Infamous one is hooked on nicotine. Anyone else catch the photo of him with a Zyn packet stuck to his upper gum line? mahahahahaha

@greenshoekitty, yes, see my comment about 2 hours before yours. Although i heard about the possible delay in the vax release a few weeks ago. Our family practice doc sends out monthly health/wellness info reports and i also see AARP updates. May have been one of those.

My doctor has worn the N95 mask since 2020 and still is wearing it, and hasn't had even a cold in that period despite seeing sick patients. I hope to get the flu/COVID in one shot like last year at my Rite Aid, which is gone. Zero side effects. I'm thinking about not getting the RSV since my arm hurt for a week, and I'm not that sure of that one.

Lily - CDC just last month:

" The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine. If you have received an RSV vaccine already (including last year), you should not get another RSV vaccine at this time. "

I‘ll get my flu shot in late October or November as I usually do. I need the regular dose shot as the first two years I received the ’senior’ version I broke out in a rash. The rash was worse the 2nd year and took 5 weeks to clear up so I reverted to the standard dose last year. I’ll get the C shot if it is available. No plans to get the RSV shot at this time as I’m under 75 yo.

Will also likely get a typhoid vax (self pay) in preparation for a planned trip to SE Asia early next year.

FDA approves fall COVID shots but with new restrictions.

The updated COVID shots are approved for adults 65 and older as well as for kids and adults with at least one medical condition that puts them at risk of severe illness.

Doctors will still be able to prescribe the vaccines off-label, to people not specified in the FDA approvals. However, that adds yet another barrier to access as many people get their shots at the pharmacy, not prescribed through a doctor.

The new restrictions — which were expected — are likely to affect what insurers cover for people whodon’tqualifyfortheupdatedCOVID shots.

A COVID shot can cost up to $140 without insurance, according to theCDC’svaccinepricelist.

I'll happily pay $140.

Well this doesn't bode well...

"The FDA approved this year’s COVID shots for people 65 and older, and anyone under 65 with underlying conditions, like asthma, that put them at high risk of severe COVID.

These guidelines are a major shift from last year, when every person six months and older was eligible for the jab, regardless of whether they had an underlying condition.

This fall, COVID shots from Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax are available for everyone 65 and older, while children under 5 are no longer eligible for the Pfizer COVID shot, according to Kennedy’s post on X, because of the FDA revoking the emergency use authorization for COVID vaccines."

LINK

P.S. Also, the director of the CDC is getting kicked out. LINK

I got a Covid vaccine & flu shot about a month ago. The pharmacy said that they had just gotten them in. I asked if they were the new ones & they said yes. Maybe keep checking around at other stores, check Costco, they had a sign up in the one that I go to offering the vaccines last week when I was there.

I had a post pulled or flagged here. I guess a trigger word rang the alarms and Emily pulled it, or a couple of thin skinned people flagged it. Whatever, it shows even today the truth can't be told on this forum.

We all know what each other’s ”truth” is by now. Yesterday/last night we saw what happens when scientific opinions step on political opinions; no one is gonna change anyone’s minds.

Sometimes posts just don’t get through or stick. I don’t think any person is pulling or flagging. We dont need to ”change peoples’ minds.” This is only a discussion and some stating their plans. There is room for differing opinions — just be polite.

Salute to Susan Monarez, Lisa Cook, Ten year old Weston H. and his classmates.

Borders on?

I tried to schedule an appointment yesterday for the flu and covid. No covid vaccine available. I'm expecting the flu vaccine to not be available soon too because of the nut job in charge of our healthcare system. I suspect millions will die, mostly us older people, over the next few years.

What's obvious to most people with half a brain is how to identify "facts" when politically motivated people with no relevant education or experience and no subject matter background dispute and dismiss the truths, not opinions, of experts. Which is more valid? You and I may say duh, but for a shocking number of others, it's apparently a task they're unable to get right.

The Publix pharmacist told me they should have the vials late September/early October

I went to CVS this morning to get a refill for my mom. A man ahead of me asked if his 37 year old son, a supermarket worker, would be able to get the new covid vaccine when it’s available. ”Yes I think so, shouldn’t be a problem.” He left and I said to the worker that might not be right given yesterday’s news. ”Yeah I know, CVS doesn’t want us getting into the conversation.” Don’t know if that was a local or corporate directive, didn’t ask because, well, she wasn’t supposed to get into the conversation.

Seagrass, I’m so sorry that you lost your sense of smell. I hope it returns.

I suppose you’ve aleady sought help? I will be wishing you success in getting your sense of smell back. You must miss the fragrance of the sea and shore.

I didn't say a thing so why are you blowing a gasket FOOD? This is what I wrote that disappeared (but I still see it. I left out a paste at the end of the current Variants going around, they say there are six of them.

Patriciae, You stated no one in your brothers family was vaccinated, so were there any complications because of this and did it effect you or anyone else?

