flu vaccines

A new update on next-generation Covid vaccines highlights that the first combined flu and Covid vaccine has been approved for people aged 50 and over. A large effectiveness trial is beginning in Denmark and Spain, and phase 2 results have been released for a so-called variant-proof vaccine designed to work against multiple strains at once.

Reports say the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, marking a new application of the technology widely used in COVID-19 vaccines. The trending term reflects news headlines about the decision. Beyond the headline itself, the available posts contain no further details on the vaccine's maker, availability, or public reaction, so what people are saying beyond sharing the news is not clear from the posts.

A new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases finds that most US adults support vaccines, yet many remain unclear about current recommendations for respiratory vaccines, such as those for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The findings highlight a gap between general trust in vaccination and public understanding of which shots are advised and when.

Public health officials are telling people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines before the end of October, so protection builds up before respiratory virus season peaks in the winter months. The advice applies broadly as both viruses circulate at the same time each year, and officials stress vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe illness and hospital stays.

Ontario is rolling out Covid and flu vaccinations beginning September 28 for priority groups, including hospital patients and staff, people aged 65 and older, and residents and staff of long-term care homes, retirement homes and similar settings. The early access is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable before the wider respiratory illness season, with broader eligibility for the general public expected to follow later.

Clark County has confirmed its first flu-related death of the season, prompting local health officials to renew calls for vaccination. Health experts recommend that everyone aged six months and older get a flu shot, warning that the virus is already circulating. Commenters are sharing the news as a timely reminder to get vaccinated ahead of the peak of flu season.

Health experts in Wisconsin are encouraging residents to get their flu shots as the season approaches. Officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza and reduce strain on local hospitals. The reminder comes as part of routine seasonal health messaging aimed at boosting vaccination rates across the state.

Essentia Health is holding vaccine clinics ahead of the respiratory virus season, making flu and other routine immunisations available to patients in the communities it serves. The health system is encouraging people to get vaccinated early, before case numbers of respiratory illnesses rise during the fall and winter months.

Local health departments have begun offering flu vaccines on a walk-in basis, removing the need for appointments. Residents can visit their nearest department during opening hours to get vaccinated ahead of flu season. Health officials typically encourage annual flu shots, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions.

The Cattaraugus County Health Department in western New York will begin running influenza and Covid-19 vaccination clinics for residents. The announcement signals the start of the respiratory illness season vaccination push, giving residents local access to both seasonal flu shots and updated Covid vaccines as health officials prepare for fall and winter illness.