Flu

CDC makes groundbreaking shift by providing influenza vaccination recommendations for the geriatric population.

Australia also experienced their highest flu season in 5 years, which may foreshadow a bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Our Best Shot (OBS) is a new children’s book explaining why we should get an annual flu shot and it is not something to fear…and adults may even benefit, said the author.

The seasonal flu vaccine should be prioritized for those with SCN1A-positive Dravet syndrome, because of the likelihood of severe neurological symptoms and complications.

Experts in the management of SARS-CoV-2 educate on CDC and FDA recommendations for approaching administration of booster vaccines, including those for special patient populations.

Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP; Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD; and Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc; review what encompasses a bivalent vaccine and give their perspective on how to communicate the role of the vaccine in optimizing protection for patients.

Analysis of central Missouri discovers differences in co-infection occurrence between Delta and Omicron variants.

A plethora of products complicates self-care, but pharmacists can provide guidance on nonprescription options.

Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc, leads a discussion on the constant evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the impact on vaccine and booster shot development and administration.

Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD; Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP; and Madeline King, PharmD, BCIDP, examine the efficacy and real-world implications of the COVID-19 booster shot in terms of vaccination protection rates.

Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP, leads a discussion on the challenges subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 present in terms of vaccination and approaching optimal communication to the public surrounding vaccination.

Expert health professionals share their thoughts on variants of concern vs variants of interest of the SARS-CoV-2 strains as they relate to clinical practice.

The book aims to make the vaccination process less scary and allow more children to be vaccinated.

Agency expects the highest level of activity in the south-central and Southeast areas of the United States.

A session presenter at the ASCP 2022 Annual Meeting explained how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly magnified the importance of infection prevention and control practices in long-term care.

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists executive director and CEO explained how staffing struggles in long-term care facilities can be an opportunity for pharmacists to expand the ways they provide support beyond immunizations alone.

As pharmacists, it’s important to understand and embrace the science and the tools that COVID-19 has brought.

Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD, discusses the difference between the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and subvariant strains.

Understanding the relationship between viral protein activity and rapid gene mutations could help researchers save more lives by creating a more effective flu vaccine.

Novavax’s quadrivalent influenza vaccine candidate has previously induced cross-reactive polyfunctional CD4+ T-cell responses, according to a company press release.

The availability of bivalent mRNA COVID-19 boosters, which provide broader protection, will likely increase vaccine demand in the fall

Inhibiting the calcium release-activated calcium channel found to be an effective approach to limit allergic asthma without affecting the body’s defenses against influenza.

Keeping up with the latest immunizations and being prepared for this year's flu season is essential to staying on top of your health.

Loosened restrictions will likely create a more pronounced influenza season this fall.