In this episode, we discuss the 2024-2025 fall vaccine lineup, covering everything you need to know to stay protected this season. We start with updates on the latest COVID and flu vaccines, and Zoe shares her personal experience getting these shots. We then dive into the recent approval of self-administered FluMist, exploring how it compares to the traditional injectable flu vaccine in terms of effectiveness and convenience. Plus, we provide a brief update on RSV.
Among the highlights in this episode:
00:36: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, discusses the CDC’s updated COVID vaccine recommendations, emphasizing that everyone aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine
00:48: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, addresses common questions from the immunocompromised community, highlighting the CDC's guidance on additional COVID doses and the importance of consulting with health care providers
01:13: Steven and Zoe explain the distinction between updated vaccines and boosters, noting that updated vaccines target new strains and are expected to be revised annually
02:24: Steven shares data from 2023, pointing out that most people hospitalized for COVID had not received the updated vaccine, underlining its importance
02:46: Zoe highlights the concern of long COVID and how getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of developing this condition
03:16: Zoe shares her personal experience of getting both the flu and COVID shots together, and gives tips on how to coordinate vaccination plans with a doctor
04:23: Steven introduces the FDA approval of FluMist for self or caregiver administration, explaining how it provides an alternative to the traditional flu shot
06:02: Zoe explains that FluMist is not recommended for the immunocompromised
07:10: Steven discusses the benefits of having options like FluMist, stating that it's good to have more ways to get vaccinated
08:09: Zoe shares insights on managing treatments around vaccine schedules, emphasizing the importance of personalizing health care decisions
09:39: Zoe provides information on the RSV vaccine, mentioning its availability for older adults, pregnant women, and the benefits for newborns
10:09: Steven reminds listeners about the availability of free rapid COVID tests from the federal government, encouraging people to have them on hand during the respiratory virus season
11:04: Zoe announces the launch of the second season of GHLF’s Informed Immunity podcast, which covers topics around vaccines, immunization equity, and debunking myths
To listen to all the Informed Immunity episodes, visit: https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/ or search for the series on your favorite podcast platform
11:28: What our hosts learned from this episode
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
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