Category: Flu Vaccine

Flu season is quickly approaching.

Because of that, the DeKalb County Board of Health announced that it is hosting a drive-thru flu vaccination event from 8 a.m. until noon, at Dunwoody High School.

This event is focused on adults aged 18 and older, seniors aged 65 and older who may need a high-dose vaccine for added protection, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease), and pregnant women. Pediatric flu vaccines will be given at regional health center locations during regular business hours.

The three types of flu vaccine available are standard, Flublok, and high dose.

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All patients are asked to bring their insurance information and photo ID. Flu shots are available at no cost with most private insurance and Medicare. The Board of Health accepts Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Peach State Health Plan (including PeachCare for Kids), and State Health Benefit Plan (excluding Kaiser Permanente).

If you are not insured, or your plan doesnt cover the flu shot, its available for a low cost. Cash, checks drawn on banks with branch locations in Georgia, and credit/debit cards are accepted. Other forms of insurance may be accepted, but you are asked to call ahead to verify acceptance.

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After this event, flu shots will be available on an appointment and walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays recognized by the State of Georgia, at the following regional health center locations:

Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd.oad, Decatur

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East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd.Road, Lithonia

North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Rd.Road NE, Chamblee

T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur

For more information about the flu or the DeKalb County Board of Healths immunization programs, including onsite worksite or community flu clinics, visit dekalbhealth.net/flu or call 404-294-3700.

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Drive-thru flu vaccine event being held in Dunwoody on Saturday as flu season approaches - Yahoo News

By: Joseph Martz, MD, MercyOne Clinton Family Medicine

Throughout my years in family medicine, when it comes to the flu, I have heard it all. And it seems like there is no shortage of misinformation and misunderstanding. So, lets dispel some of these misconceptions so we can all have a safe and healthy season.

Myth: You can catch influenza from the flu vaccine.

Thats totally false. Modern flu vaccines do not have any flu-like properties in them so it is impossible to catch the virus from them. It is common to feel ill after getting the vaccine but that doesnt mean you contracted the flu. Its just your body responding to the vaccine and creating its natural immunities and thats good. There are some intranasal preparations of flu vaccine which do contain the live virus, however all injectable forms of the flu vaccination do not contain a live virus and cannot cause infection.

Myth: Getting the flu vaccination is all you need to do to protect yourself from influenza.

Although getting the flu vaccine is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself against the flu, there are also other methods you can use in combination with the vaccine to protect yourself and others around you. You can use good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Using hand sanitizer also helps and covering your mouth when you are sneezing. Actively using your face mask is also a great way to not only decrease your chances of catching the flu but also preventing you from spreading the flu virus to your family and friends.

Myth: The flu is just a bad cold.

Anyone that has had the flu can tell you this is not the case. Influenza is fundamentally different from the cold, the symptoms can be similar, but it is more severe for certain people. Its much more serious than the cold and should be taken much more seriously.

Myth: You don't need to get a flu shot every year.

Its important to get the flu vaccine every year because every year the vaccine is different. Each year professionals develop advancements in the flu vaccine. They use data gathered from previous years and use their research to accurately predict the possible strain of flu that could be prevalent during flu season the following year. With each year and new information available, they enhance the flu vaccine giving you the best chance to protect yourself.

Myth:Healthy people don't need to be vaccinated.

Although there is a much lower risk of getting a severe reaction from the flu if you are healthy, remember that its your job to protect your family, friends, neighbors and people around you. Because of that, they are at a much lower risk of getting the flu.

Myth: Vitamin C cures the influenza.

There is no evidence to support that consumption of vitamin C will cure the influenza. The best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccines, use good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Using hand sanitizer also helps and covering your mouth when you are sneezing. Actively use your face mask. You should also maintain your hydration and contact your health care provider if you start experiencing flu like symptoms or your symptoms get worse.

Dr. Joseph Martz is a board-certified family medicine provider at MercyOne Clinton North Health Plaza and you can contact 563-243-2511 to schedule an appointment.