I refused to get vaccinated along with one niece and we were continuously lectured by my brothers, nephews and nieces in a cocky sense of superiority that it was the responsible thing to do. I also watched them all get covid with some multiple times. The last was a nephew I met up with on a day in Sept. 2023, the day he got a booster, and was complaining how it made him ill so he had to go home, but I did get the "responsible lecture" again before he left. A little over a week later he was down with covid for the third time.

You or I don't have the answers but what I observed was herd mentality believing a vaccine would make them invincible because Fauci said so, but amended the fallacy over and over again to pretend he knew the answers. My observations proved to me a vaccinated person is not immune and can transmit the Virus just as easy as unvaccinated people can, the whole Vax vs: unvaxed debate was based on junk science with no one having the answers.

One of my closest friends reported that her son and daughter-in-law and their 3 year old son have covid. The same time they came down with it, their other son (my friend's stepson), his wife and 2 kids who all live in Mexico were here visiting, so they wee all exposed. The son who lives in Mexico has a different mother, and before all was discovered, he and his family left to go visit his mom, stepdad, 1/2 brother and his wife and kids. So I count 15 people either with covid or with a close exposure. I know my friend and her husband are vaccinated...not sure about the rest. The mother of her stepson has severe asthma, so bringing covid into her home is no joke.

People not taking precautions are in denial that covid is still around. I still wear a mask to shop or when I am in a crowd for a performance, etc. I did start going back to restaurants in the last year, but am limiting it to open air or less crowded places. I have not yet had covid, thank goodness.

Why getting a COVID vaccine just got more complicated

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week narrowed approval of the new, updated COVID-19 vaccines only to people who are over 65, or younger people with underlying conditions that put them at higher risk for severe disease.

That decision has raised questions about access for the millions of Americans who don't fall in those categories — and potentially even for some who do.

According to pharmacists, insurance groups and trade organizations, it will be more difficult for younger, otherwise healthy people to get a COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the winter respiratory virus season, as it will involve a trip to the doctor instead of walking into a pharmacy, and insurance coverage is, for now, unclear.

For at least the next few weeks, as the policy shifts are absorbed, the confusion may also impact access for older, higher-risk people.

This comes as Trump administration officials maintain that "100% of adults in this country can still get the vaccine if they choose," as FDA Commissioner Marty Makary wrote on X. "We are not limiting availability to anyone," he said.

"The FDA's decision does not affect the availability of COVID vaccines

Continue…
Why getting a COVID vaccine just got more complicated
The FDA narrowed approval of the new COVID-19 vaccines.

Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/AqubtS9GNRqSv2VW_ZS7Bxg

“But in a further twist, CVS says that in another 13 states, people will need a prescription to get a COVID shot, even if they meet those qualifications. Those states are: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

And in three states, New Mexico, Nevada and Massachusetts, CVS is holding off on giving COVID shots, company spokesperson Amy Thibault said, citing "the current regulatory environment."

If you're young and healthy, and you want a COVID vaccine, will it be covered?

When it comes to insurance coverage, private insurance providers have suggested they could continue to cover the cost of COVID vaccines for anyone who gets a shot, even for younger, otherwise healthy adults — although they are awaiting guidance from the CDC's advisory panel, which meets Sept. 18 and 19.”

…

There is a lot of breaking news on this.

I'll probably get it, assuming available to seniors. Also the flu shot. Especially since we will be traveling in the fall, flying.

A friend just had covid, so don't think it's not out there any more. She was pretty sick, but not hospitalized.

I was told yesterday that my sister and SIL each had a COVID and RSV vaccination within the past week. Sister is 60, SIL is 66.

ETA: They got the vaccines at a Walgreens.

My neighbors got covid 2 weeks but seem ok today, it was a rough ride for them being over 65. In my state we need a script to get a shot but the details are still evolving since our healthcare authorities seem confused, what's left of them that is.

There is no confusion. The guidelines are to make the vaccine available to anyone over 65. Others can get it if they want also but have to consult with their doctor. Who wouldn't want to do that? Your doctor knows your history and can help weigh the pros and cons for you as an individual. The drive thru "Jab in the Box" does not have that history or knowledge of you.

I made my decision to not have the vaccine when it first came out after discussing it with our doctor. I'm low risk. DH made his decision after speaking to our doctor to have the vaccine because for his health issues the risks outweighed the benefits. But that was back when they still thought it was a going to protect people from getting Covid. No one expected to have an ongoing series of shots every few months. That's a first for any "vaccine" ever put on the market. With his heart issues now he will never take a Covid shot again. Because according to his cardiologists "we just don't know enough".

FWIW, I'm seeing headlines over the past couple days about some CVSs not providing the vax...?

I think it has something to do with uncertainties regarding regulatory laws. It's not something that's political.

Of course COVID is still around. So is the flu and colds. We are blessed that the virus is getting weaker and no longer wrecking the havoc as it was initially feared. Fear is a consuming thing. Keep doing you, here's praying it gives you peace.

CVS in FL is requesting a Dr's RX for anyone under 65

Exactly - and there's a link about in my last post.

Here's another about the rising rates of infection, and where it's highest:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-surge-west-center-states_l_68b1c4aae4b072bf6d64617e

excerpt:

"...It’s worth knowing that COVID tracking data is less reliable now because of COVID funding cuts..., less testing and the discontinuation of certain tools researchers relied on.

