Latest news with #fluVaccine
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Moderna Stock Was So Healthy This Week
The company was pleased to report the findings of a late-stage clinical trial of its advanced flu vaccine. This might not be enough to turn around the fortunes of the developer of go-to COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax, however. 10 stocks we like better than Moderna › Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), the next-generation healthcare company most famous for developing the Spikevax coronavirus vaccine, was an uncharacteristically popular stock. Investors piled into its shares over the week, sending it to a more than 12% gain over the period, according to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Positive news from the lab was a significant factor in this. On Monday, Moderna published the results of a late-stage study of mRNA-1010, its seasonal flu vaccine. In a phase 3 clinical trial the vaccine, developed using Moderna's signature mRNA-based approach, produced a more robust immune response than a standard flu jab currently available on the market. That surely came as a relief to Moderna investors, since the company's latest stock-rattling news was its withdrawal of a Food and Drug Administration application for a combination COVID-19/flu vaccine in May. At the time, the company pledged to submit a new application based on efficacy data from the stand-alone trial. Along with the latest findings for mRNA-1010, Moderna said that it would also resubmit its application for the combination vaccine. As for the flu shot alone, in the press release detailing the trial's results the company quoted CEO Stéphane Bancel as saying that they "are a significant milestone in our effort to reduce the burden of influenza in older adults." Although this latest development is the good news Moderna shareholders have been waiting for quite some time to receive, I personally don't think it makes the company's stock a buy in and of itself, as I can't imagine a new flu vaccine will light the world on fire. Having said that, Moderna does have an admirably loaded slate of development programs, so if one or several show promise the shares might become more enticing. Before you buy stock in Moderna, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Moderna wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $699,558!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $976,677!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Moderna. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Moderna Stock Was So Healthy This Week was originally published by The Motley Fool
Wall Street Journal
30-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Moderna Shares Jump With Positive Test Results for MRNA Flu Vaccine
Moderna's shares rallied after the biotechnology company's messenger RNA flu vaccine candidate showed positive results in a late-stage trial. In early trading, the shares were 4.3% higher at $28.34, narrowing the year-to-date drop to 32%.
New York Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Kennedy's New Advisers Rescind Recommendations for Some Flu Vaccines
Vaccine advisers recently appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted on Thursday to stop recommending flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination, to children and pregnant women. Dozens of studies have shown thimerosal to be harmless, and it has not been a component of most childhood shots since 2001. Yet Mr. Kennedy and other critics have long insisted that the preservative might be linked to rising rates of autism. 'The risk from influenza is so greater than the nonexistent risk as far as we know from thimerosal,' said the lone dissenter, Dr. Cody Meissner, a pediatrician at Tufts Children's Hospital and widely considered to be the most qualified member of the new committee. 'I find it very hard to justify' the panel's decision, he added. In a separate vote, the new advisers recommended seasonal flu vaccines to all Americans 6 months and older. On the second day of their meeting, the advisers seemed to be warming to their roles as disrupters of the decades-old processes that have guided vaccines to Americans. In addition to certain flu vaccines, some panelists questioned the safety of other products already approved by the Food and Drug Administration and thoroughly vetted by independent experts. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Health Line
23-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What's the Best Time of the Year to Get a Flu Shot?
