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Vaccines and immunizations Archive

Articles

Shaking off shingles

Shingles is a painful neurological condition that is more likely to attack as people age. Left untreated, it can increase risk for chronic pain, blindness, and other long-term health problems.

COVID-19 vaccines: Safe and effective for American Indian and Alaskan Native communities

Concerns circulating about the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in American Indian/Alaskan Native communities, compared to the other available vaccines for COVID-19, have been answered by responses from medical professionals within the Indigenous population, as well as by statistics showing that all three vaccines are safe and effective in people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

Should we track all breakthrough cases of COVID-19?

Despite the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, a small number of people develop cases even after being fully vaccinated. Most of these "breakthrough" cases are mild or moderate, and the CDC has decided to track only the ones that require hospitalization, which has disadvantages.

Summer camp: What parents need to know this year

Many parents and children hope that this summer will allow a return to typical activities. For families who are considering summer camp for their children, adjustments and adaptations will need to be made because of COVID-19, and parents should be prepared to ask questions about planning and risk management.

Can I see my grandkids?

People who are vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely visit with family members who aren't vaccinated, provided they are not at high risk for severe illness and don't live with someone who is.

Can the COVID-19 vaccine affect my mammogram?

The COVID-19 vaccine may cause a harmless temporary swelling of lymph nodes that could be mistaken for cancer on a mammogram or other imaging test.

Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

People who get the COVID-19 vaccine may experience arm pain, rashes, aches, fever, or fatigue. Doctors say it's worth the risk, since an older adult's risk of dying from COVID is 3% to 11%.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children — what parents need to know

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, is a rare syndrome in some children that affects the heart and other organs. It may be a reaction to a current or past COVID-19 infection, but test results for the coronavirus are sometimes negative.

The pandemic isn't over — particularly for people with disabilities

While the pandemic has disrupted everyone's lives, its effects on the lives of people with disabilities are especially evident. And COVID-19 may pose a greater risk to some people with intellectual and physical disabilities, though this may depend on a variety of factors.

Sickle cell disease: Ways to help teens and parents

Children with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for many health problems and possible complications get more serious as children grow into adults. Here are ways for parents to support teens with SCD in learning to take care of themselves.

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