| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
There are so many studies out there regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations for people to read and react to. How do we know/decide which study is accurate and worthwhile for patients and which studies aren’t when it comes to COVID-19?
As eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination now includes children 5–11, parents may want to consider preparing their children in advance of the needlestick. "Vaccines and shots are always a stressful part of the visits for our kids," says Dr. Tina Ardon, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic and mom of three. "Talking about that ahead of time was really helpful for them, as you can explain what to expect and why it's important to take the vaccines."
It's cold and flu season on top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The concern this year is the early arrival of respiratory syncytial virus, along with an uncertain flu season after a mild one last year due to many people in isolation and wearing masks.
Cold weather, increased travel, waning immunity and the potential for new variants may serve up the perfect recipe for a holiday COVID-19 surge, according to Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group.
On Wednesday, Nov. 17, Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist Dr. Abinash Virk answered media questions about COVID-19 immunity, boosters, breakthrough cases and more. Dr. Virk also addressed the upcoming holiday season and the risk of COVID-19 cases increasing.
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My 14-year-old daughter has seasonal allergies that usually spike in the fall, as well as a love of the outdoors, so it is not uncommon for her to be congested and coughing. Last year, we home-schooled her, but now she is back in school in person. As we move from the fall into winter, how can I tell the differences between her allergies, a common cold, the flu, and COVID-19?
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have three girls, ages 6, 8, and 11. They have been attending school virtually for the past year and a half, and I have been limiting their encounters with friends and family due to COVID-19. Although I am vaccinated for COVID-19, I'm not still sure if my children should be. I'm worried about side effects and how effective the vaccine will be in young children. Do you have any advice?
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I'm 60, and I have received my first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. I typically spend a month each winter at my daughter's home. Although I am scheduled for my second dose soon, I was wondering about obtaining a booster vaccination. When will I be eligible, and is it necessary at my age to boost my immunity against COVID-19?