Getting vaccinated can lower your chances of getting the flu. While you can get a flu shot anytime during flu season, the timing does matter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the seasonal flu causes around 120,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations and 6300 to 52,000 deaths every year in the United States. In this article, we'll help you understand how to time your flu vaccine for maximum protection. When should you get a flu shot? In the northern hemisphere, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated between early September and late October. The flu virus is around all year, but it spreads more easily from September through the spring, generally peaking between December and February. It takes about 2 weeks to develop enough antibodies from the flu vaccine to protect you against the flu. Protection fades over time, so getting vaccinated before September may leave you more vulnerable toward the end of flu season. You can continue to get the vaccine through late winter to early spring. Children ages 6 months to 8 years may need 2 doses 4 weeks apart if they have not received at least 2 doses in prior years or do not know if they received this previously. Otherwise, they should be able to have an annual dose, so it's best to get them started in early September. Who shouldn't get vaccinated? If you're currently feeling sick, it's best to wait until you're better. Avoid the flu shot if you have a severe allergy to any of the ingredients that may be used in the vaccine, such as: thimerosal, a preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), a stabilizer that keeps vaccines from losing their potency antibiotics, such as neomycin and gentamicin polysorbate 80, an emulsifier that keeps the ingredients from separating formaldehyde, which inactivates the flu virus Babies under 6 months old shouldn't be vaccinated. If you've had Guillain-Barré syndrome, talk with your doctor before getting the flu vaccine. The nasal spray contains a weakened live virus. It shouldn't be taken by people who: are younger than 2 or older than 50 years are 2 to 4 years old and have asthma are 2 to 17 years old and take medications containing aspirin or salicylate are pregnant have life threatening allergies to the flu vaccine have a suppressed immune system are in close contact with someone with a suppressed immune system have taken antiviral drugs for the flu within the previous 48 hours Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of the nasal spray vaccine if you have: asthma or chronic lung disease a blood disorder diabetes or other metabolic disorders heart, kidney, or liver disease a neurologic or neuromuscular disorder How does the flu shot protect you? The flu shot prompts your immune system to produce antibodies against a specific strain of the flu. If you're exposed to this particular flu virus later, you'll already have antibodies ready to fight off the virus. It usually takes about 2 weeks to build up your immunity to a flu virus after you've been vaccinated against it. You'll have the most antibodies 3 to 4 weeks late r. After this time, your protection begins to decline. That's why you need a flu shot every year. Each year's vaccine is based on which strains are most likely to spread during that flu season. The vaccine won't protect you from every strain. But if you do get sick, it'll likely be less severe due to the vaccine. Getting your flu shot can help lower your risk of flu complications that could put you in the hospital. Are there side effects? Most people have little to no reaction following the vaccine. There's no live virus in the flu shot, so it can't give you the flu. Some people have a temporary reaction at the injection site, such as: tenderness redness or other color changes minor swelling This usually clears up within a day or two. Other side effects may include: headache lightheadedness Low grade fever muscle aches nausea These side effects are usually mild and should clear up in a couple of days. Signs of severe allergic reactions usually occur within a few hours. These may include: fainting hives hoarseness rapid heartbeat swelling of eyes or lips trouble breathing wheezing According to the CDC, life threatening reactions are rare. If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Where can you go to get a flu shot? Usually, you can get a flu vaccine at your doctor's office, your local pharmacy, or even at a walk-in retail clinic. Some employers even provide flu shots for their employees at their workplace. How much does it cost? The flu shot is often free in the United States if you have health insurance. If you're not sure whether it's covered, call your insurance provider to find out if you need to pay anything toward the cost. Even without insurance, you should be able to find a flu vaccine for under $50. It's a free preventive service under Medicare and Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant policies. If you don't have health insurance or can't afford a vaccine, you may still be able to find a low cost or no-cost flu vaccine. To learn more about these options, try the following: Call your doctor's office, local hospital, and local community clinics. Call local pharmacies, and be sure to ask about coupons. Contact your state health department. Visit a searchable database of local vaccine providers. The bottom line The flu can strike anyone and lead to serious, life threatening complications. The best time to get your flu shot is from early September to late October. This timing offers you and your loved ones maximum protection for the duration of the flu season.
Health Line
18-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Ingredients Are in the Flu Shot?