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Winter is coming, and so is the flu - MercyOne

The Linn County Health Department in Brookfield will hold a curbside flu shot clinic for adults at least 65 years old.

High-dose flu vaccine will be available in the back parking lot of the health department on September 29th from 9 am to 4 pm by appointment only. Participants should bring their Medicare or Medicaid cards to their appointment.

An appointment can be scheduled at this link or you may call the health department to schedule an appointment for September 29th at 660-258-7251.

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Linn County Health Department to hold flu shot clinic for those 65 and older - kttn

BATON ROUGE, La. Governor John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Health leadership received their seasonal flu and updated COVID-19 booster shots today at Our Lady of the Lake's North Baton Rouge Clinic. They urged other Louisianans to stay up to date on their vaccines as we head into the fall.

The new bivalent COVID-19 booster provides protection against variants of the virus that are now circulating. The flu vaccine offers added protection against respiratory illness. LDH recommends all Louisianans get the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine and the flu vaccine to protect against severe illness that could lead to hospitalization.

Before COVID-19 emerged in 2020, Louisiana had very active flu seasons in 2017 and 2018. In the 2017-18 flu season, an estimated 1,300 people died after becoming ill with flu and an additional 18,000 people were hospitalized. In the 2018-19 flu season, LDH estimates 1,000 people died and 14,000 people were hospitalized.

After two years of mild flu seasons due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts like mask wearing and social distancing, U.S. health officials including LDH are preparing for what could be an active flu season. Some countries in the southern hemisphere, which can be predictors of flu activity in the northern hemisphere, are experiencing their most severe flu season in five years.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the 20192020 season, considered to be a "normal" season, included 38 million people getting sick with flu nationwide. Healthcare providers received 18 million visits due to flu, and there were an estimated 400,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 flu deaths.

Even an average flu season coupled with increased COVID-19 transmission this fall or winter could strain Louisiana's healthcare system.

CDC has recommended bivalent formulations of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use as a single booster dose at least two months following primary or booster vaccination. These updated boosters are formulated to offer continued protection against the original strain, while also offering better protection against the two lineages of the Omicron variant, BA.4 and BA.5, that represent over 90% of currently circulating virus.

This past Saturday, I got to watch LSU and Southern play in Tiger Stadium along with 100,000 plus fans. I was reminded just how far weve come in making our way back to normal. But we have to remember that COVID is still here, and we are currently coming down from our sixth and longest surge," Gov. Edwards said. "Every day we are still reporting COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, and the best way to prevent serious illness is to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations. I also want to urge everyone to get their flu shot as we enter flu season. Remember, it is safe to receive your COVID booster and flu shot at the same time, as I did today.

"As summer winds down, we celebrate the start of a new school year, the return of football season and gatherings with family and friends over the holidays. To enjoy this season to the fullest, we urge you to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the updated COVID booster and the flu vaccine," LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips said. "The updated booster offers continued protection against the original strain of COVID while also keeping you better protected against the newer variants behind nearly all current infections. The flu vaccine is also critical, as we anticipate an active flu season. My 11-year-old son and I get our vaccinations each year to stay healthy and able to fully engage in work, school and fun activities. Along with reducing doctors visits and missed work and school, flu vaccination can reduce serious flu complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. We encourage Louisiana residents to get both the updated COVID booster and flu vaccine, so we can enjoy this time together in good health."

"As we enter fall, we continue to come down from our sixth and longest COVID-19 surge and life in Louisiana feels relatively back to normal. Our aim is to keep it that way," said LDH State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. "Unfortunately, COVID-19 will be with us for a while. And even an average flu season paired with increased COVID-19 transmission could put a strain on our hospitals and their ability to provide care -- and many experts are forecasting the U.S. will have an above average flu season. That is why I am getting both my updated COVID-19 booster and flu shot today, and I urge everyone who is eligible to make a plan today to do the same."

