What you need to know about Fluad and FluZone High Dose, the new flu vaccines for over-65s
7 years, 1 month ago

What you need to know about Fluad and FluZone High Dose, the new flu vaccines for over-65s

ABC  

In an attempt to avoid a repeat of last year's horror flu season, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the Government would fund two new flu vaccines in 2018 to try to better protect the elderly. Compared to the standard flu vaccine, the high-dose version has been shown to better stimulate the immune system of older users to make protective antibodies. Neither of the new vaccines is perfect — they simply reduce your risk of getting flu to a slightly greater effect than the standard vaccine. Like other flu vaccines, there is still the chance the vaccine strains don't match what's circulating.

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History of this topic

Should the flu vaccine be made compulsory for the elderly?
1 month, 1 week ago

Should the flu vaccine be made compulsory for the elderly?

The Independent  

In her letter to The Independent, Marguerite Rossini suggests that more elderly people with the flu are ending up in hospital because of the withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance. I wonder how quickly knife crime would reduce if anyone in possession of a knife without justification was given a 10-year custodial sentence. Geoff Forward Stirling Building to extinction As …

Chennai, Mumbai on high alert for flu: What you need to know
4 months ago

Chennai, Mumbai on high alert for flu: What you need to know

New Indian Express  

Flu season in India typically occurs during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, as the increased humidity following cooler weather creates an environment conducive to the spread of viruses. Types of flu found in India In India, several strains of the flu or influenza virus are commonly found, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Influenza B Influenza B viruses are …

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective

Daily Mail  

Everyone is asked to get the flu shot every year to slash their risk of infection and hospitalization. While the flu shot is widely recommended, doctors are advising people to be careful about the medications they use before or after they get vaccinated because some drugs could decrease the vaccine's efficacy. There are more than 295 drugs that can interact …

Should YOU have a flu jab? As up to half the country are offered it, read our ultimate guide to whether it's worth it - and how to make it work better if you do get it
5 months ago

Should YOU have a flu jab? As up to half the country are offered it, read our ultimate guide to whether it's worth it - and how to make it work better if you do get it

Daily Mail  

An estimated 30 million people in the UK – almost half the entire population – are being offered a flu vaccine to reduce their chances of infection this winter. So just how good is the flu vaccine, when’s the best time to have it – and how can you boost its effectiveness to ensure you get the maximum protection this …

The flu shot is different this year, thanks to COVID
5 months, 1 week ago

The flu shot is different this year, thanks to COVID

NPR  

The flu shot is different this year, thanks to COVID toggle caption Mark J. Terrill/AP This year’s flu shot will be missing a strain of influenza it’s protected against for more than a decade. One reason COVID mitigation efforts were so effective at eliminating B/Yamagata is there was already a fair amount of immunity in the population against this strain …

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps
1 year, 4 months ago

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps

Wired  

At state health departments and academic medical centers, and at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epidemiologists are intently watching two sets of data: the number of flu cases and the number of Americans taking flu shots. But there’s one more piece of data that will let analysts know how this flu season will unroll: whether the vaccine …

H3N2 Flu Treatment Prevention What Makes It More Deadly Than Other Influenza Strains Here Is What Experts Say
2 years ago

H3N2 Flu Treatment Prevention What Makes It More Deadly Than Other Influenza Strains Here Is What Experts Say

ABP News  

H3N2 flu cases in India are on the rise, with several children and people belonging to older age groups being hospitalised. Medications to treat H3N2 flu H3N2 flu can be treated through antiviral medications, which must be administered within two days of the onset of symptoms, experts say. “The same influenza antiviral drugs used to treat seasonal flu can treat …

It’s flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots
2 years, 5 months ago

It’s flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots

Associated Press  

Doctors have a message for vaccine-weary Americans: Don’t skip your flu shot this fall -- and seniors, ask for a special extra-strength kind. This year we know flu is back,” said influenza specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Here’s what to know: REVVED-UP SHOTS FOR SENIORS As people get older, their immune system doesn’t respond …

It's flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots
2 years, 5 months ago

It's flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This year we know flu is back,” said influenza …

