By Daniel Pastula, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The measles outbreak that started in Texas in late January continues to grow. As of March 18, 2025, confirmed cases in the outbreak, which now spans Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, reached 321, surpassing the number of confirmed cases recorded for all of the U.S. in 2024. The vast majority of cases are in people who are not vaccinated. Meanwhile, a lack of clarity from health authorities is leaving people with questions about whether they need to get revaccinated.

In a Q&A with The Conversation U.S., Daniel Pastula, a neurologist and medical epidemiologist from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Colorado School of Public Health, explained how and when you should take action.

Should adults get another shot of the measles vaccine?

The measles vaccine, which first became available in the U.S. in 1963, contains a live but significantly weakened strain of the measles virus. This modified strain is too weak to cause measles, but it is similar enough to the wild type measles virus to train the immune system to recognize it. Most people who have received the live measles vaccine won’t need an additional shot now, but here is what you need to know:

People born before 1957 are presumed to have lifelong immunity because measles was so contagious that almost everyone contracted it before age 15. Unless there are special circumstances, they probably don’t need a vaccine now.

Most people born after 1957 would have received the shot as children, so they should be set for life. Physicians and public health experts don’t recommend most people in this group get a second measles shot, though there are exceptions.

In 1989, a limited outbreak of measles occurred among vaccinated school children. In response, the recommendations changed from one dose of the live measles vaccine to two doses for children. People fully vaccinated as children after that year do not need any additional doses.

Exceptions to these guidelines

There are two special circumstances where the previous recommendations may not hold.

First, if you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967, one of the measles vaccines available at the time consisted of just proteins from the virus rather than a live, weakened version of it. Researchers soon realized this inactivated, or “killed,” vaccine was less effective and didn’t provide long-term immunity. Unless you know for certain you received the live vaccine, physicians and public health experts recommend that people vaccinated during those years get one dose of the live vaccine at some point.

Second, if you fall into a high-risk group – for example, if you are a health care provider, are traveling internationally or attending college, physicians and public health experts generally recommend getting a second dose if you have only had one.

For most adults without such risk factors, physicians and public health experts do not routinely recommend a second dose if you have previously received one dose of a live measles vaccine. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, make sure to ask your health care provider.

Except in very rare circumstances, there is no recommendation for a third dose of the measles vaccine.

Can you find out whether you’ve been vaccinated?

You might be able to! It’s worth checking. States actually keep vaccine records specifically for this reason, where you can look up your vaccine records or that of your kids. Your high school or college may still have your records, and so might your pediatrician’s office.

Should you get your antibody levels checked?

For most people, probably not.

A titer test checks the level of antibodies in your blood, and some people are asking their doctor to check their titers to determine whether they are still immune to measles. The problem is, the level of antibodies in your blood does not necessarily reflect your level of immunity. That’s because antibodies are just one part of your immune system’s infection-fighting force. Having a low level of antibodies does not necessarily mean your immunity has waned.

Other crucial elements of your immune response include B cells, T cells and other immune cells, but a titer test does not show their capabilities. For example, memory B cells might not currently be making antibodies against the virus but are primed to quickly do so the next time they see it. This is why antibody and titer tests should be used only in specific cases, in consultation with your doctor.

One example of when an antibody test may be warranted is if you are a health care provider born before 1957 and you want to make sure you don’t need another dose of the vaccine. You would use a test to see whether you have measles antibodies. But in this case you would be looking for a yes or no answer; the total amount of antibodies may not be very informative.

Is natural immunity better than vaccine-induced immunity?

Natural immunity – that is, the immunity you get after having measles – is effective. However, the downside is that natural infection with a wild virus is very risky. Before 1963, measles caused close to 50,000 hospitalizations and about 500 deaths each year in the United States, usually in children. It also caused over 1,000 cases of severe brain inflammation every year and carried several other long-term risks, such as permanent hearing loss or the wipe out of immunity to other diseases.

The point of vaccines is to create immunity without the risks of severe infection. It is basically a dress rehearsal for the real thing. The immunity from a vaccine is effectively the same immunity you get from having measles itself – but vastly safer than encountering the wild virus unprotected. One dose is 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses are 97% effective, and any breakthrough cases are likely to be much milder than a full-blown case of measles.

Can the vaccine cause measles?

No, the measles vaccine cannot cause measles because it contains a significantly weakened strain that has limited ability to infect and damage cells.

Some have claimed without evidence that the current outbreak in Texas was caused by the measles vaccine.

As part of the outbreak investigation, however, CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services analyzed the genome of the virus causing the current outbreak and identified it as a wild measles virus. Researchers classify measles virus strains based on their genetic characteristics, or genotypes. They identified the outbreak virus as wild type genotype D8, and not the weakened measles vaccine strain, which is genotype A.

What are the risks of the vaccine?

That is a very reasonable question. Because the measles vaccine is a live, weakened virus strain, it can cause a mild, measles-like syndrome. For example, some people might have a slight fever, a rash, or some slight joint pain. These symptoms generally go away in a day or two, and most people don’t experience them. But the vaccine cannot cause measles itself, as it does not contain the wild measles virus.

In extremely rare cases, people can experience more significant reactions to the measles vaccine. It is important to remember that every single medical or health intervention carries risks – and that includes all medications and over-the-counter supplements. According to all available evidence, however, comparing the potential benefits against potential risks reveals that the risks of a signficant reaction to the vaccine are much lower than the risks of severe outcomes from measles itself.