The flu has a tremendous impact on school attendance and on the families of school children. Twenty-eight percent of school-aged children get the flu each year, and for every 100 children, flu accounts for 63 missed school days a year. Also, of every 100 children who get the flu, 25 family members will come down with the flu within three days.

Go tovaccines.govto find nearby vaccination locations for the new COVID-19 booster and flu shot. Louisiana residents who have questions about the flu or COVID-19 vaccines and where to find them can also call 211.

Ideally, everyone six (6) months of age and older should get their flu shot by the end of October. Thats because it can take time for your body to recognize and respond to the vaccine. Since flu activity can last as late as May, Louisianans are encouraged to get a flu shot sooner rather than later.

CDC and LDH recommend that people ages 12 years and older receive 1 bivalent mRNA booster at least two months after completion of the two-dose primary series and any additional boosters. This booster replaces all prior booster recommendations for this age group:

In addition to flu vaccines, there are other ways you can fight the flu:

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Governor, LDH leaders receive their flu and updated COVID boosters, encourage Louisianans to 'make a plan' | Office of Governor John Bel Edwards -...

Experts urge families not to delay getting a flu shot as soon as it's available, which is especially important for kids who may need two doses.

ATLANTA The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released its 2022-2023 influenza vaccine guidelines, recommending that "all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza this fall, as vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe illness and keep kids in classrooms."

In addition, the AAP emphasized some kids may need two doses of the flu shot this year for protection.

The guidelines come as doctors see an increase in flu activity reported in Georgia, ahead of the regular flu season.

"We've lost seasonal patterns we're used to," Dr. Matt Linam, with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, explained. "I think it's that long period of time where everyone was isolating at home threw off natural immunity. We have whole cohorts of children that were never exposed to these things in the past."

In addition, the AAP reports flu vaccination levels dropped last year, with only 55% of children vaccinated to protect against influenza.

This year, the AAP urges families not to delay, saying prompt immunization against the flu is vital for kids who need two doses.

CHILDREN WHO MAY NEED TWO DOSES OF THE FLU VACCINE

According to the AAP, kids who should receive two doses of influenza vaccine, at least four weeks apart, include:

All other children should receive one dose this season. In addition, the AAP recommends:

WHEN TO GET A FLU SHOT

"Flu before boo," Dr. Linam said. "It's just a great reminder to get your flu shot in before Halloween, and for families who have children who need two shots, keep that in mind you may want to start earlier because you have to wait a month between the first and second dose."

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Experts say some kids need two doses of the flu vaccine. What parents need to know - 11Alive.com WXIA

ST CHARLES, Mo. St. Charles County Department of Public Health is partnering with area organizations for afree, drive-thru flu shot clinic in October.

The vaccination clinic will be held from 2:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Yellow Parking Lot at St. Charles Community College, which is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville.

The vaccines are available to those 6 months and older and an appointment is necessary. To schedule one, go to sccmo.as.me/flufightersor call 636-949-1899.

The clinic will offer two types of vaccines. The quadrivalent influenza vaccine is appropriate for those 6 months and older and protects against the four most prevalent flu viruses expected this season: H1N1, H3N2 and two influenza B viruses.

The high-dose influenza vaccine provides extra protection for those age 65 and older, containing more than four times the amount of antigen than the standard vaccine to strengthen the body's ability to create antibodies. Citing a study by the New England Journal of Medicine, the health department said this vaccine has been shown to be 24% more effective than the traditional influenza vaccination for those ages 65 and older.

For those who are unable to attend the free event, the St. Charles County Immunization Clinic will provide flu vaccinations throughout the season by appointment at 1650 Boones Lick Rd. in St. Charles. Through the clinic, flu shots are $36 for the quadrivalent vaccine and $62 for the high-dose vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call 636-949-1857.

According to the health department, recent studies report that flu vaccination reduced the risk for serious illness by more than 50% and the risk for flu-related death by 31%.

