Current Articles
Influenza – Fact and Fiction / Flu Facts
As we approach another flu season, respiratory illness is a growing concern. Last year saw a significant increase in hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses including flu, especially among people younger than 18.1
The flu isn't a serious illness.
FALSE. While mild cases of seasonal influenza may cause cold-like symptoms that last for about a week, the flu can cause serious illness. Especially at-risk are young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. When severe, influenza can lead to complications including pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of ... Read more
Global Vaccination: Saving Six Lives Every Minute
Over the last 50 years, a global vaccination program launched to protect infants and children against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases is estimated to have saved 154 million lives – or a staggering six lives per minute.
This achievement was announced on the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Since the program’s inception in 1974, access to 14 life-saving vaccines has increased from 5% to 84% for infants around the globe, the World Health Organization (WHO) study showed. Findings were based on the global marker of 3 doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP).... Read more
Beware Spring Fever? Vaccines for Teens and Tweens
As we enter the spring season, the sunlight warms up our world and the birds and the bees re-emerge, giving many people a burst of positivity and a restless desire to get outside and mingle after a long winter.
For teens and tweens who may be spending time in large groups for school, or exploring new relationships, staying healthy is especially important. Several potentially serious illnesses – such as invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and human papilloma virus (HPV) – may be spread by close contact with others who may not even realize they have these infections. That’s why it’s so important to keep up on vaccines... Read more
Past Articles
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Recent Vaccines411® Article
Pregnancy and COVID-19 — Understanding the Vaccine’s Impact
April 2022
Looking forward to starting a family or having another child? The COVID-19 pandemic adds some concerns around getting pregnant and keeping mom and baby safe. Some prospective parents may worry that vaccination to help protect against COVID-19 will affect their fertility or the course of a pregnancy.
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Past Vaccines411® Articles
Shingles: It’s Not Just a Rash
September 2021
If you’re 50 years of age or more, odds are that you’ve heard of shingles or know someone who has experienced this notoriously painful condition. About 90 percent of people over 50 are at risk due to having chickenpox as children. Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, occurs when the varicella zoster virus that causes childhood chickenpox is reactivated.
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Preventing Influenza in the Time of COVID-19
September 2021
After a fairly mild flu season last year, rates of influenza are predicted to increase significantly this year since fewer people will have been exposed to it and developed natural immunity. That makes getting your flu vaccination especially important this year, to protect older adults who are more susceptible to both the flu and COVID-19.
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