Being vaccinated not only protects you and your family, but it also protects vulnerable people in the community, such as infants, cancer patients and pregnant women, who cannot be vaccinated themselves.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Daniel Pastula, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Read more:

• Texas records first US measles death in 10 years – a medical epidemiologist explains how to protect yourself and your community from this deadly, preventable disease
• Unverified reports of vaccine side effects in VAERS aren’t the smoking guns portrayed by right-wing media outlets – they can offer insight into vaccine hesitancy
• Vaccines and values: When you’re having a tough conversation about medicine, don’t just pile on evidence − listen to someone’s ‘moral foundations’

Daniel Pastula does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Feature Image: Should you get an additional shot of the measles vaccine? Hailshadow via Gett Images

The post Measles outbreak drives debate over revaccination for adults in US appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Daniel Pastula, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

On Feb. 26, 2025, Texas health officials announced the death of a child in a measles outbreak – the first measles death in the United States since 2015. The outbreak was first identified in early February in Gaines County, Texas, where just 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated against measles, compared with 93% on average across the country. As of Feb. 27, there were at least 124 confirmed cases in Texas and nearby towns in New Mexico.

In an interview with The Conversation U.S. associate health editor Alla Katsnelson, neurologist and medical epidemiologist Daniel Pastula explains why measles is so dangerous and how people and communities can protect themselves from the virus.

What is measles, and where does it come from?

Measles is an ancient disease caused by a virus that probably evolved in cattle and jumped into humans around 500 B.C. One of the first written accounts of it comes from a Persian physician named Rhazes in the ninth century C.E., and measles epidemics were described in medieval Europe and western Asia regularly beginning around 1100-1200. The virus got brought over to the Americas in the 1500s, and it wiped out large populations of native people as Europeans colonized the continent.

By the 1950s in the United States, there were 500,000 reported cases of measles each year – though the true number was probably closer to 4 million . It was so contagious, every kid was thought to have gotten measles by age 15. At that time, measles caused close to 50,000 hospitalizations annually and about 500 deaths, usually in children. It also caused over 1,000 cases of severe brain inflammation every year.

The first measles vaccine became available in 1963, and scientists improved it over the following decades, causing the number of cases to plummet. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S.

Since then, there have been occasional minor flare-ups, usually brought in by international travelers, but by and large, measles outbreaks have been rare. No one had died of it in the United States in nearly a decade.

Today, measles infections in the U.S. are almost completely preventable with vaccination.

What are the typical symptoms of measles?

About 10 to 14 days after infection, people suffering from measles experience a very high fever, cold-like symptoms including a runny nose and sneezing, and eye inflammation called conjunctivitis.

Next, they may develop white spots called Koplik spots inside their mouth and a diffuse, spotty, red rash that starts at the head and neck, then descends across the entire body. This rash is where the disease gets its name – the word “measles” is thought to come from a medieval Dutch word for “little blemishes.”

Symptoms of measles infection take about three weeks to resolve. People are contagious from about four days before symptoms emerge to four days after the rash starts.

What are the possible severe outcomes of measles?

Epidemiologists estimate that 1 in 5 people who are infected with measles get sick enough to be hospitalized. About 1 in 10 develop ear infections, some of which may result in permanent deafness.

About 1 in 20 people develop severe measles pneumonia, which causes trouble breathing. Reports from west Texas this month suggest that many infected children there have measles pneumonia.

About 1 in 1,000 people develop severe brain swelling. Both measles pneumonia and brain swelling can be fatal. About 3 in 1,000 people die after contracting measles.

In about 1 in 10,000 who get sick with measles and recover from it, the virus lies dormant in the brain for about a decade. It then can reactivate, causing a severe, progressive dementia called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which is fatal within one to three years. There is no treatment or cure for the disease. I have seen a couple of suspected cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and none of these patients survived, despite our best efforts.

Given how contagious measles is and how severe the outcomes can be, physicians and public health experts are gravely concerned right now.

How does measles spread?

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases on the planet. The virus is so infectious that if you are in a room with an infected person and you are not vaccinated and have never had measles before, you have a 90% chance of becoming infected.

The measles virus is transmitted by droplets released into the air by infected people when they cough, sneeze or simply breathe. Virus particles can survive suspended in the air or on indoor surfaces for up to two hours, so people can get infected by touching a surface carrying virus particles and then touching their face.

Who should get the measles vaccine, and how effective is it?

The vaccine for measles has historically been called the MMR vaccine because it has been bundled with vaccines for two other diseases – mumps and rubella. Most children in the U.S. receive it as a two-dose regimen, which is 97% effective against measles.

Children generally get the first dose of the vaccine at 12-15 months old and the second dose when they are 4-6 years old. Infants who haven’t reached their first birthday generally do not receive it since their immune system is not yet fully developed and they do not develop quite as robust of an immune response. In an emergency, though, babies as young as 6 to 9 months old can be vaccinated. If an infant’s mother previously received the MMR vaccine or had been infected herself as a child, her transferred antibodies probably offer some protection, but this wanes in the months after birth.

People born before 1957 are considered immune without getting the vaccine because measles was so widespread at that time that everyone was presumed to have been infected. However, certain people in this age group, such as some health care workers, may wish to discuss vaccination with their providers. And some people who had the original version of the vaccine in the 1960s may need to get revaccinated, as the original vaccine was not as effective as the later versions.

Based on available evidence, the vaccine is effective for life, so people who received two doses are most likely protected.

A single dose of the vaccine is 93% effective. Most people vaccinated before 1989 got just one dose. That year, an outbreak in vaccinated children with one dose spurred public health officials to begin recommending two doses.

People with certain risk factors who received only one dose, and everyone who has never received a dose, should talk to their health care providers about getting vaccinated. Because the vaccine is a live but weakened version of the virus, those who are severely immunocompromised or are currently pregnant cannot get it.

