Are We Ready For Fall Viruses? Updates on Vaccines, COVID-19, Flu, and RSV (with Rob Citronberg, MD)
Let’s take a little walk down Vaccine Memory Lane. Do you remember how it felt when you got access to the first Covid vaccine in late 2020/early 2021? Julie remembers DRESSING UP to go and get her vaccine. (She wore a turkey hat with little Santa hats on its feet since it was close to the holidays).
Now, do you remember last winter’s TRIPLEDEMIC??
How can we avoid the same situation this year? What are the options and recommendations for folks for prevention of flu, COVID, and RSV?
Today we have invited our doctor friend and expert in Infectious Diseases to explain the viral landscape in the US in the autumn of 2023. After today’s episode you will feel empowered to make your personal vaccine choices based on your risk factors, epidemiologic evidence, and straight-from-the-source data-backed recommendations from CHICAGO’S FAUCI HIMSELF!!
Welcome, Dr. Rob Citronberg!
You may remember Dr. Citronberg from our previous episode about Monkeypox, Covid and Polio posted almost exactly a year ago!
- Dr. Citronberg is the Executive Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Advocate Aurora Health
- MD from University of Connecticut, IM Residency and ID Fellowship at RUSH
- Trusted news source as Infectious Disease expert (catch him regularly on ABC Chicago!)
- Julie was afraid of him when she was a resident (til she did an ID rotation then they were besties)
“Get your COVID vaccine when you can, don’t worry too much about timing it perfectly. It’s a step towards getting back to a normal life, protecting ourselves and our loved ones.” – Rob Citronberg, MD
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Find out how vaccinations stand as the frontline defense against COVID-19, Flu, and RSV.
- Understand the significance of safeguarding pregnant people and infants through planned vaccinations.
- Find out how to create memorable and safe holiday gatherings during pandemic times.
- Learn to access the most credible and valuable health and public information from respected medical experts.
- Decide which vaccines this fall/winter are most important for you based on your individual risk factors.
- Determine whether masking in public makes sense for you.
Key moments in this episode include:
00:00:00 – Introduction,
00:02:16 – Vaccine Landscape,
00:07:43 – Variants and Vaccines,
00:10:10 – Impact of Prior Pandemic Restrictions,
00:11:48 – RSV Overview,
00:12:42 – Vaccine Recommendations,
00:14:22 – The Importance of COVID-19 Vaccines,
00:16:01 – Transition to Annual COVID Shots vs “Boosters”,
00:17:46 – Targeting High-Risk Populations,
00:22:52 – RSV Vaccines for Infants and Pregnant People,
00:28:07 – Challenges with Vaccination Uptake,
00:29:17 – Monoclonal Antibodies as a Game Changer,
00:32:14 – Preventing Serious Illnesses in Newborns,
00:34:13 – Continued Interest in Vaccine Research,
00:37:06 – School Safety and Recommendations,
00:42:52 – “Work Culture and Changing Attitudes”,
00:43:48 – “Changing Attitudes in the Medical Field”,
00:45:20 – “Shift towards Work-Life Balance”,
00:46:08 – “Handling Holiday Plans during the Pandemic”,
00:51:17 – “Effects of Masks and Mask Mandates”,
00:56:50 – Importance of Listening to Credentialed Experts,
00:57:29 – Recommended Source: Your Local Epidemiologist,
00:58:15 – Keeping a Low Profile,
00:59:18 – Call to Action: Share the Podcast,
01:00:15 – Importance of Vaccination,
Dr. Citronberg recommends the following resources if you want to learn more about vaccines this fall:
The CDC website, specifically their pages about vaccine recommendations.
Johns Hopkins University of Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.
Your Local Epidemiologist Substack by Katelyn Jetelina PhD, MPH.
The New York Times – their coverage of vaccines has been well-presented and evidence-based.
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(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)
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