in March and then kind of goes away in April. So we're right the thick of it right now.

Dallas Childrens Medical Center tells NBC 5 that during the last week in January, they treated the most flu patients theyve had since 2022. New numbers showed that during the week beginning on Jan. 28, the hospital treated 720 flu cases systemwide.

The latest news from around North Texas.

Hospital staff said that number marked a 20% jump in cases over the week before - and the most patients treated in a week since 2022.

At Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, hundreds more patients are coming back positive with the flu than RSV or COVID currently.

Throughout the flu season, rumors swirl about the flu vaccine and just how effective it is.

Dr. Chang said the truth is, every year is a little bit different, and this year is not unlike the others.

If you'll recall the year before COVID, that was a particularly bad year for flu. That was mainly because the vaccine that year truly did not work as well, said Dr. Chang.

The reason for that is simple and has to do with the guessing game doctors must figure out before the flu season even starts.

Every year, the Centers for Disease Control decides what strains of the flu virus they will concentrate on for the year based on the flu season in the southern hemisphere, where the winter season just as the northern hemispheres begins. Travelers spread the flu strains around the globe, as winter seasons force more people indoors.

And then we make an educated guess as to what ours might be in relative to that, said Dr. Chang. Most years the flu vaccine is four strains of virus put into one vaccine. So, it's designed against four strains pretty much every single year. And again, that's an educated guess, because overall there are over a dozen flu strains that infect people at any given time.

Dr. Chang added, Now the thing to remember with the vaccines is that because all of the flu viruses are basically part of the same family if you get the vaccine, even if that year, the strains that are actually rolling around are not exactly the same as what is contained in the vaccine, you get a lot of good cross coverage anyway. So even when you see those years where the vaccine is not exactly matching up with what's going around, you're much better off getting the vaccine than not."

If you already got your flu vaccine earlier in the season, the effectiveness typically lasts for at least six months. The flu season still has about two months left, or eight weeks until it subsides.

Even if you run out and get it now, you will still be protected for about 4 to 6 weeks, Dr. Chang said. Four to six weeks of protection is better than zero.

For those who need financial assistance in getting a flu shot, Parklands Community Oriented Primary Care Centers offer free vaccines at no cost and no appointment necessary. To avoid a wait, Wednesdays are recommended. During Walk-In Wednesdays, a staff dedicated only to providing flu shots is available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.

Click here for a list of locations across DFW.

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DFW ranks 2nd in nation for flu activity, doctors say its not too late for flu vaccine - NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

As flu cases rise, health officials say it's not too late to get vaccinated

by Bryanna Carroll

Nationwide, the CDC is reporting elevated cases of the flu, while other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and COVID-19 have decreased in prevalence. Photo: NBC Montana{ }{p}{/p}

BOZEMAN, Mont.

Nationwide, the CDC is reporting elevated cases of the flu, while other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and COVID-19 have decreased in prevalence.

In Montana, the Department of Public Health and Human Services designated influenza as widespread, with above-average emergency room visits from patients reporting flulike symptoms during the month of January.

Last week, Yellowstone County reported close to 600 cases of Influenza, the highest in the state. Other areas with heightened flu activity include Flathead, Cascade, Lewis and Clark, Big Horn and Gallatin counties, all reporting between 200 and 500 cases in that same time period.

Dr. Peter Bulger, infectious disease medical director for Bozeman Health, says right now the state is currently in the midst of heavy flu season, and advises those who have not yet gotten vaccinated to do so now.

I think some people wonder whether it's still worth doing this far into the flu season, and I would say absolutely, it is still worth doing, said Bulger. The flu vaccine is definitely our best weapon against people getting the flu and against people getting terribly sick from the flu.

Bozeman Health has seen more flu hospitalizations in recent weeks than hospitalizations for COVID-19. But Bulger says the latter is still a threat, and for those who havent yet gotten the updated COVID-19 vaccination, he recommends getting that as well.

There's probably more COVID than anything out there, and as far as the number of hospitalizations and deaths, COVID is probably still the biggest threat, said Bulger.

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As flu cases rise, health officials say it's not too late to get vaccinated - NBC Montana

Across the largest cities in the U.S., the uptake on flu vaccinations has been split. While an average of 50.7% of people aged 65 and over were inoculated, some cities ranged much higher or lower. The efficacy of the flu vaccine is often argued, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims a 40% to 60% efficacy at reducing flu cases, but only when the strains in that year's vaccine match the spreading virus strains.