People who are immunocompromised, which includes those who have chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, are undergoing certain cancer treatments or have received an organ transplant, are more susceptible to measles even if they have been vaccinated.

In the current measles epidemic in Texas, the vast majority of people falling ill are unvaccinated. Public health officials there are urging unvaccinated people in affected areas to get vaccinated.

What measures can protect communities from measles outbreaks?

Vaccination is the best way to protect individuals and communities from measles. It’s also the most effective way to curb an ongoing outbreak.

High rates of vaccination are important because of a phenomenon called herd immunity. When people who are vaccinated do not get infected, it essentially stops the spread of the virus, thereby protecting those who are most susceptible to getting sick. When herd immunity wanes, the risk of infection rises for everyone – and especially for the most vulnerable, such as young children and people who are immunocompromised.

Because measles is so contagious, estimates suggest that 95% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Once vaccine coverage falls below that percentage, outbreaks are possible.

Having robust public health systems also provides protection from outbreaks and limits their spread. Public health workers can detect cases before an outbreak occurs and take preventive steps. During a measles outbreak, they provide updates and information, administer vaccines, track cases and oversee quarantine for people who have been exposed and isolation for people who are contagious.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Daniel Pastula, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Read more:

• Measles is one of the deadliest and most contagious infectious diseases – and one of the most easily preventable
• CDC layoffs strike deeply at its ability to respond to the current flu, norovirus and measles outbreaks and other public health emergencies
• If my measles shot was years ago, am I still protected? 5 questions answered

Daniel Pastula does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Feature Image: Young children are especially vulnerable to measles. Bilanol via Getty Images

The post Texas reports first measles death in nearly a decade, sparking concern appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Simon F. Haeder, Texas A&M University

When most people think about vaccines, they typically think about humans: Experts warn that when large numbers of people are unvaccinated, it can lead to severe consequences, including disease outbreaks and higher rates of illness and death, particularly among the most vulnerable. The economic costs to society can also be substantial.

However, vaccines also provide important protections for our nonhuman companions, including the most common pets: dogs and cats.

Yet, as my research published in 2024 in the American Journal of Veterinary Research and the journal Vaccine indicates, vaccine hesitancy is beginning to spill over into some people’s decisions about whether to vaccinate their pets.

Vaccines and pets

A large body of research has confirmed that U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines are safe for most people. Yet vaccines have never been universally accepted, dating back to the first inoculations against smallpox. Vaccine hesitancy, or concerns over getting vaccinated, has only intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing concerns about vaccines have important implications that go well beyond the individual making decisions about whether or not to get vaccinated.

Vaccines generally work through two important pathways. First, for the vaccinated individual, they provide direct protection by reducing the risk of contracting a disease; they also reduce the severity of a disease.

Vaccines also provide an indirect form of protection for society at large through a process commonly known as “herd immunity.” This occurs when a high percentage of people in a community have developed immunity, ensuring that future outbreaks affect fewer individuals and are quickly contained.

Humans, of course, are not the only species that benefits from the direct and indirect protections of vaccines. However, so far, very little research has examined vaccination in nonhumans.

My recent work specifically sought to extend scientific knowledge about dog and cat owners by using large, national surveys. Many of the findings were positive: The vast majority of cats and dogs have received core vaccines, which provide protection against rabies and other dangerous diseases. Core vaccines are those vaccines that are recommended for all dogs and cats.

Moreover, three-quarters of pet owners trust their veterinarian when it comes to vaccines. And even higher percentages felt confident discussing vaccine-related concerns with their veterinarian. They also understand that many vaccine-preventable pet diseases can be severe.

Pet owners also wanted their neighbors to vaccinate their pets: Most dog and cat owners, more than 80%, supported vaccination requirements for various core and noncore vaccines.

Yet, other findings raise concerns. Most prominently, my study, published in late 2024, identified 22% of dog owners and 26% of cat owners as vaccine hesitant regarding their pets. And although most pets were vaccinated against common diseases, a minority were not. This includes about 4% of dogs and 12% of cats that remained unvaccinated against rabies. For other diseases like parvovirus and distemper, vaccination rates were even lower. The study confirmed similar findings from my earlier 2023 study.

In the same 2024 study, many of the concerns raised by pet owners mirror those of humans: More than half of pet owners question the effectiveness of vaccines.

A similar percentage was concerned about vaccine safety and side effects. Many believed it was better for pets to contract a disease to get immunity than to get vaccinated. About 60% of pet owners thought that pets receive too many vaccines. Strikingly, nearly all pet owners preferred fewer vaccines to be administered to their pets at a time.

Going forward

When people choose to not vaccinate their pets, it can have important implications for society.

The most immediate impact will be on pet owners. Unvaccinated pets face a higher risk of illness and death from preventable diseases; although vaccines are not completely effective, and in some cases even vaccinated pets may be affected. This may impose substantial financial and emotional costs on their owners.

Veterinarians will also be affected. They may encounter pets with diseases they may not expect to see or have had limited exposure to in the past. The same holds for other professions dealing with pets, including groomers, boarders and walkers.

There are also broader implications for public health: Encounters with rabies, in particular, may become more common. Humans may be directly affected if they are bitten by an infected pet. Pets also come into contact with wildlife, increasing the potential for the further spread of rabies.

From a public health perspective, low vaccination rates for pets are just as concerning as those for humans. I believe that a comprehensive public health strategy is crucial for addressing the growing concerns among pet owners regarding vaccines. Such a strategy should not simply dismiss pet owners’ concerns as conspiracy theories, but should instead adopt a thoughtful approach that takes individuals’ specific concerns seriously.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Simon F. Haeder, Texas A&M University

Read more:

• Australia has a new autism strategy but questions remain for those who don’t get NDIS support
• How the presence of pets builds trust among people
• Everyday ethics: Is it OK to feed stray cats during the coronavirus crisis?

