The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new advice regarding vaccines for COVID and pneumonia.
The CDC now recommends that everyone 65 years and older get a second COVID shot in the spring, in addition to the one this fall. Find out more at tinyurl.com/2COVIDshots.
The new CDC recommendation comes for two main reasons.
First, studies show that new protection against hospitalization and critical illness for those 65 and older wanes within six months after vaccination. The analysis assessed the additional protection on top of the protection acquired from having and recovering from COVID, or from previous vaccinations. Think of each vaccination as a booster of existing immunity.
Second, seniors who get two shots per year have around 20% extra protection against hospitalization compared to those who get only one shot per year.
Bottom line: The CDC makes the case that seniors should get this year’s COVID shot now, and then another one that will be available in spring of 2025.
The CDC has also lowered the recommended age for getting vaccinated against the bacteria that cause pneumonia and some other serious diseases.
The CDC now recommends everyone 50 years and older get one of the pneumococcal vaccines. Find out more at tinyurl.com/CDCpneumonia.
The vaccine helps protect against a common form of pneumonia as well as meningitis, and sinus, ear, and blood infections. The culprit is the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which cause infections that are more common and more severe in older adults.
The agency also recommends vaccinating children under 5, as well as people who are at increased risk because of conditions like diabetes; chronic heart, liver or kidney disease; or other underlying issues that weaken the immune system.
Your healthcare provider can help you select which of the pneumonia vaccines to get. There’s also an app to help you navigate this decision: tinyurl.com/PneumoniaApp.
Looking for an on-island vaccination source?
It’s not too late to get this year’s COVID, flu, and RSV vaccinations. On-island options include:
Vashon Pharmacy: Appointments are available at vashonpharmacy.com, or you can walk in without an appointment.
Sea Mar: Walk in without an appointment for COVID vaccinations. Check vaccine availability at seamar.org/covid-vaccine.
Mobile Integrated Health (MIH): If you are homebound, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue’s MIH service can vaccinate you at home. Appointments are available at timetap.com/book/VIFRMIH. You may also email mih@vifr.org or call (206) 463-2405.
This season’s mass vaccination campaign has reached even more members of the community than last year. More than 4,300 COVID and flu shots were administered by Vashon Pharmacy by the end of October.
“This is a great community response and exceeds the number of vaccinations we had given by this time last year,” says Dr. Tyler Young, pharmacist and owner of Vashon Pharmacy. “We were able to achieve these large numbers so quickly thanks to volunteers from VashonBePrepared who helped run clinics at the pharmacy and schools.”
Partners in the community vaccination effort included Vashon Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Vashon Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Vashon Island School District, and Vashon Island Fire & Rescue.
Generous community members, including Vashon Pharmacy, have donated funds covering the cost of 77 vaccinations so far this season for islanders without insurance. VashonBePrepared maintains ongoing funds for child and adult vaccinations for COVID, flu, and tetanus. Donations to VashonBePrepared can be earmarked for these funds. These community funds also cover no-cost vaccinations at the community health fairs.
Bad weather driving
The rainy and night-driving season has arrived in full force, now that we have experienced our first atmospheric river event. It’s time for a refresher on bad weather driving safety. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests you follow the three P’s. Prepare. Protect. Prevent.
Prepare:
• Check lights, battery, tire tread, windshield wipers, and top off your no-freeze window washing fluid.
• Charge up your cell phone so you can call for help if needed, and to get the latest road and weather information. Keep a charging cable in the car.
• Stock your vehicle with flashlights, a reflective vest, jumper cables, a shovel, an ice scraper and snow brush, blankets, and some emergency food and water.
• Scrape ice off all windows and mirrors before driving. Winter driving requires complete visibility to spot other vehicles, cyclists, and walkers.
• If it’s snowing or icy, be sure to let others know your planned route and arrival time. Agree in advance on check-in times.
• The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) puts out a practical checklist of winter supplies to keep in your vehicle: tinyurl.com/WinterDriverKit.
Protect:
• Buckle up and seat children under 12 in the much safer back seat. Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an airbag.
• If you’re idling while parked, be mindful of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Run your car sporadically — just long enough to stay warm.
• When stopped on the road or shoulder, make your vehicle visible by putting on the emergency flashers.
Prevent:
• Alcohol and drugs never mix with driving. Keep this in mind especially as we approach Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season.
• Slow down and leave extra following distance to allow more time to stop on wet or icy roads.
• Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. They are harder to see at night and in rain and snow.
• Expect the unexpected, especially near schools and high vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas.
• Avoid fatigue – rest before your trip and take breaks every few hours.
• Slow down and steer clear around snow plows, transportation workers, and road equipment.
NHTSA publishes a detailed tip sheet expanding on the three P’s of winter driving, which can be found at tinyurl.com/Winter3Ps.