Young children may need MULTIPLE flu shots this year
2 years, 6 months ago

Young children may need MULTIPLE flu shots this year

Daily Mail  

Leading pediatricians in the United States are saying that some young children may need two flu shots this year after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vaccination schedules last year and amid reports of a more viscous flu season in the southern hemisphere. The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending for people between the ages of six months and under the age …

South Australian government announces free flu vaccines for all South Australians
2 years, 10 months ago

South Australian government announces free flu vaccines for all South Australians

ABC  

From today until June 30, all South Australians can receive free flu vaccines. Key points: The free flu shots will be available until June 30 There have been 1,194 reported flu cases in SA this year, and the median age is 20 Only about 30 per cent of South Australians have had an annual flu vaccine this year The State …

Flu vaccinations are being urged as cases rise. So, how effective is this winter's jab?
2 years, 10 months ago

Flu vaccinations are being urged as cases rise. So, how effective is this winter's jab?

ABC  

Australia had a couple of virtually flu-free years, but the disease has bounced back — and then some — over the past few weeks. "We've got around 600,000 children under the age of two who've never seen flu, so that's quite a sizeable population of young kids who are entirely susceptible," Sheena Sullivan, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the Doherty …

Experts attribute Victoria's COVID-19 rate rise to change in weather, waning immunity
2 years, 10 months ago

Experts attribute Victoria's COVID-19 rate rise to change in weather, waning immunity

ABC  

As Victorians emerged from two years largely defined by lockdowns, the start of 2022 was marked by the sharp rise and fall of cases as a wave of Omicron swept through. She said there wasn't an "appetite" to bring back restrictions like indoor mask-wearing, but encouraged people to take steps to protect themselves by wearing "high quality, well-ventilating" masks. COVID-19 …

State government urges flu shot uptake as winter approaches, COVID-19 hospital admissions grow
2 years, 11 months ago

State government urges flu shot uptake as winter approaches, COVID-19 hospital admissions grow

ABC  

There has been an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions in South Australia as the state records another 4,222 cases. Key points: South Australia has 4,222 new COVID-19 cases There are now 222 people in hospital with the virus People aged 65 years and over can receive a free flu shot when they receive their COVID-19 vaccine at one of five …

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off
3 years, 3 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off

Associated Press  

The U.S. flu season has arrived on schedule after taking a year off, with flu hospitalizations rising and two child deaths reported. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can …

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off
3 years, 3 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off

LA Times  

Nurse Megan Chamberlain gives a flu shot to Anthony Devitt at a vaccine clinic in Brattleboro, Vt., on Oct. 26. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can be.” During …

Demand for flu vaccine rises in India as covid raises awareness
3 years, 4 months ago

Demand for flu vaccine rises in India as covid raises awareness

Live Mint  

A pandemic-spurred demand for flu vaccines in India has surged since a devastating second wave of COVID-19 brought the nation's healthcare system to its knees earlier this year. "Initially, everyone thought if you got flu vaccines, COVID-19 won't affect you severely," said Dr. Ram Shankar Mishra, director of internal medicine at the Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, in the national …

Australia's path from pandemic to endemic, and what 'living with COVID' could mean
3 years, 5 months ago

Australia's path from pandemic to endemic, and what 'living with COVID' could mean

ABC  

The COVID-19 pandemic won't end with a bang, but more likely a fizzle — and a long, protracted one at that. "I don't know if we're going to wake up one day and say, 'Oh, it's over now,'" says Eddie Holmes, an evolutionary virologist at the University of Sydney. Key points: Most experts agree eradicating COVID-19 is now almost certainly …

To fight Covid-19 and flu, joint vaccine clinics emerge
3 years, 6 months ago

To fight Covid-19 and flu, joint vaccine clinics emerge

CNN  

CNN — They’re a fall staple in most communities across the United States: flu shot clinics. “There has been an expectation that the flu would be worse this year than in year’s past, however our county is at a critical stage with COVID-19 transmission rates being at record levels, so that has been our main focus, in preventing outbreaks and …

Influenza cases hit an all-time low in Australia in 2021 — that could be a problem when it returns
3 years, 6 months ago

Influenza cases hit an all-time low in Australia in 2021 — that could be a problem when it returns

ABC  

If you have been thinking the flu has virtually disappeared from our lives, you are not wrong. Mal Greig is the treasurer of the Windsor Bowls Club — a place normally impacted by severe influenza seasons — and said the flu was a "non-existent issue" this year. Professor Barr said the closure of schools — normally a "hot bed for …

Aged care residents were given a higher dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. What's the danger?
4 years, 1 month ago

Aged care residents were given a higher dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. What's the danger?