Simon F. Haeder does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The post Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Annette Regan, University of San Francisco

The Food and Drug Administration approved and granted emergency use authorization on Aug. 22, 2024, for the newest, updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quickly endorsed the new shot to protect against severe illness.

The 2024 summer wave of COVID-19 cases is a good reminder of why people need to stay up to date with their vaccines.

As the fall and winter seasons approach, the usual seasonal respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, will also be on the rise. Vaccines are now available to help protect against these viruses.

The Conversation asked epidemiologist Annette Regan to explain why officials recommend that people get these shots over the coming months.

What strain is the new COVID-19 shot based on and why?

The COVID-19 vaccine has been updated several times since the original shot in 2020-21 to keep up with how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is changing.

In September 2023, the CDC recommended that all people get the newly updated vaccine that was designed to protect against XBB.1.5, the variant that had been dominant in the U.S. that summer, regardless of whether they had received all recommended shots in the past.

Now, in August 2024, the XBB.1.5 variant is no longer around and has been replaced by the KP.2 and KP.3 variants, which make up more than 60% of variants currently detected.

Moderna and Pfizer both made updated formulations of the COVID-19 shot that target this new KP.2 variant. It is a monovalent vaccine, which means it includes only the KP.2 strain.

This strain was selected because it was the most common variant at the time the choice was made. Even when new variants such as KP.3 emerge, we researchers expect the updated vaccine to protect against the newer strains. For example, the 2023-24 vaccine was designed to target the XBB.1.5 strain, and studies showed that it continued to protect against the JN.1 variant that later emerged.

The CDC recommends a single shot for everyone 6 months and older, with some exceptions. Children 6 months to 4 years old who have not received any prior shots of COVID-19 vaccine still need two or three shots of the updated 2024-25 vaccine. Adults 65 and older and children and adults with certain health conditions may require an additional shot as well.

People who recently had a SARS-CoV-2 infection may consider delaying their shot for three months after the illness, since risk of reinfection is thought to be low during the months after infection.

How did the 2023 updated vaccine perform?

Recent studies have shown that people who received the 2023-24 vaccine were 54% less likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19 illness, 39% to 51% less likely to visit an emergency department or urgent care with COVID-19, and 50% to 53% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared with unvaccinated people.

The vaccine was most effective among those who had received their shot more recently.

What is the best timing for the shots?

COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have been rising since May 2024, with the highest rates seen in adults 65 and older and infants under 6 months old. Therefore, public health experts are recommending that people get the COVID-19 shot as soon as possible to protect against severe illness.

Because infants younger than 6 months are not old enough to be directly vaccinated, COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is the best way to protect these babies.

When it comes to the flu, cases and hospitalizations seem to rise steeply between November and December. Some years, however, such as the 2022-23 flu season, they start as early as October.

It’s important to remember that vaccines do not offer immediate protection. You need about two weeks for your body to generate enough antibodies to offer protection. September or early October is a good time to get the flu shot to ensure you are protected in time. However, if you aren’t able to get the shot before November, it’s important to know that it is still helpful to get the shot as long as flu is around.

Is it OK to get both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time?

Getting the COVID-19 and flu shots together can certainly make it easier to get up to date with these recommended vaccinations. Data shows that getting the flu shot and the COVID-19 shot together is safe and effective.

Some vaccine companies are working to develop a combined flu/COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the number of shots needed. This vaccine still needs to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration but could become available soon.

Who should get the RSV shot and when?

RSV is another common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness in young children and older adults. There are two groups of people who should get one of the three currently available RSV vaccines: adults 60 years and older and pregnant people. The CDC recommends a single dose of either GSK’s AREXVY, Moderna’s mRESVIA or Pfizer’s ABRYSVO for all adults 75 years and older and adults between the ages of 60 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Unlike the COVID-19 and flu shots, additional RSV doses are not currently recommended, because research suggests that the vaccine offers protection for at least two RSV seasons. These vaccines are relatively new, however, and more data will be needed to see how long this protection really lasts. Additional doses may be recommended in the future.

The CDC recommends only Pfizer’s shot for people in weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy between September and January. The Pfizer vaccine is the only RSV vaccine that has been licensed and approved for use in pregnancy.

These vaccines are different from the antibodies that can be given to infants at or after birth, called Beyfortus (nirsevimab). The CDC recommends one dose of nirsevimab for infants who are younger than 8 months old born during or shortly before their first RSV season. For some children who are 8 to 19 months old and are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, a dose of nirsevimab may also be recommended during their second RSV season.

Both the RSV vaccine and nirsevimab offer safe and effective options for preventing RSV in young babies.

Pregnant people should get advice from their health care professionals about which option is best for them.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Annette Regan, University of San Francisco

Read more:

• Future COVID-19 booster shots will likely need fresh formulations as new coronavirus variants of concern continue to emerge
• When should you get the new COVID-19 booster and the flu shot? Now is the right time for both
• Low vaccine booster rates are now a key factor in COVID-19 deaths – and racial disparities in booster rates persist

Annette Regan receives funding from the National Institutes for Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She has served on a Data Safety Monitoring Board for Moderna Inc.

The post Why are COVID-19, flu, and RSV shots crucial? appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Mark R. O’Brian, University at Buffalo

Vaccinations have provided significant protection for the public against infectious diseases. However, there was a modest decrease in support in 2023 nationwide for vaccine requirements for children to attend public schools.

