Category: Brief Messages or Announcements

FEMA Emergency Alert Test Today

I just found out that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a routine Emergency Alert Test around 2:20 p.m. ET today.

According to FEMA, “The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.”

You can ignore the misinformation on social media about conspiracy theories regarding the test.

CDC Recommendations for Fall-Winter Immunizations

The CDC recommendations for Fall-winter immunizations were updated as of September 29, 2023. A few states require a physician’s prescription for the RSV vaccine. Information varies on the web on which states require a prescription for the RSV vaccine. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy website is clear on the matter–you’ll need a prescription.

Most states don’t require a prescription for the RSV vaccine. The CDC recommends having a shared decision-making discussion with your doctor to help you decide about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you. The best thing to do would be to call your doctor, the state board of pharmacy, or your local pharmacy to find out how you should proceed.

Wendy’s New Pumpkin Spice Frosty

We got over to Wendy’s to try the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty yesterday. I thought it was pretty good. Sena was OK with it at first—but then decided she wouldn’t get it again.

We’re now focused on trying the Peppermint Frosty. We might have to wait until mid-November, though. I read this was out last year around the same time (mid-November). I don’t know how we could have missed it.

Covid-19 and Flu Vaccines Today

Today I got the new Covid-19 vaccine and the flu shot. I scheduled on line late last week and got right in. I didn’t have to wait long in line—and there were others getting the same vaccines. Sena will get them tomorrow.

It’s up to you.

RSV Vaccine Prescription Necessary for Some States

Sena and I were wondering if you need a prescription to get the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.

It turns out only four states require doctor prescription to get RSV vaccine: Iowa, Georgia, Missouri, and Utah. Washington D.C. is working on making the RSV vaccine available without a prescription.

The Iowa Pharmacy Association blog post about the issue makes it clear a prescription is needed to get the RSV vaccine.

How to Find Covid-19 Vaccine Availability By County

I’m finding out that maybe the best way to learn what the local public health issues are concerning Covid-19 infections as well as vaccine availability are through the county public health agency in my area.

According to the Johnson County Public Health department, hospital admission rates in Johnson County currently low. I can search the map and see that admissions are rising in certain areas of Iowa.

I also learned that the new Covid-19 vaccine will more likely be available closer to the end of the month or early next month rather than in a few days as suggested by presenters at the CDC meeting on September 12, 2023.

The county public health agencies may not have the most current information. Johnson County’s last update as of yesterday was September 1, 2023.

You can also check local pharmacies for availability of the Covid-19 vaccine.

CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine This Fall-Winter Season

The CDC has posted a press release announcing that it has recommended the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the fall/winter virus season.

CDC ACIP Meeting Today on Covid-19 Vaccines

Today is the scheduled meeting for the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). It meets from 10 AM-4 PM EDT. The final agenda is here.

The presentation slides are at this link.

I also want to recommend the recent article on the new Covid vaccine published in Scientific American on September 1, 2023, entitled “When Will the Next COVID Vaccine Be Available, and Who Should Get It?

I think it’s a nice, balanced article which avoids extreme opinions and sticks to the scientific facts.