With an eye on flu vaccine preferences, SmartAsset analyzed data from Medicare to rank 100 cities based on the percentage of seniors who received the flu shot in 2023.

These Midwestern cities top the list for the highest rates of flu vaccinations. In Madison, WI, 69% of Medicare enrollees were vaccinated for the flu season. In Lincoln and Omaha, NE, that figure was 66% and 63%, respectively. In Minnesota, Minneapolis (62%) and St. Paul (62%) also made the top ranks.

Miami, FL has the lowest rate of flu shots. Only 34% of Miami seniors got the flu vaccine last year. El Paso, TX had the second-lowest rate at 36%, while 39% of seniors in Clark County, NV including Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Enterprise were inoculated.

The cities with the most seniors are split on flu shots. Seniors make up more than 22% of the population in Scottsdale, Port St. Lucie and Honolulu, and theres no distinct preference for or against the flu shot in these places. Respectively, 52%, 48% and 53% of seniors got the flu shot last year.

Madison, Wisconsin Madison leads the ranking with a 69% flu vaccination rate among seniors, who represent approximately 13.5% of the city's population. This adds up to 36,707 residents aged 65 and older.

Lincoln, Nebraska In Lincoln, 66% of seniors have received a flu shot in 2023. Seniors make up 15.3% of the population, which includes 44,656 residents aged 65+.

Omaha, Nebraska Omaha has a senior flu vaccination rate of 63%, with the 65+ demographic comprising 14.4% of its citizens. This adds up to 70,078 seniors.

Durham, North Carolina Durham reports a 62% vaccination rate among seniors. The city's population includes 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 40,228 seniors.

St. Paul, Minnesota Approximately 62% of St. Paul's senior population have been vaccinated against the flu in 2023. Seniors constitute 13.0% of the city's population, with a total of 39,448 residents aged 65+.

Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis also shows a 62% flu vaccination rate in seniors. This age group represents 11.13% of the city's populace with 47,298 seniors.

Raleigh, North Carolina Raleigh has a 61% flu vaccination rate among its senior citizens. The 65+ age bracket makes up 12.3% of the population, which adds up to 58,522 seniors.

St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis has a 60% flu vaccination rate for seniors, who make up 15.8% of its population. There are 45,176 residents aged 65 and older.

Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore's senior flu vaccination rate stands at 59%, with 89,326 seniors accounting for 15.7% of the population.

Plano, TexasPlano has a 59% vaccination rate among its senior citizens. The 65+ age group makes up 14.30% of the city's population, with a total of 41,479 seniors.

Data is for 2023 and comes from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. The percentage of seniors with the flu shot is represented by the percentage of fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare enrollees that had an annual flu vaccination. Medicare enrollees must be at least 65 years old. Data was examined for the largest 100 cities for which data was available. Cities are mapped to county-level data.

Photo credit: iStock.com/FatCamera

The post Flu Vaccines Are Most Popular in These U.S. Cities 2024 Study appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.

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Flu Vaccines Are Most Popular in These U.S. Cities 2024 Study - AOL

Understanding the Decline in Flu Vaccination

Flu shot uptake has seen a noticeable decrease in 2024 compared to the previous season. A total of 156 million influenza vaccines have been distributed during the 2023-2024 season, a considerable drop from the 176 million distributed during the 2021-2022 season. This downward trend in the number of individuals receiving flu shots raises concerns for public health. The reasons behind this decrease, influenced by factors such as public perception, access to vaccines, and awareness campaigns, warrant further investigation.

According to a report by Precision Vaccinations, as of January 20, 2024, flu shot coverage estimates for the 2023-24 season are lower for all children and pregnant women compared to previous seasons. The national coverage for all U.S. adults stands at 47%, with coverage among states and D.C. ranging from 36.8% to 62.3%. Despite this, the CDC continues to recommend that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are circulating.

The CDCs Weekly Influenza Vaccination Dashboard provides preliminary weekly flu vaccination data for the 2023-24 flu season. The data encompasses a broad spectrum, including vaccination coverage for children, pregnant individuals, adults, and healthcare personnel, as well as the number of adult vaccinations administered in pharmacies and medical offices. The dashboard underscores the significance of flu vaccination, particularly for individuals at a higher risk of severe complications from influenza, and advocates for annual vaccination.

Data from the CDC also provides insights into the distribution of flu vaccine doses in the United States. During the flu season 2023-2024, the first data collection and reporting period spanned two weeks due to the 53 weeks in the 2024 calendar year, leading to an adjustment in data visualization for this period.

