Bird Flu News:

• Egg prices are rising again as bird flu limits supply. (CNBC)
• Many farmers are choosing not to show their cows at state fairs this year for fear of a positive H5N1 test. (Washington Post)
• CDC shared its outreach data, targeting farm workers on Instagram, Facebook, and Pandora radio to share info, including symptoms to look out for. (CDC)

Health News:

• While the WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, they’re assuring the public that it’s not a ‘new COVID’ because we know how to control the spread. (Al Jazeera)
• Congo will receive mpox vaccine doses from the U.S. by next week. (AP)
• The FDA may greenlight updated COVID shots as early as this week. (CNN
• COVID may (finally) be slowing down in the South and Midwest, though national wastewater is still at the ‘very high’ level. (CIDRAP)
• Loss of smell during COVID has been linked to “subtle brain damage.” (Nature)
• A groundbreaking new nasal spray that could replace EpiPens for allergic reactions will hit the market in September.  (NY Times)
• Children and staff at a daycare in New Hampshire were exposed to TB by an infectious adult. (NHPR)
• A salmonella outbreak linked to pet turtles has sickened 51 people in 21 states. (CIDRAP)
• The CDC issued an alert for travel-related Oropouche virus after 11 cases have been found in the U.S. this year (CDC)
• There are major economic and racial disparities in who can access weight-loss drugs. (Washington Post)

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Mental Health & Substance Use News:

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• Alcohol played a part in 2.6 million deaths in 2019, the WHO says. (Washington Post)
• Every NYC school building now has naloxone to reverse overdoses. (Chalkbeat)

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or need help, call or text 988.
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Best Questions:

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Which COVID vaccines will be available, and when? 

There are two types of updated COVID vaccines that are expected to be approved by the FDA in the coming weeks. As early as this week, Moderna and Pfizer’s updated mRNA vaccines are expected to get the green light, which means they could be available to the general public as early as next week since they’re ready to ship as soon as they’re approved. These target the KP.2 variant, which is closely matched to the virus that’s currently circulating. There’s another option from Novavax, which is a more traditional protein-based vaccine. This one targets the JN.1 variant, the slightly older parent variant of KP.2. That’s because it’s much easier to update mRNA vaccines with the latest variant, though both are expected to be effective at preventing severe illness. It’s unclear if the Novavax vaccine will also be greenlit this week, but we should have more information by the end of the week and expect at least some shots to be available before Labor Day. 

Sources: NY Times, WTTW, Verywell Health

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When should I get the updated COVID vaccine? 

Choosing when to get your updated vaccine can be complicated. Since there’s a major surge happening in the U.S. right now, it may make good sense to get an updated dose ASAP, as long as it’s been more than four months since your last dose and at least three months since you last had COVID. That’s especially true if you’re at higher risk or over 65. Generally, you can expect four months of the strongest protection, so some may choose to wait until the end of September or early October to get maximum coverage for the winter holidays and early January, which are historically when the virus peaks. For both COVID and flu vaccines, both of which are now recommended for everyone over age 6, it’s best to get your shot by Halloween at the absolute latest. Speak with your doctor to determine the best vaccine plan for your specific situation. 

Sources: NY Times, WTTW, Verywell Health

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Best Read:

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For Epidemics to Cross Oceans, Viruses on Ships Had to Beat the Odds - The New York Times

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