Have you been boosted? Here's why the CDC recommends it

by Arthur Allen
Kaiser Health News
The virus sometimes causes severe illness even in those without underlying conditions, causing more deaths in children than other vaccine-preventable diseases...

Everyone over the age of 6 months should get the latest covid-19 booster, a federal expert panel recommended Tuesday after hearing an estimate that universal vaccination could prevent 100,000 more hospitalizations each year than if only the elderly were vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 13-1 for the motion after months of debate about whether to limit its recommendation to high-risk groups. A day earlier, the FDA approved the new booster, stating it was safe and effective at protecting against the covid variants currently circulating in the U.S.

After the last booster was released, in 2022, only 17% of the U.S. population got it — compared with the roughly half of the nation who got the first booster after it became available in fall 2021. Broader uptake was hurt by pandemic weariness and evidence the shots don’t always prevent covid infections. But those who did get the shot were far less likely to get very sick or die, according to data presented at Tuesday’s meeting.

The virus sometimes causes severe illness even in those without underlying conditions, causing more deaths in children than other vaccine-preventable diseases, as chickenpox did before vaccines against those pathogens were universally recommended.

The number of hospitalized patients with covid has ticked up modestly in recent weeks, CDC data shows, and infectious disease experts anticipate a surge in the late fall and winter.

The shots are made by Moderna and by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, which have decided to charge up to $130 a shot. They have launched national marketing campaigns to encourage vaccination. The advisory committee deferred a decision on a third booster, produced by Novavax, because the FDA hasn’t yet approved it. Here’s what to know:

Who should get the covid booster?

The CDC advises that everyone over 6 months old should, for the broader benefit of all. Those at highest risk of serious disease include babies and toddlers, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions including obesity. The risks are lower — though not zero — for everyone else. The vaccines, we’ve learned, tend to prevent infection in most people for only a few months. But they do a good job of preventing hospitalization and death, and by at least diminishing infections they may slow spread of the disease to the vulnerable, whose immune systems may be too weak to generate a good response to the vaccine.

Pablo Sánchez, a pediatrics professor at The Ohio State University who was the lone dissenter on the CDC panel, said he was worried the boosters hadn’t been tested enough, especially in kids. The vaccine strain in the new boosters was approved only in June, so nearly all the tests were done in mice or monkeys. However, nearly identical vaccines have been given safely to billions of people worldwide.

When should you get it?

The vaccine makers say they’ll begin rolling out the vaccine this week. If you’re in a high-risk group and haven’t been vaccinated or been sick with covid in the past two months, you could get it right away, says John Moore, an immunology expert at Weill Cornell Medical College. If you plan to travel this holiday season, as he does, Moore said, it would make sense to push your shot to late October or early November, to maximize the period in which protection induced by the vaccine is still high.

Who will pay for it?

When the ACIP recommends a vaccine for children, the government is legally obligated to guarantee kids free coverage, and the same holds for commercial insurance coverage of adult vaccines. For the 25 to 30 million uninsured adults, the federal government created the Bridge Access Program. It will pay for rural and community health centers, as well as Walgreens, CVS, and some independent pharmacies, to provide covid shots for free. Manufacturers have agreed to donate some of the doses, CDC officials said.

Will this new booster work against the current variants of covid?

It should. More than 90% of currently circulating strains are closely related to the variant selected for the booster earlier this year, and studies showed the vaccines produced ample antibodies against most of them. The shots also appeared to produce a good immune response against a divergent strain that initially worried people, called BA.2.86. That strain represents fewer than 1% of cases currently. Moore calls it a “nothingburger.”

Why are some doctors not gung-ho about the booster?

Experience with the covid vaccines has shown that their protection against hospitalization and death lasts longer than their protection against illness, which wanes relatively quickly, and this has created widespread skepticism. Most people in the U.S. have been ill with covid and most have been vaccinated at least once, which together are generally enough to prevent grave illness, if not infection — in most people. Many doctors think the focus should be on vaccinating those truly at risk.

With new covid boosters, plus flu and RSV vaccines, how many shots should I expect to get this fall?

People tend to get sick in the late fall because they’re inside more and may be traveling and gathering in large family groups. This fall, for the first time, there’s a vaccine — for older adults — against respiratory syncytial virus. Kathryn Edwards, a 75-year-old Vanderbilt University pediatrician, plans to get all three shots but “probably won’t get them all together,” she said. Covid “can have a punch” and some of the RSV vaccines and the flu shot that’s recommended for people 65 and older also can cause sore arms and, sometimes, fever or other symptoms. A hint emerged from data earlier this year that people who got flu and covid shots together might be at slightly higher risk of stroke. That linkage seems to have faded after further study, but it still might be safer not to get them together.