ABC  

The case of two aged care residents mistakenly being given "higher than the recommended dosage" of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in the first week of Australia's rollout is not without precedent, but nor is it a cause for panic. "We use doses hundreds-fold higher in the animal studies, and we use a variety of doses in the early human trials …

How Covid-19 is changing the flu
4 years, 5 months ago

How Covid-19 is changing the flu

BBC  

How Covid-19 is changing the flu Getty Images Humanity hasn’t always lived with the flu. Getty Images A universal flu vaccine might give us immunity to the disease no matter how much it mutates from season to season “We don't really understand it, but it may have to and may have to do with a little bit of changes in …

Flu vaccine lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke among high-risk groups
4 years, 8 months ago

Flu vaccine lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke among high-risk groups

CNN  

CNN — The flu vaccine significantly lowered the risk of heart attacks, strokes and some other cardiovascular conditions for people at high risk, researchers reported Monday. It’s hard to ignore the positive effect the flu vaccine can have on serious cardiac complications,” said Roshni Mandania, a medical student at Texas Tech University who led the study team. The flu shot …

When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
5 years ago

When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?

ABC  

With coronavirus now spreading in parts of the Australian community, many people have been wondering whether they need to get their flu jab early this year. Key points: Australians are recommended to get their flu shot from mid-April It's unclear how much seasonal flu could worsen COVID-19, but experts want to avoid people having both Flu vaccinations are free for …

Flu shot: This season’s offers ‘substantial protection’ in a season tough on children
5 years, 1 month ago

Flu shot: This season’s offers ‘substantial protection’ in a season tough on children

CNN  

CNN — The flu season is still in full swing and it’s likely to continue for several more weeks, and if you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, you should, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccine doesn’t offer perfect protection – it never does – but a new CDC report says it has significantly …

Flu season which struck down 310,000 Australians 'worst on record' due to early outbreaks
5 years, 1 month ago

Flu season which struck down 310,000 Australians 'worst on record' due to early outbreaks

ABC  

Researchers are warning little can be done to prevent future severe flu seasons, if a pattern of prolonged, year-round outbreaks continue. Key points: More than 310,000 people presented to Australian health services with influenza in 2019, marking the country's worst flu season on record Researchers say that it was one of the most successful vaccination years to date but early …

Here's Why You Really Need A Flu Shot
5 years, 3 months ago

Here's Why You Really Need A Flu Shot

NPR  

Here's Why You Really Need A Flu Shot Enlarge this image toggle caption SDI Productions/Getty Images SDI Productions/Getty Images Thanksgiving leftovers are a distant memory, and December's extra travel, shopping and family commitments are already straining nerves, budgets and immune systems. "Giving influenza vaccine to people with heart disease, for example, is as important as giving them a statin," Schaffner …

All you need to know about the flu shot
5 years, 4 months ago

All you need to know about the flu shot

Firstpost  

Here is a primer on some of the most common types of flu vaccines along with some of the key facts about this year’s flu shots. Well, experts say that the influenza virus — the microorganisms that cause the flu — is smart and keeps on changing its genetic material every year. If a child — between two and eight …

People are getting paid to be infected with the flu
5 years, 4 months ago

People are getting paid to be infected with the flu

CNN  

CNN — It’s widely accepted that the flu and the torrent of uncomfortable symptoms that come with it are to be avoided at all costs. For a handsome sum of up to $3,300, 80 adult participants across four research facilities will receive a nasal spray with the virus and spend at least one week at an inpatient facility until they’ve …

Flu shot more likely to save your life than not getting it, says influenza researcher
5 years, 7 months ago

Flu shot more likely to save your life than not getting it, says influenza researcher

ABC  

A flu expert says getting vaccinated against the infectious disease is more likely to save your life than without it, yet only around 30-40 per cent of people are taking up the shot. Key points: A Griffith University professor says only 30-40 per cent of people get vaccinated against influenza Professor Paul Van Buynder says the vaccine is only 60 …