A comparative study performed in Shanghai, China, revealed that the influenza vaccination rate for the 20212022 season (17.68%) was significantly higher than that in the 20182019 season (11.8%). Children had the highest vaccination coverage (35.68%), followed by adults (12.75%) and the elderly (11.70%). Factors associated with vaccination included household income, sex, and education level for adults. The study suggests that efforts should be made to increase awareness of influenza vaccines according to the characteristics of different populations.

The decline in flu shot uptake in the U.S. during 2024 has potential implications for public health. While the exact reasons behind this trend are yet to be fully understood, the data suggests that public perception, access to vaccines, and awareness campaigns play a crucial role. Further investigation into these factors can provide valuable insights and contribute to strategies aimed at reversing this trend, ensuring adequate protection against influenza for all demographic groups, particularly those at higher risk.

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Investigating the Decrease in U.S. Flu Vaccination Rates in 2024: Implications for Public Health - Medriva

According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy resulted in protection for the infant during the first months of life, prior to influenza vaccination eligibility at 6 months of age.

Samantha Olson, MPH, study investigator; epidemiologist, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, joins Contemporary Pediatrics to break down the purpose of the study and provide detailed results.

Results revealed that vaccine effectiveness was, "highest among hospitalized infants, those younger than 3 months, and those born to mothers vaccinated in the third trimester."

"We saw that infants born to mothers that received influenza vaccination during pregnancy saw a reduction in hospitalizations in emergency department visits by approximately a third," Olson told Contemporary Pediatrics.

Data from the 2016 to 2017 influenza season through the 2019 to 2020 influenza season, just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, was used in the study.

Since the pandemic, Olson noted, there has been a decline in pregnant persons who have received the influenza vaccine.

"As of December 2023, in the current influenza season, we've seen about a 3% reduction since the last flu season." Olson said.

"When we compare to prior seasons, those prior to [the COVID-19 pandemic], we see about a 17% reduction from the current season to December 2019."

Reference:

Sahni LC, Olson SM, Halasa NB, et al. Maternal vaccine effectiveness against influenza-associated hospitalizations and emergency department visits in infants. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(2):176184. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5639

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Maternal influenza vaccination and associated infant hospitalizations - Contemporary Pediatrics

Doctors warn of second wave of flu in the South

by Sarah Gail

KUTV

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Public health authorities are warning of a second wave of increased flu activity in the Midwest and parts of the South.

It can affect anyone, young or old.

"No one is immune from the flu," said Dr. Katrina Skinner, a pediatrician in Fairhope, Alabama. "So even people who are super healthy and have no underlying health conditions can still get severely ill from the flu or even die from the flu."

Flu cases in the U.S. jumped more than 16 percent last week.

While Florida has a lower number of cases compared to neighboring states, the CDC puts us in a moderate activity level.

"If someone coughs or sneezes and they have the flu and you're nearby, you can breathe in those germs and then there's a chance you'll be infected with the flu and you'll start feeling sick too," Dr. Skinner said.

Stacy Davis is a registered pharmacist. She has pharmacies in Gulf Shores and Lillian, Alabama.

She says her office has seen an uptick in people needing flu medications.

"We've seen a significant increase since the first of the year in dispensing medications for flu, strep throat, and other viral illnesses," Davis said.

One possible reason for the increase in cases could be the lack of vaccinations.

The CDC says more than half of Americans haven't gotten their flu shot.

"Physicians are seeing an increase in vaccine hesitancy in general since the pandemic and I think that affects flu vaccinations as well," Dr. Skinner said.

Dr. Skinner adds many people are just busier after the pandemic.

"I am seeing a lot of my families who normally prioritize the flu vaccine, they're just forgetting," she said.

But she advises people to get on top of it -- for their sake and for the sake of others.

"This year the flu vaccine has shown to be a pretty good match for the circulating strain, so if you do get a vaccine, there's a good chance you're gonna be pretty well protected," Dr. Skinner said.

Dr. Skinner says it's not too late to get a flu vaccine. She recommends everyone 6 months or older to get one.

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Doctors warn of second wave of flu in the South - WEAR

Flu Season is Here: Protect Your Child

With the flu season in full swing, parents are urged to get their children vaccinated against influenza. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a dangerous and potentially deadly illness that can persist until spring. Protecting children with a flu vaccine is an effective way to prevent serious illness. For more insights into how the flu vaccine can benefit children, several authoritative sources offer comprehensive information.