Pfizer and Moderna are both testing combination vaccines, with the first flu-covid shot to be available as early as next year.

Has this booster version been used elsewhere in the world?

Nope, although Pfizer’s shot has been approved in the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, and Moderna has won approval in Japan and Canada. Rollouts will start in the U.S. and other countries this week.

Unlike in earlier periods of the pandemic, mandates for the booster are unlikely. But “it’s important for people to have access to the vaccine if they want it,” said panel member Beth Bell, a professor of public health at the University of Washington.

“Having said that, it’s clear the risk is not equal, and the messaging needs to clarify that a lot of older people and people with underlying conditions are dying, and they really need to get a booster,” she said.

ACIP member Sarah Long, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, voted for a universal recommendation but said she worried it was not enough. “I think we’ll recommend it and nobody will get it,” she said. “The people who need it most won’t get it.”


KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

The things new moms should know about the 4th trimester

Photo provided
BRANDPOINT - Did you know that the first 12 weeks after giving birth are known as the fourth trimester? While you may have just given birth, your body will continue to change just like it did during your three trimesters of pregnancy.

The fourth trimester can have many surprises for first-time mothers. They might experience many physical, mental and emotional changes as their bodies heal and adjust to motherhood. While they may expect certain changes like stretch marks, hair loss and weight fluctuations, many other postpartum adjustments aren't discussed as much.

First Response™ wants to bring awareness to the changes mothers should expect during the fourth trimester. By learning about these changes and how to manage them, women can embrace and accept them with self-compassion and feel empowered to ask for support during their postpartum journey.

1. Postpartum bleeding

If you're a first-time or soon-to-be first-time mom, you may not know you'll experience bleeding after birth. While it may seem scary, this is a very normal part of the postpartum healing process.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this vaginal discharge is known as lochia and contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. It's similar to menstrual blood and can last several weeks, though the heaviness of the discharge should subside over time.

During the first six weeks after giving birth, use sanitary maxi pads (not tampons) to deal with the bleeding. For the first week, expect to go through several pads throughout the day. Most importantly, remember to take it easy and give your body time to heal.

2. Breast engorgement

During the fourth trimester, you may experience breast engorgement until your milk supply regulates. Your breasts may feel swollen, tight and tender, and you may even leak breast milk until symptoms subside, usually within a few days as you begin to regularly breastfeed. Use a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain. If you choose to breastfeed, you can wear a well-fitting bra to provide support and reduce soreness, according to La Leche League International.

If you don't plan to breastfeed, it can take up to several weeks for breast engorgement to subside. During this time, do not pump so your body gets the signal that it doesn't need to produce milk. A cold compress, supportive bra and over-the-counter pain meds can help you manage pain and discomfort until you stop producing milk.

3. Poor sleep

Babies don't have the same sleep schedules as adults. According to the Sleep Foundation, while newborns sleep up to 18 hours a day, they don't sleep in one solid block of time like adults do. Until your baby begins to sleep through the night, you will likely be up several times a night to attend to your baby.

To combat sleep deprivation during the fourth trimester, nap during the day when your baby sleeps. If a partner or family member is helping you, trade off middle-of-the-night feedings. Also, ask friends and family for help with house chores or child care so you can get some well-deserved rest.

4. Postpartum depression

You may have heard of the baby blues when mothers feel overwhelmed, irritable and stressed the first couple of weeks after giving birth. This is your body's natural response to the drop in hormone levels postpartum. However, some women may feel these symptoms more intensely and for long periods, indicating a more serious form of depression.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in seven women can develop postpartum depression (PPD) within the first six weeks of giving birth. Some symptoms of PPD include:

  • Depressed mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of energy or fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Because of the societal expectations of motherhood, it can be difficult for women to admit they need help. That's why it's incredibly important for new mothers to have a support system of friends, family and other mothers to help them overcome the stigma of PPD and get the care they need.

If you're experiencing PPD, reach out for help and contact your doctor. While PPD is serious, it is treatable.

Get connected

These are just four ways your life may change after giving birth. While these changes may sound overwhelming, you can manage them with a little help and understanding. That's why First Response has launched the Pregnancy Hub by First Response.

This online community aims to connect, inspire and provide resources to those navigating trying to conceive (TTC), pregnancy and motherhood. By joining, you'll have free access to resources and advice, the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with other members, share personal experiences, and more. To learn more and get connected, visit FirstResponsePregnancyHub.SocialMediaLink.com.