In addition, the presidential candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading critic of childhood vaccination, has given him a prominent platform in which to amplify his views. This includes an extensive interview on the “Joe Rogan Experience,” a podcast with over 14 million subscribers. Notably, former President Donald Trump has said he is opposed to mandatory school COVID-19 vaccinations, and in a phone call Trump apparently wasn’t aware was being recorded, he appeared to endorse Kennedy’s views toward vaccines.

I am a biochemist and molecular biologist studying the roles microbes play in health and disease. I also teach medical students and am interested in how the public understands science.

Here are some facts about vaccines that skeptics like Kennedy get wrong:

Vaccines are effective and safe

Public health data from 1974 to the present conclude that vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives worldwide over the past 50 years. Vaccines are also constantly monitored for safety in the U.S.

Nevertheless, the false claim that vaccines cause autism persists despite study after study of large populations throughout the world showing no causal link between them.

Claims about the dangers of vaccines often come from misrepresenting scientific research papers. Kennedy cites a 2005 report allegedly showing massive brain inflammation in monkeys in response to vaccination, when in fact the authors of that study state that there were no serious medical complications. A separate 2003 study that Kennedy claimed showed a 1,135% increase in autism in vaccinated versus unvaccinated children actually found no consistent significant association between vaccines and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Kennedy also claims that a 2002 vaccine study included a control group of children 6 months of age and younger who were fed mercury-contaminated tuna sandwiches. This claim is false.

Aluminum adjuvants help boost immunity

Kennedy is co-counsel with a law firm that is suing the pharmaceutical company Merck based in part on the unfounded assertion that the aluminum in one of its vaccines causes neurological disease. Aluminum is added to many vaccines as an adjuvant to strengthen the body’s immune response to the vaccine, thereby enhancing the body’s defense against the targeted microbe.

The law firm’s claim is based on a 2020 report showing that brain tissue from some patients with Alzheimer’s disease, autism and multiple sclerosis have elevated levels of aluminum. The authors of that study do not assert that vaccines are the source of the aluminum, and vaccines are unlikely to be the culprit.

Notably, the brain samples analyzed in that study were from 47- to 105-year-old patients. Most people are exposed to aluminum primarily through their diets, and aluminum is eliminated from the body within days. Therefore, aluminum exposure from childhood vaccines is not expected to persist in those patients.

Vaccines undergo the same approval process as other drugs

Clinical trials for vaccines and other drugs are blinded, randomized and placebo-controlled studies. For a vaccine trial, this means that participants are randomly divided into one group that receives the vaccine and a second group that receives a placebo saline solution. The researchers carrying out the study, and sometimes the participants, do not know who has received the vaccine or the placebo until the study has finished. This eliminates bias.

Results are published in the public domain. For example, vaccine trial data for COVID-19, human papilloma virus and rotavirus is available for anyone to access.

Vaccine manufacturers are liable for injury or death

Kennedy’s lawsuit against Merck contradicts his insistence that vaccine manufacturers are fully immune from litigation.

His claim is based on an incorrect interpretation of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, or VICP. VICP is a no-fault federal program created to reduce frivolous lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, which threaten to cause vaccine shortages and a resurgence of vaccine-preventable disease.

A person claiming injury from a vaccine can petition the U.S. Court of Federal Claims through the VICP for monetary compensation. If the VICP petition is denied, the claimant can then sue the vaccine manufacturer.

The majority of cases resolved under the VICP end in a negotiated settlement between parties without establishing that a vaccine was the cause of the claimed injury. Kennedy and his law firm have incorrectly used the payouts under the VICP to assert that vaccines are unsafe.

The VICP gets the vaccine manufacturer off the hook only if it has complied with all requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and exercised due care. It does not protect the vaccine maker from claims of fraud or withholding information regarding the safety or efficacy of the vaccine during its development or after approval.

Good nutrition and sanitation are not substitutes for vaccination

Kennedy asserts that populations with adequate nutrition do not need vaccines to avoid infectious diseases. While it is clear that improvements in nutrition, sanitation, water treatment, food safety and public health measures have played important roles in reducing deaths and severe complications from infectious diseases, these factors do not eliminate the need for vaccines.

After World War II, the U.S. was a wealthy nation with substantial health-related infrastructure. Yet, Americans reported an average of 1 million cases per year of now-preventable infectious diseases.

Vaccines introduced or expanded in the 1950s and 1960s against diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, polio, mumps, rubella and Haemophilus influenza type B have resulted in the near or complete eradication of those diseases.

It’s easy to forget why many infectious diseases are rarely encountered today. The success of vaccines does not always tell its own story. It must be retold again and again to counter misinformation.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Mark R. O’Brian, University at Buffalo

Read more:

• Misinformation is a common thread between the COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics – with deadly consequences
• Federal Court finds insufficient evidence Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. What does the science say?
• Challenging the FDA’s authority isn’t new – the agency’s history shows what’s at stake when drug regulation is in limbo

Mark R. O’Brian has received past funding from the National Institutes of Health.

The post The truth about vaccines: Debunking misinformation and myths appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed

Springdale, Ohio — Velocity Clinical Research, 375 Glensprings Drive, 2nd Floor, Cincinnati, 45246, Phone: (513) 671-8080

Research studies are crucial, especially for developing vaccines to protect older adults and people with underlying medical conditions. Velocity is now enrolling people age 18 to 64 for an investigational influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccine study. Eligible participants will receive compensation for study-related time.