According to Contemporary Pediatrics, maternal influenza vaccination plays a crucial role in shielding infants from influenza until they are eligible for vaccination at 6 months of age. Recent studies have shown a reduction in influenza-associated hospitalizations and emergency department visits in infants due to maternal vaccination. The article also offers insights into COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Weekly Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Dashboard hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides preliminary weekly flu vaccination data. The data covers vaccination rates for children, pregnant persons, adults, and seniors, and includes information on flu vaccine doses distributed and vaccinations administered in pharmacies and medical offices. The dashboard underscores the importance of flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, especially for those at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. It also provides information on co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine.

The Washington State Department of Health emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination for children. The information provided explains how the flu vaccine works and its effectiveness in preventing illness in children. Vaccination remains a vital step in safeguarding our young ones from the flu virus and its potential health implications.

Medriva discusses the impact of influenza on children and the essential role of flu vaccination. So far this season, influenza has claimed the lives of 65 children, with 83% of these fatalities occurring in children who were not fully vaccinated. The website provides up-to-date information on the current flu scenario, including the first influenza death of the season in Stanislaus County and increasing flu cases and deaths in Arkansas. It also offers preventive measures such as vaccination, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene.

In conclusion, the importance of flu vaccination for children cannot be overstated. As we navigate through the flu season, let us not underestimate the power of prevention. By vaccinating our children, we can help protect them from serious illnesses and ensure their well-being.

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Flu Season is Here: Protect Your Child - Importance of Vaccination for Children - Medriva

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Duke University researchers are working toward developing a more effective flu shot that could last longer and protect against numerous flu strains. They recently announced some promising findings.

Right now, a yearly shot is the only option because the flu viruses change each year.

Basically the World Health Organization guesses what the new flu is going to be, explained Dr. Garnett Kelsoe, the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Immunology at Duke. Because it really is a guess mean its an informed guess, but its a guess were off a bunch of the times, and on average, influenza vaccines are only about 50% effective at preventing infection or illness.

Duke scientists want to take the guesswork out of the flu shot, and Kelsoe says theyre making progress. Along with Harvard University researchers, they recently discovered a part of the flu virus that doesnt change and is found on almost all strains of flu. By targeting that part of the virus, researchers say they could potentially create a vaccine that would last for 3-5 years, target most strains of the flu, and could be much more effective than current vaccines.

I think it would be highly effective to most not all, but the great majority of existing influenza viruses on in the world. Kelsoe noted.

He says studies in mice have shown a lot of promise. The next step will be studies in non-human primates. If those are successful, Kelsoe says human trial could begin within five years.

Rich and Shanon Cheney get their annual flu vaccines, but say theyd welcome a less frequent shot.

Obviously less pain, but one less thing to remember in your busy schedule, Shanon said.

Kelsoe thinks that a more effective and less frequent shot would encourage more people to get vaccinated.

I think as vaccine efficacy increases, vaccine hesitancy decreases, he said.

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Duke researchers working toward more effective, longer-lasting flu vaccine make promising findings - Fox 46 Charlotte

Between the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, theres a lot of sickness going around. Thats why health experts ask people to stay up to date on their vaccines.

Anne Meiswinkel has received six COVID-19 vaccinations since 2021.

Cause it keeps changing, and I think it's important, especially for us seniors, Meiswinkel said.

She also gets her flu shot each year.

I never had the flu before, and I know people that have it. You're like usually down and out for a good week, Meiswinkel said.

But not everyone chooses to get the same vaccines.

Kelly Webber stopped receiving COVID-19 vaccines after getting her initial two and one booster. She said this is because of what happened after.

I was really down and out for a few days with the boosters and the COVID shot. They make me very sick, so I decided not to do it, Webber said.

However, she does get her yearly flu vaccine.

My doctor always recommended it, Webber said. I have elderly parents. My mom's in a nursing home.

Webber seems to be in the majority when it comes to recent national vaccine trends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 11% of children, 21% of adults and 41% of seniors said theyre up to date on getting the latest COVID vaccine. But it's very different for the influenza vaccine. Nearly half of surveyed children and adults got their shots, and more than 70% of seniors have received theirs.

Dr. Neal Smoller, a holistic pharmacist, said he believes the reasons less people are getting COVID vaccines vary. One of those is misinformation from sources who arent health experts.

It's been very difficult to watch all of the other social stuff unfold, and it makes it really challenging because we have answers to stop the spread of this, Smoller said.