**The content provided on this health blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.**


Ten ways to thank a caregiver this holiday season

Photo Provided

BRANDPOINT - Chances are you know a caregiver. It could be the teacher at your child's school, balancing classroom duties and caring for an aging parent after the bell rings. Maybe it's your coworker who also takes care of a chronically ill spouse at home. Or your friend who makes time to catch up despite their busy schedule assisting their disabled sibling with everyday tasks.

With caregivers playing such a vital role for loved ones - a spouse, child, parents or even a friend - it is important that caregivers be supported too. Becoming a fulltime caregiver is usually not a role anyone is prepared to take on and can often come with challenges and emotional hardships. However, creating connection and building support networks can provide a safety net for caregivers and give them somewhere to turn when navigating new or difficult situations.

Supportive communities and resources are important for caregivers in every season. An easy first step in showing up for the caregivers in your own life is to express gratitude and establish yourself as a means of support and understanding.

Need help getting started? Consider these 10 ways to say thanks to a caregiver in your life:

1. Write a thank you note.

Whether short and sweet or long and detailed, a simple letter expressing gratitude and recognizing everything caregivers do is an easy way to say thanks and create connection.

Photo: Adrian/Pixabay

2. Send them a personal gift.

Gift cards and other small tokens of gratitude are a great way to express thanks and provide caregivers with something for themselves, encouraging self-care and prioritizing caregiver well-being.

3. The gift of time, so they can do self-care.

Another way to encourage self-care is by stepping in for a caregiver for a few hours, allowing them some free time to take care of themselves and do what they enjoy.

4. Make regular visits.

Caregiving can often be an isolating role, as many of the people receiving care may have limited mobility or spend most of their time at home. In this, it's important to physically show up for the caregiver in your life and spend quality time with them.

5. Gift them a journal or planner.

An important role of caregivers is to keep track of appointments, medication schedules and more. Gifting a journal or planner to help them stay organized can be an easy way to support their everyday life.

6. Express your gratitude with food.

Not only does cooking a meal for a caregiver help alleviate some of their workload, but it also is an effective way to connect with those around you and spark meaningful conversations.

7. Exercise together.

Many studies suggest that exercising with a caregiver and the person receiving care can improve both mental and physical health, making it an easy way to show thanks and prioritize well-being.

8. Plan a movie night.

Express thanks by arranging a movie night, setting aside time to connect and bond over a favorite movie of theirs.

9. Have a portrait taken.

A powerful way to create connection and meaningful memories is by having a portrait taken of caregiver and care recipient, gifting an image that will always remind them of the vital role they play.

10. Create a team of support.

One of the best ways to support the caregiver in your life and express consistent gratitude for all they do, is by surrounding them with a network of resources and creating a Caregiver Support Team.

Whether it's by saying thanks, helping to establish a caregiver support network or simply spending quality time, showing up for the caregivers in your life can have an immense impact on their well-being, and in turn, can improve the quality of care they provide.

For additional resources and to learn more about how you can ensure the caregiver in your life feels supported at every turn, connect with Careforth.


Fieldcrest tops Richland County at Country Financial Shootout

ST. JOSEPH - Fieldcrest's Kaitlyn White dribbles past Richland County's Rylee Bloomer during the first quarter of their Country Financial Shootout game. White, who scored 23 points to lead the Lady Knights past the Tigers, was named the Country Financial Player-of-the-Game. Fieldcrest prevailed 50-43 at the eight-team shootout on Saturday.

Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Photo Gallery

Martinie's 21 points seals SJO win over ALAH at shootout

ST. JOSEPH - Spartans' Addisyn Martinie goes up for a shot in front of Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond's Sarah Herschbrger during the second half action in their Country Financial Shootout game on Saturday. Draining five treys and going 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, Martinie finished the day with 21 points. The St. Joseph-Ogden senior earned the game's Player-of-the-Game award.

Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Photo Gallery

Country Financial Shootout report: Pleasant Plains beats #1 Breese Central

Anna Weber from Pleasant Plains
ST. JOSEPH - Pleasant Plains' Anna Weber blocks a shot from Breese Central's Kylie Rakers in the second half of their Country Financial Shootout game on Saturday. Weber, who was awarded Player-of-the-Game, and the Cardinals upset the Class 2A number one team in the state after an electric 40-37 finish at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Pleasant Plains improved their record to 9-5 behind Weber's game-high 19-points.

Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Photo Gallery