Velocity is conducting a study for a combined, investigational flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible participants …

• Must be age 18 to 64
• Must NOT have received an investigational or approved influenza vaccine within the past 6 months
• Must NOT have received an investigational or approved COVID-19 vaccine within the past 6 months
• Will receive compensation for study-related time
• Do not need insurance to join this study

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Leeya Pinder, MD,

Gynecologic Oncologist at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Every year in Ohio, more black women die from cervical cancer than any other group of women in the state. It is so important to know that cervical cancer is largely preventable through regular cervical cancer screening, treatment of abnormal areas of the cervix detected by screening (cervical precancer), and vaccination against the virus that contributes to the development of cervical cancer—the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical Cancer Screening: When & How

When you receive a cervical cancer screening, your provider will complete both an HPV test and a Pap test—the HPV test looks for the virus that can cause cervical precancer or cancer, and the Pap test (or Pap smear) searches for any changes of the cervix that could be precancer or cancer.

Both tests are typically completed in a provider’s office or clinic. During the Pap test, the doctor places a small instrument in the vagina, called a speculum. This helps the doctor examine the vagina and cervix and collect a few cells from the cervix utilizing a small swab or brush to test for precancer or cancer.

How often to get screened has evolved—in the past, we recommended screening ever year, but now, the recommendation is every three to five years if your screening comes back normal. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often you should get screened. Women without a cervix (previous hysterectomy) may not need any further screening; however, it is important to speak with your provider to ensure you no longer need screening.

Regardless of the screening interval, EVERY woman (person with a cervix) should start screening at the age of 21. Some people will need to be screened earlier because of certain health conditions.

Early Detection Saves Lives!

The earlier we detect cervical cancer, the better the chance of long-term survival. Black and brown women have a higher chance of their cervical cancer being detected at a later stage in their life – which directly impacts their chance of living longer and disease free. It’s important to know what symptoms to recognize as being potentially abnormal. Early cervical cancers often do not cause unusual symptoms. However, when the cancer grows larger, many women notice abnormal vaginal bleeding. They may notice:

• Bleeding that occurs in between regular menstrual periods.
• Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than normal for them.
• Bleeding, even spotting, after going through menopause.
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam.

Some women may also notice:

• Increased vaginal discharge that may be watery, a different color or a different scent.
• Pelvic pain.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

Any symptom listed above is a good reason to schedule an appointment with your family doctor, women’s health provider or gynecologist.

HPV Vaccine

The key to cervical cancer prevention is vaccination against HPV. The HPV vaccine has been in use for well over a decade, and it has been proven safe and effective in the prevention of cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Males and females aged nine–45 can receive the HPV vaccine. Here in Ohio, less than 50% of girls aged 13 – 17 have been vaccinated against HPV. This is similar for boys of the same age group, with a 57% HPV vaccination rate.

For those under the age of 15, two doses of the vaccine are recommended – and for people over the age of 15, the recommendation is three doses.  While coming back for multiple injections may be inconvenient, the protection that vaccination provides against HPV-related cancers is undeniable and well worth the return visits.

Vaccinating against HPV comes with additional benefits – it can help prevent against other cancers including vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and HPV-related head and neck cancers.

Takeaways for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

• Encourage the HPV vaccination – you can schedule an appointment by contacting your primary healthcare provider or pediatrician.
• Stay up to date on cervical cancer screening – your family medicine or women’s health provider can provide screening and help you understand your screening needs.
• Pay attention to any abnormal symptoms previously described – “Don’t Wait, Communicate” with your healthcare provider about your symptoms. You could save a life.
• Be informed! Gather information from reputable sources like the National Cancer Institute about cervical cancer prevention.

Our sisters, daughters, mothers and communities do not have to continue to be impacted by cervical cancer. We can prevent this disease!

The post Cervical cancer awareness month: Black women at higher risk in Ohio appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Patricia Carroll

Ohio Communications Manager

As you contemplate possible New Year’s resolutions for 2024, consider better brain health as an important one. The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter provides important steps you can take to maintain and improve your cognitive function in the new year. 

Research has shown lifestyle changes like improving diet and exercising regularly have helped drive down death rates from cancer, heart disease and other major diseases. These same lifestyle changes may also reduce or slow your risk of cognitive decline, which is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

“There is increasing evidence to suggest that what is good for the heart is good for the brain,” said Dayna Ritchey, program director of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Cincinnati and Miami Valley Chapters. “Keeping our brains healthy is not something we should worry about only as we get older. Every family member, regardless of where they are in their lifespan, can take steps to protect their brain and overall cognitive function.” 

Healthy brain tips. Looking for tips on how to protect your cognitive health? Here are several ideas borne from research supported by the Alzheimer’s Association: 

• Manage your blood pressure — People treated by FDA-approved medications to a top (systolic) blood pressure reading of 120 instead of 140 were 19% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, according to a study led by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Those people also had fewer signs of damage on brain scans. 
• Check your hearing — Hearing loss is present in 65% of adults over age 60, according to researchers. A study of older adults with hearing loss were found at higher risk for cognitive decline (about ¼ of the total study population). Study participants at highest risk for cognitive decline who utilized hearing aids and hearing counseling for three years cut their cognitive decline in half (48%).
• Get vaccinated — Getting an annual flu vaccination was associated with a 40% decrease in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease over the next four years, according to researchers from the University of Texas’ McGovern Medical School who found that even a single flu vaccination could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 17%. Getting a vaccination against pneumonia between the ages of 65 and 75 reduced Alzheimer’s risk by up to 40% according to a Duke University’s Social Science Research Institute study.
• Go with your gut — 16% of the world’s population struggles with constipation — more among older adults due to fiber-deficient diets, lack of exercise and the use of certain medications. Researchers found that bowel movements of every three days or less were associated with 73% higher odds of subjective cognitive decline and long-term health issues like inflammation, hormonal imbalances and anxiety/depression.
• Cut back on “ultra-processed” foods — People who consume the highest amount of ultra-processed foods have a 28% faster decline in global cognitive scores — including memory, verbal fluency and executive function — compared to those with lower consumption, according to research involving half a million people living in the UK. High consumption was defined as more than 20% of daily caloric intake. Ultra-processed foods examples include sodas, breakfast cereals, white bread, potato chips and frozen foods.
• Be social — Add “hang out with friends” and “have fun” to your New Year’s resolutions list. For example, enroll in a dance class with a friend. Alzheimer’s researchers are now looking into whether increased socialization, along with a “cocktail” of lifestyle interventions including improved diet, exercise and cognitive stimulation can protect cognitive function.