Countries in the southern hemisphere are reporting increased influenza activity during their winter, stated Sara Evers, the health department's acting director, in a release announcing the event. In anticipation of the potential that this year may be more disruptive for us than the past several, the Department of Public Health recommends getting a flu shot now to allow protective antibodies to fully develop before the traditional flu season begins this fall.

Those who would like to help with the event as a volunteer or sponsor are asked to contact the St. Charles County Emergency Planner at 636-949-7554 before Oct. 1.

The health department is partnering with BJC Health Care, SSM Health, St. Charles Community College, St. Charles County CAPS, and the St. Charles County Ambulance District for the event.

For more information and tips for preventing the spread of the flu, visit the health department's website.

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St. Charles County health department to hold free drive-thru flu shot clinic in October - KSDK.com

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV)Mask wearing and social distancing are less common now. And there's a warning the flu season will hit harder than in recent years.

"It's not a common cold. It's as serious as COVID," said Dr. Dan Fick, chief medical officer for Hy-Vee.

Doctor Fick said it has been five years since the last tough year of the flu.

"And in the interim obviously we've had COVID. For the last couple years people have done a lot of activities that help mitigate the spread of any respiratory virus," Fick said.

With talk of a bad flu season, we asked Omaha residents, are you concerned?

"No, not at all. I think we've all had too much fear put into us and I've never really been concerned about that. I've just lived and keep on living and try to be as healthy as I can be," said Omaha resident Theresa Gart.

Gart said she has never gotten the flu vaccine or the flu.

"I'll wait and see if I get it. I just try to eat healthy, live healthy, stay healthy, stay clean and neat," Gart said.

But Jessica Charlsen, an Omaha mother of three said she's not overly concerned but they will get their flu vaccines like they do every year.

"Making sure that we're all taking our vitamins and eating and getting our sleep, will just be how we kind of try and avoid it as much as we can," Charlsen said.

Doctor Fick said the concern is the flu impacts the younger population, unlike COVID, which hit older people very hard.

"The influenza vaccine won't prevent you from getting influenza but it dramatically decreases your illness and dramatically decreases your risk of hospitalization and death," Fick said.

And although Charlsen said kids hate getting the vaccine, "What we always say is we don't do it for us. We are doing it for other people so we want to make sure if we are around babies or around older people. We are looking out for them," Charlsen said.

An interesting fact, Doctor Fick said to gauge what our flu season will look like, the experts pay close attention to the Southern Hemisphere right now to see what flu strains are there. He said the best way to stay healthy this winter, get your flu shot and a COVID booster.

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Flu season expected to be worse: Will Omaha residents line up to get the flu shot? - KMTV 3 News Now Omaha

According to a new study provided by WalletHub, Nevada falls last in children and teens receiving the flu vaccine.

The study has compiled data on all 50 states, looking at vaccination rates from a variety of available vaccinations, which seem to be few and far between within the Silver State population.

With 1 being Best and 25 being Average, Nevada falls behind in every category except one, placing 19th in Share of Children Under 6 Years Old Participating in an Immunization Information System.

The rankings for Nevada are as follows:

Currently and in recent years, new outbreaks of previously near-non-existent diseases have begun to rise, including a polio outbreak in New York, measles outbreaks breaking prior records, whooping cough resurfacing after low numbers for decades and more.

While the cause for drops in vaccination rates are largely argued to be a direct result of pandemic complications, how to get individuals vaccinated is contested. While some experts say mandating vaccinations is a public health necessity, some have argued mandates are a threat to individual rights.

The most important step authorities can take in order to ensure wide vaccination compliance is to enforce existing laws that mandate diphtheria, tetanus, DTaP, IPV, MMR, and varicella vaccination as a condition for enrollment and attendance at childcare facilities and schools, said Dr. Purnima Madhivanan, an associate professor with the University of Arizona.Schools and public health authorities can do more than just mandate and enforce vaccination requirements. They should also actively advocate for the adoption of vaccination. School systems should send reminders to parents each school year that children should be vaccinated against HPV, influenza and COVID-19Parents need to know how effective and safe vaccines are at preventing illness in their children. Schools should provide in-school vaccination programs.

