Barry writes:
Daniel,
With the success of the COVID mRNA vaccines, why aren’t more vaccines moving toward the mRNA technology? I understand they are easier and faster to produce in quantity than traditional vaccines.
Thank you for your amazing podcast. I’ve listened to every weekly episode since COVID hit us in 2020.
Barry
Leann writes:
Hello Dr. Griffin,
My parent’s have had multiple doctors tell them not to get the RSV vaccine since it is ineffective for their age/situation. They are both in their early 70s and they babysit their young (preschool) grandchildren often. Why would they say that? Have there been any studies?
Thank you for all the information you have provided over the years.
Leann
Bonnie writes:
Hello Dr. Griffin,
First, let me say thank you to you and Dr. Racaniello for doing an amazing job providing us with actual facts in this anti-science world that we seem to now be living in.
I have a question regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). For background – I am a Family Medicine physician in NJ, but have worked in Occupational Medicine for the past several years.
My sister recently developed an influenza-like illness with high fever and cough (no signs of conjunctivitis). She tested positive for flu A with rapid testing on day 4 of illness. I was concerned for HPAI as she has nearly 20 backyard chickens (though none displaying signs of illness) and also drinks raw milk in her coffee daily (trust me, I’ve tried to discourage this many times, ugh). I told her that she should go for PCR testing to determine if this is H5N1 given her risk factors for exposure. She refused, saying that there have not been any human cases identified in NJ. Her PCP never asked her about any potential HPAI risk factors. My thought is that if we are not looking for it, of course we’re not going to find it. Was I overreacting in pushing for PCR testing? Should this be reserved for severe cases only? Or only those in contact w/ sick poultry? Shouldn’t we be screening all flu A positive patients for HPAI risk factors at this point? (She never went for PCR testing unfortunately.)
I would love to hear your comments on this.
Thanks for all that you do!
Bonnie
Brent writes:
Hi Daniel,
My 3 year old daughter will be going to preschool near Seattle starting in September. I just found out they don’t require MMR vaccination. My daughter was vaccinated of course at 6 months prior to a trip abroad as recommended. The problem is she only has one shot so far. So she has only the 93% single dose protection and she’s not old enough for the second shot yet.
I really liked this school until I found out their MMR policy. However I fear other schools are the same. What should I do?
Love your show and I’m a proud donor,
Brent