“While there is currently no absolute way to prevent Alzheimer’s or other dementia,” Ritchey said, “every person, regardless of age, can gain much by living a healthy lifestyle and adopting healthy brain habits.”

There are 220,000 Ohioans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. That number is expected to hit 250,000 by 2025. A total of 493,000 Ohio caregivers provide 730 million hours of unpaid care each year.

Those concerned about themselves or a loved one may contact the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter at 513.721.4284 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other related dementia, or to access free tools and resources, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

The post Make better brain health a top New Year’s resolution in 2024 appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Sunita Sohrabji

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – The US is experiencing a summer swell of infections, though hospitalization rates remain relatively stable. Three eminent experts conclude that Covid-19 will continue to pose a health threat over many years, as it continues its evolution. But updated vaccines are expected to mitigate the severity of infections.

Covid-19 cases are rising once again, possibly fueled by the emergence of the EG.5 variant. Hospitalization rates jumped by 12.5% nationwide in July, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This uptick comes even as the public health emergency has ended, taking with it free testing and therapeutics. And Covid fatigue has set in. People no longer wear masks in public, and a study has determined that the majority of Americans will forego new boosters, which will be available this fall.

At an Aug. 11 panel discussion organized by Ethnic Media Services, three eminent Covid experts examined the rise in cases, the new variant, and the new monovalent vaccine which will be available this fall.

Panelists included:

● Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, Associate Dean for Regional Campuses, University of California, San Francisco and Medical Educator, specializing in treating infectious diseases

● Dr. Benjamin Neuman, Professor of Biology and Chief Virologist, Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University

● Dr. William Schaffner, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

What are the origins of the EG.5 variant? Does it differ substantially from its predecessors?

Dr. Neuman: EG.5 is one of the variants that’s spreading the fastest right now. It is a child of a thing called XBB 1.9. Basically, it’s another version of Omicron. And everything that is circulating in the world right now has about 100 to 110 differences from the original version.

This variant is spreading because it has a lot of changes at the receptor binding site that is the target of most of the vaccines and of some of the most useful parts of the immune system.

Will the new vaccines recognize the new variant and be effective against it?

Dr. Neuman: When the target changes, you have to change your aim. It has been over a year since we have had an updated version of the vaccine. It’s coming slowly, but uptake has not been great. The total uptake in the US for the bivalent vaccine is only 17%.

The formulation of the new booster is supposed to be a monovalent against the XBB variant. From the studies that we have now, it looks like new variants like EG.5 are close enough that a vaccine against XBB seems to work against it pretty well. So I think it’s a good move, and I wish they’d hurry up to release it.

Hospitalization rates remain relatively stable despite the summer surge of infections. Do you expect that hospitalization rates are going to rise at some point?

Dr. Chin-Hong: There has been a slight uptick in hospitalizations, not a tsunami, not even a surge. The way I think about it is a swell. It’s kind of like a general wave coming. It doesn’t overwhelm you. You don’t get submerged into it, but you kind of ride it until it goes to the shore.

So if you look at California, for example, one year ago, we had about 4700 people hospitalized at one point. And right now we have about 890 people hospitalized. So in perspective, it’s nothing compared to even one year ago when it was 4700.

Why is there a slight swell of cases now?

Dr. Chin-Hong: Four reasons. There are big concerts like Taylor Swift, bringing a lot of people together. And unprecedented heat waves have driven a lot of people indoors. So it’s kind of like a winter almost, even though it’s the summer.

People’s immunity is kind of waning from the last time a lot of people got infected, which was last winter. And then — although it’s speculative at this point — there’s the role of how EG.5 might relate to this uptick.

We’re seeing so many people get Covid in the community. But we’ve all been so exposed to Covid already, so it’s coming on inhospitable soil. More than 95% of us have had an exposure or have had a vaccine at some point. So that probably minimizes or mitigates the risk of serious disease.

Paxlovid and Remdesivir are currently the only therapeutics we have in our arsenal to battle. But they are problematic.

Dr. Schaffner: We know that if you administer Paxlovid — particularly to people at high risk — very shortly after they are infected, we can reduce their risk of developing severe disease. But Paxlovid has limitations, as any therapy does. There are drug interactions. So if you’re taking certain medications, you have to be careful about taking Paxlovid. Or you may not be able to get it if you have kidney failure.

Remdesivir we now use very quickly once the patient is

admitted to the hospital. But wouldn’t it be better if we had more therapeutic agents aimed at keeping people out of the hospital?

Will we soon have new therapeutics?

Studies still continue on other therapeutic agents, but I cannot tell you when they will become available. I think we’ll just have to see. But the research community continues, I think, to make some of the very best contributions to the control of Covid around the world.

Can you get long Covid from the vaccines or boosters?

Dr. Schaffner: Let us make it clear the vaccine is not associated with long Covid. There are some people who have received the vaccine who nonetheless can get Covid. We all know that that can happen. The vaccines seem to have some effect in reducing the likelihood of long Covid. But, yes, you can get Covid, and as a consequence, long Covid, even though you have been vaccinated. But the vaccines really reduce the risk of long Covid.