You can find the full report, detailing which states are excelling in vaccinations while others fall behind, by clicking here.

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Nevada is falling behind in vaccines overall; last in flu vaccines among children and teens - Carson Now

Despite the risk of flu and flu-related complications each year, millions of Americans still do not get their flu shot annually. ANA is urging everyone to follow the scientific evidence supporting flu vaccination and the guidance of nurses and health care professionals. All people eligible should get their flu vaccination and encourage their loved ones to do the same.

"The flu shot is more vital now than ever to help protect ourselves and our communities against the flu and its related complications. We are still working to manage COVID-19 while facing other emerging viral threats to public health," said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. "Each one of us has to do our own part. The best way to help reduce the burden of flu on the health care system7 is to get your flu vaccine as recommended by your nurses and the CDC.8 Everyone eligible, including nurses and health care professionals, should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible."

The United States may face a resurgence of the flu this upcoming season, and there is an unprecedented risk of possible severe COVID-19 and flu co-infections due to low immunity against influenza and the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.3,9 Flu can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, including pneumonia or serious heart conditions.8 Not Today, Flu is launching to drive awareness around the importance of flu vaccination and the urgency to vaccinate as many people as possible to help protect against flu and flu-related complications. Between 2010-2020, flu infections caused more hospitalizations and deaths annually than any other virus on the planet, with as many as 810,000 hospitalizations and 61,000 deaths during this 10-year period.10

"Every day, things come up that you have no control over, and they can really ruin your plans the flights getting cancelled, deliveries not arriving, your computer freezes, it rains. It can all make you just a little crazy. So, when there's something I can do to help take back control, I do. Like getting the flu shot," said Jason Alexander. "It can help protect people from getting sick with the flu and suffering from flu-related complications.9 That's why I'm delighted to be part of the Not Today, Flu campaign. It empowers people to help protect themselves and their loved ones by getting their flu shot. I've been getting it for over 20 years and I intend to keep getting it each year."

Visit NotTodayFlu.com to learn more about the importance of flu vaccination, especially for adults over age 50, underrepresented communities with historically lower rates of flu vaccination6, and those with chronic health conditions, and discover where you can schedule a flu shot where you work or live. Share your support by utilizing #NotTodayFlu on your social channels.

About The American Nurses AssociationThe American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4.3 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on healthcare issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of healthcare for all. For more information, visit nursingworld.org.

About Sanofi We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. Our team, across some 100 countries, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.

About Jason AlexanderBest known for his award-winning role as George Costanza of television's Seinfeld, Jason Alexander has achieved international recognition for a career noted for its extraordinary diversity. He has worked extensively as a writer, composer, director, producer and teacher of acting. He has well-known roles in such shows as"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,""Two and a Half Men"and"Curb Your Enthusiasm,"and in films"Pretty Woman,""Jacob's Ladder"and"Love Valor Compassion."On Broadway, hewon aTony Awardfor hisperformance in"Jerome Robbin's Broadway,"and starred in "Fish in the Dark"and"The Portuguese Kid," among others.After moving to LA, Jason continued working in the theater, notably serving as the artistic director for the Reprise Theatre Companyand starring in "The Producers."

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm. Accessed September 2022.2Australian Government Department of Health. Australian Influenza Surveillance Report 2022 Influenza Season in Australia. Available at: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-surveil-ozflu-flucurr.htm. Accessed September 2022.3 Dhanasekaran, V., Sullivan, S., Edwards, K.M. et al. Human seasonal influenza under COVID-19 and the potential consequences of influenza lineage elimination. Nat Commun 13, 1721 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29402-5. Accessed September 2022.4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimated Flu-Related Illnesses, Medical visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths in the United States 20192020 Flu Season. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/2019-2020.html. Accessed September 2022.5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm. Accessed September 2022.6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/disparities-racial-ethnic-minority-groups.html. Accessed September 2022.7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventive Steps. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm. Accessed September 2022.8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccination. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm. Accessed September 2022.9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Guidance for Routine and Influenza Immunization Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html. Accessed September 2022.10 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Past Seasons Estimated Influenza Disease Burden. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/past-seasons.html. Accessed September 2022.