During the last half-century, millions of people have gotten the flu shot. Very few people have had any serious problems. Research overwhelmingly shows that the flu vaccine and the chemicals it contains are safe. If you read the ingredient list of your average flu vaccine, you may notice words like formaldehyde, polysorbate 80, and thimerosal. Some of these ingredients, such as thimerosal, have made news in recent years because of concerns that they may pose health risks. Here's a rundown of the typical ingredients you'll find in a flu vaccine, and the real story behind those possible risks. What's in a flu shot? When you get a flu vaccine, you have two options: Inactivated influenza vaccines that contain flu viruses that have been killed, so they can't cause the flu. Live influenza vaccine (LAIV or FluMist) nasal sprays that contain a live but weakened form of the virus. Here are some ingredients you'll find in the flu shot: Egg protein Many flu vaccines are made by growing the viruses inside fertilized chicken eggs. This means that they contain a small amount of egg protein. A newer version of the vaccine, called Flucelvax, is grown in animal cells instead. Preservatives Vaccine manufacturers add the preservative thimerosal to multidose vaccine vials. Thimerosal helps prevent and kill dangerous bacteria and fungi in the vial. Thimerosal contains mercury, which can be toxic in large doses. There isn't enough evidence to show the small amount contained in the flu vaccine is dangerous. But if you're concerned, thimerosal-free versions of the flu vaccine are available. Stabilizers Sucrose, sorbitol, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are used to keep vaccines stable. They prevent vaccines from losing potency, even when exposed to heat and light. Sucrose is the same table sugar you spoon into your coffee. Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that's also found in chewing gum. MSG is a flavor enhancer. Commonly thought of as an additive in Chinese food, it's used in many processed foods. Though certain people are sensitive to MSG, the amount found in the flu vaccine is very small. Antibiotics Neomycin, gentamicin, and other antibiotics are added to vaccines in very small amounts. They stop bacteria from contaminating the vaccine. Polysorbate 80 This emulsifier prevents sauces and salad dressings from separating. In vaccines, polysorbate 80 keeps all the ingredients evenly distributed. Though large doses can cause some people to have reactions, the amount in the flu vaccine is very small. Formaldehyde This natural compound is found in household products from glues and other adhesives to pressed-wood furniture. Formaldehyde is a gas that's soluble in water. It's used in the flu vaccine to inactivate influenza virus. Routine exposure to large doses of formaldehyde is linked to eye and throat irritation, breathing trouble, and a higher risk for certain cancers. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most formaldehyde used in producing a vaccine undergoes removal from the vaccine solution before being packaged and sent to doctors and pharmacies. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the level of formaldehyde that remains in a vaccine (such as the flu vaccine) is much lower than the amount that occurs naturally in the human body. The residual amount of formaldehyde used in vaccines 'does not pose a safety concern,' and 'there is no evidence linking cancer to infrequent exposure to tiny amounts of formaldehyde via injection as occurs with vaccines.' What are the side effects of the flu shot? Most side effects from the flu vaccine are mild. People have reported symptoms like: tenderness, redness, and swelling of the skin around the injection site fever fatigue headache Call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away if you have any of these more serious side effects, which may indicate an allergic reaction: trouble breathing or wheezing swelling of the eyes or lips hives weakness fast heartbeat dizziness Benefits of the flu vaccine A yearly flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu and its complications. Although vaccine effectiveness can vary from year to year, in general the vaccine can reduce doctor's visits and illness. During the 2023–2024 flu season, the flu shot prevented 9.8 million flu-related illnesses, 4.8 million medical visits, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,900 deaths. The flu vaccine will lower your likelihood of getting sick. And if you do catch the flu, it's likely to be milder than if you weren't vaccinated. The vaccine also prevents serious flu-related complications like: pneumonia bronchitis asthma attacks That's why it's especially important for young children, older adults, and anyone with chronic health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes to get vaccinated. Who should avoid the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is very effective, but it isn't right for everyone. Don't get the vaccine if you've had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient it contains, including egg protein. You also should avoid the flu vaccine if you've had Guillain-Barré syndrome. In 1976, a swine flu vaccine was linked to an increased risk for Guillain-Barré, which causes the immune system to attack and damage the protective coating around nerve cells. Guillain-Barré syndrome causes extreme weakness and tingling in the limbs, known as severe peripheral neuropathy. It can be life-threatening in rare cases. There's no clear link between the current flu vaccine and Guillain-Barré. If any risk exists, it's very small, affecting about 1 out of every 1 million people vaccinated. The vaccine also isn't recommended for babies under 6 months old because it hasn't been proven safe in infants. Talk to your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, or if you take medicine to suppress your immune system. You may not respond as well to the vaccine. If you're sick, you might want to put off the flu shot until you feel better. Talking to your doctor It's always a good idea to talk with your doctor, especially if you haven't gotten the flu vaccine before or if your health has changed. If you have an allergy or other condition that might make the vaccine risky for you, check with your doctor before getting vaccinated. Here are a few questions to ask your doctor: Is there any reason why I shouldn't get the flu vaccine? What side effects might it cause? What should I do if I have side effects? Should I get the flu shot or nasal mist? Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. Outlook for flu vaccines The flu vaccine is considered safe. You can't catch the flu from the vaccine, because the virus in the vaccine has been killed or weakened. The live vaccine isn't recommended for people with weaker immune systems. Preventing the flu Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to avoid the flu this season. Also try these other steps to protect yourself against the flu virus: Wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs throughout the day, especially before you eat. Even if your hands are clean, keep them away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, which are entry routes for flu viruses and other germs. Try to stay away from anyone who's sick. If someone in your house catches the flu, disinfect any surfaces they touch, such as countertops and doorknobs. Cover your nose and mouth whenever you sneeze. Cough and sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.