WA flu deaths double within a week as influenza disease notifications spike to new high
5 years, 9 months ago

WA flu deaths double within a week as influenza disease notifications spike to new high

ABC  

There has been a massive spike in the number of influenza cases in Western Australia, with 3,000 extra notifications and 14 deaths in the past week alone. Key points: WA flu notifications in 2019 have spiked to levels that dwarf previous years Experts say a relatively benign 2018 flu season has left the state vulnerable There has been a huge …

Can I get a flu shot if I have a cold or a sore throat?
5 years, 10 months ago

Can I get a flu shot if I have a cold or a sore throat?

ABC  

With Australia on track for a killer flu season, families, schools and workplaces are heeding the advice of experts and organising their flu shots early. Emeritus Professor and Burnet Institute Visiting Fellow Greg Tannock, who sits on the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee, said "about 90 per cent of influenza vaccines use, as starting materials, influenza viruses grown in the allantoic …

Flu is surging, and it's up to GPs and microbiologists to stay on top of the virus' changing nature
5 years, 10 months ago

Flu is surging, and it's up to GPs and microbiologists to stay on top of the virus' changing nature

ABC  

Each year, millions of influenza vaccinations are produced and injected in Australia and then, like clockwork, another batch is brewed and the cycle repeats. Key points: Experts say identifying new mutations of flu faster on a local level is the best way to improve immunity Flu this year is surging, with people presenting with flu-like symptoms at twice the five-year …

Flu vaccine shortage at Flinders Medical Centre as spike in cases continues
5 years, 11 months ago

Flu vaccine shortage at Flinders Medical Centre as spike in cases continues

ABC  

A major Adelaide hospital has run out of flu vaccines intended for frontline health staff as the number of cases continues to surge across Australia, with sometimes fatal consequences. Key points: Doctors have predicted 4,000 flu-related deaths this year SA has begun rolling out free vaccines, but there is a shortage at Flinders Medical Centre A 15-year-old girl was the …

When is the best time to get your flu shot?
5 years, 11 months ago

When is the best time to get your flu shot?

ABC  

When most of us get the flu, we spend three or four days on the couch feeling miserable, then we bounce back pretty quickly. Protection often will have begun to wane four or five months later, so getting vaccinated in mid to late May, or even early June, will give you better protection at the height of the flu season. …

Flu vaccine program brought forward as surge in cases surprises health authorities
5 years, 11 months ago

Flu vaccine program brought forward as surge in cases surprises health authorities

ABC  

An unexpected surge in flu cases across the nation has prompted health authorities in South Australia to begin early distribution of free vaccines in an effort to curb the spread. Key points: Flu numbers began surging in summer, much earlier than expected South Australia is leading the per capita trend, with cases almost quadrupling Free vaccines are being distributed earlier …

This year’s flu vaccine effective against top influenza strains
6 years, 1 month ago

This year’s flu vaccine effective against top influenza strains

Salon  

This article originally appeared on Healthline, the world’s second-largest health information website, which brings you transparent health information so you can make confident decisions for living well. This prediction is based on: information about how the viruses spread during the past year which previous virus strains caused the most illness how well the previous season’s flu vaccine “matched” the viruses …

Op-Ed: Save a grandma. Get your flu shot
6 years, 4 months ago

Op-Ed: Save a grandma. Get your flu shot

LA Times  

A natural disaster is bearing down on our country, one assured to take the lives of thousands and hospitalize tens of thousands more: the annual flu epidemic. But getting a flu shot also does something else: It helps protect the people around you who are most vulnerable to serious flu illness, particularly the very old and the very young. Most …

First child in Florida has died of flu this season, state reports
6 years, 5 months ago

First child in Florida has died of flu this season, state reports

CNN  

Story highlights It's not uncommon to see a small number of deaths at this time of year, expert says A less severe strain of flu virus has been more prevalent so far this season Other states have reported flu-related deaths in adults including Kentucky CNN — A Florida child died due to flu-related illness during the week ended October 6, …

Fact check: Are your chances of getting the flu after a vaccination only decreased by 1 to 2 per cent?
6 years, 8 months ago

Fact check: Are your chances of getting the flu after a vaccination only decreased by 1 to 2 per cent?