Media Contact:Keziah Proctor301-628-5197[emailprotected]

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Actor Jason Alexander and American Nurses Association Encourage People Across the Country to Get their Flu Shot to Help Protect Against Flu and its...

The recent monkeypox outbreaks are a growing worldwide health concern. The illness can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some groups, such as children or people who are immunocompromised, are more at risk for complications.

A new study published in Viruses found that vaccines based on the vaccinia virus (VACV) will likely produce an effective response against the current monkeypox virus.

Two of these vaccines that are available are the MVA-BN and ACAM2000 vaccines.

Before 2022, monkeypox was very rare outside Africa, but there have been recent outbreaks of the illness worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note, monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus is similar to the virus that causes smallpox.

Monkeypox spreads through close or intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox. It can also spread through contact with surfaces used by someone with monkeypox.

People with monkeypox can experience several symptoms. For example, they may have a rash in the genital areas or other body parts, as recent research has found.

They can also experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, fever, chills, and congestion. Most people are not at risk for severe illness from the monkeypox virus.

It typically takes a few weeks to recover fully. However, some people, such as those who are immunocompromised, may become more seriously ill.

Currently, there are a few vaccines that can be utilized to help protect those who are most at risk for developing monkeypox. However, the full effectiveness of these vaccines is unknown.

Researchers in the current study examined the potential effectiveness of a few vaccines that can be utilized against monkeypox. Specifically, these vaccines are based on the vaccinia virus and were first developed against smallpox.

They note that the current monkeypox virus has different genetic variations compared with variants that experts have observed in the past. These variations might impact the efficacy of available vaccines.

The researchers utilized 513 monkeypox complete genome sequences in their research as well as immunological data to predict the potential immune response and vaccine effectiveness against monkeypox.

The results suggest that currently available vaccines, including the MVA-BN and ACAM2000 vaccines, will likely produce an effective immune response to monkeypox.

In the study paper, the authors write that they report data that anticipates immune responses induced by VACV-based vaccines, including the currently available MVA-BN and ACAM2000 vaccines, to remain highly cross-reactive against the newly observed monkeypox viruses.

Dr. Arturo Casadevall, an infectious disease expert at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, who was not involved in this research, explained the study concept:

It is an analysis of 513 monkeypox sequences using computer algorithms to infer likely immunological cross-reactivity, and they deduce that the available vaccinia virus vaccine has a high likelihood of protecting against those strains. Overall the results are reassuring and consistent with what is known.

There were several limitations to the study. First, based on the methods used, there will need to be experimental studies that confirm the findings. Further data may also differ when it comes to the T-cell response.

Dr. Casadevall noted the following limitations of the study as well:

As the authors acknowledge in the paper, one limitation of this study is that it is all sequence analysis without concomitant immunological assays. Note that the authors use the word expected in the title. Hence, while the results are reassuring, one would need additional immunological studies and/ or clinical evidence to be more confident that vaccinia virus vaccines protect against all strains of monkeypox.

Currently, the CDC only recommends vaccination for certain at-risk people and groups rather than a broader vaccination rollout. For example, they suggest that those who have been in close contact with someone with monkeypox receive a vaccine.

These recommendations could change as more data emerge about vaccine effectiveness and who is at risk of infection. Vaccines may be available through local health departments, public clinics, and hospitals.

However, the data from this study are encouraging because they indicate that currently available vaccines will elicit an adequate response.

Study authors Prof. Matthew McKay and Dr. Ahmed Abdul Quadeer noted the following to Medical News Today:

Our data further supports the use of the vaccines that are being recommended globally for combatting the emerging monkeypox outbreak. Clinical evaluations that determine the precise efficacy are still required.

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Monkeypox: Currently available vaccines will likely be effective - Medical News Today