While tracking is less accurate than it was a few years ago, COVID is surging in these regions based on the data that is available..."

It's still very serious, especially for people who are frail, or not vaxxed. IMO, the 'me, me, me' folks need to show more compassion.

Good article, carolb. I wonder why virus is more prominent now in Tx, Okla, NM.

And as the article pointed out a lot of tools like testing, distribution and research has been cut back.

Do you honestly believe that stats on disease prevalence can be trusted now with the new-era CDC?

That has been discussed and gives a lot of medical people and us regular folk concern.

We may be increasingly in a Shoot-the-Messenger environment.

Recently a Bob attempted to have data he did not care for removed from a journal article. The editing board told him to go ____ _________.

“Do you honestly believe that stats on disease prevalence can be trusted now with the new-era CDC?”

i don’t think we’ve had good data at least since home testing became prevalent. The CDC stopped tracking in 2023

From Axios in Nov 2024:

”Fewer than 1 in 6 health care workers in hospitals and nursing homes reported getting COVID-19 boosters during the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found.”

It does make one wonder why.

tj

tj - I’d imagine there’s a multifaceted answer to that, but I’d start by recognizing that the term ”health care worker” is very broad and half of them might not be considered professional jobs.

Less now than in the past, but it’s struck me how many staff I’d see smoking outside of the hospital. And how many significantly overweight folks I’d see working in cardiology offices. Etc.

They’re humans, too.

Without the number of people surveyed, margin of error rate, and other relevant methodology, such stats are not that useful.

Carol, it was a CDC study in 2024. Are you as critical of other CDC studies?

tj

That's still not providing pertinent info.

kevin9408 They can't admit they were wrong. It's too frightening. Like the person saying the young men who developed heart issues had to be juicing. The it won't won't happen to me because I'm not like them delusion to feel safe thing. There's a name for that sort of reasoning but I can't recall what it is. I think is clear here I also did not take jab. My husband took the first two (2021) and has a developed a serious heart condition with no prior markers for it. Zero cardio-vascular issues, no high blood pressure or high cholesterol issues. NADA! Was at the doctors office with him today. Our PCP has a very strong interest in pharmacology. Always keeping up to date. We went over his medication list and tweaked dosages for some and his doctor strongly urged him to try doing without Gabapentin citing some serious side effects with long term use including mental health/cognitive issues. Yep. No Covid shots, cardiologist says the same, neutral on flu shot, recommends shingles because "it's a good one" and said since we had the 2 doses of pneumonia shots the third would be redundant and unnecessary. Friends and family who took multiple jabs of C vax are always sick. It's like they have zero immunity to much of anything. I'm around people of all ages and have had one minor cold all season. I believe I had Covid 19 before it was a thing. I was very ill with all the symptoms listed early on. This was in late Oct/Nov of 2019. Terrible 3 or 4 days and then ran its course as I recall. Both DH I had the Omicron one in July of whatever year that was. One day of feeling like crap and back in the saddle on day five. DH was pretty much same except for longer sinus stuff. Friends and family who did the whole vaccine circus take weeks to get over the sniffles. Young male neighbor had a stroke recently. Healthy and fit . Then wham. Sure these are anecdotal. But so are the I am so thankful I had the vax or I would have been sicker or maybe died stories. My anecdote is I am almost 75 and so thankful to have such good health, listened to my gut feelings and not died or gotten so sick as my peers.

I doubt the covid vax booster rate is much higher than 1/6 (17%) among the general population the last year or two.

What percentage of people have less intelligence than 50% of the population?

Most of my family’s covid cases, including my wife’s most recent, have originated during travel. There’s been growing evidence that the OTC nasal spray azelastine helps protect against covid and other respiratory infections. I’d certainly consider using it for a few days, or at least aboard a plane.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/covid-infection-may-prevented-common-nasal-antihistamine-spray-trial-s-rcna228500

Just scheduled my COVID/Flu vacs at CVS in FL for 9/15.

I like to take them at different times, some weeks apart, so that if I have a reaction, I know what the cause is.

Since whatever immunity results fade with time, and winter respiratory disease season straddles year end, I'll get them in October.

I called our pharmacy today. They have the covid and flu. I wiil be going soon.

I got the new Covid vaccine, and a flu shot, in Monday (9/8). I had made the appointment on-line. There have been no side effects ( unlike the original vaccine). This was at Walgreens, in Wisconsin. I'm over 65, but wasn't asked this when I made the appt.

So I posted a long bit an hour ago, and it was not shown, or someone flagged it. I'll try here. Husband had a six-month checkup, and the doc asked if he wanted the flu shot, and he said yes, so as the nurse gave it to him, she said do not get the COVID-19 vaccine for two weeks. I was planning to get both on the same visit, so I messaged my doc on the portal, and he gave a non-answer. He said it was my choice, and either was fine. He said he guesses the CDC wants to know of side effects, and if both are done at the same time, that would be difficult. What do you guys think???