ABC  

The claim Australia is well into the midst of winter, and with the cold weather comes flu. That review found the flu vaccine decreased the rate of flu infection from 2.3 per cent to 0.9 per cent in healthy adults. The very study quoted by Professor Del Mar found that the flu vaccine had an estimated effectiveness rate of 59 …

Flu vaccine stocks to be boosted after early rush saps supplies across Australia
6 years, 10 months ago

Flu vaccine stocks to be boosted after early rush saps supplies across Australia

ABC  

An extra 800,000 doses of the flu vaccine will be manufactured in response to increasing shortages across Australia. Key points: 800,000 new doses of flu vaccine ordered Shortages reported in NSW, Victoria and ACT A rush on vaccines in 2018 follows a horror flu season in 2017 The announcement comes as some doctors have had to turn patients away because …

Large increase in demand for flu vaccine leads to rationing in Victoria, New South Wales
6 years, 10 months ago

Large increase in demand for flu vaccine leads to rationing in Victoria, New South Wales

ABC  

A huge increase in demand for the influenza vaccine across Australia has led to rationing in Victoria and New South Wales. Australia's acting chief medical officer, Dr Tony Hobbs, is working to ensure more vaccines are brought into the country and more doses of the vaccine for the most at risk "will soon be made available," the federal Department of …

'Enhanced' flu vaccines made available after last year's 'horrific' season left 1,000 people dead
7 years, 1 month ago

'Enhanced' flu vaccines made available after last year's 'horrific' season left 1,000 people dead

ABC  

The Federal Government says it is providing two new "enhanced" flu vaccines for free to people over 65 after last year's "horrific" flu season. Key points: Vaccines Fluad and Fluzone High Dose will be available from April The "enhanced" vaccines will target the mutation that occurred last year The vaccines will protect the elderly Last year there were more than …

Flu hospitalizations rise; no peak in sight
7 years, 1 month ago

Flu hospitalizations rise; no peak in sight

CNN  

Story highlights NEW: CDC acting director: "We may be on track to break some recent records" The nation's hospitalization rate climbed to about 60 people per every 100,000 10 additional pediatric deaths recorded for the week, bringing the total to 63 CNN — The current flu season is “still on the rise,” the acting director of the US Centers for …

Flu vaccine: Could this be a better way to build one?
7 years, 2 months ago

Flu vaccine: Could this be a better way to build one?

CNN  

Story highlights Scientists worldwide are seeking improved and universal flu vaccines In one new study, researchers turn to a mutant virus to design a vaccine CNN — As a deadly flu season continues to ravage the United States, scientists are scrambling to find new ways to fight the virus, including building vaccines that offer stronger protection against the most aggressive …

Pharmacists run out of vaccine as flu cases surge
7 years, 2 months ago

Pharmacists run out of vaccine as flu cases surge

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A number of British chemists ran out of flu vaccine earlier …

Winter flu heaps pressure on NHS as officials warn jab ineffective against most common strain
7 years, 2 months ago

Winter flu heaps pressure on NHS as officials warn jab ineffective against most common strain

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The flu jab most frequently given to adults may not offer …

Australia’s flu season has U.S. health officials bracing for a bad winter — and wishing for a new vaccine
7 years, 4 months ago

Australia’s flu season has U.S. health officials bracing for a bad winter — and wishing for a new vaccine

LA Times  

The influenza A virus known as H3N2 was the most common strain in Australia this past flu season. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned Wednesday that the United States could experience a “relatively severe influenza season.” If so, it would extend a run of bad luck that began in 2014, when …

Why high-dose flu vaccines wouldn't have stopped this year's horror season
7 years, 4 months ago

Why high-dose flu vaccines wouldn't have stopped this year's horror season

ABC  

Australia has recorded 221,853 flu infections so far in 2017, more than any other year. Today's flu vaccines remain mediocre compared to those for measles or human papilloma virus, which offer 97 per cent and 90 per cent protection respectively. This week, media stories implied that if Australia had purchased a different vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur's egg-grown inactivated Fluzone, the massive …

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