Smoller owns and runs Village Apothecary in Woodstock. He said hes seen people prefer the convenience of getting all their shots at once for COVID and the flu.

Practitioners aren't out here just trying to push vaccines. We want people to be protected. We want people to be safe, and we want people to do what's medically indicated. So, for some people that's a stronger recommendation than others, Smoller said.

Meiswinkel said she and her husband plan to continue to stay current on their shots.

Neither one of us are compromised, but just due to the age, I think it's important, Meiswinkel said.

As for Webber, she says cons of the side effects outweigh the benefits of the COVID-19 booster for her, but shell continue to get her regular flu shot.

The CDC suggests everyone six months and older gets their seasonal flu vaccine and stays up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

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CDC: More Americans opt for flu shots over latest COVID vaccinations - Spectrum News

Each year, as fall brings shorter, colder days to the Northern Hemisphere, we're reminded to get vaccinated against the flu, or influenza. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 6 months old receive a flu shot every year.

But is there a time limit on getting your flu shot? While it's best to get vaccinated before the season kicks off in earnest, it's still beneficial to get one toward the end of the season, two infectious-disease experts told Live Science.

Related: Never-before-seen antibodies can target many flu viruses

Normally, flu vaccines become available in late summer. Specific groups, such as pregnant people in their third trimesters, might consider vaccination in the summer. But the CDC recommends that most eligible people get vaccinated in the fall, by the end of October, as this is when cases begin to rise.

"In the U.S., we often say to get vaccinated around October, because that's when cases start going up and we know that the flu vaccine gives you good protection over a certain period of time," Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an associate professor of medicine at Boston University and an attending physician at Boston Medical Center, told Live Science.

But if you miss that time window for some reason, you should still get a flu shot.

"Flu season typically continues through March, and it generally takes about two weeks after getting a flu shot for immunity to start kicking in," Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, told Live Science in an email. So, if you haven't been vaccinated yet, it still makes sense to do so through the end of February, and maybe even into early March, he said.

There would also be "no harm" in getting vaccinated after March or April, considering that influenza viruses circulate all year round, Kuritzkes said. However, practically speaking, the risk of catching flu in the spring or summer is "so low" that healthcare professionals don't generally focus on vaccinations once flu season is over, he said.

If you haven't gotten sick by January, it may be tempting to think, "Oh, the holidays are done; I've dodged a bullet," Assoumou said. However, cases can still be seen later in flu season, and the later you get vaccinated, the shorter your window of available protection for that particular flu season, Assoumou added.

Notably, the peak of flu season has been difficult to predict in recent years due to COVID-19.

Flu transmission most often peaks in February in the U.S. but the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted the timing of this. For instance, in 2020, flu transmission reached historically low levels. Between 2021 and 2022, flu infections began to rise again, peaking in late December 2021 then again in April 2022, but transmission rates stayed high until mid-June. However, between 2022 and 2023, transmission peaked in late November and early December.

This suggests that "we're moving back towards more typical patterns in terms of influenza epidemiology," Kuritzkes said. Therefore, getting a flu shot in the fall continues to make the most sense, he said.

But what if you've already had the flu this season? Is it still worth getting vaccinated afterward?

Although it may seem counterintuitive, experts say yes. That's because many strains of influenza circulate each year. These strains fall into two broad categories influenza A and influenza B that are responsible for seasonal epidemics of the disease.

"For reasons we don't fully understand, in a typical year the majority of cases seen early in flu season tend to be influenza A, whereas cases due to influenza B are more common later in the season," in February and March, Kuritzkes said.

"Therefore, an unvaccinated person who gets flu in December or January from one type of influenza could still be susceptible to catching flu again later in the season from the other type," he said.

The annual flu vaccine is designed to provide protection against the major strains of influenza that are expected to circulate in that particular season. Flu vaccines in the U.S. are "quadrivalent," meaning they protect against four strains.

And even if you still get the flu after being vaccinated, you're much less likely to develop a severe infection or to be hospitalized, Assoumou said. "The role of these vaccines is to convert a severe infection into a mild one," she said.

People often forget just how deadly the flu can be, so it is really important that everyone gets vaccinated, Assoumou said. This is especially true for people who are at a heightened risk of flu complications, such as those who are pregnant, over age 65 or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, according to the CDC.

Getting the flu vaccine is the "best way to protect yourself and the community" regardless of when you receive it, Assoumou said.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

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Is it too late to get a flu shot? - Livescience.com