Minority populations and low-income communities have always been at a higher risk for hospitalization and death from Covid. With the end of the Public Health Emergency, how can we ensure that everyone gets the tests, vaccines, and therapeutics they need to stay healthy?

Dr. Chin-Hong: Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen a lot of disparities, including and particularly amongst the African American communities, both in terms of who is dying first of all and who is being hospitalized.

But then we began to address some of the root causes, which were related to access to testing and related to probably a lot of structural racism. Of course, politics played a role, but even after the new administration, those disparities still persisted.

I think one silver lining was that vaccinations increased uptake in all communities, probably given the advocacy of a lot of grassroots organizations and community-based organizations.

So what is still free, after the Public Health Emergency ended May 11?

Vaccines are still free. There’s a bridge program that’s going to probably come into effect nationally that allows people — without demonstrating ability to pay — to get them at least until the end of the year in California, and probably extended with a national bridge program.

And then if you have insurance or MediCal or MediCare, people are obligated to give you the vaccine for free without a copay because of the Affordable Care Act.

Final remarks?

Dr. Neuman: The moon is far away. Mars is far away. We’ve been to both of those. It seems like the end of COVID is far away right now, but I have to believe that with human ingenuity, we can get there. I think the biggest challenge was and is in people’s hearts, convincing them not to fear the new and the newly approved and to do everything in their power to stop this virus. Because it doesn’t add anything to life, it only takes it away.

Dr. Schaffner: We have to remind ourselves that although the pandemic has receded, the virus is still with us and will be for the foreseeable future. It has the capacity to make people very, very ill. As I like to say, the virus is bad, vaccines are good. Take advantage of the new updated booster vaccine that will be available this fall, starting sometime in September. That will provide the best protection for yourself. Make sure your family is protected, and contribute to the protection of your own community.

Dr. Chin-Hong: Who would ever believe that we rallied together as a world to have so many tools to solve this crisis? It’s going to be around with us for a while: the 1918 flu influenza pandemic, there’s still vestiges still today. But the point is, we have these tools and it’s up to us to use it. And science and taking care of ourselves is not a political issue.

We have to take care of all populations and make sure everybody has access and ability to get these tools.

The post Covid Makes a Comeback, But New Vaccines Are Around the Corner appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

A message from the Center for Closing the Health Gap

By Clyde E. Henderson, MD

Cincinnati Medical Association

With all the current focus on other respiratory viruses one might again get the impression that COVID-19 is through with us, although many voiced that they are “through with COVID-19.” The data shows that the USA is still seeing a two-week running average of 39,090 cases per day (up 3% vs two weeks ago) along with the unfortunate 345 deaths per day (down 6% over two weeks). Hospitalizations have risen 2% to a level of 27,161 day. The USA maintains the dubious distinction of leading the world with 97.6 million known cases and 1,071,578 deaths. Be reminded that the actual number of cases is much higher because of the level of home testing in our country. The CDC’s Community Level of Covid-19 remains LOW for the nine counties composing the Greater Cincinnati Area.

Health news is sensationally and rightfully dominated by the respiratory syncytial (sin-sish-ul) virus, RSV. This virus was first identified in 1955, so it clearly is not new. What is new is the timing and the ferocity of the current outbreak. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s emergency rooms and urgent care facilities have been overrun with patients requiring treatment for at least the last two weeks.  Hospital admissions have spiked in Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. Across the country pediatric intensive care units are at or over capacity in 23 states. The peak impact of this virus in previous years has been seen in the late fall and winter seasons. This early fall surge is not only sooner than usual, but the infants and young toddlers being affected are sicker than usual and requiring more healthcare services.  The virus also affects adults especially those who are immunocompromised and those with preexisting conditions such as COPD, asthma, and congestive heart failure. Reportedly, RSV is responsible for over 14,000 deaths per year in US adults.

RSV is an extremely common respiratory virus. The vast majority of children have been infected by this virus by the age of 2. Although symptoms can range from mild cold-like symptoms to high fever and severe difficulty breathing, most children have little difficulty recovering from exposure and illness. Babies under the age of one year old are the ones who more frequently experience the severe course.  The diagnosis is made when symptoms are present and confirmed by a nasopharyngeal swab test. Infected individuals can spread this extremely contagious disease for two days before and 3-8 days after they are diagnosed. The virus is spread not only through the air, but also through direct contact such as shaking hands. The virus can stay alive for hours on hard surfaces as well. Treatment is symptomatic and depends on the severity of the clinical presentation. There is an antiviral which can be given preventatively for susceptible children.

Influenza is the third virus of concern at this current time. Flu season typically runs from early October through late May. The very important news to know is that the CDC is recommending that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. Those citizens 65 years of age and older should get a vaccine that is different than younger adults. Even though it is recommended that the annual flu vaccine be given before the end of October, vaccination at this time, early November, is likely to be effective in preventing severe disease and death. The CDC specifically recommends one of the following three vaccines for individuals 65 and older: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine or the Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine. If one of these is not available, then a standard flu vaccine is preferable to none at all.

Last Fall and Winter we were concerned about a “twindemic” but now we are vexed by a “Tripledemic,” so to speak. When COVID-19 was raging, there was more Wearing of masks, Washing of hands, and Watching our distance. The paucity of influenza deaths and the absence of raging RSV last year should make us consider these measures as helpful. We know that the COVID-19 and flu vaccines can reduce deaths and severe disease. A vaccine for RSV is in clinical trials. Please get the available vaccines and consider wearing a mask.

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